District Recognizes Wall of Honor Inductees

Every two years, the school district celebrates alumni who have made meaningful contributions to the community and society as a whole through the Unionville Wall of Honor. The wall recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves in their personal and professional lives. "This program celebrates our alumni for their extraordinary success whether through individual achievements in their personal or professional lives, contributions to society, or a lifelong commitment to education," said Mrs. Nikki Laroya, the school district's director of communications and community relations.

This year, three inductees – Larry Hood, Erin Matson, and Karen TenEyck – joined the list of honorees who have been recognized since the program's establishment in 2008. The alumni were announced during the district's homecoming season and will continue to be celebrated throughout the year, including opportunities for current high school students to meet them.

"A nomination committee presents finalists to a selection committee of community members for their consideration. This year, our nomination and selection committees included representation from residents, alumni, students, parents, staff, administrators, and board members," said Laroya.

Lawrence "Larry" Hood, Jr. owns Hood's BBQ in Kennett Square. Before the opening of the family-run business in 2006, Hood barbecued chicken dinners for the Unionville Community Fair. Following his high school graduation in 1976, Hood worked at Longwood Gardens as an arborist for 35 years. Additionally, he previously held the title of Assistant Chief at Longwood Fire Company after volunteering as a firefighter for 25 years.

Erin Matson, head coach of the University of North Carolina field hockey, became the youngest Division 1 head coach in NCAA history in 2023. Before her high school graduation in 2018, Matson was selected to compete in the U.S. National Field Hockey Team during her junior year. At UNC, she led her team through five ACC championships and four NCAA championships. Over the years, she gained several prestigious titles: all-time scoring leader in ACC and NCAA history, three-time recipient of the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey, and five-time ACC Player of the Year.

Just one month after graduating, she was offered the head coach position. During her first year on the job, she led the team to another ACC and NCAA win. Along with her remarkable achievements in North Carolina, Matson has graciously returned to the school district and led professional development for coaches and staff.

Once voted "Most Creative" in the high school's Class of 1976, Karen TenEyck s now known as one of the best designers in Hollywood. Following her high school graduation, TenEyck went on to earn her Fine Arts degree in graphic design at Kutztown University, and her Master of Fine Arts in set design at the Yale School of Drama. She then moved to New York City to work on set design for the nation's top opera and theatre companies.

In 2000, she moved to Los Angeles and has since worked on graphic design for over 60 movies. Some of her works include "Water for Elephants", "Divergent", and "Alice Through the Looking Glass". Notably, TenEyck was on the Academy Award and Emmy-winning design teams for projects including Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and Steven Soderbergh's "Behind the Candelabra."

Hood, Matson, and TenEyck have all made powerful contributions to society and serve as great role models for students in the school district.

"We honor our district's rich history and maintain important connections to our alumni, who still have so much to contribute back to our community. Perhaps most importantly, our Wall of Honor Inductees show our students that, no matter their path, success is achievable!" said Laroya.