PORT ANGELES — Longtime Port Angeles High School orchestra director Ron Jones was selected this year for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame, said WIAA assistant Executive Director Andy Barnes.

Jones, who is retiring after 42 years with the Port Angeles School District, was selected for the Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions and have had superb accomplishments in high school sports and activities.

Lauded by lawmaker

Jones was recognized Tuesday in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, a former student.

“He didn’t just enhance a student’s musical skills; he broadened the horizons of young people,” Kilmer said. “I know he did that for me.

“He made you want to be better, he made you want to try harder, he made you want to perform well enough to get that genuine Ron Jones smile.”

Spring ceremony

Jones and seven others will be recognized next spring when the WIAA has its formal ceremony for 2017 and 2018 Hall of Fame inductees, he said.

Jones’ last concert with the high school orchestras is set for 7:30 p.m. today at the PAHS auditorium. It will be followed by a reception.

The “Perfect Blend Dinner Show,” featuring band, choir and orchestra students, is Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

For more information, call the high school at 360-452-7602.

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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.