ACHIEVEMENT — Bill Yeisley, Class of 1952

FINE ARTS — Jude Smith, Class of 1981

SERVICE — James Moore, Class of 1953

COMMUNITY IMPACT — Tom Wilkinson, Class of 1986

ATHLETIC — Wayne Hormann, Class of 1985

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Homecoming weekend, Friday, Sept. 27. Please attend at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center at 9 a.m. for the induction ceremony, followed by a public reception in the lobby.

Bill Yeisley – Achievement Hall of Fame

At the top of the Cedar Rapids Athletic Officials Association overview packet in bold letters says: “The game is for the kids – not the coach or the officials.” Our 2024 Achievement Hall of Fame Recipient Bill Yeisley spent his life training educators, referees, students and players to play a fair game “for the kids.” Yeisley was nominated by his sisters Rachel Yeisley Miller and Gale Yeisley Rhodes.

Yeisley’s life has been marked by dedication to both education and athletics. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Yeisley was not only a standout student but also an active participant in numerous Yeisley extracurricular activities. He played football for two years, basketball for at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center at 9 a.m. for the induction ceremony, followed by a public reception in the lobby. Bill Yeisley – Achievement Hall of Fame At the top of the Cedar Rapids Athletic Officials Association overview packet in bold letters says: “The game is for the kids – not the coach or the officials.” Our 2024 Achievement Hall of Fame Recipient Bill Yeisley spent his life training educators, referees, students and players to play a fair game “for the kids.” Yeisley was nominated by his sisters Rachel Yeisley Miller and Gale Yeisley Rhodes. Yeisley’s life has been marked by dedication to both education and athletics. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Yeisley was not only a standout student but also an active participant in numerous Yeisley extracurricular activities. He played football for two years, basketball for three, and excelled in track for four years. Beyond sports, Yeisley’s interests extended to the arts and leadership. He served on the student council, was a member of the school newspaper staff, and participated in the Velvet Curtain Drama Club. He was involved in both mixed chorus and boys’ chorus, along with playing in the band and drum ensemble. He lettered in football and track, performed in leading roles in school plays, and earned a State Superior Performance Rating for his senior-year operetta.

After graduating, Yeisley attended Cornell College, earning his bachelor of arts in 1957. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he received his master of arts in 1964. After college, Yeisley began his successful career as a classroom teacher and coach, serving in that role for 11 years before transitioning into school administration. For 27 years, he was an elementary school principal in Marion, until his retirement in 1995. He married Harriet Yeisley in 1952. The couple have two daughters, two sons in law, and four grandchildren.

Most people know Yeisley through his work officiating sports. For 34 years, he was a registered official with the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), officiating in football, basketball, and baseball. His expertise and dedication led him to officiate at the Iowa High School Football playoffs for 23 years, including five state championship games. In 1992, Yeisley was selected to officiate the Iowa Shrine Senior Bowl Game. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame in 2001.

Yeisley has also been an active member of the Cedar Rapids Area Officials Association, where he served in various leadership roles. He has been the training coordinator for new football officials and acted as the coordinator for football rules study presentations. Yeisley’s years of experience as an educator helped him train new officials. Under Yeisley’s training, referees started in middle school games before working their way to varsity games. He coached officials through the process and helped them understand the entirety of their roles. In 2015 a Cedar Rapids Gazette article Bill said, “‘A lot of people don’t realize how good of shape referees need to be in,” Yeisley said. ‘They are running up and down the field as much as the athletes.”

Among his many accolades, Yeisley has been honored with the prestigious Distinguished National Contributor Award by the National Federation of High School Officials in 2003 and was named the Iowa Football Official of the Year in 2005 by the National Officials Association. He published a paper on mentoring in the National Federation of High School Officials Quarterly Magazine, for which he received a merit award 2000.

Wayne Hormann – Athletics Hall of Fame

In 1984, Jeff Dahn, sport reporter of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun said, “Wayne Hormann was a powerful force for the Mustangs all season.” Our 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Recipient Wayne Hormann has been a powerful force in Mount Vernon his entire life. Hormann was nominated by his wife Jodi Hormann, Dave Ryan (Class of 1985) and Jeremy Hotz (Class of 1999).

Wayne Hormann’s football career is one of dedication, versatility, and excellence, both on and off the field. “Hormann was old school tough….probably would have enjoyed playing football without a helmet,” said David Ryan, nominator. “He was one of the best offensive blockers and defensive tacklers of his era. I recall he was equally tough on his teammates setting the tempo in the huddle with raw intensity and piercing stares that made everyone around him a better football player.”

In 1983, Hormann was a unanimous first-team, two-way Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference selection, excelling as both an offensive guard and a defensive lineman. His relentless play earned him a spot on the Quad City Times Eastern Iowa All-Star First Team as offensive guard and a place on the Des Moines Register’s Class 2A Second Team All-State. Hormann led the team with impressive 64 tackles in just nine games and was instrumental in guiding Mount Vernon to an 8-1 record.

The following year, Hormann continued to excel on the football field. This time, his talents earned him a spot on the Iowa Newspapers Association Second Team All-State (across all classes) for his defensive play and Des Moines Register’s Class 2A First Team All-State honors on the defensive line. Leading the team again with 96 tackles in 11 games, he helped Mount Vernon to a 10-1 record.

In addition to football, Hormann was a standout in track and field, qualifying for state in both the shot put and discus. His throws of 51 feet 7 inches in shot put and 150 feet 8 inches in discus placed him among the top five in school history for at least 15 years. In 1985, Hormann participated in the Iowa Shrine Bowl, showcasing his talents alongside other top players from across the state.

After high school, Hormann signed a national letter of intent to play football at the University of Northern Iowa. However, after a knee injury, he transferred to Coe College, where he continued to play football for three years. His college career included strong performances on the defensive line, recording 44 tackles in 1987 and 37 tackles in 1988.

Even after his playing days ended, Hormann continued to contribute to the Mount Vernon football program. In 2007, he was selected as the second honorary player for the Mount Vernon High School football team. During his time, he also took on the role of weight room coach and assisted in coaching the seventh and eighthgrade football and shot put teams. He volunteered hours each summer helping with the speed and agility programs. “If you have a son that’s played on a team Wayne coached, you’d probably say passion equals loud. Wayne routinely explains to his players that he yells,” Jodi, Wayne’s wife, said. “He wants them to enjoy the game and be excited to play it. Your time on the field is short, you need to make the most of it.” “Hormann has coached for the Mount Vernon Mustangs simply for the love of the game and program,” said nominator Jeremy Hotz. “During his time coaching, he has never once accepted or expected to be paid for any of his service, it has been entirely volunteer.” Hormann’s commitment to Mount Vernon athletics went beyond coaching. In 2014, he volunteered over 500 hours to help with the construction of the new bleachers at the First Street Field—a testament to his love for the sport and elected as the second honorary player for the Mount Vernon High School football team. During his time, he also took on the role of weight room coach and assisted in coaching the seventh and eighthgrade football and shot put teams. He volunteered hours each summer helping with the speed and agility programs. “If you have a son that’s played on a team Wayne coached, you’d probably say passion equals loud. Wayne routinely explains to his players that he yells,” Jodi, Wayne’s wife, said. “He wants them to enjoy the game and be excited to play it. Your time on the field is short, you need to make the most of it.”

“Hormann has coached for the Mount Vernon Mustangs simply for the love of the game and program,” said nominator Jeremy Hotz. “During his time coaching, he has never once accepted or expected to be paid for any of his service, it has been entirely volunteer.”

Hormann’s commitment to Mount Vernon athletics went beyond coaching. In 2014, he volunteered over 500 hours to help with the construction of the new bleachers at the First Street Field—a testament to his love for the sport and his community.

“Wayne is proud of his career at Mount Vernon, but if you asked him he would tell you that it was about being a team,” Jodi said. “It wasn’t his statistic, it was the team statistic that is important to him. It was about getting up early and putting in the hours in the weight room, practicing with the team and doing the work. He tells our boys Hunter and Garrett often, it’s not the skills you have – it’s how hard you work to improve the skills you have. It’s about heart.”

James Moore – Service Hall of Fame

James Moore’s family has a history of service as old as the United States. When he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954, the late James continued a 235-year tradition of military service. It is that service that defined the life of Reverend, Doctor, Representative, and Colonel James Moore (class of 1953). Our 2024 Service Hall of Fame Recipient James Moore was nominated by his sisters Kathy Bearce (class of 1958) and the late Treva Heiser (class of 1950). He will be represented at the ceremony by his son, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Moore.

Moore spent his youth in Solon and Mount Vernon and graduated from high school in May 1953. Growing up on a farm taught Moore how to work hard, but he set his sights in a different direction the minute he hit the clouds. At just 16, he began flying lessons.

After a brief stint at the University of Iowa, Moore enlisted for four years in the US Air Force on February 15, 1955. The Air Force greatly added to his lifelong character – he loved uniforms, pomp & circumstance, orderliness & organization. Quite frankly, he loved his country and everything it stood for. While on leave from Chanute AFB in Illinois, Moore’s best friend introduced him to Elizabeth Marie Shaw who was attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon. Moore was so love struck, that at the end of his enlistment he began attending Cornell College with her in the fall of 1958. They were married in June 1959 and moved to Denver to begin their family. They had five sons – Robert, James, John, Thomas, and Timothy. “I consider my wife of 55-years along with our five sons, their wives and children to be my greatest responsibility and blessing,” Moore said in 2015. “My belief system has been tried, improved and tested over the years. There is no greater joy than to see righteous children take their place in contributing to a productive society. My family is my success.” Jim and Beth moved to Colorado where he continued his education at the University of Denver. Moore completed his bachelor’s degree in 1971 from the University of Denver, a masters in 1977 from the University of Northern Colorado, and his doctorate in 1990 from Pacific Western University. He taught business and business law at the Community College from 1975at the University of Iowa, Moore enlisted for four years in the US Air Force on February 15, 1955. The Air Force greatly added to his lifelong character – he loved uniforms, pomp & circumstance, orderliness & organization. Quite frankly, he loved his country and everything it stood for. While on leave from Chanute AFB in Illinois, Moore’s best friend introduced him to Elizabeth Marie Shaw who was attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon. Moore was so love struck, that at the end of his enlistment he began attending Cornell College with her in the fall of 1958. They were married in June 1959 and moved to Denver to begin their family. They had five sons – Robert, James, John, Thomas, and Timothy. “I consider my wife of 55-years along with our five sons, their wives and children to be my greatest responsibility and blessing,” Moore said in 2015. “My belief system has been tried, improved and tested over the years. There is no greater joy than to see righteous children take their place in contributing to a productive society. My family is my success.” Jim and Beth moved to Colorado where he continued his education at the University of Denver.

Moore completed his bachelor’s degree in 1971 from the University of Denver, a masters in 1977 from the University of Northern Colorado, and his doctorate in 1990 from Pacific Western University. He taught business and business law at the Community College from 1975 until his retirement in 1995. Moore was on the merit badge committee, finance committee, and the Order of the Arrow, for Troop 57, Timberline District, Jefferson County, Colorado. He was City of Lakewood, State of Colorado and National badge counselor and a member of the BSA Court of Honor. He guided his five sons as well as many other Scouts to reach the honor of Eagle Scout.

Moore also volunteered to encourage the ROTC cadets at the University of Colorado to take pride in the military and to share the joy of flying as Jim took them flying in his private airplane. He continued flying, served in the Civil Air Patrol, and served in the Colorado legislature for four years.

After a lifetime of service, Moore went on to serve in the US Air Force Reserves. He was commissioned to serve in the United States Air Force Auxiliary in June 1987 and received an ecclesiastical endorsement as a chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including squadron chaplain, group chaplain, wing chaplain and ultimately as chief of chaplain services overseeing operations for 800 chaplains of all faiths. As squadron, group and wing chaplain duties were the moral and spiritual advisor for the commander plus personal training for the youth called cadets.

He served in numerous assignments within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served with wife on a full time religious mission in Texas, and in the Denver LDS temple.

Moore passed away in 2014 but his history of service to his family, his faith, and his country remains an enduring legacy.

Tom Wilkinson – Community Impact Hall of Fame

Tom Wilkinson wears many hats in the Mount Vernon community – family man, alum, teacher, and coach. His many hats have changed the Mount Vernon Community. Our 2024 Mount Vernon Community Impact Award goes to Tom Wilkinson (Class of 1986). He was nominated by his daughter Emily Wilkinson Vislisel (Class of 2009). Wilkinson grew up in Mount Vernon and graduated in 1986.

“My senior year was probably most memorable,” Wilkinson said. “With encouragement from some of my friends, I joined the choir and got involved in drama. I never felt I was a strong singer, but I had a lot of fun. In theater I tried out and got some small parts in a couple of plays and a musical.”

Teachers understand teachers. No surprise, Wilkinson had many favorite teachers at Mount Vernon. “I have many strong memories of my teachers at Mount Vernon. Mr. Silliman, my German teacher, taught me to think of a bigger world. Mrs. Michaud, my English teacher, helped me develop my voice in writing. Mrs. Thatcher my fourth grade teacher and Mrs. Ellison my English teacher both helped me to develop and awaken acting and speaking skills. Mr. Oliphant, my MS Social Studies teacher showed me that I could learn, study and focus. Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Swenson, my art teachers, helped me develop my artistic and creative skills. Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Marlow helped me read and explore new worlds with reading and writing. Mr. Schwiebert and Mr. Dick Peters helped me develop a background and understanding of political events and understanding of historical changes. No one teacher was everything for me, but together they have made a significant impact on the course of my life.”

Wilkinson moved to Phoenix, Ariz., after graduating with his bachelor of arts from Loras College. One year, he returned home for the holidays and ended up changing his path completely. Principal Tom Madson found him and explained that the high school needed a German teacher in the middle of the year. Wilkinson accepted the position and has been in Mount Vernon ever since.

Soon Wilkinson wanted to make a difference with students beyond the classroom. In 2006, Wilkinson started a small archery club with a handful of participants. Soon the club grew into the Mount Vernon Archery Club, a significant program with more than 140 students from grades fourth to 12th at its peak.

Wilkinson went on to become a certified USA Archery Level 3 Coach. As a coach, Wilkinson embraced the philosophy of the Positive Coaching Alliance, which encourages “double-goal coaching”—striving to win while focusing on teaching life lessons through the sport. Under Wilkinson’s leadership, MV Archery emphasized personal growth, teamwork, and character development. For Wilkinson, success isn’t just measured in trophies or titles; it’s seen in the development of young individuals into confident, capable adults.

Wilkinson retired as Mount Vernon Archery Coach in 2018. Today, he continues to coach individuals and instruct beginning and intermediate level coaches as well as compete in summer and winter leagues and state competitions. He has coached several individual archers to the podium in state and national NASP championships.

Wilkinson’s jobs today also include a new hat – Grandpa.

“Today, my grandsons Cody and Lucas are at the center of my world,” Wilkinson said. “They go to Washington Elementary and are in kindergarten and second grade. I see them almost every day before school and after school. I’m thankful to have my daughter Emily and her husband Jeff Vislisel, both graduates of MVHS, as a big part of my life and living so close. Erin and I are so thankful and love that they are so close. I also enjoy working in the same building as my wife and have been fortunate to do so for the past 26 years.”

Jude Smith – Fine Arts Hall of Fame

For nearly three decades our fine arts award recipient has provided customized art solutions for highend residential and corporate collections. Our 2024 Fine Arts Award Recipient is Jude Smith (Class of 1981). She was nominated by her classmate and fellow designer Rhondi Ewing (Class of 1981).

In high school, Smith was involved in cheerleading and art classes. “The direction and course I have taken in my life is due to one remarkable high school art teacher – Donna Swenson,” Smith said.

“Donna believed in us and as I reflect today, I can’t help to wonder how differently my life would have played out if she wasn’t so adamant that I attend Mount Mercy College and receive an art degree.”

In addition, Smith was a Mustang cheerleader for football and basketball. Smith received a bachelor of arts in art from Mount Mercy University and started her art career at the Corner House Gallery in Cedar Rapids before forming her own company in 1993. Today, Smith is an art consultant and art advisor in her business The Art Makery.

Using both her art and people skills first honed at Mount Vernon, Smith has had to learn and utilize many skills including establishing a network of artists, establishing a network of customers, and creating a network of contractors. In addition, she is a project manager for each installation where she has an eye for detail and impeccable planning skills.

Smith links artists and their work to new or redecorated commercial properties, primarily for hotels, nationwide. Her projects include Marriott Hotels in Phoenix, Ariz., Tempe, Ariz., New York City, Irvine, Calif., and Oklahoma City as well as corporate and private properties all over the country.

Smith is an art curator specializing in creating captivating visual experiences. Her role involves designing and organizing art installations for spaces like entrances, lobbies, and other public areas. She works closely with clients to select and arrange artwork that tells a story and enhances the visitor experience. Once the artwork is chosen, Jude oversees its installation and negotiates sales with artists and collectors.

As an expert in art history, techniques, and market trends, Smith brings a deep understanding of the art world to her projects. She excels at building relationships with artists, interior designers, architects, and hotel management to create cohesive and appealing environments. Her ability to assess the value of artworks and anticipate trends ensures her clients receive pieces that not only enhance aesthetics but also add market value.

“I’m passionate about combining the old in the new and creating spaces that are thought-provoking and well curated,” Smith said. Her skillful curation leaves a lasting impression, blending art with hospitality.

Her business has grown and evolved over time.

For most of her life, Smith lived in Scottsdale, Ariz., with her husband Greg Raupp, who is a professor of chemical engineering at Arizona State University.

One of her most recent projects brought her back to her roots. She recently completed restoration and redesign of a building here in Mount Vernon. The now beautiful building includes a storefront downstairs and upstairs living quarters for Jude’s family.

Longtime alumni association director Kathy Staskal said “Because of her reputation in this industry and the many talents she possesses to make The Art Makery successful, I believe Jude is well deserving of a spot in the Hall of Fame.”

“When I think back to us taking art classes with Donna Swenson at MVHS, and I look at her today, I know that Donna would be SO PROUD of her, as am I,” said nominator Rhodi Ewing.