Terrell ISD is proud to announce the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame and Honor inductees. The individuals selected for the Hall of Fame are recognized based on their athletic achievements, character, and overall contribution to the Terrell Independent School District.
This year's honorees are: Mahalia Denson, Sheldon Denson, Ronnie Green, Raynoll Holland, Marciele Surrell-Dean, Terrence B. Spencer, Sr., Annie Tidwell, Shannon Welch Linebarger, and the 1977-1978 Terrell High School Basketball Team composed of Coach Mark Hudson, Carl Holland, Bricky Lewis, Kenny Beadle, Audie Lewis, Lorenzo “Lurch” Thomas, Dewayne Sheffield, Albert Robinson, Jack Evans, Allen Beall, Norman Simpson, Willie Pegram, Connie Green, David Wallace, Rafael Williams, and Robert Lee Johnson.
The Hall of Honor recognizes Terrell High School or Burnett High School alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the arts, athletics, or academic activities that have made a positive impact on the community. This year's honorees are: Kayla Tucker Adams, Maxine Darst Flatt, Dena Bond Risinger, Dr. Oliver Wendell Spencer, Jr., and Truman Welch.
The Class of 2026 honorees will take part in an induction ceremony on Friday, October 9. Read on below to learn more about each Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor honoree.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Mahalia Denson
A proud 1987 graduate of Terrell High School, Mahalia Denson was a standout student-athlete and a key member of the Lady Tigers basketball, volleyball and track teams. As a four-year starting point guard, she earned numerous honors, including First-Team All-District selections, two Terrell High School Basketball MVP awards, and an All-Tournament Award at the 1986 Greenville Basketball Tournament.
During her senior season, she helped lead the Lady Tigers to a historic 20-8 record—the most successful season in program history. She was also a Tiger Heart Award recipient and was voted Class Favorite and Most Athletic. Denson also served as the Vice President of the senior class.
Denson continued her education and athletic career at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 1995 and playing volleyball for one semester. In 2013, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nursing Education.
For 31 years, Denson has served as a Registered Nurse in a variety of roles and currently works at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. She recently received one of the hospital’s highest recognitions, the Visionary Applause Award, for her courageous actions in extinguishing a fire in a patient’s room.
A longtime member of Shiloh Baptist Church, Denson served on numerous committees and organizations. She now attends Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Forney, where she volunteers with the youth and serves as a medical advisor.
Above all, Denson is a proud mother of three children—Desmund, Angelica and Morgan.
Sheldon Denson
Sheldon Denson is a proud member of the Terrell High School Class of 1998, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student-athlete in both basketball and track and field.
During his high school basketball career, Denson was a three-year starter for the Terrell Tigers under the leadership of Coach John Reeves. He averaged 14.6 points and 2.2 steals per game and was recognized as the team's Defensive Player of the Year in both 1997 and 1998. He also served as a co-captain, demonstrating the leadership and commitment that would continue to define his athletic and professional career.
Denson was equally accomplished in track and field. The Tiger coaching staff recognized him as the team's “Best Hurdler,” and he earned first-place district honors in the hurdles during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. At the regional level, he placed third in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles, establishing himself as one of the area's premier hurdlers.
Following high school, Denson received a full athletic scholarship to Tyler Junior College, where he continued his basketball career under Coach Chris Crutchfield. During the 1999–2000 season, he was named Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Denson later transferred to Texas A&M University–Kingsville on a full athletic scholarship. Due to injuries sustained while playing basketball, he transitioned to track and field, where he continued to excel as a hurdler. His accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the university's outstanding track athletes, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Texas A&M–Kingsville Track and Field Hall of Fame. He remains recognized among the top hurdlers in the university's history.
After college, Denson continued his basketball career professionally. He played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) for the Waco Wranglers and competed internationally in Canada, Spain, and Mexico. During his professional career, he also earned the opportunity to participate in a ten-day workout with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, further highlighting his ability and determination at the highest levels of competition.
Denson eventually transitioned his passion for athletics into a career dedicated to education, mentorship, and coaching. He currently serves as Athletic Director/SST Coordinator and Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Hampton Preparatory Academy in DeSoto, Texas. With 24 years of experience as an educator and coach, Denson has dedicated much of his life to helping young people develop both athletically and personally. In 2022, his commitment to coaching was recognized when he was honored as Coach of the Year by the Dallas Cowboys organization.
Denson holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University–Kingsville and two master's degrees from Walden University, in Educational Leadership and Principal & Special Education.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, family and faith remain central to Denson's life. He is one of four sisters and one brother, and he is the proud father of two sons, Kendon and Dominic Denson. He gives all praise and glory to God and honors the memory of his late mother, Brenda Joyce Denson-Prince, whose influence remains an important part of his life and legacy.
From an accomplished student-athlete to a professional basketball player, educator, coach, and mentor, Sheldon Denson's journey reflects faith, perseverance, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to developing the next generation.
Ronnie M. Green, Jr.
Ronnie M. Green Jr. is a proud 2006 graduate of Terrell High School, where he established himself as a dedicated and accomplished four-year, four-sport athlete who competed in football, basketball, power lifting, and track. His accomplishments as a student-athlete earned him recognition among his peers, coaches, and community and helped establish a foundation for his continued success.
Green topped the record books his senior year in the 110m hurdles, 300m hurdles, triple jump, and to this day is second in all time Terrell Tiger sack history with 19 sacks, 66 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. As a senior, Green was named First Team All-District, All-State Defensive End, and earned Kaufman County Dream Team honors.
Following high school, Green attended Tyler Junior College on scholarship before advancing to Division I at the University of North Texas, continuing his education and athletic journey, earning an Associate degree from Tyler Junior College before receiving his Bachelor’s from Texas College. Coach Green is currently a Texas certified educator and nationally certified personal trainer, allowing him to continue making an impact on the youth through education, athletics, and mentorship.
Today, Coach Green remains deeply involved in the development of young athletes. As a coach, mentor, educator, and fitness professional, he is committed to helping the next generation develop not only their athletic abilities, but also the discipline, confidence, character, and work ethic necessary for success in life.
Green’s passion for athletics has come full circle from competing as a student-athlete to dedicating his life to teaching, coaching, and inspiring young people. His induction into the Terrell Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the impact his athletic journey has had both on and off the field. Green is especially grateful to his family and friends, coaches, teammates, mentors, and supporters who believed in him and contributed to his journey.
Ronnie Green is a proud son, brother, husband to Dr. January Green, and father of three beautiful amazingly talented children Royalty, Reign and Ronnie III AKA (The Green Beans). Above all, Green would like to give the praise and honor to God for blessing him with an unbelievably resilient selfless Mother who has inspired and instilled perseverance, accountability, hard work, toughness, and the importance of being part of something greater than himself. He is honored to be recognized among the outstanding athletes and individuals who have represented Terrell High and proudly accepts this recognition as a celebration of the people, experiences, and opportunities that helped shape his life.
Raynoll Holland
Raynoll Holland is a 1976 graduate of Terrell High School where he was a three-sport athlete, who excelled in football, basketball, and track throughout his entire high school career.
As a freshman he was a member of the freshman football, basketball, and track team and, during his sophomore year was named Basketball Sophomore of the Year. By the time Holland entered his junior year, he set a school record on the football team with a 99-yard reception and earned the prestigious T-Award. As a senior, he led all players in District 6-AAA basketball in assists, points, and rebounds and earned All-District honors in both football and basketball.
Following high school, Raynoll was recruited and offered a full basketball scholarship to Washington State University but chose to remain closer to home. He earned a BBA in Finance from East Texas State University, now East Texas A&M University, and went on to build an impressive 32-year career as Vice President of Guaranty Bank in Richardson. Today, he continues serving others as a classroom educator in Dallas ISD.
Raynoll is also deeply committed to his community. He serves as a Board Member on the Herman Furlough Jr. and Gilbert Willie, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps to honor the legacy of two Terrell educators while supporting future generations.
He is also a member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, and serves as Finance Chair, Senior Usher, and a member of the Church Anniversary Committee.
Raynoll has been married to wife Williece P. Holland for 26 years, and is the proud father of Trey, Jasmine, Cornelius, Darius, and Jamia. But perhaps his most cherished role is grandfather to seven grandchildren—Josiah, Cadence, Austin, Trey, Genesis, Journey, and Caleb.
Marciele Surrell-Dean
Marciele Surrell-Dean is a 2006 Terrell High School graduate and accomplished three-sport athlete who excelled in football, powerlifting, and track.
His athletic career began as a freshman football letterman and member of the freshman track team. He continued to excel as a sophomore as a member of the JV football team and track letterman before earning varsity letters in both sports as a junior. As a senior, Marciele was named District 4A Defensive MVP and earned recognition on both the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Football Team and the Associated Press Class 4A All-State Football Team.
Following high school, Marciele attended Northwest Missouri State University, where he played safety and earned a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Recreation and Wellness. In 2009, he was a member of the Bearcats’ NCAA Division II National Championship team and was also honored as the Corey Stanton Award Winner (Walk-On of the Year). In 2016, Marciele’s outstanding collegiate career was recognized with his induction into the Northwest Missouri State University M-Club Hall of Fame.
For the past thirteen years Marciele has worked for Vestis Uniforms as a Sales Representative and continues to invest in the next generation through his own youth speed and agility business, “Me vs. Me.”
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Marciele is a proud father to two daughters, Alannah and Alessia, and remains committed to inspiring young athletes through leadership, discipline, and opportunity.
Terrence B. Spencer, Sr.
Terrence Spencer, Sr. graduated from Terrell High School in 1989 and was a standout three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track. During his Tiger career, he earned numerous All-District honors as an offensive and defensive lineman, was named Offensive Lineman of the Year, served as football captain, and helped lead the Tigers to a 5A District Championship. In track, he was a district champion in shot put and advanced to the regional level.
A leader on and off the field, Terrence was a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, FCA, GLAD and PALS; served as Senior Class President; ranked in the Top 10% of his class; and maintained perfect attendance.
Following graduation, Terrence attended the University of Arkansas on a full football scholarship, where he was a member of the offensive line and was a three-year letterman. He was a member of the 1989 Southwest Conference Championship team and competed in the 1990 Cotton Bowl and 1991 Independence Bowl. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations in 2005.
Terrence has been married for 20 years to Shaunna R. Spencer and is the proud father of six children and “T-Paw” to six grandchildren. He has been a member of the Arkansas Razorback Alumni Club for 25 years, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for 35 years, and Restoration NWA Church of Fayetteville for 20 years. For the past two decades, he has dedicated his career to working with individuals with developmental disabilities and has also spent five years coaching youth football through an Arkansas AAU organization.
Annie Tidwell
Annie Tidwell, a proud 2016 Terrell High School graduate, was a versatile and accomplished four-sport athlete who competed in cheerleading, volleyball, powerlifting and softball. She was a member of the school’s first female powerlifting team as a freshman and quickly established herself as a dedicated and successful competitor.
Throughout her high school career, Annie earned numerous honors, including multiple All-American cheer nominations and regional powerlifting qualifications. As a junior, she became the first female powerlifter from Terrell High School to place at the State Powerlifting Meet and was named an Outstanding Lightweight Powerlifter. She also competed on the varsity cheer, volleyball, softball and powerlifting teams during her high school career.
Following graduation, Annie attended Tyler Junior College, where she continued her cheerleading career as a member of the Apaches.
Annie’s strong work ethic and commitment to service have continued beyond athletics. She has served as Director of Cheer and a T-ball coach for Terrell Youth Athletes, volunteered with the Terrell Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and continues to support youth activities through Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ.
Annie is honored to be inducted alongside her grandfather, the late Benny Britton, Hall of Fame Class of 2011 , and her favorite coach, the late Tom Ed Gooden, Hall of Fame Class of 2010.
Shannon Welch Linebarger
Shannon Welch Linebarger’s ties to Terrell High School run deep. Shannon is a member of the Class of 1986 and excelled both on the court and in the classroom for THS. After earning a degree at Baylor University, Shannon returned home as Terrell ISD’s first full-time athletic trainer, establishing the district’s program in 1991.
Shannon comes from a family of educators, all who served with Terrell ISD. Her mother Carol was a longtime teacher, and her father Truman was a teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent.
As a student at Terrell High School, Shannon was an All-District point guard in girls basketball and All-District setter in volleyball on some of the most successful Lady Tiger athletic teams in school history. They were the first girls teams to both earn playoff berths for the school. The 1985 volleyball team had a season for the ages, losing only its first match and final match – in a regional playoff against Leander. In between, the Lady Tigers won at a school-record clip that still stands today.
While playing nearly every sport offered, Shannon was equally successful academically, ranked fourth in her class, was a four-year member of the Fighting Tiger Band, was a member of National Honor Society and GLAD, and received numerous other honors, including the Good Citizenship Award from Daughters of the American Revolution, Senior Girl Athletic Award and Best All-Around Girl for her class.
Shannon attended Baylor on an athletic scholarship where she was a student trainer for the Bears football team under legendary coach Grant Teaff and for the Lady Bears basketball team. She became a member of the Baylor Lettermen’s Club.
After returning to Terrell High School from Baylor, Shannon also taught history and served as Social Studies Department Chair before leaving in 2006. Shannon and her husband Les now live in Henderson, Texas where she is beginning her 34th year in public education. Shannon is Social Studies Department Chair at Henderson High School and serves as a mentor to young teachers just beginning in the profession.
Shannon and Les have two children: Zeb, 26, lives in Fort Smith, Ark., and Cates, 24, lives in Springdale, Ark.
1977-1978 Terrell High School Basketball Team
Some teams have great seasons. Others create a legacy that stands the test of time. The 1977–78 Terrell High School Tigers did both.
Widely regarded as the greatest basketball team in Terrell High School history, the Tigers produced a season defined by talent, resilience and an unforgettable winning tradition. During the regular season, Terrell averaged an impressive 74.3 points per game, increasing that mark to 79.4 points per game in district play. The Tigers scored 90 or more points in six games, including a remarkable 105-point performance against rival Rockwall, a team contending for the Zone Championship.
Those numbers are even more remarkable considering there was no three-point line. Kenny Beadle, Bricky Lewis, and Audie Lewis routinely scored from distances that today would count as three-point shots, helping fuel one of the most explosive offenses in school history.
The season did not begin as a championship story. After starting 5–7, including a loss to a highly ranked and undefeated Tyler Lee team, the Tigers found their rhythm. They swept the Terrell Christmas Tournament and never looked back, embarking on an extraordinary 20-game winning streak that carried them all the way to the State Tournament. Their historic run ultimately ended in the state semifinals against top-ranked Mineral Wells.
The 1977–78 Tigers proved that greatness is not defined by how a season begins, but by how a team responds, comes together and finishes. Their record-setting offense, remarkable winning streak and journey to the state semifinals cemented their place among the greatest teams to ever represent Terrell High School.
This all-time Terrell team features current Hall of Fame members Coach Mark Hudson, Carl Holland and Bricky Lewis, along with Kenny Beadle, Audie Lewis, Lorenzo “Lurch” Thomas, Dewayne Sheffield, Albert Robinson, Jack Evans, Allen Beall, Norman Simpson, Willie Pegram, Connie Green, David Wallace, Rafael Williams, and Robert Lee Johnson—a remarkable group of athletes who helped make the 1977–78 season one that Terrell will never forget.
HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Kayla Tucker Adams
Kayla Tucker Adams is a proud 1993 graduate of Terrell High School, where she distinguished herself as a student leader and scholar. She served on Student Council, was president of Culture Club, participated in Speech and Debate for four years, and was regionally ranked in extemporaneous speaking. A four-year Tigerette and line officer, Adams was also a member of the National Honor Society and graduated as an honor student in the top 5% of her class, ranking as the highest-ranking African American female in her graduating class.
Adams attended Prairie View A&M University on a Presidential Full Academic Scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/Television Broadcasting with a minor in Business, graduating Cum Laude. She later earned a Master of Science in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University.
With more than 25 years of experience in communications and public relations, Adams is an award-winning public relations executive, professional speaker, writer, and founder and chief strategist of KTA Media Group, a full-service strategic communications firm. She has worked with bestselling authors, movie producers, corporations, school districts, celebrities, global nonprofit organizations—including the March of Dimes—and influential leaders such as T.D. Jakes and Oprah Winfrey. Her clients have been featured in national media outlets including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS Mornings, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Tamron Hall, as well as TV One, Ebony, Essence, and Black Enterprise.
Adams serves on the boards of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of March of Dimes and That Girl is SMART Youth Mentoring Program. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the National Association of Black Journalists, and serves as the fundraising chair for the DFW Association of Black Journalists. Adams is a charter member of the Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was recently recognized for 25 years of service in the sorority.
Her numerous honors include National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Awards, Who’s Who in Black Dallas, the Texas School Public Relations Association Star Award, Prairie View A&M University’s Outstanding Achievement in Communications Award, the 2022 Woman of the Year Award from the Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, and the 2022 Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. She was recently elected to the Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Advisory Board at Southern Methodist University.
Deeply family-oriented, Adams is married to her college sweetheart, Chris, and they are the proud parents of their miracle girl, Brooklyn. Among the things she is most proud of are the impact she has made in the lives of others, including her family, friends and team members, and the loving, supportive family that surrounds her. For Adams, that is the true meaning of legacy.
Maxine Darst Flatt
Maxine Darst Flatt, a proud 1947 graduate of Terrell High School, left a lasting legacy of leadership, service and trailblazing achievement in Terrell and Kaufman County.
During her high school years, Flatt was a member of the Terrell High School tennis team, band and served as a majorette. She continued her education at the University of North Texas for one year before resuming her studies at Henderson County Junior College (now Trinity Valley Community College) in 1957. She later graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce in 1970.
In 1976, Flatt passed the Texas Bar Examination and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas becoming the first female attorney to practice in Kaufman County.
Her legal career soon led to historic public service. In 1981, she was appointed Terrell Municipal Judge. In 1983, she was elected Kaufman County Judge, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She served for 16 years, earning a reputation for dedicated leadership and commitment to her community.
Flatt’s influence extended far beyond Kaufman County. She served as president of both the North Texas and East Texas County Judges and Commissioners Courts and was active in the Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Kaufman County Bar Association.
She also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Counties, its Judicial Education Committee, and as a trustee on the Texas County and District Retirement System Board.
Her commitment to service was equally evident through her community involvement, including the Kaufman County Child Welfare Board, Terrell Pilot Club, Girl Scout Little House Board and Terrell Social Science Club. In Tyler, she served on the East Texas Symphony Board, Tyler Sister Cities Board, University of Texas–Tyler Development Board and East Texas A&M University Foundation Board of Directors.
Ms. Flatt passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 95, but not before opening the doors for women in law and public service while giving generously to the communities she called home.
Dena Bond Risinger
Dena Risinger is a proud 1978 graduate of Terrell High School, where she was Homecoming Queen, Most Talented, a member of Who’s Who, T Award recipient, Senior Math Award, Senior Class Treasurer, and a four-year member of the Terrell Tiger Band. She also served as a majorette during her junior and senior years.
Following high school, Dena attended Baylor University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a certification in teaching in 1981 and graduating Cum Laude. She later earned her math certification where she taught math and accounting and worked as an officer in the banking industry.
Dena’s commitment to Terrell ISD and her community has been marked by more than two decades of dedicated service. First elected to the Terrell ISD Board of Trustees in 2002, she was elected Board President in 2007 and served in that role for 17 years. As a pivotal leader for the district, she was instrumental in helping pass two school bonds, including the May 2025 bond, providing critical investments and facility improvements for Terrell students.
Professionally, Dena serves as a Practice Administrator with Baylor Scott & White and works alongside her husband, Dr. Charlie Risinger, her high school sweetheart. Together, they have remained deeply involved in the Terrell community. Dena has served with First Baptist Church Terrell, Terrell Excellence Foundation, United Way and the Terrell ISD Safety Committee.
A lifelong advocate for public education and the Terrell community, Dena is especially proud of her children, Kelly and Cody, both Terrell graduates. Today, she is also blessed with three little miracles that call her “Dee.” Her legacy of leadership, service, and commitment continues to make a lasting difference in the community she proudly calls home.
Dr. Oliver Wendell Spencer, Jr.
Dr. Oliver Wendell Spencer, Jr. is a proud 1964 graduate of Burnett High School, where he was a four-year varsity football player and co-captain his senior year. He also participated in baseball, track, and was a member of the marching, concert, and jazz bands.
Following graduation, Dr. Spencer attended Prairie View A&M University on a football scholarship, becoming a three-year letterman and earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968. His athletic talents led to opportunities in professional football, including free-agent contracts with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. After injuries ended his football career, he returned to education as a teacher and high school football coach.
Dr. Spencer went on to build an accomplished career in educational leadership, serving as a principal, director, assistant superintendent, and retired as a superintendent. Dr. Spencer also served as Deputy State Commissioner of Human Rights for the state of Minnesota, served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and was appointed to the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance in Charlotte, North Carolina . In higher education he served as the Vice President at Paul Quinn College and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for an HBCU in Virginia. Currently, he is the founder and CEO of the Spencer Consulting Group that provides seminars, workshops and speaking engagements at the national level for aspiring superintendents.
He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota and was invited to participate in an educational leadership summit at Oxford University in England.
Throughout his career, Dr. Spencer has served on numerous boards and received many honors, including Regional Superintendent of the Year. He is a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and holds numerous lifetime memberships in professional and civic organizations.
His commitment to mentoring young people led him to co-found and implement the First and Ten Team Mentoring Program in Dallas. He has contributed as a writer for several books and articles on communication and leadership and is the co-author of the First and Ten Team Mentoring Manual, a national publication designed to support teachers, parents, and communities in helping students succeed. He continues to volunteer with Boys of Color through the program.
Dr. Spencer has also devoted more than four decades to church and community service. He is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and served on the Arts and Science Committee for Friendship Day School. He is also a licensed minister, a former deacon, and has held leadership positions with the National United Church Ushers Association of America and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Spencer and his wife of 57 years, Anita Faber Spencer, have two sons, Oliver W. Spencer III and George Fredrick Spencer; a daughter-in-law, Dr. Shawanda Lester Spencer; and, two grandchildren, Oliver W. Spencer IV and Harper Jean Spencer who affectionately call him Grandaddy.
Truman Welch
Truman Welch devoted 37 years of his life to serving students, families, and the Terrell community through education. After graduating from Wills Point High School, he attended Sam Houston State Teachers College, earning his degree in 1962.
Mr. Welch taught and coached at Crandall ISD for two years before arriving in Terrell. He then spent the next 37 years at Terrell ISD and served in a variety of roles including math teacher, coach, principal of J. E. Langwith Elementary School and principal of Terrell High School before being named Assistant Superintendent. From the 1960s through the early 2000s, his career was defined by a deep commitment to helping students succeed and strengthening the district he called home.
A fierce advocate for athletics, Mr. Welch played a pivotal role in the development of girls’ athletics in Terrell ISD. In the late 1970s, he and longtime school board member Elizabeth Jones were instrumental in securing approval for a middle school girls’ athletic program. He continued to champion opportunities for girls to participate and excel in athletics at both the middle school and high school levels.
His commitment was especially evident in the fall of 1982, when a series of coaching changes left the THS freshman volleyball season in jeopardy of being canceled. By this time Mr. Welch was the Assistant Superintendent, but he stepped in and assumed the additional responsibility of coaching the freshman team. Under his leadership and encouragement, the team completed an undefeated season. Many of those athletes later contributed to Terrell High School varsity volleyball teams that advanced to the regional final and earned top-ten state rankings in 1984 and 1985.
Beyond the schools, Mr. Welch has faithfully served his community through First Baptist Church Terrell, where he has been a deacon, deacon chairman, and trustee.
Truman Welch’s legacy is one of selfless service, leadership, and unwavering dedication. His impact can be seen in the countless students and athletes he encouraged, the programs he helped build, and the generations of Tigers he served throughout his remarkable career.