Distinguished Citizen Award

(Individual)

to

Gean B. Hale

In appreciation and gratitude for meritorious service in the interests of the

United States of America, the State of Texas, and City of Nacogdoches.

Awarded this 8th day of November, 2007

 

Citation
Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Award
for
Gean B. Hale

          Gean B. Hale began his education in 1938 at Kilgore College, but World War Two found him in the Army, where he flew Army transports "over the hump" in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations. After the war, veteran Hale attended East Texas State College, now Texas A&M - Commerce. An athlete, he played football at both schools.

          After graduation, Hale was employed by Palestine High School, and then came to Nacogdoches in 1952, when he became head coach at Nacogdoches High School, a school than had not won a game the previous year. For the next 14 years, Coach Hale guided the Dragons to a District Championship in 1962, and a bi-District Championship in 1965. He compiled an over-all record of eighty-three (83) victories, fifty-three (53) defeats, and six (6) ties.

          Hale's contribution went beyond the athletic field. He stressed the qualities of honesty, hard work, dedication, and high ethical standards in all his students. After he left the academic world, Hale became an officer in Commercial National Bank. Although no longer a teacher and coach, his influence upon the students at Nacogdoches High School continued. Along with L. H. Mathews, his longtime friend, fellow coach, and successor as head coach at NHS, Hale established an endowed scholarship through the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association open to any student who demonstrates the qualities of leadership, scholarship, and commitment.

          In 1979, Hale was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor, and entered the Kilgore Ranger Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

          For his outstanding example, and his contributions to his country, state, and community, we are proud to present to Gean B. Hale the Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Award.