I want to express my appreciation and thanks to the Patrick County community for supporting the Dorn O. and Gaynelle Spangler Memorial Scholarship.
I have been an observer of Mr. Spangler’s service to Patrick County for many years. His wisdom and patience that he showed in working with groups of people in Patrick County has been a valuable asset to the county. Two examples of this would be the integration and consolidation of the Patrick County school system.
The decisions he made as the superintendent of schools while working with school personnel were always viewed as fair and in the best interest of the students. He was a help to all of us who were fortunate enough to serve under his guidance.
For these reasons, I felt that his name and that of his lovely wife should be remembered in the county. He gave his all to help the people have a better place to live. I decided that a scholarship in his name would be a wonderful way to accomplish this project.
I contacted Larry Belcher, who is a member of the Stuart Rotary Club Scholarship Committee, with this idea and he was ready to help. He and his wife Ann, and Barbara Pendleton, felt that the Retired Teacher Association would be willing to help get it started. I am very thankful to them for getting the fund started to bring this about.
I called Mr. Spangler’s children and they were very supportive of this idea and with help in raising funds for the scholarship. We then called several others for help in contacting people who knew Mr. Spangler as a teacher, coach, classmate, superintendent and friend. The funds raised will give an annual scholarship to a deserving Patrick County graduate to assist the student in getting a college education.
My thanks to all those who helped in making this become a reality.
James K. Hiatt
Former Principal of
Patrick County
High School
