Teachers shine at Golden Apple Gala, sponsored by The Schools Foundation
Madison City Teachers of the Year pictured with Jeanne Greer of the Schools Foundation and Supt. Dr. Ed Nichols )in random order): Brett Burgess (James Clemens HS), Heidi Clemons (Midtown Elem), Brittany Cox (Discovery Middle), Crystal Davy (Horizon Elem), Melissa Lacey (Bob Jones HS), Beth Massey (Madison Elem), Karen Price (Liberty Middle), Alicia Sanders (West Madison PreK), Alicia Sullivan Smith (Rainbow Elem), Alicia Waddail (Mill Creek Elem), and Chelsea Young (Journey Middle). Unable to attend: Rob Carter (Heritage Elem), Alisha Mayfield (Columbia Elem). Photo courtesy of Madison City Schools
Madison County Record, News, Schools, The Madison Recor, Z - News Main
 By Gregg Parker  
Published 6:04 am Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Teachers shine at Golden Apple Gala, sponsored by The Schools Foundation

MADISON–TheSchools Foundation celebrated “Teacher of the Year” recipients from Madison County’s three school districts at the second annual Golden Apple Gala.

The fete celebrated these educators in Madison City Schools, Huntsville City Schools and Madison County School System. The Schools Foundation honored these 91 teachers on Jan. 28 in the Von Braun Center’s Saturn Ballroom.

City, county and state leaders attended the event, along with school board and city council members, principals, superintendents, business/industry partners and others. The evening’s message emphasized excellence in classrooms and the importance of quality schools across the community.

The gala’s guests included Jeanne Greer, Executive Director of The Schools Foundation; Steve Johnson, emcee; Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett; Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon; and schools superintendents Dr. Ed Nichols, Madison; Dr. Clarence Sutton, Huntsville; and Ken Kubik, Madison County.

Teacher of the Year honorees from Madison were Brett Burgess, James Clemens High School; Rob Carter, Heritage Elementary School; Heidi Clemons, Midtown Elementary School; Brittany Cox, Discovery Middle School; Crystal Davy. Horizon Elementary School; Dr. Melissa Lacey. Bob Jones High School; Beth Massey, Madison Elementary School; Alisha Mayfield, Columbia Elementary School; Karen Price, Liberty Middle School; Alicia Sanders, West Madison First Class Pre-Kindergarten Center; Alicia Sullivan Smith, Rainbow Elementary School; Alicia Waddail, Mill Creek Elementary School; and Chelsea Young, Journey Middle School.

“This evening is a meaningful way to recognize our Teachers of the Year and, at the same time, invest in programs that directly benefit students, educators and schools throughout our community,” Greer said.

Sparkman High School Junior ROTC ‘presented the colors’ to open the evening. Fine arts students from all three school districts performed during the event, including music from Huntsville, Lee, Columbia, Grissom, Bob Jones, James Clemens and Hazel Green high schools.

“The Golden Apple Gala, a recurring event by The Schools Foundation, offers a chance to concentrate . . . and respect the caliber of teachers across Madison County,” Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett.

“This evening of appreciation brought together educators, elected officials and industry partners to recognize the vital role quality schools play in our region’s success,” Bartlett said.

The Schools Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, supports Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools and Madison County School System with programming, funding and advocacy for principals, teachers and students.

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