By Wendy Willis | Three people will be inducted into the Norcross High School Foundation Hall of Fame at its 10th annual gala on April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Carlyle House in downtown Norcross. The inductees are Nathan Ballantine, the late Bill Bryant and Maria Chininis.
The gala gives the Norcross community an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the school while also honoring those who have contributed to this success.
The NHS Foundation for Excellence supports the school with financial backing to fill the gaps between what federal, state, and county funds provide, and what the teachers and students actually need to achieve excellence. For over a decade, the Foundation has raised funds to invest in the classrooms and facilities at NHS and create opportunities for students and teachers to reach their highest capabilities in all areas.
The public is invited to attend the 2015 Gala. Entertainment will be by the Mark Tucker Jazz Trio Tickets are $50 per person and are available by contacting Lori Pace, at 770-447-2669, or lorri_pace@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. During the Gala, there will be a live auction and other fund-raising offerings.
About the nominees:
Ballentine
Nathan Ballantine taught science for five years, serving as department chair for one year and coaching girls’ soccer for four years. Nathan orchestrated the move of the school from Beaver Ruin Road. to its current location on Spalding Drive. His peers named him Teacher of the Year in 2003. After receiving his master’s degree, he became an Assistant Principal in 2005, giving focus to testing, discipline and the math department. He became director of Summer School for all of Gwinnett County. Nathan received his Specialist degree in Educational Leadership in 2010 and became Principal at North Gwinnett High School in November, 2013.
Bryant
Bill Bryant is being honored posthumously. In the days before computers and even calculators, NHS coaches found in Bill a quick and accurate statistician. He kept baseball statistics for three years and scouted boys’ basketball games. After college, Bill returned to Norcross and kept records for boys’ and girls’ basketball for over 14 years, serving as football statistician for 33 years, attending over 800 games. Bill attended both Summerour Middle and Norcross High School, graduating in 1969. Bill pursued a law degree and opened a general law practice in Norcross where he worked for 15 years. He then served as a Gwinnett County prosecutor for 10 years. A community advocate, Bill willingly served on the Norcross City Council for six years and also served as Mayor of the city. He died earlier this year at age 63.
Chininis
Maria Chininis made a lasting impression on hundreds of students and their families during her eight years at Norcross High School, where she served as an assistant principal, giving focus to the International Baccalaureate program and the Language Arts department. Opening doors for children and helping them navigate a future was her heart’s desire. Maria received her college degree in Early Childhood Education and taught K-4th grade for seven years. She received her master’s degree in Administration and taught in both DeKalb and Gwinnett County schools, before becoming an assistant principal. She received her Specialist degree in School Administration and served as assistant principal at Berkeley Lake Elementary for 12 years, prior to coming to Norcross. Maria currently works as the education coordinator for the Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center.
- For more information about the NHS Foundation for Excellence, visit http://www.norcrosshighfoundation.org.
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