John Hennelly was supposed to be fifth on the agenda and follow the Gwinnett County Board of Education's recognition of 19 individuals, schools and organizations for their respective achievements.

But because of the overwhelming turnout of parents, coaches and players who packed the meeting room and who want to see lacrosse become a Georgia High School Association (GHSA)-sanctioned sport, Hennelly literally moved to the head of the class by becoming the first order of business.

With mutlicolored signs and posters bearing the inscription "Welcome Lacrosse to High School" being held high by numerous supporters of the sport, Hennelly asked the board to afford public high schools in Gwinnett County the opportunity to pursue lacrosse as a GHSA-sanctioned sport.

A thunderous applause from the standing-room crowd accompanied his approach to the podium and immediately followed his 10-minute appeal to the board.

"I am not here asking the board for money, new facilities or equipment," said Hennelly, whose daughter Jennifer plays for Peachtree Ridge's club girls lacrosse team. "I am here on behalf of Gwinnett County's lacrosse community who want to see lacrosse become a GHSA-sanctioned sport starting next school year.

"Every year that lacrosse is not given that approval by the board is another year that lacrosse teams in Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth and other counties that have GHSA-sanctioned teams are happy they don't have to face the athleticism of Gwinnett County."

Currently, Peachtree Ridge, Norcross and Collins Hill have lacrosse teams that play at the club level. Joining that group next year at the club level will be Brookwood, Mill Creek and Grayson. There are approximately 48 GHSA-sanctioned lacrosse teams in metro Atlanta.

"I'm very happy for the turnout, but I can't believe that it has to come to this," Hennelly said. "All we want is the board's blessing to make lacrosse a GHSA-sanctioned sport. It should be that easy."

His remarks preceded statements of "it's not that easy" to give the board's approval, "we'll get back to you," and "we are seriously looking into it," from the likes of J. Alvin Wilbanks, CEO and superintendent of Gwinnett public schools and Dr. Robert McClure, board member who represents District 4.