Aiken High School held a ceremony Wednesday continuing its Hallways of Fame recognition series by honoring two individuals with signs inside the school.
Hallways of Fame honorees were Bill Clyburn and Jimmy Cook. Clyburn is a current S.C. House of Representatives member and a former principal of Aiken High School. Cook is the school's former sports announcer.
The induction of these two new members into the school’s Hallways of Fame follows the induction of two former Aiken High educators, Joseph Laorenza and Joe Wilson, which happened nearly a year ago.
“I enjoyed it so much,” said Clyburn about his time as Aiken High's principal.
Clyburn’s daughter, Judge Courtney Clyburn-Pope, spoke about her father and his connection to Aiken High.
“My father loved this school so very much, and still loves this school… this school holds a very deep place in his heart," she said. "He was over the moon when he received the news that he would be receiving a hallway.”
Cook spoke about his recognition, beginning with: “I would be very remiss if I didn’t first of all give credit to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
“It’s been a tremendous pleasure, it’s been a labor of love,” said Cook of his time working with school athletics. “This is a great honor. I’m very privileged and very blessed.”
Cook received praise from the coaches he worked with.
“I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving of the recognition than Jimmy Cook,” said former AHS Basketball Coach Aubrey Pompey. “I got to know him not just as an announcer, but as a person. He volunteered all his time, and I will tell you, his commitment was outstanding. I never had to run around and try to find someone.”
Each individual recognized by Aiken High’s Hallways of Fame received a plaque in their honor placed in a hallway of the school.
"I am honored to be here tonight to celebrate the contributions of Mr. Cook and Mr. Clyburn," said Aiken County Public School District Board Chair Cam Nuessle.
Nuessle added that the contributions of both men "have been shining examples of what it means to serve," in a way that "brings people to together in the field, in the classroom and beyond."
