The Sherman Ex-Students Association recognized four Sherman High School alumni and one former faculty member for their exemplary leadership during their annual luncheon on September 23 at Sherman High School.
Virgina Garrard, Class of 1976
Virginia (Ginny) Garrard is Professor Emerita of History at the University of Texas at Austin and serves as an exemplary professor in the Department of Religious Studies. An expert on Latin America in particular, Garrard has worked as a consultant on Latin American affairs for the U.S. Air Force, Department of State and other national organizations, and within her church community, she is a dynamic and dedicated lay leader.
David Matthews, Class of 1984
David Matthews joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1991 and has been solo English horn since 1995. After attending University of North Texas, he studied the oboe and English horn and held positions of Principal Oboe in the Dallas Opera, Associate Professor of Oboe at Texas Tech University and Assistant Principal Oboe in the Atlanta Symphony, and highlights of his time at the DSO include several European tours.
Chris Ramsey, Class of 1976
Chris Ramsey worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for 43 years and held several different positions throughout his time there. He served as an instructor and taught astronaut crews how to operate the Space Shuttle’s onboard computer and navigation systems, and Ramsay also supported multiple Shuttle missions as a Flight Controller. In retirement, he enjoys volunteering at Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA.
Debbie Sharp, Class of 1984
Debbie Sharp worked in the Texas film industry and produced commercials for KXII-TV before joining NASA to work in their communications wing. She currently serves as the communications supervisor for the International Space Station Program Research Office in Houston, which informs the public about the benefits of research happening inside the space station, and has been recognized for her past communications work for several other missions.
Stephen Rogers, Distinguished Faculty
Stephen Rogers was given a posthumous award as a distinguished faculty member. A WWII veteran, Rogers taught secondary biology and chemistry in Sherman ISD for almost 20 years and took scores of students to science fairs, including some in Chicago. It is widely believed that he taught generations of local doctors, who remained in the Texoma area to serve the community.
The Sherman Ex-Students Association is open to graduates and former students of Sherman High School or Fred Douglass. The Association provides scholarships to SHS seniors, preserves the history of both schools at the Ex-Students Museum, and aims to involve all in support of education and fellowship.
The museum is located next to the SISD Service Center at 2701 Loy Lake Road and is open Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 3 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment.
