The Cobb County School District and the McEachern Endowment Fund are honored to name the most recent addition to their beautiful McEachern Campus after Mr. C. Terry Pendley. A Dedication Ceremony was held on Sunday, February 4th, at McEachern High School, where the new name was officially announced. The C. Terry Pendley Alumni Center will serve as a place to connect McEachern’s past with its future. It will be utilized for many purposes, including class reunions, banquets, and staff celebrations. 

The McEachern Endowment Fund noted that the building project, from conception to completion, was undertaken by McEachern Alumni. The concept, the architect, and the builder were all McEachern alumni. It seemed fitting to also name it after one of the school’s most dedicated and distinguished graduates, Mr. C. Terry Pendley.

A lifelong resident of Powder Springs, Mr. Pendley and his family have lived within walking distance of the McEachern campus for more than a century. He attended McEachern for all 12 years of schooling and graduated in 1973. He has been a member of the McEachern Endowment Fund for 31 years and has served as Chairman of the Board for the last 11 years. Three generations of the Pendley Family have graduated from McEachern: Mr. Pendley’s mother attended for all 12 years and was named Miss McEachern; his wife Darlene Pendley graduated in 1974, and his three sons Jason, Chad, and Shane are also proud McEachern graduates.

Mr. Pendley has served the local community for nearly 50 years as the Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Homes owner. He has long been a leader in Cobb County and is a lifetime McEachern Memorial Methodist Church member. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the Hospice Board and WellStar Kennestone’s Hospital Board, is a 40+ year member of the Powder Springs Lodge and Shriners, and President of the Marietta Country Club.

An ardent supporter of McEachern both before and after his involvement with the Board of Trustees, he advocates to anyone who will listen about the importance of the school and the need for continued support. He even worked with the Marching Band program while his children participated in the band. The Pendley Family loves attending football games and can always be found cheering loudly for the McEachern Indians!

In short, C. Terry Pendley is truly the epitome of McEachern Spirit and Pride in the Blue and Gold. His entire life has revolved around the McEachern Community, and he has made the success of McEachern High School and its alumni his lifetime mission!

Historical note: The John N. McEachern School was a consolidated school system established in 1933. It originally offered all 12 grades. Elementary grades were transitioned to Powder Springs and Compton Elementary in the early 1970s and the final Middle School grades (6-8) transitioned to Tapp Middle School in 1979.