Sherman Bell
Professional Career Accomplishments
Sherman Bell (CHS Class of 1990) was born in Marks, Mississippi, and moved to Clinton, Iowa in 1985. During his time at Clinton High School, he served as class president, a four-year member of the student council, and president of the Culture Club. He was also active in speech and debate and was inducted into the National Honor Society, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Iowa.
After his first year of college, Sherman faced personal challenges that led to a period of adversity. In 1995, he was convicted on federal drug charges and served five years in federal prison. Upon his release, Sherman transformed his life through faith, perseverance, and a renewed sense of purpose. He began working in the restaurant industry, where his leadership and determination quickly led him into management.
In 2001, Sherman married Delia Santana, and the couple later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2017, Sherman and Delia founded KYB Holdings, doing business as Hideout 125, a highly successful restaurant in Fort Wayne. In 2021, they expanded their ventures with KYB Properties, and in 2024 began construction on a new, larger restaurant that opened in 2025, now generating over $6 million in annual revenue.
Sherman is deeply committed to service and mentorship. He serves as a mentor within the Fort Wayne Community School District, the second largest in Indiana, and he and Delia are generous supporters of numerous community causes.
Frank D. Berrien
Distinguished Military Service
Frank Dunn Berrien (CHS Class of 1895) graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1900. As a midshipman, he played both football and baseball for the Academy. His distinguished naval career spanned six conflicts, beginning with service aboard the USS Cincinnati during the Spanish–American War and concluding with the supervision of troop convoys between San Francisco, California and Australia during World War II.
Berrien returned to the Naval Academy as its 13th head football coach from 1908 to 1910, leading the Midshipmen to a 21–5–3 record. He went on to command several vessels, including the destroyers USS Nicholson and Wilkes, earning the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during World War I. Before the Armistice, Berrien served as commanding officer of the hospital ship USS Comfort during her voyage from New York City to Brest, France.
Promoted to captain in 1922 and later advanced to rear admiral upon retirement, Berrien’s career included command of the European Destroyer Squadron, service as a professor of naval science at Yale University, and as the second commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington and later served as captain of the yard at the Washington Navy Yard.
Rear Admiral Berrien graduated from both the U.S. Naval War College and the U.S. Army War College and was decorated by both the United Kingdom and Greece for his wartime service.
Donald Campbell
Professional Career Accomplishments
Donald L. Campbell (CHS Class of 1921) demonstrated curiosity and creativity from an early age. After winning a national essay contest judged by General John J. Pershing at age sixteen, he pursued higher education at Iowa State University, where he graduated first in his class in chemical engineering. He later earned a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and continued his studies at Harvard Business School.
Campbell spent over four decades with Exxon, including 25 years with the Exxon Research and Engineering Company. As a member of a pioneering team known as the “Four Horsemen,” he co-developed the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process in 1942, a revolutionary method that transformed crude oil into high-octane gasoline more efficiently. This breakthrough played a critical role in World War II by vastly increasing aviation fuel production, enabling the Allied air forces to sustain operations.
Over his career, Campbell was awarded 30 patents and received lasting recognition for his impact on chemical engineering. In 1999, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his pivotal contributions to modern petroleum refining.
Dave Edwards
Professional Career Accomplishments
Dr. Dave Edwards (CHS Class of 1984) has made a remarkable impact on the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions through his pioneering research and advocacy for alternative energy sources.
After earning his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he specialized in the mechanics and applications of compressed gases, Dr. Edwards began his career with Martin Marietta, contributing to the design of nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy. He then joined BOC, where he played a key role in developing the cryogenic separation of gases.
Currently serving as a Research Manager at Air Liquide’s Research and Development Headquarters in Delaware, Dr. Edwards has distinguished himself both as a scientist and as a global advocate for hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in securing patents and authoring scientific publications that advance the field of clean energy.
In recent years, Dr. Edwards has become a leading voice in energy policy, representing Air Liquide as Director of Hydrogen Development. His advocacy has taken him before Congress, to meetings with the President of the United States, and onto numerous industry boards dedicated to advancing hydrogen technologies.
Sarah Hayes
The Arts
Sarah Hayes (CHS Class of 2000) cultivated an early passion for theatre through her participation in the Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School theatre programs, where she was inspired by mentor Ms. Stacey Oakley. Following her graduation from CHS in 2000, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 2006.
Ms. Hayes has established a distinguished career in Theatre for Young Audiences and regional theatre, performing with numerous companies including the Clinton Area Showboat and Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse. Committed to expanding access to the performing arts, she has provided acting instruction through Rising Stars Performing Classes and played a key role in founding a community theatre that instituted “Pay What You Can” performances, ensuring that all individuals, particularly young students, could experience live theatre.
In 2023, Ms. Hayes achieved a career milestone with her Broadway debut in the Tony Award–winning musical Hairspray, portraying the role of Velma Von Tussle during a national tour that spanned the United States and Canada. Her leadership extended beyond the stage as she organized a cast performance at Hope Lodge in Iowa City, exemplifying her enduring dedication to both her craft and her community.