GADSDEN, AL – The Etowah Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th annual Excellence in Education and Teachers of the Year Luncheon on May 8 at the Venue at Coosa Landing, with Gadsden State Community College serving as the presenting sponsor. The event celebrated outstanding teachers and educational professionals across Etowah County for their commitment to excellence in teaching and student support.
The program began with a presentation of colors by the Etowah High School Junior ROTC, followed by the National Anthem sung by Gadsden State student Sydney Day. Mia Williams, a student at Westbrook Christian School, delivered the invocation.
Teachers of the Year were recognized and received awards featuring original artwork created by students Molly Sumners of John Jones Elementary and Virgil Stinson of Hokes Bluff High School.
In addition to the Teacher of the Year honors, the Chamber presented the Excellence in Education Awards in various categories. Nominated by community members and reviewed by a committee of local educators and board members, the awards highlighted innovation, dedication, and community involvement in education.
Three representatives from Gadsden State received special honors:
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Laura Catoe, ADA coordinator, received the Excellence in Student Support Award, sponsored by Alabama Power. Catoe was recognized for her commitment to ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities.
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Chief Jay Freeman, Gadsden State Police Chief, earned the Excellence in Community Partnership Award, sponsored by the City of Gadsden, for his work in campus safety and community outreach since establishing the college’s police department in 2023.
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Laura Wilson was awarded the Heart of an Educator Award, sponsored by Gadsden State, for her nearly two decades of inclusive instruction and support for international students and learners with disabilities.
Other Excellence in Education award recipients included:
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Excellence in Special Education: Magic Panther Athletic Program, John S. Jones Elementary (Amber Works, Emma May, Ashley Lincoln)
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Excellence in STEAM: Karen Thompson, Carlisle Elementary
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Excellence in Library Media: Leah Smith, Glencoe Elementary
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Excellence in Science: Ashley Turner, Jacksonville State University
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Excellence in Workforce Development: Etowah County Project Search (Katie Browning, Dande Grant, Amy Brown)
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Excellence in School Counseling: Alex Ball, Hokes Bluff Elementary
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Excellence in Administration K-12: Ernest Calloway, Donehoo Elementary
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Excellence in Early Education: Reid West, Gaston Elementary
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Excellence in Creative Learning: Katelyn Soper, St. James Catholic School
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Excellence in Technology Instruction: Genia Craft, Duck Springs Elementary, Etowah Middle, Etowah High School
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Excellence in Career Tech Post Secondary: Christi Truck, Jacksonville State University
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Heart of an Educator K-12: Janie Browning, Gadsden City Schools
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Excellence in Literacy Instruction: Wendy Shaddix, Attalla Elementary
Additionally, educators were recognized for earning National Board Certification, the highest professional credential in teaching. Those honored include:
Emily Wilson, Katie Baker, Laura Johnson, Amanda Moses, Brenden Perry, Anna Rains, Kasey Roberts, Leah Smith, Madison Gunter, and Megan Talton. Fewer than 3% of Alabama teachers hold this elite certification.
The luncheon reflected the community’s strong support for education and its ongoing investment in recognizing those who make a difference in the lives of students across Etowah County.
