CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Schools Foundation is set to host its 13th annual Distinguished Alumni & Service Awards Luncheon on May 7. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Church in Cullman.
Each year, the luncheon draws attendees from across the region for a day filled with networking, entertainment and philanthropy.
“Attendees can expect fun networking, shopping and entertainment,” said Paige Clabo, Cullman City Schools Foundation specialist. The event is a collaborative effort by the Foundation Board, the Cullman City School Board, Cullman High School FCCLA and the Cullman High School Music and Theater Departments.
This year, the Foundation is set to honor four alumni who have made significant contributions to their community and professions.
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Katie Fine (Class of 08) and Josh Wiggins (Class of 02), for their tireless community service and impressive careers
- Distinguished Service Alumni Award: Jason Mickle (Class of 94), for his dedicated work with the Cullman Police Department, particularly in roles supporting local schools
- Promising Alumni Award: Bailee Ponder (Class of 18), for achievements made within 10 years of graduating high school.
The primary goal of the luncheon is to raise money for classroom grants. A silent auction featuring items from local businesses is a key component of the fundraising efforts.
“We have some amazing items available at our silent auction thanks to the generosity of our local businesses. Ladies are NOT going to want to miss the items donated by Monograms Plus, Doug Doggett Jewelers and Nomadic Threads! Gentleman, we have some great items from Federer Fertilizer, The Cigar Box, Van’s Sporting Goods and more! Here is a full list of other businesses who have donated: Kernel Kullman, National Art Honors Society, Seven Daughters Scoops, Southern Eats, Lavish, Leldon’s, JSM Designs, Wissota Chophouse, Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, Jamie Reed Fine Art (and) The Ballet Bus,” Clabo shared.
The event will also showcase talents from within Cullman City Schools, with performances by music and theater students. Highlights include moments from the recent CHS Theatre production of “Grease” and CCS piano students performing the prelude. The luncheon service will be facilitated by CHS FCCLA students.
“We appreciate Mrs. Linda Bean, Mr. Tyler Skinner, Mr. Wayne Cook and Mrs. Carin Rains for their help in allowing students to participate in our luncheon,” Clabo stated.
She discussed the impact of the luncheon on the Cullman community, highlighting its unique role in celebrating local success stories, saying, ” Within every distinguished alumnus lies a story of inspiration, resilience and achievement. By honoring their journey, we not only celebrate individual achievements, but also recognize a sense of love for the community that invested in all CCS alumni. Each year, as we tell these stories, we not only pay tribute to their remarkable contributions, but also encourage those in our community to continue to love it and contribute to it in the way these outstanding individuals have. In recognizing our distinguished alumni, we not only honor the past, but also look towards a brighter, more inspired future for all current and former CCS students.”
Clabo continued, “In 2017, I attended my first Distinguished Alumni Luncheon. Danny McAfee was being awarded that year for his many years of service in various aspects of the community. He embodied servant leadership, and the speech he gave at the event still impacts me to this day. It inspired me and encouraged me to serve the community I love in whatever way I can. It was incredibly moving.”
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