Meet Mary Ann Hale and Rachael Parr! They are the Co-Site Directors at Foothills Charter High School. Both of these wonderful ladies love the opportunities that Foothills brings to high school students who need a different, flexible option to earning a high school diploma. They have made a huge impact on many young people in Jackson County, and we want to thank them for taking the time to tell us more about their lives and what they love the most about our great community.
Mary Ann Hale: “I was born and raised in California. Moved to Georgia 42 years ago to marry my husband. Didn’t start college until I was in my early 30’s with three children. Never had any dreams of being in education as a teenager. While teaching youth group as a young mother, found my passion for teaching.
“I love crafting and decorating. My family and friends often tell me I need to start a decorating business. My relationship with God and my family are the most important parts of my life. I have learned as I have grown older to be more accepting of others and that there is always hope. My time at Foothills has renewed my love and hope for education.”
Rachael Parr: “I was raised in the Athens area. I married a wonderful man from Jackson County and have lived in this community for the past 35 years. Although I was a widow at the young age of 35, I remained in Jackson County because I loved the area and the people. My first teaching assignment was at Maysville Elementary School, where I taught 4th – 8th grade science. When the first Middle School opened in Jackson County at the Gordon Street Center, I began teaching 7th grade science. Although I have served in many roles in the educational field, teaching students about the natural world is what I am still very passionate about. I currently serve in the role as the Co-Site Director at Foothills Charter High School. I love working with other passionate educators who want to see students succeed and reach their goals.
“I love gardening, horseback riding, boating and spending time with my children and grandchildren. I enjoy traveling and my goal is to visit as many National Parks as possible in my lifetime.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Hale: “I have been married to my husband, Jim Hale, for almost 42 years. We have three children and four grandchildren.”
Parr: “I have two sons and two beautiful Daughter in Laws, Robert Parr (Kim) and Charlie Parr (Angel). I have a three year old granddaughter, Lilly Jean Parr, who I love spending time with.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Hale: “I entered into the world of education at the ripe old age of 40. Taught Business Education for 10 years in Gwinnett County. Spent the next ten years as an Administrator in Jackson County. Currently I am a Site Director at the Jackson Site of Foothills Education Charter High School. What I love the most about being a part of Foothills is working with an incredible group of people who are helping students obtain their high school diplomas.”
Parr: “I was a Science Educator for 30 years. In 2015, I retired and was offered the position as a Co-Site Director at Foothills Education Charter High School. What I love most about my career is the feeling that I am making a difference in the lives of young people.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hale: “Uncle Chet’s BBQ and Cream and Shuga.”
Parr: “My three favorite places in our community are: Cream & Shuga, Kay’s Vintage Pantry, and J-Town Nutrition.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Hale: “Lived and worked in the community for almost 15 years.”
Parr: “36 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hale: “Can’t name just one – these are three individuals who I think are essential to children in Jackson County – Jim Scott with Jackson County Community Outreach, Lisa Stephens who founded Legacy Youth Mentoring and Linda Foster with Jackson County Family Connection.”
Parr: “John Uesseler, Chief Executive Officer at Empower College and Career Center. He is very passionate about education and was very helpful in helping Foothills Education Charter High School settle in when we made the move to the Empower Center during COVID.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hale: “Hawaii – Its on my bucket list and I have previously had to cancel a trip their due to COVID.”
Parr: “Alaska, because of the scenery, unspoiled nature, diverse/epic landscapes, and the rich history.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Hale: “Baking Contests Shops or HGTV – Home Renovation Shows.”0
Parr: “‘The Sound of Music (I can sing every song) TV: ‘This is Us.'”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Hale: “Never give up – tomorrow is gone but today you get to start again.”
Parr: “Time is not refundable – so spend time doing things you love and making a difference.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hale: “Visiting all 50 states in the USA.”
Parr: “Visit Alaska by sea and land.”
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Hale: “Reba McEntire.”
Parr: “Fleetwood Mac or Reba.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Hale: “Jackson Foothills – it is investing the the future of our students.”
Parr: “The Empower College & Career Center (EmpowerC3) because both of my boys attended school there when it was Jackson County High School. My younger son played football and my oldest was in the band and both graduated in the Panther Stadium. The building represents so much in Jackson County and continues to serve this wonderful community in so many ways.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Hale: “Dean Hogan – a truly sweet man who I consider a dear friend and was actually the first person I hired when I became an Administrator in Jackson County. We would eat at Warren’s Snack Shack.”
Parr: “Brantley Gilbert because my boys were once friends with him when he was starting his singing career. I would just like to catch up. I would want to meet for lunch at Cream & Shuga.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Hale: “The people – they care about each other.”
Parr: “It has a small town feel. I love the fact that there are so many locally owned and operated businesses. People are nice and always willing to help each other.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
Hale: “One hundred percent retired, traveling, gardening and enjoying my family.”
Parr: “In five to 10 years I hope I am still doing what I love – working with students. I also hope I am healthy enough to travel. I have always said when I turn 70 – which will be in 10 years – that I would volunteer my time with the National Park Service.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hale: “That I met my husband while we were both in the Army National Guard and that I moved from California to Georgia to marry him.”
Parr: “I am adopted and just connected to my biological family. I have been to the bottom of the ocean in the Alvin Research Vessel to study hydrothermal Vents.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hale: “The Redwoods in Northern California.”
Parr: “The Grand Canyon – specifically Indian Gardens, which is five miles down. I recently hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, where I stayed for two nights.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Hale: “I love celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.”
Parr: “Favorite Month: October; Favorite Holiday: Fourth of July; Calendar: January 4th and May 14th – the days my kids were born.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Hale: “My family.”
Parr: “Watching students walk across the stage at graduation and seeing their face when we hand them their diploma.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Hale: “My husband.”
Parr: “My Colleague Mary Ann Hale.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Hale: “Fresh baked bread and the smell of the ocean.”
Parr: “Lavender and a Camp Fire.”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Hale: “Love, contentment, and family.”
Parr: “Cozy Fire; Warm Snuggles; Lots of Laughter.”
