West Des Moines Community Schools will induct five new members into the Valley High School Hall of Honor at a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 21, at Valley High School. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. inside Valley High School’s Staplin Performing Arts Center. 

Previously held in the spring, 2024 marks the first time the Hall of Honor ceremony will be held during homecoming week.

The 2024 Valley High School Hall of Honor inductees are alumni James Olson (Class of 1959) and Ted Ohmart (Class of 1965); community member and volunteer Mike Thomas (Class of 1983); former staff member Stacy Hansen; and current faculty members Kelsey (Class of 2002) and Greg Hudson.

"For generations, Valley High School has been home to remarkable people who embody excellence, leadership and service,” said David Maxwell, principal at Valley High School. “The Hall of Honor stands as a tribute to those who have not only achieved personal success, but have also made an impactful contribution to our community and beyond. It is a privilege to celebrate these distinguished honorees, and we are proud to call them Valley Tigers.”

The Valley High School Hall of Honor was created in 2018 to celebrate special former students, teachers and community leaders. They are role models for students at West Des Moines Community Schools because of their achievements, leadership and good character. 

2024 Valley High School Hall of Honor Inductees

James Olson — Alumni Inductee, Class of 1959
A member of the Valley High School Class of 1959, James Olson enjoyed a decorated career in the CIA. Olson served for over 30 years in the Directorate of Operations of the CIA, including a term as Chief of Counterintelligence. During his CIA career, Olson was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Donovan Award and several Distinguished Service Citations. Olson is the author of two books: “Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying” and “To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence.” Prior to his career in the CIA, he served in the US Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant commander.

Ted Ohmart — Alumni Inductee, Class of 1965
A member of the Valley High School Class of 1965, Ted Ohmart has dedicated his life to serving his community. The 2014 West Des Moines Citizen of the Year, Ohmart began his career in public service as a member of the recreation commission. His first elected position came on the City Parks Board and he went on to serve 20 years on the West Des Moines City Council. Ohmart helped develop Raccoon River Park and the city’s trail system, the creation of Jordan Creek Town Center and redevelopment of the Valley Junction area following the floods of 1993. Ohmart and his family have owned and operated Hawk Metal Products, Inc. in West Des Moines for more than 50 years.

Mike Thomas — Community Member/Volunteer Inductee, Class of 1983
Mike Thomas epitomizes what it means to be a Tiger. A member of the Valley High School Class of 1983, Thomas has been an integral part of the Valley athletics. He started his volunteer work on the wrestling mat, joining his father, Dr. John Thomas, and his son, Brandon Thomas (Valley High School Class of 2011) to run the Tiger Junior Wrestling Program for Valley youth grapplers of all ages. On the gridiron, he created the Tiger Junior Football non-profit in 2016. He was instrumental in expanding to other metro teams and even formed an annual scholarship program for two Valley senior football players who went through Tiger Junior Football. 

Stacy Hansen — Staff Inductee
Currently the executive director of the Iowa High School Speech Association, Stacy Hansen built a lasting dynasty in 21 years as the speech and drama director at Valley High School. Under Hansen’s leadership, Valley earned the E. Wayne Cooley Large Group Sweepstakes Award 13 times for the school with the most entries performing at the All-State Festival. That’s the most of any school in the history of the IHSSA. Valley also collected 28 Critic’s Choice Awards during her tenure. 

Kelsey Hudson — Staff Inductee, Class of 2002 
Greg Hudson — Staff Inductee
Described in their nomination as “entirely dedicated, committed, and passionate about student growth and success,” Kelsey and Greg Hudson both serve as social studies teachers at Valley High School. Greg also serves as the department chair, while Kelsey serves as the social studies curriculum lead. Their contributions to West Des Moines Community Schools goes far beyond the classroom, though. Both Kelsey and Greg have worked to foster a culture of inclusion, helping students prepare for their futures in many different ways. From creating ACT and PSAT prep courses, to offering in-depth advice for students and their potential post-secondary journeys, both educators believe that all students can succeed and be prepared for an ever-changing 21st century world. Greg has also served on West Des Moines City Council since 2020.