Nominations now open for Kennett Athletics Hall of Fame

Now is the time to nominate those who have impacted Kennett High School athletics in a positive way for their place in the Kennett Hall of Fame, which “recognizes outstanding achievements, accomplished careers, and meritorious service within and towards Kennett High School Athletics.”

Relaunched in 2017 after a decade-long hiatus, last year’s inductees were the sixth class as Kennett High School is “catching up on very deserving recipients each year,” in the words of athletic director Jim Vaughan.

The 2022 inductee class included former Delta Dunklin Democrat sports editor Bob Redman and Bryan Shumate, an accomplished golfer in college and professionally who rose through KHS. Redman and Shumate were inducted on Sept. 2, 2022, at halftime of a football game against Doniphan.

There are four categories for which someone may be nominated: Team Nomination, Athlete Nomination, Coach Nomination or Meritorious Service.

The qualifications to be nominated are as follows: A five-year grace period upon the year of accomplishment for a team; A 10-year grace period upon graduation for an individual; Outstanding achievement in respective sport (team or individual) during one’s high school career and/or at the next level; Accomplished coach, past or present; Individuals who have given meritorious and dedicated service in volunteered time or provided special contributions to the athletic program at Kennett High School.

Submissions of completed nomination forms must be postmarked or received by fax or email by June 23, 2023.

The following nominations will receive automatic entry into the Hall of Fame:

- State championship team (inducted five years after the year of accomplishment)

- Four-time all-state athlete in a respective sport (inducted 10 years after year of graduation)

- A player who has made it to the professional or olympian level (inducted no sooner than 10 years after year of graduation)

An individual must be nominated by either a resident or graduate of Kennett to be considered. A nomination must receive a 2/3 vote to be inducted. Any nominee not selected will remain as an active nominee for future consideration for a three-year period. After a three-year period, the nomination will become inactive and a new nomination form must be presented.

The 2023 Hall of Fame class will be formally introduced at halftime of the upcoming Kennett football game against Hayti on August 25.