MCHS Celebrates Induction of Three to Alumni Hall of Fame

Three inducted into Madison Hall of Fame

Pictured with the inductees are Ronnie Lawhead, Principal MCHS, Dr. Teresa Brown, Superintendent, Nick Griffith, Garry Chandler, Marilyn McQueen, and Kevin Yancey, Director of Facilities.

On May 12, 2023, members of the Class of 2023 were inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame 

Nick Griffith, MCHS Class of ‘99

For twenty years, Nick Griffith worked the frenzy, interviewed some of the nation's best athletes and coaches, and hustled through gigantic stadiums in person. From Super Bowls to NCAA tournaments, and professional basketball playoffs, the '99 alumnus has covered some of sports' biggest events. He had to know where to be when the big moment came, who to interview, what questions to ask based on game outcome and team/player history, and how to quickly analyze and summarize that data in a few words for those at home. The standard introduction or exit of "This is Nick Griffith from..." became a standard line on multiple television broadcasts in Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, and finally Denver, Co which he now calls home. MCHS ignited the fire for Nick's combined love of sports and journalism. In both fields, he learned, contributed, polished his skills, and excelled. He held key leadership roles on the newspaper staff and weekly video newscast, plus donned the Cub uniform in basketball and baseball as a member of the '99 State Championship team his senior year. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Miami University, he flourished as a sports anchor in Idaho Falls, Topeka, Kansas City, and finally Channel KDVR in Denver where he served as sports director and lead anchor for 11 years. As an affirmation of his professional success, Nick merited the Heartland Emmy Award for Regional Best Sports Anchor in 2021 competing with broadcasters from five states.

Garry Chandler, MCHS Class of ‘76

In 1976, Garry Chandler never envisioned his name would grace the marquis of the area's largest General Motors dealership. But hard work, self-motivation, a sound business sense, and basics acquired through Madison Consolidated Schools, made that accomplishment a reality. Today, dozens of new Chevrolet trucks, sports cars, and SUVs flank the Clifty Drive business with 54 local employees inside upholding the Garry D. Chandler mission to serve others with integrity, respect, and the handshake of friendship. Just feet away from a newly renovated operation stand two, large collision centers with state-of-the-art technology. Chandler never stops advancing his business or assessing the needs of his patrons. Success did not come automatically, he sought it. He observed the strategies of others, kept the course despite obstacles, and appreciates and never forgot those who helped along the way. Beginning as a salesman in '84, advanced gradually through managerial responsibilities, before becoming the owner in '05. From 4-H Fair Auctions to charity drives, school fundraisers, and village festivals, Chandler Chevrolet extends its financial support and when time permits, personally attends while proffering kind, encouraging words to the beneficiaries of his generosity. His passion for automobiles might have commenced with a Mustang, but Chevrolet, his style, and his contribution to the community proudly define the Garry D. Chandler legacy.

Marilyn McQueen, Class of ‘64

Like mechanical apparatuses where belts break and tires lose air, life too encounters malfunctions and rocky roads. When that mental dilemma needs professional analysis and guidance for a healthier tomorrow, hundreds of individuals have found that repairable path and restored positivity through Marilyn McQueen. With multiple college degrees in clinical social work and marriage/family therapy from Taylor University, Indiana University, and the University of South Florida, this inductee has shared her knowledge and professional skills for 50+ years in college classrooms, and 1:1 sessions throughout Indiana, international communities, and her hometown of Madison. In Lithuania and Kenya, she studied the changing role of women in society there and its impact on native culture and later incorporated native Eskimos in her research. She continually enters and seeks inspiration and edification, both as an adult student and a college professor of social work and sociology students for 30+ years at Taylor, Hanover College, and Gorden College. Marilyn knows first-hand that mental health challenges impact all ages. She initiated Prevent Child Abuse Jefferson County, was IN Region 9 Social Worker of the Year '04, and is also involved in her church, Women's Giving Circle, Friends of Lanier Mansion, and Madison's Bicentennial Celebration. For Marilyn, the mechanics of life necessitates that good physical health and good mental health travel the journey together.

Nominations open annually in early December and close at the end of February. If there is someone you would like to nominate for the Class of 2024, feel free to reach out to either Mr. Ronnie Lawhead at rlawhead@madison.k12.in.us or Ashley Schutte at aschutte@madison.k12.in.us