Student Spotlights – September 2025

Auburn City Schools hosted the annual New Teacher Breakfast this week and welcomed approximately 70 passionate educators to our school family. Cary Woods Elementary School was the host site, with Principal Lamarrius Anderson opening the morning, followed by inspiring words from Superintendent Cristen Herring, Board President Kathy Powell, and Mayor Ron Anders. From first-year teachers to seasoned professionals, the room was filled with individuals ready to share their gifts and talents in Auburn. Over the next few days, our new teachers will take part in orientation and professional development led by Curriculum Coordinators Betty Weeden (elementary) and Drew Morgan (secondary), all in preparation for the first day of school. Let’s give a warm welcome to these incredible educators as they begin their journey with ACS!

It was the first workday back for Auburn City Schools teachers across the district. With the 2025-2026 school year kicking off this Friday, August 8th, campuses are buzzing with excitement and purpose. From professional development sessions to classroom decorating and conversations about policies, procedures, and new laws, ACS educators are preparing with care and commitment to welcome students back with open arms. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Parent-Teacher Organizations for going the extra mile to provide meals, sweet treats, and lend a helping hand to ensure our schools are the most welcoming places they can be!

All Auburn City Schools athletic coaches gathered at VCOM for the annual Coaches Meeting to review policies, procedures, and priorities for the year ahead. The evening featured updates from ACS leadership, insights on character development, and a shared commitment to building champions in academics, athletics, and life. Patrick Keim, former Auburn University basketball player and current pastor at Church of the Highlands, also delivered a powerful message to our coaching staff to kick off the 2025-2026 school year! Special shout out to James Slaton, ACS Athletic Director, for leading the meeting and casting vision for the year ahead, and Jennifer Ferguson, Associate Athletic Director, for coordinating schedules and systems that support our student-athletes.

Several cooks were in the kitchen during training with Chef Robert Rhyme and Chef Ryan Yarnell from the Institute of Child Nutrition. The professional development session, titled “Menus of Flavor: East and Southeast Asian Fusion,” lasted four hours and featured hands-on, instructor-led activities focused on healthy and delicious foods from these global regions. ACS employees practiced scratch cooking using ingredients and flavors typical of Asian cuisine. They honed their basic culinary skills by preparing meals and working with authentic recipes, which reinforced their learning experience. ACS looks forward to serving students breakfast and lunch this year!

Auburn City Schools gathered for Institute Day, an annual tradition of bringing all faculty and staff together to launch the new school year! With students returning, this special morning was a chance to reconnect, recharge, and reflect on what it means to be part of a Legacy of Excellence. Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring delivered a powerful keynote filled with system celebrations, employee recognitions, and essential updates on safety, new legislation, upcoming construction, and the branding process of the second high school. Plains High School will open in 2028 as home of the Eagles!
A heartfelt thank you goes to:
Eron Smith, Auburn High School’s Choir Director, alongside his talented students, moved everyone with a breathtaking rendition of “From a Distance.” Eron also ran sound, lighting, and tech, going above and beyond to make the morning unforgettable.
Kathy Powell, Board President, for her warm and inspiring welcome that set the tone for the day.
Rep. Joe Lovvorn, whose generous support through discretionary funding continues to enrich programs across all our schools.
And to the ACS legends who lent their voices and wisdom to the closing video segment: Dr. Terry Jenkins, Mayor Ron Anders, Dr. Karen DeLano, past Board President Melanie Chambless, Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Freeman, and retired WMR Principal Karen Mason. Your words remind us that our past is the foundation of our future.
ACS begins this new year, knowing that words, actions, and attitudes shape the experience for every student who walks through the front doors of all 14 of our schools!

Bringing beauty and light to our halls. A heartfelt thank you to the Knights of Columbus for installing our new stained glass window cling—reminding us daily of God’s presence and the strength of our faith.

Lee-Scott Academy students competed at the Southeastern Swimming Long Course Championships at the Huntsville Aquatic Center. 4th Grade student Isaac Lee, 6th Grade students Anne Stephens & Margaret Whatley and 7th Grade students Joshua Lee & Kate Whatley all enjoyed the championships and competed well. We’re excited for these students to continue to grow and compete for LSA in years to come!

More than 9,400 students walked through the doors of Auburn City Schools, kicking off the 2025–2026 school year with excitement! From the joy of reuniting with old friends to the excitement of meeting new ones, the first day is always special. The shift back to school brings changes for families, including earlier mornings, new routines, bus schedules, and car lines. But it also brings opportunity for a fresh slate, new goals, and the chance to make every day count.

Upper School students new to Lee-Scott Academy this year were treated to breakfast in the atrium with LSA Ambassadors. We’re so excited to have this group of new students joining the Warrior family this school year and pray their first week has been nothing short of the best!

New 7th Grade students got their first taste of Middle School today at Camp LSA. Students got their schedules, met their new teachers, got their locker assignments and more! This group has a big year coming up and we’re looking forward to seeing them thrive on the other side of campus!

Dan Norton was recently honored as Athletic Director of the Year at the AHSAA and AHSADCA Coaches Awards Banquet in Montgomery. A proud Auburn High graduate (Class of 1989), Coach Norton retired in May after 32 years of service to Auburn City Schools. As Athletic Director, he helped elevate AHS Athletics to new heights, leading Auburn to national recognition, including the 2023 NIAAA Exemplary Level Quality Program Award. Before moving into administration, Coach Norton led the Tigers to 8 state titles in cross country and track, including a rare Triple Crown and a 2016 DyeStat Duel Meet National Championship. Coach Norton built a legacy, and his impact lives on in the lives of the students he mentored and the culture he helped create. Congratulations, Coach Norton, and thank you for your tremendous investment in Auburn City Schools!

Even in summer, Crusaders don’t rest! Our teachers were sharpening their swords and fueling up with fresh ideas to charge into the new school year. {Mrs. Goodman, Mrs. Martine, Mrs. Massey, and Mrs. Young)

LSA Bakes Camp was a sweet success! Led by 4th Grade teachers Mrs. Meador, Mrs. Sasser, and Mrs. Schnarr, rising 3rd–6th Grade campers spent the week measuring, mixing, and tasting their way through fun baking projects. With their own aprons and plenty of treats to take home, these young bakers sharpened their kitchen skills and had a tasty blast along the way!

Congratulations to a rising Lee-Scott Academy senior and three rising juniors on being named to the 2025-26 Lee County Young Leaders Class. Anne Katherine Corley, Cannon Ketchum, Adeline McCullough and Lucy Zellner were each named as part of this year’s class by the Opelika Chamber. The LCYL selection committee scores 158 applications and selects 34 juniors and seniors from high schools throughout Lee County. The applications are judged anonymously based on application neatness, extracurricular activities, career choice and hobbies, and leadership potential. We’re not surprised these four were chosen and know they’ll do a great job representing LSA!

Ms. Lloyd and the Lee-Scott Ambassadors welcomed new Upper School students to campus for New Student Orientation. The group got to ask questions, take a tour and make their new school home feel a little bit more comfortable ahead of next week. Capped off by hot dogs from Upper School History teacher Mr. Todd Wilson, these students had a great beginning to their Warrior experience!

Congratulations to the eight Lee-Scott Academy Lower School boys who were selected to represent Opelika on All-Star Baseball teams at the Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament earlier this summer. Chosen by league head coaches, these standout athletes were: 3rd Grade students River Harris and Ransom Herring, 5th Grade students Samuel Collier, Hudson Hughes, and John Michael Manasco, 6th Grade student Walker Wright, and 7th Grade students Walker Rice and David Collier.
Walker and David will continue competition with their teams at their respective World Series tournaments in Arkansas & South Carolina.

The Auburn High Tigers took to the turf with several other schools for a morning of competitive collaboration. Auburn High School welcomed teams from Prattville, Dothan, Benjamin Russell, Beulah, and Lafayette for a full slate of Other Team Activities (OTAs). Student-athletes sharpened their skills through 1-on-1 matchups, 7-on-7 games, and full 11-on-11 team drills. These sessions are high energy and provide valuable opportunities for student-athletes to grow alongside their peers from across the region. ACS thanks the visiting teams for making the trip to Auburn, and wishes them the best this fall.

With reverent hearts and united purpose, the St. Michael faculty and staff gathered beneath the light of faith—blessed by Archbishop Rodi’s Back to School Mass and guided by Superintendent Barwick’s words of wisdom. As Crusaders, we step into the new school year ready to nurture minds, uplift spirits, and walk boldly in Christ’s love.

In the Upper School, teachers were introduced and began training in the Medal of Honor Character Development Program. Designed for 6th–12th grade students, the program uses powerful, real-life stories of Medal of Honor recipients to teach character, leadership, and values. Teachers explored how this curriculum can enrich academic lessons while helping students grow in integrity, service, and citizenship. It’s our hope this is a meaningful tool to help shape students both in Middle & Upper School classrooms and beyond!

On the faculty’s first day back, both schools took part in professional development exercises that will shape much of the school year for their students. In the Lower School, teachers spent time with Chris McKenna, founder of “Protect Young Eyes” for a thought-provoking professional development focused on educating students on faithful living in a digital age. Through two engaging sessions, teachers explored the impact of technology on student mental health, adolescent development, and faith formation. Chris challenged educators to lead with empathy and intentionality while equipping students to use technology wisely and biblically. We’re excited for our families to hear more about this in the following days, weeks and months to come!

Auburn High School receives National RAMP® Award for Excellence in School Counseling. (L to R) Sheryl Smith, Isalie Corneil, Nichole Warren, Marie Harris, Heather Langford (not pictured), and James Tindell (not pictured) comprise this award-winning team, and this honor highlights the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The RAMP® designation is awarded by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) for delivering a high-quality, data-driven counseling program that is aligned with the ASCA National Model® framework. AHS is just one of 190 RAMP® schools nationwide, which is a testament to the program’s impact on student outcomes. Please join us in congratulating our outstanding counselors at AHS on this national recognition!

Lower School students had the chance to meet their teachers for this year, bring their school supplies and get ready for the start of another great year. They were encouraged to get some sleep, rise with eagerness to learn, and have a wonderful start to the school year.

Auburn High School Athletics was well represented at the 29th annual AHSAA All-Star Sports Week in Montgomery
Golf: Prather Reaves helped lead the South team to a historic win, breaking the North’s 5-year streak.
Cross Country: Natalie Schoonover and Rylee Plexico ran strong for the South, placing 8th and 4th overall.
Basketball: Antwane Daniels and Braylee Winfrey hit the court for the South boys’ and girls’ teams.
Soccer: Camilla Bosman and Brody Cobine represented AHS for the South squads, with Coach Bill Ferguson joining the coaching staff.
Volleyball: Coach Brian Wheatley coached the South team.
ACS is proud of these student-athletes for representing Auburn at the state level!

The Lee-Scott Academy Warrior Marching Band, flag line and majorettes completed their annual Band Camp. This fall, make sure to get to your seat in time before kickoff to see the band perform and stay through halftime to see all their hard work. It’ll be here before you know it!

The first day of 2025-26 school year was packed with energy, excitement, and endless smiles. We’re going to have a great year!

And with that, the first day of 2025-26 is complete! It was a joy to have of our students back looking wonderful, reunited with their friends and filling our campus again. Welcome back to school, students!

The 2025 Girls Basketball Camp tipped off at Auburn High School. Under the guidance of Head Coach Courtney Pritchett, along with his fantastic staff and a group of current and former AHS players, girls ages 5 to 13 learned the fundamentals of the game and the importance of hard work. From dribbling drills to defensive stances, each moment on the court was filled with encouragement, energy, and plenty of high-fives. These young athletes enhanced their basketball skills, staying active, and building confidence, all while learning from Tigers who once stood in their shoes. ACS loves seeing the next generation of Tigers hustle, laugh, and grow!

The metronome is ticking for Rookie Band Camp at Auburn High School. Under the leadership of Band Directors Deanna Marshall and Shawn Geiger, along with the talented 2025–2026 Drum Majors, these rookies are laying the foundation for an exciting year ahead. While battling the summer heat, the newest band members are learning the essentials, from marching with precision to holding their instruments with perfect posture and staying in step with the rhythm. With this year’s show theme, “Up in the Air,” the band is reaching new heights with a performance reinforced with teamwork, discipline, and pride. Whether it’s on the field, in a parade, at a pep rally, or during a competition, these young musicians are putting in the work now to shine all year long.

The Auburn High School Flag Football team has been diligently working to prepare for the upcoming 2025 season. With Head Coach Alison Link at the helm, these student-athletes are setting the tone for success. With a strong core of seniors and juniors returning and a promising group of underclassmen joining the roster, the Tigers are ready to make some noise in this growing AHSAA-sanctioned sport. ACS wishes the Lady Tigers the best as they set their sights on a second Blue Map trophy

Auburn City Schools proudly celebrated the Summer Commencement Exercise for the Class of 2025 at Auburn High School. The ceremony, held in the AHS Auditorium, honored the hard work and perseverance of our summer graduates in the presence of family, friends, and members of the Auburn City Schools community. Whether students graduate early or need to wrap up their last qualifying course, a ceremony like this highlights the many paths taken to graduation.

Dean Road Elementary School opened its media center for a special Summer Library Day, featuring activities led by Mrs. Galimore. Students and their families explored aviation-themed stations, including:
Research on famous pilots, Robot coding, Airplane drawing, Arts and crafts Paper airplane design, Storytelling and more!
Students also had the opportunity to check out books and enjoy quality reading time with their families. A huge thank you to Mrs. Galimore for helping students fly into learning this summer!

The 40th Annual Boys Basketball Camp was officially underway at Auburn High School, and the gym is buzzing with energy, sneakers, and smiles. Led by Coach David Ogle and Head Coach Chris Brandt, with support from the JV and Varsity Tigers, the camp welcomed rising 1st–6th graders for four exciting days of learning and growth on the court. Campers dove into the fundamentals of the game, sharpening their skills, and learning the value of teamwork—all while having a blast with their Tiger mentors. Here’s to 40 years of tradition, leadership, and Tiger pride.