West Plains, MO. – Dr. Gary Bates has been announced as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Grizzlies Gala. A long-time educator and native of West Plains, Dr. Bates graduated from West Plains High School in 1986 with an outstanding Track-And-Field record list.
After high school, he attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, on a track scholarship. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Education-Educational Administration and Supervision from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He received a Doctor of Philosophy-Educational Leadership and Administration from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.
Bates has more than 20 years of experience in public education serving as an instructional aide, professional educator, athletic coach, athletic coordinator, assistant principal and principal. In May 2014, he was chosen as the superintendent of schools at Goodrich Independent School District in Goodrich, Texas. He is now the superintendent of schools at Fort Sam Houston Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas, a position he has held since August 2018.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a catered meal and auction in the civic center exhibit hall. At 8 p.m., the event will transition to the civic center theater where players will be recognized, awards presented and Bates will speak.
Tickets for the event are still available at $65 each, or a table for six can be reserved for $400. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and other program needs, organizers said.
