Dr. Hale honored as Superintendent of Year

Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale was given a gold watch yesterday after an announcement that he is Superintendent of the Year for the Upper Cumberland region.

The announcement came during an in-service program at the middle school for all teachers in the Warren County School System.

‘Not only does he give of himself daily, but he serves as a knowledgeable source for directors throughout this region,’ said director of instruction Bobby Cox in recognizing Hale. ‘He represents Warren County well.’

Hale was given his gift and jokingly opened it away from his face. He said the award shows the entire school system is succeeding.

‘Any award we win is a reflection on all of us,’ said Hale. ‘Where it happens is in the classroom and that’s what we should be proud of.’

The in-service session began by recognizing Teachers of the Year from four schools ‘ Gretchen Angus from Bobby Ray, Anita Kirby from Dibrell, Alpha Rhea from West, and Monica Moore from WCMS.

That was followed by honoring two county-wide Teachers of the Year. Terrie Mullican of West won the award in the pre-K to fourth grade category, and Sharon Hargrove of WCMS won the award in the fifth grade to eighth grade category.

In addition, teachers were also recognized for years of service, beginning with the 22 teachers who made it through their first year. Educators were then honored in five-year increments once they reached 20 years of service.

‘We want to do that from this point forward to honor teachers for their longevity,’ said Cox.

Centertown principal Janie Moore, about to open a new school, topped the longevity list with 42 years. At the 40-year mark are Haskell Greer, Russell Watson and Wanda Gann.

All teachers who were recognized were given mouse pads with the school system motto, ‘Educate every student every day.’ One school system goal, according to Cox, is to make the motto more visible this year.