BURGAW, NC — The Pender Education Partnership (PEP), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting public school educators, in collaboration with the Pender County Board of Education, has inducted six new members into the Pender County Wall of Fame. The 2024 inductees, Carson Smith, Rev. Dr. Aaron Johnson, Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, Curtis Hardison, Dr. Richard Newkirk, and Ricky Biberstein (posthumously), have been recognized for their significant contributions as educators or outstanding alumni.
The induction ceremony was held at the Dr. Katherine Herring Resource Center, where the community gathered to celebrate the achievements of these distinguished individuals. Tammie Parris, president of PEP, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have significantly impacted public education. “Pender Education Partnership and the Pender County Board of Education are thrilled to announce the third class of Wall of Fame inductees,” said Parris. "This recognition celebrates the achievements of these remarkable individuals."
Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools, spoke about the lasting influence of the inductees on the community. “Pender County Schools have been blessed with outstanding educators and alumni who have significantly impacted our community, state, and nation,” Dr. Breedlove noted. He highlighted how these individuals exemplify dedication and commitment to education.
Among the honorees, Carson Smith, a Topsail High School graduate, has made notable contributions in law enforcement and politics. Reflecting on his induction, Smith shared, "I am deeply honored to be recognized. My journey began in Pender County, and I am committed to serving this community."
Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, another Topsail alumna, transitioned from a career in healthcare to founding successful businesses in a male-dominated industry. "This honor is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and dedication instilled in me by my family and community," Fletcher-Hardee remarked. Her achievements in business and public service demonstrate the diverse paths Pender County alumni can take.
Ricky Biberstein was two years old when his family relocated to Burgaw, NC where he lived his entire life except for college and military service. Rick was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where he majored in business administration before attending law school. He was a member of law review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. After completing law school, he served a three-year commitment with the US Army Judge Advocate General Corps and returned to Burgaw in 1963 to practice law for 55 years. During this time, he was the Pender County School Board attorney for 30 years, and he served on many county and regional boards, including the Wilmington Business Development Board.
Rick helped create Pender Progress Corporation which was the clearinghouse for Burgaw Industrial Park. He was keenly aware of the need for good education for Pender County students, and he served on the Rotary Student Scholarship board and on the John Motley Morehead Foundation Committee. He was proud that his children established a scholarship fund in his name at Pender High School for students who are planning to attend UNC Chapel Hill. He was committed to Rotary and had at least 16 years of perfect attendance. He was a lifelong member of Burgaw Methodist Church, serving in many capacities through the years.
Curtis Hardison, who served in the Secret Service for over two decades, has also contributed to local history through his writings. "Anwar Sadat, the Shah of Iran, Princess Diana - I've been around a lot of people. No matter where I travel I always remember from where I came," Hardison stated. His books on Pender County history have helped to enrich the community’s understanding of its heritage.
Rev. Dr. Aaron Johnson, a native of Willard, NC, has had a distinguished career in theology and public service, notably reforming North Carolina's correctional system. Reverend Johnson expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm proud of Pender County, from where we came to where we are now. As I look around this room, black and white standing together, it wasn't always this way." His work has left a lasting impact on the state's approach to rehabilitation and corrections.
Dr. Richard T. Newkirk, an educator for over 40 years, has focused on academic excellence and preserving the history of African American education. "Education is the light that guides us, and I am humbled to be recognized for my efforts to illuminate that path for others," Newkirk expressed. His dedication to education serves as an inspiration to students from diverse backgrounds.
The Wall of Fame, displayed at the Pender County Schools Board of Education building, seeks to inspire current students by showcasing the achievements of its honorees. Each year, PEP solicits nominations from the community, with a selection committee reviewing and presenting recommendations. “Pender Education Partnership believes in shining a spotlight on those who have made a significant impact on public education,” said Parris. "Our Wall of Fame serves as an example to our students that their dreams are attainable."