Congratulations to these Shelby County students who recently placed at the 2025 State Superintendent's Visual Arts Exhibit.
OMES - Evelyn Rayl - Honorable mention
OMIS - Kendyl Hannah - 3rd place
CHMS - Jacob Mondragon - 3rd place
HMS - Shelby Kemp - Honorable mention (not pictured)
HHS - Sara Allen - 2nd place
A key highlight of the Showcase of Schools was the Class of 2025 Student Panel, where high school students from across the district—Barrett Mamock (Chelsea High), Aiden Poe (Vincent Middle High), Alyson Ragland (Helena High), John Shoemaker (Oak Mountain High), and Sydney Williams (Calera High)—shared their perspectives on their educational experiences and future aspirations. Moderated by Ali Mims, the discussion provided valuable insight into the pathways of possibilities these students have experienced in Shelby County Schools.
Shelby County Schools recently held its annual Showcase of Schools, hosted by the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, highlighting the district’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and student achievement. The event, themed "Pathways to Possibility," brought together students, educators, and community members for an inspiring morning of student demonstrations and discussions on educational excellence.
The program opened with a welcome from Ali Mims, a Chelsea High School student and Miss Alabama’s Teen, followed by the Presentation of Colors by Vincent Middle High School JROTC and a performance of the National Anthem by the Montevallo High School Choir. Teresa Vick from Regions gave sponsor remarks, emphasizing the importance of community support in education.
Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks delivered remarks before attendees were dismissed to explore interactive student demonstrations throughout the venue. The showcase featured a diverse range of student-led exhibits, including STEM projects, leadership initiatives, fine arts presentations, and career-focused programs.
Additionally, student leaders from various schools played a key role in guiding attendees through the exhibits and presentations. The event also featured special entertainment provided by the Helena High School Jazz Band, adding a celebratory touch to the morning.
The Showcase of Schools once again demonstrated the outstanding talent and dedication of Shelby County Schools' students and educators. Through hands-on experiences and engaging discussions, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the district’s commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.
David Butts is now serving as principal at Montevallo High School. Butts has over 24 years of experience in public education and was most recently serving as the Principal at New Direction/Success. Before that, he served as an assistant principal at Helena High School.
Mr. Butts earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Faulkner University and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama.
Bobby Cummings has been named assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. Mr. Cummings has 15 years of teaching experience in the Shelby County School district. He has served as an Administrative Assistant at Oak Mountain High School for the past three years. He was a physical education teacher and coach for 12 years at Helena Middle. In 2017, Mr. Cummings was an Educator of the Year nominee for the district.
Mr. Cummings holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Montevallo, and a Master's of Arts in Education from UAB. He also holds a Master's of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of West Alabama.
Natalie Landrum will serve as the next assistant principal of Helena Intermediate School. Mrs. Landrum has over 21 years of experience as a classroom teacher and most recently served as the Administrative Assistant at Helena Intermediate. She was recognized in both 2010 and 2018 as Helena Intermediate School’s Teacher of the Year and the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year 2018. Additionally, she was a finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2016.
Mrs. Landrum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (PreK– 6th grade) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a certification in Leadership and Administration (K-12) from the University of Montevallo.
The Sterling Castle once again provided a magical setting for the 2025 Special Needs Prom. With an Arabian Nights theme, the event was filled with beautiful décor, joyful dancing, and heartwarming moments that will be cherished for years to come.
A highlight of the event was the crowning of this year's Prom King and Queen. William Burge from Chelsea High School was honored as Prom King, while Demearia Carson from Shelby County High School was crowned Prom Queen.
The event would not have been possible without the support of teachers, staff, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure every student felt special. Peer helpers played a crucial role in making the event memorable, dancing alongside their classmates and sharing in the joy of the celebration. Special thanks to Victor and Misty Binkerd, owners of the Sterling Castle, Chris "DJ Fuzzy" Peters, and Tazikis, for your generous support of this event and Shelby County students.
We are collecting suggestions for the 25-26 Code of Conduct.
The form will close on February 28, 2025.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc33m6r_ALgMGcwKEHc1qrMEfmLTVj0UMRLMLHLYA52fZAwiA/viewform?usp=send_form
On Feb. 11, the University of Montevallo’s College of Education and Human Development held an awards dinner to recognize the achievements of its outstanding alumni. The college presented awards in several categories to recognize accomplishments by alumni who have shown dedication and exemplary commitment to teaching. Those honored from Shelby County Schools were:
2025 Outstanding Alumnus in Secondary Education: Chris Oravet (Calera Middle School )
2025 Lifetime Commitment to Education Award: Dr. Lewis Brooks (Superintendent)
Congratulations to Dr. Brooks and Mr. Oravet on receiving these awards and thank you for your commitment to education.
High school juniors across the district recently had an opportunity to interact with college recruiters at college fair events held at the Shelby County Arts Council and the Shelby County Instructional Services Center. The Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers sponsored and organized the event.
🏆 Varsity Scholar’s Bowl Champions! 🏆
Congratulations to our Varsity High Scorers from each school:
📚 CAHS - Mackenzie Ovando & Chase Settle
📚 CHHS - Kennie Campbell
📚 HLHS - Anna Havercroft
📚 MNHS - Yan Shan Zou
📚 OMHS - Brandon Cui
📚 SCHS - Logan Loyd
📚 VMHS - Conner Buchanan
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Brandon Cui (OMHS)
🥈 2nd Place - Kennie Campbell (CHHS)
🥇 1st Place - Logan Loyd (SCHS)
🏆 Top Varsity Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Helena High School
🥈 2nd Place - Shelby County High School
🥇 1st Place - Oak Mountain High
🏆 JV Scholar’s Bowl Standouts! 🏆
Congratulations to our JV High Scorers from each school:
📚 CAHS - Noah Walker
📚 CHHS - Ella Gurtler
📚 HLHS - Edward Boadi
📚 MNHS - Atticus Plott
📚 OMHS - Joshua Chatham
📚 SCHS - Ronin Wilkins
📚 VMHS - Levi Young
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Ella Gurtler (CHHS)
🥈 2nd Place - Joshua Chatham (OMHS)
🥇 1st Place - Ronin Wilkins (SCHS)
🏆 Top JV Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Chelsea High School
🥈 2nd Place - Shelby County High School
🥇 1st Place - Helena High School
8th-grade Scholar's Bowl Standouts!
Congratulations to our 8th-grade high scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Whisper Jones
📚 CHMS - Noah Henderickson
📚 COMS - Sharkey Clark
📚 HLMS - Andrew Etheridge
📚 MVMS - Jennifer Landaverde-Lara
📚 OMMS - Noah Chatham
📚 VMHS - Jordan Blake
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Noah Henderickson (CHMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Jennifer Landaverde-Lara (MVMS)
🥇 1st Place - Noah Chatham (OMMS)
🏆 Top 8th-grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Columbiana Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Chelsea Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
7th-grade Scholar's Bowl Standouts!
Congratulations to our 7th-grade high scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Ronin Delong
📚 CHMS - Owen Gurtler
📚 COMS - Liam Cole
📚 HLMS - Machara Crawford
📚 OMMS - Hansika Kathait
📚 VMHS - August Lee
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Owen Gurtler (CHMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Liam Cole (COMS)
🥇 1st Place - Hansika Kathait (OMMS)
🏆 Top 7th-grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Chelsea Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Columbiana Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
6th Grade Scholars’ Bowl Champions! 🏆
Congratulations to our 6th Grade High Scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Davis Dolbare
📚 CHMS - Shriyans Roy
📚 CMMS - Jackson Gray
📚 HLMS - Jackson Houser
📚 MNMS - Danny Carrillo
📚 OMMS - Dan Brewer
📚 VMHS - Hunter Pilkington
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Jackson Gray (CMMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Jackson Houser (HLMS)
🥇 1st Place - Shriyans Roy (CHMS)
🏆 Top 6th Grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Helena Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Chelsea Middle School (Undefeated!)
In addition to the judge's choices for the 8th grade Science Fair, students were also allowed to rotate through each project and vote on the following awards:
"The Eureka Award" For the most innovative and original idea;
Gabriel Almeida, Exploring pH with Purple Cabbage, Helena Middle
"The Future Scientist Award" For the project that shows the most potential for real-world application; Christine White & Charlee Loomis, How does Surface Temperature Affect Fingerprints?, Vincent Middle
"The Problem-Solver Award" For the project that tackles a challenging problem with exceptional creativity, Oscar Hernandez,
The Solar Roller, Montevallo Middle
"The Eco-Warrior Award" For the project that makes the biggest impact on environmental sustainability, Sophie Davis, Biodegradable Plastic vs. Plastic Bottles, Helena Middle
"The Data Dynamo Award" For the project with the most thorough and well-organized data analysis. Xayden Lockett, The Affect of Surface Area on the Rate of Chemical Reactions, Montevallo "The Eye-Catcher Award" For the most visually appealing and well-presented display. Mayra Villegas, Candle Race, Montevallo Middle
"The Curiosity Catalyst Award" For the project that inspires others to explore and ask questions, Sophia Heller, Unidentified Flying Object, Helena Middle
"The Wow Factor Award" For the project that leaves everyone amazed and impressed, Hannah Reyes, Vision of Color, Helena Middle
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 8th-grade Science Fair. Judges were allowed to select three projects to receive Honorable Mention and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. All of these students have the opportunity to compete at UAB’s Central Alabama Science & Engineering Fair (CARSEF).
1st Place - Hannah Reyes, Vision of Color, Helena Middle School
2nd Place - Christine White and Charlee Loomis, How Does Surface Temperature Affect Fingerprints, Vincent Middle School
3rd Place - Sophie Davis, Biodegradable Plastic vs. Plastic Bottles, Helena Middle School.
Honorable Mentions:
Xayden Lockett, The Affect of Surface Area on the Rate of Chemical Reactions - Montevallo Middle School
Jennifer Landaverde, How Clean is Clean? - Montevallo Middle School
Clara Tuck, LEDs and Batteries - Helena Middle School
Attorney General Steve Marshall was on hand today to present Elvin Hill Elementary School with the 2024 Safe Schools Initiative Award which was formally announced in December. Joining Marshall was the three-person judging panel that oversaw the selection process for the awards comprised of Dale Stripling and Seth Sullivan from the Alabama State Department of Education and Pam Revels with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Elvin Hill Elementary was one of six schools chosen for the award statewide. According to Marshall, EHES was the only school scoring a perfect score on the four-phased application process.
Congratulations to our EHES administrators, teachers, School Resource Officers, and students on this important achievement!
This week, we celebrate the incredible school counselors who empower, support, and guide our students daily. From academic planning to emotional well-being, their dedication helps shape bright futures.
Join us in thanking our amazing counselors for the difference they make! Drop a comment to share how a school counselor has impacted you or your student. #NSCW25 #SchoolCounselorsRock #ThankACounselor
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School Health Science Class of 2025 who participated in their White Jacket and Certified Patient Care Technician pinning this morning. These senior internship students passed the CPCT exam with a 100 % pass rate and have earned the privilege of attending hands-on patient care clinicals at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group.
