Ray Hartsfield is Thursday’s Hometown Hero.

Ray is a veteran teacher, coach and athletic director at East Chapel Hill High School.

He’s been at the school since it opened 20 years ago.

In fact, he helped put the school on the map when his basketball team won a state championship in the very first year of the school’s existence.

He teaches students about respect, honor, and responsibility.

Ray Hartfield will retire at the end of the academic year.  He will also celebrate a birthday next week.

East Chapel Hill High School will miss Ray Hartfield as will the entire Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School system and the rest of the community.

You can nominate your own Hometown Hero.  WCHL has honored local members of our community everyday since 2002.