Brown named SSDF's 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree

Bill Brown, Smith-Cotton Class of 1965 graduate and a 2017 inductee into the Smith-Cotton Athletic Hall of Fame, was recognized as the Sedalia School District Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree in a ceremony Thursday in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

Brown, who was the voice of the Houston Astros from 1987 until his retirement in 2016, addressed Smith-Cotton's Class of 2025 and S-C alumni about his life and his encouragements for the students’ futures.

He shared stories about his days playing trumpet with the Tiger Pride band, learning Latin and taking theater classes, and the loss of innocence that came across the nation with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He stressed the impact that memorable teachers from his days at S-C, such as Geraldine Schrader and Earl Finley, had on his life during high school and beyond.

Sedalia School District 200

Brown said the seniors’ beliefs, values and core convictions begin now, in Sedalia,
and shape every aspect of their lives. He also shared some words of wisdom with the
Class of 2025.

“Am I going to teach you how to live your life? Oh, no, I’d never try to tell you anything like that,” he said. “But I will tell you that what I think you’re going to find is that the most precious commodity for you in your lifetime is not money, it’s not possessions, it’s not fame, it’s not awards, it’s not titles – it’s time. … How do you use your time? That is going to be a critical part of your decision-making in your lives.”

In the photos:

BROWN2: Bill Brown, a member of Smith-Cotton High School’s Class of 1965, addresses the current S-C senior class after being recognized as the Sedalia School District Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree in a ceremony Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

BROWN3: Bill Brown, center, accepts the Sedalia School District Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni honor from SSDF board member and Sedalia 200 Board of Education President Diana Nichols, left, and SSDF President Deidre Esquivel.