
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate Adrian Zapata !
During his time at Dalton High School, Adrian played a substantial role on several sports teams and took part in many efforts to better his community, making him an influential member of the Class of 2026. In basketball, Adrian and his team were regional runners-up and competed in state tournaments for three consecutive years. He also excelled in track and field, where he and his teammates reached state sectionals on three separate occasions. Despite these athletic feats, Adrian is most proud of the community service he completed both independently and with his team. He deeply valued smaller moments, such as reconnecting with former teachers during his elementary school walkthrough. In the upcoming months, Adrian will begin his career with the Air Force, where his love for community and drive for excellence will undoubtedly take him far. We thank Adrian for prioritizing both his extracurricular success and his local community, the effect he has left on his teams and the Dalton community cannot be understated!
Congratulations Adrian!

Weāre Hiring!
Join a team where every role supports student success. Explore opportunities in teaching, student support, nursing, clerical services, and more.
View current openings and apply: Dalton Public Schools job listings on SchoolSpring ā dalton.schoolspring.com

We spotted some of our awesome Summer Nutrition workers serving up lunches, and students enjoying healthy meals together at one of our summer meal sites.
Dalton Public Schoolsā Summer Nutrition Program is open to all children 18 and younger through July 17. No registration or fees are required ā just stop by, enjoy lunch on-site, and spend a little time with friends this summer.
Learn more about the Summer Nutrition Program, including locations and serving times: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/summer-feeding-program
Families stopped by to pick up free books, enjoy literacy activities, and celebrate the joy of reading together. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success!
Missed this one? There's still time to join us this summer! Keep an eye out for the Dalton Reads van at upcoming events across the community. Weāll have free books, fun activities, and resources for families to support reading and readiness at home.
š Upcoming Dalton Reads! Events:
š Wednesday, June 10 | 2:00ā4:00 PM
City Park (Outside Gym Entrance/Inside if weather doesn't allow.)
405 School Street
Building Bright Readers Block Party, hosted in partnership with the STP program. Dalton Reads will be giving away free books!
š Thursday, June 18 | 11:30 AMā12:30 PM
Beechland Apartments
1013 Underwood Street
š Thursday, July 9 | 11:30 AMā12:30 PM
Mack Gaston Community Center
218 N. Fredrick Street
š Thursday, July 16 | 11:30 AMā12:30 PM
Westwood School
708 Trammell Street
We can't wait to see you at our next stop! ā¤ļøš
Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Yandi Diaz!
During her high school career, Yandi participated in a variety of activities and proved to herself that she was capable of consistent hard work. She states that her perseverance throughout all four years was her greatest achievement. At The Dalton Academy, Yandi was a member of the successful womenās soccer team and took part in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and DECA, a global organization that prepares students for sought-after professions by transforming classroom learning into real-world business skills.Throughout her four years, she also developed a deep appreciation for the educators at The Dalton Academy. Rather than naming a single favorite, she feels that every teacher equally shaped who she is today. In addition to her perseverance, Yandi is incredibly proud of maintaining high grades throughout high school. In the future, Yandi hopes to pursue a career in nursing, and we are certain that her determination and resilience will take her far in all her future endeavors!
Congratulations Yandi!

Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate Laney Peterfreund!
During her high school career, Laney Peterfreund took advantage of every opportunity presented to her, going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom to cultivate an impressive resume reflecting four years of excellence. Laney was an active member of the Beta Club, Interact Club, and the National Honor Society, and she notably served as the Vice President of the Key Club. Adding to her professional experience, she worked at the Den Print Shop as a graphic designer. In addition to her school activities, Laney excelled as an athlete, competing in Level 8 Womenās Artistic Gymnastics. She placed 4th in the state and served as team captain all four years of high school. Her academic accolades are equally prestigious; Laney was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, received the Georgia Certificate of Merit, and earned the Harvard Book Award during her junior year. Most recently, she was named a 2026 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education, a prestigious honor received by fewer than 200 students annually. To earn this, Laney maintained a minimum 3.75 GPA, scored above a 1360 on the SAT, and demonstrated exceptional leadership within her community. This fall, Laney will continue her pattern of excellence at the University of Georgia, where she intends to study Ecology to pursue her passion for wildlife, conservation, and environmental protection. We are immensely thankful to have had Laney as part of the Dalton Public Schools community and are certain she will continue to excel in all her future endeavors!
Congratulations Laney!

Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Miricle Rosas!
During her high school career, Miricle Rosas took part in multiple extracurricular activities, challenged herself academically, and gave back to her community in unique ways, resulting in a vibrant impact on her school that will be deeply missed as she moves on to her next chapter. During her time at The Dalton Academy, Miricle participated in a wide array of programs, including the Buddy Program, National Honor Society, DECA, FCCLA, Junior Civitan, and 3DE. She even served as a board member for the National Podcast Project! In addition to these activities, Miricle worked alongside the Student Council to volunteer at an assisted living home, bringing joy to both her school and the larger Dalton area. Despite these achievements, Miricle is most proud of her decision to enroll in Advanced Placement and Honors classes, voluntarily seeking out rigorous coursework to grow as a student. Ultimately, Miricleās desire to better both her community and herself has left a lasting mark, and we thank her for spreading such a positive influence over the past four years.
Congratulations Miricle!

Presented by the Dalton Education Foundation, this award honors support educators who demonstrate selfless service, unwavering dedication and a lifelong commitment to supporting students and staff. Mrs. Leonard has served Dalton Public Schools for 38 years, all at Roan School, where her compassion, creativity and commitment have strengthened her school community.
Read more about Mrs. Leonard and the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2967465

Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate Teagan Bollwerk!
During her time at Dalton High School, Teagan was not only a dependable athlete who participated in a variety of sports, but also excelled in the classroom, making her a multifaceted student with a bright future ahead. Teagan participated in multiple service-based organizations, such as Key Club and the National Honor Society, while also competing in several sports, including JV basketball for one year and varsity cross country and soccer, both of which she participated in throughout all four years of high school. Within these teams, Teagan is proud to have played a vital role in helping her soccer and cross country teams reach the state level all four years of her high school career, an accomplishment that cannot be understated. Alongside these athletic achievements, Teagan was also an extremely focused student, earning recognition as an AP Scholar and maintaining a 4.0 GPA despite being heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Teagan was also an active member of her student body socially and was chosen for prom court during her senior year, which remains one of her favorite high school memories. In the fall, she will attend Centenary College of Louisiana, where she has committed to play soccer. There, she plans to major in Biology and Chemistry, inspired by the impact doctors and physical therapists have had on her during challenging periods in her life and motivated by her desire to help others in the same way. Teagan is not only a model athlete, but also an outstanding member of the Dalton Public Schools community, demonstrating what it truly means to excel both on and off the field. We are eager to see where her many talents and dedication will lead her in the future.
Congratulations Teagan!

Meet the DPS Cabinet āØ
Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Today, weāre highlighting Ali Finley, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools and Literacy.
We asked Mrs. Finley a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Hereās what she had to say š
"I am honored to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools and Literacy. As an assistant superintendent, I work closely alongside teachers and administrators to support high-quality instruction and ensure alignment with district goals. I collaborate with school leaders to analyze data, problem-solve challenges, and provide the resources and professional learning needed to strengthen student outcomes. My role is to partner with educators to build capacity, foster consistency, and create the conditions for all students to succeed."
"I love the strong sense of family in Dalton Public Schools. I know I can reach out to anyone in the district with a question or need, and they are always willing to help. It truly has a small-town feel within a school system, where people support one another and work together for students."
"I am a wife and a mother. I have have two kids. Lula, is 7 and in first grade at Westwood. Miles is 16 and a sophomore at Dalton High School. My husband owns his own business and we have been married for 20 years. I love to read! I love going to the beach to relax! Anytime I can spend at home with my family is also my favorite!"
"Next year will be my 25th year in education."

Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Gabriela Ruelas!
During her time in high school, Gabriela excelled in a myriad of extracurricular activities while also going above and beyond in the classroom, finishing high school in the top three of her class. Ultimately, her journey is one defined by dedication and a seemingly unending work ethic. Throughout high school, Gabriela participated in the National Podcast Project, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the National Honor Society, Student Council, and 3DE. She also held various leadership positions during her four years, including serving as the Public Relations Officer for Junior Civitan and President of DECA, where she also competed at the state level. Along with these accomplishments, Gabriela received numerous other accolades, including AP Scholar recognition, Young Georgia Author Grade Winner, and Speak Up Whitfield Presenter and Winner. In both 2022 and 2026, Gabriela received a 3DE Certificate of Achievement for the Case Challenge with Engineered Floors, and she graduated as a Class of 2026 REACH Georgia Scholar, earning a $10,000 scholarship. In the fall, Gabriela will continue her educational journey at the University of West Georgia, where she plans to study Psychology with the ultimate goal of becoming a psychologist. She hopes to better understand why people act the way they do and use that knowledge to help those in need. Ultimately, Gabriela Ruelas was an exemplary member of the Class of 2026 who went above and beyond in every aspect of her journey, and we are certain that she will continue to shine brightly in whichever spaces she chooses to enter in the future.
Congratulations Gabriela!

Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Makayla Bartley!
Makayla Bartley was not only involved in a variety of unique extracurricular activities, but also became a trailblazer in multiple areas she participated in, all while bringing a positive presence to the Dalton Academy. Makayla was a member of French Club, French Honor Society, the Black Student Alliance, Cat University, and even participated in a Book Club. Alongside these extracurriculars, Makayla was also an energetic athlete, participating in track and field and wrestling, where she accomplished one of her greatest achievements. She became the first female wrestler at Dalton Academy to win a wrestling match and the first female student to win a regional wrestling match as well. Despite making Dalton Academy history, Makayla cherishes the smaller moments most, such as getting to meet new people throughout high school and forming meaningful relationships with her classmates, memories she says will stay with her as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. In the fall, Makayla will attend the College of Coastal Georgia, where she plans to study acting within the performing arts program. Ultimately, despite her many accomplishments, Makayla is most proud of being part of a wonderful school community that showed her love and helped shape the person she is today. We are immensely proud of Makayla and all of her achievements, and we thank her not only for breaking barriers but also for bringing such a loving and positive energy to the Dalton Academy. We are certain she will continue to do great things in the future.
Congratulations Makayla!

Weāre Hiring!
Support learning, growth, and confidence in every classroom. Explore opportunities in teaching, student support, nursing, clerical services, and more.
View current openings and apply: Dalton Public Schools job listings on SchoolSpring ā dalton.schoolspring.com

Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate Collier Andersen!
During high school, Collier excelled academically while maintaining strong connections with his fellow students, making the last four years an unforgettable experience. Throughout high school, Collier participated in a variety of activities, including cross country during his freshman and senior years, along with multiple volunteer-based organizations such as the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These experiences allowed him to connect not only with those around him at school, but also with his wider community, all while maintaining straight Aās throughout high school. Despite his many academic achievements, Collier is most proud of the close friendships he made during high school and is thankful for both those friends and the teachers who supported him throughout his journey. Collier also considers one of his greatest accomplishments to be his acceptance into the University of Georgia, where he will attend in the fall and plans to study electrical engineering because of his long-standing interest in computers. We are immensely proud of Collier and all of his achievements, and we are eager to see where his hard work and dedication will lead him in the future.
Congratulations Collier!

Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Ella Austin!
During her high school career, Ella was heavily involved in many different aspects of her school community, contributing her time, skills, and heart throughout all four years, making herself an indispensable part of her senior class. Ella participated in multiple sports, including tennis, golf, and cheerleading, where she served as captain. She also took part in several organizations within her school, including Junior Civitan, Melissa Quickās Service Learning Group, yearbook, the National Podcast Project, and the Buddy Program, where she served as a Big Sister to a local elementary school student. Ella believes some of her greatest achievements include being recognized as a Young Georgia Author, becoming a Scholar Athlete, and receiving multiple scholarships to support the continuation of her educational journey. However, she ultimately believes her greatest achievement was her contribution to Dalton Academy and helping make it feel like a home for both herself and many other students. She states that Dalton Academy helped shape the woman she is today. We would personally like to thank Ella for being such an important part of what has made Dalton Academy what it is today. Through her dedication and involvement, she has helped shape the culture of the school in a lasting way, and we are confident that she will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever she chooses to go next.
Congratulations Ella!

Through Dalton High Schoolās participation in the Fox Theatreās All-Access Pass Program, students have the opportunity to explore careers in the performing arts, connect with industry professionals and gain insight into pathways in theater, music, dance, film, technical theater, arts education and arts management.
We are so proud of Olivia and excited to celebrate this outstanding achievement!
Read more about Olivia Bowenās Fox Theatre All-Access Pass Program Scholarship: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2936811

Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate Amna Hussein!
During her time at Dalton High School, Amna was able to positively impact her fellow students through her leadership roles, and also developed a deep appreciation for not only her educational journey, but the aspects of her school and herself that might otherwise go overlooked, serving as a valuable reminder of some of our biggest moments in life are often the quietest in execution. Amna was an extremely active student, participating in Interact Club, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and HOSA. She also served as a leader in different areas of the Dalton High School community, acting as Head Editor of the Yearbook and serving as Student Council Executive Vice President. However, Amna also highlighted her love for the smaller aspects of her school experience, such as getting to hug Mrs. Susan in the mornings, warm cookies at lunch, and developing a deep appreciation for teachers even if she did not personally have them in class. Along with this, Amna demonstrated a deep appreciation for aspects of her journey that go beyond physical accolades or general recognition, as she is most proud of gaining confidence in standing out and believes her greatest accomplishment was discovering her passion for Biology. In the fall, she plans to pursue this passion by majoring in Biology at Dalton State College with the long-term goal of becoming a cardiovascular perfusionist. We are immensely proud of Amna and all of her accomplishments, and we are confident that she will continue to succeed in the future not only because of her dedication to hard work, but also because of her appreciation for the smaller things in life and within herself.
Congratulations Amna!

Nominated by their principals, these dedicated educators and team members enjoyed a chance to connect, recharge, and be celebrated for their hard work and commitment. It was a meaningful way to honor their contributions and send them into the weekend feeling appreciated.
Learn more about Dalton Public Schoolsā 2026 Advanced Placement Honor School recognitions: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2912917

Today weāre featuring Dalton Academy graduate Geovany Aguirre!
During his time at Dalton Academy, Geovany participated in multiple extracurricular activities, accomplished many feats he is extremely proud of, and took on important leadership roles within his community. Throughout high school, Geovany participated in 3DE, Junior Civitan, Student Council, and the National Honor Society while serving as captain of the Dalton Academy soccer team for 3 years. Alongside his extracurricular involvement, Geovany participated in Young Georgia Authors, earned recognition as an AP Scholar by passing multiple AP exams, completed over 100 hours of community service, and received a Soccer All-Region nomination, an honor awarded to standout players selected by head coaches within the district, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA! Geovany graduated with the title of Salutatorian and has also received acceptance offers from three different colleges, and we are eager to see where he chooses to continue his academic and athletic journey next. We are incredibly proud of the leadership and dedication he has shown throughout his time at Dalton Academy, and we know he will continue to make a positive impact wherever he chooses to attend college, as he has already shown a strong track record of success within our Dalton Public Schools community!
Way to go!
