Since 2009, Gainesville High School has conferred honorary diplomas to individuals who support the school’s mission, who enhance the quality of life for the greater community and who are not graduates of the city’s high schools.
Three were presented Sunday at a reception preceding the Class of 2016 baccalaureate service at First Baptist Church on Green Street:
*Bill Coates, Jr., the senior pastor of First Baptist Church.
*Mary Ellen Murray, who spent the majority of her professional teaching career at GHS teaching American history and senior law.
*Jackie Wallace, the recently retired President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Hall County.
In announcing the honorees, GHS Principal Tom Smith said, “These are remarkable people who have shaped a vibrant community; it is our pleasure and honor to confer these honorary diplomas to those who make Gainesville an enviable place to live, learn, work and play.”
Gainesville High was the first public high school in the country to confer honorary diplomas. Through this year, twenty-seven have been awarded.
L-R: Jackie Wallace, Bill Coates, Jr., Mary Ellen Murray. (Courtesy Gainesville City School System)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/5/400041/gainesville-high-confers-three-honorary-diplomas