The CCS school board met on Nov. 25 to discuss the renaming of the Carmel High School basketball court, along with many other items. Additional topics discussed can be found on BoardDocs.  Principal Tim Phares spoke at the meeting to dedicate the gymnasium.

“Since the building of Carmel gymnasium in the 1950s, the basketball court has had many great moments,” Phares said, “Six Carmel basketball state championship teams have showcased their talents on the court. Decades of classes from CHS graduated on that floor we wouldn’t fit today. Tonight, it is our honor to recommend the iconic basketball court take on a new name, Bill Shepherd Court.”

Bill Shepherd served as the basketball coach from 1958 to 1970 and was also the athletic director. Shepherd was an avid member of both the school and community.

School board member Katie Browning said she commends Shepherd for his impact on the Carmel community.

“It’s really hard in the day-to-day to see the legacy you’re making,” Browning said. “This is a great example of how those small and simple moments make a great difference in the long-run.”

Similarly, Phares said this honor is well-deserved for the person who saw Carmel through its transformation.

“The renaming of the court would be a fitting tribute to an individual that helped place Carmel on the map as the athletic powerhouse in the state of Indiana,” Phares said.

The school board voted in favor of renaming the court. The school board is holding its next regular session on Dec. 16.