Hendersonville High School Alumni Association News

PARDUE RECEIVES STATE HONOR

June, 2007 - Legendary HHS basketball coach Jim Pardue received the highest civilian honor in North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, in a ceremony at HHS on Friday, June 22.  The honor is reserved for individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state, contributions to their community, extra effort in their careers and many years of service to their past organizations.  Past recepients include Rev. Billy Graham, Charles Kuralt, Michael Jordan and Maya Angelou.  After receiving the award from state Senator Apadoca and Rep. Justus, Pardue gave a short 5 minute speech.  "Coming to this town was probably the best move I ever made in my life," Pardue told the crowd. "I really enjoyed my career here at Hendersonville High School....  There aren't many things you can do in this world as a career and never begrudge getting up and going to work in the morning.  It never bothered me.  I loved my job."  "He was such a great coach, but more importantly he is a mentor and he is a friend," said former player Harold Albany.  Albany and others have organized an effort to get the HHS gym renamed in honor of Pardue.  The school board is set to discuss the item in August. 

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