Last Updated on November 20, 2023 1:03 pm
Dr. Gary Childers, Chairperson of the Watauga County Board of Education, earned a prestigioushonor for his dedication to local education for over 50 years. For 31 of those years, he served atfour different schools in Watauga County.
The North Carolina School Boards Association’s Champion in Education award is one thatrecognizes individuals, businesses, community members, employees, or school board memberswho have demonstrated ongoing dedication to the success of K-12 students and betterment ofNC public schools.
Childers received his award and was recognized at the North Carolina School BoardsAssociation’s annual conference on Nov. 14 in Greensboro.
He began his career in education as a middle school teacher in a fifth grade classroom 50 yearsago. In the years that followed, he served in various leadership positions, leaving a positiveimpact on countless students and staff. Childers was named the Watauga County Principal ofthe Year four times. He was also named Northwest Principal of the Year, and he was one ofthree finalists for the NC Principal of the Year in 2003.
In addition to the different roles Childers has served in with WCS, he is incredibly involved inother local organizations. He has served as President and Chairperson of several local boardsand committees over the past five decades.
Those who nominated Childers for this award described not only his professional attributes andskills, but also described the personal qualities which make him a leader. He was described as“a person of unquestioned integrity, a patient and attentive listener, a supportive friend andcolleague, and a kind, respectful, and thoughtful servant leader.”
Childers has made the journey from teacher to principal to chairperson of the Watauga CountyBoard of Education. During this journey, he has proved to be a true champion of publiceducation and has extended his reach beyond Watauga County, serving as a role model forleaders in education across the state.
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