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Help us recognize our amazing Camp Hill Alumni, Staff & Dedicated District Volunteers
In 2012, The Lion Foundation created the Wall of Honor to pay tribute to graduates, staff and dedicated volunteers who inspire our students, faculty and community members with achievements in their chosen careers and/or contributions to their country or community in a wide spectrum of areas. Since that time we have recognized several outstanding folks who have one thing in common: a significant part of their journey happened in Camp Hill, PA! Nominations welcome anytime, but must be received by July 14th to be included in the annual review process. Reviews take place in late summer / early fall with decisions generally made no later than October 1. For more information about the nomination process contact 717-775-5170 or [email protected] or click the button below. |
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2024-25 Wall of Honor Recipients
Brianna Labuskes '05 and Mark Simpson '80
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Brianna LabuskesBrianna Labuskes grew up in Camp Hill and graduated with the class of 2005. She was a proud member of the field hockey and swimming teams, earning varsity letters in both sports. Even that young, she knew she wanted a career in writing or journalism, so she also served on the staffs of the yearbook and monthly newspaper. As a senior, she was awarded a National Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key for an opinion piece on free speech that she wrote for her English class. Brianna played the saxophone for several years in the school band, as well. When Brianna graduated, she attended Penn State. There, she worked for the Daily Collegian, the university’s award-winning daily newspaper, for all four years. She graduated as one of the top editors on the paper. After college, she did a quick stint at a local New York paper before landing in D.C. and working for Politico. As the production editor there, she got to be a part of many national news stories. In 2016, she published her first novel. Now, she’s a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, having sold over 1 million books across multiple genres. Her stories have been translated into more than twenty languages and can be found in bookstores anywhere from Poland to Hungary to Brazil to Paris. Much of her love of reading and writing can be traced back to her childhood in Camp Hill, and her foundational experiences with the school’s fantastic educational system. She has recently returned to live in the borough and is enjoying being part of the tight-knit Camp Hill community once again.
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Mark SimpsonMark moved to Camp Hill with his family in 1972 and entered the 4th grade at Lincoln Elementary School. He went on to graduate from Camp Hill High School in 1980. While in high school Mark was a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams and was a captain of the football and wrestling teams his senior year. Upon high school graduation Mark went to Widener University and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and entered a career in construction project management and estimating.
Mark met his future wife Lisa in 1991, and they were married in 1992. Mark and Lisa are the proud parents of Tyler and Austin, both of whom graduated from Camp Hill High School as well as the proud grandparents of Tanner, Adelyn, and another granddaughter to arrive in December 2024. Growing up in Camp Hill and attending Camp Hill schools had such a positive impact on Mark that he felt the need to give back to the community that has given so much to him and his family. His community involvement began when his sons were young. He volunteered to coach them in soccer, Little League baseball and to lead Cub Scout Pack 51. Mark has been a member of the Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Department since 1996 and has held the position of Fire Chief since 2006. Mark served a 4-year term on the Camp Hill School Board and is currently serving his 4th term as Mayor of Camp Hill Borough. He is a member of the Camp Canadensis 6th Grade Outdoor Education staff, Camp Hill Borough Public Safety Committee, and Camp Hill Recreation Commission. “I am truly honored and humbled to have been selected to receive the Wall of Honor award. Camp Hill School District and Camp Hill Borough mean so much to me and my family and it has been a true joy to give back to our great community” |
2023-24 Wall of Honor Recipients
Nancy Adams Besch and Bob Little
Dedicated Lion Foundation Board Members and Community Volunteers
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Nancy Adams Besch
Nancy Adams Besch was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She graduated from McCaskey High School where she met her future husband, Earl Donald Besch. Nancy went on to attend Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA and graduated with a degree in Psychology. After graduation, she married Earl who graduated from nearby Gettysburg College. Nancy and Earl moved to Camp Hill Borough in 1958 and raised their 4 children, all of whom graduated from CHHS: Don (1967), Kathy (1969), Sue (1971), and Diane (1983). Nancy’s volunteer work in Camp Hill began in the early 1960’s when she drove children to the United Cerebral Palsy Agency located in the CH borough. Her life is a mirror of her deep belief in the importance of “being able to make a difference in the lives of people”. Nancy was elected to the Camp Hill School Board from 1975-1981. In 1984, she was elected to serve on the Camp Hill Borough Council where she served until 1991. |
She was then elected as a Cumberland County Commissioner, serving as vice-chair from 1992-1996 and became chair in 1996 until 2003.
Despite all of her accomplishments, one of her proudest achievements was becoming a Founding Member of the Camp Hill Lion Foundation. She served as a foundation board member from its inception in 2003 through April 2009. She worked tirelessly with her colleagues to develop protocols that are still in effect today. During her six years as a board member she served on the following committees: Finance (also served as chair), Fundraising, Community Liaison Committee (served as chair), Personnel Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. In November 2009, she accepted the Lion Foundation Board’s invitation to become a member of the Lion Foundation Emeritus Board.
Upon Earl’s passing in 2015, Nancy set up a memorial fund with the Lion Foundation to continue his legacy of caring for economically disadvantaged students in the CHSD. The Earl Besch Fund has grown exponentially since its inception and continues to be an integral part of our community.
The following is a very abbreviated list of her many contributions and achievements over the years: Wilson College Chairman, Board of Trustees; Chairman of the “Save Wilson Committee”; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree (Wilson College); Capital Region Economic Development Corp Board; Capital Region Chamber Envision Task Force; Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute (Charter Member); Keystone Area Council of Boy Scouts (Executive Committee); Hemlock Girl Scout Council (President); United Way of the Capital Region Board Member; Stop Violence Against Women Task Force; Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties; Synod of the Trinity (Presbyterian Church USA); Pennsylvania State Library Project; Camp Hill Presbyterian Church longtime member (church elder and former Clerk of Session); Market Square Presbyterian Church longtime member (Capital Campaign, church elder); Fredricksen Library Board Member; Cumberland County Library Board; ATHENA Award from Harrisburg Regional Chamber; LEGACY Award from YWCA of Harrisburg; Child Advocate of the Year Award from ParentWorks; Distinguished Daughters of PA Award received by Governor Ridge; CATALYST Award form Capital Region Economic Development Corp for Leadership; Hemlock Girl Scout Council Award; “Thanks” Badge (highest award given by Girl Scouts); Appointed to the PA State Board of Psychology.
Nancy has resided in Camp Hill Borough for 65 years, and feels very fortunate to have much of her family close by. In addition to her four children and their spouses, she has 4 grandchildren, two of whom graduated from CHHS (Robert Hamilton in 2000 and Mark Hamilton in 2003). She also feels blessed to have 11 great-grandchildren.
Nancy remains committed to the future of the Lion Foundation and is extremely honored to be on the Lion Foundation Wall of Honor.
Despite all of her accomplishments, one of her proudest achievements was becoming a Founding Member of the Camp Hill Lion Foundation. She served as a foundation board member from its inception in 2003 through April 2009. She worked tirelessly with her colleagues to develop protocols that are still in effect today. During her six years as a board member she served on the following committees: Finance (also served as chair), Fundraising, Community Liaison Committee (served as chair), Personnel Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. In November 2009, she accepted the Lion Foundation Board’s invitation to become a member of the Lion Foundation Emeritus Board.
Upon Earl’s passing in 2015, Nancy set up a memorial fund with the Lion Foundation to continue his legacy of caring for economically disadvantaged students in the CHSD. The Earl Besch Fund has grown exponentially since its inception and continues to be an integral part of our community.
The following is a very abbreviated list of her many contributions and achievements over the years: Wilson College Chairman, Board of Trustees; Chairman of the “Save Wilson Committee”; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree (Wilson College); Capital Region Economic Development Corp Board; Capital Region Chamber Envision Task Force; Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute (Charter Member); Keystone Area Council of Boy Scouts (Executive Committee); Hemlock Girl Scout Council (President); United Way of the Capital Region Board Member; Stop Violence Against Women Task Force; Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties; Synod of the Trinity (Presbyterian Church USA); Pennsylvania State Library Project; Camp Hill Presbyterian Church longtime member (church elder and former Clerk of Session); Market Square Presbyterian Church longtime member (Capital Campaign, church elder); Fredricksen Library Board Member; Cumberland County Library Board; ATHENA Award from Harrisburg Regional Chamber; LEGACY Award from YWCA of Harrisburg; Child Advocate of the Year Award from ParentWorks; Distinguished Daughters of PA Award received by Governor Ridge; CATALYST Award form Capital Region Economic Development Corp for Leadership; Hemlock Girl Scout Council Award; “Thanks” Badge (highest award given by Girl Scouts); Appointed to the PA State Board of Psychology.
Nancy has resided in Camp Hill Borough for 65 years, and feels very fortunate to have much of her family close by. In addition to her four children and their spouses, she has 4 grandchildren, two of whom graduated from CHHS (Robert Hamilton in 2000 and Mark Hamilton in 2003). She also feels blessed to have 11 great-grandchildren.
Nancy remains committed to the future of the Lion Foundation and is extremely honored to be on the Lion Foundation Wall of Honor.
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Bob Little
Bob served on The Lion Foundation Board of Directors for 8 years, finishing a departing member’s two-year term and then serving two three-year terms. During his time on the Board, Bob served as the Treasurer and was also a member of the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Pollock Advisory Committee. After Bob left the Board, he continued to serve on the Finance Committee and the Pollock Advisory Committee. In addition to his work with The Lion Foundation, Bob volunteered as an assistant coach with the Camp Hill Soccer Club and Camp Hill Little League Baseball. Bob also volunteered with the 6th Grade Outdoor Education Program, where he served as a staff member and was responsible for organizing the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Bob and his wife, Dana, have two children, Matthew and Jocelyn, both of whom graduated from Camp Hill High School. Matthew went on to graduate from Penn State University, and Jocelyn currently attends Gettysburg College. Bob’s greatest joy has been watching his children perform on the athletic fields and the theatre stage. |
2022-23 Wall of Honor Recipients
Clarence Ditlow, '61 and Susan Newton '65
 Clarence Ditlow
Clarence M Ditlow III,
was a true American hero, a superhero who saved thousands of lives as a pioneer in motor vehicle safety. He is highly regarded as America’s foremost advocate for automotive safety. Clarence was raised in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, by his mother and father, who was a Service Manager at a Chevrolet dealership. Better known as Ditty growing up, he graduated from CHHS in 1961. He participated in football, wrestling, Varsity Club, Hi Y, Projection Club, Science Seminar Club and was chairman for the sports section of the yearbook. Clarence continued to wrestle competitively at Lehigh University where he graduated with a BA in Chemical Engineering in 1965. He started his career as a Patent Examiner with the US Patent Office, but continued his education and received his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University in 1970 and a master’s degree in Law at Harvard a year later. While in school, Clarence was drawn to the crusades of Ralph Nader, who became Clarence’s mentor. Clarence started as a volunteer for Nader’s Raiders, a group of young volunteers who investigated the Federal Trade Commission and found it to be “passive and ineffective”. This led to a formal study, which began an overhaul of the Federal Trade Commission that emphasized more aggressive consumer protection and antitrust enforcement. Clarence then joined another Nader group, the Public Interest Research Group, as a lawyer who lobbied for consumer protections, environmental regulations and other progressive goals. It was in 1976 under the influence of Ralph Nader that Clarence took over as the head of the Center for Auto Safety in Washington D.C. For over 40 years Clarence became the auto industry’s fiercest critic, and the New York Times called him “the splinter that the car industry couldn’t remove from its thumb.” With fierce tenacity, he took on the industry’s giants in lawsuits that tightened standards for ignition systems, airbags, and fuel efficiency. It was his work that recalled 1.5 million Ford Pintos for fuel-tank fires in rear-end collisions. He was instrumental in getting the federal Lemon law established and passed, and in requiring that all vehicles have seatbelts and airbags. He wrote numerous articles and books on auto safety, many with Ralph Nader. He was a founding board member of the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. Whether it was at Camp Hill High School, Lehigh University, or his long, illustrious career at the Center for Auto Safety, Clarence was always honest, ethical and self-effacing. Clarence continued his fight for auto safety into his last months, never retiring. Right before his death he urged that auto executives who had concealed dangerous defects should be criminally prosecuted, and argued over the safety of driverless vehicles. Although he never achieved the notoriety of Ralph Nader, Clarence will always be remembered as the advocate that championed many consumers advocacy issues, exposed hundreds of automotive defects, and recalled millions of dangerously flawed motor vehicles; thus saving countless lives. Clarence met his future wife Marilyn Herman in 1979. Their courtship lasted several decades. They married in October of 2016. Sadly, Clarence passed on Nov. 11, 2016. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and his sister. |
 Susan Newton at Graduation
Susan Trace Newton grew up in Camp Hill and graduated from Camp Hill High School in 1965, along with her brother Robert J. Trace, MD in 1963 and sister Peggy Trace Miller in 1961. After graduating, she attended the Sorbonne at the University of Paris in Paris, France, and graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in French. After graduation from Syracuse, she taught math at Camp Hill High School for one year before moving to Pensacola, Florida, for her husband’s naval service as a flight surgeon. While in Florida, Susan taught math for two years at the Pensacola Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Susan and her husband, Dr. Frederick Newton, moved back to Pennsylvania and had two children, Michael and Kara, both of whom graduated from Camp Hill High School. Michael went on to graduate from Wake Forest University, and Kara graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and obtained a master’s degree from Boston University. Susan returned to teaching on a part-time basis at Camp Hill High School teaching French and math, and later became a full-time math teacher for 30+ years. Susan volunteered with the Camp Hill Girls Softball, the swim team at the West Shore Country Club, and coached cheerleading at the Camp Hill High School for 18 years. Susan retired from teaching in 2019 and moved to North Carolina. She has four grandchildren – Maren, Livia, Whitney and Jamie. While teaching at Camp Hill High School, Susan was always available for students needing extra help either early in the morning, at lunch time, or after school. Her selfless dedication to her students enabled them to excel at math at the high school level and far beyond. Although she no longer teaches at Camp Hill, the impact she had on her students and fellow teachers will continue for decades to come. 
Peggy Miller accepted this year's award on behalf of her sister, Susan and childhood friend, Clarence.
L:R Kelly Falck, Lion Foundation Executive Director, Peggy Miller, Tom Beckley, LF VP of Internal Affairs and Alumni Committee Chair
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2021-22 Wall of Honor Recipients
Dan Fickes, Class of '81 Dan Fickes
The Lion Foundation has named Dan Fickes as the 2021 recipient of the Wall of Honor award. Dan grew up in Camp Hill along with his brother Pete and sister Connie. He attended Hoover Elementary School and then went on and graduated from Camp Hill High School in 1981. While in the Camp Hill school system, Dan was diagnosed with dyslexia and given resources to help him thrive in school and live successfully with a learning disability.
During his high school career, Dan excelled in football, track, choir and theater. It was his introduction to theater at Camp Hill that steered him toward his career in television production. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mass Communications from Bloomsburg University, Dan moved to Massachusetts, where he worked at several Boston television stations as a producer and director before starting his own production company, Ocean One Productions Inc. Dan and his company have worked for nearly every major broadcast outlet around the world in the last 30 years. He tells us that he feels fortunate to have worked with “Ted Williams, John Williams, Serena Williams, United States Presidents, Stephen Colbert (way before he had his own show) and so many other incredibly interesting people. Lucky me!” Dan also has devoted his time and talents to over 125 charitable organizations in the Boston area, winning the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Humanitarian Award for his work with the March of Dimes and a National Academy of Arts and Sciences New England Emmy Award for his work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He describes his work as “getting to go to art class every day” and tells everyone that he found his passion on the Camp Hill High School stage. Dan now lives, as he says, “in a town very much like Camp Hill, Hingham, Massachusetts” with his wife Kaja and two daughters, Elise and Kristi. |
Jill Williamson Jill Williamson
l had a wonderful time growing up in the “Hill” (Allison Hill) section of Harrisburg. She was blessed by having 5 sisters (she was the – ‘next to last’), and an amazing mom and dad who were always there for all of their children. Being a child was wonderful, but as Jill became an adult, she developed a love for all children and dedicated her life to them.
Jill attended Shimmel, Edison and John Harris High School in the Harrisburg School District, graduating in the Class of 1958. Because of her love of all children and her love of learning, she knew that the only place for her was in a classroom filled with young children. Jill enrolled at Shippensburg (then a State Teachers’ College), and graduated in 1962. Jill taught First Grade at Foose Elementary School in the Harrisburg School District. She spent 3 ½ years teaching there - they were very special and unforgettable years for her. Jill married her husband, Bruce Williamson, and they were blessed with four children. The first, Andy, was born in November, 1966; he was followed by Laurie in 1968, Amy in 1970, and Jon in 1971. All are Camp Hill graduates. As the children grew older, Jill enjoyed working as a substitute teacher for many years. She continues to be involved in educational endeavors. A highlight for her was volunteering for over 30 years on the Camp Hill School Board where her guidance and leadership impacted thousands of Camp Hill students. Jill was also active in the Camp Hill Recreation Commission, the Environmental Club, the Civic Club, AFS, and the Fredricksen Library. She was awarded the Camp Hill Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015. Jill continues to have a keen interest in the Camp Hill Schools, their students, teachers and administrators, their wonderful activities, and ALL things educational. |
2019 Wall of Honor Recipient
Gregory Sutliff, Class of 1949
Gregory Sutliff
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The 2018 recipient of this distinguished honor is Mr. Gregory Sutliff, the Valedictorian of the Camp Hill High School Class of 1949. After graduation, Mr. Sutliff attended Brown University under a United States Navy Scholarship. He later spent three years serving on the USS Soley and with the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Division in Japan as a naval gunfire controller.
Upon return from the military, Mr. Sutliff attended Dickinson Law School in 1959 and began working full-time as a dealer at Sutliff Chevrolet, eventually rising to general manager in 1962. During his career, Mr. Sutliff became Chairman of the National Chevrolet Dealer Council and joined the boards of the Pennsylvania Dealer's Association, the National Dealer's Association, Commonwealth Bank, Capital Blue Cross, Polyclinic Hospital, the Camp Hill School District and The Lion Foundation. He also served a term on the Camp Hill Borough Council. Mr. Sutliff remains a major United Way contributor. The Sutliff Family Auditorium, located in the Camp Hill High School, is named in his honor. The Greg Sutliff Auditorium at the Penn State University Law School named in his honor as well. Courtesy of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marines, General Motors and his own wanderlust, Mr. Sutliff has enjoyed many travels over the years. He is married to Susan Sutliff and they have six children (all graduates of CHHS) and 13 grandchildren. He has lived in Camp Hill for 78 of his 86 years. As The Lion Foundation’s Wall of Honor recipient, Mr. Sutliff was honored during an in-school assembly and recognized at The Lion Foundation Winter Celebration on February 2, 2019. Congratulations to Mr. Sutliff on this most deserved honor! |
2016 Wall of Honor Recipient
Essie Witmer and Chad Gallaher
 Chad Gallaher
The Lion Foundation bestows its Wall of Honor Award to Chad Gallaher, a Camp Hill Middle School teacher and alumni from the Class of 1987, and the Late Essie Witmer, a Camp Hill Elementary School teacher.
This award goes to Camp Hill School District Alumni and Staff who have served as exemplary educators, mentors and an inspiration to the students and members of our community. Chad and Essie dedicated countless hours to organizing, creating, directing and staffing the Camp Hill Outdoor Program. |
 Essie Witmer
Chad and Essie’s dedication to the Outdoor Program serves as lasting proof that one person can have an impact on his or her community well into the future.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Outdoor Education Program, The Lion Foundation is proud to acknowledge Chad Gallaher’s and Essie Witmer’s commitment and dedication to Camp Hill’s youth and community. |
2015 Wall of Honor Recipient
Phyllis Shearer Mowery, Class of 1949
Phyllis Shearer Mowery
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Most small towns and communities are fortunate to have a few people who truly change their town’s face through their interest, attention, and involvement. Phyllis Shearer Mowery is one of these people and the reason why The Lion Foundation has named Phyllis, (or “Phyl”) as she is better known, as the 2015 recipient of the Camp Hill Alumni and Staff “Wall of Honor”Award.
A lifelong resident of Camp Hill, Phyl had just retired from real estate in 2003 when her son Ted, then President of the School Board, asked her to help establish a much-needed organization capable of subsidizing academics, cultural, and athletic programs that would enhance the quality of life for all borough residents, specifically students enrolled in the School District. That lead to a key role in convening like-minded community leaders to successfully spearhead a 1.3 million dollar capital campaign that established what is known today as The Lion Foundation. |
Phyllis helped guide The Lion Foundation through its formative years, completing projects which included landscaping the high school/middle school, installing visitor’s bleachers at the Siebert Park Stadium, and building the Siebert Park Stadium Mowery Family Press Box, named for the family’s commitment to the Camp Hill Schools and Community. Phyllis also served as one of the first presidents of The Lion Foundation and continues to participate as an Emeritus member of the board.
Phyllis was also instrumental in securing the 15 million dollar gift from Mrs. Grace Milliman Pollock to build and endow the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the Camp Hill School Districts’ Eisenhower campus. Phyl continues to remain involved as a PAC board member as the PAC settles in as a recognized venue for the Arts in Central Pennsylvania.
During her years growing up in Camp Hill, and as a student in Camp Hill High School, Phyl participated in basketball, field hockey and color guard among other activities. Phyl then attended Gettysburg College where she joined Chi Omega fraternity, was captain of the cheerleaders, Outstanding Junior, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and the Gettysburg Honor Society. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
Phyl married the late Senator Hal Mowery, with whom she celebrated 60 wonderful years. Phyl has three children, Hal III, Ted and Dee, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her many activities included Den Mother and Brownie Leader, tennis and swimming instructor for the Boro recreation program, and volunteer tennis coach for the Harrisburg Academy and Camp Hill High school girls tennis teams. She serves on the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Home for Children, the Cumberland County Board of Republican Women, member of the Camp Hill Women’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Board Member Emeritus of Holy Spirit Hospital, past Behavioral Health Chairperson, past Harrisburg Symphony Association Board, and [past] Comfort Care board member. Phyllis remains a Member of West Shore Country Club, where she is past ladies 18 hole Golf Champion and past ladies Senior Golf Champion in Pelican Landing, Florida. She enjoyed participating in tennis and holds several single and doubles titles. Phyl has been a lifetime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was President of the TMTM Class, and an alter guild member.
Phyl loved being a “stay at home mom” so her work experience is brief, including Department of Public Assistance and Remedial Reading teacher at the Harrisburg Academy. After the children married and left home, Phyl became a Realtor, where she was consistently recognized as a “Pacesetter” and member of the Greater Harrisburg Board of Realtor’s Winners Circle.
Phyllis was also instrumental in securing the 15 million dollar gift from Mrs. Grace Milliman Pollock to build and endow the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the Camp Hill School Districts’ Eisenhower campus. Phyl continues to remain involved as a PAC board member as the PAC settles in as a recognized venue for the Arts in Central Pennsylvania.
During her years growing up in Camp Hill, and as a student in Camp Hill High School, Phyl participated in basketball, field hockey and color guard among other activities. Phyl then attended Gettysburg College where she joined Chi Omega fraternity, was captain of the cheerleaders, Outstanding Junior, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and the Gettysburg Honor Society. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
Phyl married the late Senator Hal Mowery, with whom she celebrated 60 wonderful years. Phyl has three children, Hal III, Ted and Dee, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her many activities included Den Mother and Brownie Leader, tennis and swimming instructor for the Boro recreation program, and volunteer tennis coach for the Harrisburg Academy and Camp Hill High school girls tennis teams. She serves on the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Home for Children, the Cumberland County Board of Republican Women, member of the Camp Hill Women’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Board Member Emeritus of Holy Spirit Hospital, past Behavioral Health Chairperson, past Harrisburg Symphony Association Board, and [past] Comfort Care board member. Phyllis remains a Member of West Shore Country Club, where she is past ladies 18 hole Golf Champion and past ladies Senior Golf Champion in Pelican Landing, Florida. She enjoyed participating in tennis and holds several single and doubles titles. Phyl has been a lifetime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was President of the TMTM Class, and an alter guild member.
Phyl loved being a “stay at home mom” so her work experience is brief, including Department of Public Assistance and Remedial Reading teacher at the Harrisburg Academy. After the children married and left home, Phyl became a Realtor, where she was consistently recognized as a “Pacesetter” and member of the Greater Harrisburg Board of Realtor’s Winners Circle.
2014 Wall of Honor Recipient
Dr. James Forrester, Class of 1955
Dr. James Forrester, Class of 1955
Dr. James Forrester
The Lion Foundation has named Dr. James Forrester as the 2014 recipient of the Wall of Honor award. During his time as a student at Camp Hill High School, Jim, as he was known to his friends, led the Class of ’55 as Student Council President, was in the National Thespian Society and served as the editor-in-chief of the school’s High Light newspaper. Basketball was clearly his sport of choice. His towering jump shots and ability to drive to the net made him 2nd in team scoring, which helped the Lions reach the quarter-final playoff game his senior year. His senior yearbook describes him as a “pillar to the hall traffic system...argues to live and lives to argue...a flash of red hair on the basketball court...High Light’s boss and Student Council leader.”
Upon graduation, Jim went on to receive a bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Swarthmore College and medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Following his internal medicine residency at UCLA-Harbor Medical Center, he completed his cardiology fellowship at Harvard University.
Dr. Forrester is a professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Since the early 1970’s he worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, most recently as Emeritus Professor and formerly as Chief of the Division of Cardiology, where his work and research led to major advancements in cardiovascular treatment. For example, in the 1980’s, he and George Diamond, MD, created a diagnostic test that is used worldwide in cardiology to detect the probability of coronary heart disease in patients. He also advised a team that developed coronary angioscopy, which allows cardiologists to examine the surface of the coronary artery in patients who have suffered heart attacks.
In addition to numerous awards and honors, Dr. Forrester has published over 400 full-length scientific manuscripts and Heart Healers: the Misfits, Mavericks and Rebels Who Created the Greatest Medical Breakthroughs of Our Times. His honors include the Leon Good Award for excellence in laser research, nomination for the Woodward and White’s Best Doctors in America, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology.
“I treasure my Camp Hill High School years. In my mind’s eye I can see every single classmate and every teacher’s face as I knew them then. In a small town with just one high school, our teachers became an intimate part of our lives, dedicated to our maturation into young adulthood...With just 70 kids in the class of ‘55, Camp Hill High allowed so many of us to be a big fish in a small pond at a crucial time in our youth. My own good fortune was to be president of the student body, editor of the school newspaper and a starter on our basketball team. I believe that those small school experiences imbued us with the self-confidence to confront the new challenges of adulthood. In my case, I teach the practice of cardiology to young doctors. I first learned about great teaching at Camp Hill High, and I too aim to inspire the next generation. So allow me to honor my own teachers from treasured memory. Principal Don Enders, teacher-coaches Ernst, Bulota, and Kraus, specialty teachers Rhodes, Witt, Schechter, and Newton among many others...Teachers never know where their influence ends, it affects eternity. Thank you for allowing me to share this honor with them.”
- Regards, Jim
Upon graduation, Jim went on to receive a bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Swarthmore College and medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Following his internal medicine residency at UCLA-Harbor Medical Center, he completed his cardiology fellowship at Harvard University.
Dr. Forrester is a professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Since the early 1970’s he worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, most recently as Emeritus Professor and formerly as Chief of the Division of Cardiology, where his work and research led to major advancements in cardiovascular treatment. For example, in the 1980’s, he and George Diamond, MD, created a diagnostic test that is used worldwide in cardiology to detect the probability of coronary heart disease in patients. He also advised a team that developed coronary angioscopy, which allows cardiologists to examine the surface of the coronary artery in patients who have suffered heart attacks.
In addition to numerous awards and honors, Dr. Forrester has published over 400 full-length scientific manuscripts and Heart Healers: the Misfits, Mavericks and Rebels Who Created the Greatest Medical Breakthroughs of Our Times. His honors include the Leon Good Award for excellence in laser research, nomination for the Woodward and White’s Best Doctors in America, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology.
“I treasure my Camp Hill High School years. In my mind’s eye I can see every single classmate and every teacher’s face as I knew them then. In a small town with just one high school, our teachers became an intimate part of our lives, dedicated to our maturation into young adulthood...With just 70 kids in the class of ‘55, Camp Hill High allowed so many of us to be a big fish in a small pond at a crucial time in our youth. My own good fortune was to be president of the student body, editor of the school newspaper and a starter on our basketball team. I believe that those small school experiences imbued us with the self-confidence to confront the new challenges of adulthood. In my case, I teach the practice of cardiology to young doctors. I first learned about great teaching at Camp Hill High, and I too aim to inspire the next generation. So allow me to honor my own teachers from treasured memory. Principal Don Enders, teacher-coaches Ernst, Bulota, and Kraus, specialty teachers Rhodes, Witt, Schechter, and Newton among many others...Teachers never know where their influence ends, it affects eternity. Thank you for allowing me to share this honor with them.”
- Regards, Jim
2013 Wall of Honor Recipient
Dr. Edward D. Harris, Class of 1954
Dr. Edward D. Harris, Class of 1954
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The late Dr. Edward “Ted” Day Harris, Jr., the Wall of Honor award recipient for 2013, was born in Philadelphia July 7, 1937, to Edward D. “Ned” Harris and wife Eleanor, a longtime Latin and French teacher at Camp Hill High School. Ted was the youngest member of Camp Hill’s Class of 1954, having skipped second grade just before moving to Camp Hill ten years prior.
Throughout his time in the Camp Hill School District, Dr. Harris excelled in sports, the arts, leadership and academics. In addition to playing on Camp Hill’s first Little League baseball teams as a kid, Dr. Harris served as an end and senior co-captain on the high school football team. Also musically inclined, he played flute in the high school band and string bass in the Blue Knights student dance band. He also sang in the county and district choruses and organized a barbershop-style close-harmony quartet with three classmates. Dr. Harris held leadership positions in high school which included serving as president of the high school’s National Honor Society chapter, editor in chief of the Highlight school paper, and vice president of the Student Council. As valedictorian at high school commencement, Dr. Harris received honors in every academic discipline. This record of achievement continued later at Dartmouth College where Dr. Harris completed an undergraduate degree, and in medical school at Harvard University. During this time he also stayed connected with sports. While an injury kept him off the field, he managed the Dartmouth basketball team, which one year went all the way to the NCAA playoffs. After medical school, Dr. Harris settled into the field of rheumatology where he earned a national reputation as a leading practitioner, researcher, lecturer, author sought after for speaking engagements, and career advancements including Chair of Medicine at Rutgers University and later, Chair of Medicine at Stanford University. After retiring in 2003 at 66, Dr. Harris stayed active in his field, co-authoring The Textbook of Rheumatology, considered the premiere medical school text in that specialty. He also took on high-profile administrative posts as Secretary to Stanford’s Board of Trustees and Executive Director of Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical profession’s honorary society. With all this on his plate, he still managed to spend the summer months in Martha’s Vineyard attending to the important work of digging clams and golfing. Ted Harris passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2010. He is survived by his three sons, Ned, Tom and Chandler, and many family and friends that he continues to inspire. Ted was nominated by his classmates for this award. |
Dr. Edward Harris
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2012 Wall of Honor Recipient
Dr. Bill Phillips, Class of 1966
Dr. Bill Phillips, Class of 1966
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n 2012, The Lion Foundation announced Dr. Bill Phillips, PhD. (Camp Hill High School Class of 1966) as the Camp Hill School District’s first ever Wall of Honor recipient. The award, created by The Lion Foundation, pays tribute to Camp Hill graduates and staff who inspire our students, faculty and community members with achievements in their chosen careers and/or contributions to their country and/or communities in a wide spectrum of areas
According to former Executive Director, Robin Jones, Dr. Phillips was the perfect choice. “Without a doubt, he represents to students that life-long learning can lead to exciting accomplishments and that no goal in life is out of reach for them. He emulates these sentiments as a recipient of the highest honor to be bestowed upon any scientist: the Nobel Prize in Physics. Dr. Phillips also takes the time to visit our students and encourage their interest in learning with his hands-on science demonstrations.” William D. Phillips moved to Camp Hill when he was about 11 years old. After graduating as the Class of 1966’s valedictorian, he attended Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania where he received a B.S. in Physics. He furthered his academic career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received his Ph.D. in 1976. Dr. Phillips’ academic accomplishments prepared him well for a life-long career with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, formerly the National Bureau of Standards) in Maryland. It was during his career there when Dr. Phillips accomplished the work for which he is most well-known: advancing the scientific art of super cooling gaseous atoms to a point where they are moving so slowly that they can easily be studied, but without their becoming a liquid or a solid. This work, achieved by shining laser light on the atomic gas, surpassed what contemporaries believed was theoretically possible, earning him jointly with colleagues Stev Chu and Claude Cohen-Tannoudji the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997. Dr. Phillips still works as a leader of NIST user Cooling and Trapping Group while also serving as a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland and a Fellow of the Joint Quantum Institute, a joint venture of the University and of NIST. He resides in Gaithersburg, MD with is Wife Jane (VanWynen), who is also a Camp Hill High School Class of 1966 graduate. Jane and Bill have two daughters: Caitlin, who lives in Mt. Rainier, MD and Christine, who lives in London. |
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The official registration and financial information of The Lion Foundation may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free within PA 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.