When Tate Elementary Principal Scott Stephens agreed to portray Colonel Sam Tate in the Marble Festival Parade, he didn't realize he'd be saying goodbye to a beard he'd worn for nearly ten years!

TES staff members Whitney Poag and Hilary Tatum suggested the idea, and after a little convincing, Stephens shaved, put on his glasses, and stepped into character. The resemblance was so convincing that one student now calls him "Mr. Stephens' evil twin!" Stephens admits he's looking forward to growing his beard back once the 100th Birthday celebrations are over.

Stephens spent 12 years in White County and another ten in South Georgia before returning to North Georgia to lead Tate Elementary. Now living in Tate, he enjoys being close to family and part of the community he serves.

If you hang out with Mr. Stephens, you'll quickly discover he doesn't spend much time behind his desk. He prefers visiting classrooms, interacting with students, and seeing what's happening throughout the building.

TES teacher Mallory Childers describes him as a supportive, consistent leader who knows how to balance accountability with humor.

"He knows when to challenge us, when to encourage us, and when we simply need a good laugh (especially with his daily Dad jokes)," she shared.

Stephens is especially proud of his staff and the ways they care for students beyond academics. He shared how teachers purchased a Halloween costume for a student to wear at Tate’s Trunk or Treat using their own money, something he says is pretty typical for Tate teachers and staff.

That same sense of community is evident in the school's celebrations. With fewer than 400 students, Tate recently welcomed approximately 600 guests for Grandparents Day and expects that many for Thanksgiving lunch. For Stephens, that kind of turnout speaks volumes about the place Tate Elementary holds in its community.

As Tate celebrates its 100th anniversary, Mr. Stephens is proud to be part of a school where generations of families have made lasting memories. With encouraging test scores, hardworking teachers, and a strong start to the school year, he's excited about where Tate Elementary is headed as it begins its next 100 years.