2026 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

The Holden R-3 School District is proud to announce Mr. Ray Briscoe, a 1968 graduate of Holden High School, as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Each year, the district recognizes an alumnus who reflects the values, traditions, and excellence of Holden High School through outstanding achievement, service, and leadership. Mr. Briscoe’s lifelong commitment to education, military service, and community leadership makes him a deserving honoree.

During his time at Holden High School, Mr. Briscoe was an engaged and accomplished student. He was an honor roll student, attended Government Day and Boys State, and served on Student Council. He also made history as the first president of Holden’s National Honor Society. His interests extended beyond academics, as he contributed to the yearbook as a photographer, participated in dance committees, and performed in theatrical productions. As a senior, he earned the Danforth Award, MU Curators Scholarship, and the R.E.A. Scholarship.

Following graduation, Mr. Briscoe attended the University of Missouri where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and his teaching certificate in 1972. Mr. Briscoe began his career teaching high school physics and physical science before entering the United States Air Force, where he served for 30 years.

During his distinguished military career, he qualified as a navigator, electronic warfare officer, pilot, and space operations officer. He flew multiple aircraft, including the EB-57 and B-52, and held leadership roles as a squadron commander and staff officer at both the Pentagon and United States Central Command. He retired with the rank of colonel and was awarded numerous honors, including the Department of Defense Legion of Merit.

After his military service, Mr. Briscoe continued his professional work with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, serving in several leadership roles including Senior Professional Staff and Strategic Business Area Executive.

Since returning to Holden in 2016, Mr. Briscoe has remained deeply committed to serving his community. He has contributed his time and leadership to the Holden R-3 Board of Education, Holden City Council, the Board of Public Works as City Council Liaison, and the Executive Board for the Region F Solid Waste Management District. He recently concluded his service as Mayor of Holden, where he helped address key priorities including employee retention, financial stability, and facility improvements.

Many in the Holden community know Mr. Briscoe for his dedication to civic engagement and his ongoing efforts to strengthen the community.

Mr. Briscoe was nominated by his sister, Susan Strate, who described him as a thoughtful problem solver with a strong sense of responsibility to help and protect others. His nomination was supported by additional letters of recommendation from community members Mike Wakeman and Don Slone.

Mr. Briscoe will be formally recognized as the 2026 Holden High School Distinguished Alumni and will address the graduating class at commencement on May 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Holden High School.