By Betty Copeland, director of alumni relations
Vince Vawter graduated from Harding Academy in 1964. The first newspaper he worked for as editor was the Memphis Press Scimitar. He was also a paperboy for that publication in middle school. The trailer on his website also pictures his childhood home in Central Gardens, the setting of his book. The newspaper, his childhood home, and his struggle with stuttering form the background of the book, Paperboy, a great bit of fiction set in Memphis of the 1950's.
Vince wrote this book after his retirement in order to encourage children who struggle with stuttering as he did. Those of us who knew him in those days only knew him as a strong student and a fine athlete. We also knew he was quiet. Few knew he stuttered due to the fact that he changed many of his friends' names to nicknames that were easier for him to say.
Mr. Vawter will speak in chapel on Friday morning, September 13 (9:25). Parents and friends of Harding are invited to attend.