Many local stakeholders were in attendance on November 15th as Marion County Middle/High School dedicated the walking trail and pavilion to generous volunteers. The walking trail is named in honor of Sam Rigdon, and the pavilion is named to commemorate the late Gene Rosinbaum and the late Ransom Briggs.
Former Marion County Superintendent and current RESA Director, Mr. Ricky McCorkle, worked closely with all three men as the trail and pavilion were envisioned and brought to life. “I learned three things from these men,” McCorkle stated. “How to keep God first, how to love your community, and follow your heart without saying ‘never.’ They and their wives worked together in a strong partnership for the betterment of our entire student body and community in Marion County.” Mr. McCorkle called all three men “the three greatest people I’ve ever been around.”
Mr. Sam Rigdon, a former Marion County School Board member for 16 years, serves as Chairman of the Pine Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District and was instrumental in the oversight and creation of the walking trail. This trail is used by students, faculty, staff, and the community and is overseen by the agriculture and forestry aspects of career and technical education. It is forested with every tree that is native to Georgia, along with identification for each. Mr. Rigdon, along with his wife Carol, was instrumental in raising almost half a million dollars for the trail’s installation. He has been a member of the Pine Mountain SWCD since 1974.
Mr. Gene Rosinbaum was a founding member of the Pastors Partnering in Education for Marion County. He pastored the Fort Perry Baptist Church, creating many opportunities for youth in the Box Springs area and beyond. Under his leadership, these students grew in volunteerism and character, which positively reflected the values of the school and community. Mr. John Hagin, Future Farmers (FFA) and Young Famers adviser, told a story about “Brother Gene” teaching his students how to join boards in a way that was both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Hagin said it was a method he had not been taught in college, and it worked well as his students assisted on the pavilion’s construction.
Mr. Ransom Briggs was a member of numerous county and school-related committees. He volunteered and mentored to improve the lives of Marion County students for many years. Mr. Briggs co-founded the Gardner-Thornton Memorial Scholarship with his wife, Doris, in the 1990’s. Many students and community members have benefited from the generosity and compassion of the Briggs family. “On my first night in Marion County, before I ever officially became a principal, Mr. Briggs welcomed me to the community and eased my fears. That is how I knew I was supposed to be here and that I would belong,” said Superintendent Jamie Penoncello.
As a collective, these honorees were lauded for their vision, dedication, and drive. Their motto became “Make it happen.” Together, they made many positive impacts to the school and community. They have shared life experiences with students and adults alike, and through the walking trail and pavilion, their names will stand on the Marion County Middle/High School campus along with their legacies of service and support.