What an incredible evening at the 2025-26 Madison County Public Schools Senior of the Month and Retirement Banquet! It was truly an honor to be in the room with so many outstanding young people and the dedicated educators, coaches, and staff who helped shape them.
The night celebrated ten remarkable seniors, each of whom brought with them a teacher, coach, or trusted mentor who made a meaningful impact on their journey through Madison County Public Schools:
– Isabella Dietrich (August) – Honoring Mr. Moonie Frazier
– Emma Geer (September) – Honoring Mrs. Cathy Zanella
– Samarion Turner (October) – Honoring Mrs. Trinity Smith
– Megan Cross (November) – Honoring Mrs. Mary Beth Dodson
– Lantz Palm (December) – Honoring Mr. George Tynes
– Zoe Bailey (January) – Honoring Ms. Kathryn Crouthamel
– Tylee Coates (February) – Honoring Mr. Larry Helmick
– Jeshaly Morales (March) – Honoring Mr. Ben Coates
– Kermit Kelley (April) – Honoring Mr. Brandon Utz
– River Carter (May) – Honoring Mrs. Faith Vargas
Listening to each student share their story about the moments, the encouragement, and the challenges overcome was inspiring. Every single story was a powerful reminder of how a great mentor can shape someone in ways that last beyond being in our schools.
To each of these ten incredible seniors, you are the reason we do this work. Your stories inspired everyone in that room, and the mentors you chose to recognize clearly poured their hearts into you. That says everything about all of you. As you move forward, whether heading to college, entering the workforce, serving our country, or charting your own unique path, know that Madison County is proud of you and rooting for you!
Special congratulations also go to our three retirees: Ms. Linda Lampman, Mrs. Susan Scott, and the extraordinary Mrs. Barbara Carpenter. Between them, they represent decades of faithful service to the students and families of Madison County. And Mrs. Carpenter — over 50 years of showing up every day to make sure our kids were fed and cared for! Generations of Madison County students are better off because of you. Enjoy every moment of this incredibly well-earned next chapter!