Automotive teacher David Darden wins $50,000 grant
When David Darden, the automotive teacher at Cedar Shoals, entered the auditorium alongside his class on Oct. 8, he didn’t know why people were clapping and cheering his name.
“I had no idea why I’m here and what was going on. When they mentioned Harbor Freight, the light bulb went off,” Darden said.
He learned he had received the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which awarded him and the automotive program at Cedar Shoals a $50,000 grant.
“I am just blown away. I can’t tell you how excited and surprised I am to win this,” Darden said.
Every year Harbor Freight recognizes teachers across the country for their dedication to teaching skilled trades to the generation of tomorrow. This year, a total of $1.5 million was awarded to 25 public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs across the United States.
Lauren Gomez, the regional manager for Harbor Freight for Schools for the Southeast, announced that Darden is one of the only 25 finalists for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence Grant. During the ceremony, Gomez read directly from Darden’s application.
“I believe in fostering a learning environment where everybody has an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their background or their experience level, which is critical. By sharing my passion, knowledge, and skills for the trade I am to inspire others to pursue careers in the automotive industry,” Gomez read aloud.
David Darden alongside his automotive class pose for a portrait after the ceremony. Photos by Jana Deterding.
Guest speakers who were in attendance at the ceremony clap for David Darden, the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence winner. Photos by Jana Deterding.
Regional manager for Harbor Freight for Schools for the Southeast Lauren Gomez asks David Darden if he has anything to say. “Speechless, I just want to say thank you,” Darden said. Photos by Jana Deterding.
David Darden and Georgia representative Houston Gaines pose for a portrait together. Photos by Jana Deterding.
Jessica Hayes, district director for U.S. representative Mike Collins (GA-10) presented a certificate of special congressional recognition to Darden for excellence in high school skilled trades, signed by Collins. Georgia State Representative Houston Gaines congratulated Darden on behalf of Georgia’s state officials, such as the Georgia General Assembly and Brian Kemp, Georgia Governor.
Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz shared a brief story about Darden and his students working on his niece’s vehicle.
“Given the fine work with Darden and so many students here are doing and all the education happening on this campus, next year, it would be a shorter turnaround for me to get my niece’s car from Athens, Georgia to Richmond, Virginia,” Girtz said.
Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker praised Darden for his vision and passion for the automotive program. Hooker added a story about when Darden repaired his vehicle in the automotive shop at Cedar Shoals.
“He has a passion for this, and the kids that have gone through the program have been able to find employment, and he’s just been an asset to our district as well as Cedar Shoals,” Hooker said.
Automotive teacher David Darden’s application video for the $50,000 Harbor Freight Tools grant.
