The Alumni Association of Chattanooga Central High School has announced the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, Class of 2018.
Induction to the Hall of Fame takes place annually as part of the school’s Senior Day program. Inductees have distinguished themselves after graduating in their chosen career. They are recognized leaders in their community and their actions favorably reflect upon Central High School. This year’s class joins the 74 previously inducted members of the Hall of Fame.
The 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Joyce Ireland Cook, CHS Class of 1958 - Ms. Cook is a former business teacher at Central and went on to become an early innovator for credit card point of sale electronic processing (swipe card). Ms. Cook founded IMA Payments Systems, then founded International CyberTrans (ICT), which she led for 13 years until her retirement in 2013.
She represented Tennessee at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (6th District) as a member of the Reserve Bank’s Advisory Council. Ms. Cook currently volunteers with the Foundation Board of the YMCA, the Tennessee Board for Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Justice Industries.
In 1999 she established the Joyce Ireland Cook Scholarship Fund to aid young women in the department of business at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC).
Pam Halfacre Hurst, CHS Class of 1973 - Hamilton County Register of Deeds 1994 – 2018 (retiring August 2018). In her capacity as register, she worked to ensure her office is customer friendly by extending office hours, established a convenient satellite office, developed title search software, and remitted excess fees to County General Fund every year.
Ms. Hurst's integrity and reputation as an elected public servant is influenced by her character education at CHS. Her enthusiasm and embracement of technology in her work has allowed Hamilton County Government to be a trendsetter in transparency and customer service. Personable and professional, she continues to exemplify Purple Pounder Spirit.
Lt. Col. Jay C. Land, US Army; CHS Class of 1988
Selected for an US Army ROTC Scholarship, Mr. Land began serving the year after graduation and has served for over 28 years that include over three years in Iraq and two years in Korea. He has served on three four-star staffs, with the Army Staff and numerous other Major Commands within the Army.
Lt. Col. Land is the recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for service in Iraq; he has Commanded the US Forces Korea Special Troops Battalion; he is authorized the Combat Action Badge, the Master EOD Technician Badge and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He is a graduate of the prestigious Naval War College.
His scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as his long Army career are due, in part, to the education that he received at Central. His accomplishments serve as a great example to current students and fellow alumni alike.
Central High School Senior Day program is Thursday, May 10 at 9 a.m. in the school gym.