- December 20, 2024
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Teresa (right) and Caroline Rizzo listen to the recognition of FPC Hall of Famer Joe Rizzo, who passed away in 2022. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Calvin Grant and his wife, Maxine, at FPC's Hall of Fame recognition before the Potato Bowl. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FPC Hall of Famer Chelsea Barney Herbert with husband, Adrian Herbert, and children Truett and Poppy Jane. Photo by Brent Woronoff
James Hall's family represented him at FPC's Hall of Fame recognition. Hall's sister, Martina Crowley (right), gives a thumbs up. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Calvin Grant (right) hugs Teresa Rizzo at FPC's first Hall of Fame recognition before the Potato Bowl game. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet watches the Hall of Fame recognition. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Caroline and Teresa Rizzo on the field before FPC's Hall of Fame recognition. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Chelsea Barney Herbert with her husband, Adrian Herbert, and their children, Truett and Poppy Jane. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Joe Rizzo's wife, Teresa (right), and daughter, Caroline. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s 50th anniversary celebration began at the Potato Bowl football game on Nov. 1 with the announcement of the first class of the Bulldogs’ Hall of Fame.
The five inductees — four alumni from four different decades and a former “staffulty” member — were introduced in a ceremony held on the field before the game. Two of the inductees have passed away and were represented by their families.
The five are Calvin Grant (class of 1977) James Hall (class of 1982), Joe Rizzo (class of 1994) Chelsea Barney Herbert (class of 2009) and former FPC dropout prevention teacher Frances Royals.
The Hall of Fame is among a number of initiatives the school is establishing this year in honor of its golden anniversary.
“We wanted to establish a Hall of Fame that recognized indivudals who made lasting contributions not to only to our high school but also to the Flagler County community,” Principal Bobby Bossardet said.
The class was selected by a committee from among a large group of nominations. Assistant Principal Stacia Collier said for the first class they wanted to span the decades. The inductees and their guests were treated to dinner under a tent in the North end zone before the introductions.
The anniversary celebration will continue Thursday, Nov. 7, with 15-minute Legacy Walk tours of the campus between 5-6 p.m. To reserve a time, go to bit.ly/3Y5QtKV. Alumni can sign the 50th anniversary signing board during the tours. For more information, email [email protected].
In the spring, a celebration will be held for the class of 1975, FPC’s first graduating class, and the Hall of Fame inductees will be honored again when the school holds a ribbon cutting for the Hall of Fame area in the Bulldog Learning Commons (media center), where a plaque in each of their names will be affixed.
Sixty lockers have also been installed in the BLC, each dedicated to a school year. The lockers contain memorabilia that include yearbooks, pictures and artifacts donated by alumni and community members.
“Each locker is like a time capsule,” Collier said.
The lockers in the BLC will be included in the Legacy Walk tours.
Here is a rundown of the Hall of Famers' accomplishments that was read at the introduction ceremony:
ALUMNI INDUCTEES
Grant has devoted his life to service and strengthening the community. A standout athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track, Calvin went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1990.
After his honorable discharge, he returned to Flagler County and began working in behavioral healthcare. He served as vice principal at Oasis Alternative Schools and later became a deputy with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, where he remained until retiring in 2018.
In 2019, Calvin returned to his alma mater as a campus security advisor, where he continues to mentor and guide students. In 2018, in recognition of his service, Calvin received the “U Make a Difference” award. He continues to inspire community members of all ages through his keynote speaking roles at mentoring programs and workshops.
From soldier to law enforcement officer, mentor and community leader, Calvin Grant’s dedication to Flagler County and its youth is an inspiring legacy of leadership and service.
James Hall’s legacy is one of service, leadership and unwavering commitment to both his profession and the community he proudly called home. After graduating from Flagler Palm Coast, Hall enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sharp Shooter Badge.
After his military retirement, James pursued a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice while rising through the ranks of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, ultimately becoming a lieutenant.
During his tenure with the FCSO, James received the Distinguished Service Award for his dedicated service to the citizens of Flagler County as well as a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Flagler Beach for his contributions to their Fourth of July celebrations.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hall served as chair of the Martin Luther King Day Celebration in Bunnell for many years and also led the community Easter celebration. He worked closely with Flagler Habitat for Humanity, encouraging others to join in community development projects.
Hall passed away in 2016. His family represented him at the ceremony.
Joe Rizzo, a Flagler County native dedicated his life to serving the community. As the executive director of the Flagler County Education Foundation, Rizzo increased the foundation’s revenue and expanded the Take Stock in Children program benefiting over 200 students.
His passion for supporting students and teachers in Flagler Schools was evident through his relentless fundraising efforts and commitment to initiatives such as the Josh Crews Writing Project and the district’s flagship programs.
A successful entrepreneur, Joe was the co-owner of Woody’s BBQ and other local restaurants, which became beloved community gathering spots. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life earned him respect and admiration throughout Flagler County.
Known for his leadership, kindness and boundless energy, Joe was a champion of civic involvement. His legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. His work and involvement in the community, alongside his family, friends and colleagues, left an indelible mark on Flagler County.
Rizzo, who died in 2022, was a devoted husband to Teresa, and a proud father of Joseph, who serves in the U.S. Navy, and Caroline, a student at Mars Hill University. Rizzo’s generosity and commitment to bettering his community made him a true icon of Flagler County. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. His family accepted his honor on his behalf.
Chelsey Barney Herbert excelled academically and athletically at FPC, earning a 4.2 GPA and setting two school soccer records. After attending Daytona State College, she joined 4C’s, a site work and utility company, where her hard work led to becoming an owner in 2015.
Today, she serves as president and operations manager, holding multiple contractor licenses. Beyond construction, Herbert co-owns The Landing Strip Tavern and founded Poppy’s True Market, a collective supporting women-owned businesses. She is deeply involved in the community, serving on several boards, including the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Flagler County Education Foundation. Herbert has supported numerous local initiatives, such as the Josh Crews Writing Project and the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show.
Her leadership and dedication have earned her recognition as a two-time inductee into the Daytona Beach News Journal’s 40 Under 40, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber and recipient of several other awards. Chelsea’s commitment to empowering women and giving back to her community continues to make her an inspiration and leader in Flagler County.
STAFFULTY INDUCTEE
Frances Royals earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and history from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Florida.
In 1979, she moved to Flagler County, where she spent 25 years at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Royals established the school’s first program for students struggling with behavior and later created a dropout prevention program, focusing on building strong relationships with students and families.
Through grants, she expanded her programs to include internships and a mentorship initiative with the Rotary Club, which had a lasting impact on students’ lives. She also pioneered a service learning program at Princess Place Preserve, where students learned about environmental stewardship while giving back to the community.
Royals’ dedication to Flagler County and its students is a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and service. The relationships she built with students and the community continue to thrive today, leaving a lasting legacy. Royals was unable to attend the event but said she was extremely honored to be inducted.
