Pelham City Schools hosts art show, honors Teachers of the Year

Published 8:03 pm Tuesday, January 28, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham City Schools teachers, support staff, administration and students, along with the Pelham Board of Education, gathered at Pelham Park Middle School for a night celebrating various achievements and milestones within the school system.

The evening began with the superintendent’s art show at 4:30 p.m. The art show served as a showcase of artwork from students at every school in the Pelham system.

Jeff Hatfield, who is on staff with Pelham City Schools, spoke about the importance of the event.

“(We want) to be intentional about showcasing the arts,” Hatfield said. “Not every talent is quantified with a test score.”

Kim Hinds, one of Pelham High School’s art teachers, added that the event boosts the morale and confidence of the students involved in the arts.

“I think that they (the students) are all very self-critical, so this (exhibit) helps give them more confidence,” Hinds said.

After the Pelham superintendent’s art show, approximately 20 pieces from the exhibit will be sent to the state superintendent’s art show, which will be held on an unspecified date.

Following the art show, a reception with food and refreshments was held at the second-floor atrium of Pelham Park Middle School. The reception was designed for Pelham City Schools Teacher and Support Person of the Year honorees, who would be recognized at that evening’s Board of Education meeting.

The reception featured food crafted by Pelham High School’s Culinary Arts program, and began at 5:30 p.m.

Following the reception, the regularly scheduled Pelham City Schools Board of Education was held at 6:30 p.m. The meeting began with the formal recognition of Pelham City Schools Teacher and Support Person of the Year honorees.

The honorees included Jackson Vaughan and Maria Guzman from Pelham Oaks Elementary, Jordan Salter and Tiffany Grimes from Pelham Ridge Elementary, Trey Clark and Anita Britt from Pelham Park Middle School and Katie Travis, Debbie Adams and Lisa Dettwiller from Pelham High School.

Dr. Chuck Ledbetter, PCS’s superintendent, gave remarks on all of the nominees after recognizing them for their dedication and service.

“You’re not just special in our school, you’re special in a school that has already picked people who are special,” Ledbetter said. “It’s really something amazing, and their ability to inspire, challenge and empower our students is truly extraordinary.”

Following the recognition for the Teacher and Support Person of the Year honorees, various students and teachers were recognized in a segment of the meeting called “Panther Pride.”

Pelham High School’s volleyball team was recognized after a season in which they finished as runner-ups in the state. Furthermore, Edwin Hernandez, a PHS student, was recognized for receiving a scholarship to Stanford University.

Members of Pelham’s drama department and band were also recognized after various performances in the first semester of the school year.

In his closing remarks, Ledbetter recognized all of the people honored at the Board of Education meeting.

“To all of our honorees, thank you for representing Pelham’s excellence, unity and pride,” Ledbetter said. “Your achievements inspire us all and remind us why Pelham is such a special place.”

The Board of Education meeting then shifted to the principals of each Pelham school giving recaps of the activities their schools conducted during Board Member Appreciation Month.

Ledbetter then gave his report on various developments in the school system, and board member Bob O’Neil was recognized as a Master School Board Member.

This honor is given to board members who have completed all four levels of the Alabama Association of School Boards’ Member Academy.

The meeting concluded with the announcement that the next board meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on Pelham City Schools, visit Pelhamcityschools.org.

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