ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Plemon Hill has been making an impact on Volusia County kids since 1969. Hill or "Coach" as he's known, was a longtime PE coach at Ormond Beach Junior High/Middle School. He's known by former students for his warm, caring and encouraging approach to teaching.
"He has left a wonderful impact on a lot of people during probably one of the hardest times in our lives," says Jennifer Smith by email. Smith, was one of several former students and friends who nominated Hill for the Getting Results Award.
"I just love people," Hill says, as he looks around the Nova Community Center where he's worked since 1973. "I like what I do, it's been a real fortunate situation for me."
When we caught up with him he was giving game instructions and offering advice to players young and old. He knew most by name.
Hill says he's seen a lot of changes in his 40 year career.
"Kids are smarter now, much smarter. But the disrespect is the big challenge, they don't like to listen."
He says he's taught two generations of some families.
"I think it's cool," he says. "You tell them I know your parents, they were very respectful, they were very nice people. So I don't see why you would get off that same trail."
"Coach" retired from teaching in 2006 but not before the school named its gymnasium after him.
Hill's impact can be seen in a Facebook account created in his honor by former students. It's something Hill is both proud of and a bit confused by.
"I don't really get into Facebook," he says. "I don't really have that kind of time to sit down and go on the computer." For the record he has seen it and enjoyed seeing the influence he's had on their lives.
Hill says he's always tried to show kids that he cares.
"I love working with kids," he says. "It's just a rewarding type of thing, you see results, you see good results. It's rewarding."