Rio Rancho Public Schools is proud to announce the 2023 Hall of Honor Inductees! This year, RRPS inducted 4 new members; Kenneth Todd, Gary Hveem, Glynes Foster and Jim Wheatley.
Kenneth Todd has been a vital member of the RRPS community for over 25 years. During this time, Kenneth has served as a volunteer, athletic event coordinator for RRHS, baseball booster club member, bond committee member and much more. His efforts and dedication to the success of both RRPS academics and athletics are as long lasting as the district itself. Kenneth has created a legacy that will reach students and staff for years to come, and is still an active member of the RRPS family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZlxWeCWQeA
Gary Hveem was hired as RRPS's first ever athletic director back in 1996, and was instrumental in the creation of the RRPS athletic programs. Since RRPS was originally created as a K-8 district, it did not have high school level athletic programs or facilities. Gary worked tirelessly over the years to create the athletic program from scratch with limited resources, building community support and sponsorships and helping to bring the district’s first football/soccer, baseball, and track stadiums to fruition. By the time Gary retired in 2007, RRHS’s wrestling and volleyball teams dominated the big school state championships and the young district had won state titles in girls soccer, softball, baseball, and boys basketball. The foundation he laid set the stage for success in many other sports, including football, cross-country, and track and field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMVKJHey4WI
Glynes Foster was hired by RRPS in 1994 and became the district's first HR Director. Under her leadership, hundreds of employees from two vastly different school districts, Jemez Valley and Albuquerque Public Schools, were successfully integrated into a seamless, high-performing staff. Glynes was also responsible for creating all of RRPS's HR systems and processes from scratch, many of which are still utilized today. Fondly remembered and respected by many at RRPS, her efforts laid a foundation for professionalism and excellence that, over nearly 30 years, continues to enable RRPS to hire and retain outstanding employees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnWS_alDjgI
Jim Wheatley was a dedicated Rotarian who was active in the Rio Rancho Rotary Club for over 20 years. He was passionate about education and wanted to support students who might not have the advantage of others. Jim was involved at the schools with the foreign exchange program and would regularly check up on the students to make sure they were adjusting well to their new environments. Jim’s legacy has lived on through the Rotary annual scholarship program. Through his work with the RR Rotary Club, he supported students at RRHS each year with three $1,000 scholarships. These scholarships were reserved for students who overcame hardships in order to graduate from high school. When CHS opened, Jim strongly advocated that CHS also receive 3 scholarships from the Rotary Club of Rio Rancho. Mr. Wheatley was always a strong advocate and supporter of the youth in Rio Rancho. His advocacy in Rotary was to ensure the Club made the contribution each year that helped 3 graduates of RRHS and then 3 graduates from CHS each year.