Buchanan Community Schools Hall of Fame 2019 – Press Release
At the 2019 Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony, our district recognized three distinguished individuals who left their mark on this community and our school district. Our new inductees into the Buchanan Hall of Fame represent the finest characteristics of service and achievement that inspire us to continue the rich traditions at Buchanan Community Schools for academics, athletics, and the arts.
Each year, a representative committee of school leaders and staff members reviews the submitted nominations in three categories: Contributions to Society, Performance in School Related Activities, and Contributions to Buchanan Community Schools. This year, we were pleased to honor three individuals who represent the best of our district and this community.
Our 20
19 Buchanan Hall of Fame Winner for Contributions to Society is Jay E. Town
Jay Town is a distinguished graduate of Buchanan High School, class of 1991. Jay went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and he earned his Law Degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey in 1998. At the age of 43, Jay was selected by the President to serve as US Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Now, as a federal litigator, he continues to serve his country and community in an influential and significant capacity.
Our 2019 Buchanan Hall of Fame Winner for Performance in School Related Activities is Patience Vanderbush.
Patience graduated from Buchanan High School in 1978. During her four years at BHS, she excelled both academically and athletically, earning multiple records and acclaim in volleyball, track, and women’s basketball
Patience’s academic achievements after Buchanan High School include a BA from Northwestern in English, an MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in both journalism and public health. Patience taught, coached, and later formed a medical writing business in 1995 before retiring in 2013.
Our third honoree for the Buchanan Hall of Fame is awarded posthumously, recognizing the late Leon Bagwell for Contributions to Buchanan Community Schools. Leon’s wife, Sandy, and daughter Robyn, accepted the award in Leon’s memory.
Coach Bagwell worked as a volunteer in the Buchanan community and as coach for Buchanan Community Schools in multiple capacities, mentoring many young men and women during his tenure and influencing several generations of athletes.
During his softball coaching career, the Bucks won 10 District Titles, 4 Regional Titles, and made 2 semifinal appearances. He rarely missed a practice, game, or workout where he always showed his stern, yet encouraging persona. He was present at the softball banquet just days before he passed away because he believed in the importance of the program and was dedicated to student athletes in every way.
May we all be inspired by the dedication, accomplishments, and success of our honorees this year—and may we steadfastly continue the important work of developing the Hall of Fame honorees who are yet to come in the years ahead—the students in our classrooms and the staff and volunteers in our district today. Thank you for your continued support of Buchanan Community Schools.
Timothy Donahue
