Greenville County Celebrates Its Finest at Hall of Fame Gala
In a heartwarming celebration of talent and achievements, Greenville County Schools held its Hall of Fame induction ceremony on a lively Thursday evening. A beautiful gala took place at the Greenville Convention Center, honoring six remarkable individuals who have left their mark on local, national, and international stages.
A Worthy Recognition
The event was organized by the Greenville County School Foundation, ensuring that the accomplishments of these extraordinary alumni and former district employees did not go unnoticed. The selections for this esteemed recognition were made by a dedicated committee, which included community leaders, district trustees, foundation members, and, of course, past Hall of Fame honorees.
Meet the Inductees
Let’s get to know the shining stars who were inducted this year! Each of these individuals has made significant contributions through their respective fields.
Kahran Bethencourt
First up, we have Kahran Bethencourt. Graduating from Wade Hampton High School in 1998, Kahran has made waves as a New York Times best-selling author and celebrated child photographer. She co-founded CreativeSoul Photography, where her stunning images work to inspire children worldwide. Kahran’s creativity knows no bounds: she even collaborated with Disney to give a fresh, Afrocentric twist to Disney princesses. For her outstanding work, she has earned prestigious accolades, including a NAACP Image Award and the Canon Explorer of Light award.
Johnny Mack Brown
Next on the list is Johnny Mack Brown, who has a rich history of service in law enforcement. As the former Greenville County Sheriff, Johnny led significant modernization efforts after being elected in 1976. Throughout his career, beginning as a probation and parole officer, he championed community-focused law enforcement. After serving as sheriff for 25 years, Johnny took on the role of U.S. Marshal for South Carolina until 2010. Even in retirement, his dedication was evident when he returned to the Greenville Sheriff’s office as interim sheriff in 2018.
Daniel Miyares
We can’t forget about the talented Daniel Miyares, a graduate of Hillcrest High in 1988. Daniel has enchanted readers with his beautiful picture books, which include titles like “Float” and “Hope At Sea“. His work is so compelling that the New York Times described it as “…enchanting, versatile.” As an illustrator, he brought to life the moving poem “Dream Variations” by poet Langston Hughes and illustrated the award-winning book “The Many Assassinations of Smir, the Seller of Dreams.”
Dr. Bethany Smith
Hailing from Pelzer, Dr. Bethany Smith is a powerhouse in the world of medical research. A 2002 graduate of Southside High School, her work focuses primarily on prostate cancer research and treatment development. With a strong educational background, she earned her doctorate at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Smith dedicated a decade of her career to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center before returning to South Carolina to continue her vital work in oncology and genetics.
Virginia Uldrick
Remembering the late Virginia Uldrick is important too. A graduate from Greenville Senior High School in 1946, she was an inspiring leader in the arts community. Virginia served as the founding director of the Greenville Fine Arts Center and held the presidency of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Although she passed away in 2017, her legacy of providing quality arts education for all children in South Carolina continues to live on.
Katherine H. Howard
Last but certainly not least is Katherine H. Howard. With over 30 years dedicated to education as an administrator and educator, Katherine has significantly impacted the South Carolina school systems. From being named the district administrator of the year to continuing involvement with Clemson University’s College of Education, her contributions are countless and inspiring. Even now, she actively consults and volunteers for educational initiatives.
Celebrating Achievement
The Hall of Fame event shined a light on these extraordinary inductees, showcasing the impact of their hard work, innovation, and commitment to their fields. As Greenville County honors these remarkable individuals, it also reminds us all of the positive influence that one person can have on a community and the world.
With talent and determination like this, the future is bright for Greenville County. Here’s to the journey and the stories yet to unfold!
