Well Red Winter Edition

CONTRIBUTORS

KAMILAH BANKS EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

Kamilah is a senior at GHS She is Vice President of Deca, a Varsity Basketball Cheerleader and a Work-Based Learning intern under Joy Griffin After high school Kamilah plans to attend Georgia State University and major in Business and Marketing Management

Ebot is as a Senior at GHS He participates in many activities such as Cross Country, Track, and DECA. He is also a Work-Based Learning Intern at Gainesville City School Board Office Upon graduating, he plans to go to Georgia State University and pursue a degree in Media Entrepreneurship

Tech to major in Computer Science.

ANNA TOMS CHARLIE REISMAN EMILY LIGON

Anna is a senior at Gainesville High School She participates in Competition Cheerleading, Football Cheerleading, DECA, Beta Club, and has taken multiple Dual Enrollment and AP classes

Charlie is a senior at Gainesville High School He participates in Varsity Basketball, Beta Club and has taken multiple Dual Enrollment classes After high school he plans on continuing his basketball career, and majoring in business management.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Heard Media Group

Ancel Studios

Blue Dylan Photography

Brown Dog Sports Photography

Wallhanger Photography

CHLOE EDWARDS

Chloe is a junior at Gainesville High School with a strong belief that everything happens for a reason She has a growing interest in science and math fields due to her desire to gain more knowledge She’s also an avid reader who seeks different adventures within the comforts of air conditioning.

Emily is a Senior at Gainesville High School She is a member of the Varsity Competition Cheerleading team, Deca Club, Environmental Club, Presidents Club, and she is also Vice President of Interact Club She is also an intern for the board office. After high school Emily plans to attend Samford University and major in Marketing

JOY GRIFFIN

Mrs. Griffin is the Director of Marketing, PR and Communications for Gainesville City Schools and a 1998 GHS Graduate You'll find her on the sidelines cheering on her sons Jacob and Rhett, GHS student athletes playing football, tennis, basketball and baseball She is proud to work with Anna, Ebot, Kamilah, Charlie, Emily and Makenzy as their Work-Based Learning mentor.

FrontCover:GMSWest6thGrader,JasonJohnson PhotographbyBlueDylanPhotography

PG 3: Head of the Herd

A message to our WELL RED readers from our Superintendent, Dr. Jeremy Williams

PG 5: School Spotlight

An inside look at Gainesville Middle School West Campus

PG 7: Future Workforce Education

Details of our CTAE Courses and Pathway Partners developing the workforce.

PG 11: Clubs

Learn about our DECA and HoPE Club

PG 15: Big Red Athletics

Winter Sports Feature: Basketball, Cheer, Wrestling and Swim

PG 21: Fine Arts

Theatre and Chorus take the stage

PG 23: Generations Tradition

A spotlight on the Rucker and Thurmond families and a throwback for our Seniors

PG 32: The City Life

The Big Red family in snapshots from across the community. Submit your photo to WellRed @gcssk12 net

HEADOF THEHERD

We are excited to release the spring edition of WELL RED with more stories from our Big Red Family and their unique experiences. Our well-read student body continues to excel and make us proud in so many ways

In this issue we begin highlighting our individual schools,

starting with our newest member of the herdGainesville Middle School West Campus. This addition is a true game changer for our middle school students at both campuses by creating more space for educational excellence. We also take a closer look at our CTAE (Career, Technology, & Agriculture Education) Pathways

The future of the workforce is in our hallways each day and we take that responsibility seriously. Our students begin learning about career options in elementary school, explore career courses in middle school, and complete an interest and aptitude assessment in high school, which pairs them with potential careers. With 14 career pathways and nearly 50 classes to choose from, our students have the opportunity to discover their passion and get a head start on their future career

As spring approaches we take the opportunity to reflect on the success of our winter sports. Basketball always brings thrills and an exciting atmosphere on game night with our cheerleaders and girls and boys teams at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity

level. Not to be overlooked our wrestling and swim teams who work hard all season to make us proud.

While our winter sports have wrapped up, there is still time to catch a show from Troupe 2445 and the chorus department In her first year as Theatre Director, 2013 alum Tyra Wimpye brought home a One Act Play Region title for the performance of Little Women. The shows this semester feature Chicago and Big Fish, so catch a show before the opportunity passes.

Being a part of the Big Red Family means there are always opportunities to get involved and we encourage you to join us. One way to do that is to become a Partner in Education Check out our spotlight on Bruster's Ice Cream and learn how they are supporting our students through their Blue Pop fundraiser We welcome you to join the family and be a part of the herd

INSPIRE NURTURE CHALLENGE PREPARE

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that the collaborative actions of students, parents, community and the school system are the determining factors in the success of our students.

We believe that high expectations for everyone drive success.

We believe that continuous learning occurs best in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

SCHOOLSPOTLIGHT: GAINESVILLEMIDDLESCHOOLWESTCAMPUS

STORY BY MAKENZY BUTLER

Well Red will feature each of our nine schools in upcoming issues We begin by highlighting our newest addition to the HerdGainesville Middle School West Campus This second campus is a welcome addition to the city and creates a state of the art educational experience at both campuses The opening of this new campus allowed Gainesville Middle School to remove all modular classroom buildings and make hallways less crowded by transitioning from over 1,700 students in one building to now approximately 850 students at each campus.

Mr. Louis Mair is the Principal of GMS West, and he spent a year getting to know the students and teachers at GMS before the opening of the new campus. Teachers from GMS also transitioned to the new campus filling the classrooms with familiar faces and comforting smiles. Mr. Mair refers to his student body as scholars, and to himself as Proud Principal. When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Mr. Mair said, “I love greeting scholars and speaking with them. They make me happy.” His passion is evident as he leads with a mission to inspire, motivate, empower, engage, and educate. Mr. Mair claims, “Our mission is about inspiring one another, motivating each other, empowering and engaging. When we get those four we will be able to educate.” Striving for excellence and working to enforce this mission everyday will help achieve the vision of becoming a world class school. As Mr. Mair looks to the future of GMS West, his hope is “to become who other schools follow, and the model of what a school should look like.”

In addition to the future of the school, they are preparing their scholars for their own futures as well. Preparing middle schoolers academically and socially to be successful Gainesville High School students is a top priority. The new campus allows students to experience a more expansive campus - which will aid in their transition to the high school - while maintaining the same Gainesville spirit that GMS has always possessed.

As ONE GAINESVILLE the two campuses share sports teams and one band Athletic Director, Adam Lindsey says, “Combining the two schools to form one middle school football team, baseball team, etc was important to prepare our student athletes for high school and build a unified program ” Students are transported by bus to the appropriate campus for after school practice “The sooner our athletes can start playing together as a team the stronger our programs will be,” said Lindsey

PhotographbyBlueDylanPhotography

GMSWestCampus/PhotographbyWallhangerPhotography

PhotographbyBlueDylanPhotography

PhotographbyBlueDylanPhotography

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

High school is about preparing students to take the next steps into their future Gainesville High School helps students take these steps by offering a number of classes and pathways The CTAE (Career, Technology & Agriculture) Department at GHS offers 14 different pathways that give students prior knowledge into a career they are interested in. Many local businesses have partnered with Gainesville High School and the CTAE Department and offer students jobs and internships after they’ve completed their chosen pathway and have taken all the classes required for that pathway.

Audio Tech and Visual Film

Audio Video Technology & Film I

Audio Video Technology & Film II

Audio Video Technology & Film III

Pathway Partners

Gainesville Times

Full Media

Jacobs Media Corporation

Construction Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety

Introduction to Construction

Carpentry I

Pathway Partners

Carroll Daniel Construction

C.W. Matthews Company

Construction Ready

City of Gainesville Public Works Department

America’s Home Place

Lawson Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Culinary Arts

Introduction to Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts I

Culinary Arts II

Pathway Partners

Lanier Technical College Culinary Arts

King’s Hawaiian Southern Baked Pie Company

Computer Science

Introduction to Digital Technology

Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles

Programming, Games, Apps and Society

AP Computer Science A

Pathway Partners

Northeast Georgia Health System IT Department

City of Gainesville DOT Technology Center

Gainesville Technology Department

Busker Communications

ZF Industries IT Department

Engineering and Technology

Intro to Engineering Drawing & Design

Surveying of Engineering Graphics

3D Modeling and Analysis

Pathway Partners

Georgia Power and Jackson EMC

Georgia Poultry Federation

Rochester and Associates

Fox Factory

Kubota

ZF

University of North Georgia IESA Program

Communications and Promotions

Marketing Principles

Promotion and Digital Marketing

Integrated Marketing Communications

Pathway Partners

Abernathy Cochran Real Estate

Turner Wood & Smith Insurance

State Farm Insurance

Norton Insurance and Real Estate Divisions

Kipper Tool

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education I

Early Childhood Education II

Early Childhood Education III

Pathway Partners

Joyland Child Development Center

Sisu

Centennial Arts Academy

First Baptist Church Day School

Law and Public Safety

Introduction to Law, Public Safety,

Corrections & Security

Criminal Justice Essentials

Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation

Pathway Partners

City of Gainesville Municipal Court

City of Gainesville Police/Fire Department

Jennifer McCall Family Law Attorney

Hall County 911 Center

Hardman Law Firm

Healthcare Science

Introduction to Healthcare Science

Essentials of Healthcare

Emergency Medical Responder

Patient Care Fundamentals

Sports Medicine

Pathway Partners

North Georgia Health System

Sports Marketing Marketing Principles

Intro to Sports and Entertainment Marketing

Advanced Sports and Entertainment Marketing

Pathway Partners

J Geyer Advertising

Hobbs Sporting Goods

Navy JROTC

Manufacturing and Robotics

Introduction to Mechatronics

AC Theory, Electric Motors, and Hydraulic Systems

Next Steps:

Pathway Partners

Kubota

IMS Gear

Harris Products

Murray Plastics

ZF Industries

Entrepreneurship

Introduction to Business & Technology

Legal Environment of Business

Entrepreneurship

Pathway Partners

Chattahoochee Country Club

Ace Hardware Human Resources

Strong Gaddy Lee Wealth Management Group

Waldrip Real Estate

Acuna’s Cake Shop

Graphic Design

Introduction to Graphics and Design

Graphic Design and Production

Advanced Graphic Design

Pathway Partners

Full Media

Jacobs Media

Abernathy Cochran Real Estate Matthews Printing

There are many opportunities for students to gain hands-on classroom education, coupled with real-world experience outside of the classroom to support students in their journey toward a successful career in our community and beyond

GMSDECA: BUILDINGYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

The DECA chapter at Gainesville Middle School is a very active club, preparing kids to be successful entrepreneurs. With 70 active members, the club helps students learn the skills needed to plan events and fundraisers, all while giving back to the community

Student involvement in DECA encourages creativity, independence and collaboration This can be seen in the events that the students have participated in this year such as the Fall Leadership Development Conference held in Atlanta The students who attended this conference participated in competitive events and leadership workshops. They also met other DECA students from around the state and created connections and friendships.

The students took what they learned from this event (and other DECA events they attended) and created a fundraiser for Thanksgiving called, “Grateful Grams.” They sold out of the grams in two hours and exceeded their $200 goal by raising nearly $800 in two days. The students also sponsored a community service campaign project, “A Merry DECA Christmas;”where they reached out to local businesses and asked for donations to provide Christmas trees for families who couldn’t afford one. They raised over $700 in donations and were able to gift trees to those who would have otherwise gone without

DECA sponsor Aisha Simmons-Webb speaks on her goals for the club, “Growth is always the goal Adopting a growth mindset involves believing in the impossible and matching talent, ability, and skills to implement change with learning, effort, and resilience ” DECA is one of the most active clubs at the middle school, with a growing number of members Mrs Simmons-Webb projects that the club’s number of members will increase by 25% next school year. With all the exposure to different parts of the community and the state, different experiences and memories created, DECA has become one of the most popular clubs at GMS.

CREATINGHOPEIN THECITY

STORY BY EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

Out of the many clubs and organizations present at Gainesville High School, HoPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) is not only one of the largest organizations in the school, but also one of the most active! Sponsored by Wendy Huerta HoPe is a nonprofit organization building a sense of belonging for high school students to succeed through leadership development, educational resources and community service. HoPe exists to provide students a community where they can succeed, find their purpose, and be world class leaders. Over 15,000 students have participated in the club since it was established in 2009.

HoPE members are part of a large network of people that they can turn to in times of need and experience opportunities to engage in the community. The club really shines during Hispanic Heritage Month when it hosts the daily song challenge, as well as promoting Hispanic culture throughout the month.

Club members can be seen volunteering in the community at elementary school events, such as the Centennial Arts Academy Fall Festival and nonprofits like My Sister’s Place Boutique.

Club members have the opportunity to earn scholarships and a graduation cord, and even get a really cool t-shirt! HoPE meets once a month at the HUB at Gainesville High School. Keep up with the club on social media by following them on Instagram @gainesvillehope.

COMMUNIVERSITY ACADEMY

STORY BY EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

Gus Whalen, founder of Featherbone Communiversity Academy said, “We are all teachers, we are all students ” It is the guiding principle that led to the establishment of the Communiversity Academy in 2005 The year-long program serves to educate local high school students about career opportunities in their community

Sponsored by Brenau University participating students attend a Masters’ Series, in which professionals from different fields such as education, law enforcement, healthcare, and other areas, join a panel discussion about their career experiences This year, Gainesville High School and East Hall High School have students involved in this program

This program introduces students to a broad range of careers that are available to them, and helps them gain a better understanding of the skills and education needed to pursue a job in that field The program also give students access to a professional network with community leaders that may lead to internships The Academy also teaches career skills such as maintaining a social media presence, resume building, and other basic business etiquettes with the goal of developing future community leaders

Not only are students part of Featherbone Communiversity to learn about available careers, but they also are given opportunities to serve in the community One of the opportunities these students get

BRUSTER'S ICECREAM PARTNERINEDUCATIONSPOTLIGHT

Bruster’s Ice Cream of Gainesville has been a Gainesville City Schools Partner in Education for over a decade. Located directly in front of Gainesville High School it seems like an obvious choice, but Bruster’s investment in this community is felt beyond its close proximity to the school. Bruster’s manager Stacy Reimer said, “Community involvement is why we do it. We’ve been a part of the community now for 21 years and we’ve been doing our Blue Pop fundraiser for about 15 years,” said Reimer. “You gotta be involved in your community, period.”

Bruster’s partners with Centennial Arts Academy, Fair Street International Academy, Gainesville Exploration Academy, Mundy Mill Arts Academy, New Holland Leadership Academy, Gainesville Middle School East Campus and West Campus. One of the fundraisers offered at the schools is the Blue Pop ice cream fundraiser. Schools offer Blue Pop flavored ice cream once a week for $2.00. The school earns $1.00 of the sale and Bruster’s uses the other $1.00 to cover the cost of the ice cream, cups, utensils, etc.

A 15% discount is also offered to all Gainesville City and Hall County teachers when they show their ID badge at the shop. They also sponsor three to four schools every year for Teacher Appreciation or other community events.

A Big Red Thank You to Bruster’s for your faithful support and continued commitment to our schools as a Partner In Education.

REDLEGACY!

STORY BY CHARLIE REISMAN

The Gainesville basketball program has a strong history and bright future. The legacy of Gainesville basketball includes a combined total of six state championships between the men's and women's program. Players like Tasha Humphrey, Katie B. Davis, Jamarco Warren, KJ Buffen, and Xavier Bledsen, just to name a few, continued their basketball careers at the next level after leaving a positive impact on the basketball program and community as a whole.

For many, their career in basketball starts in elementary school with Boys and Girls Clubs basketball or Gainesville Parks and Recreation The program really takes shape with increased competition in middle school with 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams Our boys teams are led by 6th grade coach, Jewon Jefferies, Middle School (6th and 7th grade) head coach, Kash Brawner and assistant coaches, Lynese McIntosh and Chad Payne The girls program is led by 8th grade coach Katie B Davis and 7th grade coach Mika Young

The junior varsity teams also put in the work to build a strong program with promising leadership from freshmen to juniors ready to continue the legacy. Coach Marshall Wilson and Javon Hutchison led the men's JV and 9th grade while Coaches Brad Prestridge and Candace Witherspoon led the women's JV program.

Chuck Graham has led the men's basketball program since 2018 as head varsity coach. The program continues to dominate the Hall County Lanierland tournament with a total of 24 championships, and has won the county title six out of the last seven years, with their most recent title win coming in this year's tournament. With 11 seniors on the 2023 team there will be big shoes to fill next season. “I think that our senior leadership has been a huge key for us this year. Having more experienced guys on the team to navigate different game scenarios plays a big role in winning games” said Graham

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

With the addition of the Student Activities Center, the basketball teams enjoyed additional practice space this year. The Alumni Gym also underwent a remodel prior to the start of the season The new floor features the rebranded athletic elephant logo spreading the entire court The uniqueness of the court, and the infamous “Amen Corner,” make the Alumni Gym an exciting environment for game days

A gym floor was not the only new edition this year Coach Vanessa White joined the Big Red Family as the head varsity coach for Gainesville Women’s Basketball. Coach White finished the regular season 21-4 and claimed a Lanierland Championship title. She shows no signs of slowing down as they make a run at the state title with a berth into the Elite 8.

Senior Keke Jones said, “Coach White has made the game easier for all of us. Our full court press and run and gun offense fits well into all of our playing styles.” Coach White’s smart on-court coaching, along with the positive relationships made off the court, the girls have had an upperhand no matter who they have been matched up with this season.

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

SHAKINGUP GAINESVILLE

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

The Gainesville Varsity Basketball Cheer team, coached by Nadirah Robinson and Stacy Young, introduces an entirely different side of cheerleading. Sideline cheer is close to the action and a part of the game with cheers and chants created for each specific moment on the game and even customized to the player.

The Gainesville Basketball Cheerleaders made their debut at this year’s Midnight Madness Excitement filled the air as the cheerleaders made their way onto the court to showcase everything that they have been practicing over the summer They did what they do best, get the crowd on their feet

The community support has been at an all time high this year for the cheerleaders, and it propels them to continue to be better and work hard to put on a good show for the fans “Midnight madness was definitely a top-five moment in my first year as a head coach," said Coach Robinson.

The varsity basketball cheerleaders took it to another level at this year’s Lanierland Tournament. When fans weren’t watching the game, all eyes were on the cheer team. There were some very entertaining cheer battles between Gainesville and the rest of Hall County.

The Junior Varsity Basketball Cheer team coached by Dahnea Finkley

in state last year were Jacob Nguyen, Wade Cochran, Jake Lindsey, and Eamon Monaghan who made up the 200 freestyle relay team, finishing 10th in class 7A. Monaghan’s older brother, Colin, also won two state championships in the 100 breaststroke in 2014 and 2015, and set the GHSA state record in 100 breaststroke.

BIGRED WRESTLING

STORY BY EMILY LIGON

Gainesville High School Wrestling has been another program benefitting from the Student Activities Center with new mats and new designated space for the program to grow into. Led by Coach Roberto Rivera, the program includes men's and women's teams who are excited to take the next steps and become a perennial Top 10 program year in and year out.

Coach Rivera and his team continue to show extreme improvement in each tournament. "The goal as a team is to win 85% of the Duals," said Rivera. This season they have gone 15-4 with a 3rd place Region finish.

When speaking about this program Coach Rivera said, “Most teams talk about a family setting ; I think wrestling brings everyone together, because whether you are a number one kid on the team or the last one, you put the time in just like everyone else There is no sitting around on the sidelines ready to practice You will go through an intense two hours of practice like everyone else You are out there on an island alone during your match and there is nowhere to hide ”

With all of the success the Gainesville High School Men's wrestling team has had the women's wrestling team is also enjoying major success. As a priority for the program the coaching staff will now include a women's wrestling head coach position with the same pay as the men's team - leading the state in doing so.

REDISCOVERING THEATRE

STORY BY CHLOE EDWARDS

The Gainesville High School Theatre department is an institution. It was established in 1970 by Pam Ware who retired last year after building and perfecting the program over the course of 50 years and amassing dozens of State and Region One Act Play titles for the program.

Leading the actors of Troupe 2445 would take someone special, someone who understood the legacy of the program. Enter Tyra Wimpye, a 2013 alum of the program who learned the ropes from the best, and would continue to invest in the legacy of the program by understanding its roots and its potential.

“My passion is to shine through the students," said Wimpye "My existence is through each of them Their success is my success, and to help them 'grow so that they can glow' is my objective each day " Wimpye often credits her time as a student at Gainesville to what led her to her role today, and it shows in her love for the Red Elephants

In her first year as Director of the Theatre Department Wimpye led her students to win the Region 8 6A One Act Play title with their adaptation of "Little Women."

Her second show was "Little Shop of Horrors" in December. "Each show allows me to showcase our students in different ways and highlight each of their unique talents and abilities," said Wimpye. "Little Shop of Horrors was a hit, and we look forward to continued success with the final two shows of the season, "Chicago: Teen Edition," and "Big Fish" which is sure to knock the socks off of the audience."

Theatre also provides a Fine Arts Pathway in which students have the opportunity to earn a diploma seal by completing three consecutive courses. Courses in the pathway include Theatre Arts Fundamentals, Theatre Arts Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Acting, Technical Theatre and Dance These courses offer a well rounded perspective of the many aspects of performance production

Don't miss the opportunity to catch the final two shows of the season and witness the talent of these incredible student actors

CHICAGO March 7-9 & 11th

BIG FISH May 9-11 & 13th

Box Office Opens at 5:30

House Opens at 6:30

Show Starts at 7 p.m.

All Saturday Matinees Start at 2 p.m.

Purchase tickets at ghs2445.booktix.com

ELEPHANTSIN HARMONY

STORY BY EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

If you want to hear some of the best voices in the city, then you’ve got to go see a Gainesville High School Chorus Show led by Mrs. Teresa Williams. Each show features familiar songs from today and yesterday and a student favorite - Disney.

Chorus is a Fine Arts Pathway in which students have the opportunity to earn a diploma seal by completing three consecutive courses Courses in the pathway include Beginne Chorus, Intermediate Chorus, Mastery Mixed Chorus, Advanced Chorus and AP Music Theory Through these classe students learn vocal techniques and how to read music, as we as develop other musical skills

Mrs Williams says her favorite part of the class is seeing the students learn new songs, and the excitement they get when a of the parts come together, “I love seeing the students excited about the music and being proud of what they have accomplished.”

She then went on to talk about the feeling the class gets when the finished song is performed during shows, saying, “When the preparation and practice are done and the performance with the students happens, it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment for the students and myself.”

Chorus is about more that just singing. Students also learn time management skills, leadership, and collaboration in the classroom. Singing is an opportunity for students to explore their gifts and passions and share them with the community around them You can catch the final show of the season on April

GAINESVILLEFOR GENERATIONS THERUCKERFAMILY

STORY BY JOY GRIFFIN

The Rucker family has been a part of the fabric of Gainesville for many years It all began when Beulah started the Industrial School off of Athens Highway for disadvantaged students to get an education. Born in rural Banks County in 1888 Beulah Rucker was always hungry for knowledge and after finishing primary school in Banks County longed to attend high school. With the nearest black high school in Athens she set her mind to make it happen and was able to work her way through high school to afford room, board and tuition. Following her graduation in 1909 she wanted to be sure more students like her had the same opportunity.

With her passion for education as her driving force she opened The Industrial School in 1915 and continued teaching students until it was absorbed by Fair Street High School in 1958 The legacy of learning continued in Beulah’s four children: Garfield, Dorothy Oliver, Carre and Elvernia, and it is still felt today through the impact generations of the Rucker family have made at Gainesville City Schools

The Rucker family valued reading and memorization Dorothy Rucker, daughter of Beulah Rucker, carried on the tradition of taking her granddaughters and local community youth to the library every summer. Dorothy challenged everyone she came into contact with to read as much as they could and set goals for the amount of books one could read before returning to school in the fall. She would also make up songs, poems, and raps for the children to memorize and recite each day. Spending time with grandmother Dorothy instilled in her granddaughters and local youth the love of reading and public speaking.

Beulah’s grandchildren and great grandchildren continue her legacy throughout the southeast but many stayed here in Gainesville. Maxie Bailey (Class of 1959) and Vernon Bailey (Class of 1960) graduated from Fair Street High School, and George Rucker (Class of 1964) from Butler High School, followed by Reelah Vern Rucker Young (Class of 1975), Terence Bailey (Class of 1984), and Greer Rucker Peters (Class of 1995) graduated from Gainesville High School Kyndra Rucker Cohen, Beulah's great-granddaughter, is the new Executive Director of the Beulah Rucker Foundation.

Beulah’s great-granddaughter, Greer Rucker Peters, is proud to be a Gainesville High grad. “I didn’t realize how much this city and GHS meant to me until I moved away. I am thankful for the strong traditions, camaraderie, and friendships that have lasted through the years. To come back and see how much GHS has grown and enhanced its services amazes me. I remember when all we had was the “Red Shed” and only one “old” gym I consider it a great honor to have my Great Grandmother’s legacy be preserved by my alma mater ”

The Advanced Studies Center at Gainesville High School features an installation highlighting the history of the Industrial School, “Lighting a Torch for Education.” The hallway was dedicated in 2022 and is open for guests who would like to visit and view the photographs and memories. To learn more about the Industrial School and the transformative work of Beulah Rucker Oliver, visit www.beulahrucker.org and make plans to visit the Beulah Rucker Museum on Athens street where the original school house still stands today.

HeritageHallattheGHSAdvancedStudiesCenter featureshistoryoftheIndustrialSchool

Great-great-grandchildrenofBeulahRucker

Great-grandchildrenofBeulahRucker

GAINESVILLEFOR GENERATIONS THETHURMONDFAMILY

STORY BY ANNA TOMS

The legacy of the Thurmond family at Gainesville High School dates back to 1929 when Ms Elizabeth Wheeler and her soon-to-be husband Charles Thurmond graduated from Gainesville High School

Charles was originally set to graduate one year before Elizabeth, but decided to take an extra year in order to graduate together. Elizabeth also had five sisters to attend GHS.

After graduation Charles attended UGA and would go on to make a significant impact in the city of Gainesville as a lawyer. Charles earned many accolades for his community service. To name a few, he

was Jaycees Young Man of the Year, Rotary Man of the Year, and he served as a Brenau Trustee. But, he was known as "Mr. Kiwanis," serving as President, Lt. Governor and District Governor. The club even named its annual golf tournament in his honor. He invested in his passion for fine arts through establishing the Charles J. Thurmond Youth Art Scholarship fund that Kiwanis continues today. The scholarship is awarded to high school students who excel in literary, visual and performing arts. Among his many accolades Mr. Thurmond also served on the Gainesville City Council where he also served as Mayor.

Charles and Elizabeth had three daughters - Dorothy, Susan (Class of 1961) and Betsy (Class of 1959) Their daughter Betsy would go on to marry perhaps the most proud Red Elephant of the family - Coach Durward Pennington Although he did not graduate from Gainesville, he is certainly part of its history In 1965, he came to GHS as an assistant football coach after playing football for UGA and the NFL

Betsy Thurmond Pennington class of 1959

He was known as Coach P., and he never missed a game. Whether it be basketball, baseball, football, tennis, or soccer; he was there. In the most fitting recognition in 2009 he was awarded an honorary diploma from Gainesville High School making his allegiance official.

In 2012 he told his family, “I want to see them win one more time,” and with that declaration he made sure that he was standing on the field to watch Gainesville’s 2012 football State Championship game He got his wish when Gainesville secured the victory In his memory a bench was placed at City Park with his name engraved as a symbol of his unwavering support of the Red Elephants

Coach P. and Mrs. Pennington had three children - Todd (Class of 1984), Susan (Class of 1988) and Carrie (Class of 1992) who all graduated from GHS. Daughter Susan Pennington Rosetti explains the reasoning behind her drive to send her kids to Gainesville City Schools. She says, "Tradition is very important in my family, and one of the most important and long-standing traditions is graduating from Gainesville High School. Susan coached track and field long distance runners and also served as a substitute teacher. She added "The diversity and community is what sets GHS apart." Susan and husband Marcus have three children, Sophie (Class of 2018), Grant (Class of 2021) and Olivia who is a senior this year set to graduate with the Class of 2023

Son Todd and his wife Melissa have two sons at Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy - Thomas (5th grade) and Miller (2nd grade) You can often find Todd on the sidelines of a Parks and Rec game, following in his father's footsteps

At Gainesville City Schools we recognize that we are building on a legacy left to us all by families like the Thurmonds who honor the traditions of our great school and continue to build on that excellence by investing in our future.

ProudGHSalumandfuturegrads.

Standinglefttoright-GrantRosetti,SusanRosetti,Carrie Safarriyeh,BetsyPennington,ToddPennington

Seatedlefttoright-SophieRosetti,OliviaRosetti,Miller Pennington,ThomasPennington

CoachP.andhisgrandsonTyler

THEARTOFTEACHING: VERNONKIMSEY

EDITORIAL SUBMITTED BY JISEL ARROYO

Part of the preparation in becoming a teacher is learning how to build relationships with students. With empathy and superior listening skills, some teachers are gifted in being able to create connections that their students will remember for years to come. Mr. Vernon Kimsey could be considered one of the teachers that was able to connect with students and colleagues alike.

Something unique about Mr Kimsey (as I, a former student, call him) is that he worked with middle school students for most of his 32 year career. He taught for Gainesville City Schools (GCSS) for most of that career. His niece, Ms. Cristen Thompson shared that his teaching philosophy included “being fair to everyone” and showing students that “ everyone could start with a clean slate.” These attitudes towards students matter as they show that a teacher can, in fact, be fair His wife, Mrs Dee Kimsey, mentioned how he talked about his classes and that he loved the kids “He was in it for the kids,” but also she knew he was a great teacher

This attitude also mattered to his colleagues as Mr. Kimsey built strong relationships with the people he worked with. As former colleague, Mrs. Diane Fielden (retired) says, “Vernon modeled for me and for many other teachers how to captivate students’ attention and interest, team leadership, efficient classroom organization and planning, and gentle, but firm motivation of all students ”

Not only was Mr Kimsey building a strong community in his classrooms but he was also building an overall structure that would influence new teachers as they started their teaching careers Current GCSS Director of Federal Programs, Shea Ray said the following about Mr Kimsey “I am grateful to have known such a wonderful man, teacher,

mentor, and friend. He was thoughtful, kind, generous, adventurous, and witty. Because he shared so much of himself with those around him, his passion for teaching students and Georgia History lives on.” Behind the scenes, Mr. Kimsey brought a lot to the table as an educator. His family called him a lifelong learner and “tinkerer.” He liked to see how things worked. He was a bicycling enthusiast and at one point owned a bicycle shop here in Gainesville, GA. These were the little life details that he would share with us students. This helped us see him as a whole person and not just a history teacher. But as

Mrs Ray and Mrs Fielden have said, Mr. Kimsey could keep student interest because he was so enthusiastic about the material.

As a student I can remember Mr. Kimsey shared colorful details about Andersonville Prison Camp, and why one should never wash a cast-iron pan. His colleagues share that “Vernon could bring Civil War battles and other Georgia History highlights to life with reenactments, games, field trips, guest speakers, and other classroom experiences ” He also “instilled a love for Georgia History into those he mentored as well as his students So much so that he planned Saturday field trips ” Mrs Kimsey says that he really came alive on those trips, as he wanted students to think outside the classroom

As I interviewed people about Mr. Kimsey, I realized that his legacy was a primer in the art of teaching. He gifted us with cultivating relationships, how to work with others, how to gently guide students but also how to pursue passions The pursuit of these passions was something that left an impact on students Fielden says that her own daughter later pursued an educational career and models “his enthusiasm for his subject which helped his students enjoy and see the value of all that 'old history stuff' ” She currently uses this guidance in her own classroom Gainesville City Schools is home to many individuals who are rich contributors to our ever-changing community. The passing of Mr. Kimsey is sad for those of us who remember him, however we are left to meet and exceed his expectations. One of his former students, local realtor Maria Perez, put it simply, “He was the best.”

"He was in it for the kids”

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students shown submitted their name for use.

EBOT AGBORS

CARLINA APPLING

NATALIE BROWN

CAROLINE BRUNER

MAKENZY BUTLER

OLIVIA CANTRELL KAYRENE DELGADO-VARGAS EMMA GRIFFIN

SYDERIA BUFFINGTON

KAMILAH BANKS

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students shown submitted their name for use.

XIOMARA LARA

SHADAIJAH HENDERSON

DAVID ISLAS

HASSAN KHAN

LEESLIE LOPEZ

VANESSA LUNA

OLIVIA NORDHOLZ

ASIA PADRON EVELIN PEREZ-JUAREZ

GRACE PORTILLO

KAYLEEN MEJIA

EMILY LIGON

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students shown submitted their name for use.

CHARLIE REISMAN

BRAYLON RANDOLPH

GIZELLE RIVERA

GABRIELLE SAMPSON

BRITTANY SANCHEZ

REED SLACK

ANNA TOMS

SARAH ELLEN TOMS

JANAE WILLOCK

LILLY WINSTON

ALYSSA WOO

OMAR REYES-TICAS

Photo by Lee Heard, Heard Media Group

GHS Basketball Junior Elis Pitts

Photo submitted by Makaleigh Stephens

Photo submitted by Shenita Stephens, Red Kingdom Day

Photo submitted by Jaucelyn Nevaeh Smith

Photo submitted by Arianna Reed, Homecoming Parade

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