Local schools may be closed Monday, but some will be open to the public to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Gainesville High School has scheduled a program during the boys' and girls' varsity basketball game beginning at 4 p.m.

While some of the planning was hampered by this week's snowstorm, basketball coach Todd Cottrell said staff are lining up guest speakers.

"It will be a tribute to King and what his message was," Cottrell said, who is helping to organize the event for the first time. "Hopefully it will become a good tradition."

A celebration also will be held at Fair Street International Baccalaureate World School in Gainesville, following the Martin Luther King Jr. march downtown.

The free event will begin at 3 p.m. in the school gym and include singing, speeches and a panel discussion.

Fair Street Principal William Campbell plans to sing two songs Monday: Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" and a self-written song, "One Gainesville."

"It's a song about unity and coming together," Campbell said.

Gainesville Superintendent Merrianne Dyer said many
students will participate in a day of service with their local churches or Boy Scout troops.

Hall County Schools have not announced any specific plans for the day. South Hall Middle School Principal Paula Stubbs said the closures last week made it too difficult to plan an event.