GAINESVILLE - The Hall County School System's 2013 Night of Honor welcomed 83 retirees and 33 teachers of the year Monday night at Chestatee High School.
Around 400 retirees, teachers and their friends and family gathered for food and fellowship in the Chestatee High cafeteria and then for awards and recognition in the school theatre according to system Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Brad Brown.
"It's a great celebration," Dr. Brown said. "It's a wonderful testament to these people who have given their lives to changing lives and providing a good education to kids for the future."
'A Night of Honor' has become a tradition in Hall County, taking place every May. It recognizes the Teacher of the Year from each school, and retiring educators as well as classified people who performed the many support roles.
"Whether it's a teacher, bus driver, cafeteria worker or whatever it might be, it's a wonderful opportunity for them to be recognized, and it's a small token just to say 'thank you' for your years of service," Brown added.
Retiring Lanier Elementary School Assistant Principal Vicki Gheesling has taught overseas and in the United States, spending the last seven years of her career in Hall County.
"I've taught in Hawaii, in Iceland, in Florida, in Newton County, and in Hall County," she said.
Assistant Principal Gheesling says leaving school is bittersweet because she loves being around the students and the faculty and staff she's worked with. She intends to play a volunteer role in education.
"I'm looking forward to some time with my grandchildren but I hope to volunteer," she said. "I don't think I could ever leave not teaching children for very long. It's engrained in me to work with kids."
Wednesday
October 16th, 2024
7:36PM
