PHS inducts Brown, McCrarey and Moore into Hall of Fame
November 5, 2015
PELION, SC — Pelion High School recently inducted Rhett Brown, Ed.D., Kevin McCrarey and James Moore into the school’s Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame inductees represent the highest level of excellence during their time at Pelion High School or outstanding accomplishment during their professional career.
A 1983 graduate of Pelion High School, Rhett Brown became the 10th president of Wingate University this past summer. For the past 29 years, as an employee and a student, Brown has been intimately involved in the evolution of Wingate University. In many ways, Wingate University’s story is Brown’s story.
Brown is a first-generation college graduate from rural Pelion, South Carolina. Wingate nurtured his development and, according to Brown, profoundly affected who he is today. This personal connection drives his passion for providing a new generation of students with a similarly transformational experience. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and also received his MBA from Wingate University. He completed his Doctor of Education at the University of Alabama. In his 26 years of working at Wingate, his titles have included director of the office of career services, associate dean of students, dean of enrollment management, and for the past six years he has been vice president for student life and enrollment services. Rhett and his wife, Nicci, live in Union County, North Carolina with their two children. He serves on the Advisory Board for Carolinas Medical Center-Union, the Union County Arts Council, and the United Way Campaign Team.
Kevin McCrarey ran cross country, played basketball and baseball all four years while attending Pelion High School. The 1996 graduate excelled in all three but made his mark by being part of the strongest cross country teams in the history of the school. Beginning his freshman year in the Fall of 1992, he began a four year period of excellence that is unmatched by any male cross country runner.
In 1992, he finished ninth in the state championship and was named to the All-State Team as a freshman while leading the team to a third-place finish. Then in 1993, he finished seventh in the state championship and was again named to the All-State Team as his team finished once again in third place. A year later, in 1994, he continued his All-State status and improved his time to 17:48 as the Panthers finished as state runner-up behind Chapin. In 1995 McCrarey was named to the All-State Team for the fourth consecutive year, and led the Pelion Cross Country Team to a State Championship.
McCrarey was also named to several All-Region teams in basketball and baseball, and became the student body president his senior year. McCrarey’s era began the tradition of excellent cross country teams at Pelion High School that continues to this day.
He is a University of South Carolina graduate and is a sports director for the South Carolina Radio Network.
James Moore grew up in Marlboro County, South Carolina, where he was a 1968 graduate of Eastside High School. Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, Officer Moore was awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Following his years in combat, Officer Moore continued his career in the military where he proudly served for 25 years. Upon retiring from the military, Officer Moore joined the Lexington Country Sheriff’s Department where he has served for 21 years; 11 of which he served as Pelion High School’s beloved school resource officer. He was a wonderful role model for students and exemplified both professionalism and caring as a public official and as a person.
About his time at PHS, Officer Moore says, “Having the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of so many young people on a daily basis made this position the best that I ever held. Experiencing the love, joy and trust of the students, families and the Pelion community over the years will always be one of my most memorable experiences.”
