"The students were important to him, his hometown of Rabun County is important to him and the players he coached there through the years...and taught...were important to him, and he wanted all of that to be a part of this," said Dyer.
Mance died Sunday after a brief battle with esophageal cancer, said Dyer. He had had some medical problems since November, she said, but the cancer diagnosis came just six weeks ago.
Dyer said the Monday night vigil, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Gainesville High School's "rock" just off campus, will be an informal time for students to share their memories of the principal.
She said it's a good idea for people to bring their own candles because she fears there won't be enough to go around, based on Mance's popularity with students and the community.
Funeral services for the 50-year-old Mance are scheduled for Wednesday, May 2 at the Gainesville High School gymnasium. The services will begin at 1:00 p.m. and students will be able to attend, said Dyer.
Gainesville High School and Gainesville Middle School will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. All elementary schools will dismiss at their regular time, according to a release from the school system.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/4/248105