Alumni Spotlight: Derek Padon

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Derek Padon is a 1995 graduate from Lindale High School. After graduation he attended Baylor University from 1995-1999, and furthered his education at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston from 1999-2003. Currently residing in Abilene, TX, Derek currently works as a Physician/Orthopedic Surgeon at Abilene Bone and Joint. 

 

His significant accomplishments include: 

Chief Orthopedic Resident Scott & White Hospital - 2007-2008

Chief of Orthopedics - Hendrick Hospital  2010-2012

Physician of the Quarter Hendrick Hospital 2009

President Action Zone Performance Center  2013-Present

 

Derek's Favorite Memories of LISD:

Great memories at Lindale High! I still remember showing up my first day of sophomore year as a new student.  I did not know anyone except Jennifer King (Bateman) who had showed me around the week before.  Everyone was kind and it wasn’t long before I felt like I belonged.  I have always remembered with gratitude how easy everyone made that transition for me.  

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Also, I have so many great memories of basketball.  We practiced in the old high school gym and played our games at the Junior High.  The fans were literally on the court.  Then halfway through our senior year, we moved to the new (current) high school with the parquet floor.  Just a little step up from our previous facilities.  If I recall, I don’t think we lost a game on that floor.  The new gym came equipped with a sound system, and we were serenaded every practice with the sweet sounds of Ace of Bass over and over again.  I hate to admit I still know every word of that album.  The mentoring from the fiery red headed Coach Jamie Holder and from the late great Dick Stringfellow was priceless.   I will never forget Coach Holder kicking a trash can across the locker room during an impassioned halftime speech.  Coach Stringfellow had such perfect form on his shot, you could never beat him in a shooting contest...ever.

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Lots of great memories and great friends...too many to share.