Dalton Education Foundation

05/29/2026

One of the most exciting parts of the end of the school year is celebrating students as they prepare for what comes next, and we are proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy !

At the Dalton Education Foundation, scholarships are made possible through the generosity of families and donors, allowing us to invest directly in our students and their future.

Each scholarship represents a meaningful commitment to education, recognizing students for their leadership, service, and dedication while helping them take their next steps beyond high school.

Congratulations to this year’s Dalton High School recipients:

🎓 The Demera Keith Robinson Memorial Scholarship, Olivia Bowen
🎓 Dr. Jim & Mrs. Nancy Hawkins Educator Scholarship, Lucy Hester
🎓 The Harlan E. Starr Memorial Math Scholarship, Ruben Gongora
🎓 James E. Martin Memorial Math Scholarship, Hiram Maldonado
🎓 Wright Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, Anisa Prieto
🎓 Shannon Craft Memorial Scholarship, Shanya Washington
🎓 The Dale Cook Memorial Award, Myar Helmi

Congratulations to this year’s The Dalton Academy recipients:

🎓 Shannon Craft Memorial Scholarship, Norma Ulloa
🎓 Tanner Karr Memorial Scholarship, Class of 2011, Ella Austin
🎓 Dr. Jim & Mrs. Nancy Hawkins Educator Scholarship, Miricle Marie Rosas

This year also marked the presentation of the very first Shannon Craft Memorial Scholarships, established in memory of Shannon Craft, wife of Dalton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft. Created to honor her life, kindness, and lasting impact on those around her, the scholarship will continue supporting Dalton students for years to come. We are proud to recognize Shanya Washington and Norma Ulloa as the inaugural recipients of this meaningful award.

Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients! Your hard work, leadership, and dedication represent the very best of Dalton Public Schools, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish next.

05/27/2026

The Dalton Education Foundation is proud to announce Meredith Andersen from Dalton High School as the recipient of the 2026 Hale-Bowen Excellence in Teaching Award!

Established in 1999 by Clifford G. and Kathryn R. Hale, this award recognizes an outstanding teacher in Dalton Public Schools who exemplifies excellence in instruction, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to students. Each year, the recipient is selected by the students of the Hale Chapter of the National Honor Society at Dalton High School.

For the past eleven years, Meredith Andersen has made a meaningful impact on students, colleagues, and the Dalton High School community through her dedication to high-quality instruction, teacher leadership, and student growth. Whether leading within the English department, serving on the Building Leadership Team, or coaching the GHSA Literary Team, she consistently creates opportunities for students to grow in confidence, think critically, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to Ms. Andersen on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make in Dalton Public Schools!

05/22/2026

We are proud to announce that the 2026 Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award has been presented to Jerre Leonard from Roan School

Named in memory of Mrs. Dale Cook, a beloved educator and dedicated media specialist who served Dalton Public Schools for 23 years, this award honors support educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment, care, and service to students, staff, and the Dalton community.

Jerre’s dedication, kindness, and unwavering support for others reflect the very spirit of this award. Through the work she does each day, she helps create a positive and supportive environment that leaves a lasting impact across Dalton Public Schools.

Congratulations, Jerre, on this well-deserved recognition! And thank you to the Cook family for continuing to help honor the legacy of Mrs. Dale Cook through this meaningful award.

04/24/2026

Some people leave a mark, Dr. Lisa Hackney built a legacy.

The Dalton Education Foundation is proud to celebrate one of our own as she is recognized across the state of Georgia. Dr. Hackney has been named the recipient of the 2026 Margaret Bynum Award by the Georgia Association for Gifted Children, an honor that recognizes outstanding contributions to gifted education.

After 41 years with Dalton Public Schools, her impact continues to reach far beyond Dalton. From the classroom to district leadership, and now in her role at the Georgia Department of Education, she has helped shape opportunities for students across Georgia.

We are especially proud to have her leadership as Vice President of the Dalton Education Foundation. Her commitment to students and educators continues to guide and strengthen the work we do every day.

This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate her.

Congratulations, Dr. Hackney. Your work continues to make a difference, and we are lucky to be part of your story.

Dalton Public Schools proudly announces that Dr. Lisa Hackney, a longtime educator and former Director of School Support for the district, was honored with the 2026 Margaret Bynum Award at the Georgia Association for Gifted Children (GAGC) annual conference.

Dr. Hackney dedicated 41 years to Dalton Public Schools, including 28 years in the classroom and 13 years in administration, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students and educators. She currently serves as the Program Specialist for Gifted Education and Advanced Academics at the Georgia Department of Education, where she continues to support and advance gifted programming statewide.

Read more about Dr. Hackney: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2842181

04/03/2026

We’re honored to share a new scholarship through the Dalton Education Foundation.

The Shannon Craft Memorial Scholarship has been created by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft and his family in memory of his wife, Shannon Craft.

Shannon was a highly respected attorney who believed deeply in the power of education. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, her law degree from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Laws in tax law from the University of Florida. She also served as an adjunct professor at Emory’s School of Law, where she was passionate about supporting and mentoring students.

She lived her life with courage, dignity, and a genuine care for others. Those who knew her saw the way she invested in people and believed in their potential. Through this scholarship, her legacy will continue by recognizing students who lead, serve, and make a difference in their schools and community.

Each year, two seniors, one from Dalton High School and one from The Dalton Academy, will be selected from the Superintendent’s Student Council and awarded a $750 scholarship to support their next steps after graduation.

Students are selected for this recognition through their school leadership.

We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Shannon Craft’s life and legacy in a way that will continue to support and recognize students for years to come.

All scholarship recipients, including those selected for this award, will be announced in May.

💜 Read the full press release: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2803897

03/15/2026

02/27/2026

🚨 Last Call! 🚨

Today is the final day to submit your Grants for Instruction application!

If you have been planning, brainstorming, or putting the finishing touches on your proposal, this is your reminder to hit submit before the day ends.

These grants provide meaningful support for innovative ideas that enhance instruction across Dalton Public Schools. If you have a project that will make an impact in your classroom or school, do not let the opportunity pass you by.

We cannot wait to see the creativity and excellence our educators bring forward this year.

Submit today!

02/26/2026

The Dalton Academy Homecoming Parade kicks off tomorrow at 4:00 PM, and the Dalton Education Foundation is excited to be there!

Members of our Board of Trustees will be along the parade route representing the Foundation and showing their support for The Dalton Academy and Dalton Public Schools. If you are coming out to celebrate, be sure to wave, say hello, and help us cheer on our students.

We are proud to be part of a tradition that brings our schools and community together. See you tomorrow!

02/20/2026

The Dalton Education Foundation is proud to honor the memory and legacy of Mrs. Dale Cook, an exceptional support educator, devoted media specialist, and lifelong champion for Dalton Public Schools.

Mrs. Cook served 23 years in the Dalton High School media center, where she was known for her love of learning, her fierce support of students and staff, and her selfless service to the school community.

The Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award was established in her memory and recognizes a non certificated, non classroom Student Support Staff member who:

✔️ Has at least three years of service with DPS
✔️ Demonstrates a strong work ethic
✔️ Builds positive relationships
✔️ Makes a meaningful district wide impact

Help us honor Mrs. Cook’s legacy by nominating a support staff member who embodies the same dedication, heart, and commitment to serving others. These are the people who keep our schools running and make a difference every single day.

Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate those who serve behind the scenes with excellence.

🔎 Read more about the award: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2718340
📝 Submit a nomination: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/forms/8178
Deadline for submitting nominations will be Friday, April 17, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

02/19/2026

Since 2019, the Don Amonett Cup has recognized outstanding school spirit and participation across Dalton Public Schools. Named in honor of longtime DPS employee and Dalton Education Foundation liaison Don Amonett, the cup celebrates the elementary school that goes above and beyond in district-wide events and initiatives throughout the year.

As our spring events approach and the competition begins to close, schools continue earning points. Points include: Convocation, the Dalton Public Schools Teaching and Learning Literacy Amira Spot Contest, Young Georgia Authors, Elementary Choral Festival, Soccer Tournament, Elementary Track Meet, Grants for Instruction, and the Annual Art Fair.

Westwood was last year’s Amonett Cup winner, and we look forward to seeing how this year’s competition unfolds.
Good luck to all of our elementary schools!

📸Pictured is Mrs. Alesa Smith from Westwood Elementary Wildcats,our 2025 winner, and Mr. Don Amonett