Pioneer of the Year

Lake Wales History Museum Announces Dick Howell Named 2024 Pioneer of the Year

Lake Wales, October 14, 2024 – The Lake Wales History Museum is proud to announce that Richard "Dick" Dane Howell has been named the 2024 Pioneer of the Year. Mr. Howell’s exceptional dedication to the Lake Wales community and his remarkable achievements truly define him as a pioneer and a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

Richard “Dick” Dane Howell was born on December 20, 1947, at Lake Wales Hospital in Lake Wales, Florida, to parents James “Johnny” Oliver Howell and Elsie Learn Howell. His paternal grandparents originally settled in Babson Park, Florida, in 1921, establishing deep roots in the area.

Mr. Howell graduated from Lake Wales Senior High School in 1965 and embarked on a diverse and successful career that spanned military service, education, business leadership, and significant community involvement. His first professional role was as a draftsman for the Florida Department of Transportation from 1965 to 1967 and again from 1969 to 1972. In between, he served as a Company Clerk (SP5 ES) in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, stationed in Hohenfels, West Germany.

Mr. Howell married Jean C. Howell in July 1971 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Together, they raised three children: Benjamin C. Howell, Lucas Oliver Howell, and Elise Christa Howell Tanner. They are proud grandparents to Ellis and Jane Howell, Emma and Leila Howell, and Henry and John Tanner.

Mr. Howell’s educational achievements include an Associate's Degree from Polk Community College in 1973, a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Florida in 1975, and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Michigan State University in 1979. He also completed 60 quarter hours of post-graduate doctoral work at Michigan State University.

Mr. Howell enjoyed a successful professional career as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Human Kinetics Publishers in Champaign, Illinois, from 1979 to 1989. In 1989, he transitioned to become the Owner and President of Ridge Glass and Mirror, Inc., in Lake Wales, Florida, where he worked until his retirement in 2014.

Throughout his life, Mr. Howell has been deeply involved in community service and local organizations. He served as a City Commissioner for Lake Wales from 1995 to 1999 and has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales, holding positions on the Board of Trustees and serving in various committees over the years.

A passionate supporter of local education and sports, Mr. Howell served as the President of the Highlander Boosters for Lake Wales High School from 1994 to 1999 and was a member until 2010. He was the public address announcer or “Voice of the Highlanders” for Lake Wales High School football, basketball, and baseball teams from the 1990s through 2017, and held the same role for Webber International University's football team from 2002 to 2010. Mr. Howell was also the voice behind Lake Wales High School graduation ceremonies from 2003 to 2015.

In recognition of his service, Mr. Howell was named "Mr. Highlander" by Lake Wales High School in 2005 and was honored by the Polk County School Board as the Lake Wales High School Volunteer of the Year in 2009. In 2010, the press box at Legion Field was renamed in his honor. His contributions also extended to the Lake Wales Little League, where he served as a board member, team manager, sponsor, and umpire.

Mr. Howell has been a member of the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary since 1990, serving as President from 2001 to 2002, and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow distinction. He was twice named Rotarian of the Year: first in 1992-93 and again in 2000-01. He also played an integral role in organizing cherished local events such as the "Lights of Love" on Lake Wailes Lake and the annual Halloween parties for local children at the Lake Wales YMCA. He served on the boards of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Wales YMCA, the Lake Wales Amphitheater, and other community organizations.

Now retired, Mr. Howell continues to be an active member of his community, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to family and local causes.

The Pioneer of the Year award will be presented to Mr. Dick Howell at the 48th Annual Pioneer Days Festival during Pioneer Hour on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM, a beloved event that celebrates the heritage and history of Lake Wales. The community is invited to attend and celebrate the contributions of Mr. Howell, whose dedication to our community has left a lasting impact.