(October 3, 2017, Carrollton, Georgia). Central High School honored four (4) new members to the Hall of Fame. The 2017 inductees are Deion Sims, Nicole Yancey, Steve Whitlock, and Jim Hurt.
Mr. Deion Sims is a proud alumni and coach at Central High School. As a student, he maintained a 3.7 grade point average while playing basketball and baseball. Deion signed a full scholarship to play for the West Georgia Wolves basketball team. Following graduation he played for the Newcastle Basketball Association and Dubbo Basketball Association in Australia. As the Central High School boys’ basketball coach, Mr. Sims mentors and supports students with real-world experience.
Ms. Nicole Yancey is a 2009 graduate of Central High School. Nicole received several honors while playing softball as a Central High School student. She was named the Freshman Carroll County Player of the Year in 2005 and Carroll County Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007. She was 1st team all-region for three years and the 3A Player of the Year in 2007. Nicole signed to play softball with the University of Alabama, later transferring to the University of West Georgia where she graduated with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing.
Mr. Steve Whitlock is a 1988 graduate of Central High School and a member of the 1986 and 1987 State Championship Football Teams. Steve received the Defensive Lineman Most Valuable Player award two years in a row and the Team Captain award in 1987. Mr. Whitlock is married to Pam and they have three children. Maxwell played for the Central Lions from 2012-2015, Anna is currently cheering for the Central Lions and Sara is a member of the Central Lions Softball Team.
Mr. Jim Hurt began his career at Central High School in 1983 as film crew director for the Central Lions. He filmed two state championship games and countless other games throughout his tenure as a Lion. In 2000, Jim became the Central High School Media Specialist and remained a member of the Open-Campus High School faculty. He assisted in establishing the statewide distance learning standards and was on the Board of Directors of Georgia’s Association of Instructional Technology. Twice named Open-Campus High School Teacher of the Year, Mr. Hurt was also named the Carrollton Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2010 and received four (4) Georgia Retired Educators Association awards. Jim and his wife, Charlotte, moved to Athens after he retired to be closer to grandchildren.
