Simmons named top JSU alumna

By Staff
The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at Jacksonville State University named Jerry Burchell Simmons as its Outstanding Alumna. Simmons graduated from Morgan County High School in 1967 and from JSU in 1971 with a bachelor of science in education. She is currently teaching physical education at Weaver Elementary School in Weaver.
She has been inducted into the 1999 JSU Hall of Fame, has been named Teacher of the Month, and received a Pilot School grant from the state. For the past two years, she has received the Jump Rope for Heart grant.
Her related professional experience includes coaching girls gymnastics, volleyball, softball, basketball and track and field. She has also sponsored the Flippers and Jumpers, a demonstration team for the American Heart Association, since 2002. The team has performed at the ASAHPERD conference the past two years. Last year, the team had 28 performances at 14 schools. Simmons also volunteers with the American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Senior Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other groups.
Simmons is the mother of Leigh Twigg and Tripp Farrell and grandmother of Lainey, Marshall and Hayes. She is the daughter of the late George and Thelma Burchell of Hartselle.