By Scott Buttram, publisher
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin recognized multiple individuals and groups of students and faculty members for recent accomplishments in Monday’s Board of Education meeting.
In the business meeting portion of the regular BOE meeting, the board approved Martin’s recommendations for personnel moves, special events and a slew of spring sports schedules.
Additionally, the BOE approved a resolution for the Trussville City Council requesting a city-wide ad valorem vote to fund a new elementary school and an expansion of Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School to accommodate the growing enrollment.
“This is follow-up to the State of the Schools address that I brought before the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday,” Martin said. “What this resolution would do is request the City Council to put a measure on the ballot later, summer or fall of ’24, where we’re looking at a 12.9 mil increase.”
Martin said the additional revenue would be used strictly for capital projects to stem overcrowding.
“What that would do is fund three projects,” Martin said. “The C-wing at the high school, several projects at the middle school, as well as a new elementary school.”
HTHS Students recognized for receiving the Global Seal of Biliteracy were Emily Prickett, John Murphy Copus, Janie Steele, Adelynn Alexander, Carter Lybrand, Sarah Kate Smith, Beck Petersen, Noor Soltan Alamari, Marleen Venegas DeAnda, Esward Barrera, Mia Sellers, Angie Ruiz, Katie Smith, Franccesca Garcia, Sara Slaughter.
TCS Teachers of the Year were also introduced. Hannah Lutz was selected TCS elementary teacher of the year while Charlotte Booker was named for the secondary school honor. Both teachers will now be considered for state teacher of the year.
Paine Elementary bus drive Paul Guthrie and aide Jay Segars, along with HTMS bus driver Lisa Crumley were recognized for receiving bus driver of the year honors.
Hewitt-Trussville High School Teacher Melanie Dimler was named a State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching.
The award recognizes those teachers that have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.
HTHS head football coach Josh Floyd was recognized for being named 7A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Coaches Association. Floyd led the Huskies to their first semi-final appearance in the playoffs since the 90s.
The HTMS Girls Indoor Track Team were honored for winning the Metro South championship. HTMS Coaches are Chase Pate, Reese Guthrie, Mike Deibert and Steard Carlisle.
Team members are Ellie Adkins, Charlotte Alexander, Abigail Allen, Lily Armstrong, Kinley Arrington, Bella Aycock, Harper Benedict, Dorit Boakye-Yiadom, Bayleigh Brown, Jiliana Glenn, Addison Greenway, Elise Hansen, Riley Hanson, Brooke Hatcher, Kaelyn Hutzel, Aubrey Isom, Blair Lybrand, Mckenzsey Maxwell, Lauren Melton, Anna Kayt Millington, Caroline Morrison, Dailah Moultry, Lexi Meigoot, Piper Neumann, Ava Jane Peacock, Olivia Reese, Alexis Richey, Ella Richey, Avery Elise Spears, Emma Stalls, Hadley Turner, Brooklyn Vandegrift, Emmie Willoughby, Maggie Wolz, Kenley Wright and Natalie Wright
Martin then noted that January marks the 31st annual observance of School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama by recognizing the TCS BOE.
Martin expressed his appreciation and thanks Board President Kim DeShazo, Board Vice President Kathy Brown, and board members Sherrye Tolbert, Steve Ward, and Jason Daniel for their service to Trussville.
Additionally, BOE members and the audience were treated to Paine Elementary Musical Theater students’ presentation of selections from Willy Wonka KIDS.
Participating students were Abbie Langley, Adelaide Tribble, Andi King, Andrew Leggett, Annie Cates, Aubree Cleckler, Aubrey Free, Aubrie Payne, Ava Aycock, Averey LaFon, Avery Roberts, Bella Shepherd, Bishop Lowery, Brantley Adams, Brynlee Miller, Camille Swann, Carrington Foster, Carson Cooper, Carter Stewart, Charity Jasper, Charlotte Vessels, Collins Bowman, Deval Rush, Dyson Garrett, Ella Dooley, Ella Jefcoat, Ellie Bridges, Emma Shores, Emma-Reese Morrison, Everly Welch, Evie Riley, Georgia Teffeteller, Grace Chappelle, Grace Nie, Gracie Benjamin, Hannah Payne, Harper Ozley, Isaac Clark, Isabelle Broyles, Jack Turnipseed, Justus Terry, Kate Cantwell, Kaylee Sims, Kayleigh Alexander, Kinley Brummitt, Kinslee Trammell, Leah Pinola, Leighton Johnson, Lizzie Vineyard, Logan Kinner, Lorelei Phillips, Lucy Prince, Madison Anthony, Maggie Kate Riley, Malin Lindstrom, Mayson Miller, Micah-Smith Harbison, Paris Ramadan, Raegan Weller, Skylar Gibbs, Walker Jones, Yeseong Lee, and Zoe Stewart
The Willie Wonka KIDS production opens on January 29 and 30 at 6 p.m. at Paine Elementary School.