Beverly Rhoads is pictured at a Hillsboro City Schools Board of Education meeting. (HCP file photo.)
Beverly Rhoads is pictured at a Hillsboro City Schools Board of Education meeting. (HCP file photo.)
NOTE: This is Part 4 of a series leading up to the Highland County Historical Society inducting five more into its Hall of Fame. This week, we profile Beverly D. Rhoads.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been said that no one represents Hillsboro City Schools with any more pride and passion than Beverly Rhoads.

Born and raised in Highland County, Rhoads graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1957 and went on to devote 62 years (and counting) to the school district.

Beginning in 1961, Rhoads was hired as secretary to the superintendent, then she went on to become the district treasurer, serving 43 years in that position. Following retirement, she ran for and was elected to the Hillsboro City School Board of Education, a position she has held for the past 17 years.

Rhoads has been awarded the OSBA Award of Achievement 13 times, the OSBA Master Board Member Award and the OASBO School Fiscal Officer Award. As written by her nominator, “Many young people have looked up to Beverly as a role model of what you can do with a willingness to learn and hard work. She is a true leader.”

In the words of Hillsboro City Schools Superintendent Tim Davis, “Beverly has committed her entire life to serving this school district and the community. She is a great advocate for our students and the families in this town. It would be hard to find someone that attended more Hillsboro events in the last 62 years. Beverly supports all activities and all students. You are not going to find someone that represents Hillsboro with any more pride and passion.”

In addition to Beverly Rhoads, the 2022 Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame inductees are Betty Bishop, Leadership; John Glaze, Arts and Entertainment; the late Donnie Eugene Lytle (“Johnny Paycheck”), Arts and Entertainment; and the late McKinley Hobart “Mack” Sauer, Arts and Entertainment.

The five recipients will be honored at an induction ceremony Sunday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro, followed by a reception at Highland House directly across the street from the church. The public is cordially invited.

For more information on the Highland County Historical Society, please call (937) 393-3392 or email the society at [email protected]

Steve Roush is vice chairman of the Highland County Historical Society Board of Trustees, a vice president of an international media company and a columnist and contributing writer for The Highland County Press. He can be reached by email at [email protected]