Rosman High School recently inducted five new worthy candidates to the Alumni Hall of Fame on October 26, 2018. The group represents a wide variety of contributions to RHS and the community. Junior Madison Henson says, “I am glad I could help the committee again this year. We need role models like them so that we know we can go on to bigger and better things.”
RHS treats the new inductees with class and pride. This year the evening began with a reception dinner for the inductees and their families catered by the Pisgah Fish Camp. Each was recognized during the time of fellowship. The group then moved to the auditorium for a program put together by the RHS student representatives from the voting committee. The program included former inductees, James Looper and Jim Fox, speaking and sharing RHS memories. The student representatives each spoke, as well as school board chairperson, Tawny McCoy. Then, the inductees were presented with plaques. The inductees will be further recognized at the school with their names engraved on a large plaque, plus a two-page spread in the yearbook.
“This year's inductees have accomplished so much; it's the right thing to do to recognize their achievements!” says junior Callie Owen. “I'm glad I was able to be a part of this ceremony,” says sophomore Nathan Mahoney. “I respect all the inductees have achieved!” “I count it as an honor to have been a part of the Hall of Fame committee. An organization that shows their appreciation to those who have given so much back is truly a great one,” says senior Josh Voris, president of the student body.
Bad weather and a last-minute change with the football game caused a change in the traditional induction ceremony, which is held at half-time on the field. “I cannot emphasize how proud I was of the work the students put in, especially under the time constraints,” says Julie Queen, RHS teacher and head of the voting committee. “The inductees and their families were very complimentary and felt honored by the treatment. I feel confident that we have just started a new tradition.”
The Hall of Fame inductees are nominated by the community and voted on by a committee of teachers, students, and community members. A nomination form can be filled out at any time during the year. The guidelines and application can be found online at https://rhs.tcsnc.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12181473&pageId=12330366.
This year's inductees:
Jimmy Howell -- Athletic Success
During his years coaching and teaching at RHS, Jimmy had a major impact on his athletes, his students, and his coworkers. He took over as head coach of the basketball team in 1969. The following year one of his athletes scored 54 points in a single game and averaged 30 points a game. In 1974 his team won the Smokey Mountain conference tournament and won the district tournament. In 1978, his last year at Rosman, they won the Smokey Mountain Conference title with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss. They went on to win the SMC tournament and the district 4 tournament, and he took his team to the state final four. Over 9 years his teams had four final four appearances. Jimmy Howell is being recognized for his athletic success, but many will also remember him as a person who could captivate an audience with his stories. Jimmy was one of the best coaches in his time.
Levi Morgan (class of 2005) -- Career Success
Since he was only six years old, Levi has had success in archery and has traveled the world to win in competitions. His long list of accomplishments includes 8 World Championships, 40 National Championships, 12 Shooter of the Year, 3 Triple Crowns, and 10 World Records. His records include the title of being the youngest pro to ever win a national 3-D championship, the highest pro score ever shot in the history of IBO, and the only perfect 500 score ever shot in the IBO tournament. Levi loves to hunt and and even has his own show called "Bow Life." His prestigious archery career makes him well deserving of this award.
Hub Powell ( class of 1964) -- Public Service
Hub is well known in Transylvania County for his generosity in donating time, labor, and money. A well-known construction contractor, he is a honest, dependable and incredibly hard working. He was instrumental in the construction of the Rosman Fire Rescue building in the 1960's, the Rosman Town Hall building, and the current Rosman Christmas decorations. He has been involved in numerous other construction projects throughout the county, donating his time and expertise. Hub is known to donate financially to numerous charities and deserving projects, including many missionaries and churches. He has also been a big contributor to Rosman High School athletics and the FFA. Hub is worthy of induction for his years of faith, character, and willingness to help others, while expecting nothing in return.
Joseph Silversteen -- Contributions to RHS
Joseph Silversteen moved to Transylvania County in the early 1900s. He was the owner of numerous companies in Rosman, most notably the tannery, that employed several hundred people at their peak. He built the first brick school in Rosman and donated the land on which the high school gymnasium was constructed. Additionally he supported several churches and even loaned the town of Brevard $10,000 to pave its streets. With no living family members, his daughter willed the entire family's fortune to Transylvania County, including the Silvermont mansion in Brevard. Joseph's generosity was well known and his contributions to the future of Rosman and RHS are worthy of recognition.
Weldon Whitmire (class of 1972) -- Inspirational Experiences
Weldon has influenced more than a thousand future Rosman Tigers during his time as a coach and leader of Rosman Youth Football over the past 44 years. While Weldon was a head coach for RYF he led five teams to the WNC Youth Football Super Bowl Championship, with four of his teams finishing as champion, including one with termites and three with the midgets. Additionally, he served as head coach of one WNC Youth Football Championship runner-up team, head coach of three WNC Youth Football Championship All-Star teams, and assistant coach of several other WNC Youth Football Championship teams. His outstanding example, dedication, and expertise has positively influenced players, parents, and the community tremendously over the years and has shown many what it takes to be a winner.
We are extremely appreciative of WSQL and Rosman Tiger Sports Network for their generous donations to the Alumni Hall of Fame this year.