5 from SMHS tapped for alumni honors

The San Marcos Education Foundation will be naming five new Distinguished Alumni during a private ceremony at San Marcos High School Friday evening. The newest distinguished alumni will then be honored at halftime of the SMHS Homecoming football game at San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium.

Those chosen are:

John McBride

Raised in San Marcos, John was a 1962 graduate of SMHS and is among a small number of SMHS graduates who have received student athlete scholarships to the University of Texas. After lettering at UT for four years, John earned his BBA in Personnel and Industrial Management in 1967. His education didn’t end there. as he continued on to Texas State University where he was the first MBA graduate of the institution.

Mary Blanche Wortham

A 1970 graduate of SMHS, Mary Blanche Wortham went on to pursue her education at Texas State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work. She then went on to work as a social worker at Austin State Hospital where she worked with troubled teenagers before making a change and serving the Presbytery of the Pines through her work with the Presbyterian Women’s Organization. 

Kay Stroman

After graduating from SMHS in 1984, Kay Stroman decided to continue her education at Texas State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Minor in Speech Communication. During her time there she was a charter member of Rho Eta Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.

Jesse Lopez

Jesse Lopez attended all 12 years of his education at SMCISD schools. Upon his graduation in 1984 Jesse attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University) on a Hispanic Academic Scholarship. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and his Master’s degree from Tarleton State University. His Doctorate degree was earned through The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.

Freddy Duran

After graduating from San Marcos High School in 1995, Freddy Duran chose to serve his country in the United States Army where he received a Bronze Star during his tour with Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon his return to Texas Freddy made another commitment to serve, this time with the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award event is to recognize and honor former graduates of the San Marcos High School whose achievements, strength of character and citizenship serve as models to inspire and challenge today’s youth.