HMS Lifetime Achievement Award

HMS recognized its first Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor was presented to Mr. Bill Rogers. Mr. Rogers has served on the HMS Board of Directors for over 19 years and has served as Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and continues as an Executive Committee member. However, this incredible service to HMS is only a portion of what Mr. Rogers has accomplished and contributed to both Grant and Hidalgo counties.

Mr. Roger’s life has been filled with many milestones. He is a graduate of Silver High School in 1962 and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry, Botany, and Physical Education. Additionally, he earned Masters’ Degrees in Public Administration and Zoology. In 1966, he began a 31-year career serving in public education in the Silver Consolidated School District and was named Outstanding Principal in New Mexico in 1985. Under his leadership, La Plata Junior High was selected as one of the top 10 schools in New Mexico. He served as the district asbestos designee for Silver Schools for approximately 30 years and just completed his tenure in 2021.

In addition, Mr. Rogers managed the Silver City Public Swimming Pool in 1968 and 69, worked for the Forest Service when he was off contract with schools from 1970-74, served on the Parks and Recreation Board from 1989-1992, and is a past president of the New Mexico Association of Secondary Principals. In addition, he volunteered with Search and Rescue. He discovered the Chihuahua Chub, a fish that had been believed to be extinct, as there had not been a sighting in 122 years. The rediscovery became a part of the Congressional Record. He is a husband of 57 years to his wonderful wife Bonnie Jo, father to two kids, Lori and Keith, and grandfather to two, Cooper and Cole

Overall, HMS serves Hidalgo and Grant Counties. In 2021, HMS received four distinctions for quality health care by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The four honors were The Health Center Quality Leader Bronze Award for Community Health Centers, the COVID-19 Testing award recognition, Advancing HIT for Quality award, and Patient Centered Medical Home quality award.