PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A Paulding County teacher was showered with appreciation after Chick-fil-A surprised him with several gifts last week.
Ples Davis, an East Paulding High School teacher, was among nine other educators from across the country who received a $10,000 donation and an iPad for their school.
During their celebration, they honored Ples Davis, who was selected as an outstanding Chick-fil-A Leader Academy educator for "his dedication and impact on the next generation" in January. He has been teaching for 44 years and says the program has greatly impacted his life.
"It's one of the most important ones that I do because I see the impact to me personally, the students, and to the community as a whole. You need that something to keep you motivated every day to get up and do for these kids," said Ples Davis.
According to Kurt Davis, a Hiram Chick-fil-A owner-operator who partnered with the Leader Academy, the program started 10 years ago. The academy is now at all five high schools in the county, but it all started at East Paulding High School with teachers like Ples Davis
Ples Davis was also nominated to be a Leader Academy facilitator.
"I'm just so honored to be a recipient of this. I didn't do it to get to this point. It's nice to know that you are recognized. I like to give kudos to my operators in Dallas, Georgia. I couldn't have done it without home," he said.
All nine educators at the academy were surprised while they were attending a professional development course and fellowship.
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