On January 14, 2025, the Brooks County Board of Education officially named and dedicated the gymnasium at Brooks County High School as the Calvin Rutherford Gymnasium in honor of his lasting impact on our school and community.
Board Chairman Larry Cunningham read the proclamation declaring the gym’s new name, while Superintendent Dr. Vickie Reed and Chairman Cunningham presented Mr. Rutherford’s daughter, Dr. Denise Rutherford, with a framed copy of the proclamation. She also received bricks from the former Rutherford Athletic and Meeting Complex and a special keepsake notebook with artifacts from her father’s employment records.
Dr. Rutherford shared heartfelt memories of growing up in Brooks County Schools, where both of her parents worked, and spoke about her father’s wisdom, dedication, and deep love for his students and the community.
The ceremony was attended by a large crowd, including retired teachers who worked for Mr. Rutherford and even taught Dr. Rutherford as a student. It was a beautiful moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of a remarkable leader’s legacy.