WellRed Winter '24 Edition by gcssk12

WELLRED

FINE ARTS PROGRAMS

Learn more about some of our art, chorus, and theatre programs!

THE HUB AT GAINESVILLE HIGH

Take a look at The HUB and all of the programs it offers

GAINESVILLE ATHLETICS

Winter Sports Highlights: Basketball, Wrestling, & Swimming

V O L . 5 | 2 0 2 4 WINTER '24 EDITION

CONTRIBUTORS

BEN MILLER

Ben is a senior at Gainesville High School He is President of Theatre Troupe 2445, Vice President of the Student Body and a Cross Country runner. After high school, Ben will attend the University of Georgia majoring in Theatre (Stage Management) and Advertising. Go Dawgs!!

ANNA PARDUE

Anna is a junior at Gainesville High School. She participates in Football Cheerleading, Competition Cheerleading, Interact Club, Student Council, and is the president of DECA. Anna has been a Red Elephant since kindergarten at Centennial Arts Academy and is a second generation GHS student.

MEG HICKS

Meg is a senior at Gainesville High School She participates in Competition Cheerleading, Football Cheerleading, Student Council, and President’s Club She is also Editor of the Gainesville High School Yearbook After high school Meg hopes to attend the University of Georgia and major in Interior Design

ELLIS PITTS

Ellis is a senior at Gainesville High School He is a member of the varsity basketball team. He has taken multiple Honors classes and DualEnrollment classes. He plans to go on to continue his basketball career and a degree in Business in college

JULIUS COLUMBUS

Julius is a Junior at Gainesville High School. He is the starting defensive tackle for the varsity football team He also throws shot put and discus for the track team. He enjoys photography and is a true Red Elephant since elementary school at Gainesville Exploration Academy and Mundy Mill Arts Academy.

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, basketball, tennis and baseball She is proud to work with Ben, Meg, Ellis, Anna and Julius as their Work-Based Learning mentor.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Brown Dog Sports Photography

Cady

Gainesville City School Staff Photographers

Wallhanger Photography

Front Cover: Helena Hoang, Centennial Arts Academy Fifth Grade Student

Leadership

PG 4: Head of the Herd

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

PG 6: School Spotlight

An inside look at Centennial Arts Academy.

PG 16: The HUB

Learn about The Hub and what it offers!

PG 18: GHS S.T.O.M.P Club

PG 19: District Fine Arts Program Spotlights

Extracurricular

PG 8: Art & Healthcare

Take a look at two of the most popular elective pathways at GHS!

PG 10: Big Red Athletics

Winter Sports Highlights: Basketball, Wrestling, Cheer & Swimming

Tradition

PG 24: Families that Work Together

PG 26: Big Red Legacy

A spotlight on the Red Elephant Seniors, the Moore Family, and retired school board members.

CONTENTS

Involvement

HEADOF THEHERD

Winter is slowly giving way to Spring as we submit this issue of Well Red. This time of year we look back on the first half of the school year and focus on finishing strong. We have much to be proud of as our students continue to flex their academic muscle and learn new skills everyday while teachers find innovative ways to

inspire students unique abilities.

The new year brought our Big Red Family closer as we experienced the devastating loss of one of our own. When faced with the tragic loss of Jeremy Medina we leaned on each other and pulled together to honor his inspiring life and legacy We were reminded that we are stronger together and that each student uniquely impacts that whole “herd.” Jeremy will forever be remembered as a integral member of the Big Red Family.

Our winter sports always bring excitement and spirit to the Big Red Family. From our middle school athletes to our Varsity sports, our athletes continue to represent us well across Region 8 - AAAAAA

When our fortitude is tested we are thankful for the investment our district has made in mental health clinicians. This extra layer of support offered to our students is a crucial benefit to ensuring strong mental health. Our school counselors, social workers, teachers, administrators and staff are all prepared to offer comfort and perspective during the difficult and unique challenges faced each day

All students and teachers are part of the Big Red

Family but some more so than others as you see by our families that work together here at GCSS. From siblings to spouses and cousins to kids, we love to see our team keeping it all in the family. When you love what you do you want to share it with those you love most

We also turn our attention to the Arts in this issue. We are proud of the new and

improved art lab in the GHS Academic A building. This new space really allows our artists to spread out and enjoy beautiful natural lighting and new equipment like our dark room and pottery kiln.

Our theatre department has produced three incredible shows this year already. The artistry and talent on display is truly inspiring. Director Wimpye and her team of professionals put on first-class shows Be sure to get tickets now for The Addams Family April 30th-May 2nd and 4th, 2024

Jeremy Medina’s life was full of love and passion for family and baseball He was preparing for his Senior season when tragedy took his life. The loss of Jeremy will leave a mark on the hearts of all who knew him and his legacy will impact far beyond to those who have heard his story.

Jeremy was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, an athlete, a scholar, a teammate and a friend to many. He confidently shared his faith and was a committed student. Jeremy will forever live on in our hearts and memories.

SCHOOLSPOTLIGHT: CENTENNIALARTSACADEMY

STORY BY ANNA PARDUE

Centennial Arts Academy is led by Dr Steven-Kyle Jefferson Centennial has continued to grow and thrive under his leadership, as this is his first year as principal of CAA Dr Jefferson has led a seamless transition as he has stepped into this position Dr Jefferson came into Centennial with an open mindset, ready to learn and adapt, but also improve “At Centennial I would like to see all students achieve their full potential and as a staff we are working to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment I would also like to incorporate more arts in our school,” said Dr Jefferson He enjoys witnessing the growth and development of both students and teachers. As he takes pride in having a job that helps create a positive learning environment, he has the opportunity to shape and enhance the educational experiences for all students and address challenges and find solutions.

“It has been a pleasure getting to know Dr. Jefferson. He has brought a new vision and energy to Centennial. His high expectations for students and teachers has encouraged us to be the best we can be. His leadership will surely contribute to the excellent legacy of Centennial and GCSS,” said Elizabeth Wiley, Character Strong Activity Teacher at Centennial. Dr. Jefferson is loved by all, and he is making impressive changes to the CAA herd environment.

CTAEPATHWAYSPOTLIGHT: HEALTHCARE

STORY BY ANNA PARDUE

xceptional healthcare CTAE pathway, Charles Grant, and Coach Jason lthcare pathway is a 3-level journey; o to Healthcare, followed by hey have the choice to take one of Patient Care Fundamentals, or The curriculum for these classes are niche learning experience. In 2024l Mental Health course in which tal health care before they graduate high school. GHS is one of the first in Georgia to offer this program!

The healthcare pathway is housed in the Advanced Studies Center at GHS and offers state of the art classroom labs. The classrooms up for easy transition into the lab. In the Patient Care Fundam class students are learning information applicable to careers s Certified Nursing Assistant and Nursing. In the Emergency Me Responder class students are learning to pursue careers such a Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. The Sports Me track prepares students for careers such as an Athletic Trainer Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant and a Doctor.

“What I enjoy most about teaching Healthcare Science is maki impact on a student's life and seeing them pursue a career in a healthcare related field,” said Coach Jason Nierenhausen, Spo Medicine teacher. Patient Care Fundamentals offers stations to run scenarios as if the students were in a hospital room with beds and Emergency Medical Responder has access to stretcher pplies and stabilizing equipment. The mannequins spec ass can be utilized to demonstrate trauma scenarios. Sp utilizes treatment tables for evaluations, taping tables, odalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, gam nd hydro circulators to demonstrate therapeutic modal

ARTISTIC ELEPHANTS

STORY BY MEG HICKS

The Visual Arts program at Gainesville High School expanded significantly since beginning in 1892. The now offers 7 different classes which include: Visual Comprehensive, Drawing and Painting, Ceramics, P AP 2D Design, AP 3D Design, and AP Drawing. “Eve seniors come to me and tell me they wish they took and I hope everyone will take at least one of them,” Claussen, the Visual Arts Coordinator With the wide variety of classes, students are given more access to specialized setting the Visual Arts program apart from any other

With the addition of new classes became a need for a l space, and the newest building at the high school gave program brand new facilities The art studio now has m allowing students to be able to move around and inter tools easier, and a protected gallery where students ca their work to display for others. Along with an expande came a new dark room for the Photography program, a kiln for the Ceramics program, and a new back patio. “T art studio has been very beneficial to our program,” sa Claussen, “The gallery gives us the ability to create exh new kiln allows us to increase student production and larger products, and the back patio lets us do processes outside and gives students a new workspace. I could not be more grateful for what we have.”

The Visual Arts students also involve themselves in the community, participating in fundraisers and leading community workshops Most recently, the National Art Honor Society members lead a Holiday Art Workshop, hosting the community to create ceramic ornaments before Christmas The students

BIGRED BASKETBALL

STORY BY ELLIS PITTS

The Gainesville basketball program has had many successful seasons in recent history with a total of six State Championships between the men’s and women’s basketball teams. There have been many talented and special people to play on the court at GHS such as KJ Buffen, Xavier Bledson, Jamarco Warren, who is the all time scoring leader at GHS, Stephanie Yarem Ransom, Mahogany Hudson Caldwell, Katie B. Davis and Tasha Humphrey who helped lead their teams to state championships on the girls side. The Gainesville Community is hungry for more success and championships with new coaching changes hoping to be successful.

The men's basketball team is is in its first year under head varsity coach Charlemagne Gibbons. Coach Gibbons came to Gainesville High School after spending the last four years at Newton High School in Covington, Georgia Prior to that he spent nine years at Morgan County High School, one year at Starr's Mill High School, and four years at the University of Florida Atlantic The Men's Basketball team had a rebuilding year this season, playing a top tier showcase schedule in non-region play leading to a 0-9 start in the season Region play improved with a 8-4 record and a fourth seed trip to the state playoffs for the first time in 4 years.

The JV men’s program is led under coach Kaleb Larry. Coach Larry came to Gainesville from Centennial High School where he served as an assistant coach last year. The JV program did not lose many games as they lost two games early but ended up undefeated in 2024. Very impressive for a young group of guys and with much promise for the years to come.

Coach Gibbons and his staff of coaches are also investing in the Boys and Girls Club. He spent many days over the summer with the youth working to make a difference The middle school team had a lot of success this season with the 7th grade team finishing 2nd in there league in Gwinnett The 8th grade team also played in the Gwinnett league and had a ton of success while being a top team in the league The middle school program is led by Ty Redmon and Jayvon Hutchinson

In her second year as head coach, Vanessa White knew it was going to be a year of growth after graduating key senior contributors Keke Jones, Zaria Williams, and Keidra and Caloni Young which led the team in scoring. Returners from last year that played a big part in that Elite 8 run are Julia Payne and Mattie White who led the Lady Elephants this year along with newcomers such as Kelsey Lester.

The Lady Elephants started this season 1-6 before heading into the Lanierland Tournament where they captured a first round victory over Johnson High School with a score of 66-20 before eventually falling to Lakeview Academy in the tournament The Lady Elephants region play finished with a 5-8 record heading into the region tournament The ladies finished the region tournament as the fourth seed sending them to the state playoffs for the second year in a row The team showed tremendous growth through the season and look to have a great season next year with this young roster and strong middle school team coming up.

The girls middle school and youth teams are going to be a group to watch for with many young talents that could be the face of Gainesville women's basketball. The middle school girls won the championship game in their league which shows a promising future for the girls program.

SHAKEITUP RED

STORY BY ANNA PARDUE

The Gainesville Basketball Cheerleading teams, coached by Dahnea Finkley, can be found on the sidelines at all boys and girls basketball games cheering the players to victory while engaging the crowd. The cheerleaders are an integral part of the game atmosphere and they add an extra layer of excitement to basketball games.

The girls perform a style of cheerleading called “Stomp and Shake”, which is different from traditional football irit or competition cheerleading. Stomp and Shake heering consists of stomps and claps that create beats nd rhythms to get the crowd on their feet. nthusiasm, athleticism, and coordination are at the nter of all that they showcase on the court

he Gainesville Basketball Cheerleaders really owed up and showed out at Lanierland this season,” id Finkley. “They spent the first week of Christmas eak practicing and the second week participating in e 3-day event. They worked so hard to enhance and erfect their skills and it was definitely seen through eir performance. Plus, the bonding that happened om being there all day was awesome to see amongst e ladies!” The girls consistently provide an bundance of spirit while giving the fans an ntertaining show. Cheer battles between the Red ephants and opposing teams are always exciting and fun to watch.

“This year has been such a fun and exciting year from coach transitions, skill enhancements, and really adopting the stomp and shake style Each cheerleader, JV and Varsity have really honed in on their craft and have put in work to succeed. As a coach I enjoy seeing the girls grow throughout the season the most. Seeing each of their personalities shine through their performance while also watching them connect and build a sense of family has been most rewarding to me as a coach!” said Finkley.

VarsityBasketballCheerTeam

JVBasketballCheerTeam

GAMEDAY CHEERLEADING

STORY BY MEG HICKS

The Gainesville Gameday Cheer team, coached by Abigail Turner and Brett Dillin, introduces a new side of Gainesville Cheerleading by blending together cheerleaders from the Varsity Competition and the Varsity Football cheer teams. “It’s a chance for the spirit cheerleaders to do something competitive. What I love about it is that it’s actually about the girls,” said Coach Turner. The new team competed at two competitions during their season with a routine consisting of the Fight Song, a band dance, and two cheers.

The Gameday cheerleaders began their season at Lanier High School’s Gameday at the Ranch Scoring high in all of the categories, the team placed 8th in the 5A/6A division Following the Lanier competition, the team changed various parts of their routine to improve their score and prepare themselves for the state competition

Gearing up for State, the girls participated in a showcase with Flowery Branch High School’s cheerleaders Each team performed a total of three times, once with a spirit cheer, once with an offensive cheer, and once with a defensive cheer. The team quickly became excited for the State competition just a few days after the showcase.

The team ended their season at the GHSA Gameday State Competition held at the Georgia State Convocation Center. The improvements in the routine led the girls to score exceptionally high, placing them 17th in the 5A/6A division consisting of 35 teams.

GAINESVILLE WRESTLNG

STORY BY MEG HICKS AND BEN MILLER

The Gainesville Wrestling program has shown tremendous growth over the past year With 37 boys and 24 girls in the program, the teams have been very eager to become victorious during their season Coaches Roberto Rivera and Tommie Turner work hard together to create a family environment within the team, which is the key to their success.

“Wrestling has brought me new friendships and bonds that I would’ve never expected to have,” said Sky Niblett, Men’s Region 8-AAAAAA individual champion. “There’s always someone cheering me on from the sides which really makes the team feel like a family.”

This year, the girls wrestling team made history as the first Gainesville High School women’s team to win the Duals Area Championship. The team also attended the GHSA State Meet and placed third. Team Captain, Emely Mejia-Martinez, says “As a team we’ve made tremendous improvements We went from being unranked to coming 3rd at state Although we’ve made history this year, don’t count Gainesville girls out just yet, there’s more to come ” Team member, Amberly Ayala, adds “I’m so proud of how far this team has come, the bonds we’ve created with each of these girls is what gets us through, the victories feel great, but this family is unmatched.” The drive and determination paired with the bonds these girls have is unique. These girls and their passion are a great representation of Big Red Athletics.

GAINESVILLE SWIMMING

STORY BY MEG HICKS

The swim program has been a part of the Gainesville sports line up since the 1960s. Led by Coaches Trace Austin and Alejandra Quevedo, the team competes in nine different events, showcasing them at their biggest meet, the Hall County Championship. Each member of the team competes in one of the nine events but all work together as a family to encourage each other to be their best.

“It’s like a big family that loves each other. We can always turn to each other about anything and that’s why I love swimming so much,” said McKenzie Jernigan. The team constantly works hard together and the work has paid off. Senior Jake Lindsey was named Hall County Champion for the 100 Fly race and junior Marina Pate qualified for the State meet for the 50 Free The Gainesville Swimming Program is excited for new growth and talent!

MAKINGANIMPACT: THEHUB

STORY BY ANNA PARDUE

The Hub is an incredible student success center for Hall Coun and Gainesville City families It is a one-stop-shop for access t college, career, workforce planning, mental and behavioral health, and basic needs The Hub focuses on three main areas service: challenges of meeting basic needs, academic and workforce development, and mental and behavioral services The Hub is designed to be the single source for assisting students in achieving their goals

The Hub is an incredible addition to GHS, containing ment l health professionals, social workers, academic counselors spaces for events Since the Hub was established, hundre students have found a place where they feel seen and hea There are a multitude of professionals that immediately address referrals for any student or family in need It welc and encourages GHS students and families who may be fa challenges, struggles, or barriers to go directly there for assistance

Students and families face many unexpected challenges t The impacts of social media, pressure to make college and career choices, and the effects of drugs, poverty and trauma have created an environment in which, sadly, five per t f Hall County’s teenagers report that they have attemp suicide. Last school year, GHS served over 550 referr were not all for mental health, but for the mental, em and physical well-being of the students. Some were fo healthcare services, dental care, health insurance app housing, food stamps, or community support.

Key indicators The Hub seeks to address:

+ 1 out of every 5 young people are diagnosed with a mental health illness

+ 1⁄5 of all mental health illnesses begin by age 14

+ 1 in 8 teens suffers from depression

+ Two thirds do not receive the care they need

+ Prior to establishing the hub, 72% of GHS teens didn’t know where to turn to for help

+ 68% of the students expressed interest in learning skills to help a friend suffering with mental health

Hub Coordinator: Nosleivys Falcon

Hub Secretary: Eva Leon Solorio

Mentor Coordinator: Brandon Evans

School Social Worker: Ashley McDuffie

International Students Coordinator: Carrie McGarity

Hub Coordinator, Nosleivys Falcon

S.T.O.M.P.-ING TOSUCCESS

STORY BY BEN MILLER

You may have never heard of the S. T. O. M. P. Club at GHS, it stands for Students Taking Ownership by Modeling Positive Behavior, and it was started in 2018 by GHS Assistant Principal Adrian Cromwell and GHS 2019 Seniors Sanjari Gomez, Tiya Cantrell, & Jeniah Jeffers. The club is currently sponsored by Adrian Cromwell & GHS Social Studies Teacher, Diana Mancilla, who has “single handedly increased the numbers of the club’s roster with her infectious positive spirit and warm personality!” says Cromwell. The S. T. O. M. P. Club is now one of the largest student organizations on campus (287 members) and it aims to boost student and faculty morale, create and nurture a positive culture and climate at GHS, and assist the PBIS Faculty Team with implementing PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) projects, events, and ideas in the school

One of the best things about S T O M P is its dedication to the betterment of our schools The club does this by doing various campaigns, hosting quarterly academic celebrations, and more!

S T O M P Club is led by students, for students In partnership with the Student Council, the club also is one of the primary leaders of school spirit activities (pep rallies, spirit weeks, etc )

S. T. O. M. P. Club aims to better the school environment at GHS by electing student leaders who help the school in numerous ways. They make decisions for the school, plan activities to reward students with good grades/good behavior, and do a lot of behind the scenes work. The S. T. O. M. P. Club is one of the most fundamental groups at GHS, and it is a key reason for the success of most school events.

ALL-STATE ELEPHANTS

STORY BY BEN MILLER

Each year, around 300 high school students from across the state of Georgia apply to be part of the GA Thespians All-State Show. This year, four of our very own students from Gainesville High School’s Theatre Troupe 2445 were selected to be in the show. Seniors Katelynn Standridge and Ella Early were called back for vocal and acting solos, Junior Emiliano Perez was selected to be in the Dance Corp, and Senior Ben Miller was chosen as the Stage Manager for the production

The All-State Show was performed in February at the annual GA Thespian Conference in Columbus, GA The show has a different theme every year that corresponds with the missions of that year's

Ella Early

“I am so grateful for all of the experience I have been able to gain and friends I have made. It is very interesting to be moving at such a fast pace, but the educational experience is well worth it!”

“With this being my second year doing All-State, I am so grateful to be able to reconnect with talented friends from last year and to share this experience with some of my best friends from home ”

Katelynn Standridge

“The first rehearsal I made so many new friends which was great, everyone is so nice! I also really enjoy the songs we are performing and the pace we learn at.”

“Being able to meet other people who have the same interests as me has been such an amazing experience. I have loved being able to learn alongside them and to utilize all of our strengths to make a good team!”

Emiliano Perez Ben Miller

STOMPINGTHESTAGE

STORY BY BEN MILLER

Last year, Gainesville High School’s Theatre Troupe 2445 focused on rediscovering what it meant to be onstage This year, their focus is to take what was learned from their skills and experiences and to convey those messages in a way as powerful as possible Director Tyra Wimpye notes that the theatre program is building a strong foundation starting with its production team Students have the privilege to work with a professional production team which allows them to learn from the best and reach the vision of performance success that was set for the program. With these professionals in the roles of Vocal Director, Lighting Designer, Choreographer, Production Designer and a Construction team, students are able to gain experience that will set them up for success whether they choose to pursue a career in theatre or venture in a different direction of passion. “We love to be able to offer accessibility to student leadership opportunities for all students in theatre. We prioritize the student learning experience and making sure students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to perform in our shows on stage and off stage,” says Director Wimpye.

MEAN GIRLS!

The theatre department started off their year strong opening the theatrical season with Mean Girls: High School Version. This production was full of “fetch” artistic direction, choreography, set design, and lighting. The department took this show to the 2023 region One-Act with Nobi Roberts winning Best Actress for portraying Cady Heron, Darion Allen won Best Actor portraying Damian Hubbard, and Katelynn Standridge (Janis Sarkisian) and Jaelyn McPhaul (Gretchen Weiners) were chosen as All-Star Cast recipients “The most memorable moments from the show was the opportunity to partner with the local imaging center and advocate for breast cancer awareness on the Wednesday night performance ” says Wimpye With community support, the troupe was able to give a substantial donation to the imaging center that will go straight to helping people who are diagnosed with breast cancer

Their second show was Rodgers and Hammerstien’s Cinderella: Broadway Version. The magical elements and transformations set this show apart from anything the program has done under Wimpye’s direction. “We hone in on creating and emphasizing those ‘WOW’ moments for the audience to take our shows beyond what the book says,” Wimpye states. This heartfelt show featured gorgeous elements that inspired the younger generations with its beauty and elevated the “magic” that theatre allows on stage.

Buyyour ticketshere!

@ghs troupe2445

SWEENEY TODD

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Cinderella RODGERS AND HAMMERSTIEN’S

DISTRICTHONOR CHORUS

STORY BY BEN MILLER

Each year, elementary school music teachers in our district choose a selection of 5th graders who are passionate about singing to join the Gainesville City School System’s district honor chorus. The honors chorus program was started by Dr. Bobby Ivey (former music director at Brenau) in 2011. His goal was to connect passionate elementary school performers with middle and high school choral directors so that they will continue music throughout their schooling.

Theresa Williams, the choir director at Gainesville High School, and Dory Moore, the choir director at Gainesville Middle School, were the conductors of the pieces performed The district elementary music teachers are Fancy Pettit (CAA), Amber Brock (EMIA), Jodi AllenPeacock (FSIA), Mattie King (GEA), Julia Hamilton (MMAA), Katelyn Paul (NHLA)!

This year, the honors chorus took place on January 11th, 2024 The students had the opportunity to spend the day at Brenau University learning music selections and then doing a performance at the end of the day. This year, the elementary school music teachers had the opportunity to plan it and curate the experience to be as enjoyable as possible for the kids. Fancy Pettit, the GCSS district lead for elementary music, says they picked music selections that would interest but also challenge the kids. These songs are energetic but

ENOTASHOW CHOIR

STORY BY BEN MILLER

The show choir at Enota was started over 15 years ago and has been a creative outlet for elementary aged kids to share their passion for performing on an early level. Students are eligible to join if they are in 4th or 5th grade at Enota. “The choir usually consists of about 30-40 students, but this year we reached 50 students!” says sponsor Amber Brock (Enota’s Music and Movement Teacher).

The show choir starts rehearsals in September to get ready for their first show in December Show choir co-sponsor Catherine Bruce states that “We usually learn 4-6 holiday songs, and the kids have the chance to go on a field trip to perform around town They love it!” Some of the places the show choir performed this year include: The Civic Center, GMS East, The Bee Hive retirement home, and more!

The students in Enota’s show choir also had the special opportunity to perform at the retirement reception for past school board members Willie Mitchell and Sammy Smith. “The students were thrilled to be able to perform The Star-Spangled Banner, Singing Our 50 States and the Frosty Hand Jive in front of hundreds of people.” Brock says. The Enota Show Choir teaches students the basics of performing in hopes that they will continue to be a part of the fine arts programs at the middle and high schools. This group is a great way for students at Enota to express themselves and to have fun with friends!

KEEPINGITALLINTHEFAMILY

Naomi Saldierna - Mundy Mill Louie Saldierna - CAA Hadley Dunc Havilyn Tow Morgan Duerr - Enota McKensie Gosnell - Enota GMSW Wesley Roach - Enota

ondra Little - Fair Street atthew Little - Enota

Leah Roach - GHS Anna Pardue - Central Office

Goforth

Central Office

Elizabeth Wiley - CAA Key

Natalie Immings - Central Office Mike Immings - GHS Chris Immings - Mundy Mill

WORKTOGETHER

HS GEA Amy Connell - Enota Alex Connell - GMSW Tauris Hendrix - GHS Sheryl Hendrix - GEA Denishia Hendrix - CAA quez - GMSW arquez - GMSW Deann Sams - Enota Dayna Kiley - Central Office dy Stewart - Board Member Ellen Stewart - CAA Lynette Rivera - GEA Rick Rivera - GEA

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students pictures based on elementary school yearbook availability.

DANTE CARTER NYLAH ANDERSON SUSIE BREWER ALENA CANADA KAMYAAB CORNETT STUART DANIEL ELLA EARLY ALITZA EURE GUADALUPE FLORES K’RIYA GARDNER CANNON DERRINGER NOAH CLAY

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students pictures based on elementary school yearbook availability.

ALAN PACHECO KARLA LARA HIEU HUYNH

BUILDINGONALEGACY

The legacy of Gainesville is in our families. These Gainesville High Seniors were here in Kindergarten. *Students pictures based on elementary school yearbook availability.

STON CATERINE PERDOMO ALYSSA RIVERA LEONARDO ROBLES GIANNI SALDIERNA TREY SARGENT ALONDRA SIMENTAL CAMILA SORIANO KATELYNN STANDRIDGE RABB WHITE BAXTER WRIGHT COOPER REID

STAFFSPOTLIGHT

DARBYSHANK

We are proud to spotlight our very own Darby Shank serving as this years President of the The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County. Established in 1951, The Junior League embodies a commitment to volunteerism and community betterment. Partnering with organizations such as the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and the Hub to sponsor pantries as well as the Diaper Bank of North Georgia, the League spearheads initiatives providing essential items Collaborating with Gainesville City Schools for PreK Week to provide books to students underscores our dedication to education and community engagement

Mrs Shank is an instructional coach at Fair Street International Academy helping teachers stay fresh and use the latest techniques and technologies in their classrooms

“As a proud member and graduate of this school system, being a Red Elephant fuels my desire to give back to a community that has given me so much Finding time to give back amidst life's demands requires prioritization and dedication. Through service with the Junior League, I've learned that even amidst busy schedules, acts of kindness can be woven into daily life, making a meaningful impact on our community one contribution at a time.”

Doyouhaveachildturning5years oldbySeptember1st?Gainesville CitySchoolsisacceptingkindergarten registrations. Registeronlineatgcssk12.net orin-personat GCSSCentralOffice 508OakStreet 770.536.5275 It's time to register for Kindergarten!

HELLO,BIGRED!

STORY BY MEG HICKS

This Fall, Gainesville High School introduced the newest member of their family to the community, Big Red. During the first round game of the football state playoffs, Big Red was first seen during the iconic Elephant Walk in front of the football players and cheerleaders. Big Red was definitely a crowd favorite during the game, taking pictures with kids and other fans. “What makes Big Red iconic is that there is no other Red Elephant mascot in the country,” said Gainesville’s Athletic Director, Adam Lindsey. Big Red can be found at all home football games on the field with the cheerleaders or walking around throughout the stands Make sure to take a picture with our newest mascot and send it to us at wellred@gcssk12 net We would love to see your photos!

GAINESVILLEFOR GENERATIONS THEMOOREFAMILY

STORY BY MEG HICKS

The legacy of the Moore family dates back to 1892. George Walton Moore Sr, who would one day serve as the city’s mayor in the late 1940’s, had two children, Robert L. (Bob) Moore (class of 1923) and George Walton Moore Jr (class of 1932).

Bob went on to marry Ann Adele Adams and had one child, Robin Moore, who graduated in 1964.

George Walton Moore Jr, who would serve as chairman of the school board in the 1960’s, and his wife Grace had five children - George “Walton” Moore III (Class of 1958), Dixie Moore (Class of 1962), Jim Moore (Class of 1964), June Moore (Class of 1974), and Jean Moore (Class of 1975) June and Jean both participated in cheerleading while Walton participated in theatre and won the Safe Driving Rodeo. Walton also served as chairman of the Board of Education in the 80s.

Jim married Evanda Gravitte (Class of 1967), whose father also graduated from Gainesville High School, and together they had two sons, Jay (Class of 1993) and Walt (Class of 1999).

Walton and his wife Nancy had twin daughters, Ashley and Margie, who graduated in 1988. Margie claims that her class was the “best class to come through Gainesville High School.” It’s that spirit that was still in her blood when she and her husband Sam Couvillon moved back to Gainesville from Jacksonville, Florida Margie and Sam had two daughters, Sarah Grace Couvillon (Class of 2017) and Molly Couvillon (Class of 2020), Sam, like his wifes great-grandfather, now serves as Gainesville’s mayor.

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

LASTINGIMPACTS: RETIREDSCHOOLBOARDMEMBERS

STORIES BY BEN MILLER

This past year, we had two Gainesville City School Board members step down after many years of faithful service. Mr. Willie Mitchell of 34 years and Mr. Sammy Smith of 16 years. There are many roles that school board members assume They focus on the big picture of the school system with their main focus on student achievement and establishing school district goals But, what made these two board members special was their commitment to the community at large

WILLIEMITCHELL

Willie Mitchell is the longest serving member of the Gainesville City School Board of Education. His dedication to ensuring all students had a voice did not go unnoticed. His passion for all students is what set him apart and made him such a special part of the School Board.

Mr. Mitchell attended Fair Street School and was a graduate of E.E. Butler High School in 1967 before it integrated with Gainesville High School in 1969 . Mr. Mitchell went on to serve as the first Black firefighter in the city of Gainesville. He continued to be a trailblazer in many ways while always keeping an eye on the heritage of Fair Street and the southside community making it fitting to name a street on the campus of Fair Street school in his honor Willie Mitchell Drive will be officially named in the coming months to mark his commitment and fortitude The street connects Positive Place and Collins Circle, right behind Fair Street where Mr Mitchell has invested so much of his heart and soul

SAMMYSMITH

Sammy Smith is known for his love of going above and beyond Not only did he help pull Gainesville City School System out of a period of economic struggle as school board treasurer, but he also made endless differences in the community Mr Smith attended Gainesville City Schools from elementary school until graduating in 1970

Sammy Smith has shown his love for Gainesville City Schools by attending every type of school event imaginable Elementary school robotics competitions, school musicals, athletic events, you name it and he was there This is just one way he showed his true passion and dedication to the younger generations

Mr. Smith has also made a difference in our schools by faithfully reading to our preschoolers for Georgia PreK Week. Every year, Mr. Smith visited many preschool classes around our school system in order to read to them. In doing this, he made connections and memories with those kids that they will cherish forever.

Also, in an attempt to make GCSS history more accessible to its students and community, Mr. Smith formed the idea to have collection of yearbooks and books by authors that went to GHS. Mr. Smith lead the charge in finding a collection of yearbooks from Gainesville High School dating back to 1940. There is also an entire shelf of books by authors that went to Gainesville High. Both of these collections can be found in the library at Gainesville High School. In fact, the library is to be dedicated in his name in the coming months.

Needless to say, these two board members made endless differences for the Gainesville City School System as a whole, both behind the scenes and in the lives of our students. The impact they had on our school system made a lasting difference for the community.