2023 HHSA Hall of Fame Inductees

The Hendersonville High School Alumni Association would like to proudly recognize the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees

Cathy Louise Rivers Turner

Rev. Dr. Barbara Summey Marshall

Baron Jackson

Michael M. Thompson

Richard Gunning

John Hall Waddell

Ms. Turner graduated from HHS in 1977. She was a member of the first class to complete twelve years in the integrated school system. 

She held many class offices including Student Body President her Senior Year. This made her the first black female to do so. She was also active in sports, drama, cheerleading, FCA, Honor Society, Keywanettes, French Club, senior play and was named Miss Laureate her Senior year. 

She spent summer breaks working at the YMCA taking care of children and helping with day camps and field trips.

She attended the University of Tennessee and earned a BS in Business Administration. After marrying she worked for YMCA/YWCAs around the country for 30 years taking on a supervisory position at YMCA.

Another of her many accomplishments was initiating an Adaptive Aquatics Program in Florence, AL for those with disabilities. She is also considered a Bible scholar and has led state, regional and national ladies conferences. Ms. Turner is a published writer and has a column in her local newspaper.

Rev. Dr. Marshall graduated for HHS in 1973. While attending high school she interned at GE and received a scholarship.

She went on to graduate in 1977 from UNC-Charlotte with a Masters in Psychology. Later in 1979, she received a Masters in Religious Education from Duke followed by a 2001 Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton OH.

She went on to work in the private sector, then the naval reserves, followed by active duty as a naval officer Chaplain from 1986-2001.

As a veteran she has worked for justice and rights of others especially women vets and their families. This led her to found Steps and Stages Jubilee House in Fayetteville, NC.

In 2011, Former First Lady Michelle Obama participated in the ABC hit show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s unveiling of Barbara’s renovated home with a mission to provide resources and to house women vets and their families as they struggled to get back on their feet.

She and a small team led an effort for the 2023 NC General Assembly to establish a specialty vehicle tag to honor the service of women vets.

She is the author of the book Jubilee House Prayers.

She is currently living outside Charlotte and continues to fight for healthcare for women vets, remains active in her church and with her family. She has two children, a son with special needs and a daughter that is an Army combat veteran.

Mr. Jackson graduated from HHS in 1967. He has a daughter and a son along with his eleven siblings that also graduated from HHS.

In 1971 he graduated from NC State and went on to receive his Masters from WCU. After graduating he returned to Hendersonville and taught at various schools including Mills River Elementary, HHS and Veritas. In addition, he worked as a homeschool teacher and a tutor.

He retired from HHS in 2002. Presently he serves as a mentor/advisor to teachers at Veritas.

Each year Mr. Jackson personally funds a scholarship to the Most Outstanding Math Scholar in the graduating class in honor of his name.

He established the first computer lab and curriculum at HHS. He held workshops to prepare teachers for computers in schools.

He has taught computer and math classes at BRCC.

Over the years he has coached several sports including coaching the volleyball team to a State Championship. He has received several awards from DPI and Harvard.

He is currently active in his church and the youth baseball league.

Mr. Thompson graduated from HHS in 1975. Other family graduates include: brothers Todd and Jeff , Grandmother Geneva Quinn Class of 1929, Father Harry Class of 1950, his 2 children Class 2011 and 2021.

He went on to graduate from UNC in 1980 and then Campbell University in 1984.

Mr. Thompson joined the VanWinkle Law Firm in 1989. He is a successful attorney and entrepreneur. 

He is active at First Methodist Church along with being involved in the community, Village of Flat Rock Planning Board, Chamber of Commerce, Historic Flat Rock Board of Trustees, Henderson County Bar Assoc. and the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra.

He has played a role in the running of Piggy’s and Harry’s both popular local restaurants. He especially loves sharing local history.

Mr. Gunning graduated from the University of OK and then served in US Army. Four of his six children graduated from HHS between the years of 1973-1988.

He taught drafting, Industrial Arts, brick laying, engine repair and Graphic Arts which was responsible for printing the programs for football games, plays and the school newspaper. He taught at HHS from 1968-1989. 

He served on the NC State Board of VICA, Carpentry Board and the Rotary Club.

Locally, he developed Chanteloupe Estates, built Redden Law Firm and Senator Bo Thomas’ office in which used students over the summer to help give them experience.

Mr. Gunning left HHS and moved to Charleston due to his wife’s health. He taught in the local school system there. 

Following that he moved to GA and taught at a high school until 2003. He retired when his wife passed.

He has since remarried and lives in Knoxville TN area.

Mr. Waddell graduated from HHS in 1964. He was an athlete and involved in student leadership.

He graduated from Clemson University in 1969 and is a loyal IPTAY contributor.

He volunteered to serve in the Air Force during the Vietnam period from 1969-71 and is now a supporter of veterans.

He is the President of Reaben Oil Company. He is responsible for the formation of the Triangle Stop convenience stores. Mr. Waddell is retired but still acts as Vice President for store planning.

His company sponsors many local charities and fundraising events. In addition, he was extremely active in the Catbackers Association supporting athletics in the early 1980s. He was an early supporter of the formation of the HHSAA and the HHSAA scholarship fund.

Mr. Waddell is a member First United Methodist Church, Pardee Hospital Board of Directors Treasurer, member of the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Assoc/Chamber of Commerce, past President of Community Foundation, active in the Boys and Girls Club and on the Country Club Board of Directors.

He was awarded Sauer Charitable Leadership Award in 2019.

Mr. Waddell is a true philanthropist. He offers a multitude of community support but many times refuses to be named.