John & Etta Idol

Year Inducted: 2020

John Idol was born in Watauga County and graduated from Boone High School in 1935. Etta Idol was born in Wilkes County and graduated from Mount Pleasant School in 1938. John and Etta both attended Appalachian State Teachers College, where they obtained bachelor’s degrees in education. John advanced to get a master’s degree in school administration in 1951, and Etta advanced to get a master’s degree in 1952.

John and Etta dedicated a combined 72 years to educating students in Wilkes County. They were known as a couple for education, as they worked together on all projects. They worked to promote in-class and extracurricular activities that were broader and deeper than students had previously experienced.

John Idol began his career in education in 1937, as the only teacher at Lower Elk School in Watauga County. He served in various other educational capacities throughout the years, including serving as the assistant superintendent of Wilkes County Schools. He ended his educational career as the Vice-President of Student Services at Wilkes Community College in 1978. He worked diligently for the establishment of Wilkes Community College, where the board room was named in his honor for his impact on the college. John Idol died in 2005.

Etta Idol spent 35 years as a teacher in Wilkes County Schools. Serving as a science teacher, she influenced many students to enter science fields, and even follow her lead in education. She was named the first Wilkes County Teacher of the Year in 1972. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject set her apart from other teachers. Her students wanted to do their best in order to not disappoint her. Mrs. Idol passed away December 7, 2020.

In addition to their contributions to public schools, the community college, and their involvement in public service, John and Etta have served on numerous boards both locally and outside of Wilkes County. John served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a past master of Mount Pleasant Masonic Lodge and was a charter member and past patron of Mount Pleasant Chapter No. 67 of Eastern Star. He also served as president of North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club, and president of Appalachian State Alumni Association. John served as a deacon at Lewis Fork Baptist Church, was past president of the Brushy Mountain Baptist Association, and was president of the Northwestern Development Association. He served on the board of directors for Northwestern Bank and First Union Bank. Etta is a 50-year member of the Wilkes County Delta Kappa Gamma, where she has served as past president and founding member. She has also served as a sponsor for North Carolina Future Teachers of America, co-authored a chapter in Lest we Forget, Volume I, and assisted with Lest we Forget, Volume II.