Amy Thaxton serves the community and Bob Jones

MADISON – “Madison is home … special to me as we grew up with the best schools, the best friends, the best churches and all the comforts we think of when ‘home’ is mentioned,” Amy Thaxton said.

Madison is a great size, she said. “Growing is OK. We just grow and adjust along with the changes.”

She was born in Decatur, then lived in Hartselle and entered second grade at West Madison Elementary School. “I’m a proud 1999 graduate of Bob Jones High School. I hold a bachelor’s degree in education from Athens State University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” Thaxton said.

Her parents, Larry and Deborah Ward, moved to Madison in 1988 for his job at Teledyne Brown Engineering and to enroll at University of Alabama in Huntsville. The Wards founded Inside-Out Ministries.

Amy’s husband Wade has taught since 2006 for Madison City Schools, currently as fifth-grade teacher at Horizon Elementary School and coach for Bob Jones Swimming and Diving.

Their daughter Tatum, 7, is a first-grader. Son Wade is two years old.

“I’m very thankful my parents have had my sister and me serving in different areas throughout our lives. Serving is the simplest act of kindness that allows me to show God’s love to others,” Amy said.

“I have a special place in my heart for Inside-Out Ministries. It exists to serve Madison families with basic needs and is run solely by volunteers,” Amy said. “I also love to support Bob Jones students as they organize opportunities and volunteer.”

Amy has taught for 14 years in MCS. She first taught English at Bob Jones. “My dream was to teach at the same school that had such a positive impact on my life,” she said. She then worked as instructional partner and became assistant principal in 2014.

Her taste in music is “positive, uplifting music that has a good message.”

“My favorite restaurant is La Placita. Antonio and his staff are so welcoming. The food is wonderful,” she said.