On Friday, Nov. 1, Paris Junior College inducted Sheila Reece and Don Kosterman into the Academic Hall of Honor and the 2013 Softball Team into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Academic Hall of Honor
Sheila Reece was a dedicated educator and leader who devoted her career to student success. She started at PJC as an Education Placement Specialist in the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in 1992, and her passion for student support led her to various leadership roles, including Director of the EOC in 1993 and Director of Admissions in 1995. In 2011 she became Associate Dean of Student Access and Success and then Vice President of Student Access and Success in 2017.
“I am proud to be the one to induct my friend Sheila into the Paris Junior College Hall of Honor Class of 2024,” said Linda Slawson, Director of Financial Aid at East Texas Baptist University, who held that role for many years at PJC. “I had the pleasure of convincing Sheila to leave the Texas Workforce Commission to come to PJC in 1992.”
Deeply rooted in her community, Reece graduated from Honey Grove High School, married Mark Reece in 1985 and raised their daughters, Samantha and Macey. She was an active member of the Honey Grove ISD School Board.
Tragically, Sheila’s life was cut short in a car accident on May 18, 2023. Her legacy continues to inspire those she touched through her unwavering commitment to education and the countless lives she influenced throughout her career.
“Sheila believed and trusted and supported each and every one of you that worked with her throughout the years, and she was proud of you,” said Slawson. “You inspired her, and she valued and recognized each of your special talents. And many of you are here tonight, and I know you miss her. Sheila had a special soul. The sign on her office should have read ‘loyal, trusted leader, and friend.'”
Her family, husband Mark and daughters Samantha and Macey, accepted her award.
“Though she was not one for the spotlight, she would have been touched by this recognition for all the work that she did for over 30 years,” Samantha said in her acceptance comments.
Though retired Chemistry faculty Don Kosterman was unable to attend due to a recent move to Tallassee, Alabama, he was vividly evoked through his introduction by former student and PJC Biology faculty Jason Taylor.
“I first met Don when I was a student in his inorganic chemistry class,” Taylor said, “and I and the other students thought, ‘Man, this Guy is harsh.’ But we soon learned the bark was worse than the bite, and he would work for hours on end if you needed the help.”
Taylor also shared a favorite hobby of Kosterman’s: crocheting.
“Every Christmas in the math and science department, everybody was going to get something hand-crocheted by Don Kosterman,” said Taylor. “Funny thing is, Don was color blind, so when he would give them to you, he would say he didn’t know what color they were, but we always liked them.”
Kosterman was born in Paris in 1944, while his father served overseas during World War II. Following the war, his family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Austin, then returned to Paris – just a block from PJC. He aspired to become a mechanical engineer.
He started at PJC in 1962, where he was drawn to chemistry through the influence of faculty members Frank Grimes and Bobby Ray Walters — both future PJC presidents. He earned a bachelor’s in chemistry and mathematics in 1967, then a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1969 from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University – Commerce).
He changed goals again and began teaching at Highland Park High School, marrying Suzy, with whom he has celebrated over 54 years of marriage. In 1972 they returned to Paris where he began a 48.5-year career teaching chemistry at PJC. Over the years he also taught physics, physical science, various math courses, computer programming, and even slide rule.
“I taught students with diverse backgrounds and needs, including future doctors, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and engineers,” Kosterman said. “I was honored to teach international students, students with disabilities, very young students, and older students.
“I am grateful for the thousands of students I taught, the hundreds of colleagues I worked with, and over 50 years with Paris Junior College – a record I’m proud of,” Kosterman said. “Thank you to all who were part of my journey. God bless you all, and God bless Paris Junior College — here’s to another 100 years!”
Athletic Hall of Honor
Paris Junior College’s 2013 Softball team made history by defeating Trinity Valley Community College in nine innings to be the first PJC softball team to make the national tournament.
“This was a first for any woman’s athletic program in the College’s history,” said PJC Athletic Director Clay Cox. “The Dragons finished the regular season with a 15-5 conference record in a gripping Region XIV tournament. And anybody that’s been around Region XIV knows how tough it is in any sport. They showcased determination and resilience, winning not one, not two, but three games on the final day, including back-to-back victories over Trinity Valley Community College to claim the regional title earning a spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament in St George Utah.
“Throughout the season, the Dragons demonstrated exceptional teamwork and character,” Cox said. “Their national tournament run put PJC and the city of Paris on the national softball map. In recognition of their efforts, Coach Dixon, along with assistant coach Chelsea Jordan and assistant coach Mr. Jack Butler, were honored as the NJCAA Region 14 coaching staff of the year.”
2013 players inducted include Katlin Alexander, Katelyn Bardwell, Jessica Branam, Audrey Farfan, Clarissa Garcia, Samantha Goines, Sarah Gregori, Ali Hargis, Dara Hendon, Kristin Henry, Chelsea Jordan, Alexis Padilla, Emilee Reed, Samantha Reynoso, Erin Ross, Sarah Smeltzer, and Chancy Williams.
PJC marked Dickson’s first head coaching job, and the team ended the season with a 37-19 record. She went on to start the softball program at Tyler Junior College, then to Stephen F. Austin University, and now coaches at the University of New Mexico.
Several players were recognized for their outstanding performances. Pitcher Smeltzer and Padilla earned First Team All-Region honors. Smeltzer posted a 12-2 record, with the second-best ERA in the region, while Padilla, despite playing with a broken hand, managed a .400 batting average and five home runs. Farfan and Hendon made Second Team All-Region. Hendon was a powerhouse, batting .434, ranking fifth in the region, and showing remarkable consistency. Farfan, Hendon, Padilla, Smeltzer and Reynoso were also named First Team All-Conference East.
This group was absolutely special,” said Dickson. “I want to thank the softball team, you were talented, fearless and fun. I found I had a relentless sophomore class that led the way, and a talented freshman class. My heart is so full this week, being able to see you and your families. I also want to thank the coaches, Assistant Coach Chelsea Jordan and amazing assistant coach Mr. Jack – you’re such a servant leader. Not only did you make our team better, but you made every team, every year better. I’m so grateful to be here to honor you guys, congratulations for this afternoon.”
Closing out the ceremony, PJC President Dr. Stephen Benson said, “As we leave here tonight, I hope we all feel a renewed sense of pride in being part of the PJC family and are inspired by the extraordinary legacy of those we’ve honored. Together, let’s continue to uphold the values, excellence, and spirit that make Paris Junior College truly remarkable.”
