EDITOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, March 16, the Baldwin County School District hosts its Distinguished Alumni Gala at 6 p.m., at the Georgia College Magnolia Ballroom. Selected Distinguished Alumni will be recognized during the event, and in the days leading to it The Union-Recorder will pro- file those honorees: Ray mond Tubb (1985), Dr. Emmett Griswold (1989), Audra Smith (1988), Timothy Thomas (1986), Celena Mondie-Milner (1986), Sammy Hall (1965) and Benjamin Lewis (1961).
Commissioner Sammy Hall, a distinguished member of the Baldwin High School Class of 1965, epitomizes the values of dedication, service, and community engagement.
Born and raised in Baldwin County, Georgia, "I graduated from Cooperville Elementary School in 1956,” said Hall, “It was one of these country schools that had five teachers."
Transitioning through Midway Elementary School, Hall eventually made his mark at Baldwin High School.
Reflecting on his educational journey, Hall said, "After graduating from Baldwin High School, I went to GMC (Georgia Military College), and just about the time I was getting ready to graduate from GMC... I got accepted to Georgia College." Hall was one of the first men to attend Georgia College upon the announcement that it had become a co-educational institution. “I heard on TV that the Woman's College of Georgia was going to become co-ed… So I just go right up to the registrar's office and ask the lady for an application,” Hall said, “She says, ‘sir, you know, we're not co-ed!’ and I said, ‘Well, you’re going to be!”
Hall's professional journey in education commenced in 1969 when, after graduating GC, he joined the faculty of Boddie High School. Transitioning through various roles, he eventually ascended to the position of principal at Baldwin Middle School until its closure in 2000. "The biggest thing you need to be able to do is to work with people,” said Hall, “I've always felt some sense of needing to serve the public."
Parallel to his achievements in education, Hall has been an instrumental figure in shaping the civic landscape of Baldwin County. His foray into public service began in 1974 when he was elected to the Baldwin County Commission. Despite facing electoral defeat in 1992, Hall's passion for public service persisted. In 2008, he reclaimed the seat on the Baldwin County Commission, where he has since served with distinction for a total of 34 years. His contributions extend beyond the county commission, encompassing various roles such as chairman of the Oconee Area Community Action Agency and service on the Tri-County EMC electric board.
Commissioner Sammy Hall's legacy reverberates throughout the fabric of Baldwin County, serving as an inspiration to future generations. "Get involved in your community and make a difference," Hall said, "Don't just sit on the sidelines; everybody can have an opportunity to make a difference if they get out there." Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of active participation in community affairs, urging individuals to make a difference through service. As Baldwin County School District's Distinguished Alumni of 2024, Hall stands as a beacon of leadership, integrity, and service, embodying the values instilled in him during his formative years at Baldwin High School.
