Tenaha ISD Announces 2020 Hall of Honor Inductees DePriest, Willoughby

October 12, 2020 - A time honored tradition continues at Tenaha Independent School District. Tenaha ISD recognizes those that have displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to their community. Through the years numerous members have been initiated into the Hall of Honor. 

The process begins with nominations from members of the community. A committee then begins the difficult task of deciding who will be chosen. This year Tenaha ISD proudly presents Colette DePriest and Tony Willoughby as the 2020 Hall of Honor inductees. 
 
The 2020 Hall of Honor Inductees will be recognized October 23rd during the Homecoming 2020 pregame activities at 7pm.

Colette (Cross) DePriest

Former Miss THS and 1990 graduate of Tenaha High School, Mrs. Colette (Cross) DePriest is honored to be inducted into the Tenaha Hall of Honor Class of 2020.

While attending THS, Colette was an active member of the National Honor Society and student council. She also served as a class officer and was a Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Elected by her peers as the 1990 Miss THS, Colette also participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including band, UIL and tennis. She also was a Tiger cheerleader and state qualifier in golf.  

Following high school, Colette attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1994, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a teaching certification. She has taught in various independent school districts for the past 26 years. Colette’s passion is teaching students by building and forming strong lasting relationships that often begin with a simple smile. 

Colette truly enjoys serving her community and other various organizations. Aside from helping with countless community projects, she devotes her time to assisting with TENaha Together and serves as the secretary for the Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association. A lifelong Tiger supporter, Colette has served for the past two years on the TISD Board of Trustees and can often be seen “cheering on those Tigers!”  

Tony Willoughby

Tony Willoughby is a 1980 graduate of Tenaha ISD.  He was very active in football, basketball, and also a member of the FFA.  After graduation Mr. Willoughby began his life long career in the welding industry.  He began his own business, Center Welding, Inc., in 2009 and it continues today. 

He has been very active in the little league sports of Shelby County where he has coached and refereed for over 20 years.  He and his family are active members of the First United Pentecostal Church of Center.  He takes pride in supporting various activities hosted at TISD and is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. 

Tony is married to Traci Willoughby and together they have 5 children, Britlee Willoughby, Levi Willoughby and wife Chasity, Austin Craig, Hagan Craig, and Lincoln Willoughby.  They have 3 beautiful granddaughters, Fallon Sullivan, Elly Willoughby, and Tillie Willoughby.