James Clemens High School, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools
Merritt named ACT’s Teacher of the Year
Clint Merritt, seated in center, has been named Alabama Conference of Theatre’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Clint Merritt has been named Alabama Conference of Theatre’s (ACT) Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Merritt works as technical theatre instructor at James Clemens High School. Theatre directors across Alabama voted on the award during the Walter J. Trumbauer State Drama Festival on Dec. 3.
Merritt attributes his win to volunteering for ACT leadership positions at the state level. “I have worked tirelessly to advocate for theatre arts over the past decade of my life,” he said.
This year as ACT Secondary Chair, he helped oversee and organize many aspects of the state festival. This work required several hundred work hours; time away from the classroom; overseeing pre-festival questions, issues and complaints; and serving as a liaison between conference members and ACT leaders.
In addition, he serves as treasurer of Alabama Educational Theatre Association.
For two consecutive years, James Clemens Theatre has advanced to Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). “This is an incredible feat to be recognized for our work at the state and national level in only the fourth and fifth years of the program’s existence,” he said.
“To say that I’m excited and proud for our students would not be sufficient,” Merritt said. “The experiences at these festivals have been incredible for teachers and students.
Majoring in theatre, Merritt earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.
He, his wife and their two children have lived in Madison about ten years. “We were both raised in south Huntsville and settled in Madison so our two kids could (attend) this school district,” Merritt said.
Previously, Merritt taught at G-Star School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla. and Hazel Green High School.
Merritt coaches his daughter’s soccer team and participates in Indian Princesses with her. He likes attending concerts and checking out new music/bands.
“I like to run, when I carve out the time. I love to laugh. Watching Alabama football is one of my favorite things to do,” Merritt said.
