The 2023 Homecoming festivities were packed full of fun and recognition. Prior to the football game, your Bull Dog Alumni Association held its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies that added two more distinguished Bull Dogs to the prestigious group. You can watch the full ceremony (approximately 40 Minutes) by following this link: 2023 Bull Dog Hall of Fame Presentation – YouTube
Harold Force, CHS ’69
Tami Stone Iorio, CNHS ’90
Harold Force
A member of the CHS Class of 1969, Harold F. Force went on to Purdue University where he graduated with a B.S. in 1973 and an M.S. in 1974. He majored in Civil Engineering and his success at Purdue is reflected by the numerous awards he has received.
As president and chairman of Force Construction, Harold led the company to a position as one of the top Design-Build firms in the state. He founded A/E Firm, Force Design Inc., and is the Director/President of multiple private and public companies. He was elected to the National Academy of Construction, the Indiana Construction Association and Associated General Contractors of Indiana.
As a community leader, Harold has served as member and past chairman of the Columbus Economic Development Board, an IUPUC Advisory Board member and Director and Executive Committee member for the Japan-America Society of Indiana. He was honored with the IUPUI spirit of Philanthropy Award for helping develop the IU-PU campus through his leadership, advocacy, and financial contributions. He is a distinguished Eagle Scout, a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, order of Constantine and Significant Sig, and member and former chairman of Indiana YPO.
Tami Iorio
Class of 1990 member Dr. Tami Stone Iorio attended Vanderbilt University after she graduated from Columbus North. In addition to being a popular physician in Columbus, Tami is one of the foremost experts in Columbus and Bartholomew history.
She has authored several books, including 2005’s “Indiana in Vintage Postcards,” the 2010’s “Columbus Then and Now,” and 2013’s, “Legendary Locals of Columbus.” She was appointed Bartholomew County Historian in 2018, where she secured grant funding for operations and special projects for the Historical Society. In 2019, she co-authored the book, “The Story of CNHS, 150 Years.” In 2021, as Bartholomew County began to celebrate its Bicentennial, she gathered content and wrote script for a five-part video series, “It Began with Bartholomew.” Tami also provided content for the 1821 Trail Project in downtown Columbus. As the city envisions its future, she has helped it move forward while preserving its rich past.
Induction Ceremony
Prior to the ceremony, attendees (which included friends, classmates, and family of the inductees, previously inducted Hall of Famers, and other Bull Dog Alumni) were able to mingle and reconnect and were treated to a delectable assortment of hors d’oeuvres and sweets prepared by CNHS Food Services under the direction of CNHS Food Services Manager Caitlin Glassburn.
The festivities were kicked off with entertainment by the 25th Street Singers (directed by Ellie Kopp, CNHS choral department), including rousing renditions of the CHS alma mater and the CNHS fight song… Go North!
During the ceremony, the Bull Dog Alumni Association recognized 2023 Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Keith Burton, and 2023 Emerging Teacher of the Year, Katie Shelton. This was the 7th year we’ve awarded the Outstanding Teacher of the Year – and the 1st year we honored an Emerging star, who has one to three years of teaching experience. Students were given the opportunity to nominate teachers for both awards. An Alumni Association committee selected the winning teachers from those nominations.
Bull Dog Alumni Association President, Pete King, introduced each Hall of Fame inductee with a short summary of their impressive credentials and accomplishments. Both inductees gave heartfelt and touching acceptance speeches recognizing the importance of their family, the community, and their high school experiences to their success. After each acceptance speech, Hedy George, Executive Director of the Bull Dog Alumni Association presented the inductee with their crystal Hall of Fame memento.
The ceremony ended with an invitation to move to Max Andress field to view the Homecoming football game and associated homecoming activities.
2023 Homecoming King Austin Clark and Queen Alaney Parker
Unfortunately, the Bull Dogs came up short against Class 5A #3 ranked Bloomington South. The Panthers won by a score of 49-14