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Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame
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Vestavia Hills City Schools created its Hall of Fame in 2020 to celebrate former VHCS employees who played a critical role in the growth and legacy of the school system. Each year, up to five individuals are selected for induction from the nominations of the community at large. Inductees are chosen based on their embodiment of the school system Mission and Beliefs during their term of employment in VHCS.
Nominations for the Class of 2024 are open through July 1, 2024. Click here to access the nomination form.
Class of 2023
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Beverly Brasell
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have
dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Beverly Brasell is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1974 to 2007; and
Whereas, Ms. Brasell served as a speech and theater during her 33-year career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Ms. Brasell modeled high standards and vision for the entire school as chairwoman of the Arts Department; and
Whereas, Ms. Brasell’s ability to bring out the best in her students has left an indelible mark on the community; and
Whereas, Ms. Brasell earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of working alongside her; and
Whereas, Ms. Brasell continues to advocate for the value of the arts and arts education throughout the community; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Brasell for her lifetime of service and
impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Beverly Brasell as an inductee in the 2023 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Brasell.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 29th Day of January, 2024.
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William T. Clark
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have
dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, William T. Clark was an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1970 to 1979; and
Whereas, Mr. Clark served as the first superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools following its inception in April 1970; and
Whereas, Mr. Clark devoted his entire life to the service of our country and the education of its citizens; and
Whereas, Mr. Clark adeptly guided Vestavia Hills City Schools through its first years, construction projects, and early growth; and
Whereas, Mr. Clark was a visionary educator who was dedicated to academic excellence and student-centered schools; and
Whereas, Mr. Clark established a foundation of excellence in Vestavia Hills City Schools which continues to this day; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to posthumously honor Mr. Clark for his lifetime of service and
impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates William T. Clark as an inductee in the 2023 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to the family of Mr. Clark.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 29th Day of January, 2024.
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Jennifer Greer
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have
dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Jennifer Greer is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1996 to 2021; and
Whereas, Ms. Greer served for 25 years as a special education teacher at Louis Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Ms. Greer devoted her entire career to serving and educating students with exceptional needs; and
Whereas, Ms. Greer had a vision for making school a welcoming place for students with disabilities and carried out that vision; and
Whereas, Ms. Greer led the development of numerous programs and initiatives which empowered and celebrated those students; and
Whereas, Ms. Greer continues to serve in the community supporting the growth of individuals of all ages with disabilities; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Greer for her lifetime of service and
impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Jennifer Greer as an inductee in the 2023 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Greer.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 29th Day of January, 2024.
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Kym Prewitt
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have
dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Kym Prewitt is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1987 to 1995 and again from 2016 to 2023; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt served as an English and Youth Leadership teacher during her career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt served as a member and President of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education from 2010 to 2015; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt fulfilled numerous volunteer roles and needs within the school system over the past three decades; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt created the Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills program and developed it into a pillar of high school service; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt led the creation of RISE which unites the community annually in support of the fight against cancer; and
Whereas, Ms. Prewitt’s unparalleled community support has fostered a culture of leadership and civic engagement in the school system; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Prewitt for her lifetime of service and
impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Kym Prewitt as an inductee in the 2023 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Prewitt.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 29th Day of January, 2024.
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Jim Williams
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have
dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Jim Williams is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1981 to 1999; and
Whereas, Mr. Williams served for 18 years in the school system as principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary East; and
Whereas, Mr. Williams created an inviting and nurturing environment where students and staff alike felt at home; and
Whereas, Mr. Williams was well-known for the kind and caring spirit which he brought into the school each day; and
Whereas, Mr. Williams’ commitment to educational excellence has significantly contributed to the culture of the school today; and
Whereas, Mr. Williams continues to be an avid supporter of Vestavia Hills City Schools, its students, and its staff; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. Williams for his lifetime of service and
impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Jim Williams as an inductee in the 2023 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. Williams.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 29th Day of January, 2024.
Class of 2022
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Kelly Bagby
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Kelly Bagby is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 2000 to 2022; and
Whereas, Ms. Bagby served as a special education teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, and Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park during her 22-year career; and
Whereas, Ms. Bagby embodied the virtue of putting others before oneself through her compassionate service to students; and
Whereas, Ms. Bagby invested in the lives of each student by seeking to learn their strengths and needs and meet them where they were; and
Whereas, Ms. Bagby sought to encourage and empower her colleagues through her selfless leadership and work ethic; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Bagby for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Kelly Bagby as an inductee in the 2022 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Bagby.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 30th Day of January, 2023.
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Brian Cain
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Brian Cain is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1989 to 2002; and
Whereas, Mr. Cain served as a mathematics and psychology teacher during his 13-year career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Mr. Cain brought these subjects to life each day through profound teaching and critical thought; and
Whereas, Mr. Cain modeled exemplary respect and character toward all Vestavia Hills students and staff; and
Whereas, Mr. Cain held his students to the highest academic and moral standards while making his classroom a safe and engaging learning environment; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. Cain for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Brian Cain as an inductee in the 2022 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. Cain.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 30th Day of January, 2023.
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Dr. Karen DeLano
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Dr. Karen DeLano is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 2000 to 2012; and
Whereas, Dr. DeLano served as assistant superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools during her 12-year career with the school system; and
Whereas, Dr. DeLano oversaw the numerous responsibilities of the school system’s personnel, curriculum and instruction, strategic planning, and leadership growth needs; and
Whereas, Dr. DeLano was instrumental in the development and staffing of Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park, and Liberty Park Middle School as they entered the school district; and
Whereas, Dr. DeLano demonstrated a sincere devotion to the success of Vestavia Hills’ students and staff through her kindness and professionalism; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Dr. DeLano for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Dr. Karen DeLano as an inductee in the 2022 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Dr. DeLano.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 30th Day of January, 2023.
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Kimberly McBride
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Kimberly McBride was an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 2008 to 2021; and
Whereas, Ms. McBride served as a custodian during her 13-year career at Liberty Park Middle School; and
Whereas, Ms. McBride demonstrated selflessness and compassion for the students and staff of Liberty Park from the moment the school opened; and
Whereas, Ms. McBride knew the names of every child and employee at Liberty Park Middle School and sought to ensure each person had a friend; and
Whereas, Ms. McBride brought smiles to everyone through her wonderful sense of humor, generous spirit, and encouraging attitude; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to posthumously honor Ms. McBride for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Kimberly McBride as an inductee in the 2022 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to the family of Ms. McBride.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 30th Day of January, 2023.
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Audrey Pharo
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its five-decade history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Audrey Pharo was an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1977 to 2008; and
Whereas, Ms. Pharo served as a kindergarten teacher during her 31-year career at Vestavia Hills Elementary West; and
Whereas, Ms. Pharo instilled the values of individuality and creativity in her students through her professional practice; and
Whereas, Ms. Pharo made her classroom a welcoming place for kindergarteners where learning was fun and engaging; and
Whereas, Ms. Pharo established an expectation of excellence for her students and sought to bring out their best; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Pharo for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, recognizes and congratulates Audrey Pharo as an inductee in the 2022 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Pharo.
Adopted and Approved by the Board of Education, this the 30th Day of January, 2023.
Class of 2021
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Sammy Dunn
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its 51-year history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Sammy Dunn was an educator employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1977 to 2004; and
Whereas, Coach Dunn served as an assistant principal, assistant football coach, and head baseball coach at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Coach Dunn’s 647 wins with the Rebels made him the winningest baseball coach in Alabama high school history at the time of his passing in 2004; and
Whereas, the Rebels won nine state championships under Coach Dunn’s leadership, seven of which were won consecutively, and one national championship in 1998; and
Whereas, Coach Dunn was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to posthumously honor Coach Dunn for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Sammy Dunn as an inductee in the 2021 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to the family of Coach Dunn.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 13th day of December, 2021.
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Barbara Grant
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its 51-year history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Barbara Grant is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1970 to 1998; and
Whereas, Ms. Grant served as a science teacher at Vestavia Hills Junior High, which was later renamed Louis Pizitz Middle School, for two years prior to the school’s annexation into Vestavia Hills, then for 28 years thereafter; and
Whereas, Ms. Grant was among the first African-American teachers in Vestavia Hills City Schools’ history; and
Whereas, Ms. Grant had a passion for teaching science and challenging her students academically; and
Whereas, Ms. Grant’s calm demeanor and affirming spirit were valued by students and coworkers alike; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Grant for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Barbara Grant as an inductee in the 2021 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Grant.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 13th day of December, 2021.
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Michael Gross
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its 51-year history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Michael Gross is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1985 to 1999; and
Whereas, Mr. Gross served as principal during his 14-year career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Mr. Gross worked to ensure all students, staff, and stakeholders felt included and respected as part of the Rebel family; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills High School experienced unprecedented success in academic and athletic competition throughout Mr. Gross’ tenure as principal; and
Whereas, Mr. Gross instilled a culture of excellence in all things at Vestavia Hills High School which continues to this day; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. Gross for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Michael Gross as an inductee in the 2021 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. Gross.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 13th day of December, 2021.
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Rick McKay
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its 51-year history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Rick McKay is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1980 to 2002; and
Whereas, Mr. McKay served as an elementary school teacher during his 22-year career in the school system; and
Whereas, Mr. McKay was most well known for his many years as a fifth grade teacher with a passion for American History at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central; and
Whereas, Mr. McKay was beloved by students for his ability to make learning fun and encourage their academic growth; and
Whereas, Mr. McKay was supportive of his fellow faculty members and worked to contribute to their professional success; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. McKay for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Rick McKay as an inductee in the 2021 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. McKay.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 13th day of December, 2021.
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John Rush
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools owes its 51-year history to those faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, John Rush is an educator who was employed by Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1981 to 2019; and
Whereas, Coach Rush served as a physical education teacher and coach of multiple boys’ and girls’ sports during his 38-year career at Louis Pizitz Middle School; and
Whereas, Coach Rush instilled a strong work ethic and a love for the Vestavia Hills community in his students and among the players on all of his teams; and
Whereas, Coach Rush worked to ensure every student felt valued and respected, regardless of their success on the field of play; and
Whereas, Coach Rush was honored in 2021 for his commitment to character, excellence, and family at Pizitz with the creation of the John Rush Outstanding Female Athlete Award; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. Rush for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates John Rush as an inductee in the 2021 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this Resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. Rush.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 13th day of December, 2021.
Class of 2020
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Buddy Anderson
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the educators who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Dovey “Buddy” Anderson has been an educator employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools since 1972; and
Whereas, Coach Anderson has served as a head football coach, assistant football coach, mathematics teacher, assistant principal, and athletic director over his 48-year career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Coach Anderson has compiled a record of more than 342 wins during 42 seasons as head football coach, thus making him the winningest coach at any level of competitive football in Alabama history; and
Whereas, Coach Anderson led the Rebels to state championships in football in 1980 and 1998; and
Whereas, Coach Anderson has exemplified leadership for generations of Vestavia Hills High School students and student-athletes; and
Whereas, Coach Anderson announced his retirement from full-time service effective July 1, 2020 and retirement as head football coach following the conclusion of the 2020 season; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Coach Anderson for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Dovey “Buddy” Anderson as an inaugural inductee in the 2020 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Coach Anderson.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 28th day of September, 2020.
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Helen Holley
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the educators who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Helen Holley is an educator who was employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1993 to 2012; and
Whereas, Ms. Holley served as an assistant principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary East and the first principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park during her 19-year career in the school system; and
Whereas, Ms. Holley played a pivotal role in all aspects of the planning, opening, and exponential growth of Liberty Park Elementary; and
Whereas, Ms. Holley laid the foundation for the social-emotional support of all students with an emphasis on student leadership reflected through the words of the Liberty Park Creed; and
Whereas, Ms. Holley modeled a positive, energetic spirit for all students and staff throughout her years of leadership in the school system; and
Whereas, Ms. Holley believed that every day was a great day for learning and all should take advantage of it; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Holley for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Helen Holley as an inaugural inductee in the 2020 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Holley.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 28th day of September, 2020.
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David Miles
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the educators who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, David Miles is an educator who was employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1991 to 2014; and
Whereas, Mr. Miles served as principal of Louis Pizitz Middle School during his 23-year career in Vestavia Hills City Schools; and
Whereas, under Mr. Miles’ leadership, Louis Pizitz Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education in 1994; and
Whereas, Mr. Miles conferred upon Pizitz Middle School the title of “Best Middle School in America” and sought to instill this belief in the hearts and minds of all students and staff; and
Whereas, Mr. Miles partnered with faculty to create an annual Living History Day, beginning in 2002, to honor active and retired members of the Armed Forces; and
Whereas, Mr. Miles established a culture of character, excellence, and family at Pizitz which is celebrated to this day through the words of the school's Pirate Creed; and
Whereas, Mr. Miles continues to demonstrate servant leadership at Pizitz in various teaching and volunteer roles; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Mr. Miles for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates David Miles as an inaugural inductee in the 2020 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Mr. Miles.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 28th day of September, 2020.
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Dr. John Carlton Smith
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the educators who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Dr. John Carlton Smith was an educator employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1985 to 1998; and
Whereas, Dr. Smith served as the third superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools during his 13-year career in the school system; and
Whereas, Dr. Smith oversaw the growth of the school system’s educational capacity during a period of city annexation by opening the Vestavia Hills Elementary Central School in 1989 and initiating capital projects at several other campuses; and
Whereas, Dr. Smith worked to greatly enhance the teaching and learning capabilities of all schools through the introduction of classroom technology and Internet access; and
Whereas, during Dr. Smith’s leadership, Vestavia Hills Elementary West, Louis Pizitz Middle School, and Vestavia Hills High School were each named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education; and
Whereas, Dr. Smith remained an active supporter of Vestavia Hills City Schools, its students, and its staff until his passing in June 2020; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to posthumously honor Dr. Smith for his lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Dr. John Carlton Smith as an inaugural inductee in the 2020 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to the family of Dr. Smith.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 28th day of September, 2020.
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Kay Tipton
Whereas, the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was established on April 30, 1970; and
Whereas, Vestavia Hills City Schools is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the educators who have dedicated themselves to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits; and
Whereas, Kay Tipton is an educator who was employed with Vestavia Hills City Schools from 1971 to 2007; and
Whereas, Ms. Tipton served as a mathematics teacher and mathematics department chair during her 36-year career at Vestavia Hills High School; and
Whereas, Ms. Tipton founded the Mu Alpha Theta math team at Vestavia Hills High School with a charter granted in 1984; and
Whereas, Ms. Tipton’s Mu Alpha Theta teams earned 15 national convention championships during her leadership, including nine consecutive championships from 1987 to 1995; and
Whereas, Ms. Tipton established a culture of excellence in mathematics achievement at Vestavia Hills High School which continues to this day; and
Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to honor Ms. Tipton for her lifetime of service and impact on thousands of lives in the city of Vestavia Hills and beyond.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, that the Board hereby recognizes and congratulates Kay Tipton as an inaugural inductee in the 2020 Class of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be recorded upon the minutes of this Meeting and a copy presented to Ms. Tipton.
Adopted and approved by the Board of Education for the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, this the 28th day of September, 2020.