2011 Hall of Fame

Elizabeth Rogers is the oldest inductee at age 93. She taught in Flat Rock from 1948 until 1960, when it was absorbed into the new East High. She then taught at East for its first two decades, until 1979. She recalls Flat Rock High as the epitome of a close-knit, well-behaved school. Her pupils there included distinguished writer Robert Morgan and many who to this day treat her to meals at regular get-togethers.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Gary Rhodes taught in Mills River Elementary for 28 years, from 1976 to 2004. For two pivotal years in the ’70s, he was a physical education instructor and mentor to classroom teachers in a half dozen schools. His main message was to try one’s best, have fun with fitness and be a good sport as well as considerate to classroom colleagues.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Pearl LeVar taught over a span of 40 years, including overseas and in four local elementary schools. At Tuxedo, she was media coordinator and a teacher in 1980 to 1993. She reorganized the school’s central library. She read stories from the Bible to “Curious George,” the mischievous monkey, opening horizons for students.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Richard Brown taught from 1970 to 1995 in Hendersonville city schools at all three levels — elementary, middle and high school. His specialty was special education. As an orphan he moved often and related to those students feeling like an outsider. He made them feel at home in order to better realize potential in class and beyond. Some 20 years ago, he coached HHS boys tennis to four state titles in five years.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Jereline Sexton was more than a custodian to students. She was a very dependable friend to all. Known as a thorough, meticulous worker, she helped keep the school spic-and-span for a clean, safe and healthy learning environment.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Barnwell taught for a decade, starting at Dana in 1957 and as one of East Henderson High’s first instructors. He rose into the central office, where he soon oversaw facilities and federal programs for nearly two full decades until 1989. He mobilized emergency classes after arson fires in 1971 and 1973. He saved money with more efficient school energy use and purchase orders. He extended reading and other help for low-income students in 1978, in a state pilot program. He served on the school board, later another decade as consultant for building many recent elementary schools.

2011 Education Hall of Fame

Dr. Flynn is identified with West Henderson High history. As its first student body president, he came up with the Falcon mascot and red, white and blue school colors. He returned as its principal for a dozen years (1980-92), the longest tenure leading West. He innovated in-school suspension and computerized student scheduling. He then moved on to the central office for a decade to cap 35 years in local administration. He crafted the school reassignment selection process for transfers out of zones, precautions against intruder violence and handicapped bus radio communication to boost safety.

2011 Education Hall of Fame