Tuscaloosa City Schools Honors Employees, Community Partners And Schools At Annual Apple Awards

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) on Monday honored its best educators, support staff, schools and community partners during its annual Apple Awards at the Tuscaloosa Rivermarket.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

The luncheon recognized standout employees and highlighted gains across the district, which Superintendent Mike Daria said reflect the commitment and collaboration driving TCS forward.

“Our Apple Awards ceremony is a moment to celebrate the progress, commitment and community partnerships that power our schools,” Daria said. “Every honoree — educator, staff member, school or partner — is helping drive our district toward excellence.”

TCS recognized a total of 21 teachers and 23 support employees, along with districtwide winners.

Teachers of the Year

• Katie Busby, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary (Alabama Teacher of the Year – Elementary)
• Lizzie Williams, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Middle (Alabama Teacher of the Year – Secondary)

Support Employees of the Year

• Katie Smith, Rock Quarry Elementary School (Elementary)
• Kristina Crow, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Middle (Secondary)
• Aundra Hudson (Transportation)
• Katie Matchette (Central Support Team)

TCS says each support employee winner received $500 and each district Teacher of the Year received $750.

School Achievement Awards

TCS also introduced several new awards recognizing gains on the 2025 Alabama State Report Card.

'A Honor Roll' Award

Schools earning an A on the 2025 report card:

• Rock Quarry Elementary
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary
• Verner Elementary
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Middle

TCS Moving the Needle Award

Schools showing 1–4 points of growth:

• Paul W. Bryant High School
• Skyland Elementary
• The Alberta School of Performing Arts
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Middle
• Northridge Middle School
• University Place Elementary
• Verner Elementary
• Westlawn Middle School

TCS Excellence Award

Schools showing 5–9 points of growth:

• University Place Elementary (up 5 points)
• Central High School (up 5 points)
• Central Elementary (up 9 points)

School Apple Award

Schools improving at least one letter grade:

• Central Elementary — C to B
• Oakdale Elementary — D to B

TCS Amazing Growth Award

• Oakdale Elementary — increased 12 points, which represented the district’s largest single-year gain

Community Partners

The Shelley E. Jones Community Spirit Award recognized three partners for extraordinary service to TCS students:

• The Hewson Family Foundation — for supporting Reading Allies, the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation and other student-focused initiatives
• United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama — for its greenhouse program that supplies school cafeterias and provides job-skills training for students with special needs
• Youth Development Leadership Program — for leadership training provided to TCS high school students.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com