Chief Chipola returns home

By: Shelia Mader

Chipola College has educated families in the panhandle and beyond since 1947 when it opened its doors. Betty Ford Hatcher is a graduate of Chipola College and remains a proud alumna of the college. Ironically, Hatcher resides in view of Chipola College and sees current students daily taking advantage of the education Chipola provides.

Currently attending Chipola is Hatcher’s brother’s grandson. Larry Ford’s grandson, Daniel Stoutamire is furthering his education at Chipola.

Shortly after Hurricane Michael ripped through Jackson County, Hatcher learned of a very talented gentleman who was proficient at wood carvings. With several downed trees, she made contact with Chad Gainey from Chipley about the possibility of carving an Indian later to be named Chief Chipola from one of the downed trees. At the time, he told her it could possibly take as long as two years. That was not a problem for her and pieces were put in place.

He was very close to right on time with the delivery of Chief Chipola. Locals, as well as students from all over the southeast attending Chipola enjoyed seeing Chief Chipola in Hatcher’s front yard for years. The time came when Chief Chipola was bitten by the termite bug and had to be removed. A very determined Betty Hatcher put the wheels in motion, reached out to Chad Gainey, Chief Chipola’s original sculptor and plans were made to create a new Chief Chipola.

Gainey is a Chipley resident and also attended Chipola College and took a little extra pride in his work in creating not only the first Chief Chipola but also the one that was delivered and set up in Hatcher’s front yard last Saturday. All is well on College Street now – Chief Chipola can watch as thousands of students take advantage of the award-winning education provided by Chipola.

Hatcher couldn’t be happier, “I want to express my gratitude to Chipola. So many members of my family have benefited from the education they received at Chipola. Even today, my brother’s grandson is attending Chipola. We are so blessed to have a college like Chipola where so many young people can receive an education.”

When you’re out and about in Marianna, take a ride or a walk down College Street, take a break at 3075 College Street, and introduce yourself to Chief Chipola.