Student Spotlights – February 2026

Students at Cary Woods Elementary School brought joy and imagination to life with their “Elfis and the Frozen Princess” winter program. This delightful musical, directed by CWES Music Teacher Dr. Rob Lyda, featured an engaging storyline, fun characters, and a message of kindness and acceptance. Based on the popular Elfis and the Frozen Princess musical, students entertained the audience with songs and a lighthearted script. The show brought to life the story of Elfis, the rock ‘ n ‘ roll elf, who helps a frozen princess find warmth again through music and friendship. ACS is proud of every student who took the stage and showcased their hard work and talent. Thank you to the families and staff for supporting the arts at CWES!

Woodland Pines Elementary School welcomed families for a heartwarming Woodland Winter Wonderland performance. From festive songs and creative skits to solos and ensemble performances, WPES students lit up the stage. This holiday event was a celebration of music, creativity, and community, bringing together families and staff to support our young performers and celebrate the season. A special shout-out to WPES Music Teacher, Ginger Key, whose leadership made this adorable performance possible, as she continues to nurture musical growth and confidence in every student. ACS thanks the students, staff, and families for making Woodland Winter Wonderland such a memorable experience!

Richland Elementary students brought the spirit of the season to life during their Winter Musical, “A Holiday of Music,”. From festive skits to joyful songs like “Listen to the Jingles,” “Hip Hop Reindeer,” and “The Rhythm of the Season,” students showcased their confidence and love of music in front of a proud audience of families and staff. A special thank you to RES Music Teacher Mr. Joseph Rowser and the young performers for creating a memorable morning filled with music and holiday cheer. ACS is proud of our students and grateful for the strong support of the arts in our schools!

Dean Road Elementary students performed their holiday program, Sweets & Songs, for families today! DRES Music Teacher Amy Henderson guided the young performers as they danced and sang a selection of songs from Esta Es La Navidad to Hot Chocolate, concluding with the candle-lit number, Go in Peace. Each performance showcased the students’ hard work and holiday spirit. ACS thanks families and friends for joining us during this season; shared moments like these strengthen our community!

Two fifth graders from Wrights Mill Road Elementary School were recently presented the “Character In Action” award from Lee County Family Court Judge Mike Fellows for being leaders at school! Matthew Lee was honored for diffusing a conflict between classmates. “It is my true pleasure to nominate Matthew for a Character in Action award. Matthew is for others, both academically and socially. He consistently goes “above and beyond” in his schoolwork and is always willing to help others and to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding. Socially, he is always kind and selfless, exhibiting extreme empathy for others and encouraging good choices and respect toward other students and teachers. Recently, I witnessed him step between two friends who had begun a heated argument, including name-calling and pushing/shoving. He successfully de-escalated the situation because the two classmates trusted and respected his character and were willing to listen to him and follow his lead. Matthew epitomizes character in action every day. I am privileged to be his teacher.” – Leanna White, 5th-grade teacher at WMR. Major Cole was recognized for his attention to those around him. “Major has contagious joy he shares with everyone around him. He has a strong work ethic and notices everything. By noticing what happens to people around him, he almost always moves to take care of them and make their lives better/easier. Major doesn’t need attention in doing this and never asks for recognition. He is a gentle leader, and he is easy to celebrate!” – Christi Keith, 5th-grade teacher at WMR. ACS is proud of these young men for carrying themselves with good character!

Families buckled up and joined Creekside Elementary’s talented students for a high-energy winter performance that took them on a cross-country road trip with Uncle (St.) Nick! The audience came along for the musical ride that took them from the East Coast to the West Coast with songs like “Cajun Holiday” and “Christmas in California.” From the vibrant visuals to the pitch-perfect vocals, every song was a crowd pleaser. A special shout-out to CES Music Teacher, Ms. Morgan Fisher, whose leadership and creative eye turned this production into a real adventure!

Second graders lit up the stage at Auburn Early Education Center with their joyful holiday performance of “Oh What Fun!”. From “Hometown Holiday” and “We Will Jingle” to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” students sang and spread holiday cheer for their families, all while shining bright. A huge thank you and bravo to AEEC music teacher Sara Schiller, whose creativity, patience, and passion helped bring this festive performance to life. Thank you to all the families who attended, as it was another wonderful way to celebrate the season!

Auburn City Schools is proud to announce Jenny Galimore of Dean Road Elementary School as our Elementary Teacher of the Year and Naomi Bergh of Auburn High School as our Secondary Teacher of the Year. These outstanding educators exemplify excellence and a deep commitment to student success. Their passion for teaching and leadership in and out of the classroom makes a lasting impact on our schools and community. Next, their applications will advance to the state level, where they will compete for the opportunity to be named Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) Teacher of the Year. We are cheering them on as they represent Auburn City Schools with distinction! Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Galimore and Coach Bergh on this well-deserved honor!

Third graders from Wrights Mill Road Elementary School had the wonderful opportunity to attend a special production of The Nutcracker, performed by the talented dancers of the East Alabama Community Ballet. Students were transported to the Land of Sweets, where the dancers brought the classic tale to life through vibrant storytelling and amazing choreography. This year’s cast included several Auburn City Schools students, making the performance even more meaningful for our third graders as they watched peers and friends take the stage with confidence and artistry. A huge thank-you to the East Alabama Community Ballet for continuing its long-standing tradition of bringing The Nutcracker to our community and inspiring the next generation through the arts. What a beautiful way to kick off the holiday season!

Auburn City Schools fourth graders had an unforgettable morning at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center as they experienced Stuntboy, In the Meantime live on stage! This high-energy, Jason Reynolds–inspired musical had students cheering, laughing, and leaving the Woltosz Theatre without “the frets.” The cast of Stuntboy and the TheaterWorksUSA team delivered a performance full of heart, humor, and superhero spirit. A huge thank-you to the Gogue Center for hosting this special K–12 School Performance Series event. We are grateful for community partners like Walt & Ginger Woltosz and the Gavin Family, whose support makes opportunities like this possible for ACS students!

Holiday programs are in full swing across Auburn City Schools, and Ogletree Elementary School was proud to share its festive contribution with Santa’s Holiday Playlist! When his record player starts to skip, the students bring Santa into the 21st century of streaming his favorite holiday songs. A special shout-out to: Dr. Phil Wilson, OES Music Teacher, for leading and inspiring our students, Sarah Goodling, OES Art Teacher, for the wonderful scenery that transformed the space, The AHS Band, for their generous support with costumes, and a heartfelt thank you to our families for attending, supporting our students, and helping make these holiday programs so meaningful across our district. ACS loves celebrating the season through the arts with the community!

Auburn City Schools is deeply grateful for the incredible support shown today for our Wrestling program. Representative Joe Lovvorn and State Senator Jay Hovey presented $14,755 to the Varsity and Junior Varsity boys and girls wrestling teams to help purchase new warm-up gear, singlets, and AHS-branded headgear. A huge thank you goes to Katie Lackey, wife of Coach Josh Lackey, whose hard work helped secure these funds as part of a larger Mid-South RC&D Council grant benefiting multiple organizations across Lee County. With nearly 90 student-athletes competing in wrestling for ACS, this investment directly impacts our kids, elevates their experience, and strengthens athletics at the prep level. Most recently, AHS senior wrestler Lewis Miller was recognized as the Lee County Athlete of the Week for surpassing 100 varsity match wins with his most recent match at the Carpet Classic Tournament. Lewis will ultimately see around 25 more matches this season!

Opelika City Schools is proud to announce Jonathan Chandler as the new Head Football Coach at Opelika High School. We are excited for the future of Opelika football and look forward to the leadership and vision Coach Chandler brings to our program and student-athletes. Welcome Home, Coach Chandler! GO DAWGS!

We are incredibly thankful to the Opelika Police Department for once again leading the annual Shop With a Cop event and spreading holiday joy with our schools. Because of their dedication and the generosity of our community, our deserving Opelika City Schools students were able to shop for themselves and their families. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible and the holidays brighter for our students.

Auburn High School Theatre students had an incredible weekend at the Walter Trumbauer Festival at UAB, earning all Superior ratings and two first-place awards! Two 1st Place winners!
• Maggie Blair (10th) – Comedic monologue from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Valeria Hernandez (11th) – Comedic monologue from Wonder of the World
These outstanding students spent the weekend learning from theatre professionals, performing for adjudicators, and supporting fellow performers from across the state. Their talent, dedication, and teamwork were on full display. Bravo, AHS Theatre! The future of the stage is bright!

A huge congratulations to Madison Whidden on capturing Gold in the 500 Yard Freestyle at the AHSAA 2025 State Swim Meet. Madison absolutely dominated the pool, bringing home the state title with a phenomenal time of 5:09.44. ACS is always in awe of the hard work, grit, and relentless drive of our student-athletes, who continue to inspire everyone around them. What an incredible performance, Madison!

Congratulations to Holly Christopher, Opelika High School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and the support you provide to OHS students every day.

Let’s celebrate Niki Middleton, Fox Run School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Thank you for your dedication, reliability, and the engaging learning environment you create for our children.

Join us in congratulating Jada Todd, West Forest Intermediate School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Your leadership and positive influence on students and colleagues shine throughout your school.

Congratulations to Lorri Dees, Northside Intermediate School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Your thoughtful approach to teaching and the support you provide to students each day are greatly appreciated.

Big applause for our ten Opelika Middle School students selected for the 2025 Alabama All-State Choir! In the spring, they will travel to Birmingham to work with renowned choral directors and perform in a culminating All-State concert.
The OMS students selected for the 2025 Alabama All-State Choir are:
– Malaiih Anderson
– Sara Scott Barnes
– Kassidy Bevis
– Lillian Click
– Chyna Jones
– Charlotte Loosier
– Gabby Lurns
– Addison Matheny (not pictured)
– Lainey Rosener
– Lillian Sharp

A round of applause for Cole Watkins, Morris Avenue Intermediate’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Thank you for creating a positive, active environment where students learn teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits.

Join us in celebrating Katie Amos, Jeter Primary School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Your dedication to building a classroom where every child feels valued makes a meaningful difference.

What a wonderful way to close out the first semester and celebrate the birth of Jesus with our annual Lower School Grandparent’s Day Christmas Performance!

Congratulations to Cecily Jacob, from Southview Primary School, for being named the 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year for Opelika City Schools! Your passion and focus on student growth are truly outstanding.

Opelika City Schools helped kick off the Christmas season last night in the Opelika Christmas Parade. Congratulations to Opelika Middle School’s very own Bryson McGlynn, winner of MasterChef Jr. Season 9, for leading the parade as the Grand Marshal! The Opelika High School Spirit of the South marching band and cheerleaders joined our AHSAA 7A State Runner-Up Opelika Bulldog Football Team in the parade along with Mr. OHS-Burch Harris, Miss OHS-Memshalyah Weaver, and OHS Homecoming Queen-Jasmine Smith. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Congratulations to Rhiannon Barron for being named Carver Primary School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Thank you for the level of commitment and care you bring to your students each day.

Congratulations to Opelika Middle School’s Bre-A’nna Comer! She is the 2025 Secondary School Teacher of the Year for Opelika City Schools! Thank you for setting a high standard of care, consistency, and commitment to our students.

Conlin Miller, Emmett Anglin, Walker Rice, Keegan Henry, Sarah McClure, and Sarah Smith all completed their 500+ minute optional reading logs for Mrs. Sentenn’s 7th grade English class during the month of November. In doing so these students earned donuts and hot chocolate during break. By reading at least 20-30 minutes daily middle school age students develop their brains adequately to become critical thinkers and successful test takers. Proud of these readers that are becoming leaders!

What a wonderful time celebrating the Christmas season with our annual Living Nativity!

Our 2nd grade classes were as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel on Grinch Day!

Our seniors and first-grade friends shared a joyful time of fellowship. The seniors gifted the book The Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb, who has previously visited Lee-Scott Academy and blessed our students and staff through worship, message, and song. The Sounding Joy is a beautiful celebration of Christmas that leads to the true discovery of joy which is the angel’s proclamation that Jesus has been born. In return, our first graders presented the seniors with personalized bookmarks as a keepsake of this special connection. This cherished event was a reminder of the blessing found in our school through our faith, and the joy of Christ’s birth.

Our LSA Band spread some holiday cheer with their annual Christmas Concert!

Our Kindergarten classes created and sold holiday goodies in their annual Christmas Market this December!

Congratulations to the 2025 Lower School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Caroline Poole! As our Lower School STEM teacher, she exudes a passion for teaching that shines in everything she does! With kindness, patience, and a heart for children, she inspires curiosity and confidence in every student she meets, K4-6th grades. Known for her professionalism, creative instruction, and unwavering dedication, she leads with excellence in and out of the classroom. Her joy for learning is contagious, her classroom a welcoming place, and her commitment to every child is truly exceptional. As a colleague, she is a trusted teammate who jumps in to assist with her strong work ethic and creativity. We are grateful for the countless ways she invests in our school family each day!

Congratulations to the 2025 Upper School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Emily von Gal! Mrs. von Gal has played a pivotal role in a monumental shift in how Lee-Scott Academy approaches the ACT Prep class, implementing new structure and purpose to a program that directly impacts our students’ futures. She does it with a positive, can-do spirit and the evidence of her hard work is apparent in the tremendous improvements our students are making. Mrs. von Gal is always one of the first to volunteer to pitch in when help is needed. Her students adore her, not only because she challenges them, but because they know she is always in their corner. Whether volunteering to help or quietly stepping in wherever she is needed, she consistently puts others first. Her servant-minded spirit, compassion, and dedication make our school stronger every day.

Our students explored the George Washington Carver Museum at Tuskegee University! We learned about Dr. Carver’s humble beginnings, his remarkable accomplishments, and how he dedicated his life to helping others. Even in the face of great adversity, he remained grounded in faith and purpose. We loved reflecting on his powerful words: “The Lord has guided me. He has shown me the way, just as He will show everyone who turns to Him.” — George Washington Carver. What an inspiring day of history, learning, and gratitude!

Congratulations to Avery Dunnam for officially signing her letter of intent to play college volleyball for Faulkner University! We are incredibly proud of Avery and can’t wait to see her excel at the next level!

Our very own Pie Clinard was chosen as a Competition Winner in the YoungArts Visual Arts Competition! Congratulations on your hard work!

We had an incredible morning kicking off the Christmas season singing about the birth of our Savior and thanking the Lord for His Son, Jesus! Thank you to all who donated to the Toy Drive during this holiday season! Over 400 children and 250 families will benefit from the toys that were donated!

Congratulations to the Upper School Science Expo winners, who will move on to district competition! We are incredibly proud of you!