Graphic promoting the ā€œDale Cook Support Educator of the Yearā€ award from the Dalton Education Foundation. The design features red, black, and white accents with a vintage portrait of Mrs. Dale Cook in the upper left corner. Text explains the award is named in memory of Mrs. Dale Cook, a longtime Dalton High School media specialist known for her love of learning, support for students and staff, and selfless service. Award qualifications listed: must be a non-certificated, non-classroom Student Support Staff member; must have at least three years of employment with Dalton Public Schools; and must demonstrate strong work ethic, positive relationships, and district-wide impact. A QR code labeled ā€œScan Me!ā€ invites nominations. At the bottom, a photo shows two men standing side by side indoors in front of large windows. Text reads, ā€œSponsored by the Family of Mrs. Dale Cook.ā€

Dalton Education Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award

Kendra Pannell

February 19, 2026

DALTON, GA - Do you know a student support staff member in Dalton Public Schools who should be recognized for their hard work and passion for working in our schools to improve the opportunity for student learning by making ā€˜schoolā€™ a better place for our students?  Nominations are now being accepted for the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award, which is sponsored by the Dalton Education Foundation, friends, and the family of Ms. Cook. This award is given every year to a student support staff member in Dalton Public Schools who has made significant contributions to the educational opportunity of children in Dalton through their efforts to make the school a warm, safe, and caring place to learn.  Student Support Staff member is defined as a non-certificated, non-classroom position at either the school or district level.

 

This award is named in memory of Ms. Dale Cook, an outstanding Dalton educator who served in the media center for Dalton High School for 23 years.  Ms. Cook was born in Griffin, Georgia and a graduate of Newnan High School. She received her Bachelors degree in Education from West Georgia College and went on to complete her Masters degree in Library Sciences at Emory University.  She moved to Dalton after marrying her husband, Jim Cook, and worked as the book mobile driver before becoming the head media specialist at Dalton High School.  Daleā€™s son, David, is a Dalton High School graduate, lives in Dalton, and a recent Trustee of the Dalton Education Foundation.   Her grandchildren are all students in the Dalton Public Schools.  She is fondly remembered as an avid supporter for Dalton and the school district.

 

This award was presented last year to Ms. Ely Brackett. Ms. Brackett exemplifies dedication, efficiency, and a heart-warming commitment to supporting students, staff, and the broader school community. With a keen eye for detail and a heart for service, she plays a critical role in ensuring the success of numerous programs that directly impact student learning and school improvement. Ms. Brackett is exactly the kind of person we all deserve to have representing Dalton Public Schools as the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year.

 

Anyone may nominate a Student Support Staff member in Dalton Public Schools who has been employed by the district for a minimum of three years. Student Support Staff members include, but are not limited to, non-classroom paraprofessionals, office personnel, custodians, school nutrition, and maintenance workers.  The Dalton Education Foundation will select a panel of judges to review the nominations and select a winner.  The winner, who represents ā€œthe bestā€ in the Dalton Public Schools staff, will receive a monetary award from the Foundation.

Nominations must be received by the Foundation by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

Nomination forms are available online at https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/dalton-education-foundation-educator-awards.

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