Student Spotlights – January 2026

Auburn High School is proud to celebrate four outstanding young men who have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Their hard work, dedication, and leadership have left a lasting mark on the AHS football program.
Joseph Daniel– Signed with Vanderbilt University
BJ McGhee-Signed with the University of West Georgia
Aiden Parker-Signed with Missouri State University
Trinton Pritchett-Signed with Troy University
Congratulations to these student athletes, as ACS is proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on at the next level!

Auburn University College of Nursing students brought the Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV) to Dean Road Elementary, turning a rainy school day into a learning opportunity on kindness and inclusion. The second graders had fun while learning what it means when some friends use earmuffs, need quieter spaces, or rely on gentle lights, soft textures, and calming sounds to feel comfortable. With soft seating, sensory tools, and a cozy space, the “sensory room on wheels” shows students how simple adjustments can help everyone feel welcome. The SAV was designed so those with sensory processing differences, whether due to autism, trauma, or just sensitivity to noise and crowds, can still be part of fun events without getting overwhelmed. This visit served as a great reminder that inclusion doesn’t require grand gestures, but sometimes it is just about listening and being thoughtful.

Ogletree Elementary School partnered with several ACS CTE programs to host a Family STEAM Night. The hands-on activities included:
Engineering and tower building
Coding and Sudoku puzzles
LEGO challenges
Robotic stations and JROTC demonstrations
The evening concluded with an eye-popping fire-breathing dragon! Events like this highlight the amazing collaboration among schools in Auburn. Shoutout to the OES staff, students, families, and CTE partners for making this night both fun and educational!

Students from Auburn City Schools were honored during a special induction ceremony for the Legends Club at Neville Arena! Students were recognized for the perseverance and courage they’ve shown, whether overcoming personal challenges, difficult circumstances, or obstacles both in life and at school. In addition to becoming a Legends Club member, each honoree received a gift card to help provide a Thanksgiving meal for their family. Special guests included: Bruce Pearl, Kim & Tim Hudson, Superintendents Cristen Herring, Mike Howard & Kevin Davis, and emcee extraordinaire Andy Burcham. ACS celebrates all of these students for their hard work and determination, as they are all truly legends. Thank you to the organizers, speakers, teachers, and supporters for making a positive impact on families in our community.

Ogletree Elementary’s own School Resource Officer, Justin Wiles, has been honored with MAX Credit Union’s Life Changer Award! This award recognizes educators and school professionals who make a powerful, positive impact on their students while going above and beyond to build meaningful relationships, inspire growth, and create a learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Officer Wiles embodies all of this and more. His dedication, heart, and daily commitment to our students make Ogletree a safer, kinder, and more connected place to learn and grow. Congratulations, Officer Wiles! Thank you for everything you do for our school community. You truly are a life changer!

Auburn High’s Varsity Girls Cross-Country Team capped a historic season this fall by claiming the AHSAA 7A State Championship, the third straight title and eighth in nine years. Junior Sarah Tole led the Tigers with an 18:12 runner-up finish, powering a deep and disciplined squad that placed all five scorers inside the top 25. Auburn’s state lineup blended veterans and rising stars. Natalie Schoonover (19:23) and Audrey Erath (19:28) provided seasoned strength at the two-three spots, while Rylee Plexico (19:51) and Abby Merner (20:04) sealed AHS’s championship total score. Freshman Siobhan Keane (20:15) and sophomore Merrill Kaplowitz (20:26) ran stride-for-stride as key displacers, followed closely by Adeline Clark (20:53), Bella Crow (21:08), and Abigail Hardee (21:24). The Tigers were in 3rd place at the 2-mile mark. In the final mile, Schoonover passed five girls, Merner 3, and Erath 2. Alternates Bailey Clanton and Holly McNeal rounded out the championship roster. The celebration continued this morning as Mayor Ron Anders visited Auburn High School to honor the team and film a special recognition video that will be featured at the next City Council meeting. The Auburn City Schools Board of Education will also recognize these young ladies next Tuesday night at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Auburn’s motto, “Claws Up,” defined a team that stayed fearless to the finish line!

Auburn City Schools had an incredible time at Auburn University Athletics’ Education Day in Nevile Arena. Elementary students, along with our 7th- and 8th-grade basketball teams, had the opportunity to cheer on the Auburn University Women’s Basketball team as they took on Mississippi Valley State, and the Tigers delivered a commanding 110–50 victory! In addition to an exciting game, Auburn City Schools celebrated excellence in education as Teachers of the Year were honored, including the announcement of two TOTYs:
Kaila Sutterfield, 2nd-grade teacher at Cary Woods Elementary School
Jenny Galimore, Media Specialist at Dean Road Elementary School
Field trip experiences like this offer so much more than a fun outing. Students build soft and social skills, learn to navigate public spaces, practice teamwork and sportsmanship as spectators, and strengthen their sense of community by connecting with local institutions such as Auburn University. These shared experiences help shape confident, well-rounded learners.

The Alabama Art Education Association recently hosted its inaugural Art Educators Exhibition, titled “The Art of Teaching,” in Auburn. The exhibition took place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, with a total of 30 works of art from East Alabama displayed. The event concluded with a reception last week with 14 artists being celebrated, including seven educators from Auburn City Schools, both active and retired: Betsy Logan (retired), Alicia Hames (retired), Sarah Goodling (OES), Trina Crowdus (CWES), Randalyn Henry (AHS), Tricia Oliver (ESS), and Rebecca Wall (RES). ACS is proud to see our Art Teachers thriving creatively in the community!

Auburn City Schools’ elementary students visited the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University (GPAC) to enjoy a special performance of “Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical.” During the show, Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog start a club to teach baby frogs how to make their own comic books in this TheaterWorksUSA adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series. Through the ongoing partnership with the GPAC, students experience the magic of live theatre as storytelling comes to life on stage, inspiring young minds and sparking an appreciation for the arts. Thank you to the GPAC team and the many generous sponsors for ensuring our students have access to enriching cultural experiences that help keep the arts thriving in our community!

Over the Veteran Day week, Auburn City Schools students proudly came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. From inspiring guest speakers and heartfelt musical performances to touching parades and ceremonies, each program reflected our deep gratitude to those who have fought and those who continue to fight for our freedom. ACS is so proud of our students, teachers, and community for showing such respect, appreciation, and patriotism, as we thank our Veterans for their service and sacrifice!

Pick Elementary has named Becky Funderburk their Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Funderburk joined the PES family in 2022 as a fourth-grade teacher and quickly became a grade-level leader. “Becky Funderburk is an unsung hero whose consistency, kindness, and intentionality shine in everything she does. Her classroom radiates joy, warmth, and purpose. Students feel valued, capable, and cared for under her guidance because she truly knows each of them as a whole child. She skillfully balances high expectations with compassion, encouraging both academic success and personal growth. A lifelong learner herself, Becky models curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, creating lessons that are highly engaging and meaningful. Her teaching nurtures confidence, integrity, and a love for learning in every student. Her peers describe her as supportive and always willing to share ideas or lend a hand. Becky makes a lasting impact on students and staff alike. She reminds everyone what exceptional teaching looks and feels like with her intentionality, strong relationships, and joy!” – Debbie Reetz, PES Principal

Richland Elementary has named Dalyneth Diaz their Teacher of the Year! Ms. Diaz is in her sixth year in public education, with experience at the kindergarten level, and currently teaches second grade at RES. This special announcement was kept a secret until the conclusion of their Veterans Day Parade. “Every year, our staff selects one teacher to represent us as Teacher of the Year, a true reflection of our shared belief in championing educational excellence. Ms. Diaz embodies everything we value at RES. She goes above and beyond expectations, making a lasting impact on students, our school, and our community. Tirelessly working to create a positive culture, she ensures every student feels welcome and safe while advocating for cultural awareness and global diversity. She is a servant leader putting her heart and soul into teaching, building relationships, and strengthening our RES family. We are proud to have her represent us.” – Jeff Johnson, RES Principal

Auburn City Schools is proud to celebrate Shabd Goyal, a fifth grader at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School, who was recently recognized by Lee County Family Court Judge Mike Fellows and presented the “Character In Action” Award. Shabd was nominated for being reliable and kind. “Shabd consistently goes out of his way to help me (his teacher!). He is always the first to offer assistance, whether it is to feed the birds outside our classroom or carry my stool for recess because he thinks it’s too heavy for me! This reliability and kindness make Shabd an invaluable helper in my classroom.” – Dawn McCord, fifth-grade teacher at WMR.

We are so proud of Mrs. Fischer for being named the 2025–2026 Alabama High School Principal of the Year! Her leadership continues to elevate Opelika High School and strengthen the opportunities available to our students each day.

The announcement came during the Blacklight Pep Rally in the gymnasium. “Coach Bergh deserves to be recognized as Teacher of the Year because of her outstanding dedication to students, staff, and the entire school community. As head of the PE department, she leads with excellence and goes above and beyond to support her colleagues. Her impact is evident in the success and growth of her students, both in and out of the classroom, through her focus on health, discipline, and personal achievement. Coach Bergh knows her students, past and present, by name and by story. She pushes them to be the best versions of themselves while creating a safe space for help and encouragement. She is also the first to lend a hand to colleagues, offering support, adjusting her schedule, and covering classes when needed. Her presence at school functions, her energy, and her belief in Auburn High’s mission show her deep commitment to our school culture. She ensures everyone feels valued and supported, and her leadership and compassion truly set her apart.” – Dr. Gregory Moore, AHS Principal

Our LSA Swim team wrapped up their season and we are extremely proud of the year this team has had! At the AHSAA State Swim Meet, we had a few superlatives:
Kate Whatley
1st place – 50 Freestyle – STATE CHAMP
1st place – 100 Freestyle – STATE CHAMP
Trot Brazell
2nd place – 200 IM
3rd place – 100 Breaststroke
Danny Eck
7th place – 200 Freestyle
5th place – 500 Freestyle
Congratulations to the entire team on an incredible season!

Congratulations to our School-Wide Spelling Bee Champion, 6th grader Parker Dobbs, and Runner-Up, 8th grader Michelle Simmons! We’re so proud of all our students for their hard work and courage. Special thanks to our judges and sponsors — Chick-fil-A, Auburn Oil, and Nothing Bundt Cakes — for making this event so sweet!

Our second graders had a wonderful field trip experience today at the Springer Theater in Columbus, GA, where they enjoyed a beautiful performance of Frozen!

The LSA Joyful Noise club welcomed in the holiday season with an amazing performance of “The Friendly Beasts”!

Congratulations to Karlee Baker for officially signing her letter of intent to play college softball for Northeast Alabama Community College! We are incredibly proud of Karlee and can’t wait to see her excel at the next level!

The Auburn High School Varsity Cheer Team had an outstanding performance at the UCA Magic City Regional. They earned first place in both their Game Day and Traditional routines, securing bids to Nationals in each. The hard work, skill, and teamwork truly shined. ACS could not be prouder of these talented athletes and their coaches for representing Auburn High School with excellence!

What a season for our Trinity Christian School Eagles! Our very first football season was one to remember — filled with fellowship, hard work, and heart. Making it to the first round of the AISA playoffs was an incredible accomplishment, but even more special was the way our students, families, and community came together. We are so thankful for our coaches, players, parents, volunteers, concession workers, and fans who made this season possible.

TCS family gathered for a special Veterans Day Hymn Sing. Students and families lifted their voices in song & gave thanks for those who have bravely served our country. We are deeply grateful for the men and women who fought to protect the freedom that allows us to worship and praise God together. Thine Be the Glory.

We are proud to honor Dr. Mary Salmon, principal of Southview Elementary School, for National Principals Month for her 26 years of dedicated service, all spent at Southview. Dr. Salmon has built a legacy rooted in care, excellence, and community. After 13 years in the classroom, she has now served 13 years as principal, leading with passion and purpose. “I was raised by great educators,” Dr. Salmon shared. “My mother was a teacher for over 40 years, and I was fortunate to be mentored by incredible teachers and administrators at Southview. Now, in a leadership role, I have the privilege of seeing, on a broader scale, the love, talent, and dedication that teachers bring to this profession every day.” Working with primary-aged students has always brought her joy. “Seeing students’ personalities emerge, their independence grow, and their academic skills develop is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working with K-2 students,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the faculty, students, and families who make Southview the special community that it is.”

On November 14, at Neville Arena, students from Opelika City Schools, Auburn City Schools, and Lee County Schools were honored by the Hudson Family Foundation for their perseverance, leadership, and positive impact on their schools and inducted into the Legends Club. Surrounded by Auburn University coaches, student-athletes, Aubie, AU Cheerleaders, Tiger Paws, and Hudson Foundation members, students were celebrated for the remarkable example they set each day. Special guest speakers included: Kim and Tim Hudson, Bruce Pearl, Andy Burcham, and Superintendents Kevin Davis, Cristen Herring, and Mike Howard. Thank you to the Hudson Family Foundation for your commitment to uplifting students and strengthening our community.

Congratulations to the Opelika High School Cross Country Teams! Both the boys’ and girls’ teams represented Opelika at the AHSAA State Championship. The boys’ team earned an impressive 10th place overall, while the girls’ team finished 14th overall. A special congratulations to our third-place individual finisher, Caroline Couey, on the girls’ team for an outstanding performance at the state level.
We are proud of our athletes, coaches, and supporters for their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season. Go Dawgs!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Landon Rudd on signing a baseball scholarship to Meridian Community College!

Rising above the rim and starting the season with a slam dunk! The Eagles boxed out Southern Prep for a season opener win!

Our Lower School students journeyed through campus to conclude their study of Little Pilgrim’s Progress! Along the way, they stopped through the City of Destruction where they wrote down their burdens and laid them at the Cross for Jesus! They passed through the Narrow Gate and ventured through the Slough of Despawn to reach Palace Beautiful! The students made it through Vanity Fair and the Doubting Castle and crossed through the Dark River to reach the Celestial City! An incredible thank you to all our teachers and volunteers for bringing today to life! We pray that the things our students learned through this study would make lifelong impacts in their walk with Jesus!

After learning about the first Thanksgiving and God’s provision for the Pilgrims and Native Americans, our students set their tables, prayed, and enjoyed a sweet time of food and fellowship. So many blessings! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his loves endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Our 4th graders brought The Trumpet of the Swan to life with their creative book mobiles! Each student designed a hanging display featuring character analysis, summaries, favorite moments, and illustrations—then proudly presented their work to the class. Such a fun and thoughtful way to celebrate a classic story!

The LSA E-Sports Super Smash Bros Ultimate Team have clinched a spot in the playoffs. The team is ranked 15th overall in the state. Congrats to Sam Edwards, Talen Christian, Ethan Anglin, and David Drake and good luck in the postseason!

Congratulations to Audrey Edwards for earning a spot in the Alabama All-State Choir! Audrey will take part in the 2026 All-State Choir in March 12-14th at Samford University! We are incredibly proud of Audrey for her hard work and dedication in auditioning.

More than 400 Opelika City Schools second graders celebrated becoming Super Citizens! As part of the Liberty Learning Program, they honored local heroes who make a difference in our community and wrapped up ten weeks of lessons in civics, character, financial literacy, career exploration, and personal responsibility.

Congratulations to OHS Senior Brantley Turnham on signing a cross-country scholarship to Southern Union State Community College!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Kennedy Soltau on signing a softball scholarship to Georgia Southwestern State University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Bryce Turnham on signing a baseball scholarship to Reid State Community College!

Students in Mrs. Graf’s math class reviewed Least Common Multiples (LCM) and Greatest Common Factors (GCF) with a hands-on game called “Tic-Tac-Toe: Show Me What You Know!” Working in pairs, students solved math problems to earn spaces on the tic-tac-toe boards—each correct answer brought them closer to victory while reinforcing important number sense skills and preparing them for factoring algebraic expressions. The room was filled with excitement, collaboration, and lots of mathematical thinking!

4th grader Abigail Sentenn and 5th grader Reese Ponder competed in Montgomery at the AISA Spelling Bee. We are so proud of their hard work and diligence!

Thank you to all who donated to the Kicks Leadership Lower School community drive for The Big House Foundation! We were so proud of all the donations our students contributed to provide supplies for “new to care” bags. These bags are used for children entering the Foster care system. Lee-Scott students are eager to serve our community!

The Brushes and Blessings Art & Bible club has enjoyed a season of learning together. In each session, students learned watercolor skills using Emily Lex’s new watercolor workbook about woodland animals. They also participated in a devotion of the following topics: How Meaningful the Bible is in our Lives, Contentment, Giving, Happiness and Joy.

Congratulations to OHS Senior Emily Birmingham on signing a softball scholarship to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College!

Congratulations to Haiden Harper for signing with Troy Men’s Basketball! We are incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see you playing at Trojan Arena!

Archeologist, Teresa Paglione, visited the 3rd grade students and shared artifacts found in Alabama from the Native Americans that lived here. We loved this hands-on experience!

Our 11th & 12th graders spent a week exploring Washington, D.C.—thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the vision of our founding fathers who made them possible!