History

Forrest William Hunt was a father, educator, children’s advocate, and a “people lover.”  He was born in Rutherford County in 1913, and could often be heard saying, “Rutherford County is the garden spot of the world.”  Forrest’s parents were farmers, so he spent much time working on the farm; however, as a young man baseball was his passion. He graduated from Cool Springs High School in Forest City, Wake Forest University, and Appalachian State University, where he earned his master’s degree.  In 1934, Forrest began teaching math at Tri-High School in Rutherford County.  

During the summers, Mr. Hunt played baseball for local travel teams, including the Forest City Owls, Greer King Cotton, The New York Yankees’ farm team, and a semi-pro team for the Chicago Cubs.  However; education was his first love, and he quickly moved from the position of teacher to principal of Tri-High school in 1943.

After serving as an administrator at Tri-High for 26 years, Forrest became the first principal of Chase High School in 1969.  At the end of that school year, he became superintendent of Rutherford County Schools. One of his children remembers him saying, “This is a dream come true,” and for the next eleven years he devoted his life to fighting for the best education possible for the children of Rutherford County.

Forrest and his wife Katherine had three children.  Katherine was also a lifelong educator in Rutherford County, Forrest W. Hunt Elementary opened in 1993.  We are proud to bear his namesake and strive daily to continue his legacy of providing the best education possible for children.