The Lawrence Lions Alumni Association welcomed six new members to the LHS Hall of Honor at the annual Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Oct 5th.
The LLAA recognizes graduates of Lawrence High School who have “distinguished themselves in their professions” or “made significant contributions to society”, as well as graduates of the former Liberty Memorial High School, and others who have made positive impacts at Lawrence High.
This year’s honorees were Dr. Russell L. Blackbird (LHS 1968), Ronald “Ron” Commons (LHS 1967), Kannon Kumar Shanmugam (LHS 1989), John H. Spearman, Jr. (LHS 1968), Michael S. Spearman (LHS 1971), and Jaunelle Hamilton White (LHS 1996).
The ceremony was led by social studies teacher and LLAA trustee member Valerie Schrag, filling in for Principal Quentin Rials, who was unable to attend due to illness.
After welcome statements by Schrag, the LHS Chorale performed the Star Spangled Banner and the Alma Mater. A ‘Lawrence Alumni Association’ cookie cake was given to the singers as a token of appreciation.
Following an overview of the inductees, Dr. Russell L. Blackbird, a retired educator and Dean of Haskell Indian Nations University, was introduced by David Lawrence.
In his profile on the LLAA website, Blackbird emphasizes, “Each year of my career was extraordinary and a wonderful learning experience. . . . I am deeply humbled and honored to be named to the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor!”
Next, Chad Commons introduced his father, honoree Ronald Commons, a dedicated former LHS coach, teacher, and athletic director.
R. Commons concluded his acceptance speech with advice for current students.
“Create some memories while you’re here. Create some friendships because they will always last you a lifetime,” Commons said.
Honored next was Kannon Kumar Shanmugam, a nationally recognized appellate attorney and Supreme Court advocate. He was introduced by his brother, Ravi Shanmugan.
In his introduction, R. Shanmugan emphasized his brother’s positive impact on the legal community.
“You may know about his many accomplishments in his career. . . . but what you may not know is how much he cares about making the legal profession and community better, and how he looks out for the next generation of lawyers who look to him for support and guidance,” R. Shanmugan said.
In his speech, K. Shanmugan expressed his gratitude for the “especially extraordinary teachers” he encountered at LHS, highlighting former Latin teacher Ann Shaw.
“I owe a particular debt of gratitude to [Shaw] because she inspired me to major in the classics, a decision that set me on the trajectory to where I am now,” K. Shanmugan said.
This year, John H. Spearman Jr. and Michael S. Spearman join their father, John H. Spearman Sr. (LMHS 1946), in the Hall of Honor. Spearman Sr. was a Lawrence civil rights activist and was inducted in 2023.
J. Spearman Jr., a retired healthcare executive, was introduced by Dr. Sean Lee Alexander, chair of the African and African American Studies Department at KU.
In his speech, Spearman Jr. thanked former LHS Budget reporter Tessa Coller, who, in 2022, led an investigative reporting project focused on highlighting diverse voices in the Hall of Honor. Coller, alongside fellow former Budget journalist Cuyler Dunn, spoke with the Spearman brothers about their experiences as activists at LHS and KU in an interview that can be viewed on the LHSBudget YouTube channel.
Continuing, Spearman Jr. offered a message to youth today, encouraging activism.
“When you decide to act, be fearless. Be relentless. Don’t back down,” Spearman Jr. said.
Next, Schrag introduced M. Spearman. This year, Schrag is teaching the first-ever AP African American Studies class at LHS, a brand-new course that recently became available for public schools. Various AP African American Studies students attended the ceremony, having studied the Spearman brothers at the start of the school year.
“They [students] are here to honor Michael and John’s courageous actions so many years ago,” Schrag said. “You have truly left a legacy that has transformed this school for the ages.”
In his speech, M. Spearman touched on his family’s role in activism in Lawrence, citing their efforts to establish an integrated public pool and a successful petition for an African American History class at LHS.
Lastly, Jaunelle Hamilton White, collegiate volleyball player and Vice President of Intercolliegate Athletics, was introduced by Stephanie Scarbrough and Anne Emert.
Hamilton White, who played on the 1994 and 1995 LHS Volleyball State Championship teams, had not returned to Lawrence for years and was touched by the ceremony.
“I’m grateful to God for all the things he’s done and is currently doing in my life. I consider it an honor and a privilege to represent the class of 1996,” Hamilton White said.
After the ceremony concluded, refreshments were offered in the atrium, as framed photos of the 2025 honorees gleamed proudly on a display table in front of the Hall of Honor.
Detailed profiles on the 2025 Hall of Honor inductees and others can be found on the Lawrence Lions Alumni website. Hall of Honor nominations are accepted year-round. Click here to nominate a graduate.