Richland County School District One’s extensive and impressive list of distinguished graduates includes educators, scientists, doctors, lawyers, civil rights pioneers, community leaders, business executives, artists and others who have made significant contributions to the district, their communities, their professions and society as a whole. Former Richland One Superintendent Dr. Ronald L. Epps, who came to the district in 1999 from Rockford, Illinois, was astounded by the number of prominent persons who were graduates of Richland One schools, among them an astronaut (Maj. General Charles F. Bolden, Jr.), a Miss America (Kimberly Aiken Cockerham) and a Nobel Prize-winning chemist (Dr. Kary B. Mullis). Dr. Epps’ idea was to create a district Hall of Fame to recognize and honor them. That vision was embraced and unanimously approved by the Board of School Commissioners. Planning began immediately to make the Richland One Hall of Fame a reality. Around the same time, the City of Columbia began pursuing an extension of a TIF (tax-increment financing district) for the Congaree Vista area downtown to generate $25 million to fund a trio of high-profile building projects – the Three Rivers Greenway, EdVenture children’s museum and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The City had Richland County’s approval, but a new state law also required the City to have the school district’s consent. The Vista TIF would mean that property tax dollars from new development in the Vista that normally would go to the school district would be deferred for a 10-year period. After months of negotiations, in a historic vote on January 11, 2001, the Richland One Board of School Commissioners unanimously gave its approval of the TIF, making it the first school board in South Carolina to approve a TIF in an effort to help spur local economic development and revitalization. In an interview with The State newspaper, then-Board Chairman Vince Ford called the Board’s action “an investment in our district,” with an eye toward the larger tax base that would be created in the long run. As part of the TIF agreement, Richland One students would be admitted free to EdVenture and the district would receive eight days’ free usage of the Carolina Coliseum each year for graduations and other events. A permanent space in the new Convention Center also would be designated for the Richland One Hall of Fame. The Convention Center opened in September 2004 and the district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Richland One Hall of Fame Room on September 21. The Board of School Commissioners appointed an 11-member Hall of Fame Selection Committee whose members

would review the nominations submitted for the Hall of Fame each year and recommend a slate of inductees to the Board for its approval. The original members of the committee were: Bob Bockman (committee chairman); Mrs. Kathy Garrick; Mrs. Helen Jones; Mr. Jim Leventis; Mrs. Myrtle Gordon; Ms. Marlene McClerklin; Mr. Sam McGregor; Dr. Warner Montgomery; Dr. Lonnie Randolph; Dr. Carlos Smith; and Dr. Harold Vaughan. Before the first nominations could be taken, the Selection Committee was charged by the Board to work with district staff to develop the Hall of Fame eligibility criteria and nomination process. Under the established criteria, persons nominated for the Hall of Fame could be district alumni or persons who did not attend Richland One schools, but the majority of each year’s inductees would be Richland One alumni. Nominees could be living or deceased. Up to, but no more than, 10 persons would be inducted each year.

The Selection Committee reviewed the 37 nominations that were submitted and recommended to the Board that

eight persons comprise the inaugural Hall of Fame induction class. The committee’s recommendation

was unanimously approved by the Board. The 2004 Hall of Fame laureates were: Maj. General (Ret.) Charles F. Bolden, Jr.; Mr. Henry J. Cauthen; Mrs. Kimberly Aiken Cockerham; the Rev. Joseph A. Darby; Mr. Harris E. DeLoach, Jr.; Mr. Cornell Alvin Johnson (posthumously); Dr. Kary B. Mullis; and Dr. John R. Stevenson. The first induction ceremony gala was held

on November 13, 2004 at the Convention Center. Lining the walls of the Richland One

Hall of Fame Room are framed portraits of the 57 men and women who have been inducted into the

Hall of Fame since its inception. The room is used as a meeting space by district groups and non-district groups. Glass cases flanking the entrance to the Hall of Fame Room showcase artifacts and memorabilia chronicling the district’s history, including items donated by Hall of Fame inductees. In 2014, the district celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Richland One Hall of Fame. The members of each induction class exemplify the qualities and characteristics of the many men and women throughout the district’s history who have contributed to Richland One’s proud tradition and legacy of excellence. The Richland One Hall of Fame provides a formal way for the district to tell their stories and acknowledge their achievements and contributions, while also educating and inspiring students today and generations to come. For more information about the Richland One Hall of Fame, please visit the district’s website (www.richlandone.org) and click on the Hall of Fame link, or call the Richland One Office of Communications at (803) 231-7504.

HISTORY OF THE RICHLAND ONE HALL OF FAME

March 22, 2014

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, It is indeed our pleasure to welcome you to the 10th Annual Richland One Hall of Fame Induction Gala. We’ve been known to refer to this event as our version of The Oscars, but it’s even better than The Oscars – all of the honorees are from Richland One! The gala is an extra-special occasion this year because we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Richland One Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 2004 to recognize alumni of Richland One schools and other persons who have made significant contributions to the district, their communities, their professions and society as a whole. Induction into the Richland One Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded by the Richland One Board of School Commissioners. While we honor the newest members of the Richland One Hall of Fame, we also celebrate Richland County School District One’s proud tradition of excellence. This year’s inductees – Heyward Bannister, Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell, Shirley A. Davis (posthumously), Naomi H. Dreher, Frannie Heizer, Bette Jamison, Dr. Evaretta S. Rutherford (posthumously), Dr. Harry B. Rutherford (posthumously), Catherine Davis Thomas (posthumously) and Archie P. Williams, Jr. (posthumously) – exemplify the qualities and characteristics of the many men and women throughout the district’s history who have contributed to that legacy. Appropriately, our theme tonight is “A Legendary Occasion.” The members of the Richland One Hall of Fame are legends and we want to make sure that their stories are told and that their achievements and contributions are acknowledged. We are pleased to have several of the persons who have been inducted over the past 10 years in attendance at tonight’s gala as we celebrate this significant milestone in the history of the Richland One Hall of Fame. We look forward to a wonderful program which will include musical performances by two talented Richland One alumni – featured vocalist Connie James, a graduate of Columbia High School, and saxophonist Dante’ Lewis, a graduate of Eau Claire High School. Any proceeds from tonight’s gala will benefit our Academic All-Stars and Classroom Innovation Teacher Grants programs. On behalf of the Board of School Commissioners and the district’s administrative team, thank you for your continued support of Richland One and we hope you enjoy your evening.

Sincerely,

Aaron BishopBoard Chairman

Percy A. Mack, Ph.D.Superintendent

Percy A. Mack, Ph.D.SuperintendentRichland County School District One

Aaron Bishop ChairmanRichland One Board of School Commissioners

Welcome Message

ORDER OF THE PROGRAM

Musical Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saxophonist Dante’ Lewis’ Band

Opening Processional . . . . . . . . Richland One Hall of Fame Members (2004-2012 Induction Classes) 2013 Richland One Hall of Fame Induction Class

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Judi Gatson Anchor, WIS News 10 and Host, “N Touch,” Kiss 103.1 FM Mistress of Ceremonies

Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Aaron Bishop Chairman, Richland One Board of School Commissioners

Celebrating 10 Years: A Video Retrospective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Produced by Mrs. Chrystal Burgess Richland One TV

Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Ronald L. Epps Richland One Hall of Fame Member (2009 Induction Class) and Former Richland One Superintendent

Invocation and Blessing of the Meal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, Sr. Pastor, Saint John Baptist Church – Columbia, South Carolina

– Dinner –

Baby Caesar Salad with Roasted Peppers, Garlic Crouton and Shaved Parmesan with Ranch and Traditional Caesar Dressings

Apple, Arugula and Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Calvatos Demi Glace, Paired with Fennel-Dusted Sliced Pork Loin with Apple Chutney, Accompanied by

Gruyere Gratin Potatoes and Garlic-Roasted AsparagusAssorted Fresh-Baked Rolls with Butter and Cinnamon Butter

Triple Chocolate Mousse or Lemon Mousse CakeIced Tea, Water and Coffee

Introduction of “Legends in the Making” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Jeanette Arvay Beck Dreher High School Theatre Arts Teacher 2013-2014 Richland One Teacher of the Year

Musical Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Connie James Featured Vocalist

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONYThe Occasion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Bob Bockman Chairman, Richland One Hall of Fame Selection Committee

HONOREES

Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Percy Mack Richland One Superintendent

Musical Tribute to Hall of Fame Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Connie James

Closing Announcements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Judi Gatson

– DANCE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM –Music by “World-Famous” Johnny Green of KISS 103.1 FM

Mr. Heyward BannisterHopkins High School Class of 1969

Thaddeus J. Bell, M.D.C.A. Johnson High School Class of 1962

Mrs. Shirley A. Davis (posthumously)Hopkins High School Class of 1966

Member, Richland One Board of School Commissioners, 1992-2000

Mrs. Naomi H. DreherBooker T. Washington High School Class of 1939

Ms. Francenia “Frannie” B. HeizerDreher High School Class of 1972

Ms. Bette JamisonA.C. Flora High School Class of 1969

Dr. Evaretta S. Rutherford (posthumously)Booker T. Washington High School Teacher

Dr. Harry B. Rutherford (posthumously)Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1928

Mrs. Catherine B. Davis Thomas (posthumously)Teacher – C.A. Johnson, A.C. Flora and

Lower Richland High Schools

Mr. Archie P. Williams, Jr. (posthumously)Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1932

On his unlikely journey from picking cotton in rural South Carolina to working for the president of the United States, Heyward Bannister developed a deep understanding of the disparities that exist across America – and a passion for leveling the playing field. As a youth, Heyward witnessed the unfair distribution of resources, inadequate educational and job opportunities, and lack of political representation prevalent in his community. He was motivated to develop and use his organizational and management skills in business, civic and political arenas to challenge the status quo, with a focus on inclusion and equitable distribution of community resources to mobilize and empower underserved populations. His commitment to service is consistent with his belief in Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quote: “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Born in 1952 in Gadsden, South Carolina, Heyward is the third of nine children born to James and Mary Smith Bannister. He attended Gadsden Elementary and graduated from Hopkins High School in 1969. Educators, community leaders and family members nurtured his academic performance as well as his desire to be active in his school and community. While in high school, he was student body president, a member of a gospel quartet and an active member of the Youth Chapter of the NAACP. Heyward worked three jobs simultaneously prior to enrolling at the University of South Carolina, where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While attending graduate school, he worked as a correctional officer and later as a caseworker for the S.C. Department of Corrections. In 1984, he joined Blackwater and Associates, Inc., where he obtained greater knowledge in the areas of research, public relations and political consulting. In 1986, he became co-founder of Sunrise Enterprises of Columbia, Inc., which was the first African-American-owned public relations firm in South Carolina. In 1992, he became owner of BANCO/Bannister Company, a public relations, marketing and political consulting firm. He served as state director for the Clinton/Gore Campaign and was later appointed as White House Liaison for the Department of Veteran Affairs in the Clinton Administration. In 1999, he returned to South Carolina as director of the South Carolina Community Business Center for Fannie Mae, a Fortune 500 corporation designed to remove barriers to home ownership. After retiring from Fannie Mae in 2007, Heyward resurrected the BANCO/Bannister Company. He has collaborated with and provided consulting services to over 250 grassroots awareness and political campaigns that transformed policies and reformed the political landscape, including Project ADAM, an anti-drug movement that mobilized churches to address drug abuse; “6-2-1” and “4-2-1” campaigns, which eliminated at-large voting in the City of Columbia; the Transportation Penny campaign designed to improve roads and public transportation in Richland County; and the Richland Library bond referendum to improve libraries. In his role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) board member, he battled unrelentingly for abused and neglected children in Richland County. He also has managed or provided consulting services for major local and national political campaigns. A founding member of the Black Alumni Council of the Greater USC Alumni Association, he was selected to the Columbia Housing Authority’s Wall of Fame and the S.C. Black Hall of Fame. He is married to Shirley Mills and is a member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Gadsden. His can-do attitude and passion for public and community service are as contagious as his laugh. Throughout his career, Heyward has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life for the underserved and to live up to his high school motto, “to make the best better.”

HEYWARD BANNISTER

Dr. Thaddeus John Bell was born on May 17, 1944 in Columbia, South Carolina. A 1962 graduate of C.A. Johnson High School, Dr. Bell has been a community and statewide leader in medicine for many years and an elite athlete at the international masters level. He was voted one of South Carolina’s Top 100 Athletes of the 20th Century. Dr. Bell is a graduate of South Carolina State University, a historically black university, and a 1976 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. In 1980 he founded the Cross Family Health Center, a free clinic for the underserved people in the rural community of Cross, South Carolina, where he was the only physician for 10 years. He was a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (1983-1993) and graduated from the U.S. School of Aerospace Medicine. He served as a flight surgeon in the Air Force Reserve and he served in Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Bell joined the faculty of MUSC in 1993, serving as associate dean for minority affairs in the College of Medicine for 17 years (1993-2010). MUSC’s president appointed him as director of the university’s Office of Diversity in 1996, a position he held until 2004. In those positions, he created many programs to improve the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of minority students at MUSC. In 2005, Dr. Bell attended the National Medical Association’s (NMA) Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly which had focused on health disparities. During the convention, one of the presenters suggested that black physicians should become more involved in their communities to help decrease the myths and mistrust of the health care system that was widespread among African-Americans. Dr. Bell was inspired to address health disparities in South Carolina and focused on health literacy in the black community. To that end, he founded Closing the Gap in Health Care (CGHC), a non-profit organization aimed at decreasing health disparities by providing health education for African-Americans and other underserved populations. The health tips were culturally sensitive, humorous, easy to understand and medically important. Dr. Bell has communicated over a thousand health tips on radio broadcasts and through the written word by way of an Internet publication called the Health-E-Newsletter. Building on those successes, he developed a website (www.closingthegapinhealthcare.org) and created a 501(c)(3) corporation to facilitate grant applications for funding an increased frequency of health information. The health information provided through Dr. Bell’s radio health tips, television show and the CGHC website reaches over 300,000 people each week. Dr. Bell also promotes healthy lifestyles for young students. The Closing the Gap in Health Care Fitness Festival has introduced several thousand students to a healthy lifestyle. The Thaddeus John Bell Endowed Scholarship for African-American Students at MUSC has significantly increased the number of African-Americans in the health care professions. The Low Country Jazz Festival helps to raise funds for the scholarship and, in 2012, this event was voted one of the top 20 festivals in the South. Dr. Bell has received numerous awards, including the Stellar Graduate Award from South Carolina State University; the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Health Disparities Award; the Physician of the Year Award from the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians; the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Community; the James Clyburn Health Literacy Award in Public Health Communication and Community Service; the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the City of Summerville, SC; and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Charleston Southern University. Dr. Bell is a member of Olive Branch AME Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC, where Dr. Harry Wilson is the pastor. He is married to Cynthia Alston Bell. He is the father of Thaddeus J. Bell, II (deceased), Tiffany J. Bell, Tonisha Bell-Alston and stepdaughter Taylor Alston, and he is the grandfather of one granddaughter, Julia Alston, and two grandsons, Kaidyn Snipe and Edmond James Alston.

THADDEUS J. BELL, M.D.

Shirley Anne Glenn Davis was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Rufus James Glenn and Fannie Mae Hall Glenn. She was married to Pastor Eddie W. Davis for 41 years and her children, Pastor Eric W. (Vanessa) Davis, Kimberly (Jamal) Brunson and Trenton M. Davis, and her six grandchildren – Kimbreia, Ezra, Elias, Emanuel, Jalen and Kaitlyn – were the apples of her eyes. She was educated in the public schools of Richland County and was a 1966 graduate of Hopkins High School. Upon graduation, she moved to New York state and later received a Bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and City University of New York. Along the way, Shirley received trainings and certifications to aid her pathway of community and public service. Shirley served diligently as First Lady for over 26 years at Little Zion Baptist Church in Blythewood, South Carolina. During her tenure she was a founding member of the Little Zion Women’s Christian Organization, organized the Little Sisters/Big Sisters mentoring program, Nanny Camp, and served on the Board of the Little Zion Baptist Church Academy and Daycare. In the community she was the founder of Beyond the Door, a family ministry, and “Why Me, Why You,” a cancer support group. She also served as a member of the Richland County School District One Board of School Commissioners from 1992-2000. Having possessed over 25 years of experience in the field of health and human services, community and family development, public service and social program organization and logistics, Shirley Anne Glenn Davis became a prime example of what it means to help, love and care for a community. Shirley’s entire professional background was devoted to community service and the development of those who were underserved. The pinnacle of her profession was the creation of a non-profit organization that could extend services to families that had exhausted the mainstream resources but still needed a “helping hand.” As founder and chief executive officer of Beyond the Door Outreach Ministry, using Family Connections as a model, Shirley was able to provide assistance to families using a holistic approach to parenting through healthcare initiatives and educational and preventive methods needed to build and inspire the “total” family. Shirley Anne Glenn Davis received numerous achievements, awards and honors for her relentless commitment to health and human services, community and family development, public service to Richland One communities and the State of South Carolina. As a commissioner on the Richland One school board, Shirley’s strong-willed determination for quality education influenced policies that changed programs. She was the driving force for a bond referendum to fund needed renovations and new construction within the district, including building Southeast Middle School. The construction of the new middle school helped alleviate the overcrowding of surrounding middle schools within the Lower Richland attendance zone, thus allowing smaller classes and additional teacher to student “face time.” In addition to her work on the school board, Shirley worked on projects and committees that helped shape many communities within Richland One and the State of South Carolina. Some of the committees that she worked with were the Teen Pregnancy Task Force, March of Dimes Health Task Force, South Carolina Department of Social Services Teen Companion Advisory Council and the Lower Richland Fighting Back Alcohol & Drugs Task Force. As an advisor on the Teen Companion Advisory Council, she worked extensively with former Columbia Police Chief Charles Austin and served as a liaison for teens committing crimes and brought to penal facilities. Oftentimes she was called upon late nights and early morning hours to serve as the guardian until parents were located and helped the teens through the experience while working with law enforcement to determine a teen’s offense, then later to present next steps to the parents once they arrived to claim their child. Shirley strongly believed in the institution of family and loved it with her whole heart; and with every opportunity available to her, she encouraged others to believe the same. For family members and close friends, her dedication became infectious. Oftentimes she encouraged family members and friends to accompany her to special events, carnivals, fairs and meetings so they, too, could contribute to the advancement of “whatever” community-related work she supported at the time. Up to the day her life transitioned (August 2, 2009), Shirley Anne Glenn Davis gave her life making sure that each person was given a chance at whatever life had to offer. Her unwavering faith in God and her ability to triumph victoriously over adversities was an everlasting example she set for her family, friends, co-workers and those to whom she committed herself to help.

SHIRLEY ANNE GLENN DAVIS

Naomi Joanna Hall Dreher, the youngest of seven children born to Reverend Benjamin L. Hall, Sr. and Mrs. Annie E. Commander Hall, was born in Greeleyville, South Carolina. The family moved to Columbia when Naomi was nine months old; therefore, she remembers very little about her birthplace. Naomi attended the Richland County Public Schools where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received her B.A. degree from Benedict College in English Education. In order to remain up to date in her profession, Naomi Dreher continued her studies at South Carolina State University where she received a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her desire to remain current in the field of educational research resulted in further studies at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, the University of South Carolina and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1943, Naomi embarked upon a career in education that would span over 62 years. During this tenure, she served as teacher at Sarah Nance Elementary School (formerly Booker Washington Heights Elementary School) and Burton Elementary School (formerly Farrow Road Elementary School). Following the integration of Richland School District One, she left the classroom to become a social studies consultant and an elementary education consultant. She was hired as one of the first African-Americans to work in the Personnel Office to interview and hire teachers. Mrs. Dreher served as principal of Waverly Elementary and Watkins Elementary. In 1987, after having served as principal of Watkins Elementary School for seven years, Mrs. Dreher retired from public education. All 43 years of her distinguished career in public schools were devoted to Richland School District One. As a tribute to her success as an educator and administrator, the district named the courtyard at Watkins Elementary School in her honor. The courtyard was later moved to the new Watkins-Nance Elementary School on Barhamville Road. Mrs. Dreher has received numerous honors and awards, including the Dr. John M. Davis Distinguished Educational Achievement Award presented by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For ten years she served as the only female member on the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions. Since “service above self” is Naomi Dreher’s motto, she began a new career at her alma mater, Benedict College, where she made invaluable contributions as director of the Minority Access to Teacher Education (MATE) and the African-American Teacher Loan (A-ATLP) programs for more than 18 years. These programs encouraged and assisted many students in pursuing a career in teaching. More than 100 minority students were hired as teachers across the country during her tenure at Benedict. Naomi is a member of Saint John Baptist Church where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, member of the Deaconesses Board, General Missionary Organization, Nannie H. Burroughs Missionary Circle, the Preschool Curriculum Committee and serves on the Preparatory School Foundation Board. She has been an active member for 78 years and served as the church’s organist for 50 years. Naomi J. Hall Dreher is a member of several professional and social organizations, including the National Association of University Women (NAUW); “Life Member” and “Golden Soror” of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; South Carolina Education Association-Retired (SCEA-R); Phi Delta Kappa; National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); Benedict College Senior Alumni Association; and the United Way of the Midlands. Mrs. Dreher is the widow of Wilbert Dreher. They were the parents of three daughters, Wilberanne D. Wells, Ione D. Saxon and Sharon D. Minnieweather. She has one son-in-law, Thomas E. Saxon; two deceased sons-in-law, Robert C. Minnieweather and Curtis D. Wells; seven grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters. She is committed to her family, church, education and community. She lives by the motto, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.”

NAOMI JOANNA HALL DREHER

Francenia Brennen (“Frannie”) Heizer was born September 14, 1954 in Columbia, South Carolina. She is the daughter of the late F. Constance Johnston Heizer and late Harry Tremble Heizer. She has one brother, Harry T. Heizer, Jr., and three sisters, Sarah P. Heizer, Mary H. Bennett and Addie B. Sides. She has ten nieces and nephews and one great-nephew with two more great-nephews expected this spring. She also has two goddaughters, Raven Tarpley Petuchowski and Rosanne Sullivan. Frannie has deep and long-standing connections to Columbia public schools. Her great-aunt, Francenia C. Brennen, for whom she is named, served as a teacher and vice principal at Columbia High School for more than half a century. Ms. Brennen’s service to public education in Columbia was recognized when the new school on Devereaux Road was named Brennen Elementary and dedicated in her honor. Frannie was educated in public schools of Columbia, attending Schneider Elementary, Hand Junior High and Dreher High schools. While at Dreher, her energy, leadership and commitment became apparent. She was a member of the award-winning debate team with longtime friend and debate partner Bob Coble. She was on state championship debate teams in her junior and senior years. As a senior, she served as president of the student body, captain of the Debate Team and she received a Human Relations Award from the Richland County Education Association. She attended the University of South Carolina as a Carolina Scholar, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1976. She was a leader in the Honors Program which became the USC Honors College and participated on the USC Debate Team. As a junior, she was selected to participate in the exchange program between USC and the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. As a senior she served as president of Mortar Board and a vice president of ODK, two leadership and honor societies. She also was recognized as an Outstanding Senior and was listed in Who’s Who Among American College and University Students. She was honored by UCA in 1976 as a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for Outstanding Service. This award was especially meaningful to her because Francenia Brennen, her great-aunt, was honored by USC as an alumni recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1949. While attending law school at USC, Frannie served as president of Women in Law, was a member of the Moot Court Team and a member of the Wig and Robe Honor Society. She received her Juris Doctor in 1979. Frannie entered into practice with Bob Coble in 1979 as Coble and Heizer, and, in the early years, served as the attorney for the Catawba Indian Study Commission and as an assistant county attorney for Richland County. Between 1985 and 1989, she served as the attorney for the Richland County Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program, helping represent the interests of abused and neglected children in Richland County Family Court. She also was active in the community as a member of the YWCA Board of Directors, president of the Columbia Network of Female Executives, legal advisor to the Board of Directors of Independent Business Women of Columbia and a member of the Planning Committee of the United Way. In 1986, Frannie was the first woman to be elected to the Columbia City Council, where she served for 16 years until 2002. She served in many capacities during her tenure, including two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore and on many Boards of Directors of city-related entities, including the Columbia Housing Development Corporation, the Columbia Development Corporation and the Columbia Neighborhood Redevelopment Corporation. While on Council, she was a strong supporter of the River Alliance and riverfront redevelopment, was instrumental in the redesign of Lady Street and played a key role in the development of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Colonial Life Center. She was a founding member of the City Year of Columbia Board of Directors and an early supporter of EdVenture Children’s Museum. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbia Animal Mission, which supports the Columbia Animal Shelter and provides a free or low-cost spay/neuter program. A shareholder with the McNair Law Firm, P.A. who joined the firm in 1989, Frannie’s law practice concentrates on public finance and government law. She is currently one of the county attorneys for Lancaster County, South Carolina and has served as bond counsel for a number of local governments and special-purpose districts in South Carolina. A large part of her practice is devoted to assisting South Carolina public school districts in meeting their capital financing needs. Having served as bond counsel to more than 50 South Carolina school districts, she has helped South Carolina school districts issue over $2.5 billion of long-term and short-term debt. She also serves as general counsel to the South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations and the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority. Frannie is a member of the Richland County Bar Association, the Government Law Section of the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina Women Lawyer’s Association. She maintains relationships with the National Association of Bond Lawyers, South Carolina Association of County Attorneys, South Carolina School Boards Association, South Carolina Association of Counties, the South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, the South Carolina Association of School Business Officials and the South Carolina Municipal Association.

FRANCENIA BRENNEN (“FRANNIE”) HEIZER

Bette Jamison was born January 14, 1951 in Columbia, South Carolina to devoted parents, the late Mary Frances Rabon (Dreher High Class of 1945) and Billie Jamison. She is also blessed with a brother, Bill Jamison (W.J. Keenan High Class of 1972). Bette is proud to be the mother of two sons, Bev and Field Farrar; a daughter, Frances Farrar; and mother-in-law to Carter, Field’s wife. She has been married to Charles Inglett for 20 years and, since 2005, lives in their cabin by the pond on her husband’s family land in the town of Woodford, which is just north of North, South Carolina. Bette was educated at Bradley Elementary School and part of the first class to complete all three grades at the then-new W.J. Keenan Junior High School. Graduating from A.C. Flora High School in 1969, Bette was a junior varsity and varsity cheerleader, in the Anchor Club and concert choir, and she served on student council and the International Day Committee and performed in school musicals. She was honored to represent Flora at South Carolina Girls State and to be selected as Homecoming Queen and Miss Senior. In 1972, Bette graduated from Columbia College with a B.A. degree in Speech/Drama and earned her teaching certificate, actually getting to return to Flora to do her student teaching. After graduation, she went to work at WCBD-TV in Charleston as on-air talent and program producer. Then, her friend, Lee Atwater (also a member of the A.C. Flora Class of 1969), “twisted her arm” to work as the assistant press director with the Re-elect Nixon Campaign and, after the election, she started graduate school in mass communications at the University of South Carolina. In 1973, Bette joined South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) as the producer of the children’s series WHEEE! working with nationally renowned Josie Carey who had partnered with Fred Rogers. In 1975 Bette was named the second female producer/director at ETV. In the 1980s, Bette worked at WVPT Public TV in Virginia, opening a satellite office for the station in Charlottesville. She came back to her home state in 1992 and began work in Instructional Television (ITV) with the S.C. Department of Education. Developing, producing and directing video-based resources for K-12 students and educators and coordinating SCDE’s ITV/eMedia instructional production services, in partnership with ETV, were Bette’s passion for the past 20 years. She produced programs that are still used by teachers via StreamlineSC to support classroom instruction. Bette retired in March and now enjoys working part-time in ETV’s education team. As a parent of a special needs child (Bev), Bette, while in Virginia, was a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee in Charlottesville Schools, was a leader in the Junior League of Charlottesville, coordinated public relations for the Senior Center and served on the boards of the Thomas Jefferson United Way Volunteer Center and Charlottesville Community Choir. She also helped form and served on the board of the Charlottesville Children’s Theatre. In Columbia, Bette served on the board of Medical Missions of South Carolina, volunteered with Chapin Children’s Theatre, was Choral Booster president at Irmo Middle and Irmo High schools, and was a proud member of the Irmo High School Football Mom Squad. Since 1992, she has been honored to volunteer as on-air talent for ETV’s Member Festival. For her work in ITV, Bette has received the SC FTLA “Friend of Foreign Languages” Award, the SCCGE “Friend of Gifted and Talented” Award, and she was part of the production team that received the Healthy SC Challenge “Media Award” 2007. In 2011, Bette was presented a “Making IT Happen” International Award from the S.C. Association for Education Technology for accomplishments during her 40-year career in educational and instructional television. Grateful for the education received, relationships formed and success nurtured in the Richland One schools, Bette continues to share her time and talents to mentor students and young professionals. With education being the focal point of her career, she is thankful to still be part of something she believes in and loves … ETV! Bette enjoys singing in the North United Methodist Church choir and developing her repertoire of sacred solos. She keeps up with and values the friendships of Flora classmates and stays busy with family and church activities, cooking and entertaining, designing hoped-for cabin additions, and enjoying the pace and peace of country life.

BETTE JAMISON

Dr. Evaretta Sims Rutherford, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. (Eva Hill) Sims, grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended high school and college. She graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature, English and French. Upon graduating from Howard University, she accepted a job in Columbia, South Carolina teaching English and French at Booker T. Washington High School. As a teacher, Evaretta Sims enjoyed working with students, preparing them to master the skills needed to overcome deficiencies in basic reading and writing so they could benefit from opportunities that were not afforded their parents. While at Booker T. Washington, she met, dated and later married Harry B. Rutherford, the mathematics teacher at the school. However, they happen to have taught during a period when African-American female teachers were not allowed to be married in the public school district. This policy had a negative effect on many professionals who cared deeply for each other but could not marry and have families if they wanted to continue to teach in Richland County Public Schools. Consequently, Evaretta Rutherford was forced to leave the district’s public school and began what became a highly successful career at Benedict College. She went on to do further study at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York and New York University where she received her Master’s degree, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She was twice awarded a Southern Fellowships Fund scholarship for study at Harvard University. In 1960-61, she was awarded a scholarship by the Harvard University Graduate School of Education to complete work on her doctorate. While at Harvard, she was elected to membership in the Pi Lambda Theta, the honor society for women in education. She wrote and co-authored six books in the field of African studies. Dr. Evaretta Rutherford also traveled with her husband, Dr. Harry B. Rutherford, and groups of school administrators and educators sponsored by the National Education Association to schools in Russia, Denmark, Finland, Poland and East and West Berlin. She also spent her summers traveling and gaining additional knowledge about educational systems in England, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Japan. The knowledge she gained helped her prepare teachers to work in the public schools of South Carolina and the nation. She was very supportive of her husband’s work at Booker T. Washington High School and provided her best students to work at the school and in the district. In her position as Supervisor of Student Teachers, she worked closely with the teachers at all of the schools in the district providing them with information and the most current teaching techniques from her travels throughout the country and around the world. She conducted many workshops for teachers, administrators and student teachers that helped improve the learning environment for all students in the district. Dr. Evaretta Rutherford accepted a position as Professor of Education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1963. She later chaired the Department of Education at Howard University. She served for many years a Director of Educational Programs for the annual trip of Educators to Africa. For two years, she was a Fulbright Professor in Madras, India and at the University of Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa. Dr. Rutherford passed away in 1978.

DR. EVARETTA MADELINE SIMS RUTHERFORD

Dr. Harry Benjamin Rutherford was born in Columbia, South Carolina on July 14, 1911. He matriculated through the Columbia public school system, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1928. In 1932, he graduated cum laude from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and was the graduation salutatorian that year. He was admitted to Howard University’s Medical School with a full scholarship but decided to return to Columbia to continue the family legacy of educating African-American students started by his grandfather, William Henry Rutherford. William Henry Rutherford, who was born during slavery but was a free black man, taught African-American youngsters in his home and started the long, proud tradition of educators in the Rutherford family. This legacy was continued by his son, Harry Benjamin Rutherford, Sr. and his wife, Carrie Jones Rutherford, both of whom taught school while maintaining other business interests within the Columbia community. Upon his return to Columbia after graduating from Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. Harry B. Rutherford taught mathematics at Booker T. Washington until 1940. Although teaching during those times was a noble and revered profession, young Harry grew extremely frustrated with the segregated, separate but unequal public education system. He found it difficult to adequately educate African-American students in a school system that was riddled with prejudice: using old and outdated textbooks, inferior resources, substandard and often defective equipment, along with other major problems too numerous to mention. Harry, along with other dedicated and outstanding faculty members, did their best to produce outstanding results in spite of the limitations that were placed on them. The one bright spot in his teaching life was Evaretta Madeline Sims, the school’s English and foreign language teacher, who became his wife in 1939. After six years of teaching and after receiving a Master’s degree from New York University, Dr. Rutherford became weary of instructing students in an unequal segregated system and left public education for a short period to work for the United States Postal Service. He helped to open the door for other African-Americans by making the highest score on the Federal Post Office examination. Because of his high score, the Federal Postal System could not deny him or other minorities employment based on race or color. Dr. Rutherford was persuaded, after staying away five years, to return to public education in 1945 as the teaching principal of Carver Junior High School and then later, he became the principal of Waverly Elementary School. In 1950, he was given the opportunity to return to Booker T. Washington High School as its principal, where he remained until 1964. In spite of South Carolina’s volatile educational climate, Dr. Rutherford was the longest-serving principal in the high school’s history. While stressing the importance of academic education, he also encouraged extra-curricular activities to help develop his students into well-rounded adults. Long before our present-day federal assistance became available, he designed and implemented programs to assist underprivileged students with textbook fees and school lunches. He instituted the gifted and talented program and encouraged his teaching staff to improve their training through additional education and in-service training. His school, Booker T. Washington, was often recognized for having the best-trained and most highly educated faculty in the state of South Carolina. During that time, he earned his Doctorate degree from Harvard University. Dr. Rutherford spent the summers traveling and learning about educational institutions and systems in England, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, India and Japan. He also traveled with groups of school administrators sponsored by the National Education Association to schools in Russia, Denmark, Finland, Poland and East and West Berlin. The knowledge he gained from his travels was integrated into the administrative management and instructional curriculum at Booker T. Washington High School. He was associated with the African-American schools of Richland County from 1917 to 1964 as a student, teacher, administrator, educational consultant and founder and officer of the Richland Teachers Council Federal Credit Union. The Columbia community knew Dr. Harry B. Rutherford as an innovative, compassionate, sincere and purposeful man who was committed to education and educational reform. He dedicated his life to preparing his students to be competitive regardless of what area of interest they wished to pursue. Dr. Rutherford passed away in 1980.

DR. HARRY BENJAMIN RUTHERFORD

Catherine Bess Davis Thomas, the seventh child of the late Robert Russell and Savilla Banks Davis, was born April 27, 1927 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Her parents stressed the importance of education and she began school at Fairfield County Training School and graduated from Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Barber Scotia College (Concord, North Carolina) in 1949. She also earned a Master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and a Master’s degree in education in 1971 at the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas. She completed additional study at South Carolina State College, Southern University, Columbia College and the University of South Carolina. She married Lorenzo Thomas from Jacksonville, Florida on December 28, 1962 and traveled with him during his military career in the Army. Mrs. Thomas’ career began in 1951 as a teacher of English and reading in Richland County School District One. She taught at C.A. Johnson High School, A.C. Flora High School and Lower Richland High School. She also taught in the Fort Richardson, Alaska Dependent Schools, Midlands Technical College and in the Education Department at Benedict College in Columbia, for a total of 56 years. At Benedict, she worked with the Minority Access to Teacher Education (MATE) Program after retiring from public schools. She retired from Benedict College in May 2007. Many graduates of C.A. Johnson High School credit their successes in their various careers to her dedication as a teacher with a caring nature and persistence to be excellent. She was admired by many who also agree that she was quiet, but serious about her responsibilities as an educator. She was celebrated as a “Legend in Education” by the National Association of University Women in 2009. Mrs. Thomas truly believed that teaching needed to take place at church as well as at home. As a faithful member of Saint John Baptist Church since 1952, she served as president of the General Missionary Organization, associate teacher of the Young Adult Class and Adult Class #5, editor of the church’s first handbook, Implementing Our Faith, chair of the Christian Education Committee and founder/director of the Thursday Tutorial Ministry. She also served as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Church Building Committee, and the Pastoral Search and Installation Committees. She was among the first group of female trustees. Her civic and social affiliations and services included leadership roles in the chartering of the Columbia Pan Hellenic Council, the Booker T. Washington High School Foundation and in the founding of the South Carolina Assault on Illiteracy Program. She maintained membership in the National Association of University Women, the Greater Columbia Literacy Council, life memberships in the South Carolina Education Association and National Education Association and life memberships in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. As a Sigma woman, she served as director of the seven-state Southeast Region, the undergraduate chapter coordinator and was named Outstanding Soror of the Southeast Region. She also was a regular supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Mrs. Thomas would often recite the following words from her favorite poem, House by the Side of the Road: “Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat, Or hurl the cynic’s ban? Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” Mrs. Thomas was called home on August 4, 2012 at the age of 85.

CATHERINE BESS DAVIS THOMAS

Archie Preston Williams, Jr., affectionately known as “Daddy A.P.,” was born February 8, 1914 to the late A.P. Williams, Sr. and Bessie Frizelle Wise Williams. As a pioneering entrepreneur and dedicated community servant, Williams championed education, civil rights and social justice. Trained in the primary and grammar departments of Morris College in Sumter and Benedict College in Columbia, Mr. Williams graduated from the legendary Booker T. Washington High School in 1932. A year later, he received a diploma from the famed Eckels College of Embalming in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1936, during the Great Depression, Mr. Williams and his mother established A.P. Williams Funeral Home, and he operated the business until his death in 1992. For nearly six decades, Williams served generations of families. In September 2005, A.P. Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, South Carolina was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1961, in loving memory of his parents, Mr. Williams established a companion funeral business in Lexington, South Carolina, where his parents lived during the late-1890s until moving to Columbia in the early-1900s. Today, this facility is being renovated to serve only as a funeral chapel for the community. Determined to advance political opportunities for African-Americans, A.P. Williams, Jr. worked closely with the Democratic Party and regularly sought public office. In the spring of 1950, he launched an ambitious campaign for City Council. Against the odds, he also ran for the House of Representatives in 1958. He was one of the first African-Americans to pursue a House seat since the Reconstruction Era. Mr. Williams served as chair and treasurer and helped to found the Richland County Concerned Citizens Committee, a civil rights organization that challenged segregation and racial discrimination, advocated desegregation in schools and public transportation, equal pay for black employees, patients’ rights at the Crafts Farrow facility and the hiring of the first African-American policemen. He worked with Modjeska Monteith Simkins and others, and he personally posted bond for countless college and high school student activists who were arrested during sit-ins and public demonstrations in downtown Columbia. During the mid-1960s, Mr. Williams and the Richland County Concerned Citizens Committee, regularly addressed conditions in the Columbia City Schools and advocated for kindergartens in lower-income areas, the creation of special education sources for students with mental challenges and the “provision of free lunches to every hungry child.” As the City of Columbia documents the impact of the civil rights movement in our community, it is fitting to note that Mr. Williams and the Concerned Citizens Committee championed school integration 50 years ago. In a 1964 memo found in Mr. Williams’ personal papers, he remarked that African-American parents “will do well to recognize the fact that the only way to obtain the very best that the Columbia school system has to offer is to enroll their children in any school where the best can be found.” This letter is one of countless sources that highlight Mr. Williams’ steadfast commitment to equal opportunities for all children without regard to their ethnicity, social background or economic condition. Mr. Williams so often risked his business and reputation to champion unpopular causes. Despite threats of economic reprisal, he persisted. Mr. Williams joined the South Carolina NAACP in 1943 and established a life membership. Between 1943 and 1992, he served as president of the Columbia NAACP for eight years and as the vice president for 14 years. He served as president of the South Carolina Morticians Association (SCMA), Inc. (1941-1945¬). Mr. Williams also served on the National Board of Funeral Directors and was a member of the local District #2 SCMA. He was one of the first African-Americans elected to serve on the South Carolina Board of Funeral Service. He also was a member of the Columbia and Lexington Chambers of Commerce. In the 1950s, he served on the Executive Committee of Ward 2 and the Rules Committee of the Columbia Democratic Party. Mr. Williams was a member of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons; a 32nd degree Mason and secretary, Capitol City No. 47, C.C. Johnson Consistory, #136; chairman of internal affairs and stockholder in Victory Savings Bank; and vice president of the Men’s League. He received certificates of appreciation from WOIC, the NAACP, Zion Baptist Church and the Richland County Concerned Citizens Committee. A member of the 1932 graduating class, Mr. Williams received the Booker T. Washington High School Foundation Heritage Award in 1983. In 1984, he received a Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation from the South Carolina Board of Funeral Service. As an advocate of history, Mr. Williams worked with the University of South Carolina’s Caroliniana Library to establish an archival collection that provides invaluable historical information about education, civil rights and African-American civic and business life in Columbia. In 1984, he was selected to take part in a pioneering documentary history project conducted by the Southern Regional Council on the Civil Rights Movement. In 1992, upon Mr. Williams’ death, he was saluted in The State newspaper and a resolution in his honor was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Williams joined Zion Baptist Church at an early age and, for more than 50 years, he devoted his energies and resources to the ministry and outreach of the church. An active and dedicated member, he served as chairman of the Finance Committee and Trustee Board (1933-1977). Mr. Williams loved to fish in the summer and hunt deer during deer-hunting season, as well as participate in cooking and cleaning hogs to make and use his favorite recipe for hash. He also loved horses and never missed a horse race in Camden, South Carolina. Mr. Williams. was married to the late Corinne Davis Williams for many years and they had four children – A.P. Williams, III, who was the first African-American on the University of South Carolina Marching Band (1964); the late Bessie Corinne Williams; Mrs. Mona Nelson; and Dr. Frizelle Riley. At the time of Mr. Williams’ demise in 1992, he was married to Peggy Tucker Williams, with grandchildren Calvernetta Prestene Brown and A.P. Williams, IV. His only brother, Fred Cyrus Williams, preceded him in death.

ARCHIE PRESTON WILLIAMS, JR.

Hall Of Fame Laureates20

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Major Gen. (Ret.) Charles F. Bolden, Jr.

Henry J. Cauthen Kimberly Aiken Cockerham The Rev. Joseph A. Darby

Harris E. DeLoach, Jr. Cornell Alvin Johnson* Dr. Kary B. Mullis Dr. John R. Stevenson

I.S. Leevy Johnson Celia Phelps Martin* Lt. Col. George D. “Marty” Martin, III*

The Honorable Jean Hoefer Toal

Ulysses R. Barber* Rear Admiral (Ret.) Reubin B. Bookert

George E. Glymph Dr. Linda L. Kershaw H.B. Rhame, Jr.*

Dr. Alma W. Byrd The Honorable Robert D. Coble Charles H. Dickerson* The Honorable Kay Patterson

Fannie Phelps Adams Charles D. Beaman, Jr. Dr. Gary B. Bell The Honorable Willie T. Smith, Jr.*

John W. Bluford Dr. Ronald L. Epps Elizabeth “Betty” Foran* The Honorable Matthew J. Perry, Jr.*

Hall Of Fame Laureates20

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1120

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Don Belt

Heyward Bannister Thaddeus J. Bell, M.D. Shirley A. Davis* Naomi H. Dreher

Bette Jamison Dr. Evaretta S. Rutherford* Dr. Harry B. Rutherford* Catherine B. Davis Thomas*

Francenia B. “Frannie” Heizer

Archie P. Williams, Jr.*

Ethel Martin Bolden* Zack C. Clarkson, Sr.* Lilease Rogers Hall* James C. Leventis Dr. Juanita Simons Scott*

Doris Glymph Greene Tyrone B. Hayes, Ph.D. King Benjamin Lindbergh Jeffcoat

Stonewall M. Richburg Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr. Nathaniel Spells, Sr.

Pastor Sam Goodwin Jean Sanders Hopkins The Honorable Phil Leventis

Martha Elizabeth Cunningham Monteith

Dr. Jasper Salmond Dr. Albert N. Thompson, Sr.*

* Deceased

Connie James is an extraordinary vocalist/actress who has been compared to Sarah Vaughn for her rich and agile lower register and to Ella Fitzgerald for her nimble and consummate improvisatory taste. She is a singer who puts the ZZs in jazz, the POP in popular music and the SONG in The Great American Songbook, all with an impressively soulful delivery! Ms. James, a Columbia, South Carolina native and graduate of Columbia High School and a classically trained singer with a degree in music from the University of South Carolina, has toured as opener for American comedy icon Bob Newhart; starred in her own one-woman show, Fever: A Tribute to Peggy Lee, at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Palm Beach; performed as the opening act and special guest star for jazz great Arturo Sandoval; and she will release her long anticipated solo debut CD, to be produced by Kenny Seymour, musical director of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Memphis, later this year.

“… when I hear Connie sing, it’s like I’m hearing a song I already know … for the first time. She is truly one of the finest singers I’ve ever known.”

– Lee Bell, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach

For the past few years, Ms. James has been a featured artist in the touring tribute shows Sweet Baby James, a tribute to the Great American songsmith James Taylor (with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoJ_4PPwZws); and Blue, the Songs of Joni Mitchell (also with the Buffalo Philharmonic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8eJjsxiIkg). Both projects, as well as “Fever,” were produced by producer Peter Ligeti of Ligeti Artists and The Show Store (www.theshowstore.com). All three critically acclaimed shows continue

to tour across the United States to sold-out audiences.

“The torch song “Supper Time” takes on added poignancy when sung so soulfully by Connie James.”– Hap Erstein, Palm Beach Post

Over the past 20 years, Ms. James has spent much of her time as club and studio singer in New York. She also has been nominated for a Pixie Award for Best Song/Soundtrack in a Motion Picture for the song “Three Words,” which she co-wrote and recorded with composer/pianist Onaje Allen Gumbs for the motion picture Whoa. The film received the Angel Award at the Sundance Film Festival and also was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

“James has a solid, versatile voice, capable of childish wonder, smoldering sensuality, bluesy swing and downright sassy bump ‘n’ grind. She is especially effective when swooping down low and utilizing her multi-hued, lower alto register . . . James was at her best when she connected with the bruised-ballad torch songs, most notably ‘Black Coffee’ and the encore of ‘What’s New?’ both of which were brimming over with pain, loss and palpable heartache.”

– Albany Times Union

Several years ago Ms. James decided to add acting to her repertoire of talents, landing roles on NBC’s Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU and Homicide: Life on the Street. Her voice also can be heard in numerous commercials. Among her credits, she also starred in the independent short film Brothers by Italian director Fernando Scarpa. Recently, Connie put together a performance piece that covers a broad spectrum of American life through a song series comprised of tunes from the Great American Songbook. The piece is entitled Connie James: Raising the Bar – Love Songs From the Great American Songbook, Then and Now. The show was performed at Feinstein’s in New York City and has received rave reviews from the New York music and theatre communities.

Contact Info: Redwood Entertainment, Janet Castiel, 212-543-9998, info@redwoodentertainment.com, www.redwoodentertainment.com

Connie James

Richland One Board Of School Commissioners

SuperintendentDr. Percy Mack

Cabinet Members

Hall Of Fame Selection Committee

Mr. Aaron BishopChairman

Mr. Vince FordVice Chairman

Mrs. Cheryl HarrisSecretary-Treasurer

Mrs. Beatrice KingParliamentarian

Mr. Jamie L. Devine

Mrs. Susie Dibble

Mrs. Pamela Adams

Dr. Debra BrathwaiteDeputy Superintendent

Dr. Regina ThompsonChief of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Sanita SavageInterim Chief Human Resources Officer

Mr. Ed CarlonChief Operations Officer

Mrs. Sherri Mathews-HazelChief Financial Officer

Dr. Jennifer ColemanExecutive Director of Accountability, Assessment,

Research and Evaluation

Mr. Ernest DupreeExecutive Director of Schools

Mrs. Jeannetta ScottExecutive Director of Schools

Mr. Willie McGradyExecutive Director of School Administration

Dr. Carlos SmithAssistant to the Superintendent/Ombudsman

Ms. Susan WilliamsLegal Counsel

Ms. Karen YorkDirector of Communications

Mr. Bob Bockman, Chairman

Mr. Johnny Bland

Mrs. Alexzena Furgess

Mrs. Helen Jones

Mrs. Julia McLeod

Ms. Marlene McClerklin

Mrs. Ella McRant

Mrs. Geraldine Parker

Dr. Lonnie Randolph

Dr. Carlos Smith

Mr. James Starnes

Special Thanks and AcknowledgementsPROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Mrs. Judi GatsonMr. Aaron Bishop

Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, Sr.Mrs. Jeanette Arvay Beck

Mr. Bob Bockman Mrs. Helen Jones (video voice-over narration)

Dr. Percy Mack

EVENT PLANNING AND COORDINATIONRichland One Office of Communications Team:

Ms. Karen E. York, DirectorMrs. Rachel Phelps, Executive AssistantMrs. Chrystal Burgess, Richland One TV

Mr. Mitch Wyatt, Web AdministratorMs. Edith Caudle, Public Information Manager

Mr. Marv Ward, Richland One TVMrs. Katy Watkins, Volunteer and Mentoring Programs Coordinator

Ms. Lauren Austin, Communications Intern

VOLUNTEER HOSTS AND HOSTESSESMr. Kerry Abel

Mr. Clifton AndersonMr. Duane BrennanMrs. Reva BrennanMs. Colette Dryden

Mr. Jim FennerMrs. Janice Bell-McDowell

Mr. Raymond McDowellMs. Heather Siegfried

Mr. Brian WestonCity Year Columbia Corps Members

MUSICFeatured Vocalist Connie JamesSaxophonist Dante’ Lewis’ Band

“World-Famous” Johnny Green – Kiss 103.1 FM

SOUVENIR PROGRAMGraphic Design – Mr. Tommy Flowers, Richland One Printing Services

PLATINUM SPONSOR

McNair Law Firm, P.A.

GOLD SPONSOR

WIS TV

SILVER SPONSORS

Childs & Halligan, P.A.

First Citizens Bank

Gardener Guides – Discover Columbia

A tip of the cap to you.

Michael M. Beal 1221 Main Street Columbia Managing Shareholder Suite 1800 McNair Law Firm, P.A. Columbia, SC 29201 mbeal@mcnair.net 803.799.9800 To learn more, visit us at www.mcnair.net

McNair Law Firm salutes Francenia “Frannie” B. Heizer, Inductee to the Richland One Hall of Fame.

Congratulations Frannie!We are proud of you, your work and steadfast commitment to the community.

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