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Craig High adds two to honor wall

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Paul Benish

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Max Maxfield

JANESVILLE — Craig High School today honors two graduates: a man well known locally for his work with the homeless and one best known for his role in the government of Wyoming.

The two will be added to Craig's Honor Wall at a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. today.

Here are the honored alumni and some of their accomplishments, from biographies supplied by Craig and Gazette research.

Paul Benish, Class of 1975

Benish is known for his relentless volunteer efforts in and around Janesville. He is probably best known for his role in establishing and running the God Is Faithful Temporary Shelter for homeless men.

Benish is a financial planner at M&I Bank in Janesville, where he has worked for the past 20 years.

Benish has worked for numerous charities and ministries. He was president of the Janesville Jaycees, on the YMCA of Northern Rock County Board of Directors, named a Paul Harris Fellow of the Janesville Noon Rotary, was a Camp Rotamer committee member, and volunteered for the YWCA, Friends of Rockport Park and Meals on Wheels.

Benish also is an active member and leader at Trinity Episcopal Church in Janesville.

Benish was United Way Volunteer of the Year in 2008 and was among The Gazette's "People who Matter" in 2009.

"When we volunteer, we don't do it for recognition or accolades, we just do it to help," Benish told The Gazette when he received the 2010 Geraldine Hedberg Tocqueville Society Award in 2010.

Benish graduated from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colo., and was certified as a financial planner in 1997.

Max Maxfield, Janesville High School

Class of 1963

Maxfield was elected Wyoming's secretary of state/lieutenant governor in 2006, a post he had long aspired to, according to his office's website.

He got his start in public speaking through Janesville High's drama club, speech club and theatrical productions. He also showed his dedication to community service by working with children, earning him the YMCA Community Service Award in 1963.

Maxfield worked for 23 years as a YMCA professional director in several states. He led the Wyoming Recreation Commission from 1987-89 and the Wyoming Department of Commerce from 1989-94.

He was elected Wyoming state auditor in 1998 and served eight years before being elected secretary of state/lieutenant governor.

Maxfield received the Outstanding Service Award three times for his work in state government. He also has worked with nonprofit organizations and in community efforts.

Maxfield's career in public service has spanned nonprofit, public and private sectors. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, a hospice board member and a member of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter Board.

He has served as president of Laramie County United Way, Crime Stoppers, the Blue Envelope Health Fund and the Wyoming Alzheimer's Association. He has also served as a board member of the Wyoming Congressional Youth Awards, Special Olympics, Wyoming Children's Society and the High Desert Riders.

Maxfield is a member of First United Methodist Church, Cheyenne. He is a certified lay leader and a Stephen Minister.