Few people are more synonymous with Gainesville High School than longtime theater director Pam Ware.

Over the years, Ware has developed a reputation throughout the community and state for her knack to extract the best out of students.

And on Saturday in Atlanta, Ware was recognized by one of the names synonymous with the arts in Georgia: the Woodruff Arts Center.

Ware was selected as top honoree of three finalists from a pool of candidates across the state in the Theatre Educator category of the 2012 Woodruff Salutes Georgia Arts in Education Leaders awards.

A large group from Gainesville, including both past and present students, was present for the ceremony and reception in her honor. Former students Allen Fox and Xylina Nuckles performed as part of the ceremony as a tribute to Ware.

“When J. Noble (professional learning coordinator for the arts center) called me, I was completely taken aback,” said Ware. “I mean, why me? He said: ‘Because of all that you’ve done and all that you’ve given over all these years, and your legacy of professionalism and your inclusion of any student who really wants to be in the program.’”

And her students understand why she was honored.

“It’s very well deserved,” said Madeline Harr, a senior at Gainesville. “She’s a person that puts in so many hours and no one even notices. So I’m just so thrilled that she’s actually getting to be rewarded for all her hard work and time she puts in. I love it for her and I’m proud for her.”

For Ware, the honor means she’s done her job pushing students toward excellence.

“At the end of the day, on any day, it’s all about the students,” Ware said. “Every day I learn something from them.

“When a light bulb goes on in a student’s head and they begin to understand the concept and begin to feel confident about what they’re doing, then I’ve done my job. To receive recognition from the Woodruff Arts Center is grand, it is totally grand.”

Kevin von Danz, a senior and the student director of “Steel Magnolias,” has been under Ware’s guidance for years.

He said her expectations are clear from the start, but she can create a family
environment like no other.

“She’s nothing like any other teacher I’ve ever had,” said von Danz. “When you first get in there, it’s a lot to take on and it’s honestly a little scary. You get the feeling you don’t want to mess up, you don’t want to disappoint. But as time goes on, she becomes closer to people.”

And, her students said, Ware will not turn a single person away. In fact, she’ll make you better.

“She sees potential in everyone no matter if you’re behind the scenes rolling up a backdrop, or if you’re the main character performing on stage,” said Tyra Wimpye, Gainesville senior. “She knows everyone’s limits and knows how to make everyone a better person on or off the stage.”

“This award recognizes the remarkable achievement and contribution to theater education for the 28 years of service to Gainesville High School,” said Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Merrianne Dyer.

“This is the icing on the cake of my many, many years. I feel so humbled and overjoyed,” Ware said.
Ware said she pushes her students to maintain a strong work ethic and to take advantage of every opportunity available.

“My philosophy is: Take advantage of every second of every day and live life to the fullest, so when you do go to bed at night you don’t have any regrets,” she said.

“I tell (my students) strong work ethic can take you anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you sell shoes, whether you’re an auto mechanic, whether you’re a doctor or lawyer, Indian chief, teacher, mother, father, uncle, aunt, it can take you anywhere.”

And that work ethic has earned Ware the respect of her students, co-workers and the state’s arts community.

“It’s well deserved,” said Julia Hamilton, choral director. “She’s pretty much an icon in the field and everyone knows her work ethic, not just in the school, not just from the alumni, but in the community.”