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State education board honors teachers, Milken winner and Purple Star schools
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Summary
At its April 9 meeting the Alabama State Board of Education unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing multiple teacher-of-the-year honorees, a Milken Education Award recipient, employee awards, Pell City High School for ACT efforts, and Alabama's 2026 Purple Star Schools.
The Alabama State Board of Education on April 9 adopted a series of unanimous resolutions honoring educators, staff and school programs across the state.
The board recognized Shelly Grimes of Brookwood Elementary (Enterprise) as the 2025–26 Alabama Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Rodney Dorsey of Jackson Olin High School (Birmingham) as High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Javonka Ward of Ramsey High School (Birmingham) as Alabama Health Educator of the Year, and Andrew Hammerter (Chapman Middle School, Huntsville City) as Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Each resolution was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous vote.
The board also honored Dr. Christian Stanley of Goshen High School (Pike County) as a recipient of the national Milken Education Award, noting the $25,000 prize and his school’s farm/FFA program that supplies produce to area school cafeterias. "He got a national prize, $25,000 and also gets to represent Alabama at some national meetings," Dr. Mackey said while introducing the honoree.
Other recognitions included Pell City High School as an ACT College Application Campaign School of Excellence; Nakisha Hooks as the Barbara Fannin Memorial Employee of the Quarter for April–June 2026, recognized for work in distance education and access technology; and a resolution naming April 2026 School Library Month to acknowledge librarians who implemented the new library standards. The board also recognized 2026 Purple Star Schools—districts and schools certified as military‑family friendly—and asked representatives present to stand so they could be individually photographed and acknowledged.
All recognitions were approved by voice/hand vote and recorded as unanimous. The board concluded the recognitions and proceeded with other agenda items and reports; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026.
