APA's new gym court named after Hugh Pollock

With House of Pain's 1992 hit "Jump Around" bouncing off the Arendell Parrott Academy gymnasium rafters, the new floor in the Ellis-Simon Gymnasium was dedicated to an APA legend Tuesday morning.

The Irish-styled American hip-hop music played on the newly renovated gym's sound system as APA revealed who the gym's new court was dedicated to - APA associate headmaster Hugh Pollock.

The court dedication was a surprise for Pollock. His name is found on the gym's court, honoring his 41 years of service to APA.

Only a few APA employees knew the new gym court was to be dedicated in Pollock's honor, spokeswoman Terah Archie said. For the past six months, Farrior and Sons General Contractors worked to complete a $1.5 million renovation project on the gym.

APA graduate Stephen Hill of Kinston donated funds to renovate the gym's court. He chose to dedicate the court in Pollock's name. Hill's three children - Abby, Claire and Caroline - who are also APA graduates, attended the ceremony.

Hill thanked APA leaders for providing support for the student body since the academy was founded in 1964. Pollock played a pivotal role in developing students' character and ambition, Hill said.

"He is a proven mentor and motivator," Hill said. "It is with special pride and pleasure that I dedicate this court in his name."

When the announcement was made, Pollock was overcome with emotion. He hugged former APA headmaster Ike Sutherland, academy board trustee members and members of his family on Tuesday to celebrate the dedication. Pollock's three children - Brad, Matthew Pollock and Kimberly Whitley - are also APA graduates.

APA's entire student body gathered in the renovated gym to celebrate during the dedication. Clapping and cheering, the students watched as Pollock dribbled the first basketball on the new court.

To a standing ovation, Pollock dribbled the length of the court where he made the first shot in the newly-renovated gym. Stepping up to a microphone, Pollock thanked everyone for honoring him.

"This facility means so much to me," he said. "This is where my life began."

Pollock first began his career at APA in 1968 as a sixth-grade science teacher. In 1985, he became the academy's assistant headmaster. For the past three years, Pollock has served as associate headmaster.

For 26 years, Pollock was APA's varsity boys basketball coach. During that time, he helped the team win five conference championships and was named Eastern Plain Independent Conference Coach of the Year six times.

Pollock continues to coach golf at APA, something he has loved doing for the past 30 years. He has coached the golf team to three state championship victories.

"I really appreciate the relationships I have had with my players and students," Pollock said. "The student body means so much to me. I will always treasure this moment and thank you for allowing me to serve Arendell Parrott Academy. The best thing I ever did was to sign that contract in 1968."

Both Sutherland and APA headmaster Dr. Steve Mazingo thanked Pollock for his dedicated service.

"We are paying tribute to a man that has done so much for this school," Sutherland said. "He truly deserves this honor."

Referring to Pollock, Mazingo added the dedication was in honor of a "special friend of Arendell Parrott Academy."

APA board of trustees chairman Loren Edwards thanked all supporters of the renovation project, including assistant headmaster Bert Bright, who helped coordinate the renovation work at the site.

The Ellis-Simon gym was first built at APA's campus in 1971, at a cost of $350,000. Since then, only a few minor renovations have been completed.

Bright said the renovation work was completed last weekend. The renovated gym includes a larger lobby area, additional locker rooms, larger restrooms, enhanced concession areas, new bleachers, a repainted floor and a new acoustically-engineered sound system.

In addition, a senior brick walk of fame featuring nearly 300 engraved names of former APA athletes will be created.

But the day was truly dedicated to Pollock.

"I can't think of anyone who deserves this honor more than Hugh Pollock," Archie said. "He is a tireless advocate for both students and the faculty of the academy and one of the finest men I know."

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.