Athens City Schools Foundation

10/16/2026

CONGRATS to the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year! What a special honor to be selected by your peers.

🍎 MCKENZIE THOMAS, Athens Elementary School
🍎 EMMA HOLLAND, FAME Academy at Brookhill
🍎 BROOKE JAEP, SPARK Academy at Cowart
🍎 DIANE TROUT, Julian Newman Elementary School
🍎 ABIGAIL ARCHER, Athens Intermediate School
🍎 ALLIE BARNES, Athens Middle School
🍎 JILLIAN CHAPPELL, Athens Renaissance School
🍎 JOSEPH ILLG, Renaissance Virtual
🍎 CANNA RICKETTS, Athens High School

The Athens City Schools Foundation looks forward to celebrating these teachers at the 11th annual Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet in November. This special event would not be possible without the generous support of our 2026 sponsors:

✨PRESENTING SPONSOR
Trustmark Bank

✨BLACK & GOLD SPONSORS
Goodwyn Mills Cawood
Morell Engineering

✨SILVER SPONSORS
Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives
Athens State University
Lathan McKee & Associates Architects
Martin & Cobey Construction Company, Inc.
North Alabama Educators Credit Union

✨CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
Cast Products, Inc.
Collateral Educator Services
First State Bank of the South
Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors

09/23/2026

Learning is always in motion, and we love seeing creative ideas like these come to life! This year, the Athens City Schools Foundation (ACSF) awarded $18,000 in classroom grants to more than 50 ACS teachers for the 2026–2027 school year! These grants provide educators with additional resources to enhance instruction, encourage innovation, and create meaningful learning experiences for students. In addition to its annual classroom grant program, ACSF proudly supports programs and initiatives such as the Third Grade Violin Program, Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet, and more! Learn more about the Athens City Schools Foundation or ways to support its mission at acsf.acs-k12.org.

09/21/2026

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Your support of the Athens City Schools Foundation (ACSF) makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students today, tomorrow, and for years to come! Donations help fund annual initiatives such as Teacher Classroom Grants, the Third Grade Violin Program, Teacher of the Year recognition, and more.

Here are a few ways you can support ACSF:

💡Power for Students: Add a monthly donation of any amount to your Athens Utilities bill. Download the form and learn more at acsf.acs-k12.org/power.
🏫Legacy Bricks: Leave a lasting mark with a personalized commemorative brick. Visit acsf.acs-k12.org/bricks to place your order.
💛Make a Donation: Every gift, regardless of the amount, helps ACSF provide meaningful opportunities and resources for our students and teachers. Visit acsf.acs-k12.org/donate to give.
🍎Sponsor the Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet: Help ACSF honor the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of our students every day by sponsoring this annual celebration. Learn more at acsf.acs-k12.org.

Together, we !

09/19/2026

🎉 CONGRATS to Mrs. Allie Barnes, Athens Middle School Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Barnes was selected for this honor by her peers at AMS.

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

Congrats! 🖤💛🖤💛

09/18/2026

🎉 CONGRATS to Brooke Jaep, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School Teacher of the Year! Coach Jaep was selected for this honor by her peers at SPARK.

🏆 BIG NEWS! Join us in giving a well deserved congratulations to our very own Coach Brooke Jaep for being nominated by her peers as Teacher of the Year! 🎉👏🏼

From bringing high energy to her classes every single day to constantly pouring her heart into every student who walks through our doors, Coach Jaep truly embodies what it means to lead, inspire, and uplift our entire school community. 🌟
Well done!🖤💛🦅