COVID cancels annual Educators Hall of Fame banquet

Every January since 2016, former educators from Hartselle City Schools have been nominated and inducted into the Hartselle Educators Hall of Fame.  

This year, however, the banquet can be added to the list of events canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

“The Hartselle Educator Hall of Fame has regretfully announced it will not hold its induction banquet this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the committee said in a press release. “No inductees were selected this year, but the Hall of Fame looks forward to selecting and honoring its Class of 2022.” 

Nominations for next year’s banquet are open, and committee member and past inductee Jimmy Yarbrough said they are encouraged. 

Nominations can be made by filling out the online form on the Hartselle City School website, www.hartselletigers.org. The tab for the Hartselle Educator Hall of Fame is under “Our System” at the top of the home page.  

Last year’s inductees were Sabrina Buettner, Martha Dunlap, Maureen Matson, Larry Peck and Debbie Smith. Other inductees since its inaugural year have included Dr. Lee Hartsell, Don Pouncey and Dr. Franklin Penn.  

According to the website, the purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor individuals who have made a significant contribution to the education process of students who have attended Hartselle schools.   

“Hartselle is known statewide and nationally for its education system.  We have a long tradition of outstanding schools going back over one hundred and thirty years. This has been made possible by dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff, and solid parental and community support,” the site reads.  

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, individuals must be retired and have worked in the Hartselle City Schools system for at least five years. The Educator Hall of Fame Committee selects the inductees.