David Darden, an automotive technology teacher at Cedar Shoals High School, was recently surprised with the news he had won the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Darden is one of 25 public high school skilled trades teachers across the United States to be honored.

On Oct. 8, Harbor Freight awarded him the $50,000 prize, which will go towards the school’s auto tech program.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, now in its eighth year, recognizes outstanding high school skilled trades teachers. This year, over 900 applicants competed for the prize, going through three rounds of judging. Darden is the only winner in Georgia.

“We are thrilled to honor these 25 dedicated teachers who are making such an important difference in the lives of their students every day,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “They have earned this prize because they are highly knowledgeable about the skilled trades, have a deep belief in the potential of their students, and have built programs that prepare students for a multitude of opportunities after high school.”

The prize was created in 2017 by Eric Smidt, owner and founder of Harbor Freight Tools. “Our future will be built by the students in today’s skilled trades classrooms,” Smidt said.

Darden says everyone should have the opportunity to learn, irrespective of background or experience level. He seeks to inspire others to pursue automotive careers.