2008 Hall of Fame

Boyce “Blondie” Whitmire was principal of Flat Rock Junior High at both sites for 27 years, from 1963-90. He was county Principal of the Year in 1988-89. Whitmire innovated programs such as simultaneous school-wide reading sessions, crafting dulcimers, Beta Club, a champion football team, and programs for exceptional children and Special Olympians.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

Chicora Calhoun Westmoreland (1913-2003) taught English in HHS for 29 years, from 1946-75. She descended from early 19th century Vice-President John C. Calhoun, a Southern states rights activist. She was the epitome of proper grammar, etiquette, composure and traditional Southern culture.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

David Sitton was principal of Hendersonville Junior High School from 1974-87. He taught science from 1962-74. His students signed a pact planning specific, step-by-step school work, including extra credit projects or tutoring to improve grades. He was on a commission developing statewide science curriculum. Sitton was N.C. Educators Association president.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

Ethelyn “Lynn” Reaben Roberts taught English and drama at West Henderson in 1961-70, then at Hendersonville High from 1970-84. She helped expand arts education in N.C. She was a National Education Association national convention delegate. Roberts lent her own books to students, advised about college scholarships, and even acted as a surrogate parent.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

James Pilgrim, Sr., a prominent businessman and civic leader, was a catalyst for peaceful integration of local public schools in the mid-Sixties. He rewarded each graduate of all-black Ninth Avenue High School with a new silver dollar. Pilgrim helped people financially, even in getting their homes built.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

Ruth Pace was among the county’s first kindergarten teacher assistants. She worked 22 years, from 1971-93, in East Flat Rock, Hillandale and Upward elementary schools. She read to students, helped them draw and cope, and pulled loose teeth. Very nurturing, Pace was like a mother, nurse, counselor and nanny in children’s formative years.

2008 Education Hall of Fame

James Case worked 30 years in education, mainly as principal of Rugby Jr. High (1977-86) and Mills River Elementary (1986-99) when both earned top-five statewide academic honor. Earlier, he taught in Fletcher Elementary. In 1990-91, he was county Principal of the Year and WNC runner-up. Uniquely, Case’s Rugby sounded no bells and students suggested their own constructive, corrective punishment.

2008 Education Hall of Fame