Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

“My goal was to make sure no student was ever at a disadvantage because they had a Hartselle education’” were the words spoken by Hall of Fame inductee, Idessa Wherry. The long time Morgan County High/Hartselle High School English teacher was one of 10 members inducted into the newly formed Hartselle Educator’s Hall of Fame Sat. May 20. The event was held in the 100 year old building, now home to The Burleson Center in Hartselle.

Wherry moved to what is now Hartselle High when the Morgan County Training School closed in 1969. She continued there until her retirement in 2001. Wherry mentioned that she never knew how her students, or as she referred to them as “classmates” felt about her teaching until just a little over a year ago. When she learned that a Facebook page had been started as an “Idessa Wherry Fan Club,” she was honored that her goal in teaching had helped so many students. Wherry was the last inductee honored, since they were awarded in alphabetical order. She laughed as she was handed the microphone to speak, that since she was last she must be the benediction. Wherry received a standing ovation from those in attendance as she returned to her seat at the head table.

Frank Parker and Loy Greenhill were also in attendance has inaugural members of the first class of the Hall of Fame. Parker began his career at Hartselle Junior High as a math teacher but spent most of his career as principal of the school. His patriotism was well known by his staff and students as well as his values that he instill in all he came in contact with.

Loy Greenhill was a much-loved principal at Crestline Elementary School. He served in that capacity from 1964 until 1992. He was known for his kindness and dedication to his students and to his school. He even went as far as to try and remember his student’s names.

Over 180 attended the first Hartselle Educator Hall of Fame Banquet. Attendees included the committee members, as well as family members of inductees and former educators and friends of the school system. Emcee of the event, Judge Glen Thompson mentioned in his opening remarks that there are not many education hall of fames around. He quoted Coach Paul Bryant “it is hard to rally around a math class” but stated that Hartselle has always valued education for their children and valued those in education as well.

Thompson announced each inductee and shared something memorable about each one and noted their accomplishments which led to them being nominated into the first class. Seven other educators were inducted posthumously; many had family members in attendance that accepted the award on their behalf.

Those inductees included Caston McDaniel. George Herring accepted the award on McDaniel’s behalf. McDaniel donated the land that the former Morgan County Training School was built upon, and worked tirelessly to improve education for African American children in Hartselle in the early part of the 20th Century.

Professor Issac Stallworth was the principal of the Morgan County Training School until the school closed in 1969. He began there as a teacher in 1945 and was named principal in 1947. He was known for recruiting outstanding teachers for his school. His daughter Harriet accepted the award on her father’s behalf.

J.C. Pettey began his career at Morgan County High School in 1945 and was principal there from 1954 until 1962 and served as superintendent of Morgan County Schools for two terms. The gymnasium on the campus of the now Hartselle Junior High is named for Pettey. He is remembered as one who would help a youngster get in high gear and on the right course. His great-nephew John Burnham accepted the honor on behalf of Pettey.

Most who live in Hartselle have heard the name J.P. Cain. Not only because of the football stadium named after the well loved man, but because he made a difference in the lives of so many he came in contact with. “Coach” as he was called by many, served as a teacher, coach and principal, during his 33 years in the Hartselle schools.

He was known to be a strict disciplinarian, but also willing to give someone a second chance. Cain’s oldest son Paul, accepted the honor on behalf of Coach Cain.

Professor Forest Emory Burleson, for whom the building is still named in memory of, was principal of Hartselle Elementary, later F.E. Burleson Elementary, served as the school’s principal from 1931 until 1963. He was an educator for 47 years in Morgan County. Burleson once remarked that if he had to do things over again he would apply for a job as a teacher. Burleson placed in his students a desire to learn and excel in their studies. His son David, accepted the honor for his late father.

Miss Lizzie Reed Penn was a teacher for almost 50 years. She was affectionaly known by several generations as “their English teacher.” One of her best known accomplishments was establishing the MCHS Chapter of the National Honor Society. She felt that she was always meant to be a teacher. Family member Dr. Franklin Penn accepted the honor of behalf of Miss Penn.

Professor James H. Riddle moved to Hartselle in 1895. He purchased the Hartselle Male and Female College and ran that until 1909. This was built on the site of what was later F.E.Burleson. His focus in life was to educate the minds of his students. He helped to establish and served as principal of Morgan County High School until 1917. Riddle Auditorium on the campus of Hartselle Junior High was named for Riddle. Superintendent, Dr. Vic Wilson accepted the honor on behalf of Riddle.

Prior to the inductions, native and favorite Hartselle son Don Logan served as the guest speaker. He spoke of life growing up in Hartselle and playing baseball. Logan is best know for serving as CEO and chairman of Time, Inc. and later served as chairman of Time-Warner Inc. Media and Communication Group. Logan worked his way up the corporate ladder after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and masters  degree in math from Clemson University.

Due to his love of baseball, Logan now owns the Birmingham Barons Baseball team. He and his wife Sandy now live in Birmingham where he and his two sons, Jeff and Stan own a specialty greeting card company. Logan has been a very successful businessman over the years. He also purchased the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) from ESPN in 2010.

Logan spoke of his love for his hometown and has fond memories of Hartselle. He still stays in contact with many old friends and fishes with a couple of them as well.

According to Wilson, the inaugural event was a success. He spoke of the mission of Hartselle City Schools as honoring the past, recognizing the present and preparing for the future. “Hartselle City Schools was built and is successful today because of the work of those honored tonight and many others yet to be honored.” Wilson stated. He also asked those in attendance to start submitting names for next year’s class of honorees.