SCS honors two distinguished alumni and a respected educator with hall of fame status

A pair of DePauw University graduates and Shelbyville High School class valedictorians, and a legendary SHS teacher were inducted into respective Shelbyville Central Schools’ Halls of Fame Thursday evening at a ceremony at the school’s Golden Bear Room.

Robert Bennett and Gretchen Haehl were selected as the most recent members of the Shelbyville High School Alumni Hall of Fame and long-time educator Jerry Rice became the first individual to be inducted into the Shelbyville Central Schools Educators Hall of Fame.

“We started the alumni hall of fame in 2008 and had talked about adding a similar educators recognition hall at various times,” said SCS Director of Student Services and Hall of Fame coordinator Andy Hensley. “Shelbyville graduates and local attorneys Curt Johnson and Tyler Brant approached us with the idea of honoring Mr. Rice. Superintendent (Matt) Vance thought this would serve as a prime opportunity to initiate the teacher’s hall of fame as well.”

Robert Bennett was the epitome of traditional Shelbyville achievement. He was SHS valedictorian in 1943. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic efforts as a combat pilot during the final two years of World War II.

He returned to Indiana following the war and enrolled at DePauw University, graduating in 1949. Robert joined his father in the family business, the Todd-Bennett men’s clothier store.

The store became a Shelbyville institution with generations of men and boys purchasing a variety of formal and casual wear at the familiar site in downtown Shelbyville.

“There were so many items that looked so good that I thought, ‘I have to have that,’” said former Shelbyville mayor and fellow Hall of Fame member Dan Theobald. 

Bennett employed a legion of young men over the years and became a true mentor to so many.

“Mr. Bennett taught me about business, investment; he taught me about life,” said Bruce Van Cleve (also an SHS Hall of Fame member). “I worked for him for six years. He was like family to me and had a profound impact on my life and the lives of many others.”

Bennett’s community service history is equally impressive. He was a founding member of The Shelby County United Fund (SCUFFY) and the Shelbyville Boys Club boards. He served on boards of directors for The Farmers National Bank, Shelby Industries and Forest Hill Cemetery.

Bennett was instrumental in securing the land and providing vision for Shelbyville school expansion during his two terms on the Shelbyville Central Schools Board of Trustees. That land is now the site of Shelbyville High School, Shelbyville Middle School and the associated athletic complexes.

Bennett was represented by his nephew, Michael Vaught, who stated that his uncle never wanted to live anywhere other than Shelbyville.

“He said he liked the people and the community,” related Vaught. “Robert Bennett was often heard to say: ‘Shelbyville is my home.’”

Vaught also read letters of gratitude from Bennett’s daughters, Meredith and Sarah.

Robert Bennett died in 2025 at the age of 100.

Now 40 years old, Gretchen Haehl became the youngest person to date to achieve Hall of Fame status. The 2004 SHS graduate was class valedictorian and student council president. She was an Indiana basketball All-Star who set numerous Golden Bear records in leading her Shelbyville teams to two sectional titles.

Gretchen and twin sister Gwen matriculated to DePauw where they played major roles on the Tigers’ 2007 NCAA Division III national basketball championship team. Gretchen still holds several DePauw basketball records.

After her Depauw graduation, she earned an MBA from Stanford University and started work at Eli Lilly. She currently holds the position of Executive Director of U.S. Market Access Strategy, Innovation and Operations for the company.

Haehl has also dedicated volunteer efforts to Shelby County Special Olympics Basketball over the course of many years.

In accepting the induction, Haehl metaphorically framed her success as being the result of an “assist” from her hometown community. She credits Golden Bear coaches John Fair and Michael Gaines as being significant factors in her development.

She also acknowledged the contributions of SHS teammates Allison Berger and Lauren (Rees) Glasco for adding intensity and a sense of diplomacy to the often-contentious games and practices. Gretchen expressed appreciation for being allowed to compete at the Boys and Girls Club and utilize the facility for extensive workouts during her years of high school and college competition.

She thanked her sisters and her parents, Bill and Elaine, for their unwavering support and sent special recognition to sister Gwen. “Gwen is my best friend,” said Haehl. “She always makes me better. This award is as much yours as it is mine.”

Gretchen stated that she viewed this honor metaphorically as marking halftime in her life.

“I have received many assists from this community,” said Haehl. “I’m looking forward to spending my second half paying that back.”

Renowned retired SHS Spanish teacher Jerry Rice became the first person inducted into the Shelbyville Central Schools Educators Hall of Fame. Rice arrived at Shelbyville High School in 1977 and retired in 2005 following a 28-year career as a notable, devoted and demanding instructor.

“I had no intention of leaving Bloomington where I was teaching,” said Rice via video. “Shelbyville principal Ray Craft contacted me and I agreed to an interview.”

Rice went on to explain that he felt extremely comfortable in Shelbyville from the beginning.

“The whole thing had a ‘good vibe,’” recalls Rice.

Local attorneys and former students Curt Johnson (photo, left) and Tyler Brant (photo, right) accepted the honor on behalf of Rice. Johnson described how Rice’s tutelage inspired him to major in Spanish and ultimately study abroad in Mexico, Spain and Panama.

Johnson further explained how Rice’s influence continues to impact the SHS community more than 20 years after his retirement. He spoke of his daughter, Ella, who is currently spending a year studying in Spain and how that decision was an indirect result of Rice’s tremendous generational influence.

“His impact transcends us,” said Johnson. “What a gift he has given to our community.”

The Jerry Rice Scholarship also has been established at the Blue River Community Foundation.

Rice, who currently resides in Florida, recorded a video message for the event as health issues preclude him traveling long distances at this time.

The SHS Educators’ Hall of Fame will accept nominations for annual induction.

Hensley closed the event by expressing appreciation to everyone in attendance.

“I believe this is the most past inductees we have had attend a hall of fame ceremony,” said Hensley. “It is very satisfying to see the how this has grown and developed over the years.”