GAINESVILLE - The brainchild of Gainesville attorney Ashley Bell, Generation Inspiration celebrated its 10th anniversary Sunday at a ceremony at Gainesville High School.
"After 10 years of developing homegrown leaders for our community, state and nation, I'm proud to now call Generation Inspiration a part of the great tradition of Gainesville High School," said Bell.
Just as in years past, leaders in the education community gathered with politicians and parents to salute the students who have made Generation Inspiration a part of their high school journey.
Sunday's keynote speaker for the 2015 event was State Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-Decatur), . Mayo encouraged the GI participants to focus on goal setting.
"If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you're there?" Mayo asked the students.
Mayo also took the opportunity during his speech to announce his intent to run for statewide office in the near future, noting that Gainesville will be a place where he will look for leadership in an upcoming campaign.
Students honored Gainesville High School Principal Lacrisia Larkin, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
The Sunday celebration also served as a kick-off for GI's 2015 Summer Program. Students spend a large portion of the summer learning about the Gainesville community and serving in the city. One of the group's most recent service activities has been the removal of graffiti from city properties.
