HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2026-2027 class of the Wall of Honor at Hutchinson High School features a trio of HHS alumni.
The honorees are Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh, class of 1958; Allen Fee, class of 1980; and Frances Garcia, class of 1956.
Sponsored by the HHS Alumni Association and Hutchinson High School, the three will be honored during a banquet at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, in the HHS Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. The public is invited and encouraged to attend as the community celebrates three individuals who have dedicated their lives to making Hutchinson and the world a better place.
Reservations must be made and purchased in advance for the banquet. Seats cost $15 each and can be purchased weekdays at the HHS main office, 810 East 13th, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The three honorees will participate in the Homecoming parade and will formally take their place on the Wall of Honor prior to the Homecoming Game at about 6:20 p.m. Friday, October 2, at Gowans Stadium.
Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh, Class of 1958
After four years of pre-medical studies and four years of medical school, Dr. Cavanaugh earned his medical degree and began a 40-year career in medicine. Seven years of surgical training in the U.S. Army led to board certification in general and cardiovascular surgery. He treated everything from burns and traumatic injuries to cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
Dr. Cavanaugh later commanded the 43rd Mobile Surgical Hospital—the real MASH—in Korea and served for five years as General Surgery Training Director at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, where every resident he trained passed the board examination.
After retiring from surgery at age 70, he began a new career teaching anatomy to nursing students. He looks back with pride on a lifetime of medicine, teaching, and helping others, and says he would choose the surgical journey all over again.
Allen Fee, Class of 1980
Allen Fee graduated from Hutchinson High School and attended the University of Kansas from 1980–1984. At HHS, he participated in football, wrestling, track, American Legion baseball, and numerous leadership activities.
In 1984, Allen returned to Hutchinson to join the family business, Fee Insurance Group, alongside his father, James W. Fee, and later his brother, Bob Fee. Together, they grew the business while remaining committed to giving back to their community.
Allen has led and served numerous organizations, including the Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Cosmosphere, Rotary Club, Prairie Dunes Country Club, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and The Davis Foundation. He was also a founding board member of the Boys & Girls Club and served on the boards of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, Food Bank, and Salvation Army.
Inspired by his parents, Allen has dedicated his life to family, business, and community service, believing that true success comes through hard work, integrity, growth, and making a positive impact on others.
Frances Garcia, Class of 1956
Frances Garcia, a 1956 Hutchinson High School graduate, dedicated her life to public service and improving the Hutchinson community. After earning an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College, she worked in banking and later as a volunteer outreach worker and interpreter.
In 1985, Frances was elected to the Hutchinson City Commission and became the first Hispanic woman mayor in the Midwest, serving as mayor twice. She remained on the City Commission until 1999 and later served on the Reno County Commission until 2010.
Known for listening to and advocating for people from all walks of life, Frances used her leadership to give a voice to those who often felt unheard. Her commitment to public service inspired others to believe they could make a difference in their community.