Songwriting legend Even Stevens received the Indian Lake Schools Distinguished Alumni Award at a busy March Board of Education meeting.
As a 1964 Indian Lake graduate, Even Stevens is a member of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame. He
also created and headlines the annual Nashville Hitmakers Concert, bringing America’s top songwriters to Indian Lake High School each fall to raise thousands of dollars for the Indian Lake Watershed, the Indian Lake Music Department, and a scholarship to deserving students each year in the name of his father, Floyd A. Stevens.
During the award presentation, IL Superintendent Rob Underwood said that through his storied career as a songwriter/composer and his dedication to serving the environment and his hometown, Stevens embodies the ideal Distinguished Alumni.
Stevens reacted, saying, "This means so much and I really appreciate this." He continued to the students in attendance, "You can do anything you want to do. Just stay at it and keep dreaming!"
Stevens especially thanked his sister, Sandy Helgeson, and the many volunteers who help make the Nashville Hitmakers Concert happen annually. Read Even Steven's biography below.
Stevens is the second inductee into the Indian Lake Local Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Last year's inductee, longtime music teacher Judy Grubbs, was in attendance to congratulate Stevens.
Also during the meeting, board members heard from senior class officer Allix Cotterman, asking them to consider changing the date of graduation from May 23rd to May 21st. No action was taken.
Board members and Superintendent Underwood recognized the Seniors of the Month from the first half of the school year. They are:
September- Allix Cotterman and Lane Mefford
October-Nate Cummins and Ella Wagner
November- Hayden Pummel and Kayla Roberts
December-Doug Bungard and Ashlyn Shaner
January- Ryan Braig and Kyleigh Huffer
Underwood also presented senior wrestlers Lane Mefford and Hayden Pummel with Certificates of Achievement for their recent appearance at the OHSAA Division III State Wrestling Meet. Mefford participated in the tournament, while Pummel won State Champion at the 160-lbs weight class.
Finally, the Board recognized the upcoming retirements of two long-time Lakers. ILES Guidance Counselor Suzy Mallory is retiring after 38 years of serving students. In addition, ILES Co-Principal Jeff Reprogle is retiring after 34 years in education at Indian Lake.
Underwood said, "We are so sad to see them go, but so happy for them individually. They've had wonderful careers with us."
The Indian Lake Board of Education meets again April 19th.
Even Steven Biography
Stevens is a 1964 Indian Lake High School graduate who initially dreamed of being a graphic artist. He began playing guitar at a young age, occasionally sitting in with his family’s gospel troupe. While serving 4 years as a Morse Code operator in the U.S. Coast Guard, he continued his musical pursuits by writing poetry and lyrics during his late-night watches. In the early 1970’s, he traveled to Nashville on an overnight whim and remarkably got a song published the very first night he was in town.
Even’s songwriting career spans many stylistic borders, from the international hit, “When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman” by rock’s Dr. Hook, to the three week running #1 Pop Hit, “I Love A Rainy Night” by long time partner and superstar, Eddie Rabbitt. He has accumulated an unprecedented 54 BMI awards, which includes: 14 Pop Awards - 26 Country Awards - One 6 Millionaire Award, One 5 Millionaire Award - Two 3 Millionaire Awards - Three 2 Millionaire Awards - and Six One Millionaire Awards! The Grammy nominated composer has written the Academy of Country Music winner, “Love Will Turn You Around” & ASCAP’s Song of the Year by the legend, Kenny Rogers and won BMI’s coveted Robert J. Burton Award/Song of the Year for “Suspicions” by his long-time partner, Eddie Rabbitt, earning him the distinction as a BMI “Songwriter of the Century.” To top it all off, he was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Among the artist’s who have recorded his songs include:Joe Cocker, Tim McGraw, Engelbert Humperdinck, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Mac Davis, Roger Miller, George Jones,Elvis Costello, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Overstreet, Dolly Parton, Sammi Smith, Conway Twitty, Brenda Lee, JD Souther, Stonewall Jackson,Marilyn McCoo, Blake Shelton, Steel Pulse, Tom Jones, Roger Whittaker, Lacy J. Dalton, Stella Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, Kenny Rogers, Marie Osmond, Crystal Gayle, Glen Campbell, Alabama, Pam Tillis, Bobby Bare, Barbara Mandrell, Dr. Hook, Eddie Rabbitt, Kim Carnes, Julio Iglesias, The London Symphony and even The Chipmunks!!!
Even Stevens also headlines the Annual Nashville Hitmakers concert, bringing America’s top songwriters to Indian Lake High School each fall to raise thousands of dollars for the Indian Lake Watershed, the Indian Lake Music Department, and a scholarship to deserving students each year in the name of his father, Floyd A. Stevens.