Justin Passick
Contributing Writer
(Justin Passick/TCJ – The Charlotte 2026 Hall of Fame Class was honored at Homecoming and a special Saturday ceremony as well. All honorees were able to attend this year’s festivities.)
“It’s never rained on our parade, and it’s not raining today,” said Ben Phlegar, retired teacher and Charlotte High School Hall of Fame chairperson.
Indeed, Friday, Sept. 25, was a perfect autumn day as students marched down Seminary and State streets for a parade that kicked for the 2026 Charlotte High School Homecoming. Sports teams, honors students and representatives from each high school grade showcased their spirit as part of the annual tradition. Homecoming doesn’t just belong to current students, as alumni from years past gathered indoors to honor the newest additions to the Hall of Fame.
Since 2018, the Hall of Fame has honored a variety of teams, players, athletic staff and community members from Charlotte High School’s long history. The 2026 inductees included:
Varsity wrestling coach Bill Simpson
Community members – the Bruce family
The undefeated 1944 and 1948 football teams
-Gail Robert Cheney, state champion and all-star track, class of 1938
-Dennis Hall, all-state football, Class of 1958
-Beth Malcuit, all-state golf, Class of 1981
-Rob Dickson, state champion and all-state wrestling, Class of 1997
-Toby Dickson, state champion and all-state wrestling, Class of 2000
-Robert Bobby Horton, all-state track, Class of 2002
-Alli Gooch Whitford, all-state softball, Class of 2004.
When asked if he felt honored to be added to the Hall of Fame, Hall said, “Not as much for me as my team.” Hall played for the undefeated 1956 and 1957 football teams that were previously added to the Hall of Fame, though he also participated in baseball and basketball during his time at CHS. His brother is a previous honoree, showcasing the sporting legacies that exist within the community.
The Friday night ceremony was a quieter, more personal affair, hosted in the main entryway of the building for honorees, friends and family to see the new plaques placed on the walls. Before escorting honorees out to the football field for a special pregame introduction, Phlegar gave a quick speech on how this was “a point of pride” for the town. “I’ve learned a lot about the teams here in Charlotte, the sports, and you as well,” he said.
Homecoming continued with a football loss against Sexton.
Celebrations continued with a dance, and a second more formal program of the Hall of Fame ceremony, hosted at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 26, giving honorees a chance to share stories with the audience.
Nominations for new honorees are community-driven, with a deadline for next year set as April 1, 2027. Those interested in nominating an individual can find the forms, along with a digital version of the Hall of Fame, online at charlotteorioles.com/athletics/.
