The Fayette County High School Distinguished Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame will be conducting this year’s induction ceremonies Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15.
Inductees will be introduced Friday night during pregame ceremonies at the Griffin-Fayette County football game at Tiger Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
The annual banquet is Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Fayette County High School cafeteria. Tickets for the banquet can be purchased for $20 at the high school in the principal’s office or at Fayette Sporting Goods on Glynn Street North (Highway 85) in the Fayette Place Shopping Center just south of Michaels.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize student athletes who achieved a first-place finish in state competition in a sport sponsored by the high school or who subsequently competed in collegiate or professional sports. Also recognized are distinguished alumni who have made a significant contribution to society in their field.
The Hall inducted its inaugural class in 1999 and with the 2016 class, a total of 77 student athletes, 51 distinguished alumni and 10 coaches will be members of the elite group. Of particular note is the class of 2008 induction of eight service members who were killed in action serving our country in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam Conflict.
The 2016 class is composed of three distinguished alumni and two student athletes and one former coach/athletic director. The distinguished alumni group includes Ronnie Chance, John Lynch and Randall Porter.
Ronnie Chance is a 1986 graduate of FCHS. Chance served in the Georgia State Senate from 2004 to 2015, holding many key leadership positions including Senate Majority Leader from 2013 to 2015. In addition he founded a public relations firm that has advised multiple Fortune 100 corporations and policy leaders.
John Lynch is a 1966 graduate of FCHS and has been active in documenting the history of Fayette County through a number of venues. He is a charter member of the Fayette County Historical Society and has authored or contributed to several historical works.
Randall Porter is a 1960 graduate of FCHS. He has been successful in a variety of ventures, including a concrete business in Alpharetta and later operating Buckeye Creek Farm in Cherokee county. He became a trustee for Reinhardt College and with several friends founded Air Aces Museum.
The student athletes include Ashley Holcomb Bell and Bonnie Bynum Graham. The former coach/athletic director being inducted is the late Clint Burton.
Ashley Holcomb Bell is a 2005 graduate and lettered in softball for four years. She was the catcher on the team that won the AAAAA state championship in 2002 and was first-team all-state for three years. She played softball at the University of Alabama and competed in three College World Series.
Bonnie Bynum Graham is a 2003 graduate and lettered in softball for four years. She was the pitcher on the 2002 state championship team. She later starred at Tennessee Tech and leads in almost every pitching statistic for the Ohio Valley Conference.
While Bonnie and Ashley are being inducted into the Hall, the remaining members of the 2002 team will be recognized as well.
Clint Burton had a long and successful coaching career at several schools. He was head coach and athletic director at FCHS from 1988 to 2002. He won more that 100 games in his career and received numerous awards. At FCHS, he also played a key role in the addition of boys’ and girls’ swimming, girls’ soccer and girls’ golf.
All those interested in attending the events are welcome to purchase tickets for the game at the gate, $8 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets for the banquet are $20 and can be purchased in advance at the school, at Fayette Sporting Goods or at the door.
Nominations for the Hall of Fame may be submitted in writing to Principal Dan Lane, Fayette County High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Fayetteville, GA 30214.
