2 minute read
Dr. James A. Street Award
Johnny Taylor Receives Dr. James A. Street Award
Johnny Taylor has been named the recipient of the Dr. James A. Street Award at the 2025 CLAS Convention Awards Luncheon, one of the highest honors presented by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and unwavering commitment to public education and educational leadership in Alabama.
With over 30 years of service as both a teacher and administrator, Mr. Taylor’s legacy is deeply rooted in the lives of students, educators, and communities across the state. For 19 of those years, he served as principal of Red Level High School in Covington County, where his steady, student-centered leadership brought growth, structure, and a culture of high expectations to the school community.
A servant leader in every sense, Mr. Taylor’s influence extended far beyond the school building. He held numerous leadership positions within the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) and was elected by his peers to serve as the 2001 CLAS President, a role that underscored the statewide respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.
His actions consistently reflected the core values of the Dr. James A. Street Award: professionalism, compassion, and selfless service. One particularly memorable example came when a fellow administrator, Keith York, faced the sudden passing of his school’s principal. Without hesitation or fanfare, Mr. Taylor drove nearly an hour from his own district and was the first to arrive Monday morning, simply to check in and offer his support. It was a quiet, powerful gesture that spoke volumes about his character—and left a lasting impact.
Johnny Taylor is the kind of educator who makes everyone around him better. His lifelong dedication to supporting educators, nurturing students, and uplifting entire school communities exemplifies the spirit of this award. As former CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson noted, “Johnny Taylor’s steady leadership and servant’s heart are what Alabama education is all about. We are proud to recognize him with the Dr. James A. Street Award.”
