Former Dalton High School student Kendall Brown, Shanda Hester, and Bob Bethel, Dalton Education Foundation president, celebrate after the announcement of the Hale-Bowen Academic Excellence in Teaching Award during an end of the year luncheon at DHS. Mr. Brown nominated Ms. Hester for the award.
Shanda Hester, a French teacher at Dalton High School, is the 2015 recipient of the Hale-Bowen Academic Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is presented annually to a Dalton Public Schools educator at the high school level for excellence in classroom instruction.
The award was originally established by Cliff and Kathryn Hale to motivate and reward teachers for their efforts. The Hales understood that education happens at the classroom level and recruiting and attaining the best and brightest teachers is critical to that belief. Along with their passion for honoring teachers, the Hales were committed to encouraging the bright and talented high school scholars of today to become the community leaders of tomorrow.
To perpetuate this belief, the Hales initiated an award selection process in which members of the National Honor Society (under the tutelage of a faculty advisor) discuss the importance of quality education and the characteristics practiced by the best teachers. After discussing eight characteristics of excellence, NHS members apply what they learn to the Hale-Bowen Academic Excellence in Teaching Award. The NHS members nominate and select a classroom educator to receive award.
A permanent fund was established at the Dalton Education Foundation (DEF) to perpetuate the stipend that is awarded to the honored teacher. Since the founding of the award, the fund has been supplemented by gifts from community members, including those of the Bowen family.
Bob Bethel, DEF president, stated, “We congratulate Ms. Hester on receiving this ver prestigious award. The mission of the Dalton Education Foundation is promoting excellence in our public schools. The Hale-Bowen Award combines the recognition and rewarding of instructional excellence while exposing and involving students in the selection process.”
Cliff Hale served as superintendent for Dalton Public Schools for many years. Charlie Bowen served as principal of Dalton High School before he succeeded Mr. Hale as superintendent. The two educators were always partners in education and were recognized throughout the State of Georgia for their hard work and exemplary standards. The award honors their careers and friendship, as well as the accomplishments of the generations of students who have benefited from their leadership and example.