Distinguished Alumni Awards
The Board of Education of Centralia High School proudly announces the following individuals as recipients of the Centralia High School Distinguished Alumni Award
Class of 2014
Don Beckmeyer
Class of 1980
Received an AS -- Kaskaskia College, 1984
Graduated, BS -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1986
Serves as Deputy Director of Engineering and Test at NASA's Stennis Space Center
Served as Systems Engineer at the Kennedy Space Center
Served as Project Manager for testing of Space Shuttle Main Engines at White Sands Test Facility
Served as Project Manager for testing of Space Shuttle Main Engines at White Sands Test Facility
Served as Deputy Manager of Safety and Mission Assurance at the Johnson Space Center
Was a member of Mission Management Team for 2 Space Shuttle Flights
Received NASA's Space Flight Leadership Award
Dr. Nancy A. Evers
Class of 1964
Graduated - BS Illinois State University-1968
Received a MS - University of Wisconsin-1972
Received a PhD - University of Wisconsin-1974
Served as a professor, advisor and mentor of graduate students
Served as a researcher, developer and implementer of major educational improvement initiatives
Served as a leader of innovative approaches for the development of educational leaders
Has written books, chapters, reviews, articles and training materials
Held various positions at the University of Cincinnati
Received a multitude of honors and awards including the University Council for Educational
Administration Master Professor Award
Elected President of the University Council for Educational Administration
Served as the Invited Chairperson of the National Commission on Women in Educational Leadership
Commander J. Shannon Parker, Jr.
Class of 1992
Graduated – BE in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University-1996
Received a MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business-2007
Serves as a Naval Aviation Commander attached to the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility
Served as U.S. Navy Representative to NATO while flying with the German Air Force
Flew over 200 combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom
Compiled more than 2500 flight hours in multiple military aircraft
Received 4 Navy Commendation Medals
Received Air Medal (11 Strike/Flight Awards)
Selected as a Special Mission Commanding Officer
