By Robert Seibert
Guest Writer
Often times the impact a person has in the world is not recognized until they pass. This is not the case with former band director, Jennifer Gibson. Usually referred to as “Mama G.” Her students knew her love and concern for them, not as band students, but as young adults. Mama G was more than just a teacher, she was a mentor, mom and friend. She cared about every student and not just the ones who were in her class. Her joy and love stretched past high school and into our lives. Gibson was always reminding us that we could do amazing things in life. “Mama G was and still is a constant motivation to be the best person I can be, to be kind, honest, loyal and most importantly to be happy,” said former student Gabby Seibert. It was no surprise when the idea to dedicate a memorial to her came up after her passing.
Rondall Brown, 1st vice commander of American Legion Post 532, said, “There were a lot of people involved in this project. The post wanted to help honor her because of great support in the patriotic events planned by the post.” Band students designed the front of the memorial with musical notes and wording. Students in the shop class helped to lay the stones around it. Post 532 Special Projects Coordinator, Joe Buckner, led the charge providing a lot of the work himself. Items and time were donated by the county and by the school maintenance department.
The memorial has not come quickly or easily. Plagued by supply and demand problems, it has been slow. Problems of finding the right stone, problems with getting the stencil to engrave the stone, problems with communications and even problems with scheduling the installation have all added up. Then came the big question, when do we dedicate it? It is amazing how things work out.
A simple birthday brings an astronaut to town and allowed the American Legion Post to arrange with the help of others, to speak to the students. This brought a great follow up to the dedication and all near Sept. 11, a day when we remember those who died and who sacrificed their lives for others.
Finally, last Saturday, with the date having been chosen weeks ago, the stone was set and the final pieces were put into place. At 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, the monument will be dedicated. I will welcome everyone and dedicate the monument. School staff will say a few words followed by Andy Gibson. After Gibson speaks, the Hayesville High Band led by director Alexis Dockery, will play the Star Spangled Banner as members of the American Legion Honor Guard, led by Honor Guard Commander Dwight McClure, raise the American Flag for the first time at the pole located at the monument.