Carthage ISD is proud to celebrate three outstanding graduates as the 2026 inductees into the CISD Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees are Dr. Stephen Burnaman, CHS Class of 1983; Sharon Roberson Jones, CHS Class of 1983; and Gregory D. Ware, CHS Class of 1971.
The Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes former Carthage High School students whose accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the values of Carthage ISD and serve as an example for generations of Bulldogs to follow.
Dr. Stephen Burnaman — Class of 1983
Dr. Stephen Burnaman has built a distinguished career as an educator and accomplished pianist. After graduating from Carthage High School, he graduated summa cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance. He later earned a Master of Music in piano performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
Throughout his career, Burnaman has shared his talents with students as a teacher and lecturer while also performing across the United States and internationally, including appearances in Boston, New York, Rome, Warsaw, Taipei, and Hong Kong. His performance in the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series at the Chicago Cultural Center was broadcast live on the WFMT fine arts network.
Sharon Roberson Jones — Class of 1983
Sharon Roberson Jones has devoted her life to youth development, community involvement, and service. A graduate of Panola College, Tarrant County College, and Texas Wesleyan University, Jones has served numerous community organizations while becoming a strong advocate for young people throughout East Texas.
Her passion for young people led her to create Excellent TEEN Choice, where she has served as Founder and Executive Director. The program has helped students make positive choices while promoting community involvement through service-learning projects and outreach initiatives. Her years of service have earned her numerous honors, including Panola County Co-Citizen of the Year, First Ark-La-Tex Remarkable Woman of the Year, Panola College Distinguished Alumni recognition, and other awards celebrating her community impact.
Gregory D. Ware — Class of 1971
Gregory D. Ware has dedicated decades to public service, leadership, ministry, and community outreach. After graduating from Carthage High School, Ware graduated from East Texas State University in 1977 and went on to serve for 31 years with the State of Texas Department of Rehabilitation.
His service has also included leadership positions with organizations such as the Dallas Mayor’s Committee, Texas Rehab Association Network, Texas Workforce Commission, Eastfield College, and the University of North Texas. As Pastor of Barnabas Baptist Church, Ware organized a nonprofit to provide valuable community resources and partnered with the City of Dallas to offer health screenings.
Homecoming Friday Celebration
The Distinguished Alumni will return to Carthage on Friday, September 18, for a full day of activities celebrating their accomplishments and their lasting connection to Carthage High School.
At 1:00 p.m., the honorees will visit the Carthage High School Performing Arts Center to speak with members of the CHS senior class, sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and encouragement with the next generation of Carthage graduates.
The community is then invited to a Distinguished Alumni Reception from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. The reception will provide an opportunity for friends, family members, former classmates, and community members to help celebrate this year’s honorees.
The celebration will continue that evening at Bulldog Stadium, where Burnaman, Jones, and Ware will be recognized prior to the football game as part of the CHS Homecoming festivities. Each honoree will also be presented with a Key to the City, marking the community’s appreciation for the impact they have made far beyond the halls of Carthage High School.
Carthage ISD congratulates Dr. Stephen Burnaman, Sharon Roberson Jones, and Gregory D. Ware on this well-deserved honor. Their accomplishments demonstrate the lasting impact of a Carthage education and provide another proud example of the Learners, Leaders, and Legends who call Carthage home.