Colonial Heights Public Schools recently commemorated the remarkable accomplishments of individuals at the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on January 27, 2024, at the prestigious Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum. This event served as a heartfelt tribute to exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities and beyond, inspiring others through their extraordinary achievements.
Here are the distinguished individuals welcomed into the Colonial Heights Public Schools Hall of Fame:
Robin Baxter Class of 1981
Robin Baxter's legacy in Dominion District softball is etched in history. As a member of the Dominion District Tournament Champions, she earned recognition as the Dominion District Most Valuable Player and secured her spot on the All Tri-Cities Second Team. Her leadership extended beyond the field, as evidenced by her role as the American Legion Girls State Campaign Manager and her selection as the Optimist Club Athlete of the Year. Baxter's talent and dedication earned her a scholarship to play softball at the University of South Carolina, where she contributed to the team's success as a third baseman and pitcher, culminating in an appearance at the Women’s College World Series.
Sid Cook Class of 1961
Renowned for his versatility and tenacity, Sid Cook's impact on Colonial Heights High School transcended the playing field. As the quarterback of the football team, he led his squad to impressive seasons, including a memorable 7-2 record in 1959-60. Cook's skills weren't confined to the gridiron; he also shone on the basketball court, earning the title of Most Valuable Player three times. His versatility and leadership were evident, and he even held the school's single-game scoring record for an impressive 20 years. Cook's athletic journey continued at Ferrum Junior College, where he showcased his talents on the football field before serving in the Air Force. His remarkable achievements also garnered attention from professional scouts, receiving a tryout offer from the Roanoke Buckskins, the Redskins' farm club.
Jana Henderson Class of 1988
A true embodiment of athletic prowess, Jana Henderson's achievements in both basketball and softball are nothing short of remarkable. As a standout member of the Class of 1988, Henderson's dominance on the basketball court propelled her team to impressive victories, including the 1987 Central Region Runner-Up title. Her scoring prowess and leadership earned her numerous accolades, including being named VHSL AAA Virginia State Player of the Year. On the softball diamond, Henderson's contributions were equally impressive, with her team capturing the State Championship in 1986. Her excellence continued at UNC Greensboro, where she made history as a member of the school's inaugural Division I basketball team and set school records for field goal percentage.
Robin Pugh Yoder Class of 1980
A beacon of resilience and compassion, Robin Pugh Yoder's journey from Colonial Heights High School to becoming a renowned oncologist social worker exemplifies the power of perseverance and service. Despite facing a cancer diagnosis that prevented her from playing basketball at East Carolina University, Yoder's commitment to making a difference remained unwavering. Her impactful career included serving in the United States Peace Corps in Jamaica and leading cancer support groups for nearly three decades. Yoder's dedication to advocacy and community outreach, including co-founding the Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center, has touched countless lives and earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Lane W. Adams Humanitarian National Award.
Whitney Hedgepeth Class of 1989
A swimming sensation of the Class of 1989, Whitney Hedgepeth's achievements in the pool are nothing short of legendary. From a young age, she demonstrated her talent, setting records and earning accolades at both the state and international levels. Her remarkable journey includes competing in prestigious events such as the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan American Games, where she consistently brought home gold and silver medals for her country. Even after retiring from competitive swimming, Hedgepeth continued to contribute to the sport as a coach, guiding aspiring athletes to reach their full potential. Her impact on the swimming world was further recognized with inductions into multiple Hall of Fames, including the University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Price Williams Class of 1989
A cornerstone of Colonial Heights High School athletics, Price Williams's impact reverberates through his accomplishments on and off the field. Excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, Williams's versatility on the field was matched only by his unwavering determination and sportsmanship. His high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including All-District and All-Region honors in multiple sports, as well as remarkable achievements as a quarterback and defensive starter. Continuing his athletic journey at the University of Richmond, Williams's stellar performance on the football field earned him recognition as an All-Conference and First Team All-State player in Virginia.
Kirk Cox Class of 1975
Kirk Cox's contributions to the community and the legislative arena are exemplary. Serving as a member of the House of Delegates for over three decades, Cox's tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to improving education, autism healthcare, and public safety. As Speaker of the House from 2018 to 2020, he played a pivotal role in championing legislation that benefitted Virginians across the state. Under his leadership, Virginia saw significant investments in education, including teacher pay raises and school infrastructure improvements. Additionally, Cox's dedication to public service extends beyond the political realm, as evidenced by his involvement in various community and faith-based organizations.
Bobby Ross CHHS Coach (1962-1964)
Bobby Ross's illustrious coaching career is a testament to his expertise and leadership on and off the field. From guiding college football teams to national championships to leading NFL franchises to the playoffs, Ross's impact on the world of football is unparalleled. Ross began his NFL coaching career as an assistant coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served in various roles from 1978 to 1981. He later went on to become the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 1992 to 1996, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship in 1994. Ross then served as the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 1997 to 2000, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history. Ross's numerous accolades and inductions into multiple Hall of Fames underscore his enduring legacy as one of the greatest coaches in football history.
The induction ceremony brought together esteemed guests, including community leaders, alumni, faculty, and students, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these individuals. Their unique backgrounds and contributions serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of talent within the Colonial Heights Public Schools community.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Principal James Burnett expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, acknowledging their outstanding contributions and lasting legacy.
As Colonial Heights Public Schools continues its tradition of excellence, the induction of these remarkable individuals into the Hall of Fame underscores the school division's commitment to honoring greatness and inspiring future generations.