An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported that teacher Amanda Stidham is a teacher at East Elementary School. She is a teacher at Cullman City Primary School. We regret the error.
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2023 State of Education luncheon, recognizing the Career Technical Student of the Year, Student of the Year and Teachers of the Year.
The speakers at the luncheon were Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
Kallhoff gave a presentation on how the city schools are incorporating more STEM classes and projects.
Barnette spoke about the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) and praised how much progress the school has made. He also gave a brief update on the success of various county sports teams.
Karolewics gave an update on Wallace State and spoke about the goals she has for the school.
“We are focused on accelerating our students to completion,” she said. “We don’t want students here wandering around in a curriculum for four years to complete a two-year degree.”
The following educators were named Teachers of the Year:
- Cullman City Elementary Teacher of the Year – Amanda Stidham (Cullman City Primary School)
- Cullman City Secondary Teacher of the Year – Katie McGhee (Cullman Middle School)
- Cullman County Elementary Teacher of the Year – Michelle Pender (Hanceville Elementary School)
- Cullman County Secondary Teacher of the Year – Tracy Boland (Vinemont Middle School)
- Wallace State Teacher of the Year – Heather Ashley (WSCC Nursing Department)
Top students
The 2023 Wallace State Student of the Year is Rayce Cleghorn.
The 2023 Student of the Year is Zane Roberts of Fairview High School. He was selected by the Chamber Student Committee and will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the school of his choice.
The 2023 Career Technical Student of the Year is Brandon Caison of Vinemont High School. He will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the school of his choice.
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