Awards & Recognition

Each year, in December, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools selects district secretaries of the year and names one CLAS Secretary of the Year. This award is sponsored annually by Simbli by eBOARDSolutions.

Secretary of the Year

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, the Secretary of the Year award sponsor, are proud to announce the selection of Ms. Virginia “Ginny” Fichten as the 2021 Secretary of the Year. Ms. Fichten was selected from among eight district finalists across the state of Alabama.

Fichten is the secretary and bookkeeper for Mt. Carmel Elementary School in the Madison County School System. Principal Dr. Rhonda Booth, Assistant Principal Suellen Epps, and Madison County Schools Superintendent Allen Perkins were in attendance as the award was announced at the closing luncheon of the annual CLAS Secretaries Conference.

In her nomination form, Fichten is credited for taking on tasks above and beyond that of the secretary. She is known for voluntarily performing tasks associated with the assistant principal, social worker, transportation director, plant manager, custodian, crossing guard, event planner, after-school daycare director, and social media manager.

Fichten is an Army veteran and takes pride in raising and lowering the flag each day. In addition, she decorates the school for all holidays and plays a strong role in organizing and executing family events like the fall festival, Veteran’s Day celebrations, and Grandparents’ Day breakfast. She is also credited for the creation of the school’s clothes closet and coordinates with community organizations to send food home for students in need.

“Ginny is a jewel that doesn’t come along very often,” comments Mt. Carmel Elementary School Principal Dr. Rhonda Booth. Dr. Booth and Ms. Epps nominated Fichten for this award.

“Ms. Fichten’s selection as the Alabama Secretary of the Year is evidenced by dedication to the school, community, students, and families of Mt. Carmel Elementary School. This award is designed to celebrate school secretaries, like Ms. Fichten, who are invaluable assets to their schools,” stated CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “Congratulations to all our district finalists as well as each secretary nominated. Their roles are truly invaluable to Alabama’s schools, systems, students, parents, and stakeholders.”

Nominations for this award were submitted by direct supervisors in each State Board of Education District. Each finalist is held in high regard by his/her employer as well as by co-workers and community.

District Secretaries of the Year

District 1 Darlene Adkison Olive J. Dodge Elementary School Mobile County

District 2 Janna Cole Huguley Elementary School Chambers County

District 3 Tammy Maynard Eclectic Middle School Elmore County

District 4 Cindy Hutchinson Central Office Homewood City

District 5 Laurie Wesley Prattville Primary School Autauga County

District 6 Jacque Owen Central Office Pell City

District 7 Charly Carter Forest Hills Elementary School Florence City

District 8 Ginny Fichten Mt. Carmel Elementary School Madison County