Crichlow, Gill honored
Both have given back to community
Around 100 people from local businesses, schools and government gathered at River Island Country Club Friday to celebrate the induction of Jim Crichlow and Sharon Gill into the Porterville College Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
Several local dignitaries attended the event. In addition to Mayor Milt Stowe, who gave the evening’s keynote speech, Assemblyman Devon Mathis, District Attorney Tim Ward, and a representative from state Senator Andy Vidak’s office were also in attendance.
After beginning the event with the pledge of allegiance, master of ceremonies Julissa Leyva welcomed those in attendance, then introduced PC Interim President Bill Henry, who gave his comments on the occasion.
“On behalf of Porterville College, the PC Foundation, and the community, congratulations to both of tonight’s inductees,” said Henry.
PC Foundation President Paula Job then introduced keynote speaker Stowe for his speech, but not before recognizing him with a trophy of his own for his efforts as former PC Foundation president.
The theme of Stowe’s speech was “moving forward,” and he conveyed that message through a detailed account of his current battle with amyloidosis, the prospect of undergoing both a heart and bone marrow transplant to combat the illness, and how the journey has changed his perspective and affirmed his faith.
He gave several anecdotes of close calls in his life — from nearly dying twice during his recent health battles to barely avoiding a collision on black ice in Washington during his time as a referee — that confirmed his belief that greater forces were at play in his life, and how that revelation has given him peace during his current struggle.
“’When God’s for you, who can be against you? I know good things are going to happen for me whether I live or die, and I’m not worried about dying because I know where I’m going. I want to encourage everybody else — if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you need to get to know him,” said Stowe.
Stowe’s speech was greeted with a warm standing ovation by those in attendance.
Monte Moore then took the podium to introduce Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Crichlow, and painted a picture of the teacher, coach and CIF Central Section commissioner using letters written about him by friends and colleagues for the occasion.
A letter from CIF colleague Eric Cederquist described Crichlow as a man of common sense, passion, a good listener, and a strong multitasker who gets things done.
Another letter from Crichlow’s friend and River Island manager Terry Treece praised his leadership as president of the country club.
Crichlow then accepted his trophy and certificates of recognition from Mathis and Vidak, and then offered his thoughts on the award.
“Thank you to the committee. No one ever thinks they’re going to be in a hall of fame — why should you? You do the best you can no matter what you do, but it’s up to someone else to make that decision. I never ever thought this would happen,” said Crichlow.
He went on, sometimes fighting back his emotions, to identify his parents, his wife, friends and colleagues as figures on his personal Mt. Rushmore, and briefly described the lessons he learned from each in his life and career.
Leyva again took the podium to introduced Distinguished Alumni Inductee Sharon Gill with a statement from PUSD governing board President Pete Lara.
“Sharon has been a blessing to the greater Porterville community. She has a heart of gold and has given her time and talents to the community. The thousands of students she has served during her 27 years of service are the recipients of her dedication and her love. She is a humble servant,” said Lara in his statement.
Gill recounted the major milestones in her life and career during her acceptance speech, including an important moment as a third-grader at Belleview School when she gave some of her old clothes to a schoolmate in need.
“I still remember the look of joy on her face,” said Gill. “A tattered moth had transformed into a beautiful butterfly, and that simple act of kindness gave me great pleasure and changed my life. It instilled in me the values I’ve carried throughout my career.”
During the closing comments, Moore observed a moment of silence for Ted Ensslin, who passed away last fall. Moore described Ensslin as an “icon” for his efforts to establish and support the Porterville College Hall of Fame, as well as his leadership during his two terms as Mayor.