The GHS Honorary Diploma is bestowed upon individuals who did not graduate from Gainesville City Schools yet have demonstrated "exemplary service and dedication to the school system."
The recipients have to meet one or more of the following criteria for consideration:
· Must be a member of the Gainesville business, civic, health, education, or philanthropic community that makes a significant contribution to the local community
· Must have made a notable contribution of time, talents or resources to GHS
· Must be a community member who has achieved state or national prominence
· Or, must be a non-community member with state or national prominence having direct ties to Gainesville High School.
· Should inspire and encourage current and past GHS students
In making the announcement, the council said each of this year's recipients has greatly contributed to the success of various programs within Gainesville High School.
Joan Hopkins, founding member of the GHS Theater Friends, has supported the GHS theater program for several years. She has sponsored and managed the Boutique for 23 years.
Mickey Long is a long-time supporter of GHS athletics and has been instrumental in the development of the P.K. Dixon Field House. Long personally supervised the first phase of the field house project and donated his time, materials, and labor.
Abit and Kayanne Massey have volunteered and contributed their services toward all aspects of athletics, theater, extra-curricular and academic programs for over 40 years.
Hopkins, Long, and the Masseys will be honored at a reception on May 17 at First Baptist Church and will participate in the GHS Graduation Ceremony on May 18 where they will receive their Honorary Diplomas.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/5/248327