ROCKINGHAM — The final edition of the Richmond Observer’s three-part video series remembering Coach Jason Norton features some of his closest friends and colleagues.
Offering their memories of “Biggie” are former student and athlete Jared Gatewood, current Richmond Senior High School principal Jim Butler, teacher Vivian Hilton and close friend and former colleague Melissa Garner.
Click the name of each person to watch his or her tribute video.
Jared Gatewood, a teacher at Forest Hills High School and a Richmond graduate, had Coach Norton as a teacher and coach at Hamlet Junior High School. He not only found comfort in Norton in these roles, but Gatewood saw him as a father figure, which he hopes to emulate for his students and own children.
Vivian Hilton taught Norton in 10th grade and remembers how mature and impactful he was as just a sophomore at Richmond. She stopped at Hamlet Middle School to record her video and remembers Norton not only as a student, but a respected member of the Richmond community.
Jim Butler worked with Coach Norton when the two were at Hamlet Middle School, and was around him often at Richmond sporting events. He reflects on Norton’s impact as a baseball coach, but highlights how much of a friend he was to so many people he crossed paths with.
Melissa Garner was a close personal friend to Coach Norton and his wife Lauren. In her tribute video, Garner shares several lighthearted stories about Norton that showcase that he wasn’t just a man loved by many, but is now a legacy that will carry on through his sons and the people he impacted.
