Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

17 Inducted Into New Hall Of Fame (cont)

earning more honors and accolades there for her efforts.

She thanked her parents and said she knows of no greater honor than being chosen for the hall of fame.

"My dream has always been to be an integral part in the lives of young people," she said, "and give them something to look forward to. I hope I'm doing that now."

The honor for George Golden was accepted by his mother, Vanessa Russey. Golden was unable to attend because he was at the all sports banquet at the high school in Texas where he works.

Toni Green accepted for her aunt, Joycelyn Washington, who was also unable to attend.

Birdie Quarles accepted the posthumous award for her son, Ray, who was killed in a logging accident in 1991.

"He liked to hit people," she said. "I enjoyed knowing he liked to play, and he was always ready to play. Thank you for everything."

The final honoree of the evening was Coach Johnny Toombs, current coach of the Arkansas High Razorbacks in Texarkana.

He said they have been discussing creating a hall of fame at AHS, but kept putting it on the back burner.

However, he told the audience, after seeing what went on at the Gurdon banquet, he was going to make sure they began a hall in Texarkana.

"My wife says I've been playing games all my life and still am," he said. "I guess she's right.

"The coaches at GHS are great role models and motivators. I can't think of a better place to be raised."

Toombs said those who leave Gurdon never really leave, but take a piece of Gurdon wherever they go, as well as leaving a part of them there.

"This," he said, "is the highlight of my playing and coaching career."

Bobby Smithson, superintendent of the Gurdon District, said more than 50 names were submitted to the committee for selection. He said it will take about three years to catch up.

He said they will try to induct 15 or 16 every year, and the inductees photos will be placed in the lobby of the new gymnasium.