What was billed as an appreciation reception for those who volunteer at the Gardens on Green at the Hall County School System Central Office turned into a surprise for one couple.
Lee and Kathy Lovett, the inspiration behind the educational gardens, thought the Thursday afternoon reception was being held in honor of donors and volunteers. While that was true, part of the event involved the renaming of the Literacy Garden in honor of the Lovetts.
Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal assisted Superintendent Will Schofield in unveiling a plaque created by donor Caroll Daniel Construction Company.
Gov. Nathan Deal was also in attendance. The Deals and Lovetts are long-time friends, and Lee Lovett recalled the day when Nathan Deal told him during a casual lunch in the garden that he would make a run for governor.
Schofield praised the Lovetts for their foresight in taking the overgrown property on both the north and south sides of the Central Office building and creating educational gardens to be used by the school system and the community at large.
Kathy Lovett is a retired Hall County School System teacher and Lee Lovett retired earlier this year after serving as Deputy Superintendent for the school system.
