If you ask Southlake middle school teacher Josh Ault, George Dawson’s amazing story should never be forgotten. At 98 years old, George learned to read and write for the first time and co-wrote his own book entitled “Life Is So Good” in 2000.
Now, thanks to Josh, George Dawson’s life story has also been nominated for a Lone Star Emmy Award by the National Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Teaching journalism and Texas history, Josh traveled to Seattle to interview people who personally knew George. He interviewed Richard Glaubman, the co-author of his book, KIRO-TV reporter Deborah Horne, who interviewed George herself, his granddaughter Mashelle and his great-grandson Christopher Irvin.
“I knew it was important to talk to those people who knew Dawson because eventually all of these people would be gone,” Josh says. “I wanted his story to be told by those who knew him.”
After Josh’s reporting was finished, it was reviewed by a panel and deemed worthy of a Lone Star Emmy nomination in the category of Short or Long Form Content on Texas Heritage. While he will have to wait until Nov. 12 to find out who the winner of this prestigious regional honor will be, Josh says the real win comes from keeping Dawson’s story top of mind.
“He was a simple and humble man, but his desire to learn how to read and write at the age of 98 continues to inspire,” Josh says. “I am glad I could do a small part in keeping George Dawson’s voice alive.”