2012 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
JON LAUGHTER
Jon is a 1957 graduate of Hendersonville High School. He attended college at NC State and received a degree in Civil Engineering. Jon then went into the Air Force where he received the Air Force Bronze Star and the US Air Force Commendations medal during his service time in the Vietnam war. Following his time in the military, he returned to Hendersonville and eventually started his own engineering and surveying business and has been a part of many projects that have helped Hendersonville grow over the past years. Jon has served the community as a Rotarian, a member of the Board of Education, a member of the Hendersonville City Council and many other offices and civic areas.
PAUL GOEBEL
Paul is a 1963 graduate of Furman University. He was the second person hired by the Phoenix Suns where he served as head scout and sales promotion manager. He also helped start the Junior Development Basketball League which the NBA sponsors to this day. Paul then went into education where he spent the first part of his teaching career in Prescott, Arizona. He came to Hendersonville High School in 1987 and taught Social Studies, History, and also served as basketball and tennis coach. While at Hendersonville, he started the Mock Trial Team and the yearly Social Studies Symposium. He also works with the Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, Furman University Alumni Board of Directors, the Red Cross and was President of the Henderson County Association of Educators.
KATHY MORGAN
Kathy graduated from Hendersonville in 1969. She attended Elon College where she played on the first women's volleyball and basketball teams and then obtained her MA while also an Assistant Volleyball and Basketball Coach at Appalachian State University. She returned to Hendersonville Jr High to teach PE and then came back to Hendersonville High three years later to teach Health and PE and coach Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. In 1989, Kathy initiated the idea of "Celebration", the all night drug and alcohol free graduation party, that is now used by all four county high schools. Kathy has been involved in numerous community activities and organizations including the Henderson County Rescue Squad, Henderson County Rape Crisis Center, American Red Cross, Elk's Lodge Celebrate Youth, National Ski Patrol and has won numerous awards for her work locally and in education. She retired from HHS after 32 years and continues to be active in HHS activities and the HHS Alumni Association chairing the Scholarship Committee.
BOB CUNNINGHAM
Bob was a 1953 graduate of Hendersonville High School. He then attended the University of South Carolina where he earned a Business Degree then later earned a law degree. He worked in law until taking a position with Olin Corporation in 1973. Bob continued working in Hendersonville and was active in both professional and civic organizations which include being President of the Western Carolina Manufacturers Association, member of the North Carolina Labor Board, Chairman of the Pardee Hospital Fundraising Drive, and member of the Executive Council Board of the Daniel Boone Council of Boy Scouts of America. He achieved many honors which included the order of the Long Leaf Pine-North Carolina's highest civilian award.
EUGENE NORMAN
Gene was a 1953 graduate of Hendersonville High School. He was active in many school activities and was also an outstanding athlete which included being a member of the 1952 State Championship Basketball Team. After his military service, Gene returned to work in Hendersonville where he has been a loyal Bearcat for over 50 years. As city recreation director, Gene partnered with HHS to allow swim classes to be taught at Patton Pool through the PE program. He is the start of three generations of Hendersonville graduates and remains a Bearcat in the truest sense of the word.
CECILE WILKINS SIMS
"Teal" was a 1943 graduate of Hendersonville High School and has been an active Bearcat her entire life. She worked at Barber's Camera and Card Shop in downtown Hendersonville for over 20 years and is a former member of the Hendersonville Welfare Club, Hendersonville Junior Women's Club and the Possum Hollow Women's Club. Her greatest achievement has been through her support of Hendersonville High. She is part of four generations of Bearcats that have activiely supported the school both academically and athletically. Her positive attitude and never give up spirit has been her forte over the years as she continues to serve the school.