Holly Betz, Evelyn Jones, Nancy Kitchens, Stan Mangham, Ray Nash and Jane Stelling represent the twelfth class of Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame inductees. The 2024 class was inducted at the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, October 22, at 6 p.m. in the board room located at 216 S. 6th Street.
In August, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) sought nominations of exemplary educators who made outstanding and significant contributions to students, staff, parents and the community during their employment at GSCS. All nominees must have been employed at GSCS for a minimum of 10 years and retired for at least five years. Six nominees were chosen to represent the Class of 2024 Educator Hall of Fame inductees.
Holly Betz served GSCS for 29 years. She taught at Atkinson Elementary, Third Ward Elementary, Orrs Elementary and Moreland Road Elementary. Betz was highly requested by parents and was named Teacher of the Year twice by her peers. She was a mentor and role model for other teachers as well as college students from Gordon College and Mercer University who Betz trained during their practicums and student teaching. She participated and supported every school function that benefitted the school community such as canned food drives, clothing drives, etc. and she helped organize many activities to bring parents and the community into the schools. Betz was a leader within her schools, beloved by her students, families and peers and an asset to GSCS and the community.
“When we discuss the best of the best, the ones that deserve to be recognized for their past work and future influence, impact quickly becomes an important measuring tool. Teaching, especially, requires impact. Students must feel our passion and enthusiasm for learning in order to find that passion themselves. The impact that Holly Betz has had on myself and hundreds of others is a visible and living thing. The students she reached and supported, the aspiring teachers she inspired and her family are all a testament to her ability and heart for education,” stated Betz’s former student teacher and colleague.
Evelyn Jones served in education for over 35 years. She served GSCS for over 20 of those years as a teacher, gifted teacher, assistant principal and principal. As an educator, Jones was named Teacher of the Year five times across various schools and was the first African-American teacher at the GSCS Enrichment Center. Under her leadership, Anne Street Elementary saw significant improvements in student performance, teacher effectiveness and overall school climate. Jones’s innovative approaches and commitment to excellence helped Anne Street achieve the status of a Distinguished Title I School from 2006-2012. Her innovative approach and commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment helped students and staff thrive.
“Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Jones is known for her genuine care and concern for the well-being of her students and staff. She made it a point to know each student by name and took an active interest in their academic and personal growth. Her open-door policy and approachable demeanor made her a trusted leader and mentor to many, including myself. Mrs. Jones's ability to build strong relationships with parents, community members, and district officials further enhanced her effectiveness as a school leader. Her impact on our school and community extended far beyond her tenure as principal. She left a lasting legacy of educational excellence and a standard of leadership that continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps,” stated her nominator.
Nancy Kitchens served GSCS for 32 years. She began her career in education teaching at Northside Elementary in 1977, she transferred to Orrs Elementary in 1982 and in 2005 she moved to Moreland Road Elementary, when it opened, and remained there until she retired in 2009. During her tenure, she was selected as Teacher of the Year by her peers twice. Kitchens was well known for her strong work ethic, her thirst for knowledge and her top-notch instruction and her love for her students, families, co-workers and community. Kitchens was a leader among her peers and was pivotal in training young men and women to be outstanding educators.
Kitchens nomination stated, “Nancy Kitchens taught by example and gave 100 percent every day. Nobody is more deserving of this victory than her for giving so many victories to hundreds or thousands of children throughout her years of teaching. The results of her labor remain present today through the students she taught, the college students she mentored and the peers she supported each and every day.”
Stan Mangham dedicated his 30-year career in education to GSCS. In 1988, he began as a math teacher at Spalding Jr. High, he was promoted to assistant principal of Flynt Street Middle in 1996 and then advanced to principal of Orrs Elementary in 2000. In 2005, he became the founding principal of Moreland Road Elementary where he proudly served until he retired in 2019. Mangham’s deep love of helping and advocating for students was a paramount theme throughout his entire career. He worked diligently to establish a school renowned for its academic excellence, welcoming atmosphere and outstanding educators. He dedicated himself to serving the stakeholders of the GSCS community. He organized numerous events to help the community and bring families into his school, many of which are still annual staples. Mangham provided a school that functioned like a family, he knew the names of every staff, student and their family members. His commitment and passion for education left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and staff alike.
A letter of reference stated, “Stan frequently radiated pure joy in showing off his school, students and staff as well as his district. No one loved their school, students and staff more than Stan Mangham. To say that Stan Mangham gave his entire self to his work is an understatement. Early mornings, evenings and weekends were spent with a focus of making all things better for students, staff and parents. This was absolutely commonplace and his love while doing it was visible. A lot of laughter, showcasing students when milestones were met, helping parents in need and assisting coworkers and peers were all done so freely by Stan Mangham.”
Ray Nash has served GSCS for almost 40 years as a teacher, coach, bus driver, administrator and father figure to many. As a teacher, he was known for his dedication to student success, inspiring countless students to reach their full potential. His influence extended beyond the classroom as a coach, where he not only developed athletic skills but also instilled values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance. As an administrator, he provided steady leadership and earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Nash’s presence is a source of reassurance, he is a trusted figure in the community, known for his unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether driving students safely to their destinations, coaching them through life’s challenges or mentoring them toward success, Nash is still a revered, steady figure at GSCS. His contributions have been profound and lasting.
“Mr. Nash is the epitome of a positive role model for current and future generations in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. He always has a kind word to share, his love for life is infectious and he has a special gift for making everyone around him feel valued and uplifted. His career, marked by dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of students, serves as an inspiring example of what it means to truly care for a community,” stated his nominator.
Jane Stelling served in education for over 40 years. She spent 20 of those years teaching chorus at Griffin High School. Jane had a gift for teaching, she believed in her students and encouraged their musical and vocal skills which produced results. Under her leadership, the GHS Chorus consistently achieved superior ratings in numerous choral competitions. She took her student performers to multiple destinations including Walt Disney World, New York City and Costa Rica. Jane exuded positivity and encouraged students to follow their dreams and passions. She was not only a teacher but a role model and mother figure to many. Through her love of music, her dedication to her students, and love of teaching, she impacted the lives of thousands of young people.
“Her students didn’t just learn music from her. She taught us acceptance, responsibility, respect, accountability, and compassion. When you walked through the door of her classroom you knew she accepted you, and she taught us to accept each other. Her classes were a mix of different backgrounds, cultures, social statuses, and skill levels, but for that few minutes each day you were in her chorus room none of those differences mattered. The lessons she instilled in us continue to influence us to this day. She brought out the best in us because she believed in us and taught us to believe in ourselves,” wrote a former student of Stelling.
Jane Stelling passed away in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her son, Richard Stelling, accepted the award in her honor.
GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith L. Simmons stated, “These inductees have made outstanding and significant contributions to the students, staff and families of Griffin-Spalding. Their dedication and service to the students of this community have made a lasting impression. I am proud of this tradition that honors exceptional educators by inducting them into the Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame. They lead by example and serve as exemplars for current educators. I charge today’s teachers and leaders to strive to become tomorrow’s Educator Hall of Fame inductees.”