Principal Walker services and school announcement

UPDATE:

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County School System has updated their announcements saying that they will be canceling school Thursday, instead of an early release. While they will hold a partial day for staff, they will release at 1 p.m. in order to allow for those wishing to attend services.

The school has also added details about Thursday’s After School Activities in their announcement as follows:

To honor and remember Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker, we plan to cancel classes for all students and hold an in-service day for staff only on Thursday 9/20/18 releasing early at 1:00 so that staff and students who wish to attend funeral services may do so.

Updated Extra Curricular Activities:

GHS Athletic Activities for Thursday 9/20/18: 
JV Football will be at home vs. Lumpkin 5:30
Volleyball will be at Fannin (Fannin/Pickens) 6:00
Softball will be at home (varsity only) for senior night vs. Pickens 5:45

CCMS:
Football and Cheer: Rescheduled from 9/20/18 to 9/19/18 at Fannin
Softball: Rescheduled from 9/20/18 to 9/19/18 at Fannin City Park
Tennis: Plans Pending

 

ORIGINAL STORY

ELLIJAY, Ga – With the school system still reeling from the death of Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker, official announcements are coming for the next step.

With preparations made, the family will receive visitors on Wednesday at Bernhardt Funeral Home from 2 p.m to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at First Baptist Church. However, according to the Gilmer County School System, a request has been by Bernhardt that parents and students attend a live feed of the funeral at the Ellijay Elementary School Auditorium.

Furthermore, the school system is officially announcing that it will be dismissing class early on Thursday for students and staff wishing to attend the event. While the specifics are yet to be finalized, the School System’s Facebook page updated confirming the early release.

Citizens across the county are continuing the mourning process and many more have begun using the #OneGilmer to unify the county. Others have adopted a “Larry-ism” as some call them, saying that Mr. Walker would be telling them to #FinishTheDrill. Just a few examples of the community like these show exactly how deeply this one man touched others.

A memorial fund has been established for the family of Larry Walker. Donations may be made to the “Larry Walker Memorial Fund” at any United Community Bank. While the school has already held a special meeting at the Middles School Gym last Sunday, September 16, for counselors and ministers to aid those in grief, the County’s mourning is far from over.

 

Continuing the conversation on the tragedy in the community, Good Morning From The Office held a talk with Dr. David Markwell, Licensed and Board Certified Professional Counselor, about the situation and the coping process.