Student Spotlights – July 2026

That’s a wrap on a week packed with Tiger spirit, big smiles, sharp motions, high jumps, and more than 250 campers bringing the energy to this year’s Auburn High School Youth Cheer Camp! All week long, our young cheerleaders learned cheers, motions, jumps, and stunts while gaining confidence, making friends, and learning from the Auburn High Varsity Cheerleaders. From future Tigers finding their voice to varsity leaders showing what mentorship looks like, this camp is always bigger than cheer. It is about encouragement, confidence, connection, and the memories that keep the spirit going long after camp ends. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this week one to cheer about

The Auburn High School Baseball program kicked off its annual Tigers in Training camp with more than 190 campers in attendance! Tigers in Training is designed for rising 1st through 8th-grade students and is led by the AHS varsity coaching staff and players. Campers are developing and sharpening their skills in hitting, fielding, throwing, and more while having fun and learning the game the right way. Whether they are just learning the fundamentals or continuing to improve their game, there is something for everyone at Tigers in Training. ACS is excited for a great week of baseball for all students in attendance and is thankful for the community’s support of our athletic programs!

Your hard work, character, and dedication have made this class truly exceptional. From National Merit honors and AP achievements to military academy appointments and more than $29 million in scholarships offered, you have represented Auburn with excellence. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make in the future!

Third graders at Wrights Mill Road Elementary knocked it out of the park during their Baseball-Themed Review Days. Students stepped up to the plate to review important 3rd-grade math and reading skills in a fun and engaging way. Each class created its own baseball team, complete with team names, custom logos, and hometowns, bringing creativity and teamwork into the learning experience. Throughout the event, students competed in reading and math challenges while enjoying a true ballpark atmosphere with special classroom concessions and championship “ring pop” rewards. To make the experience even more memorable, Auburn University Baseball players and Coach Greg Drye visited students for a fun game of whiffle ball, encouraging teamwork and a love for learning. It has been a grand slam couple of days of learning and fun for WMR!

AHS Junior Annie Bao (far left) earned 4th Place in Biomedical and Health Sciences at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. Her project investigated whether, in dogs with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP/IMT), platelets are identified as ‘old’ before their normal lifespan ends, leading to premature destruction. In ITP, a dog’s immune system mistakenly targets its own platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. As platelet numbers decrease, dogs become susceptible to various health issues. ACS is proud of Annie’s hard work and excited to see her recognized on an international stage for her research!

Yarbrough Elementary was buzzing with excitement as they held a Kate Messner-themed Battle of the Books. Students showcased their reading comprehension and love of literature by answering questions from All the Answers, Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail, and The Trouble with Heroes. It was a special treat to welcome back Dr. Shannon Brandt as the special guest emcee, helping make the event even more memorable for students and staff members! Events like Battle of the Books do more than encourage friendly competition; they inspire students to engage deeply with stories and build a lifelong love of reading. When students connect with books, they strengthen critical thinking skills and confidence that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Congratulations to all the participants, staff, and families who made this event a success!

Congratulations to the inaugural graduates of the AHS Precision Machining Industry Internship Program! Students, teachers, and community partners gathered at the ACDI Business Center to celebrate the successful completion of the very first cohort of this trailblazing program. Students in the internship gained hands-on experience in precision machining through internships in the Auburn Tech Park while also earning valuable industry certifications, including:
Forklift Certification
Machine Operating Certification
OSHA 10 Certification
Congratulations to the Cohort One graduates:
– Cooper Rickerson
– Harris Jordan
– Jameson Iackey
– Miles Clanton
– Silas Cherry
– Maciej Tomasz Paszek
– Gabe Rabren
This inaugural year marks an exciting step forward in preparing students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and precision machining.

Auburn City Schools proudly celebrated excellence at the Board of Education meeting. The Board honored dedicated employees for their years of service. Retirees were celebrated for their positive impact on ACS. The Board also highlighted an impressive spring season of State Championships. Congratulations to our employees recognized for 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Your devotion shapes the lives of Auburn students every day. We also convey our heartfelt appreciation to our retirees. Thank you for the years you invested in Auburn City Schools. Your legacy remains.

Engineering, teamwork, and innovation were on full display at Wrights Mill Road Elementary’s second annual Regatta Day at the East Samford Pool. Through this hands-on STEM experience, 4th-grade students designed, built, and raced boats made entirely of cardboard, applying real-world engineering principles and working together to solve challenges creatively. Made possible through a FACES Grant of Excellence, the event focused on integrating experiential learning with science and engineering concepts, giving students the opportunity to think critically and collaborate with classmates. A special thank you to the families who helped make the day such a success by transporting and unloading boats and creating an exciting, celebratory atmosphere with their enthusiastic cheers and support throughout the event!

Pick Elementary and Cary Woods Elementary came together for an incredible Multicultural Night. Families and students helped transform the school into a celebration of cultures from around the world through food, music, games, performances, and interactive displays. Students proudly shared their heritage and traditions, while guests enjoyed unique delicacies from around the world and watched amazing performances representing cultures from across the globe. A special highlight of the evening was the ESL Exit Club students showcasing their “Global Villages” projects, confidently sharing their creations and knowledge with attendees. The headset microphones they used to present were made possible through a FACES grant! Events like this are a great reminder of the strength of connection within our school communities. ACS thanks the families, staff, students, and volunteers who helped make last night a success!

The Auburn High School Girls Track & Field team has won the 2026 AHSAA 7A State Championship!
From relays to individual titles, AHS Track & Field showed up when it mattered most:
• Girls 4×100 – State Champions
• Katherine Lee – 100mH State Champion
• Kinsie Register – 300mH State Champion
• Victoria Weeden – High Jump State Champion
• Carnell Jackson – Discus State Champion
This amazing achievement marks the first girls’ team title in 40 years for AHS, and they made it count!

Congratulations to our students who competed at the Alabama State Invention Convention at Auburn University. Twenty ACS students advanced through local and regional competitions to represent our district at the state level, joining more than 1,200 students across Alabama, with just 78 finalists presenting their inventions.
2026 Invention of the Year (Top Honors/Best Overall Award):
Owen Black (WMR) – Bike Mate
Division Winners:
5th Grade
Lucy Hunley (YES) – Super Unsticker (1st Place)
Luke Dimick (YES) – Headache Helper (2nd Place)
6th Grade
Sarala Mishra Kingston & Ashley Newman (DMS) – Sensor Safety Saddle (1st Place)
Lily Kim (DMS) – Suit ALSou 200 (2nd Place)
Additional Honors:
Bree Miranda (PES) – The Helping Heart (Honorable Mention)
Kellen Knight & Quinn Kuhn (CES) – Tune Turtles (Best Video Pitch)
Lily Kim (DMS) – Suit ALSou 200 (Best Display Board)
Avanita Deepak (DMS) – ProSightNose (Best Logbook)
Only six students statewide advance to Nationals at The Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, and three are from ACS:
Owen Black (WMR) – Bike Mate
Sarala Mishra Kingston & Ashley Newman (DMS) – Sensor Safety Saddle
We are proud of every student who represented ACS with creativity, innovation, and hard work!

Auburn City Schools honor our incredible Health Heroes in celebration of National School Nurses Day. With a Health Services department staffing 22 full-time nurses and 17 substitute nurses, these hard-working individuals keep students healthy and safe. In the 2025-2026 school year, ACS nurses have had more than 25,000 health-related contacts with students and administered over 35,000 doses of medication. They also provide ongoing care and monitoring for students with complex medical needs. In addition to their daily responsibilities, our nursing staff also showcased exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and dedication during this year’s state monitoring, representing Auburn City Schools with excellence. Treatment for both chronic and acute health conditions take place every day, which can include diabetes, asthma, adrenal insufficiency, epilepsy, sickle cell anemia, ADD/ADHD, migraine headaches, anaphylaxis, various genetic disorders, and multiple visits for viruses and injuries. ACS is proud to have a nurse on every campus!

J.F. Drake Middle School had the honor of welcoming back generations of DMS retirees for a special reception and campus tour. From the moment they arrived, guests were greeted by student ambassadors and enjoyed fellowship over light hors d’oeuvres as they reconnected with one another and their school community. This event marked the first time DMS has opened its doors to all retirees, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past while seeing firsthand how the campus has grown and transformed following the 2020–2021 renovation. The stories shared and memories revisited made it a truly memorable occasion for everyone involved. A special thank you to DMS science teacher Seth Clark for his leadership in coordinating this wonderful event and helping bring the DMS family, past and present, together once again!

With more than 32 years in education, including the past nine years as Assistant Principal at ESS, Mrs. Jones fosters a positive school culture by supporting teachers, engaging families, and making data-driven decisions that lead to student success. Mrs. Jones has served the Auburn community for many years with a passion for students that makes her an outstanding choice to lead ESS into the future. We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to the continued success of East Samford under Mrs. Jones’ leadership!

We celebrate National School Principals’ Day and honor the leaders guiding our schools every day! Auburn City Schools is fortunate to be led by 14 dedicated principals who inspire excellence, support students and staff, and shape the future of our community through their leadership and commitment.
Please join us in thanking these outstanding individuals:
• Auburn High School – Dr. Gregory Moore
• Auburn Junior High School – Ross Reed
• East Samford School – Dr. Duriel Barlow
• J.F. Drake Middle School – Sarah Armstrong
• Auburn Early Education Center – Glori Lammons
• Cary Woods Elementary School – Lamarrius Anderson
• Creekside Elementary School – Katie Daniel
• Dean Road Elementary School – Dr. Jackie Greenwood
• Ogletree Elementary School – Caroline Raville
• Pick Elementary School – Debbie Reetz
• Richland Elementary School – Jeff Johnson
• Woodland Pines Elementary School – Tonya Nolen
• Wrights Mill Road Elementary School – Dr. Pete Forster
• Yarbrough Elementary School – Lisa Wheatley
Thank you for leading and supporting our students and community. Your work has a lasting impact, and we appreciate all you do every day.

The rain didn’t stop the graduation procession and all the celebrations. Congrats to al our 2026 graduates!

Cary Woods Elementary as students explored future opportunities during their Community Helper Career Day. From beekeeping and music to public safety and Auburn University programs, students had the chance to learn from an incredible group of professionals. ACS loves seeing students’ curiosity as they discover careers in firefighting, kinesiology, equipment management, dental hygiene, and more! A big thank you to all the presenters and community partners who made this experience so meaningful for some of our youngest students. Your time and expertise are helping inspire the next generation!

Congratulations to another successful year of serving nutrition to ACS students. We want to acknowledge all the incredible work they do to keep students fueled for success each day. From preparing nutritious meals to greeting students with a smile, these team members work hard behind the scenes to make a difference in schools. Their dedication helps ensure students are nourished, ready to learn, and set up for success in the classroom. Thank you to the Child Nutrition Team for their hard work, care, and commitment to serving students every single day!

Wrights Mill Road Elementary School was surprised with an award recognizing its work with Peer Helpers Plus, a program focused on transforming lives and brightening futures. WMR was named the “Be the Good” Category Winner (Grades K–6) for building a positive, student-led culture centered on kindness and leadership. This recognition comes during the school’s first year implementing the Peer Helpers program, making the achievement even more impressive! Huge congratulations to WMR Counselor Caroline Parrish and Music Teacher Francesca Andretta, who led this program and submitted the award application, presenting the powerful impact their student peer helpers are making every day. Their mission is straightforward: Foster genuine friendships among students to create a positive, supportive school culture. As part of the award, WMR received a $500 prize to continue growing this meaningful work with students. We are so proud of the way WMR is fostering a supportive student culture that makes a difference!

The Auburn High School Girls Golf team capped off their season as State Runner-Up in the 2026 AHSAA Class 7A Girls State Golf Championships at RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile. Looking to secure back-to-back State Championships, Auburn High finished three strokes behind the winners from Grissom High, posting rounds of 229-225 for a two-day total of 454. Auburn was led by outstanding individual performances from: Summer Yoo — 72-73 (145) and Kate Ha — 73-73 (146). Congratulations to our players and coaches for representing Auburn with excellence every step of the way!

Our OCS teachers, media specialists, and coaches are leveling up! They completed ClearTouch training and earned their ClearTouch credential. Next school year, they’ll bring what they learned back to their schools to help staff make the most of our classroom technology. Way to go, team!

Opelika High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during Senior Awards Day. Seniors were recognized for their accomplishments and awarded scholarships from local organizations, families, colleges, and community partners. We are grateful to everyone who continues to support our students as they prepare for life after graduation. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of you and excited to see what you do next.

Congratulations to Opelika Middle School for being named Best Public Middle School in the OA News Best of OA 2026 contest! Thank you to all of the teachers, administrators, students, and staff for working hard each day to make OMS the best place to learn and grow. We also want to celebrate Opelika High School and Southview Primary School for being recognized among the top schools in their categories! Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Foster Hulsey on signing a soccer scholarship to Point University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Lakeydrick Burts on signing a football scholarship to Point University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Caurdae Wright on signing a basketball scholarship to Stillman College!

Congratulations to OHS Senior David Cruz on signing a soccer scholarship to Southern Union State Community College!

Our Kindergarten and 1st grade Crusaders from St. Michael Catholic School had a joyful day at Peppa Pig: My First Concert! They wowed us by recognizing instrument families in the orchestra and showing outstanding theater etiquette from start to finish. We wrapped up the fun with lunch and play time at the park—lots of smiles, sunshine, and sweet memories made!

OCS hosted its annual retirement tea to honor employees retiring this year. We are grateful for their many years of service, dedication, and commitment to the students, families, and schools of Opelika City Schools. Thank you for the lasting impact you have made on the children of our community. We wish each of you a joyful and well-deserved retirement! First Row (L-R): Marsha Broach, Glenn Clowers, Teresa Bartlett, Lucille Torbert, Carol Erlandson. Second Row: Phyllis Harris, Maurice Wright (not retired), Sam Taylor, Kenny Prescott, Blair Irvin, Beth Foster. Third Row: Jeff Conway, Keith York, Larry Gibson, John Smith, Billy Jones. Not Pictured: Karen Atkins, Ronnie Foster, Cynthia Johnson, Jim McManus, Oneika Smith, Teresa Winslett.

Our 6th grade students enjoyed a fun day of learning at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham! Students participated in a lab testing the Carter Creek water samples for 4 different contaminants & from the on-sight aquarium. Other activities included petting sting rays & sharks, riding the air bike, and building & racing Lego cars!

We’re so proud of our upcoming K5 and Senior graduates, and we love seeing them together as they prepare for graduation!

Mrs. Smith’s 10th Grade Honors Physical Science students constructed paper roller coasters to demonstrate the conversion between potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) as marbles move along a track! The students were very creative with their masterpieces!

Students in Mrs. Graf’s class wrapped up their data analysis unit with an exciting March Madness project. They researched teams competing in the tournament and analyzed a variety of team statistics to predict who would come out on top. After making their own brackets, students tracked the games and tallied points for each win, putting their data skills to the test in a fun and engaging way!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Alana Spinks on signing a cheer scholarship to Alabama A&M University!

Our Kindergarten students are officially published authors and illustrators, and they took time this week to share their work with the rest of the Lower School!

Lee-Scott Academy band traveled to Gatlinburg, TN and competed in the 2026 Music in the Park Band Competition, and they brought home a ton of hardware!
1st Place 2A Concert Band (Superior Rating)
1st place 2A Jazz Band (Superior Rating)
Overall Best Concert Band
Overall Best Jazz Band
Congratulations to our students for their incredible achievement and for representing LSA with excellence!

Our Kindergarten students had a chance to showcase all their hard work from this school year to their families.

We were honored to have James Spann join us and speak to our 6th grade classes about meteorology and severe weather!

Our K–5th field trip was full of learning and fun! They toured the fire department, played at the park, enjoyed O-Town ice cream, and explored nature together!

Senior government students ended the year with fireworks, celebrating America’s 250th birthday in style!

The Class of 2026 was honored with a “Bye Bye BBQ” today as they end their time as students at LSA and prepare to become alumni. We had a great time celebrating our seniors and wishing them well on their next steps!

Trinity’s Spring Band & Choral Concerts were a beautiful celebration of growth, talent, and hard work! Our students have grown so much this year, using their God-given gifts to glorify Him through music. A huge thank you to Mrs. Boone, Mrs. Snook and Mr. Stith for investing in and blessing our Fine Arts programs so faithfully. Well done, students and directors! “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” — Psalm 33:3 ESV

The Athletics Booster Banquet was a beautiful evening of great food, fellowship, and celebrating athletes who exemplify Christ-like character on and off the field. We also honored Julie Kendrick for her many years of faithful service to our athletic department and look ahead with excitement for the future of TCS Athletics, including a new weight room and practice facility. Coach Gardner challenged us all to glorify God in all things.

We are so proud of each of our graduates and all they have accomplished. As they begin this next chapter, we celebrate students who have grown as virtuous scholars—learning to think clearly, listen carefully, discern wisely, reason persuasively, and articulate precisely, all with an eagerness to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We pray the Lord continues to guide their steps as they go forward in faith. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” — Proverbs 9:10

A huge thank you to student Mac Ellis for completing his Eagle Scout Project by transforming an outdoor space into a beautiful new reading area for our grammar school students. With fresh astro turf for year-round greenery, this cozy spot gives our students a place to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and a good book while learning outdoors. We are so thankful for Mac’s hard work, creativity, and thoughtful investment in our school community. What a wonderful place for our young readers to let their imaginations soar!

Congratulations to Oaks student-athlete Elisha Hallmark for representing The Oaks School in the AISA All-Star Baseball Game at Paterson Field. Elisha had an outstanding season, finishing the year with a .600 batting average and 20 stolen bases. We are proud of the way he represented The Oaks on and off the field.

We celebrated the hard work and dedication of our student athletes at our athletic banquet. We are proud of the way they represented The Oaks both on and off the field and court this year.

Honors Chapel was a sweet time of celebration and gratitude at Trinity Christian School! We sang Great Is Thy Faithfulness and honored students for academic excellence in Latin, band, and special awards including Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Rhetoric Day winner. So thankful to finish the school year strong—God is so good! “Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

Congratulations to our graduates! We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and achievements. May God guide your steps as you begin this exciting new chapter.

What a joy it has been to watch these students learn, grow, and shine. Congratulations to them on reaching this special milestone!

St. Michael Catholic School loved welcoming Mrs. Bonnie Busbin to share her book with us! Our Crusaders had so much fun reading Do You See Me on a Safari—solving riddles and discovering animals in their habitats made it an exciting adventure!

Our 4th graders took on the State Capitol in Montgomery! Learning, exploring, and showing off their school spirit all across Alabama—we’re so proud of these Crusaders!

St. Michael Catholic School celebrate students who represent St. Michael Catholic School with excellence! We also honored students receiving Perfect Attendance and Excellent Attendance awards. Congratulations, Crusaders!

Grateful for the faculty and staff at St. Michael Catholic School who made every day brighter through their guidance, kindness, and dedication. Thank you for the lessons, memories, laughter, and faith-filled example you shared with us all. Wishing you nothing but blessings and success in this next chapter.

Fourth grade learned all about how light travels and reflects. It was a BRIGHT year with Mrs. Young and her Crusaders!

Our 6th grade “5 Star Bakers” rose to the occasion at Fine Arts Night! From planning and baking to advertising and selling, these Crusaders did it all—and did it well. We’re so proud of their hard work, creativity, and teamwork. A sweet success in every way!

What a beautiful evening celebrating the God-given talents of our students! From inspiring performances to incredible artwork on display, our Crusaders truly shined. Thank you to our students for sharing their gifts, our teachers for nurturing creativity, and our families for supporting the arts at St. Michael Catholic School. “Let all that you do be done for the glory of God.”

Our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders took learning beyond the classroom at Kreher Preserve—exploring God’s beautiful world, discovering the wonders of nature, and growing in curiosity and faith. From trails to teamwork, it was a day full of adventure and appreciation for the gifts God has given us. St. Michael, guide our Crusaders as they continue to learn, explore, and walk in His light.