Troy Bagwell, Director of Technology, found himself filled with honor and excitement after learning he was named an Apple Distinguished Educator on Feb. 19.

Bagwell’s interest in computers trace back to his high school years.

“When I was a sophomore I raised chickens and won first place at the county fair,” Bagwell said. “They auctioned the chickens off and I received enough money to buy a Commodore 64, which was my first computer.”

He carried knowledge of computers was carried with him to The University of North Texas (UNT), where he worked at the Texas Thinker for Educational Technology.

“Before I graduated from UNT, I worked in the UNT College of Education educational department at the Texas Thinker for Educational Technology,” Bagwell said.

Bagwell has worked for the district for nearly 17 years. His achievements at Decatur helped him to meet the qualifications for the award and stand out among other applicants.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the one-to-one laptop program at the high school, the one-to-one iPad program at the middle school, and all of the technology that we have been working on across the district for at least the past five years,” Bagwell said.

Bagwell took several steps to apply for the Apple Distinguished Educator award.

“I had to submit a video, fill out an application, and prove to Apple that I am what they are looking for in an Apple Distinguished Educator,” Bagwell said.

This award opens up new opportunities for Bagwell.

“I get to be a part of a Apple Distinguished Educator institute this summer, that will be bringing people from all over the country,” Bagwell said. “I will be spending five days in training and staff development.

After earning the award, Bagwell focuses on how it can help the district, rather than himself.

“I look at this award as a benefit to the school district, because I will have access to lots of training and resources,” Bagwell said. “Yes, this is something that I can put on my email signature or resume, but that is not why I did it. I did it because I thought it would be a great opportunity to help the future of my department and the future of technology in Decatur ISD.”

Along with receiving a distinguished Apple award, Assistant Principal, Sheila McCollum acknowledges Bagwell.

“He is a very likable, knowledgeable and intelligent man,” McCollum said. “He has had a big impact on our school.”