HCHS Little Theater Named In Honor Of Long-Time Teacher Linda Wilson Miller

By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—It was a big day in the history of Henry County High School today, with the renaming of the Little Theater for long-time Theater Arts Teacher Linda Wilson Miller, burial of time capsule, open house, and memorabilia displays to commemorate the school’s 50^th Anniversary.
Miller taught Theater at the high school from 1969-2014 and since her retirement is Speech Team Director. Speaking on the influence she had on their lives and careers were Cherry Jones, a Tony and Emmy Award Winner; James Matthew Wyatt and Holly Todd, both current Theater Arts teachers at the school. Also speaking were Grove Principal Tim Mason, who first suggested the idea of renaming the Theater for Miller, and High School Principal Dr. Michele Webb. Speaking by video were other former students Bart Herbison, who is now the Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association, and Summer Crockett Moore, an actress in New York City.
Webb spoke of Miller’s “amazing accomplishments” in mentoring students, many of whom went on to careers in theater. Mason noted that Miller had “touched the lives” of many students in many ways including instilling confidence and public speaking abilities. “She’s made a difference in their lives”, he said.
Wyatt said, “I owe more to her than words can express”, a sentiment echoed by Todd, who noted Miller’s “countless hours of hard work”.
Jones shared her memories of the practice sessions at Miller’s home, hours spent going to tournaments and rehearsing for plays and noted that in her years as a professional actress since graduating from HCHS, Miller “is one of the best” directors she has had. “I marvel at the number of students she has influenced,” she said.
Miller said she was overwhelmed when she was told the Theater would be named for her. “I appreciate your faith in me and so honored that my colleagues thought this would be the thing to do,” she said. “And this is an enduring honor that will be here long after I am gone.” She said her years as theater teacher were a “labor of love” and noted that the Little Theater “was always a second home for me.”
Her name is now affixed on the wall outside the Little Theater—and written in her handwriting. A plaque that was unveiled during Sunday’s presentation also will be placed on the wall.

Photos: Linda Wilson Miller with the Little Theater’s new name; Award-Winning Actress Cherry Jones by her spot at the HCHS Theater Hall of Fame; panelists at the ceremony: from left, Webb, Wyatt, Mason, Miller, Todd and Jones. (Shannon McFarlin photos).