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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.