KINGSVILLE, Texas - It was an emotional time at HMK High School Saturday, Sept. 26, as the KISD Education Foundation inducted the newest members into the Brahma Hall of Fame.
Tears fell and cheers roared as the community, friends and family members honored the inductees.
The inductees included Odis Michalk, 1952 Brahma Football; Doug Harvey, 1958 Brahma Football; Rolando Molina, Former Brahma Band Director; Col. Henry Hodge, U.S. Army retired; Dr. Johnny Sandoval, Powerlifting State Champion; 1961 Brahma Baseball Team, Regional Finalists; and 1984 Brahma Marching Band, State Finalist.
Martin Chapa, Kingsville ISD Board of Trustee (Secretary) and Kingsville Education Foundation Member, hosted the event.
He thanked the community and recognized inductees, reminding everyone this fundraiser helps raise scholarship money for Kingsville ISD students.
Inductees were each recognized in turn and thanked the Foundation for the honor, as they reminisced about their time as Brahmas.
“We were a ragtag bunch,” the only member of the 1961 Baseball Team present Abel Gonzales said. The team finished fifth in state. “It was the love of the game that kept us playing and allowed us to put our best effort.”
Kingsville ISD Superintendent Dr. Luz Martinez spoke at the event, congratulating the inductees and thanking them for their legacy and the inspiration they are to today’s Brahmas.
“The Hall of Fame is a bridge between generations, a reminder to these students who currently walk these hallways…that greatness is in each of them,” she said. “We want to continue building on your legacy. Thank you inductees for being part of the legacy of KISD.”
Current Director of Fine Arts and Band Director for HMK High School Porfirio Mendez spoke on behalf of the 1984 marching band.
He was a freshman in 1984 and part of the band that finished 5th in the state in class 5A.
He had the crowd laughing with a tale of the trip to state contest during which the bus drivers got lost, causing the band to frantically dress and prep as they arrived just in time to perform.
The band’s three drum majors accepted the award - Scott Holland, Art Gallegos, and Velma Lozano
Holland said the drum majors had not seen each other in decades.
“Mr. Molina taught us to truly be a team,” he said. “We had to give our best every day. We really appreciate the recognition for the whole band. To Mr. Molina - thanks for believing in us.”
The Foundation has two additional fundraisers, a Homecoming Tailgate in October, and the annual golf tournament in April. The honorees will be further recognized when their photographs are hung in the hallways of HMK High School.