The Waldron Story...Continued
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The Waldron Story or Conn’s Creek Reflections was written and published as part of the bicentennial celebration by the WHS Senior Composition Class of 1976 and edited by their teacher, Kenneth D. Sever. There exists an endless plethora of memories, anecdotes, stories, and events that you, someone who is connected in some way to the Waldron community, have tucked away in your “memory bank”. We have begun a process for collecting these nuggets of information and plan to publish them in some manner, either electronically, hard print, or both.
Tell us your Waldron stories! Click HERE for a fill-in-the-blank questionnaire for sharing your family's connections and experiences at Waldron. Watch for stories from others.
2026 Wall of Honor Inductees
Click HERE for a list of previous inductees.
Hugh Garner
Class of 1958
Rick Hudnall
Class of 1981
Hugh Garner was a 1958 graduate of Waldron High School. After graduating, he proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic before establishing a distinguished career in farming in southern Rush County. Garner Farms earned recognition as a conservation
farm through the Take Pride in America program. Hugh married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Thompson, in 1960 and has been a pillar of the Waldron community. A devoted supporter of Mohawk athletics and recipient of the 2018 Mohawk Fan of the Year award,
Mr. Garner’s commitment extends far beyond the sidelines. His exceptional craftsmanship in woodworking has provided meaningful gifts for student-athletes, while his generous contributions to school facilities - most notably the gymnasium’s American flag, lights
in front of the school, and maintaining various scoreboards - have left an enduring mark on our school. Hugh is regarded by student-athletes, community members, and school staff as one of our greatest supporters. Honored as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Waldron
Freedom Festival and a devoted member of his church, Mr. Garner’s life of service remains a profound inspiration to the Waldron community.
Rick Hudnall, a 1981 alumnus of Waldron High School, began his path in public service as a Law Enforcement Explorer at the age of 18. From 1984 to 1987, he served as a civilian jail officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and became a reserve deputy at age 21. In 1986, Mr. Hudnall was named an Officer of the Year by the Shelbyville Optimist Club. Upon his graduation from the Indiana law enforcement academy in 1987, he was appointed as a Merit Deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Hudnall earned a swift promotion to Detective Sergeant in 1989, subsequently serving as a Supervisor of the Merit Deputies. In 1989, Detective Sergeant Hudnall was assigned to work with the United States Secret Service when then-sitting U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle made a visit to The Bears of Blue River Festival. Detective Sergeant Hudnall was assigned to be directly behind Vice President Quayle when he stepped down from the front of City Hall to get ice cream. In 1990, Detective Sergeant Hudnall was again named Officer of the year by the Shelbyville Eagles. During the final Indianapolis Formula 1 race in 2005, an event where significant tire complications resulted in only six drivers starting, Detective Sergeant Hudnall received a commendation from the Indiana State Police. The department noted that his foresight and rapid response significantly improved their capacity to manage the situation. Detective Sergeant Hudnall consistently demonstrated excellence, characterized by a proactive "can-do" attitude and a steadfast commitment to completing all assignments, irrespective of potential hazards. He was widely recognized for carrying out his professional duties with enthusiasm, diligence, and compassion. Shelby County remains a safer and more secure community as a direct result of his exemplary service. In 2006, Mr. Hudnall retired from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, concluding a chapter defined by an exceptional record of service. However, his dedication to law enforcement continued as he served with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department from 2007 until his full retirement in 2011. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Hudnall possesses a deep passion for music. He continues to be active in community life in Waldron.
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"The natural way of ensuring that the past continues to live in the present and to inform the future is to write it down". -Ian Jack
We share a common heritage! Each of us has contributed to the culture, history, and legacy of our small community of Waldron, Indiana. We would like to invite you to participate in a journey to keep our mighty village alive and thriving.
There exists an endless plethora of memories, anecdotes, stories, and events that you, someone who is connected in some way to the Waldron community, have tucked away in your “memory bank”. We have begun a process for collecting these nuggets of information and plan to publish them in some manner, either electronically, hard print, or both.
The intent for this project is to be an extension of the history of the Waldron Community initiated through The Waldron Story...Conns Creek Reflections. Our aim is to focus on the events, activities, and people, who impacted our lives and embed history into our stories. Perhaps the question, “where are you now because of Waldron” might serve as the impetus to stimulate our thinking.
Once you’ve captured your stories, share them with us. Use email, snail mail, social media, or any means with which you are comfortable communicating with one of the members of the committee HERE. We look forward to hearing from you.