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HALL OF FAME
The Avon Park Champions Club Hall of Fame honors and recognizes former students, faculty, staff and citizens of Avon Park who have distinguished themselves by virtue of their outstanding contribution and service to the school, community or society in general.
2026
John Barben
Born in 1960 in Avon Park, I have lived here my entire live. I attended Avon Park public schools, graduating from APHS in 1978. I played on the football and golf teams. Like all my siblings, I attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1984 with a BS in Food Resource Economics. I work with my brothers Bobby, Bill, and nephew Bobby Jr. in our family citrus business. We also have several other endeavors, Barben Fruit Company, Storage Trailers of Florida, and Barben Farms. In 2003 I married Laura Dunson, and we have three children. Ashleigh, Jackson, and Mark. Ashleigh works as a para at Park Elementary, Jack is a Junior at Auburn, and Mark is a first-year student at Mississippi State.
When I returned from college I at once got involved with the Highlands County Gator Club and served as president in 1992-1994. In 1991 I became a member of The Rotary Club of Avon Park. I served as president in 1996-97, and Assistant Governor for Rotary District 6890 1997-1999. In 1993 I was elected to the board of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association and served as president in 1997-1998 and then served a second term in 2002 and president again in 2003. I also served on the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce board and was president in 2000-2001. From 2002-2015, I served on the Sebring International Raceway Hall of Fame committee. From 2002-2017 I chaired the Avon Park Airport CRA Advisory Committee. I was in Class VIII of the Wedgworth Leadership Program through UF and in the inaugural class of Leadership Highlands in 2000 and was its president. Since 2001, I have continued to serve on Leadership Highlands board of directors. I also presently serve on the Highlands County Ag Coalition board and Florida Citrus Mutual since 2011 and served as president 2016-2018. Our family attends Bible Fellowship Church where Laura and I both volunteer with the Junior High and High school program on Wednesday night.
All these committees were and are a joy to serve on because of all the great members involved. It's not the work of one, but the teamwork of the group that makes success.
Chris Collins
Chris Collins is a distinguished senior executive, community leader, and mentor whose career reflects more than four decades of excellence, innovation, and service. Born on June 6, 1963, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and raised in Avon Park, Florida, he was shaped by the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance instilled by his parents, the late Willie and Willie Bee Collins. Growing up in a close-knit family with his siblings David (deceased), Willie Mae, Melvin "Rootman" (deceased), Jerdine, Larry, and Kim, Chris developed a strong foundation of faith, family, and purpose that continues to guide his life.
A proud graduate of Avon Park High School's Class of 1981, Chris excelled both academically and athletically finishing in the top 10% of his class with a 3.3 GPA and earning All-Heartland Conference and All-County honors in football and basketball. He continued his academic and athletic journey at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management in 1985. As a student-athlete on a basketball scholarship, he maintained a 3.13 GPA and achieved Academic All-Conference recognition each year, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Chris began his career with Bealls, Inc. in 1985, embarking on a remarkable 40-year journey defined by leadership, operational mastery, and strategic vision. Rising through the organization to become Senior Vice President of Store Operations, he oversaw strategic planning and execution for 650 stores across 22 states. Under his leadership, Bealls achieved consistent year-over-year sales growth and contributed to the company's profitability of $1.5 billion.
In 1988, Chris was promoted to Store Manager at Bealls Outlet, and in 1989, he was personally selected by Bob Beall to establish the company's Loss Prevention Department - an initiative that strengthened operational integrity across the enterprise. As Senior Vice President, he led a workforce of more than 12,000 employees, including 7 Regional Directors, 48 District Managers, and 712 Store Managers, fostering a culture grounded in accountability, customer engagement, and high performance.
His exceptional contributions earned him the prestigious Bob Beall Award in both 1998 and 2012, making him one of only three employees in company history to receive the honor multiple times. In April 2025, Chris was inducted into the Bealls Hall of Fame, recognizing his transformative impact on the organization and the retail industry.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Chris is deeply committed to community service, mentorship, and the empowerment of future generations. A Life Member of the NAACP since 2013 and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. since 1993 (Life Member since 2022), he has dedicated his leadership to advancing educational and civic engagement initiatives. Since 2018, he has served on the Board of Directors for the GZL Educational Foundation, Inc., and since 2019, he has led community engagement efforts supporting the Men of Tomorrow Mentoring Program. He also volunteers with Head Start of Hillsborough County and serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
Chris has been married to his wife, TaMetryce, for nearly 32 years. She retired in 2024 after a distinguished 28-year career as a college professor and 18 years as a department chair at Hillsborough College. Together, they have built a partnership rooted in love, friendship, and shared purpose. They are the proud parents of two children, Christopher and Nyah - both graduates of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with MBA degrees. Christopher serves as a Sub-Contract Manager at L3Harris, and Nyah is a Senior Financial Manager at Lockheed Martin. Their accomplishments reflect the values of education, perseverance, and excellence instilled by their parents.
Chris Collins is celebrated as a visionary executive, devoted husband and father, and passionate community leader. His life's work reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the empowerment of future generations. His legacy continues to inspire excellence across corporate, civic, and educational communities.
Judge James Langford
James David Langford was born on December 26, 1950, in Lake Wales, Florida, to James and Wanda Langford. He was raised in Frostproof, Florida, where he excelled both academically and athletically. During his high school years from 1966 to 1968, David participated in football, basketball, and track. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was selected to attend Boys State in 1968, demonstrating early leadership and civic involvement.
After graduating from high school, David attended Polk Junior College from 1968 to 1970. He then continued his education at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972, followed by a Juris Doctor degree in 1975.
David began his legal career in June 1975 as an Assistant State Attorney in the 10th Judicial Circuit in Sebring, Florida, serving until February 1978. He then entered private practice in Avon Park, Florida, where he practiced law from February 1978 until January 1987.
In January 1987, David began his judicial career as a County Court Judge in Highlands County, a position he held until November 1989. He was then appointed as a Circuit Court Judge for the 10th Judicial Circuit, serving from November 1989 until his retirement in June 2013. During his tenure, he served as Chief Judge of the Circuit from January 2007 until July 2011.
David is a member of The Florida Bar and currently serves as a Senior Judge. He is presently the Chief Judge for the 10th Judicial District, which includes Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties, and continues to work two to three days each month in this role.
In 1985, David moved to Avon Park, where he has been actively involved in the community. He is a former member of the Avon Park Rotary Breakfast Club and attends Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church.
Outside of his professional life, David enjoys raising and caring for his cattle and taking the occasional fishing trip.
David married Anna Norris Langford on June 15, 1974. Together, they have three children-Megan, Mandy, and Jay D. - and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren, with one more on the way.