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In combination with Platte County High School’s “Winter Athletic Signing Ceremony” on February 16, the Platte County School District inducted three members to its Pirate Hall of Fame: the late Dave Lane, LeeAnn Fadler, and Donna Hulett. Jan Patterson, retired PCR-3 teacher and coach, and class of 2016-17 Hall of Fame member, introduced each new inductee, as the Pirate Hall of Fame coordinator.
Dave Lane: Dave's son Scot Lane accepted the Hall of Fame honor on behalf of his family. Dave was employed by the Platte County School District from 1974-2010. During these 36 years, Dave was a bus driver for 12, and Transportation Director for the next 24 years. He was a respected servant-leader and served the District during a time of significant growth. When he started driving a bus, there were 7 buses at PCR-3. He became PCR-3's first Transportation Director and was a key person in moving the district's buses from the barn off of Humphrey's Access to the current lot and service area. Coach Patterson added, "As a coach during Dave’s tenure, I remember him as a good bus driver with a big smile, a jovial laugh, and he always treated the athletes and Coaches with respect."
LeeAnn Fadler: "Once a Pirate, always a Pirate," so the saying goes around here. Mrs. LeeAnn Fadler grew up as a Pirate in Olathe, Colorado where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1969. She went on to earn a degree in chemistry from Colorado State university, taught chemistry, was a professional headhunter and salesperson, then a technical analyst for a Kansas City law firm. She was on the Platte County School District board of education for 10 years, serving as Vice President for 6 of those years, and was instrumental in helping to improve the school district in a time of significant growth. LeeAnn was also President of the Booster Club and helped to start the Pirate Hall of Fame in 1999.
Donna Hulett: After graduating from Brookfield High School in 1969, Mrs. Donna Hulett went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in business education from the University of Missouri. She began her teaching career in Florida before returning to the midwest to teach and coach in Liberty, Missouri, then joining the staff at PCHS in 1981. She served the Pirates at PCHS for 27 years, as a business teacher, spirit squad/cheerleading coach, swimming coach, and business contest sponsor. Her cheerleading teams qualified for state for 17 years and she helped to produce several all-star cheerleaders who continued their careers at the collegiate levels and beyond. With her son, Josh, she helped to establish the swimming program at Platte County.
The Hall of Fame program was started by the PCHS Booster Club in 1999 as a way to recognize special volunteers, former teachers/employees, or anyone who has contributed significantly to the enhancement of the Platte County R-3 School District. Hall of Fame nominations are accepted year round, and the Hall of Fame inducts new members usually in February. Click here for a list of all members, as well as to access nomination forms.
Mr. Gabe Middleton, PCR-3’s Activities Director also recognized eight student-athletes who will be continuing their athletic careers following graduation from PCHS:
- Kole Jenks - Baseball - College of the Ozarks
- Ivy Hearn - Softball - North Central MO
- Kiersten Robbins - Basketball - Park University
- Cole Rhoden - Football - Kansas
- Chloe Helmer - Softball - North Central MO
- Dylan Bietz - Swimming - Aquinas University
- Maya Sullivan - Track and Field - Oklahoma Baptist
- Kate Brown - Volleyball - Newberry College