Chance Gainer – Celebration of Life

Posted September 8, 2024

This Week’s Schedule

MONDAY

Monday will be a day for us (Port St. Joe High School in particular) to internalize and reflect on the life of Chance Gainer.  Grief Counselors and Teachers will be onsite and prepared to support students and staff throughout the day/week.

Chance Gainer’s mother and aunts have been part of the school food service professionals operating the Port St. Joe Elementary Lunchroom for many years.  Hungry Howie’s has donated pizzas for the Port St. Joe Elementary School’s lunch for Monday.  (This will allow the family staff members time to grieve together.)  The Port St. Joe Elementary PTO will be on site to serve the pizzas. 

TUESDAY

All Gulf District Schools will be closed for students Tuesday. Teachers and staff will report as scheduled.

Port St. Joe High School is planning an open luncheon for the Shark Football teammates of Chance Gainer.  Initial plans were to include Liberty County and Blountstown football teams to come together for a time of support and healing. However, because of the tremendous show of love and support from other area schools we have expanded this special event to welcome other area varsity football teams and coaches.

This multi-team camaraderie and luncheon will take place Tuesday at the Port St. Joe High School Commons Area and Gymnasium from approximately 10:00 A. M. (ET) to 1:00 PM (ET).  Lunch will be prepared and provided by Hunt’s Restaurant for all student athletes and coaches in attendance. 

WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY

School will resume its regular schedule Wednesday – Friday. 

Grief Counselors and Staff will be available as necessary for any student or staff member needing support.

FRIDAY

The home football game between Port St. Joe and Blountstown scheduled for Friday night has been postponed until a later date. (TBA)

SATURDAY

Final plans for Chance’s Celebration of Life have not been confirmed yet.  However, the Gainer Family has reached out to request the use of the Port St. Joe High School Gymnasium for the Celebration, and we are honored to accommodate the family.  Again, plans are tentative at this point, but for planning purposes, the family is looking to have the Celebration this coming weekend.

QUESTIONS: please call the following contacts:

Gulf County Schools’ Superintendent – Jim Norton (850-227-5883)
Superintendent Norton’s Executive Assistant – Mary Lou Cumbie (850-227-4625)
Port St. Joe High School Principal – Sissy Godwin (850) 227-4161
Asst. Superintendent of Schools – Josh Dailey (850) 340-3008
Gulf County Athletic Director – Bobby Johns (850) 247-9685

MEDIA OUTLETS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND TUESDAY’S LUNCHEON