During homecoming week, Bob Jones inducts four into Hall of Fame

MADISON – Bob Jones High School has inducted four people in the Hall of Fame for 2026. The inductees were recognized at homecoming events during the week of Sept. 14.

Bob Jones Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni of Bob Jones who have maintained a standard of excellence and contributed significantly in their fields of endeavor, along with persons who are not alumni but have made a significant contribution to Bob Jones in leadership and service, according to the school’s guidelines.

The following individuals were inducted into Bob Jones Hall of Fame for 2026:

• Sen. Tom Butler – 36 years of service in Alabama State Legislature. Butler sponsored and passed legislation enabling Madison to form its own school system. He was an early advocate for automated external defibrillators or AED access in Alabama schools.

Butler secured funding for numerous Bob Jones programs, including the Fine Arts Department, robotics, audio-visual and film work, band, athletics and academic departments. He has been dedicated in support of Bob Jones students, teachers and the school community.

• Dr. Jasmine Green Felder – Class of 2009. Felder is a community leader dedicated to helping athletes recover, perform and reach their potential. She received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham or UAB. She earned a doctorate’s degree in physical therapy from Alabama State University. She is co-owner of Elite Sports & Performance Academy in Madison. For two years, Felder was a state basketball champion from Bob Jones and a member of the first girls’ basketball state championship team.

• Zach Harting – Class of 2016. Selected as 2020 Tokyo Olympian and earned ninth place in 200-meter butterfly. Harting achieved two World Championship titles and was chosen eight times for USA Swimming National Team. For 13 times, he qualified as an NCAA All-American while at the University of Louisville. In 2013, Harting was State Champion for AHSAA 100-Yard Butterfly. For two years, he ranked as USA Swimming Scholastic All-American. He was a member of National Honor Society at Bob Jones.

• William Thomas – Class of 2006. Built a distinguished career in public policy, focused on health, nutrition, food security and economic mobility. Thomas helped in securing millions in federal funding for programs serving communities, like Meals on Wheels and Food & Friends. As Principal of the Patelana Group, he advised mission-driven and public-sector organizations on policy, advocacy and grantmaking. Thomas founded an alumni chapter and helped establish two endowed scholarships at the University of Alabama. Serving in leadership roles at Bob Jones, Thomas participated in Beta Club, Model UN, French Club, Junior Civitan and music programs.

The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees served as the homecoming parade’s Grand Marshals on Sept. 17 and were honored with a reception on campus. The inductees were introduced at halftime of the homecoming football game on Sept. 18 in Madison City Schools Stadium.