Tonight, February 15, 2024, at the Daviess County Board of Education meeting the Board approved to begin the process of naming a private drive on Apollo High School’s campus in honor of Mr. Dale Stewart.
Mr. Stewart has a long history in education with the 2023-2024 school year marking his 53rd year in education. Mr. Stewart first entered the classroom at Apollo High School in the Fall of 1973 after graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a minor in Social Studies. While serving as a classroom teacher for the first 10 years of his career, Mr. Stewart obtained his Rank 1 and Masters Degree in School Administration from Western Kentucky University. In 1982, Mr. Stewart transitioned into the role of Work Study Coordinator at AHS and served in this role for 5 years. With a love for athletics, Mr. Stewart also served two school years as the Athletics Director prior to becoming Assistant Principal in 1987. Mr. Stewart would then go on to serve as Principal of Apollo High School from 1995-2002.
With a deep commitment to Apollo High School and love for athletics, Mr. Stewart served as the Assistant Basketball Coach from 1977- 1984, with the 1978 team achieving a regional championship. Coach Stewart also was the head baseball coach from 1977-1983. Under his leadership, his teams achieved a record of 130-74. Coach Stewart had two teams that became Big 8 Conference Champions and finished as District Runner-Up three times. In 1980, Coach Stewart was named Coach of the Year in the Big 8.
“Mr.StewarthaslivedalifeofdedicationandservicetoApolloHighSchoolandDaviessCountyPublicSchools. He has molded and shaped the lives of many students in a variety of ways as a Teacher, Coach, Athletics Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, and most recently as a school board member. He is a highly respected educator in Daviess County Public Schools and invested his life in making our Kids First, while achieving excellence all along the way. It is a great honor to recognize his significant contributions,” said Mr.Matt Robbins, DCPS Superintendent.
Mr. Stewart’s list of awards and honors of his career include: Jaycee’s Outstanding Young Educator Award (1984), Athletic Director of the Year (1987), Kentucky Department of Education, Principal of the Year (1997), AHS Blue Ribbon School (2000), National Association of Secondary School Principals Kentucky Principal of the Year (2001), KHSAA board of control member, DCPS Board Chair, and last but not least, Boston Marathon Qualifier (1991 and 1993).
Mr. Stewart currently serves as a member of the Daviess County Board of Education, a position he has held since 2016. Some of his greatest accomplishments while serving on the board include, the complete renovation of Apollo High School and a new state of the art Daviess County Middle School along with major renovations to athletic facilities.
Mr. Stewart and his wife Jane created a scholarship for Apollo seniors in 1995 and have given around $35,000 to help students offset college expenses.
“Mr. Stewart’s unwavering commitment to Apollo High School is well renowned. His love runs deep for this school and has dedicated his career to working to provide students and adults with opportunities to reach their greatest potential and we know that 2280 Tamarack Road is at the heart of that work. Mr. Stewart was the inventor of the phrase “Always an Eagle Family” and to him and those that are a part of this family, these are more than just words; it is a dedication to a lifestyle and a mindset that spurs us to take care of one another in all things and to work in a way that ensure Apollo High School is the best it can be,” said Bob Dych, Apollo High School, Principal.
A recognition ceremony will take place later in the spring of 2024 where the private drive will officially be named in honor of Mr. Dale Stewart, entitled “Dale Stewart Way”.