Ex-Students Association Names Distinguished Students, Faculty

A cowboy and a renowned college coach were among the Sherman Ex-Student Association’s 2024 Distinguished Students and Faculty honored at their yearly meeting on September 28 at Sherman High School.

The Sherman Ex-Students Association is open to graduates and former students of Sherman or Fred Douglass high schools and preserves the history of both schools through artifacts on display at a museum located next to the Sherman ISD Service Center. They support student education through involvement and scholarships to graduating seniors.

Distinguished Student - Tom Claycomb III, Class of 1972
Tom Claycomb is a cowboy at heart and a writer by trade. Tom attended Texas A&M University and completed his degree in commercial animal science. Shortly after graduating, Tom got into outdoor writing and now writes for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites in the outdoor media space. Tom has appeared in multiple TV shows and radio interviews and has produced You Tube videos with Ron Spomer Outdoors and has a few writings on Amazon Kindle. Tom is on Pro-staff with numerous companies and helps design outdoor gear. Tom writes for a few Christian publications and conducts Memorizing seminars and speaks at Church Wildgame Feeds. When he isn't traveling, he calls Boise, Idaho home. He lives with his beautiful wife Katy and enjoys all things that come with an Idaho life: fishing, hunting, and getting lost in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Distinguished Student - Dr. Howard Walker Harris, Class of 1989
Dr. Harris is a proud Sherman Bearcat graduate of Sherman High School. Dr. Harris received his undergraduate degrees from Southern Methodist University and attended medical school at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He completed an orthopedic surgery internship and residency at the University of Alabama. Dr. Harris is a founding member of Texas Orthopedic Specialists. Dr. Harris is the Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Baylor Scott & White Trophy Club and Bear Creek Surgery Center in Keller, Texas. He is a member of the Board of Managers for Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake in Southlake, Texas. Dr. Harris has been married to his beautiful wife, Jennifer, for 27 years and has three incredible children: Walker (SMU), Hilton (TCU), and Halle (TCU). 

Distinguished Student - Curtis Luper, Class of 1984
Curtis Luper is a 1984 graduate of Sherman High School, where he captured All-State honors as a senior and was the #2-rated prep running back in Texas. He was recruited to play at Oklahoma State where he played from 1984–1987 and was part of three bowl teams. Curtis began his coaching career at Stephen F. Austin University, going on to coach at Texas A&M Commerce, University of New Mexico, Oklahoma State Cowboys from 2005 to 2008, Auburn University, Texas Christian University and is currently the running backs coach with the Missouri Tigers. Curtis has tutored 1,000-yard rushers 10 out of 11 years. Luper has a history of successfully developing talent throughout his coaching career and has enjoyed successes at each of his stops. Curtis has multiple college bowl appearances and successes on his resume. Luper and his wife are the parents of A'rielle, Cameron, Chancellor (a former Mizzou wide receiver), Simara, Charitie (a member of the Louisville volleyball program), Xavier, Cheyenne and Ayden.

Distinguished Faculty - Sara Reid, Class of 1969
Sara Reid began her teaching career in Anna ISD. In 1980 she was hired in Sherman ISD as a reading teacher and asked to teach kindergarten, which became her passion. Sara taught countless generations of kindergarten students at Crutchfield Elementary School from 1980 to 2009. Sara has a rich family Bearcat legacy, both as a graduate of Sherman High School and a dedicated teacher. Her spouse Jerry Reid (1968) was a Sherman teacher and both of her children, James Reid and Emily Reid, are graduates of Sherman ISD. Sara received her B.S. in Education from the University of Texas and her M.S. in Education from Texas A&M Commerce. Sara is very active in her community, volunteering her time and efforts at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Family Promise, the Women’s Gift Exchange and Home Hospice.

Distinguished Faculty - Tom Cunningham, Posthumous Award
Tom Cunningham began his teaching career in Denison after a career in the United States Air Force. He taught 3 years in Denison and in 1965, began a 17-year career in Sherman ISD. Tom taught history at Sherman High School. While in the Air Force, Tom served as a pilot during WWII and Korea, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross (2). Tom received both his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from East Texas State University. Mr. Cunningham taught major world events and brought a unique perspective to the classroom from his military service. He is buried in the Veteran’s Section at West Hill Cemetery in Sherman. Tom was married to Josephine McWorther in 1943, and had two sons, Micheal and Shawn.

Those interested in joining the Ex-Student Association or visiting their museum can e-mail ShermanExStudentsMuseum@gmail.com or call 903-436-1427.