Latest news with #AthensHighSchool
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Athens teacher finalist for state teacher of year
Apr. 30—Athens High School teacher Amanda Gudmundsson, one of four finalists for Alabama teacher of the year, changed career paths because of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on New York. Because she lived right outside New York City at the time, she witnessed everything firsthand, she said. Even though she is a fifth-generation educator, her path to the classroom was unexpected. Initially, she pursued a degree in higher education administration, but her career shifted following the events of Sept. 11. She decided to become a teacher after seeing the unity and the outpouring of selflessness the attack inspired. Through teaching, she found a way to contribute to democracy and uphold the values of equality and civic responsibility, she said. She believes that with the right support, all students can succeed and make meaningful and impactful contributions to society. Now the Athens High School teacher has been named one of the top four finalists for the 2025 — 26 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. Finalists for state teacher of the year include: —Gudmundsson, Athens City Schools, secondary teacher of the year. —Aubrey Bennett Birmingham City Schools, George Washington Carver High School, secondary teacher of the year. —Katie Collins, Hoover City Schools, Bluff Park Elementary School, elementary teacher of the year. —Katherine Thomas, Homewood City Schools, Edgewood Elementary School, elementary teacher of the year. Gudmundsson, who teaches government, economics and history, was first selected by her peers as Athens High School's teacher of the year in September 2024. She was then honored as the Athens City Schools teacher of the year in November 2024. She became a state finalist after being selected from more than 150 educators across Alabama. Gudmundsson also teaches dual-enrollment U.S. history courses at Calhoun Community College, as well as honors economics and American government. In addition to her recent accolades, Gudmundsson was also named the 2025-26 high school teacher of the year by the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars for her efforts in promoting citizenship education and patriotism in the classroom. She said caring for the students is the critical quality in being a good teacher. "I think you have to have compassion and empathy and treat your student the way you would treat your own children," she said. "If you go with that you will come out with great results. It's more than a subject matter; I try to build them up." Because the name Gudmundsson is so long, her students have dubbed her "Mrs. G" instead. She was astonished upon being selected as a finalist for teacher of the year. "I was completely shocked but honored," she said. "It is great to be acknowledged by students, colleagues and administrators." She said she has been humbled by the selection. "I never thought I'd get this far along in the process," she said. "I just care about students but I'm not doing anything anyone else isn't doing." Still, she is honored to represent her colleagues, which is how she looks at it since she was nominated by them. She thanked her superintendent, Beth Patton, whom she says has been a classroom teacher herself and understands, and Willie Moore, her principal. "They have been behind me all the way, my colleagues, too," she said. Patton said Mrs. G's students and colleagues are rooting for her. "This recognition not only reflects her commitment to excellence in the classroom but also the passion, innovation and heart she brings to our entire school community," Patton said. "We are honored to have such an inspiring educator among us." On Friday, Gudmundsson will attend her final interview, and a winner will be chosen during a May 7 banquet in Montgomery, she said. — or 256-340-2361
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Athens High School teacher named final four for Alabama Teacher of the Year
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — The list of 16 finalists was narrowed down to four Wednesday for the Alabama Teacher of the Year. Among the four finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year, Athens High School's Amanda Gudmundsson is listed. 'This honor reflects not just my journey, but the strength of the incredible people around me. Great teaching is never done alone—it's the product of shared passion, relentless support, and a community committed to lifting each other higher every day,' said Gudmundsson. According to the State of Alabama Department of Education news release, Gudmundsson is a 'dedicated educator' at Athens High School. In addition to her high school duties as a government, history and economics teacher, she teaches dual enrollment U.S. History courses at Calhoun Community College. Athens City Schools said she was selected by her peers as the Athens High School Teacher of the Year in September 2024 and honored as the district's Secondary Teacher of the Year in November 2024. She now stands as one of the 'top educators in the entire state,' according to the district. 'Her accomplishments don't stop there—she was also recently named the 2025–2026 Alabama VFW High School Teacher of the Year for her outstanding work promoting citizenship and patriotism in the classroom,' Athens City Schools said. She has more than 20 years in education, with 17 of those in Athens. 'Mrs. G. represents the heart, passion, and excellence that define Athens City Schools. She believes that teaching goes beyond the subject matter; it involves building meaningful relationships and changing lives,' ACS said. As a fifth-generation educator, her path to the classroom was unexpected. Initially, she pursued a degree in higher education administration, but her career shifted following the tragic events of 9/11. She witnessed everything first-hand because at that time she was living right outside of New York City. Experiencing the outpouring of selflessness and unity in the aftermath of the attacks, she was inspired to become a teacher. Through teaching, Amanda found a way to contribute to democracy and uphold the values of equality and civic responsibility. In her classroom, she encourages her students to embrace each other's differences, foster academic curiosity, and actively engage in shaping a better future for themselves and their families. State of Alabama Department of Education The other finalists for the award are Katie Collins – Hoover City School System, Dr. Katherine Thomas – Homewood City School System and Aubrey Bennett – Birmingham City School System. The next step for the four finalists is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year award will be announced on May 7 during a special event at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. For more information about the Alabama Teacher of the Year program, you can visit the Alabama State Department of Education's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Great Lakes Comic Con honors founder who died just before 2025 event
WARREN, MI (AP) - Fifteen years ago, Athens High School social studies teacher Mike DeSantis started the Great Lakes Comic Con, held annually at Macomb Community College. This year the show expanded to a full 3-day weekend for the first time, but sadly for the friends and family who worked the show, the celebration had to be cut short. Less than two weeks before the show took place, DeSantis died suddenly. An outpouring of grief from his friends, family, co-workers and the comic-con "family" flooded social media in the lead up to the show. At the show, a large group of his students and coworkers attended to show support for their loved one. "He was our teacher, colleague, and friend, and he will be missed," Troy teacher Shawn DuFresne posted on social media, along with a photo of many Athens students. Vendors, attendees and guests of the show also showed their support. Two large banners honoring DeSantis were laid out for people to wish his family well. The entire show was dedicated to his memory as people poured in to enjoy the weekend. "This has been his brainchild," friend and vendor Brad Richards said. "This is a childhood passion that just blew up." Richards said it was a sad weekend without his friend. "This is really a celebration of MIke," he said. "He poured his heart into this. Even though this was a business, he still had that passion."
