The Asheville Promise

Eric and Sean Darity

Asheville Promise Scholarships were awarded in honor of Eric and Sean Darity by their proud and loving parents, Shavonne and Steve Darity.

Emily Eliot-Gaines

“Emily was a beautiful soul who loved everyone and tried her best to include everyone into her life. The amount of love and kindness she had for humanity was awe inspiring to me and those around her. Her ability and love for the violin was seen in her dedication to music and the ability to communicate through it as well. Finally, her love of acting and being on stage was what kept her going. Being on stage was a way for her to express herself when words weren’t enough. Emily was, and still is, my sister and I was glad to share her with the world and continue to keep her alive in our hearts.” - Aaron Eliot-Gaines

The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville

ACSF is deeply grateful to the EHSA for their enduring support of The Asheville Promise Scholarship. “How could there be a better investment than to help our high school seniors as they take the next step in their lives? Supporting our kids to get an education will enrich their lives as well as contribute to a better world for all of us. We are thrilled to be part of their journey. The best to them!” - Karen, Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville

Arthur Helms

Every Tuesday morning for many years, Arthur Helms made his way into Asheville Primary School. “His biggest impact was gravitating towards those children who may have needed a little extra help or encouragement. I witnessed many a shoe tied or coat zipped with a kind word thrown in. We rarely had to point him in the direction needed, as he seemed to know just which child needed a kind face and extra conversation. Books were read, games played, art projects assisted, and meal time conversations were held, each with a quiet, helpful, friendly tone.” Arthur truly saw and upheld the worth of each of our children.

Bob and Ginny Hunter

Bob Hunter was born in Louisville, KY on June 18, 1927. After moving to Asheville, he attended Lee Edwards High School before later graduating from Bob Jones University. A highly respected Asheville businessman, Mr. Hunter spent much of his career in the automobile business as the owner of Parkland Corporation and held ownership interests in Hunter & Hunter Partners and South Asheville Hotel Associates.

Ginny Hunter was born in Washington, D. C. on June 18, 1929. She graduated from a D. C. high school before attending Bob Jones University where she met and married the love of her life. A homemaker, Mrs. Hunter dedicated her life to creating a nurturing home environment for her husband and three children. She also volunteered her time through various community service organizations and enjoyed many social activities, through which she developed many life-long friendships.

Bob and Ginny are survived by their three children, Robert C. Hunter, Jr. also of Asheville, Mary Hunter Kuchar of Austin, TX, and Anne Hunter Powell of Athens, GA; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Lee H. Edwards High School Class of ‘53

Theda Rudd

Born in Sylva, NC, Theda grew up in Asheville before attending
UNC-Greensboro. Theda served as a National Board Certified teacher of English at the School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA). She was an educator in every sense of the word and gave of herself to family, friends and students.