by DEBORAH CUNNINGHAM
Forney Ex-Student Association

The following persons have been nominated for the 2009 Forney Hall of Honor:

1. George Brown
2. Brian Kinard
3. James Coleman (J.C.) Mitchell
4. Pat Murray
5. Dr. Carol Cross Wise

Listed below are short biographical sketches of each nominee:

• George Brown, Class of 1969, distinguished nominee, owner of CiCi’s Pizza franchises, has been involved in local church, school, and civic activities all of his adult life.  His most significant contribution is the Forney Education Leadership Foundation, giving scholarships to all applying graduating seniors and grants to teachers for educational materials.  Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has raised over $400,00 and has as its goal permanent endowment.  He is a member of First Baptist Church of Forney.  

• Brian Kinard, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Class of 1982, distinguished nominee, graduated from Texas A&M University magna cum laude with a degree in electrical engineering.  He also received many other prestigious awards during his education.  In 1995 he graduated from Harvard Law School and is currently  employed by Geofarm, Inc. in Palo Alto, California as president, CEO, and General Counsel.

• James Coleman (J.C.) Mitchell, Class of 1952, distinguished athlete nominee, excelled in all sports, especially football.  As a senior at FHS, he set the Texas High School football scoring record with 36 touchdowns and 216 points. He also participated and excelled in sports while in the U.S. Army.  J.C. is a successful and civic-minded businessman, founding Starplex Cinemas.  Besides numerous other locations he opened a twelve screen cinema in Forney for all to enjoy.  He and his wife Sally are contributors to numerous charitable and church organizations.  

• Pat Murray, Class of 1952, distinguished nominee.  Pat retired from a military career with the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as an air rescue pilot, helping to save over 300 lives.  He then began a second career as a successful real estate broker.  During his lifetime he was an Eagle Scout, a scout leader, an accomplished bugler, and a Mason. He is currently enjoying retirement with his wife and numerous grandchildren and continues being active in volunteer work.  

• Carol Cross Wise, PhD, Class of 1981, distinguished nominee, graduated from FHS as valedictorian of her class. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in chemistry and then pursued a PhD in biochemistry from UT Southwestern Medical Center.   As a research scientist at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, her accomplishments include identifying a molecular gene that causes idiopathic scoliosis. She holds two patents dealing with genetic markers and scoliosis.   She is currently an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UT Southwestern and also continues  her research.  She is active in many church and civic organizations and is married to Dr. John Wise, who is also an alumnus of FHS.