As Gainesville High School seniors graduated Friday, a few community members also received diplomas.

Margie Braff, Don Brewer and Kit Dunlap all were awarded honorary diplomas from the school.

"I'm very, very awed by it. ... It was quite a surprise," Braff said.

The high school governance council - made up of faculty, parents and administrators - selects the honorees from those nominated by students, alumni, past or present employees and school board members.

Those honored must be involved with the high school but not have earned a diploma from Gainesville City Schools. The program began three years ago.

Margie Braff moved to Gainesville in 1974 and is a member and former chairwoman of Center Point, a local mentoring and education program. She also is a founding board member of the Gainesville Boosters Club and volunteers with foster care, food pantry and Red Cross programs, among others, according to a news release from the school.

"I just love working with the children," Braff said.

"And I just think it's important that we all make sure that our children are being taken care of."

Don Brewer taught physical education and coached basketball and baseball at the high school beginning in 1969. Brewer also mentors area athletes and coaches, according to the news release.

"It's probably the biggest honor I've had in a long time, maybe ever," Brewer said of the diploma.

Dunlap moved to Gainesville when she enrolled at Brenau College and since 1998 has been president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. She has helped organize referendums for the special purpose local option sales tax for schools. She also has trained high school students through Youth Leadership Hall and sponsors local business initiatives for students.