Coach Rubye Griggs Is Honored for Service

A surprise gathering to honor, recognize and salute Coach Rubye Griggs for her years of dedicated service as a teacher and coach in Monticello was held October 27 at Springfield Baptist Church.

The idea to honor Coach Griggs was the brainstorm of Mrs. Doris Tripp Moore, a former student. Once Mrs. Moore received the approval of Pastor Jimmy Horton, along with permission to use the church, she was off and running.

Mrs. Moore solicited help with the program planning and monetary donations to cover expenses.

Present at the event were former students representing all decades of Coach Griggs’ teaching and coaching career. The classes represented were those from 1968, ’69, the 70’s 80’s and 90’s.

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Coach Griggs retired in May 2000 after 32 years of service in education. All of her tenure was in the Jasper County school system.

The afternoon offered an atmosphere of admiration and gratitude. Coach Griggs was showered with beautiful gifts, tributes, songs, poems, cards, flowers, etc.

These gifts were presented by students, family members, friends, co-workers, and classmates. The room was filled with joy and laughter as the guests shared “reminiscence down memory lane.”

Evangelist Barbara Ann Smith, also a former student served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

A delicious meal was served followed by cake for dessert.

Former Head Coach Chuck Miller gave a tribute to the honoree. He also had the task of lighting the candle in loving memory of head coach Lester Davis.

With so many well wishers attending and or supporting this cause, it’s hard to believe that no one told the secret, said Ms. Griggs. “I was under the impression that I was going to a program to give advice to the youth at church. To me it was a total surprise and a special day of recognition.”

Coach Griggs was overwhelmed with emotion for her appreciation program and was brought to tears with gratitude.

For the former students and everyone attending this event it was a great time of reuniting, meeting and greeting, said Ms. Griggs.

Since her special day, Coach Griggs has continued to receive numerous messages, and visits. This was indeed a positive celebration.