It should be embraced and the necessary steps taken to make it happen as soon as possible. Stone was an administrator, coach, and teacher for 25 years in Portsmouth schools. His impact on students, athletes, and the entire community during those years is immeasurable. It made no difference if he was coaching a state championship basketball team or teaching social studies in the classroom, Stone brought the same intensity, understanding and sensitivity to the task. One of his former players, Tom O'Leary, put it this way in a letter to the School Board.
Nothing gets respect from young people more than fairness and honesty.
Without a doubt these two attributes were his strongest. He went about his work as most of us would approach leisure time or volunteer activities. He encouraged excellence and pointed all toward it. He was a tough taskmaster but, by applying his rules to everyone, earned the lasting respect of his players and students. Stone never went looking for accolades, being satisfied with knowing he was doing the best job he could.