Born and raised in Dahlonega, Jason Lemley is a product of the Lumpkin County School System and this community. Graduating from LCHS in 2003, Jason left Dahlonega to attend college at the University of Georgia in Athens receiving a bachelor's degree in English and Education. Upon his graduation in 2007 from UGA, Lemley returned to Dahlonega and the LCSS to accept a job teaching at his alma mater. Fourteen years later, and Jason remains an educator in the local school system serving the students, staff, and families of Dahlonega/Lumpkin County.
Starting as a math teacher, Lemley transitioned to teaching English in his second year at LCHS. That same year, Lemley was named the Teacher of the Year for Lumpkin County High School. It was only a couple years later that Mr. Lemley began his work in administration as an assistant administrator. After serving for over five years as an Assistant Principal at LCHS, Mr. Lemley added the role of Director of Public Relations and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education for the entire district in 2018. He currently serves in this capacity, working alongside Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown on district communications, community and public relations.
Jason met his wife, Ashley, while teaching at LCHS. They married in 2011 and are parents to Malaya, Everett and Jett. Although Jason's family has moved several times to accommodate Ashley's work, Jason has remained dedicated to this community driving over three hours a day to and from work to remain in this community. This past summer, Jason, Ashley and their children moved back to their home north of Dahlonega in Sautee Nachoochee. Jason's drive is much shorter now, and he and his high school aged daughter have a lovely ride to LC every morning. Jason and Ashley also own property in Dahlonega, and hope to have a home in both Dahlonega and Sautee one day soon.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
Having worked in many different positions and duties for the school system, my current position of Director of PR and CTAE is by far my favorite. Every day I get to work with teachers and students as they are preparing for life after high school. It's more than just academics and book learning in CTAE, students work collaboratively and with their hands and mind every single day. It is by far the most impactful and most fun learning in the building (in my opinion)! Not only does my job allow me to work with these teachers and students, but working with Dr. Brown and the other district directors on communications and public relations is equally as engaging and interesting for me. I love community relations and sharing our story with our community, and this position allows me the opportunity to do that every single day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and your favorite dishes there?
We are blessed with many great restaurants in and around Dahlonega. The egg salad sandwich from Picnic Cafe can make any day better for me! It's my soul food for sure. Prior to COVID, the ambience of Spirits and Shenanigans helps me to end a stressful day at work. I can never go wrong with some kalettes and a bearded goat burger from Spirits or a shillelagh sandwich from Shenanigans. I haven't let COVID stop me from enjoying these favorites. Although eating in house is preferred, take-out has held me over these past 10-11 months.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
Born in Dahlonega in 1985 and only left for 4 years to attend UGA from 2003-2007 (and I came home to Dahlonega every weekend and summer!). My home address has been Sautee, Snellville, Lilburn, and now Sautee again since 2011, but I have been in Dahlonega 365 days a year no matter where I lay my head at night!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community and why?
This is a tough question to answer, having met so many people in my 35 years in this community. However, one of my favorite couples to talk to and learn from is David and JoAnn Luke. Mr. Luke was my superintendent when I was a student in Lumpkin County, and I respected him so much then. Many years later, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. and Mrs. Luke more and more. They are inspiring, interesting, and intelligent people who I love dearly.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to take my children and wife to Italy and Greece one day. I visited when I was in high school, and I have such fond memories of Rome, Florence, and Athens. The history is something my children are interested in, and I want to share travel with them as much as possible.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Cold Mountain is my absolute FAVORITE movie. Hands down. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I make a point to watch this movie a couple times each year since it was released 20 years ago. There are so many reasons I love this movie, but I feel like the most important reason is how I can relate the movie to so many things in our world.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It is easy to get into a negative mindset with the current state of affairs, and that is a dangerous place to be. I look for the silver lining in all things, and I encourage others to do the same!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
These are tough questions! I have lost 200 pounds (exactly) in the last twelve months. I have a lot of things I want to do know as I continue on this weight loss journey. I never thought I would say this because it was never an option. But, I want to go skydiving!
Q: What is your go to band when you can't decide what to listen to?
The Avett Brothers without question. Every song. Every day!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The General Store on the square. I still love going in and running my hands through the marbles, buying some jams and treats! It's been a favorite since I was a child.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y'all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with George W. Bush and The Obamas. Their relationship intrigues me, and I want to hear their story. Sitting outside the Picnic Cafe on a lovely fall day would be the ideal location for this lunch 🙂
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I really like all the hiking and outdoor activities our community offers. Now that I am in better physical health, I look forward to hiking again soon!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Exactly where I am right now. I am so happy with my career and my life that I do not want anything to change!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
As an extrovert, I don't hide much about myself :-). Nothing comes to mind.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Switzerland. I went when I was in 7th grade with our school, but that landscape will forever be in my memory.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October–I love everything autumn has to offer (apple orchards, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, arts and crafts, the weather, the leaves); Christmas–I love the music, the advent season at Church, and the gift of giving; the first day of a new school year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Lumpkin County Schools
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My older brother, Chas. I talk to him (via text) every single day. But he inspires me to be a better person, to think deeply, and make the world a better place.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Ashley, Malaya, Everett and Jett; Little Mountain (where I grew up from birth to middle school on the outskirts of LC) and Crown Mountain (where my parents live, I visit every day and where I grew up in late middle and high school)
