Carton, Gilliam '66 awarded Emily and Ernest Woodruff Medal of Service

The Emily and Ernest Woodruff Medal of Service, Rabun Gap’s highest honor for outstanding service to the school, was awarded to Margaret Carton and Steve Gilliam ‘66 at a luncheon at the Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta last week. Both Margaret Carton and Steve Gilliam served several terms as trustees and have now rotated off the board, and both were elected Board Chairs during their tenure. The luncheon was attended by several current and former trustees, friends, and supporters of the school, as well as two former Heads of School. 

Ms. Carton’s involvement with Rabun Gap began with her grandfather, H.L. Fry, who was the school’s first farm family manager. She began her service as a trustee in 2002, and as Board Chair from 2010 to 2020, she led the Board of Trustees through a time of tremendous growth for the School, including two successful capital campaigns, two head of school transitions, increases in enrollment, and two successful strategic plans. 

Mr. Gilliam became a trustee in 1999 and chaired many of the Board’s committees including finance, risk management, and governance. He was the first alumnus to become Chair of the Board, as well as the first alumnus to deliver a commencement address. During his tenure as both trustee and Chair of the Board, he provided thoughtful, informed, and encouraging guidance to both the Board and the Head of School, helping guide it through times of remarkable expansion and growth.