Nearly 900 attendees including educators and their guests received a message of hope and encouragement 
from Dr. Johnson Haynes, Jr. (Director, USA Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and Pulmonary and University of South Alabama Critical Care Medicine Professor), the keynote speaker for the evening and a proud product of public schools. He reminded them that "togetherness increases everyones' success" (T.I.E.S.) - a program implemented at Westlawn Elementary School. He also went on to say he knows "as a teacher, you get tired...rest, but don't quit" for the future of every student is dependent upon their willingness to speak and teach hope into their lives.
Carolyn Akers, Director of the Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF) had the pleasure of surprising Mr. Lewis Copeland, Principal of Davidson High School with the honor of being selected as the 2009 Principal of Year. Mike Hofto, Board President of MAEF, closed the evening by honoring Mary Ann Napper, Program Director (MAEF) for her dedication over the last decade to the Mobile Area Education Foundation and the Tribute to Excellence Dinner. Mrs. Napper has contributed to the success of many MAEF programs - Partners in Education, At&T Vital Link, Tribute to Excellence and Wouldn't it Be Cool?
Other special recognitions of the evening included acknowledging the six Torchbearer Schools and 
their principals:Lisa Williams - Booth Elementary School; Aimee Rainey - Calcedeaver Elementary School; Terri Tomlinson - Hall Elementary School; Rosalie Howley - Indian Springs Elementary School; Iesha Williams - Holloway Elementary School and Deborah Fletcher - St. Elmo Elementary School as well as the eleven senior high school students who served on the 2008-2009 Superintendent's Advisory Council.
The Mobile Area Education Foundation sincerely thanks all who contributed to the success of the Tribute to Excellence Dinner and making it a night to remember.
Renee Dials
Alabama Power
DuPont
Regions Bank
Dr. Johnson Haynes, Jr.
Murphy High School Jazz Band
The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Exploreum
Applebee's
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
PMT Publishing, Inc. (Mobile Bay Monthly)
Mobile Press-Register (view story)