Dalton, GA — Dalton Public Schools has launched a new employee recognition initiative, The Game Ball Awards, established by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft to honor staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and embody the district’s core values.
Announced during the District Administrative Team meeting on October 16, the program recognizes employees who exemplify what it means to Culturize Dalton Public Schools—living out the four core values of Expecting Excellence, Championing for Students, Serving as Merchants of Hope, and Carrying the Banner for the district.
“These individuals were personally selected because they don’t just talk about our values—they live them,” said Dr. Craft. “They consistently go the extra mile to strengthen our schools and make Dalton Public Schools an exceptional place for students and families.”
The inaugural Game Ball Awards recipients were celebrated for their professionalism, innovation, and commitment to service:
Kendall Jordan
Director of Enrollment and Student Information Systems
“Kendall has been a breath of fresh air since the day she arrived. Talk about customer service—going above and beyond is obvious. Thank you!”
Jordan was recognized for her exemplary leadership in improving the district’s enrollment and student information systems. Her proactive communication, responsiveness, and focus on continuous improvement have enhanced the experience for families and staff alike. Jordan consistently expects excellence in every aspect of her work and carries the banner for Dalton Public Schools through her dedication to outstanding customer service and operational excellence.
Jorge Miranda
Network Administrator
“Talk about customer service and expecting excellence. Jorge did an amazing job of doing whatever Park Creek needed—at all hours of the night—to make sure we could communicate effectively.”
Miranda was honored for his commitment to maintaining and supporting the district’s technology infrastructure. During a period of critical network challenges at one of the district’s schools, Miranda worked late into the night on multiple occasions to restore full system functionality before staff and students arrived the next day. His expertise, reliability, and persistence reflect what it means to expect excellence and champion for students, ensuring that every classroom remains connected and every educator has the tools they need to teach effectively.
Kevin Bruce
Maintenance/Custodial Coordinator
“Talk about expecting excellence, going the extra mile, always willing to do whatever is needed. Kevin went above and beyond with the Dalton Reads! Van—its success is a direct result of his dedication.”
Bruce received recognition for his steadfast leadership, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence in district operations. His work in maintaining and preparing the Dalton Reads! Van has been instrumental to the success of the district’s community literacy initiative. Bruce exemplifies the spirit of carrying the banner and serving as a merchant of hope, ensuring that resources promoting literacy reach students and families throughout the Dalton community.
Aubrey Poppel
Apex Program Director, Cyber Academy
“Talk about being a merchant of hope—the Cyber Academy is something amazing because of her efforts. She’s gone above and beyond to meet students where they are and give them hope.”
Poppel was commended for her visionary leadership in expanding the district’s Cyber Academy and creating a supportive, flexible learning environment for students across Dalton Public Schools. Her innovation, compassion, and determination have shaped a program that empowers learners to thrive in new ways. Poppel truly embodies what it means to serve as a merchant of hope and champion for students, ensuring that every child has access to a meaningful and personalized education.
Dr. Craft emphasized that the recipients of The Game Ball Awards represent some of the very best of Dalton Public Schools.
“They embody the four core values of Culturize—expecting excellence, championing for students, serving as merchants of hope, and carrying the banner,” he said. “They stand out because they lead with heart, purpose, and pride, inspiring others to do the same.”
The Game Ball Awards will continue throughout the school year, recognizing Dalton Public Schools employees who exemplify the mission of Dalton Public Schools and the culture of excellence that defines its community.