Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

A movement has begun to name the school’s football stadium in honor of Don Meredith.
“When I first came to Mount Vernon, I was amazed there was not something already named in his honor,” Athletic Director Charles Swann said.
Mr. Meredith was born and raised in Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1956. He was an All State Football player at Mount Vernon High School. He was an All American at Southern Methodist University. He was selected on the All Pro Team as a Dallas Cowboy.
“It is the right thing to do and it is time for us to do this,” Lanny Ramsay said. “Don has never forgotten Mount Vernon.”
Mr. Meredith established a scholarship in his parent’s names that is awarded each year to a graduating senior boy and girl. It was begun in 1995 and $4,000 is given to each recipient each year.
He has also provided memorabilia for display at the Old Fire Station Museum which helps to draw tourists to Mount Vernon.
Petitions are currently being circulated for signatures in support of the movement. Several businesses will post the petitions for signatures including, Dairy Queen, Tom Scott Lumber, M. L. Edwards Emporium, Guaranty Bond Bank, First National Bank, Mount Vernon Fitness Center, Ramsay Law Office, Tom Ramsay Real Estate, and the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald office.
For interested parties who are not able to sign a petition in person, you may e-mail your interest to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with Meredith stadium in the subject line. Be sure to include your connection to Franklin County as either a current resident or a past student.
The signed petitions will be presented to members of the school board during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 8. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the board room of the school’s administration building.
- Susan Reeves ’10