2003 Hall of Fame

Keg Wheeler created landmark elementary P.E. and outdoor education programs in Henderson County. His programs were state and national models. He used natural materials or inexpensive equipment and created the region’s first elementary demonstration center in health and P.E. Keg was known for his creativity, diligence and inspiration.

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Joe Spearman has given his time, ideas and energy to education for decades. A County Commissioner, HCPS school board member from 1982-1996; a member of the BRCC Education Foundation; BRCC Board of Trustees chairman since 1991. A “leader and a consensus builder.” Under his leadership, BRCC has maintained a “superior” rating.

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Ms. Sinclair taught English at Flat Rock from 1927-1957. “Her combination of wisdom, gentleness, sternness, rigor, insight and creativity were wonderful to behold and experience.” Her students “begged her to keep going into next period.” She touched minds, hearts and souls with the splendor of the written and spoken word.

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Hugh Randall served as Superintendent of Hendersonville City Schools from 1954-1978. He set up an innovative school for migrant children, helped found Blue Ridge Community College, the Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Department, the local Salvation Army and the Western Carolina Regional Education Center. He was an outstanding educator, leader and person.

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Retired English teacher and Assistant Superintendent from 1979-1997, Dr. Pace championed comprehensive education that emphasized Academics and the Arts. She was a strong, quiet leader who was instrumental in educational progress. “The Arts were a particular commitment of mine.” She has written for several state and national publications on curriculum and English.

2003 Education Hall of Fame

The ultimate “people person.” Glenn Marlow was a supreme communicator and motivator; he got the most out of people and the school budget. Superintendent of Henderson County Schools from 1970-1990. North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 1987. “He was a man of integrity and dignity. He did what he felt was honorable and best for the children of Henderson County. He was a stabilizing force community-wide.”

2003 Education Hall of Fame

John Marable was a teacher, coach and principal at Ninth Avenue High School (1946-1959). School Board member from 1990-1996. He was a leader in two major educational transitions – desegregation and the merger of county and city schools. A big part of his life was to see what he could do for the community. He “wouldn’t give up on kids.” He was a “pillar of strength during integration, seeking a quality education for all youth.”

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Grace Ledbetter began working for the schools in 1948. She was the first finance officer for Henderson County Schools. “She wanted everything just right. Grace is very conscientious and responsible.” “She was one of the most knowledgeable and caring employees. If she wrote it, you knew it was complete and accurate.” “I enjoyed my work. I took pride in it.”

2003 Education Hall of Fame

Dr. Killian was the founding president of Blue Ridge Community College – 1969-1987. He built BRCC into a thriving, growing concern. He mastered the community college system, funding sources, and built the employee core with team players. “Quiet integrity – genuine good will and clear vision.”

2003 Education Hall of Fame

E. L. Justus dedicated more than 60 years to Henderson County education. Principal of Flat Rock from 1932 – 1960 and East High principal from 1960-1969. Served on the school board from 1970-1986. Mr. Justus was “a class act, a gentleman, an educator.” “He had the interests of children at heart. He had an aura of kindness.”

2003 Education Hall of Fame