The Schools Foundation officially recognized 91 educators as Teachers of the Year during the second annual Golden Apple Gala held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Hosted in the Saturn Ballroom of the Von Braun Center, the event served as a high-profile tribute to the professionals driving the academic standards of North Alabama’s workforce pipeline.

The gala represents a strategic partnership between the three major public school systems in the region: Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, and Madison County Schools. By honoring one standout educator from every public school within these districts, the event underscores the community's commitment to maintaining a competitive educational environment capable of supporting the area's rapid industrial and technological expansion.

Strengthening the Economic Foundation Through Educational Advocacy

Jeanne Greer, Executive Director of The Schools Foundation, emphasized that the gala is more than a ceremony; it is a vital investment in the region’s human capital. Greer noted that the evening provides a meaningful platform to recognize excellence while simultaneously generating support for programs that directly benefit students, educators, and the broader institutional infrastructure of the local school systems.

Economic data consistently highlights the correlation between robust public education and regional commerce. In the Huntsville metropolitan area, where aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors demand a highly skilled workforce, the performance of local schools is a primary driver for corporate recruitment and retention. By advocating for educators and providing targeted funding, The Schools Foundation plays a central role in ensuring that the local talent pool meets the rigorous standards of global industry leaders operating in North Alabama.

A Showcase of Local Talent and Community Collaboration

The evening’s proceedings highlighted the diverse talents fostered within the tri-system educational framework. The Golden Apple Gala commenced with a presentation of the colors by the Sparkman High School JROTC, followed by a series of musical performances featuring students from seven local high schools.

Participating institutions included Huntsville High School, Lee High School, Columbia High School, Grissom High School, Bob Jones High School, James Clemens High School, and Hazel Green High School. This collaborative display of fine arts reflects the comprehensive nature of the curriculum supported by The Schools Foundation, which seeks to develop well-rounded graduates ready for both higher education and direct entry into the modern economy.

Supporting the Pipeline of North Alabama’s Workforce

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Schools Foundation remains a critical intermediary between the business community and the public school systems. The organization’s mission focuses on three primary pillars: programming, funding, and advocacy. These efforts are designed to empower principals and teachers, who in turn prepare the next generation of Alabama’s workforce.

In a period of significant economic growth for Huntsville and Madison County, the stability and quality of public education remain top priorities for state and local leaders. The Golden Apple Gala serves as an annual benchmark for educational quality, celebrating the individuals who ensure that Alabama’s students are equipped to lead in an increasingly complex commercial landscape.

Huntsville City Schools – Teachers of the Year

Anna Baker, Mountain Gap Elementary

Karen Beech, Challenger Middle

Amy Bishop, Huntsville High School

Tracey Boyle, Providence Elementary

LaTorea Brooks, ACCEL Prep Academy

Machisa Carthen, Monte Sano Elementary

Veronica Caudle, Montview Elementary

Courtney Chatman-Kidd, Apollo

Michele Cole, Williams Elementary

Kathleen Dunseith, Jemison High

Erica Formby, Mountain Gap Middle

Jada Frazier, Highlands Elementary

Jessica Gittman, Academy for Science & Foreign Language Elementary

Sarah Hammett, Whitesburg Elementary

Adrienne Henry, Sonnie Hereford Elementary

Asia Hester, Academy for Academics and Arts Middle

Ashton Hodges, Hampton Cove Elementary

Rometha Holman, Columbia High

Laura Jeziorski, Weatherly Heights Elementary

Jacqueline Johnson, Ridgecrest Elementary

Jennifer Land, Jones Valley Elementary

Kimberly Langseth, Hampton Cove Middle

Deja Langston, James I. Dawson Elementary

Vanessa Lawson, Ronald E. McNair Junior High

Myecha Lewis, Lakewood Elementary

Katherine Lintz, McDonnell Elementary

Sylvia Loar, Rolling Hills Elementary

Jennifer Mason, Academy for Science & Foreign Language Middle

Sarah Mason, New Century Technology High

Morgan McCants, Morris Middle

Kristy Miligan-Garth, Chapman Middle

Elizabeth Moore, Academy for Academics and Arts Elementary

Ashton Newlin, Williams Middle

Riley O’Connor, Roger B. Chaffee Elementary

Katie Phillips, Farley Elementary

Clarice Pippin, Lee High

Karen Rodriguez, Huntsville Center for Technology

Leslie Scalf, Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary

Lori Shrode, Whitesburg Middle

Melissa Smith, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary

Amber Starr, Blossomwood Elementary

Kristi Taylor, Artemis Virtual Academy Elementary

Cassidy Toles, Morris Elementary

Jalisa Williams-Barnes, Huntsville Junior High

Clayton Wilson, Artemis Virtual Academy Secondary

Liane Wrinn, Challenger Elementary

Luis Zaldaña, Grissom High

Madison City Schools – Teachers of the Year

Brett Burgess, James Clemens High

John “Rob” Carter, Heritage Elementary

Heidi Clemons, Midtown Elementary

Brittany Cox, Discovery Middle

Crystal Davy, Horizon Elementary

Major Melissa Lacey, Bob Jones High

Beth Massey, Madison Elementary

Alisha Mayfield, Columbia Elementary

Karen Price, Liberty Middle

Alicia Sanders, West Madison Pre-K

Alicia Sullivan-Smith, Rainbow Elementary

Alicia Waddail, Mill Creek Elementary

Chelsea Young, Journey Middle

Madison County Schools – Teachers of the Year

Amy Baker, New Hope Elementary

Stephanie Billups, Mt. Carmel Elementary

Ashley Camp, Riverton Intermediate

Christy Campbell, Meridianville Middle

Tina Cartee, Riverton Elementary

Holley Clark, Walnut Grove Elementary

Tarryn Coy, Madison County High

Vicki Davis, Endeavor Elementary

Jennifer Drysdale, Owens Cross Roads Elementary

Alexis Evans, Hazel Green Elementary

Jessica Farlow, New Hope High

Madeline Johnson, Central School

Trace Lawrence, Monrovia Elementary

Katie Lipham, Harvest Elementary

Collier Mastin, Madison County Career Technical

Trent McCall, Monrovia Middle

Jeffrey McNealey, Sparkman High

Desiree Miller, New Market Elementary

James Norman, Sparkman Middle

Rachel Norton, Madison Cross Roads Elementary

Steve Parrish, Madison County Virtual Academy

Heather Ray, Buckhorn High

Elizabeth Rehome, Madison County Elementary

Kacie Shrum, Madison County Elementary

Mahaley Swanner, Sparkman Ninth Grade

Barbara Tanner, Lynn Fanning Elementary

Andrea Utley, Buckhorn Middle

Emily Weathers, Moores Mill Intermediate

Ben Williams, Hazel Green High

Erin Wilson, Legacy Elementary

Randi Wilson, Central School