Hall of Fame

Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame honors outstanding graduates whose education has been a cornerstone of their success. Inductees have demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their community, have achieved success in their profession or distinguished themselves in other ways that make them inspirational examples for current SPS students. 

On Sept. 30, SPS will honor the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees:

Pete Lollar, M.D., Glendale High School, Class of 1969
Dr. Pete Lollar is a world-renowned hematologist and Emory University Professor of Pediatrics whose research has resulted in life-saving treatment for individuals with hemophilia A.

Dr. Lollar’s pioneering research produced modified Factor VIII proteins, yielding over 23 U.S. patents and two breakthrough drugs currently in use. Serving as Research Chair in Hemostasis for Hemophilia of Georgia, he has delivered hundreds of international lectures as the world’s leading expert in his field. His achievements have earned him induction into the National Academy of Inventors, membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and the prestigious Bayer Hemophilia Award.

Dr. Lollar earned a chemistry degree from Louisiana State University and his medical degree from St. Louis University. 

Sally Hargis, Glendale High School, Class of 1973
Sally Hargis is vice president and board chairman of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. She has guided the century-old family business through historic growth while serving her community through a variety of volunteer and philanthropic activities.

A prominent leader in the beverage industry, Hargis has held major executive positions with the American, Missouri, and Arkansas Beverage Associations. Her civic leadership has helped shape Springfield through her work on the TIF commission that helped establish the Springfield Cardinals stadium in addition to her work with Junior League which helped create Leadership Springfield. 

She currently serves as chairman of the CoxHealth Board of Directors and sits on the Trust Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

Sarah Self-Kyler, Kickapoo High School, Class of 1995
Sarah Self-Kyler, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired), is a 1999 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy where she earned a degree in engineering and became a trailblazer for female officers to serve on Navy combatants.

Stationed aboard warships for 13 years, she was on the USS Ross when it deployed for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, and eventually to the Middle East. She later launched missiles into Iraq aboard the USS Mitscher during Operation Shock and Awe, and managed global communications as the Public Affairs Officer during the historic final deployments of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

During her illustrious military career, she served as an anti-submarine warfare officer, auxiliaries officer, navigator, and later as a public affairs officer. In 2026, she retired as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Command.