INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The humble-spirited Dr. A. Ronald Hudson stood before the podium at Monday night’s school boarding meeting, dressed in a sleek, blue pinstripe suit. The audience erupted in thunderous applause and gave Hudson a standing ovation as school board members voted unanimously to rename an administrative suite at Vero Beach High School after the revered, retired educator.
“Thank all of you for coming to see a little person like me. I am so grateful for you to be so thoughtful and kind,” Hudson said. “I grew up here in Indian River County and raised my family. Indian River County is very special to me because it has so many special people.”
Officials plan to rename the room to the “Dr. A. Ronald Hudson Administrative Suite” at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at Vero Beach High School. It is a legacy that Hudson, considered a local pioneer in the field of education, does not take lightly.
“This honor is not a recognition for my work, but rather a testament to the power of my childhood dreams, dedication, commitment, core values and unwavering support of an incredible community like Indian River County,” Hudson said before the School Board as family, friends, former co-workers and other supporters looked on.
“I would be highly remiss if I didn’t express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my immediate family, church family, former colleagues, former students, friends, and to all of you who are here this evening. My journey has been one for perseverance, learning and growth. I owe so much to people like you and others who have provided support, encouragement, compassion and the opportunity to succeed.”
Hudson was the first Black principal at Vero Beach High School, and also the first Black principal across the School District. Hudson was also the first Black assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Indian River County schools.
For nearly 40 years, Hudson- a lover of chemistry – taught, mentored and guided students, while climbing the professional ladder.
Dozens of supporters gathered inside the school board room – officially called the Joe N. Idlette Jr. Teacher Education Center – to watch the historic event. Idlette Jr., who sued the School District of Indian River County in 1964 to successfully end segregation in public schools and was also a former longtime school board member, was also present in the audience.
School board members read a proclamation that honored Hudson with his own day. The proclamation, which county commissioners previously presented to Hudson, declared the last Saturday in June as “Dr. A. Ronald Hudson Day” in Indian River County.
Hudson thanked the School District of Indian River County for allowing him the chance to grow professionally.
“Without them providing me the opportunity to grow professionally, I would not have achieved some of those goals that I always wanted to achieve,” Hudson said.
Hudson also co-founded the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) with Dr. William “Bill” Nigh and Dan K. Richardson in 1998. GYAC is an afterschool program focused on academics, tutoring, enrichment activities and more.
Several community leaders and supporters spoke about Hudson’s impact in the community. Some of those leaders include Eric Seymour, assistant superintendent of Student Affairs, Advocacy and Access for the School District of Indian River County, Ruth Stanbridge, president of the Indian River County Historical Society, Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long, GYAC board chairperson, and more. School board members also presented flowers to Hudson’s wife Jackye.
“Thank you and all the citizens in Indian River County for a journey well-traveled,” Hudson said. “What a difference you’ve made in my life.”
Photos by Nick Samuel
