Two longtime members of the Gainesville Board of Education, who are stepping down at the end of the year, were lauded for their work and dedication to the city school system earlier this week.
Friends, family, fellow board members, current and former employees and officials of the school system, and others gathered Tuesday night to honor Willie Mitchell and Sammy Smith. Mitchell has been on the board 34 years and Smith has been a member 16 years.
Both chose not to run for re-election this year.
(Pictured: Sammy Smith, right, speaks with a well-wisher at the reception. Photo courtesy Gainesville City School System. More pictures at Gainesville City School System | Gainesville GA | Facebook)