By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Crenshaw County Board of Education (CCBOE) convened for its rescheduled regular meeting Jan. 23 at 5 p.m., following a delay from its original Jan. 21 date due to snowy weather and hazardous road conditions. The meeting highlighted a celebration of excellence, recognizing outstanding students, educators and board members for their contributions to local education.

Among the students honored were Brantley School’s Carmelo Ball, Highland Home School’s Myla Katherine Rogers and Luverne School’s Johnny Richburg. The students were recognized for their exceptional character and competence, serving as role models within their schools.

Barbara Free, a paraprofessional at Luverne School for 25 years, was named the 2025 Staff [Member] of the Year. Free, who has been an assistant softball coach at Luverne since 2006, was praised for her unwavering dedication to students, faculty and staff. Head softball coach Dale Simmons commended her deep connections within the school community.

“Ms. Barbara, also known as BB to her beloved students, has built lasting relationships with the kids, the faculty and the staff because of her loving and caring personality,” said Simmons. “She has worked with the special-needs students in the elementary school, in the physical education program with the high school, as an enrichment teacher for junior high, as well as helping coach in the Lady Tiger Softball Program. Her loyalty is unwavering and her dedication to the success of our students is second to none.”

Highland Home School’s fifth-grade math teacher, Jordan Sikes, is in her tenth year as an educator. She was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Sikes’ colleague, Lisa Cox, praised her commitment to students and excellence in education.

“Mrs. Jordan exemplifies excellence in her classroom and is loved by her students and colleagues,” said Cox. “She is a teacher that embodies qualities of inspiration, dedication and compassion; fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment. She is empathetic, dynamic and passionate, always ready to guide and empower her students to reach their full potential. Above all, her impact is lasting, inspiring students both academically and personally.”

Brantley’s Emerald Wave Marching Band director, Kylie Blackstock, received the Secondary Teacher of the Year award. Blackstock has spent all nine years of her career in education at Brantley. 

Former student Jhlan Wiley, now an Auburn University student majoring in Elementary Education, credited Blackstock with shaping his academic and personal success.

“Mrs. Blackstock is deserving for many reasons,” said Wiley. “The atmosphere she creates in her classroom is like no other, and she is a phenomenal music teacher. I began taking band under Mrs. Blackstock when I was in sixth grade and stayed in the band throughout high school. Now, as a college freshman, I can look back and see that it was Mrs. Blackstock who made the great band program at Brantley what it is today.”

Interim Superintendent Gregory Faught expressed gratitude for the remarkable efforts of all those honored.

“Teaching is the most difficult job in a school system,” said Faught. “They are even expected by some to cure the ills of society. The teachers being honored here tonight are succeeding at the highest level at the most difficult job and for that you have my utmost respect. While you don’t get told often enough, we greatly appreciate what you do for our students every day.”

Following the awards, the board approved all superintendent recommendations, including the Child Nutrition Procurement (CNP) Plan, discussing the importance of providing students with nutritious meals that support their overall health and academic performance. 

“The CNP procurement plan is our guide to following Federal, State and Local procurement laws for food, equipment and supplies, “ said Child Nutrition Director Ruth Bayman. “Now, thanks to our partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and the Farm to School program, we can purchase local fresh fruits and vegetables from Alabama farmers.”

The next regular CCBOE meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.