As a native of Hendersonville, George Wilkins served as the first principal of Bruce Drysdale Elementary School for 30 years. It was during this time he also served on the North Carolina State Board of Education as a special consultant in Kindergarten.
His vision and hard work placed him in the position to start the first Kindergarten Class in the Henderson County School System at his school, Bruce Drysdale. Not only was he a dedicated educator, he served his church, community, and country proudly. He was a devoted husband and father to his family of five children.
Throughout his 30 year career, Marvin Smith was a quiet leader who was respected for his wisdom and ability to look far into the future and see what was best for students. As a teacher and administrator in the Hendersonville City School System, he was recognized as a very powerful educator.
At the end of his educational career, his leadership qualities placed him as the Director of the Western Regional Education Center from 1982-1987. Serving 19 Western North Carolina school systems, he was knowledgeable about the inner workings and politics of local, regional and state schools. Marvin Smith was a “Good School Person.”
With outstanding leadership qualities as a teacher, principal, and friend, Corum Smith has devoted 35 years to education. His love of working and serving others extends to his family, church, school, and community.
He was principal of Balfour Elementary School for 21 years, and it was noted that his “energy and hard work over the years resulted in a school of which any principal could be justly proud.” He has contributed outstanding community service through various boards: Johnson Farm, Kiwanis, Parks and Recreation, Salvation Army, Retired School Personnel and First Baptist Church.
An outstanding, dedicated educator on the local, regional, and state levels, Sam Reese is and has been recognized as a major role model for students and others because of his integrity and honesty. He exemplifies the model of always doing the right thing.
He served 32 years with the Henderson County School System, and during that time he was the Assistant Superintendent for 20 years. Sam Reese has devoted his life to serving Henderson County young people through education.
A Henderson County native, Bill McKay devoted many years to education. During his tenure, he served on the Henderson County School Board for 21 years, during which time he was chairman for 12 years, was a Founding Trustee of Blue Ridge Community College in 1969, and was the First President of the Henderson County Education Foundation in 1989.
He gave 25 years to public service in our community. His leadership qualities made him an outstanding educational leader in our community.
Bessie Noble Jordan
& Willie Lou Jordan
Sisters Bessie Noble and Willie Lou Jordan dedicated their lives to education in Henderson County Schools starting in the 1920’s and 1930’s. As outstanding women educators, they led separate leadership roles as teachers, librarian, and principal at four area schools in Henderson County.
Upon their retirements, they set up a large monetary scholarship to assist students pursuing college degrees. These scholarships are still given annually at our four area high schools.
An individual who served the children of Henderson County for 35 years, Hardy Caldwell will be remembered as a devoted man of quiet dignity, great courage, and a true leader. During his career, he served on District School Committees, Henderson County School Board, and was a member of the North Carolina School Board Association.
He worked tirelessly and unselfishly as Chairman of the School Board during the 1993 merger process of the Hendersonville City and Henderson County Schools. At the end of his career, he was recognized for his leadership on the local, regional and state level as a servant leader for the public good.