Hillary Hale and her finance Will Bowen hold the “Most Likely to Get Married” certificate that they received as students at Bob Jones High School. Their wedding date is July 11. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Hillary Hale has returned as an educator to the home turf that she grew to love as a student.

Her college alma mater, the University of Alabama at Birmingham granted special permission for Hale’s internship in Madison. “I knew I wanted to teach in the school district I grew up in. I applied at Rainbow Elementary School because I completed my student teaching” there, she said.

“I loved every minute of my internship and really wanted to be a part of the Rainbow family. There is no other district like Madison City Schools. I have lived in Madison my entire life,” Hale said.

After the city founded Madison City Schools, Hale was in the district’s first kindergarten class. She attended West Madison and Heritage elementary schools. Michael Gunner, now Rainbow’s assistant principal, was Hale’s third-grade teacher.

At Bob Jones High School, she met her now finance Will Bowen.

“I’ve always been a part of Madison City Schools. I’m a direct product of this school system,” Hale said.

As an UAB undergraduate, Hale won the Mary Louis Roller International Award from Alpha Omicron Pi for campus involvement. She was a member of Delta Epsilon Iota honor society, Dean’s or President’s List every year, granted the collegiate honors academic scholarship and inducted into Greek Hall of Fame.

She earned a double major in early childhood/elementary education. Hale was College Panhellenic President, School of Education Senator, Relay for Life Executive Director, Miss UAB Director, Panhellenic recruitment counselor, “Into the Streets” Leader and Best Buddies member.

As a ‘new kid back on the block,’ Hale has received a hearty welcome. “I felt as an equal the moment I started at Rainbow,” she said. “Every faculty member has embraced me and helped me through my journey as a new teacher.”

Hale and Will Bowen’s wedding will be July 11 at Southwood Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at Huntsville Museum of Art. Her parents are Wesley and Tunya Hale. He works as an engineer. She teaches preschool.