Community Corner
Retired Haines City High Coach Honored With School Building
A plaque was presented at ceremony to Coach Olin Gee who dedicated 37 years of coaching and teaching to Polk County students.
POLK COUNTY, FL — A recently retired Haines City High School coach is being honored by naming the school's weightlifting building after him, Polk County Public Schools District said.
Coach Olin Gee worked f0r 37 years at Polk County Public Schools before retiring in January. Gee served 27 of those years at Haines City High as a physical education teacher. He also coached weightlifting, football and track at the school.
On March 11, a retirement ceremony was held for Gee. The mayor of Haines City recognized Gee with a proclamation declaring the day as "Coach Olin Gee Day," according to school district staff.
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“This was a big surprise,” Gee told the Polk County Public Schools District. “It felt great to know that you are appreciated for the things that you do. I’ve just always enjoyed helping kids, watching them grow and choose a path in life. I’m happy to have a hand in guiding them along.”
Gee received a plaque at the retirement ceremony. Officials said the plaque will be placed inside the building that is scheduled to be named after him on a future date. After the date has been decided, a dedication ceremony will take place.
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Robin Nable Wagman Against All Odds Scholarship Foundation, Inc., is sponsoring the naming of the weightlifting building.
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