On Friday, May 24, McDowell School officials, county and city leaders, former students and staff members and numerous others came together at Eastfield Global Magnet School to celebrate James Gorst Day.
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James Gorst Day held at Eastfield Global Magnet School
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On Friday, McDowell School officials, county and city leaders, former students and staff members and numerous others came together at Eastfield Global Magnet School to celebrate James Gorst Day. School board member Chuck Abernathy, left, Superintendent Dr. Tracy Grit, background, and current Principal Michelle Baker, second from right, presented Gorst, sitting, with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award.
Michelle Baker, the school’s current principal, welcomed all those who attended the event.
Board of Education Chairman Terry English and County Commission Chairman David Walker led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and read a resolution that honors James Gorst.
Board of Education Chairman Terry English presented James Gorst with a framed copy of the resolution.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Frank Dean talked about his friend James Gorst’s distinguished military career. Gorst is a decorated veteran with 20 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Lake Silver, a representative of Congressman Chuck Edwards, presented James Gorst with a United States flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.
N.C. Rep. Dudley Greene read a resolution honoring James Gorst and gave him a North Carolina flag that flew over the state Capitol. Greene’s resolution highlights Gorst’s accomplishments in education in McDowell County.
City Council member Chet Effler is a former student of Gorst’s and he shared his memories of what it was like to attend school at Eastfield when Gorst was the principal.
The Eastfield gym was filled with the friends and associates of the Gorsts, the McDowell County Board of Education, officials with the city of Marion, former students, former staff members and numerous current students and staff.
The Eastfield gym was filled with the friends and associates of the Gorsts, the McDowell County Board of Education, officials with the city of Marion, former students, former staff members and numerous current students and staff.
The Eastfield gym was filled with the friends and associates of the Gorsts, the McDowell County Board of Education, officials with the city of Marion, former students, former staff members and numerous current students and staff.
Kay Medford, former Eastfield staff member, also spoke about what it was like to work with James Gorst.
School Superintendent Dr. Tracy Grit paid tribute to longtime educator James Gorst.
James Gorst and his wife Gerry were the guests of honor for the special celebration on Friday at Eastfield Global Magnet School.
Retired educator James Gorst was joined by his friends and associates former Superintendent David Ricketts, left, and former Superintendent Sherron Crawford, right.
