The Hall County School District has announced Hall County School Board Member Bill Thompson has been named its 2023 Pioneer RESA Pioneer in Education Award recipient.
The award recognizes Thompson's contributions and dedication to the field of education throughout his career, a press release from the Hall County School District said.
Pioneer RESA presents the award annually to individuals who make a positive impact on students and education. Each of the 15 school districts within its service area names its recipient. Gainesville City School Board Member Sammy Smith was recently named Gainesville City Schools' 2023 recipient.
“I am very proud of my many years of serving the Hall County School System,” Thompson said. “Receiving this award means the world to me and my family.”
Thompson began as a teacher at Johnson High School, where he taught from 1977 to 1993. During that time, he coached football, basketball, baseball and golf. He then served as assistant principal at the school from 1993 to 1998.
Additionally, Thompson served as the principal of Jones Elementary School from 1998 to 2004 and as principal at Chestatee High School from 2004 to 2009. He retired in 2009.
He has most recently served as an At-Large Board Member for the Hall County School District, having first been elected in 2011.
The release said Thompson has served in various roles with the district for a total of 46 years.
"Bill Thompson's career in education is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the students and families of the Hall County School District," Superintendent Will Schofield said. "His leadership at every level, from the classroom to the boardroom, has left an indelible mark on our community. The breadth of his impact on Hall County and its citizens is wide indeed, and we are proud to recognize him as the 2023 Pioneer in Education."
“Bill ‘Coach’ Thompson has dedicated his life to the children of this community,” Hall County Board of Education Chairman Craig Herrington said. “Through his time in the classroom, school administration, serving on the school board, or sitting in the stands cheering on his grandchildren, his impact on this community is immeasurable. It is a pleasure to serve with this man and a true honor to call him friend.”
