Two Hennessey graduates were added to the Hennessey Hall of Fame during the 2026 HHS graduation ceremony, honoring Teresa Thomas Dillon and Ramon Renteria-Lara for their outstanding professional achievements, community service, and continued connection to Hennessey.
Teresa Thomas Dillon, a member of the Hennessey High School Class of 1977, built a remarkable career rooted in service to her country. During her school years, Dillon was active in sports, 4-H, student council, and FHA. After graduating, she earned a degree in food and nutrition from Oklahoma State University before beginning a 20-year active-duty career in the United States Army.
Her military service included assignments across the United States and overseas in Germany, along with deployment to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Dillon later earned a master’s degree in Community Nutrition from the University of Maryland and spent more than two decades working as a Department of Defense contractor and U.S. Army civilian employee. Her work focused on medical countermeasures and protective systems designed to defend against chemical and biological warfare threats.
After retiring from the Pentagon in 2022, Dillon returned home to Hennessey with her husband, Arthur LaMott. Today she remains active in the community while enjoying gardening, genealogy, travel, and cheering on local sporting events.
Also inducted was Ramon Renteria-Lara, a respected leader in Oklahoma tourism and community development. Renteria-Lara currently serves as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, where he has helped promote Oklahoma attractions and landmarks to wider audiences across the region and beyond.
Among his many accomplishments was leading the translation of the Oklahoma Route 66 Guide and Passport into Spanish, helping make the state’s tourism opportunities more accessible to a broader and more diverse audience.
Renteria-Lara has also dedicated countless hours to community service through various boards and organizations, including serving as one of Oklahoma City’s Golf Commissioners. His leadership and charitable work have earned him numerous honors, including the Hispanic Institute’s Top 40 Leadership Award, a Young Professionals Excellence Award, and recognition as an Honorary Commander of the U.S. Air Force for his advocacy and support efforts benefiting Oklahomans experiencing homelessness.
The City of Warr Acres also honored his impact by proclaiming June 19 as Ramon Renteria-Lara Day.
While both inductees have achieved success on a national and statewide level, organizers noted their strong ties to community and service made them fitting additions to the Hennessey Hall of Fame. Photos by AAH Jack Quirk
About The Author
