Mathews High School first opened its doors in 1939. Some 80 years later, the school has finally gotten around to enshrining its outstanding athletes, coaches and contributors.

A large crowd turned out Friday evening to welcome the Class of 2019 into the newly created MHS Hall of Fame, as inductees, their family and friends gathered in the school’s Harry M. Ward Auditorium.

Ward, who wore many hats in his 35 years with Mathews schools (MHS football and baseball coach, teacher, principal and superintendent of schools), was one of the 33 inductees in this year’s inaugural class.

One of the more emotional moments of hour-long program was saved for the end, when Ward was recognized as the Class of 2019’s final inductee. Ward, who began his career at MHS in 1968, has been suffering from poor health recently. But that didn’t stop him from getting up on stage to receive his plaque amid a rousing round of applause and cheers from the assembled guests and honorees.

Th...