Teachers Nominated for National Award
Arlinda Davis, a STEM teacher at Maranathan Academy, and Dr. Yuvraj Verma, a fifth-grade teacher at Chalkville Elementary, were both nominated for the National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year award. The award recognizes teachers and others across the country for making a positive impact in the lives of students.
New Principals in Shelby County
Shelby County Schools announced two new principals. Chelsea High School’s current assistant principal, LaTasha McMillan, will serve as the next principal of Helena Middle School, and Holly Laney, currently director of special education and student services for Tarrant City Schools, will be the new principal of Helena Elementary. Former Helena Middle School principal Matthew Epps and former Helena Elementary principal Genet Holcomb are both moving to different roles within Shelby County Schools.
Presidential Awards for Excellence
Several local teachers have been chosen as finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching:
- Heather Hurt, Vestavia Hills Elementary East (Math)
- Ashley Dark, Gwin Elementary (Math)
- Melody Greene, Berry Middle School (Science)
- Mary Brennan, Pelham Oaks Elementary (Science)
Finalists now forward additional information about to the National Science Foundation, which administers the program for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. A team from the National Science Foundation reviews applications and makes a recommendation to the White House, where a final decision is made.
Shades Valley Teen Honored
Simone McCray, a student at Shades Valley High School in Irondale, received the prestigious William Legg Award from the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham for her exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication.
Photograph courtesy of The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Simone McCray
Photograph courtesy of The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham
UAB Dean’s Awards
Departments across the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences submitted nominations for the Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Students during spring 2024. The awards are given to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in CAS who have made significant contributions to the UAB community.
The dean’s selection committee recently reviewed the nominations and selected three undergraduate and four graduate students to receive the awards.
Undergraduate Dean’s Awards:
Christian Brown - Political Science
Logan Burnett - Physics
Marci Hall - Psychology
Graduate Dean’s Awards
Teresa Epstein - Social Work
Clifford Ross - Medical Sociology (Doctoral)
Adam Smith - Physics (Doctoral)
Riley Yager - Physics
2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars from Alabama
The United States Department of Education recently announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Three of the scholars are from Alabama, including Nalin J. Reed of Trussville, a student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (Presidential Scholar in the Arts).
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a commitment to community service and leadership. State Superintendent, Eric Mackey says these Alabamians are true examples of academic excellence. “I, along with the Alabama State Board of Education, congratulate these scholars on their academic success. We look forward to seeing the impact they have on their communities and the world.” The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.