The Gainesville High School Governance Council, a staff-teacher-parent governing authority under the school system’s charter designation, is initiating a Gainesville High School honorary diploma program.

The diplomas will acknowledge and celebrate individuals who are part of the Gainesville High School community who are not Gainesville graduates, but whose achievements or support represents the character and spirit of a Red Elephant.

Community members can visit www.gainesvillehighschool.net to nominate an individual for an honorary diploma who will be able to attend the high school’s May 22 graduation ceremony. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, and the council will notify up to three honorees by May 1. Candidates may have attended but must not have graduated from Gainesville, E.E. Butler or Fair Street high schools.

Honorary diplomas will be presented annually during the Gainesville High School commencement ceremony. The honoree will wear cap and gown to publicly receive the diploma.

William S. Lightfoot is the chairman of the Gainesville High School Council, which approved the guidelines and nomination procedures for the honorary diplomas.

“This initiative is designed to recognize exceptional people who, over the years, contributed to the lives of our students through living the ideals and values as defined by Gainesville High School’s mission,” Lightfoot said. “Recipients will serve as examples for us in terms of the contribution they have and continue to make to our community.”