The James B. Dudley High School Hall of Fame/Hall of Distinction recognizes exceptional alumni, who have demonstrated merit well beyond graduation. Inductees join a host of individuals who have paved the way through acts of valor, integrity and dedication within the DHS community.
HALL OF DISTINCTION INDUCTEE (2015)
Ernestine Bennett
Ernestine was the first African American female Wendy’s Old Fashion Hamburgers franchisee selected in 1993. She purchased the first restaurant in March 1994 and expanded the business with a second acquisition in 1998. In addition, Ernestine built four new locations over the next six years. She developed a system that delivered exceptional service speed, resulting in double-digit sales increases that became the standard and were adopted nationwide by the Wendy’s system. Before Wendy’s, she had a 20+ year career in the federal government, Department of Health & Human Services, and Social Security Administration. She took an early retirement to pursue the dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Charles Alvin “Charlie” Sanders
Charles was an American football player who played tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League from 1968 to 1977. Sanders was chosen for the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team and voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
William Anthony Vincent
Education: James B Dudley High School (1964); Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina (1968)
Accomplishments/Honors: Dudley High- 3-year Letterman on the Basketball team that won its first State Championship in 1964. Led team in stolen bases, sacrifice bunts, total bases, and outfield putouts. Selected to the Dudley All-Time Baseball Team as Left Fielder. Received a Community Service Award from the Greensboro Jaycees and the Laity Service Award from the Board of Laity of tnhe Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Professional Experience: Co-Owner of the Slack Shop Clothing Store. Agency, owner of Allstate Insurance Company for over 25 years. Ten Times Honor Ring Winner. National champion and Chairman’s award winner for several years. These awards are given for providing excellent customer service and outstanding sales production. A licensed Realtor who enjoys helping people achieve the American dream of home ownership.
Marital/Family Status: Married to Doris Donahue Vincent (class of 1968). One daughter, Robyn Vincent Penniegraft, son-in-law, Dante, and two granddaughters, Kaelin and Kendall.