As part of the 60th Anniversary of consolidation, the Griffin-Spalding County School System has established an Educator Hall of Fame.
Dr. Richard Beaton, Anne-Marie Lombardo and Frank Touchstone, Jr., will be the first inductees into this Hall of Fame.
Each was nominated for his/her contributions to the students of GSCS. Each must have been retired for a minimum of five years. A community committee established the criteria and judges from outside the county scored the nominees.
Dr. Beaton taught Latin at Griffin High School and retired in 2006. Students remember that he treated them as individuals and knew their personalities, strengths and weaknesses. The Junior Classical League was truly a passion and Dr. Beaton organized many activities to support the students who were members of the JCL. One supporter wrote "He is a fine example of the type of educator that all teachers should aspire to be."
Dr. Beaton was Foreign Language Department Chair, graduation chair, SACS 10-year study chair, Junior Classical League sponsor, Teacher of the Year and four-time recipient of the Golden Apple.
Anne-Marie Lombardo was a math teacher at Griffin High. She dedicated her career to making this system a success and to touching the lives of countless students. She served as graduation chair, Math Department chair, Principals Advisory Committee, book club leader and was twice the system Teacher of the Year. She, too, was involved with Junior Classical League. Ms. Lombardo has a gift for teaching according to her nominator. She knew how to connect with her students and how to present the material in a way that will enable them to learn not just enough to survive but for them to thrive and enjoy math.
"She had an unfaltering passion and support for extracurricular activities," wrote one nominee. "She had a love and passion for her students and she was determined to support them in every way possible," said another. Every year she works with the Episcopal Church, spending several days prior to Thanksgiving going throughout the community ensuring that every shut-in or elderly person celebrates the holiday with a hot dinner. She has made an immeasurable impact.
Frank Touchstone, Jr., began his teaching career in 1953, the same year of consolidation. He served this district as an elementary principal for 30 years.
He holds degrees from Fort Valley State College and Atlanta University. He wrote two books during his studies for a Specialists Degree at Atlanta University. His innovative and creative programs are prime examples of his efforts to enhance the educational experience of students.
During his time at Atkinson Elementary, he created programs such as Be Eager Atkinson Readers (BEAR), the Mathematics Laboratory and Alpha Kappa Alpha tutorial program that enhanced the educational experience for his students and helped them thrive. He was a presenter of these innovative programs at the state Mathematics Conference.
Mr. Touchstone was recognized by President Jimmy Carter and appointed to the Congressional Contact Team to serve in Washington, DC in May, 1979. He holds a lifetime membership to the Georgia PTA. He is a life-long resident of Spalding County.
Mr. Touchstone was state president of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals, Regional Director for Central Region of GAESP and served as a state representative on the National Association of Elementary School Principals board and on the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders board of directors.
"Mr. Touchstone has been a positive role model for a long time in Griffin," wrote one supporter.
In addition he serves as a deacon and treasurer at Macedonia Baptist Church. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi and was the first African-American named to a bank board in Griffin.
"These three educators are examples of the dedication and commitment we see in the Griffin-Spalding County School System," said Curtis L. Jones, Jr., superintendent of schools. "They represent the best." 
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