CLAS Secretary of the Year

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.

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 Mrs. Laura Johnson as the 2022 Secretary of the Year. Johnson was selected from among eight district finalists across the state of Alabama.

Johnson is the school secretary for Elmore County High School in the Elmore County School System. Principal Wes Rogers, Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis, and Mrs. Johnson’s husband and son were in attendance as the award was announced at the closing luncheon of the annual CLAS Secretaries Conference.

In the nomination, Johnson is credited with dedication and commitment to the school. Principal Wes Rogers considers her connection to the community to be an invaluable asset. Mrs. Johnson understands the nuances of the school and how to communicate with people from every walk of life.

Mrs. Johnson’s kind heart has endeared her to the faculty, staff, parents, and students of Elmore County High School. She has been known to quietly deliver food and other necessities to a teacher experiencing an extended illness, provide a birthday cake for a student who had never had one, and provide students with specific needs as they arise.

One example of Mrs. Johnson’s dedication was evidenced by her self-guided training through the PowerSchool implementation while she was in the hospital recovering from a kidney transplant. She even scheduled her surgery during a school break to avoid any strain on the school due to her absence.

“Mrs. Johnson is a ‘boots on the ground’ problem solver, has the patience of Job, an infectious positive attitude, and is the glue that holds Elmore County High School together,” comments Elmore County High School Principal Wes Rogers. Principal Rogers nominated Johnson for this award.

“Mrs. Johnson’s selection as the Alabama Secretary of the Year is evidenced by her kindness, and her selfless dedication to her school and community,” comments CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “This award is inherently designed to celebrate school secretaries like Mrs. Johnson, who are invaluable assets to their organizations. “Congratulations to all our district finalists as well as each of the 96 secretaries nominated for this award.”

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 - Shirley Elliott, Brewton Elementary School, Brewton City

District 2 - Crystal Shelley, Highlands Elementary School, Dothan City

District 3 - Laura Johnson, Elmore County High School, Elmore County

District 4 - Danielle Brown, Central Office, Jefferson County

District 5 - Staci Rowell, LAMP High School, Montgomery County

District 6 - Patty Glover, Piedmont Elementary School, Piedmont City

District 7 - Linda Tidwell, Lauderdale County Elementary School, Lauderdale County

District 8 - Tammy Massa, Sparkman Ninth Grade School, Madison County

The CLAS Secretary of the Year award has been presented annually for the past five years. The award is given to one Alabama school secretary or administrative assistant who supports the vision, mission, goals, and beliefs of the school system; promotes goodwill among co-workers; provides excellent customer service, demonstrates a good work ethic; performs work duties as assigned in an exemplary manner, and participates in professional learning in order to improve work knowledge and skills. The award is given at the annual Secretaries Conference Luncheon held in December.