Congratulations, 2023 Distinguished Alumni!
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Franklyn Bush
Mr. Franklyn Bush
Principal, Lawrence Central High SchoolMr. Bush is a 1996 Lawrence North High School graduate. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration & Management from Indiana Institute of Technology. In 2005, he completed a transition to teaching program in Special Education K-12 at Butler University, later completing his Master’s Degree program (EPPSP) at Butler in Educational Administration.
Mr. Bush has served his community in many capacities in the field of education. Mr. Bush was a highly successful Exceptional Learner teacher before being named the Assistant Principal at Fall Creek Valley Middle School. Mr. Bush was promoted to serve as the Freshman School Principal at Lawrence North in 2014. In 2017, Mr. Bush was named the Principal at Lawrence Central where he currently serves. He provides leadership to faculty, staff, students, and families. He has implemented proactive academic and behavioral systems guided by supports and structures that enhance student learning, achievement and opportunities, all while effectively communicating with stakeholders. This past May, Mr. Bush was named the MSD of Lawrence Township Susan Jordan Administrator of the Year.
Mr. Bush is the proud father to LC senior, Ally, eighth grade Belzer students, Bryce and Trevor, and husband to LN graduate Amy.
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Mark Canada
Dr. Mark Canada
Chancellor, IU Kokomo
Dr. Mark Canada is a 1985 graduate of Lawrence North High School. He graduated from IU Bloomington 1989 with a BA in English and Journalism. Then he earned a Masters Degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994 and his PhD in American Literature before 1990 and English Language in 1997. Currently, Dr. Canada serves as the Chancellor at IU Kokomo. He is an award-winning leader, professor, author, and speaker with expertise in student success, American literature, the English language, journalism, and information literacy.
As a professor of English, he has taught numerous courses in American literature and other subjects, earning the University of North Carolina Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008. His seven books include the Audible Originals Ben Franklin’s Lessons in Life and Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Horror, as well as Thomas Wolfe Remembered, Information Literacy for Students, and Literature and Journalism in Antebellum America. His numerous articles on literature, student success, and other subjects have appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, American Literary Realism, Journalism History, The Conversation, Southern Cultures, The Academic Minute, and other venues.
Dr. Canada is a past president of the Thomas Wolfe Society, a contributing editor of The Thomas Wolfe Review, a graduate of AALI's Executive Leadership Academy and Harvard’s MLE institute, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of the Kokomo Community and belongs to a local chapter of Rotary International.
Dr. Canada is the proud father to Esprit, son Will, and husband to wife Lisa. -
Dexter Thompson
Mr. Dexter Thompson
Director of Sales at Thompson Distribution Company
Dexter Thompson is a 1995 graduate of Lawrence Central High School and a 1999 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, Mr. Thompson worked for Dow Chemical Company in Michigan and Eli Lilly in Chicago before returning to Indianapolis in 2004.
Upon returning to Indianapolis, Mr. Thompson worked for 13 years at a family-owned business, Thompson Distribution Company, as Manager of Sales and Operations from 2004 to 2016. In 2016, Mr. Thompson purchased Vertical Home Health and Vertical Home Care, a home health/home care business located in Bedford, Indiana. In 2018, Mr. Thompson grew and expanded the Vertical Brand from Bedford to Lawrence Township in Indianapolis and has over 200 employees.
Vertical has been acknowledged for being “The Best Home Care” and “Best Home Health” company in Lawrence and Marion counties for 2021, 2022, and 2023. One goal of the Vertical Brand is growth throughout the state of Indiana to help more senior citizens age in their homes. Mr. Thompson’s belief is that the valuable work Vertical does, makes a difference in the lives of the individuals it serves. He recognizes that the ability to help someone be independent and function in the comfort of their home is vital to their longevity and quality of life.
Mr. Thompson has received The Best and Brightest Award from Junior Achievement, Up & Coming Award from the Center for Leadership Development, serves on the Board of Directors for the Purdue University Lawrence County Extension, he is Vice President of his neighborhood HOA, an annual participant in the Spartan Race Trifecta, an avid philanthropist, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and a member of Eastern Star Church.
Mr. Thompson is a proud parent of two sons, LN graduate Dylan and LN junior Devin.
Congratulations to the 2023 Lawrence Central and Lawrence North honored alumni! Click on each name to read the bio.