Hall educator a finalist for national award

The Executive Director of Career Technical & Agricultural Education (CTAE) for Hall County Schools has been named the 2025 ACTE Region II Administrator of the Year. As such, Rhonda Samples will now compete for the national title along with four other educators.

“This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs,” according to a news release from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).  

The announcement describes Samples as “a champion for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Hall County, with over four decades dedicated to the field. As the former CEO of Lanier College Career Academy and the current Executive Director of CTAE, she has consistently empowered middle and high school students through career pathways, work-based learning, and student organizations.”

Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership roles in the Hall County School District, beginning as a Marketing Education teacher.

The winner of the national title will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala Dec. 4.