Message from the Executive Director

April brought a powerful reminder of what happens when community comes together to invest in our teachers and ultimately, our students. Last month, The Schools Foundation had the privilege of supporting intensive Orton-Gillingham training for 50 elementary teachers, with one educator representing every school across Madison County. This nationally respected, research-based approach to reading instruction equips teachers with the tools to meet students where they are and build strong, confident readers from the very beginning. Throughout the week, we enjoyed energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment ensuring that every child can succeed in literacy.

We are deeply grateful to The Boeing Company for their generous grant that made this opportunity possible, and to ADTRAN for opening their doors and providing a welcoming space for this important work. Because of their support, all 50 teachers successfully completed the training and have now returned to their schools ready to implement these impactful strategies with students across our community. The ripple effect of this investment will be felt for years to come, as stronger readers become more confident learners and that is a future worth celebrating.

Gatorade Player of the Year

Huntsville High School senior Charles Hunter Pearson has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Alabama Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, earning the prestigious honor for his excellence in athletics, academics, and community service. Pearson is the second student-athlete from Huntsville High to receive this award.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program, now in its 41st year, recognizes the nation’s top high school athletes across multiple sports. Pearson’s selection places him among an elite group of former winners, including professional athletes and business leaders.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program honors one athlete in each state across 12 high school sports and awards a National Player of the Year in each category. As part of the program’s commitment to social impact, each winner also receives a grant to donate to a community organization of their choice.

We are honored that this year’s recipient selected The Schools Foundation’s Patrons & Players program to receive this generous gift. This support will help ensure more students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, regardless of financial need.

Madison City Celebrates STEM With

Hands On Activities

Discovery and Liberty Middle Schools recently hosted “Math at the Mound,” a DoDEA-grant-initiated middle school math community event that combined engaging math activities with school spirit. Students and families had the opportunity to showcase their math skills and participate in fun, interactive challenges throughout the evening. Thank you to our community partners, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Chick-fil-A, Sub Hub Gifts and Trophies, @mikeys_cards, and the RD3 Legacy Foundation, for their support in making this event such a success.

Huntsville High Panther Petals

At Huntsville City Schools, innovative programs like Panther Petals at Huntsville High School are creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students. As part of the district’s community-based instruction model, several high schools have developed school-based enterprises designed to help students build and practice transferable life and career skills. Panther Petals, a floral shop operated through the school’s special education department, is a shining example of this work in action. Students design, create, and deliver beautiful floral arrangements throughout the district, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as communication, organization, customer service, and teamwork. Through programs like Panther Petals, students are not only learning essential skills, but they are also contributing to their school community in a way that is both purposeful and inspiring. The Schools Foundation was honored to partner with Panther Petals Shop for the beautiful floral centerpieces at our Ron Clark event (pictured above).

Science is Coming to Life at Madison City Elementary School 

Hands on Science is in full swing at Madison County Elementary School! Through their partnership with HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, 7th and 8th graders are becoming authentic student scientists by conducting real-world experiments and exploring career pathways in biotech. These students are building their STEM confidence and skills through the SPARK program!