A TRIBUTE TO
WILLIAM "BILL " HUDGENS
BY
BOBBY JOHNSON
Class of 1956
It should have been conveyed to him and to the school shortly after our
graduating class members completed our higher education and/or began
our choice of careers. Mr. Hudgens had already impacted our lives and
some of us realized this early in our careers.
Mr. Hudgens certainly made a positive impact on me and the small circle of friends I had in high school. I have no doubt he made a positive impact
on most of his students throughout his teaching career. Most of our small circle
of friends stayed in contact throughout the years. During visits, reunions,
and telephone conversations with them, Mr. Hudgens name always came up.
He instilled in us a desire to learn, a good work ethic ,and most important of
all, the idea that we could accomplish any goal in life we desired if we put in
the effort and dedication required. We voiced to each other our appreciation
for the things he did for us. Now that this website is available we can put our appreciation in in writing for everyone to read
Mr. Hudgens treated all students as equals even though, at times I felt he
may have done a little more for some of us who, in today's world, would
be considered poor and disadvantaged. He was like a second father to some
of us. He always took the time to listen and give us guidance.
Mr. Hudgens was not the only teacher we had and other teachers did have an
influence on us; however, he made a much greater positive impact on my life
than the other teachers did. I feel certain this was the case for many other students. Most of our small circle of friends continued our college education, and all of us went on to succesful, rewarding careers and lives. I have been thankful for Mr. Hudgens influence on my life over the years, and feel confident the others feel the same way.
Mr. Hudgens, when you read this, please accept my apology for not having
conveyed my sincere "Thanks" to you for all you did that helped
shape my life and character. Your influence on me was second only to my
Mom and Dad. I will be forever grateful to you.
Mr. Hudgens, following is a list of teachers you will remember from
the 50's. Although they did not have anywhere near the impact on my life
as you did, I feel their names should be on a list of outstanding teachers.
They are ~~Miss Billie McClellan~~Mrs. Woodrow Crick~~Mr. James Patterson
and for his record as the best basketball coach the school ever had,
Mr. James Cox.
a tribute to Bill Hudgens
by
Jenny Lou Henderson Burgess
