Honorees inducted into Trojan Army Hall of Fame
Five servants of Morristown-Hamblen West High School were recognized Friday Oct. 23 in a Hall of Fame induction ceremony in front of family, friends, and the junior/senior class of West High. Each of these honorees shared advice to students, interesting facts, and their love of being a Trojan. The latest Trojan Army Hall of Fame Honorees announced were Mr. Jim Clawson, Mrs. Tamera Harrell, Dr. Jennifer Jones, Dr. Kristie Hicks Noble, and Coach Raymond Williams.
Mr. Jim R. Clawson has lived in Hamblen County his entire life. He graduated from Morristown West High School in 1972. He served as the Register of Deeds for Hamblen County for 32 consecutive years. He is a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Morristown and was a vital part of the production of Hamblen County History and Family 1870-2020. He played a large role in planning and opening the 1970 time capsule. He is a member of the Senior Citizens Home Assistance Board of Directors and has served 30 years as its chairman. After his 30 years of dedicated service to Hamblen County he is retiring as Register of Deeds and leaving behind a lasting image.
When thinking about influential figures within Morristown an important name to think of is Mrs. Tamera Harrell. She grew up here and graduated from MWHS with honors, after which she would go on to attend the University of Tennessee, again graduating with honors. After graduating, she found a job teaching science here at West High, and would go on to teach for the next three decades. Additionally, she was a sponsor for Beta for 25 years, student council, and worked diligently with staff and students alike. An interesting fact about Mrs. Harrell’s life is that she works as a Sunday school teacher. Finally, when brought up to speak she was quoted proclaiming,” God has given all of us a gift, learn your gift and use it to benefit those around you.”
Dr. Jennifer Jones was recently chosen to be in the Hall of Fame for West High School, and she was chosen to be in the Hall of Fame because she was an important member of our area. Jones was a positive influence in the school. She was on the West High Cheer team, and she played on the softball team. After she graduated high school, she had a variety of jobs like Hamblen County school nurse, teacher, and she was also a HOSA sponsor. Later, she earned her doctorate in nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Health Star Family Practice. After doing all of this, she gave words of encouragement, “Do the hard things, do them well, do them strong.”
Dr. Kristie Hicks Noble attended Morristown West High School as a student and graduated in 1988. Now, she has been given the honor of being recognized in theHall of Fame. There are many reasons Dr. Noble was selected, the biggest reason being the fact that she gave back to West. Even after her passing in May, Dr. Noble’s legacy still impacts people. Mr. Ralph Noble states, “Today instead of remembering her passing, we can remember how she lived.” Dr. Noble was a track athlete and has held many of the school records here at West, such as 300 meter hurdles, high jump, and 100 meter hurdles. She also proceeded to run track in college where she also continued her educational career and got her Doctorates of Pharmacy degree. Dr. Noble was very involved at West. She was in cheer, track, Spanish club, and she was the homecoming queen. Dr. Noble challenged herself everyday, always staying true to her motto “If it doesn’t challenge you, then it doesn’t change you.” One thing in particular stood out to Mr. Noble that he would like to share with the upcoming classes. His advice is to get your priorities straight meaning, “Don’t major in the minor things and don’t minor in the major things.” Know what is important to you, and therefore invest in it. Where your heart and mind go, your actions will follow.
Morristown West Hall of Famer Raymond Williams was a previous coach and teacher at Morristown High School in 1963. In high school, he was voted Senior Superlative and Most Dependable in his senior year. Williams was elected to the Lenoir City High Hall of Fame in 2006. He dedicated his life to learning, growing, and succeeding. He has served as a founding member of the Trojan Army for 18 years, serving as a president of the Hall of Fame for many years. William expressed “One of the best ways to repay those who have invested in your life is to invest into other people's lives.” Williams started the football program at Morristown West. He started his coaching career in 1963. Williams coached football for 32 years, track and cross country for 10 years and wrestling for two years. He retired from teaching in 2000.
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