Four community leaders inducted into Pender County Wall of Fame

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — Four people have been inducted into the Pender County Wall of Fame in recognition of their contributions to education, business and community service.

The Pender Education Partnership (PEP), in collaboration with the Pender County Board of Education, celebrated the 2026 inductees during a ceremony Monday evening at the Burgaw Town Center.

This year’s honorees are Glenda Yvonne Bannerman Johnson Pridgen, Robert Newton, Kenneth L. Keith and Hugh Highsmith II.

Glenda Yvonne Bannerman Johnson Pridgen was inducted posthumously for her dedication to education, family and community service. A native of Burgaw’s Canetuck community, Pridgen attended C.F. Pope School, Fayetteville State University and Southeastern Community College. Her career included working for Pender County Social Services and serving as manager of the Pender County Library.

Robert Newton was recognized for his years of service to students and educators. He worked as an assistant principal at D.C. Virgo in Wilmington before serving as a substitute teacher and administrator in Pender County Schools. Newton also participated in the documentary “Lessons From The Rosenwald Schools,” sharing his experiences and helping preserve local history.

Kenneth L. Keith was honored for his contributions to education and public service. Keith became Pender County’s first African American Family Court Counselor and Juvenile Probation Officer. He later became the first teacher of at-risk students in the county’s initial alternative education program. Keith also served as assistant principal at Pender High School and Topsail High School and was named Pender County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year. His career included 31 years of state service and another decade of part-time leadership after retirement.

Hugh Highsmith II, a 1962 graduate of Burgaw High School, was recognized for more than 50 years of contributions to business and the community. After working for Ford Motor Company, Highsmith returned to Burgaw in 1973 and established Fairway Ford. He continues to serve as the dealership’s owner and president. The family-operated business has now spanned three generations.

The Pender County Wall of Fame recognizes alumni and educators whose accomplishments and service have made a lasting impact on the community.

The Wall of Fame display is located at the Pender County Schools Board of Education building in Burgaw.

Founded in 2015, the Pender Education Partnership is a nonprofit organization that supports students and educators through scholarships, grants and recognition programs.

For more information, visit pendereducationpartnership.org.