News

2022 Esprit de Corps Award

Congratulations to our 2022 Esprit de Corps Award recipients, Jerry and Dorothy Escue.

Esprit de Corps means a common spirit of enthusiasm and devotion to a cause among the members of a group. Over the years we have paid tribute to a person, couple, or business that has made extraordinary contributions to Harding Academy. This recipient, by nature, has exhibited a spirit of devotion and cooperation resulting in a positive and lasting impact upon Harding Academy.

Tonight’s award recipients are the perfect example of the kind of faithful, dedicated, and generous leaders we hope each of our students will become.

She grew up in Brownsville, TN and earned her degree from Harding University. She taught 7th grade math and Algebra 1 at Harding Academy for 19 years. In addition to her skills and duties as a teacher, she was an advisor for the National Junior Honor Society. She was known on campus for her gentle, encouraging presence.

One of her students said it best: “She was one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted people I’ve ever had as a teacher. You can imagine how much patience it required to teach middle school math. But she was always so supportive and kind. I don’t know how she did it!”

He also grew up in Brownsville, TN and earned his degree from Harding University. He worked at Harding Academy alongside his wife for nearly two decades. In 1978, he was named as the head football coach, and three years later, he took up the position of Director of Development. The 1983 Shield said this about him: “Words cannot express the way Harding has flourished due to one man… He is not only an administrator and a football coach, but is a loving husband and a devoted father.”

Under his leadership, the formation of a permanent endowment was launched in 1985.

They have been married to each other for 57 years and currently live in Jackson, TN. They have three children who are all alumni of Harding Academy, as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.