Aspire Trade High School
Board of Directors
Connecting expertise and community to support every student’s future.
About our Board of Directors
Aspire Trade High School, located in Huntersville, NC, was established by the Aspire Carolinas Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students with learning challenges who benefit from alternatives to traditional public and private school settings. The school also includes a trade-focused program that serves public school students in grades 9–12, providing hands-on, career-oriented pathways.
As part of the Aspire Carolinas Foundation network, Aspire Trade High School works in close partnership with the Foundation to support student success through strong community connections, strategic partnerships, responsible financial practices, and a commitment to high-quality academics and workforce readiness.
The Aspire Trade High School Board of Directors plays a key role in guiding the school’s vision and operations, contributing diverse experience and expertise to support its innovative model and long-term growth. Together with the Foundation, the Board is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive both academically and in future careers.
Dale Halton (1937-2023) Honorary Board Member Emeritus
Ms. Dale Halton graduated from Myers Park High School and attended Agnes Scott College in Georgia. After two years she returned home to marry and start her family. In 1970 she began working for the family business, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte, managing the company’s advertising. Although many good people worked at the company the business was struggling, and in 1981 she was made President of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte. She began successfully running the company and gradually turned it around to again become profitable. She created a charitable foundation that gave 10% of the company’s profits to charity each year. Notable recipients include UNCC Charlotte and the NC Dance Theatre. “The more you have, the more responsibility you have to give to others,” Halton said. “I think it’s important to help folks who don’t have what I have. I wish I could do more. It’s fun.” Because Dale successfully faced many obstacles working in business at a time when it was difficult for women to do so, she continued to always root for those that face challenges. She was a strong supporter of children with learning differences and Asperger’s/autism spectrum disorder, and she was thrilled to be able to support schools that help the students reach their potential.