Scholarship Established To Honor Memory Of Beloved Northside Teacher, Former Principal

SAMANTHA, AL — Northside High School has established a new scholarship to honor the life and legacy of longtime NHS teacher and former principal Cindy Long.

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Long — a 1982 graduate of NHS, devoted mother and wife, and beloved member of the school's close-knit community — died Sept. 13.

She was 61.

NHS says the Cindy Long Memorial Scholarship will provide support to students pursuing their educational goals, continuing the career-educator's impact on future generations.

“Cindy touched so many lives with her kindness, dedication, and love for our community,” the announcement said. “This scholarship will continue her impact by supporting students in achieving their educational goals.”

Donations to the scholarship can be made through MySchoolBucks or by using the platform’s QR code below. Organizers noted that every contribution will help sustain Long’s spirit and provide opportunities for students.

During her days as a student at NHS, she met her "soulmate" — a standout athlete named Greg.

Long's obituary says the couple dated through high school and were married on Aug. 6, 1982, shortly after she graduated from the school she would go on to dedicate her professional life to.

After working to support her young family while her husband was in college, Long eventually went back to school herself and graduated magna cum laude in 1994 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in math education.

Long began teaching at Northside in 1994, and while teaching, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in administration in 1999.

After a decade of dedicated service, Long was promoted to assistant principal at Northside. In 2014, she was named principal before retiring in 2018 after spending her entire career at her alma mater.

"Her greatest joy was seeing former students become successful in life," her obituary says.

Long was also a born-again Christian and a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Northport.

She was a teacher in the church's Awana program for many years, lent a hand in the church nursery, and also helped with the annual church car show.

Long is survived by her husband of 43 years, Greg; sons Connor (Kelsey), Hayden (Anna); parents, Bobby and Jeanette Connell; and brother, Bobby Connell.

Click here to read her full obituary from Magnolia Chapel, which handled funeral arrangements.

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