From staff reports
The Pinson Education Foundation recently marked seven years of mobilizing community support for the schools in Pinson with its annual banquet. On May 4, awards nominees, elected officials, principals, faculty, support staff and board members gathered at Palmerdale United Methodist Church to celebrate education excellence in Pinson.
“This year’s Foundation banquet was our biggest and most broad reaching to date,” said Joe Cochran, executive director of the Pinson Education Foundation. “We were thrilled to have the support from not only our local community but also from the communities surrounding Pinson where our residents spend time and money. We were able to push our budget past $10,000 for the first time, and I feel that in the years to come, it will grow even larger.”
Kirbi Tuck receives Student of the Year honors from Joe Cochran, executive director of the Pinson Education Foundation.
submitted photo
Cochran said that with the level of participation received from sponsors, the Foundation was able to recognize a Student of the Year, as well as offer awards for all the runners-up in that category.
“These awards are designed to help jump start these students as they pursue their next phase in life, whether that is moving on to college or entering the workforce,” he said.
In addition to recognizing Teachers of the Year from all four Pinson schools with awards and classroom grants, the Foundation also recognized a Support Staff Member of the Year
“No one left empty-handed this year,” Cochran said.
Dr. Craig Pouncy, superintendent of the Jefferson County Board of Education, was on hand for the celebration, as were Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders, Pinson City Councilor John Churchwell, Pinson City Councilor Robbie Roberts, Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight, State Representative Danny Garrett, State Senator Shay Shelnutt and Pinson Library Director April Wallace.
Guest speaker for the banquet was University of Alabama All-American Bobby Humphrey.
The Pinson Valley High School Girls Ensemble, under the direction of Sarah Timothy, performed at the banquet. Members of the PVHS football team helped set up for the evening, and the PVHS Cheerleaders served the meal to the 200 guest in attendance.
“We are truly appreciative of all the hard work taking place in our schools in Pinson,” said Cochran, “and this is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate all the shining stars.”
Student of the Year: Kirbi Tuck
Pinson Elementary Teacher of the Year – Allison Clanton
Kermit Johnson Elementary Teacher of the Year: Karen Clayton
Rudd Middle School Teacher of the Year: Michelle Binder
Pinson Valley High School Teacher of the Year: Shannon Galamore
Support Staff Member of the Year: Lori Glover
Additional nominees for Student of the Year were Justin Harris, Stormy Campbell. Hannah Peoples, Jackie Gibson and Alex Lowery.
Additional nominees for Teacher of the Year were Cynthia Kellum, Jessica Williams, Shell-Lee Dawkins and Vanessa Farley.
Additional nominees for Support Staff Member of the Year were Janet Wynfrey and Charlotte Gardner.
Character Award winners:
6th Grade: Seth Conner and Kennedy Thomas
7th Grade: Cole McKee and Raleigh Parrish
8th Grade: Andrew Sims and Gracie Graves
9th Grade: Lacey Johnson and Caleb Crocker
10th Grade: Jovasea Whitlow and Katie O’Toole
11th Grade: Sandlyn Fultz and Erick Sanchez
