Weiser High Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Named

Weiser, Idaho – Two beloved teachers, coaches and administrators, a successful entrepreneur with a commitment to community, a decorated, heroic Marine aviator, and a state championship team are the Inaugural Class of the Weiser High School Hall of Fame. They will be inducted during a reception on Saturday, September 26 at the Weiser Vendome Events Center.

The announcement came today from the Weiser High Alumni Foundation, a new nonprofit organization of Weiser High School Alumni dedicated to positively impacting Weiser Public Schools, current Weiser students and graduates by supporting school initiatives and scholarships for students furthering their education in programs such as vocational training, music, arts, finance and business, as well as athletics.

“These five inductees represent what is best about the Wolverine spirit and the values we hold dear in Weiser,” said Dave Kerby, Superintendent of Weiser Schools and president of the Weiser High Alumni Foundation. “We are proud to recognize their hard work, accomplishments and service to Weiser and beyond,” said Kerby.

The five Hall of Famers are, in alphabetical order: Susan Beckman, Eric Grunke, Terry Mooney, Jim Reed, and the 1987 WHS A-2 State Championship football team.

---

Susan Beckman

Susan is recognized as not only a successful entrepreneur but a philanthropist who has shared her success to support children, the elderly, those facing hardships and more.

Susan founded Camille Beckman in 1986 to manufacture high quality personal care products grounded in small town values and craftsmanship. The corporation now operates at a large-scale production and event facility in Eagle, Idaho. Susan has channeled her success to make a meaningful impact by supporting initiatives such as youth development, community health services and food security including partnerships with organizations such as the Idaho Foodbank. As a woman-owned company, Camille Beckman has created long-term employment opportunities and fostered a culture that values people, sustainability and community connection.

Eric Grunke

Eric, son of Jim and Judy Grunke (a retired Weiser school teacher), was an outstanding student, athlete and member of the marching band and choir, but it was after graduation that he truly distinguished himself. Eric chose the rigorous path of a career as a United States Marine, earning his wings and specializing in the AV-88 Harrier, one of the most sophisticated and demanding military aircraft.

In March 2011, Eric led a daring mission in Libya to rescue a downed pilot about to fall into enemy hands. Eric deployed laser-guided munitions with surgical accuracy to keep hostile forces at bay, then guided a V-22 Osprey aircraft to a precarious landing to retrieve the pilot. In 2012, Grunke was honored with the Alfred A. Cunningham Award as Marine Aviator of the Year as the top Marine pilot in the nation.

Terry Mooney

A beloved teacher, coach and athletic director, Terry Mooney spent 39 years in the Weiser school system. Terry embodies the Wolverine Spirit through and through, instilling in his athletes the values of the “Weiser Way” – performing to the best of your abilities while exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship and outperforming expectations. His list of accolades is long including five-time District Baseball Coach of the Year, two-time District III Athletic Director of the Year, 2018 Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame inductee and “The man who taught Weiser to drive.”

Jim Reed

In his 37-year career at Weiser Public Schools, Reed served as teacher, coach, Vice Principal, Principal, Superintendent, and perhaps most important of all, mentor to an entire generation of educators and leaders. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1975, Reed began his career at Weiser High teaching English and coaching cross country and wrestling. He guided the girls cross country team to the 1978-79 state championship and a second-place finish for the boys team. In 1979-80, he coached the wrestling team to a state championship.

In 1980, he transitioned from the classroom to administration. Over the following 32 years he served as Assistant Principal (WHS), Principal (Weiser Middle School), Principal (WHS) and Superintendent of Weiser Schools. During his tenure as Superintendent (1992-2012) five principals he mentored went on to become school district superintendents. Through it all, Reed exuded benevolence, compassion and goodwill, making him one of the most respected and best loved of all Weiser educators.

1987 State Championship Football Team

Led by head coach John Srholec, the 1987 squad capped an undefeated season with Weiser’s first Idaho Class A-2 Football Championship. The memorable 1987 campaign remains one of the most celebrated seasons in WHS history and put Weiser on the map for high school football excellence.

---