A special tribute in memory of educator Raymond L. Gaines was held Aug. 25 at Lake Mary High School auditorium.

Gaines’ career began in 1966 as a teacher and coach at Crooms High School.

In 1968 he began teaching at Midway and Westside Grammar Schools.

In 1971 he became a teacher and coach at Seminole High School, and in 1974 was named dean and athletic director at Lake Howell High School, where he became assistant principal in 1976, and principal from 1993 to 1999.

In 1999 until his retirement in 2007 he was executive director of Seminole County Public Schools.

The tribute to Raymond Gaines was presided over by his former co-worker, Boyd Karns, who welcomed his family, friends and co-workers, and spoke of his time spent as a co-worker with Gaines. Invocation and purpose were given by the Rev. Dr. Ronald Merthie.

Tributes were presented by Bill Vogel, superintendent of schools, and Paul Haggerty, former superintendent. Educator Brian Urichko and colleagues Lamar Richardson and Sylvester Wynn spoke of their friend and co-worker, who was a dynamic leader and dedicated staff member in the school community.

The Rev. Raymond L. Gaines Jr. spoke of his father as a family man, a man of wisdom and concern for his family and community, who was married to wife, Linda, a retired educator of 38 years.

Throughout the hour of tributes, many reflected on Gaines’ educational career and as a man with a family and community life, as someone who greatly impacted the community and inspired others with his dedication, infectious smile, integrity and unselfish devotion to education.

Music was provided by Cynthia Brown, who stirred the audience as she sang, “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

The Raymond L. Gaines Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established by friends and family. The scholarship will provide an annual scholarship to a Seminole County Public School graduate who pursues a college degree in the field of education. Tax-deductible donations maybe made payable to the Foundation of Seminole County Schools, 400 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773.