Greene County High School has a new addition to its cafeteria in the form of newly constructed signage, which is called the “Greene County Tigers Ring of Honor.”
GCHS principal Eddie Hood thought of the idea, hoping it would show students the greatness they can achieve while enrolled. He also wanted to honor alumni that excelled in both academics and athletics while in school at Greene County.
“I just wanted to recognize those people that did great by Greene,” Hood told the Lake Oconee News. “I also wanted to let our kids know that they can be excellent, too, and do great things outside of graduating from Greene County High School.”
Hood explained that the Ring of Honor will bring the community together for a ‘special occasion.’ He added that the first five inductees will be honored before the school’s homecoming football game against Oglethorpe County on Friday, Oct. 7.
“It’s going to be a great thing for the community,” Hood said. “It will recognize those people that went to GCHS and are alumni. They have done great things while at Greene and outside of school. It will (also) show our kids that they can strive to do great things.”
Hood floated the idea by Greene County School System superintendent Dr. Chris Houston, who gave it the green light. He also partnered with local businessman Kris Harris, owner of 44 Signs, to design and help construct the Ring of Honor project.
“I wanted to do it with someone that was local, so they understood the ties with the community. Kris at 44 Signs did an awesome job and was great to work with,” Hood said. “It all came together based on the idea of things that I had done at my previous school (Central Gwinnett), but I think our school needs it to increase the culture.”
Hood said the initial first five Ring of Honor inductees are all going to be former athletes.
“After, it will be contributors to Greene County schools and anyone that has donated,” he added. “It will also be a mix of educators, athletes and those that have excelled in academics. We have a committee that will vote on who gets inducted.”
Those that will decide and vote are a mixture of alumni combined with influential people in the community that has left a “lasting impact” on the education system in Greene County.
There will be some requirements that individuals will have to meet to be able to qualify for being a proposed inductee, although it’s ultimately up to the committee’s vote.
Hood said he believes that this will be “100 percent a positive thing” for the community moving forward.
“The people in our community care a lot about our school,” he said. “It’s time that they are recognized for their efforts and the things that they have done to impact Greene (County) and our school. One way to do that is having a hall of fame.”
Hood’s top goal when he accepted the job as athletic director last year at GCHS was to “change the culture.” That was still his number-one priority when he was recently promoted to principal.
“It’s all about creating a culture of care,” Hood said. “I am glad we are finally getting a chance to recognize those that have done great things while here at GCHS.”