School officials have announced that the recipients are Lucile Carter, Marvin Orenstein, Durward Pennington and Curtis Segars.
The Gainesville High School Governance Council, a staff-teacher-parent governing authority under the school system's charter designation, announced plans for the special recognition in April, saying it is believed to be a first-in-the-nation designation and recognition.
Dr. William S. Lightfoot chairs the GHS Council, which approved the guidelines and nomination procedures. "Candidates for an honorary diploma must be living, must not have a diploma from a Gainesville City school and supports the high school's mission," Dr. Lightfoot said at the time. "Further, the nominations seek those "who made notable contributions of time, talents and resources; those who inspire and encourage; or those who attain state or national prominence."
"This initiative is designed to recognize exceptional people who, over the years, contributed to the lives of our students through living the ideals and values as defined by Gainesville High School's mission. Recipients will serve as examples for all of us in term of the contribution they have and continue to make to our community."
The school's web site further proclaims "we want to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who are part of the GHS community who are not GHS graduates, but whose extraordinary achievements or support the GHS traditions represent the character and spirit of a legendary Red Elephant."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/5/219496