By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – After being recognized for the second-straight year through the Liberty Learning Foundation’s Super Citizen program, Thompson Intermediate School resource officer Nathaniel Parker had a few words of praise for the school’s students.

“This award means so much to me because it came from you guys,” Parker said during a Dec. 5 ceremony in the Thompson High School gym. “You have no idea how much you mean to those around you.”

Parker was among 18 individuals honored through the Super Citizen program, during which each TIS fifth-grade class formed a “Torch Team” and identified individuals to honor as local heroes. Each person recognized as a “Super Citizen” received small Statue of Liberty statues containing metal from the actual statue.

“By honoring you, they are becoming heroes themselves,” Alabaster City Schools Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction Cena Davis told the honorees. “This is the second year we’ve had this program, and we’re thrilled to host it again.”

The students honored the following individuals and groups:

-Dr. Paula Johnson, an Alabaster pediatrician

-Brandon Green, a training officer with the Alabaster Police Department.

-John Vanzandt, who coaches several Alabaster youth league sports teams and works with the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham.

-Michele Williams-Waldrop, who helps those going through physical therapy rehabilitation.

-United States Marine Corps Maj. Jeremy Hawkins, who has served in multiple combat zones.

-Alan Davis, an Alabaster firefighter who protects everyone in the community.

-Robert Greene, a K-9 officer with a police department in Georgia.

-Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon, who “takes such good care of our community.”

-Brian Underwood, a Pelham firefighter who “works every day to keep people safe.”

-April Brown, who often selflessly gives to local charities.

-Sgt. Bob Fucci, a retired United States Marine Corps officer who was stationed in Japan.

-Noelle Bowers, who is battling Type 1 diabetes, and regularly works to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

-Julie Maynard, who helps local pets find homes.

-Tyler Sims, a Navy veteran.

-Lakitta Bowers, who works in the lunchroom at TIS and ensures children eat correctly.

-Ashley Williamson, a Creek View Elementary School teacher.

-Nathaniel Parker, the school resource officer at TIS.