**Alt text:** Three adults stand together on a stage during an awards presentation. The person in the center holds a certificate while posing with two presenters on either side. Behind them is a black backdrop decorated with gold stars, red metallic streamers, and large handwritten-style lettering, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Musical equipment, including amplifiers and a keyboard, is visible on the stage. The group smiles for a recognition photo during what appears to be a staff appreciation or awards event.

Dalton Education Foundation Announces Jerre Leonard as the 2026 Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year

Ashley Grycz

June 4, 2026

DALTON, Ga. ā€” Dalton Public Schools is proud to celebrate Ms. Jerre Leonard as the 2026 Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year. The award, presented by the Dalton Education Foundation, honors support educators who demonstrate selfless service, dedication to students and staff, and a lasting commitment to the Dalton Public Schools community.

The award is named in memory of Mrs. Dale Cook, a beloved Dalton educator who served in the media center at Dalton High School for 23 years. Cook is remembered as an outstanding educator and devoted supporter of Dalton Public Schools.

Leonard has served Dalton Public Schools for 38 years, all at Roan Street School. Throughout her career, she has supported students and staff in many roles, including as a special education paraprofessional and as the founding facilitator of Roanā€™s iLab, where students are introduced to coding, robotics, engineering and computer science.

ā€œJerre embodies the very qualities this award was created to honor: selfless service, unwavering dedication, and a lifelong commitment to supporting students and staff,ā€ said Anne Fetzer, principal of Roan Street School. ā€œMuch like Mrs. Dale Cook, Jerreā€™s impact extends far beyond her job description and is woven into the heart of her school community.ā€

In addition to her work with students, Leonard plays an important role in strengthening Roanā€™s school culture. She helps organize staff celebrations and milestone events, remembers birthdays, sends messages of encouragement, and creates an annual scrapbook preserving the memories and accomplishments of the school community.

Leonard also sponsors both the Lego Club and the eGaming Club, expanding opportunities for students to collaborate, create and innovate. She secured a Dalton Education Foundation grant to provide equipment for these programs and also produces an annual graduation video for Roanā€™s fifth-grade students, celebrating their time at the school.

ā€œJerre is the person who quietly steps in wherever there is a need,ā€ Fetzer said. ā€œHer service is steady, generous, and heartfelt. For 38 years, Jerre Leonard has strengthened Roan School through her compassion, creativity and commitment.ā€

Dalton Public Schools congratulates Mrs. Jerre Leonard on being named the 2026 Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year and thanks her for her extraordinary service to Roan Street School and the entire district.