Mary Hawley Oates was the Supervisor of School Nurses for Lee County Schools for over 40 years, and before her retirement in 2022, she was involved with the annual Kaleidoscope summer enrichment camp and Washington, D.C. trip hosted by the AIG Department for all those years. During her years of service, Mary Hawley Oates was an invaluable and indefatigable support for both students and staff, and she was integral to the success of the district, the work of the AIG Department, and the sustainability of the Kaleidoscope program. A paragon of public service, Mary Hawley Oates and her commitment to the health, safety, and success of all students exemplifies what it means to care for the whole child, and her exhibition of these values through her continued work in the community remains an inspiration to the AIG Department. We have named this Distinguished Service Award in her honor to recognize those who have similarly committed themselves to the education, care, and success of the gifted students in Lee County Schools. 

1. Nominees must have worked with gifted students and advanced learners in Lee County Schools for at least 5 years.

2. Nominees must have contributed significantly to the sustainability and/or growth of the academic and/or extracurricular programming for gifted students and advanced learners in Lee County Schools. 

3. Nominees must promote both equity and excellence in their work with gifted students and other advanced learners. 

Nominations are accepted by any student, staff member, parent, or community member throughout the year. These nominations may be made in writing to Leslie Cottrell or Dillon Crockett and will be reviewed by the AIG department. The award will be presented at the Kaleidoscope and Periscope Closing Ceremony each summer. 

• 2023 - Mary Hawley Oates, Supervisor of School Nurses (Retired)

• 2024 - Karen Foushee, Lead AIG Specialist (Retired)