Manning, Turner named to CCEF hall of honor

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

The Copperas Cove Education Foundation has announced the two newest names to be added to the Hall of Honor in Lea Ledger Auditorium 
Joan Manning, CCHS class of 1972, and Keith Turner CCHS class of 1993, were selected from among a pool of nominations for this year’s awards.
Joan Manning has lived in Copperas Cove since 1962 after her father retired from the Army. She attended Copperas Cove schools from the 3rd grade on, and met her husband, Jay, in high school, while attending First Baptist Church. Joan was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, and was active in the PTA’s at the schools  her children attended.  
Joan has served on the Copperas Cove ISD board of trustees since 1995 and currently serves as the board president. She also serves on the boards of the Salvation Army and Hope Pregnancy Center.  She is active in her church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, church council, choir and children’s church.  In 2018, Joan was selected as one of five Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
Keith Turner attended Martin Walker Elementary, Avenue E Intermediate, Copperas Cove Junior High and CCHS. He participated in 4-H in local, state and national livestock shows starting at an early age.  
Keith’s decision to become a funeral director was made was he was in the 8th grade.  In his early youth he had the opportunity to spend time with one of his dad’s friends, who was a grave digger.  The help and compassion this man gave to grieving families made a lifelong impression on Keith.  He is currently the Market Director for the Texas West Territory in the Main Street Division of Service Corporation.  
He continues to be involved in 4-H, FFA, Mt. Hiram Masonic Lodge, Coryell and Lampasas County Livestock Shows.  He has served on the board for the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, the Copperas Cove Education Foundation and on several committees for the Copperas Cove High School Vocational Department.  Keith travels around the state for his job but he continues to be available for people in his hometown with personal service, a considerate word, and sincere compassion.
The two will be recognized at the upcoming Boots and Buckles Gala, set for Saturday April 6. Last year’s alumni selected for the award’s inaugural year were John A. Hull and Dr. Karen Harrison.
The foundation accepted nominations, with those nominating alumni being required to complete a form and include a letter of support written by another individual. 
A CCISD alumnus qualifies to be a nominee if they have graduated from Copperas Cove High School at least 10 years ago and have “made outstanding contributions to his/her community and/or profession and must be positive role models for youth in the community.” 
Both Manning and Turner will be honored and inducted at the upcoming Copperas Cove Education Foundation Boots ‘n Buckles Gala, set for 6-11 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at the Copperas Cove Civic Center.
Tickets are on sale now for the gala at $50 per person and are available at the CCISD Administration Building on Main Street during regular business hours, or available from any foundation board member. Sponsorships are available to include Century Dawg ($100), Bronze ($500), Silver ($1,000); Gold ($2,500), Diamond ($5,000), and Platinum ($10,000).  
The gala serves as the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser for classroom grants that are awarded yearly to CCISD teachers, with the foundation having awarded a total of $333,655 in grants since 2008. 
For more information about the gala and sponsorship opportunities, call (254) 547-1227.