VERO BEACH — Dr. A. Ronald Hudson – the first Black principal at Vero Beach High School – was honored on Sunday with two plaques bearing his image at the campus. The unveiling of the plaques along with a special reading were part of the renaming of the high school’s main office to the “Dr. A. Ronald Hudson Administrative Suite.”
Gov. Bob Graham (left) with Dr. A. Ronald Hudson (center) and a student during Work Day in October 1985 at Vero Beach High School. PHOTO PROVIDED
“I have so many fond memories of my tenure at Vero Beach High School, both as a teacher as well as a principal. It was always a pleasure coming to work every day to meet such a lovely and engaging group of teachers, staff, students and volunteers,” Hudson, 93, of Vero Beach, said to the crowd. “Vero Beach High School had a unique culture. It was the only high school in the county (at the time), but there was always a feeling that you were welcomed and that you belonged there.”
A crowd of more than 100 people, including family members, friends, former teachers, former students, and community supporters, gathered at Vero Beach High School’s Media Center for a celebration honoring Dr. Hudson. Attendees enjoyed a warm welcome from the Vero Beach High School cheerleaders, delectable chicken salad sandwiches, meatballs and cake prepared by the school’s culinary students and classical tunes performed by the Gifford Youth Orchestra.
The group then walked to main suite for the plaque unveiling, led by Dr. Peggy Jones, school board vice-chairperson. One plaque sits on a brick pillar just outside of the main office, while the other hangs on the wall inside the suite.
The plaque reads, “In honor of his exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, leadership, and contributions. His commitment to the Indian River County School District has made a lasting impact. With deepest appreciation and gratitude. He anchors us all.”
Video by Nick Samuel
Hudson thanked the school board, School District Superintendent Dr. David Moore and his staff, Vero Beach High School administration and staff, and to everyone who attended.
Hudson, a lover of chemistry, said he remembers starting his career as a young high school science teacher in 1957. The retired educator said he was fueled by a dream, and an unwavering resolve.
Hudson’s career spanned for nearly 40 years. Besides Vero Beach High School, Hudson was also principal at Wabasso Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School, Rosewood Elementary School and Vero Beach Junior High School.
Hudson was the first Black principal across the School District. He was also the first Black assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and is a co-founder of the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
Dr. A. Ronald Hudson speaks during a graduation ceremony on June 9, 1984, at Vero Beach High School. PHOTO PROVIDED
“Today, as I look at the decades of challenges of triumphs, I am reminded of the countless individuals who supported me, my mentors who believed in me, my team who stood by me, this entire community who embraced me with my efforts for academic excellence, my church family who provided spiritual strength and my immediate family who sacrificed alongside me,” said Hudson, a member of Mount Zion AME Church in Gifford. “This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to all of you.”
Hudson aimed to improve standards of academic excellence when he became principal at Vero Beach High School. Hudson said the school was recognized across the state for outstanding academics and extracurricular activities.
The retired educator said core values including respect, responsibility and caring were contagious on and off the campus. Hudson said working at Vero Beach High School enhanced his professional career tremendously.
“As I stand before this distinguished gathering, my heart swells with gratitude and humility,” Hudson said. “This recognition is not a result of my individual effort, but a testament to the ensuring spirit of perseverance and dedication.”
Hudson said he believes education is the cornerstone of progress.
“As educators, we have not only the privilege, but the responsibility to shape the minds and nurture dreams of others,” Hudson said. “It is my fervent hope that along the way, a few minds were shaped and during the process, some of those nurtured dreams were realized.”
Photos by Nick Samuel
