Dale Jarrett at Newton-Middle School

In the early 1990's, I was teaching at Newton-Conover Middle School (and was one of Jason's 7th grade teachers).

Each year after the Daytona 500, Dale would come speak to our eighth graders where he would try to help them understand the importance of setting goals and challenging them to work through the hurdles they would face to reach the goals they set.

His easy-going delivery that blended racing and personal anecdotes allowed him to connect with many of our kids and really make a difference in how they began to look at their futures. Even the year he won his first 500 and rocketed to celebrity status in NASCAR, he made time for the children at NCMS.

Dale, congratulations on a stellar career on and off the track. Best wishes to you, Kellie, and the girls as you embark on your new endeavors.

Jeff Sherrill
Associate Director
National Association of Student Councils
Reston, VA

(Former teacher @ N-C Middle School)