Gales is a special education teacher who teaches English language arts to students in sixth through eighth grades at R.K. Smith Middle School. A lifelong St. Charles Parish resident, Gales attended Luling Elementary School and R.K. Smith Middle School and graduated from Hahnville High School in 2013. “I always tell [my student], ‘I felt what you’re feeling and saw what you’re seeing,’” Gales said. The most rewarding part of his career is watching students grow after leaving R.K. Smith, he said. And when it comes to his school, Gales does not hesitate to express his pride.