Tuscaloosa City Schools Honors Employees, Teachers Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools this week honored employees and staff at its annual Apple Awards at the Tuscaloosa Rivermarket.

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The event highlighted 43 of the school system's educators, with schools from across the system nominating a Teacher of the Year to represent their school, along with a support employee of the year.

"This is an occasion close to my heart, a moment when we spotlight those remarkable individuals who tirelessly serve our students, setting the bar high with unwavering expectations, genuine care, and boundless love, all while fostering academic growth," TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said.

District-level winners for the honors were announced on Monday for both the elementary school and secondary level categories.

The Teacher of the Year nominees will now advance to the state-level competition, which TCS says will be announced in the spring.

Additionally, Tuscaloosa City Schools also recognized three community partners with the Outstanding Community Spirit Award for their important work within the Tuscaloosa City Schools: The Tuscaloosa Police Department, Alabama Power, and Jheovanny Gomez, owner of Jalapeno's Mexican Grill.

"Our community is blessed with great support from the Tuscaloosa community," Daria said. "It is both an honor and a privilege to shine a spotlight on these organizations and individuals whose kindness and dedication to our community are unparalleled."

Tuscaloosa City Schools then recognized 23 employees who were celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 years of working for the Tuscaloosa City Schools.

For instance, Oakdale Elementary Principal Lucile Prewitt was honored for her 40 years of service, along with TCS Transportation employee Wilma Isaac, who reportedly received a standing ovation for her 45 years of service.

Here's a look at District-level winners:

• Elisa Lopez, Support Employee of the Year, Central Support Team
• Ella Finklea, Support Employee of the Year, Transportation
• Char-lette Jones-Pruitt, Support Employee of the Year, Elementary Category. (University Place Elementary School.)
• Lonnie Thomas, Support Employee of the Year, Secondary Category. (Northridge Middle School.)
• Shalena Cannon, Alabama Teacher of the Year, Elementary Category. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School.)
• Rhonda Lane, Alabama Teacher of the Year, Secondary Category. (Northridge High School.)

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