2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Dr. Denise Everhart Hedrick

After almost 30 years as an outstanding public school teacher, assistant principal and principal, Dr. Denise Everhart Hedrick’s list of accolades just got a little longer. She was named the recipient of the 2010 Davidson County Community College Distinguished Alumni Award, and she was recognized during the 2010 DCCC Commencement on Sunday, May 16, at the College’s Davidson Campus.

This prestigious award follows her selection as the 2008-2009 Davidson County Schools Principal of the Year. She received the honor while serving as principal of North Davidson Middle School, where she serves today, and where she was a student prior to graduating from North Davidson High School in 1976.

After high school, Hedrick pursued a career in health care, and in 1979, she earned an associate degree in nursing from Davidson County Community College. She worked at Lexington Memorial Hospital and Thomasville Medical Center for three years before deciding she wanted to be an educator, like her mother, Dr. Barbara Everhart. Hedrick’s father was the late Von “Jack” Everhart, a retired North Carolina Probation and Parole Officer who also taught.
"I came from a line of educators," Hedrick said. "My mother was an educator in the Davidson County Schools, and I was heavily influenced by her.”

Hedrick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Winston-Salem State University in 1982. That was the same year she began her teaching career at Ledford Middle School where her nursing degree came in handy; she taught science for seven years.

While teaching, Hedrick began studying at Wake Forest University where she received a Master of Arts degree in education in 1985, and in 1989, she earned an Educational Specialist degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She did not stop there; she earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1996.

Over the years, Hedrick influenced numerous students and teachers as she served as principal of Wallburg and Hasty elementary schools and East Davidson High School. She also was an assistant principal at Tyro Middle, East Davidson High, and Trinity High School in Randolph County, where she worked for a year as Director of Exceptional Children.
Dr. Hedrick was unable to deliver her acceptance speech at the Commencement ceremony due to impending bad weather, but her insightful comments can be read below:

Comments:

I want to thank DCCC for this great honor. It reaffirms to me that hard work does pay off.

As a native of Davidson County— it has been a great honor to serve as a registered nurse – in Lexington and Thomasville hospitals. As an educator I have the privilege to be a part of the Davidson School system— where public schools give a quality education.

As you travel along the journey of life I would like to leave you with two thoughts.

First, look for your mentors. They are out there— and my mentors are the reason— I am able to stand before you today. Beginning with my parents— college— work place—and personal friends. There have been mentors to support me—Trust me on this—they are there—and more than willing to help—Be open to them.

The second thought I want to leave you with today—is a mindset that I have developed over the years—based on Stephen Covey’s 7 habits of highly effective people. These habits have had a profound effect on me—in the workplace and my personal life. Some of these habits I do very well—and some continue to be a challenge for me.

The first habit is to be proactive—either you act or you will be acted upon—so take the initiative.

Do something with life don’t let life do something WITH you.

Habit 2
Begin with the end in mind. Always have a plan. If you fail to plan; you plan to fail.

Habit 3
Put first things first- it’s the hardest habit to follow—having the will power to get things done—whether you feel like it or not.

Don’t procrastinate.

Habit 4
Think win win – sometimes we get caught up in the competiveness of life—and play the I win you lose game. Stay out of that arena.

Look NOT for my way or your way—but for a better way.

Habit 5
Seek first to understand and then to be understood—one of my favorites—in other words restraint of tongue is a good idea—sit back and listen—often more will be revealed—misconception cleared up—This works real well in your personal life!

Habit 6
Synergize—look for that good feeling you get when your working with others. Surround yourself with good people.

Habit 7
Sharpening the saw—take care of your whole self—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

In these changing times—when the world has become flat—I have found these habits to withstand the test of time. Your habits will determine who you become.

I leave you with my favorite quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson—What you are shouts so loudly in my ears—I cannot hear what you say.

Develop good habits and be the best that you can be.

Thank-you