Pelham City Schools celebrated outstanding student and staff accomplishments from the second semester of the school year during a special in-person Panther Pride recognition held at the May Board of Education meeting.
“Tonight is one of our favorite occasions as we come together to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students, educators, and programs,” said Superintendent Dr. Keri Johnson. “These achievements reflect the talent, dedication, leadership, and hard work taking place across our schools every single day.”
Athletics honors included state-level achievements and record-setting performances from Pelham High School and Pelham Park Middle School Outdoor Track and Field, along with individual standouts and team successes from the Pelham High School Girls and Boys Basketball teams.
Pelham High School Girls Outdoor Track and Field finished the season as the 6A State Runner Up while several athletes earned All-State honors and podium finishes at the state level. Head coach Marty Springfield was also celebrated for reaching an incredible milestone during his 30th year coaching track and field, earning the 25th state championship or state runner-up finish of his career.
The district also celebrated fine arts and performance accomplishments, including honors earned by Pelham High School Winter Guard, visual arts students recognized through the Alabama State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibit, state-level literary arts awards, and special music and performance recognitions earned by Pelham High School students.
Students involved in Career and Technical Education programs were also recognized for outstanding accomplishments in culinary arts, technology competitions, and career-focused student organizations. Pelham High School Culinary Arts students recently earned a Top 20 finish at the national ProStart competition in Baltimore after winning the state championship, while Pelham’s Technology Student Association students qualified for national competition following multiple top finishes at the state conference.
Several educators and students were also honored for leadership and academic achievement through recognitions from the Shelby County Chamber, the University of Alabama, the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences, and the Pelham High School ENGAGE program.
The Board of Education also recognized the accomplishments of the Pelham High School Class of 2026, which earned more than 17.5 million dollars in scholarships and nearly 200 industry credentials and certifications. The class also includes 45 honor graduates, 85 Advanced Diploma recipients, and 59 students who earned a Workforce Seal through Career Technical Education pathways.
The evening concluded with a special recognition of the Pelham City Schools Foundation for its continued support of students, teachers, and schools, including a check presentation to each school from Foundation board members.
“We are incredibly proud of the students, staff, coaches, and educators recognized tonight,” Dr. Johnson said. “Their accomplishments are a reflection of the culture of excellence, leadership, and support that continues to define Pelham City Schools and our community.”