Join Us in Celebrating the 2025 Hilander Hall of Fame Inductees. February 7, 2026. RSVP Free | Ashtown Brewery After-Party | Nominate 2026
Meet our second class of inductees, selected through Hilander Democracy.
These legends exemplify excellence in athletics, academics, and community service, chosen by the community they inspired.
Join Us in Celebrating the 2025 Hilander Hall of Fame Inductees. February 7, 2026. RSVP Free | Ashtown Brewery After-Party
RSVP NOW

Three Special Events Honoring Excellence

FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 7th & 8th

Kelso High School &
Ashtown Brewing Company

NOMINATE
ABOUT

What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the classrooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to:
VOTE FOR $5
DONATE
ABOUT

What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the class rooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to recognize and celebrate our local heroes. Legends aren’t born. They’re made in Kelso.
RSVP FREE
DONATE TO HOF
ABOUT

About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based and supermajority digital governance powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can leverage technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy
ABOUT

About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based and supermajority digital governance powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can leverage technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy
HILANDER DEMOCRACY

A Simple Majority Democracy for The Community-powered
Hilander Hall of Fame

HILANDER DEMOCRACY
ABOUT

How It Works

Step 1
DONATE

Support our mission with a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar fuels scholarships and programs for Kelso's youth via the Kelso Public Schools Foundation. A single donation yields 3 nominations per category – or 15 nominations total.

Step 2
NOMINATE

Nominate your Hilander heroes (August-October). $1 per nomination from an individual, $10 for families, and $50 for companies. Share their stories and impact on our community. Receive enough nominations and the individual moves to Step 3 for a final vote.

Step 3
VOTE

Cast your vote for Hall of Fame inductees (November-December). $5 per vote, $50 for families, $100 for companies. Your votes shape our shared legacy. Top vote getters earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Only one vote each in Hilander Democracy – no matter the size of donation.
RSVP FREE
ABOUT

Hilander Hall of Fame Categories

  • Kelso High School graduate who has distinguished themselves in an exceptional manner that positively reflects the values and beliefs of Kelso High School
  • Eligibility and nomination requires at least 10 years or more since graduation
  • Categories: arts & entertainment, community, business and industry, government, education, law enforcement, health care, etc.

Distinguished Alumni

  • Any former or current teacher, staff, administrator, school board member, community member, youth sports coach, or a friend of Kelso School District
  • Provided extraordinary meritorious services to the high school
  • Duty of great responsibility

Distinguished Service

  • Kelso High School graduate
  • Performed with excellence in high school sports and/or performed with excellence post-graduation
  • Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Athletics (Individual)

  • Kelso High School team, group, or collective effort
  • Performed with excellence relative to peer groups during Kelso High School years
  • Must be out of school for at least 10 years

Team, Group, or Collective

  • Kelso High School graduate
  • Performed with excellence in academics and/or extracurriculars during Kelso High School years
  • Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Academic (Individual)

County-level servants (sheriffs, judges, local media, local organizations, etc.) who serve Kelso are eligible even if their jurisdiction extends beyond city limits.:

  • Provided exceptional service, leadership, or advocacy that directly enhanced the broader Kelso community
  • Demonstrated a lasting and meaningful impact through philanthropy, partnerships, service, or sustained community involvement
  • Not required to be a Kelso High School graduate or Kelso resident (past, present, future)

Community Hero

ABOUT

Why Hilander Hall Of Fame. Why Now?

Hilander Hall of Fame 2025

Meet our second class

Tom Kaneko

Section Chief of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical Director of Lebanon Fresenius Dialysis Unit

Chad Zandi

Attorney practicing in Kelso/Longview with degrees in psychology and law from WSU and University of Tulsa

ACADEMICS

Jeff Bailey

Baseball catching legend. '95 State Champion. 2nd round MLB draft pick in 1997

Serena Settlemier

State champion pitcher, Big 12 MVP, All-American at Kansas, pro career U.S. and abroad, 2007 NPF All-Star

ATHLETICS

COMMUNITY HERO

Larry Hembree

Started Fire Science Program, former school board member, 20+ year firefighter, current Emergency Management Services Director

Les Nelson

Three-term Cowlitz County Sheriff who led the county through the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption, saving countless lives

TEAM/GROUP

1983 Football Team

AA state champions defeating Sedro Woolley 11-2, coined "The truck stops here" for their toughness and physicality

2000 Girls Softball Team

4A state runner-up. Future D1 athletes who grew up playing together in Kelso

Cal Miller

Co-Founder of Pacific Tech Construction. Top local sponsor and philanthropist. Local coach building youth programs

Terry Anshutz

Lexington Chevron owner. Decades of coaching, financial contributions, mentorship

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Gary Kinch

36 years teaching and coaching, 22 years as VP and athletic director, instrumental in Kelso High School remodel

Tim Wines

Local businessman and cross country coach focused on life skills, supportive team environments, and athlete personal growth

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

LEGACY INDUCTEES

2025 Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

LEROY FALING

Legendary coach, teacher, and athletic director at Kelso High School who epitomized what it meant to be a Hilander through his leadership and dedication to Kelso schools.

PAT HYMES

Celebrating Pat Hymes on his induction into the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame. A dedicated KSD teacher for 33 years and KHS head coach for 17 years, Pat led his teams to a remarkable 103-64 record.

RON JOSLIN

For 32 years, Ron taught general music, orchestra, and band in Kelso School District. He helped promote the development of the Southwest Washington Youth Symphony, and also helped establish and maintain an outdoor school program for the district.
SEE 2024 INDUCTEES
DONATE TO HOF
Category Name Achievement
Academics Josh Cracraft Hilander valedictorian turned Harvard graduate whose brilliance inspired excellence
Academics Darcy Wishard Visionary librarian who transformed Huntington's library into a modern learning hub preparing students for high school success
Athletics Michelle Mury Hilander javelin champion and volleyball coach who brought home Kelso's first state trophy
Athletics Kiana Davis Three-time Hilander track & field record holder and two-time Olympic trials competitor
Team 1995 Baseball Team Legendary Hilander state champions who brought the crown home to Kelso
Team 1984 Track & Field Team Historic Hilander track & field team that set the gold standard for excellence
DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI		 Tommy Lloyd Hilander point guard turned Arizona Basketball Head Coach and National Coach of the Year
DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI		 Jake Stewart Hilander distance running champion building Gonzaga's national powerhouse, extending his father's legendary legacy
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE		 Rick Ames 40-year educator who transformed Kelso's running culture
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE		 Carl Wingate Notre Dame graduate who made Latin come alive for decades of Hilanders
2024 Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

Category Name Achievement
Legacy Gerry Austin Hilander quarterback legend who led UW in the 1944 Rose Bowl
Legacy Monte Cummings Beloved Hilander basketball coach who shaped three generations, Washington Coaches Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy Rick Davis Three-decade DECA advisor who developed state winners, state officers and a national president
Legacy Bob Freund Hilander wrestling legend who forged 20 state champions across three decades
Legacy Tom D. Hall Hilander band visionary who led international triumph, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy Otto Kofler Hilander football innovator who ascended to PAC-10 coaching excellence
Legacy Ed Laulainen Legendary Hilander football coach with 182 wins, state championship, and youth program founder
Legacy Bruce Gutgesell Music educator for 28 years and influential WMEA President
Legacy Gerry Malella Six-time NAIA champion Hilander who transformed Kelso swimming
Legacy Mike McMahon Hilander softball architect of 330 wins and three state championships
Legacy Howard Meharg Hilander choral pioneer who founded Community Choir, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy Jim Schall Hilander wrestling founder who produced seven state champions and launched UW program
Legacy Jason Schmidt Hilander pitcher turned MLB All-Star and San Francisco Giants legend
Legacy Joe Stewart Hilander cross country icon with 339 wins who launched 57 collegiate careers
Legacy Ed Walstead Twenty-time All-American swimmer who built Kelso's aquatics dynasty
Legacy Dick Ford Wrestling coach and official for decades. Kelso Youth League President for 28 years
ABOUT

Hilander Democracy: Our Playbook

Hilander Democracy is our game-changing approach to honoring our past and shaping our future. It's a digital democracy where every Hilander, past and present, has a chance to call the plays. Here’s how it works:

The Soft-Consensus Rule

To build Qualified Nomination lists — the community's collective scouting report on potential Inductees — we need each Nominee to receive 10% of all Nominations for their category. All Nominees remain on yearly ballots for Hall Of Fame Election for 20 years. Learn more at http://hilanders.org/democracy

The Simple Majority Rule

Every year, the top two vote getters will be inducted plus others who receive a simple majority of the vote (51% or more). This ensures we always have new inductees to celebrate while maintaining exclusivity.

Team Roster

Every Hilander gets a spot on the team. Whether you're a current student, an alum, or a community member, you can nominate heroes and cast your vote. Individuals, families, and local businesses all play a part.

Scoreboard

We keep our game transparent. Check our website for live updates on nominations, voting results, and how we're moving the chains for our community.
RSVP FREE
ABOUT

Hilander Hall of Fame Trustees

Trustees are authorized to protect the sanctity and validity of the Hilander Hall of Fame on behalf of the community. Their responsibilities may include safeguarding the vote, updating processes for nominations and voting, adjudicating disputes, and more.
Chris McCoy • Rick Davis • Mary Beth Tack • Lacey DeWeert • Marin Fox • Sue Lantz • Makaio Mobbs • Kirc Roland • Jake Stewart
TRUSTEES
LEARN MORE
Bobby Freund • Brad Phillips • Cody Morrison • Jana Clarke • Jason Coburn • Joe Kinch • John Janke • Julie Toney • Keever Henry • Len Hiatt • Patty Wood • Paul Richie • Rebekah Kelly • Rick Ames • Robert Gustin • Rose Roden • Spencer Wiggins
ADVISORS
ABOUT

Our Shared History

Kelso Hilanders, our legacy isn't just history – it's a blueprint for greatness. From ancient roots to tomorrow's champions, we've always pushed boundaries. Now, we're not just honoring our past – we're launching into our future. Here's how our legend unfolds:
Tiahanakshih Roots (Pre-1800s - 1846)
The original trailblazers. Our foundation of strength.
Crawford's Frontier (1847 - 1883)
One visionary. Endless possibilities.
Birth of the Hilanders (1884 - 1908)
More than a name. The dawn of our destiny.
Timber & Grit (1909 - 1939)
Carving our future from wilderness and steel.
Greatest Generation Rises (1940 - 1969)
World-changers and hometown heroes united.
Hilander Rising (1970 - 1997)
New arena. Champion spirit. Unstoppable drive.
Unstoppable Hilanders (1998 - 2022)
Resilience personified. Excellence amplified.
Century of Gold (2023 - Present)
A hundred years strong. The legend continues.

Our Past. Our Present. Our Infinite Potential.

Dynamic Zig-Zag Timeline - Compact
Pre-1800s
Tiahanakshih Roots
Cowlitz village thrived
TRAILBLAZERS: Cowlitz tribe
LEGACY: Indigenous strength
1847
Crawford's Frontier
Peter Crawford's bold leap
TRAILBLAZERS: Peter Crawford
LEGACY: Pioneering courage
1884
Birth of the Hilanders
Kelso takes its name
TRAILBLAZERS: Peter Crawford
LEGACY: Communiy forged
Early 1900s
Timber & Grit
"Little Chicago" emerges
TRAILBLAZERS: Local workers
LEGACY: Unbreakable spirit
1940s
Greatest Generation Rises
Smelt fishing boom
TRAILBLAZERS: Local fishermen
LEGACY: Resourceful innovation
1983
Hilander Rising
State football glory
TRAILBLAZERS: WE ARE! Nation
LEGACY: Champion mindset
1998-1999
Unstoppable Hilanders
Triumph over mudslides
TRAILBLAZERS: Community united
LEGACY: Resilience embodied
2023
Century of Gold
100 years of Hilander pride
TRAILBLAZERS: All Hilanders
LEGACY: Enduring excellence
RSVP FREE
DONATE TO HOF

Hilander HOF Merch

‍Joe Stewart
Classic Long Sleeve
Tee
$23.99
Available in :
SHOP NOW
Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Tee
$20.00
Available in :
SHOP NOW
Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Youth Tee
$17.50
Available in :
SHOP NOW
Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Baby Onesie
$20.00
Available in :
SHOP NOW
EXPLORE MORE MERCH
VIEW BRANDING

All Hilander Hall of Fame donations are tax-deductible. They are donated to the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.

RSVP FREE
DONATE TO HOF

ABOUT US

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Although completely separate from the Kelso Public Schools, the Foundation works hand-in-hand with the district to help students succeed.
360 501-1835
rick@hilanders.org
P.O. Box 344 Kelso WA 98626
Merch
Brand
Made with
for the kids of Kelso by
Made with
for the kids of Kelso by
-- with inspiration from great uncle  Kirby McCoy
(📷)
— with inspiration from great uncle Kirby McCoy
(📷)
X
The early heroes of Chris McCoy's life: Great Uncle Kirby McCoy (1952-2010) and his older brother and Chris' Grandpa Jack McCoy (1936-2014)