LOCAL HERO
Benton Clyde Clark III Receives Oklahoma’s Highest Honor
By Gini Moore Campbell, Vice President, Oklahoma Hall of Fame
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On the evening of November 14th, surrounded by family and friends, Benton Clyde Clark III received Oklahoma’s highest honor when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He was presented for induction by his brother, Jim Clark, chairman of B. C. Clark Jewelers. With the first induction in 1928, to date, 745 of Oklahoma’s native sons and daughters have received the prestigious honor. Inducted with Benton Clyde Clark III as members of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2024 were Anita Arnold, Tecumseh; Greg Burns, Oklahoma City; Tim DuBois, Grove; Drew Edmondson, Muskogee; Anne Morris Greenwood, Carnegie; and Amber Valletta, Tulsa.
The elements that make up the Oklaho- ma Hall of Fame medallion reflect and celebrate Oklahoma’s rich heritage. The white star of the medallion, taken from the Oklahoma State Seal, represents Oklaho- ma as the 46th state of the Union and the 46th star on the flag of the United States. The gold center, Uncle Sam blessing the union of Oklahoma and Indian territories, is taken directly from the original impres- sion stamp of the Oklahoma Memorial As- sociation, known today as the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The mistletoe wreath is from the Oklahoma State Seal, first used as an element of the Great Seal of the Territory of Oklahoma. The five “T” shapes honor the five Indian nations that inhabited In- dian Territory prior to Statehood and are surrounded by rays of the sun—the Indi- an symbol for constancy. The medallion hangs from a ribbon representing the color of Oklahoma’s rich red earth.
Benton Clyde Clark III received Oklahoma’s highest honor on November 14, 2024 when he was inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
12 BC CLARK MAGAZINE
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