Alvarado ISD inducts two individuals and one team into Hall of Excellence

On Saturday, Alvarado ISD inducted two individuals and the 1983 baseball team into its Hall of Excellence.

This year’s class included the district’s longest tenured Superintendent, Dr. Chester Juroska, a longtime educator, Dr. Jonni Dunn, and the 1983 baseball team that reached the state semifinals.

“We had a sensational night honoring our 2025 - 2026 Alvarado ISD Hall of Excellence inductees!” said Dr. Kenneth Estes, Alvarado ISD Superintendent. “Everyone made unique and significant contributions to our district and community that still impact our scholars today! We enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and thank them all!”

Juroska devoted nearly 15 years to serving the scholars, educators, and families of Alvarado ISD as Superintendent. Throughout his tenure, he guided the district through significant growth and progress, including the construction of a new intermediate school and numerous enhancements to district facilities that strengthened learning environments across the community.

Beyond his work in the district, Dr. Juroska was an active community leader, serving in leadership roles with organizations such as the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Santa’s Helpers, among others.

Dunn dedicated 19 years of service to Alvarado ISD and its scholars before retiring in 2009. In 1994, she was honored with the Alvarado ISD Commitment to Excellence Award at Alvarado High School.

During her tenure, she served for several years as English Department Chair and as the National Honor Society sponsor, providing strong academic leadership and mentorship to countless students.

Dunn also earned national recognition through advanced study with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. Her scholarly work was published in Studies in Philology, the University of North Carolina’s journal, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and the study of literature.

The 1983 Alvarado High School baseball team, coached by Joe Crownover and Joe Danna, etched its place in school history with a remarkable postseason run. The Indians powered through the Class 3A playoffs, outscoring their opponents 42–16 with dominant pitching and timely hitting. Their impressive performance earned Alvarado its first-ever trip to the state tournament.

With the most recent additions, the Hall of Excellence now has 17 members dating back to its first year, 2018.

Pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCR1dH