Pelham City Schools celebrated exceptional student and staff accomplishments from the second semester of the school year during the Panther Pride segment of the Board of Education meeting on May 21. The event brought students, teachers, and their families together to recognize remarkable achievements in academics, arts, athletics, career and technical education, and leadership.
Notable honorees included Savannah Fisher, named The Shelby County Chamber’s Elementary Educator of the Year, and Camdyn Martin, recognized as the Chamber’s Academic Standout Student of the Year from among nominees throughout Shelby County. Additionally, Pelham High School teacher Elizabeth Dillard received the Elevate Leader of the Year Award for her influential contributions to teacher development and student success.
Students excelled across various fields, including Bryleigh Brown, who won first place at the Alabama Beef Cook-Off; Arya Desai, who earned top honors in the Alabama High School Literary Arts Awards; and Pelham’s Culinary Team, which secured first place at the Alabama ProStart Invitational and competed nationally. Visual arts students Kansas Klein, Luca Rice, Anthony Garcia, and Sally Arteaga-Aldana achieved top honors at state-level competitions.
Athletic standouts included esports state champion Xavier Merchant, wrestler Maddox McDaniel, and several track athletes recognized with All-State honors. The graduating Class of 2025 was also celebrated for collectively earning over $15 million in scholarships, with Camdyn Martin receiving the prestigious "The Pelham Way" award for exemplary character, resilience, and leadership.
These impressive accomplishments highlight the exceptional talent, dedication, and spirit within Pelham City Schools. Congratulations to all honorees—we can't wait to celebrate even more incredible achievements in the upcoming school year!