Tuscaloosa board honors Paul W. Bryant boys basketball state champions and Sakura art winners

At its April 1 meeting the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board recognized Paul W. Bryant High School’s boys basketball team as Alabama High School Athletic Association state champions and accepted a presentation of student winners from the Sakura art contest, sponsored by Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International.

Coach and school representatives thanked the board and the community for support. In remarks to the board, the coach described the team’s season and praised the student-athletes’ combination of academic and athletic commitment: "they were committed. They were dedicated. Not only are they great athletes, but they're great students," he said. The coach noted the team lost four seniors to graduation and that nine players would return next season, and he asked the community to attend a planned parade in celebration.

The board also received a presentation from Shelley, executive director of Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International, on the Sakura art contest, which celebrates Japanese cherry blossoms and global peace. Shelley told the board the contest drew more than 35 student entries from the city schools and displayed winners at the public library during March. She presented winners in elementary, middle and senior-high divisions and invited applause for students and art teachers.

Winners and highlights

- Paul W. Bryant High School boys basketball: The team and coaches were introduced and received a board recognition for winning the AHSAA state championship. Presenters identified players on the recognized roster and noted the program’s emphasis on defense, academics and community support. The coach introduced a subset of players present and listed remaining returning players and seniors; he said four of the 13 rostered players were seniors.

- Sakura Art Contest (Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International): Shelley presented winners across grade divisions and noted that Abigail Maldonado won first place in the elementary category and best in show for the city schools. Winners named during the presentation included Kylie Keane and Skyler (surname unclear) in elementary; Ava Thacker, Corey Pippen, Markayla Blair and Zoe Hill in middle school; and Avian Morris and others in the senior-high division. Art teachers accompanying winners were recognized.

The board paused for photos and a standing ovation for the honorees. The recognitions were ceremonial; no board policy change or vote was required to acknowledge the students and staff.