WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Six individuals were inducted into the inaugural class of the Lexington Two Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
The six – William E. Ackerman, Dr. Deborah Smith Hoffman, Vicki Stilwell Horne, Larry Francis Lebby, Eva Pilgrim, and Keith Williams – were recognized for their contributions to the arts.
The Fine Arts Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated excellence in art, music, theatre, dance, or creative writing. An inductee may be a graduate of Airport High School or Brookland-Cayce High School; a Lexington Two educator who greatly contributed to arts in the district; a community member(s) who has given time and resources for the advancement of the fine arts in Lexington Two; or any combination of the three. This year’s inaugural class was selected by a committee of Lexington Two stakeholders.
“This district and our board members have always believed in the importance of the arts in educating students and enriching our communities,” said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner. “Our new Fine Arts Hall of Fame gives us an opportunity to showcase the many people who have contributed to this district’s strong legacy as educators, students, and supporters.”
Here’s a closer look at the 2024-2025 inductees:
- William E. Ackerman: During his 30-plus years of teaching in Lexington Two, he served as a music teacher, band director, and district’s fine arts coordinator.
- Dr. Deborah Smith Hoffman (posthumous): She spent her career managing, promoting and advocating the value of the arts in education in Lexington Two and South Carolina. Among her roles was serving as a consultant for fine arts in Lexington Two.
- Vicki Stilwell Horne: She spent her teaching career at Airport High School, first in the English department and later in theatre, directing more than 45 shows over her 28-year tenure.
- Larry Francis Lebby (posthumous): A graduate of Airport High School, he is known for his portraiture of notable legislators, judges, educators, and activists many of which are displayed at the South Carolina State House and other public buildings.
- Eva Pilgrim: A product of Lexington Two schools, she built a successful career in media and broadcast journalism, working first in local markets and later on a national stage as co-anchor of “GMA3: What You Need to Know” and as an ABC News correspondent.
- Keith Williams: He taught band in South Carolina for 35 years, 22 of them at Fulmer Middle School, and served as the related arts department head and district lead band teacher in Lexington Two.
Speaking at the Sept. 19 ceremony, Board Chair Linda Alford-Wooten told the audience the inductees make Lexington Two proud.
"One definition of fine arts is activity requiring great skill and accomplishment," Alford-Wooten said. "The year's inductees are no doubt the definition of fine arts."
Jim LeBlanc, executive director of the Performing Arts Center, added: “This district has a rich history in the arts, as evidenced by the nearly 30 nominations we received for Hall of Fame consideration in our first year alone. We are thrilled to honor this year’s class, and look forward to highlighting Lexington Two's many other fine arts contributors in the years to come.”