Great Bend High School (GBHS) announces the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: Terry Knowles (Class of 1956) and Dr. Bryan Pinkall (Class of 2003). These two distinguished alumni will be honored during festivities on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, celebrating their remarkable careers and contributions to their fields.
The celebration begins with a Hall of Fame Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Black Walnut Event Center. Both honorees will share reflections on their journeys during this special event.
Inductees will be included in the Homecoming Parade scheduled for 3 p.m. on Main Street, and the induction ceremony will follow that evening at halftime of the GBHS Panther football game.
“We’re thrilled to combine our Hall of Fame celebration with GBHS Homecoming this year. It’s the perfect opportunity to honor outstanding alumni in front of our students, staff, families, and a packed Panther crowd,” said Matt Westerhaus, GBHS Activities Director. “Bringing these traditions together on Oct. 10 adds to the energy of Homecoming and showcases the lifelong impact of a GBHS education.”
Luncheon Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities – Tickets and sponsorships are now available online at GBHSHallofFame.net or in person at the GBHS Activities Office.
• Individual Tickets: $20 per person
• Corporate Sponsorships: $250, which includes six luncheon tickets, advertising in luncheon and game programs, and verbal recognition during both events.
• Donations: Accepted in any amount, with recognition in event programs. Checks may be made payable to Great Bend High School Hall of Fame and mailed to: GBHS Activities Office/Hall of Fame, 2027 Morton Street, Great Bend, KS 67530
About the Honorees
Terry Knowles, Class of 1956
Terry Knowles’ career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, courage, and leadership. After excelling in athletics at GBHS and playing baseball at Kansas State University, he served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, including deployment to Vietnam. Following military service, Terry embarked on a distinguished career with the FBI, where he was involved in high-profile cases such as the Lufthansa heist investigation and life-saving hostage and kidnap rescues. He later served as Chief of Police in Springfield, Mo., and as Deputy Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, where he modernized forensic laboratories across the state. His career in law enforcement spanned more than four decades, marked by bravery, integrity, and innovation.
Dr. Bryan Pinkall, Class of 2003
A renowned vocal performer, conductor, and educator, Bryan Pinkall has earned global acclaim for his artistry and leadership in the performing arts. A five-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy recipient, Bryan has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Beyond performance, he has contributed to Olympic ceremonies in Sochi and Rio, advancing the arts on a global scale. As Director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University, Bryan has overseen record growth, expanded arts education opportunities across Kansas, and launched innovative programs in music studies. His work reflects a commitment to both artistic excellence and community service.
For more information about the GBHS Hall of Fame, including full biographies for this year’s honorees and past honorees, as well as ticket information, please visit GBHSHallofFame.net or contact the GBHS Activities Office at (620) 793-1560 or visit 2027 Morton St. Great Bend.
