2007 Hall of Fame

Ralph Jones (1902-1964), a Henderson County educator for 30 years, taught at Edneyville Elementary (1925- 1927), led Etowah High as its principal from its inception in 1927 until 1943, and then served as principal at East Flat Rock until 1964. He was an active teaching principal who promoted athletics and the arts to youth and was known for motivating staff and students.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Kenneth Youngblood, a local attorney who has led an exemplary half-century-long public service career, volunteered his legal council for the Henderson County School Board for 30 years. Among his many accomplishments, he helped launch HCEF in 1986 and was instrumental in getting the Historic Johnson Farm, owned by Henderson County Schools, onto the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Youngblood and his late father, Pete Youngblood, 2004 inductee and county school board chairman from 1954-1970, are the first father and son duo enshrined in the HCEF Hall of Fame.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Walter Allman (1912-2001), known as a gentleman custodian, warmed furnaces and hearts for 33 years at Hendersonville High. From 1944 until retiring in 1977, he remained a great model for his extraordinary work ethic, manners, and friendliness. It is said that he brightened both the school grounds and student spirit.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Ruth Hill Mullinax (1918-2002) taught school for 37 years. As a first grade teacher at Tuxedo Elementary for most of her career, she helped shape young lives in their most formative years. She loved teaching so much that soon after retiring she served as a substitute teacher for another decade. HCEF Vice-president Matthew Mullinax is one of four grandsons.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Margaret Davidson, among the earliest local vocational educators, taught high school home economics in Henderson County for 37 years — in Flat Rock, 1954-60; then at East Henderson, 1961-91. She pioneered East Henderson’s Occupational Food Service (OFS) program and was named Teacher of the Year in 1979-80.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Freno Maxwell (1906-1998) served as the first bus supervisor for Henderson County schools and was head mechanic for 45 years, beginning in 1927. Mechanically adept and resourceful, he saved schools money by keeping vehicles running on old parts.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Carroll Edward Mullins, served Henderson County public schools for 29 years, as a teacher, principal, and athletic coach. He taught business and math and then was assistant principal for 10 years at West Henderson. He was principal at Dana Elementary from 1986 to 1990, then was principal at East High throughout the 1990s. He also coached at both East and West Henderson high schools.

2007 Education Hall of Fame

Robert “Bob” Bullington (1908-1989), a long-time horticulturalist and educator, granted his 12-acre Clear Creek property to be used for hands-on horticultural education. Today, the Bullington Horticultural Education Center, owned and managed by HCEF, serves about 3,000 students and more than 350 adults each year and presents more than 200 workshops and classes.

2007 Education Hall of Fame