News Summary
On November 21, Greenville County Schools celebrated the induction of six distinguished individuals into its Hall of Fame at the Greenville Convention Center. This year’s inductees include celebrated figures from arts, athletics, medicine, and education, highlighting the exceptional achievements of alumni and former educators who have made significant contributions to their fields. The ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to the community’s spirit of excellence and the enduring impact of these remarkable inductees.
Greenville Celebrates Excellence: Six New Faces Inducted into Hall of Fame!
In a night filled with joy and pride, the Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame welcomed a remarkable group of six distinguished individuals into its ranks during an induction ceremony held on November 21. This grand event took place at the vibrant Greenville Convention Center, where friends, family, and community members gathered to honor those who have significantly impacted various fields.
This year’s inductee class is truly impressive, featuring five graduates and one former educator from Greenville County Schools (GCS). From the inspiring realms of the arts and athletics to the world of medicine and philanthropy, these remarkable individuals embody the spirit of excellence that Greenville prides itself on.
Meet the Inductees
Let’s take a closer look at the six honorees whose achievements continue to shine brighter than ever!
Annie Bethencourt
Hailing from Wade Hampton High School, Annie graduated in 1998 and has since made waves as a world-renowned child photographer. As the co-founder of CreativeSoul Photography in Atlanta, she devotes herself to empowering children of color through her stunning photography. Her work has earned her accolades, including a prestigious NAACP Image Award and the title of Canon Explorer of Light. Additionally, she is a co-author of two New York Times bestselling books: “Glory” and “Crowned,” which showcase her artistic talents.
Rudy Brown
Graduating from Greenville Senior High Academy in 1955, Rudy Brown took on a significant role in public service as he was elected Greenville County Sheriff in 1976. He is celebrated for modernizing and professionalizing the sheriff’s department during his tenure. Rudy also served as the president of the National Sheriffs’ Association and was appointed U.S. Marshal for South Carolina in 2002. His commitment to the community remained steadfast as he took the interim sheriff position from 2018 to 2020.
Raúl Miyares
A proud graduate of Hillcrest High in 1988, Raúl Miyares has carved a niche for himself as an award-winning picture-book author and illustrator. His enchanting stories include beloved titles such as “Float,” “Night Out,” “Hope at Sea,” and “Bring Me a Rock!” His artistry extends to illustrating notable works such as the Newbery Honor Medal-winning book “The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams,” along with the profound poem “Dream Variations” by Langston Hughes. Raúl’s talent brings joy and inspiration to readers of all ages!
Kaitlyn Smith
Kaitlyn graduated from Southside High School in 2002 and ventured into the formidable world of medicine. As a postdoctoral fellow, project scientist, and assistant professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Kaitlyn has dedicated her career to prostate cancer research and treatment development in various areas of oncology and hematology. Upon returning to South Carolina, she is set to advance her work in oncology and genetics, making waves in the fight against cancer.
Darcy Uldrick
Graduate of Greenville Senior High Academy, Darcy Uldrick is a true pioneer in the arts community. As the founder of Greenville’s Fine Arts Center and the first president of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Darcy has significantly influenced the arts in education. Having served as the supervisor of music and fine arts for Greenville County Schools, her legacy continues to inspire young artists today. She has received numerous accolades, including the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Award and the Order of the Palmetto.
Katherine Howard, Ph.D.
With over 30 years in education and administration, Katherine Howard has significantly impacted student performance in South Carolina as a former associate superintendent at GCS. Her journey includes serving on the international board for the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and chairing Clemson University’s College of Education Advancement Board. Her dedication to educational excellence shines through in all her endeavors!
This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony was a night to remember, showcasing how Greenville proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of its exceptional residents. The bridge between education and the real world could not have been more vibrant, with stories of perseverance and success resonating through the hearts of all attendees.
As Greenville continues to nurture and pay tribute to the greatness that emerges from its community, we can only look forward to the countless stories of excellence yet to unfold.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame Inductees
- Greenville Online: Six Inducted into Greenville County School District Hall of Fame
- WSPA: Greenville Baseball Hall of Fame Inducts Seven
- Greenville Online: Dawn Staley FIBA Hall of Fame 2025
- WNCT: Greenville’s Petey Pablo Among NC Music Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees
- Wikipedia: Hall of Fame
- Google Search: Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame
- Google Scholar: Greenville Education Inductees
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hall of Fame
- Google News: Greenville Hall of Fame
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
