Profile 2018

Profile A special publication of the Hartselle Enquirer

A look into Hartselle’s most influential

A Special Publication of the Hartselle Enquirer

Profile

MANAGEMENT GEOFF REIS General Manager EDITORIAL REBEKAH MARTIN Managing Editor

A look into Hartselle’s most influential

JUSTIN JEFFERIES Sports Editor LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ Writer CLIF KNIGHT Staff Writer Emeritus

FEATURES 6

MAYOR RANDY GARRISON

MARKETING JENNIFER WEDDINGTON Marketing Consultant

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DEE DEE JONES

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BETH EMERSON

HOPE THOMPSON Marketing Consultant

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CHRISTY FERGUSON

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COREY KRIEGER

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DAXTON MAZE

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JEROME WARD

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JONATHAN BRAGWELL

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MIKE SWAFFORD

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RON PUCKETT

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Profile Magazine is published annually by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC. 2018

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STORY 1 (GARRISON)

RANDY MAYOR

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| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

Hartselle roots run deep for

MAYOR RANDY GARRISON The Garrison family will grow by two this spring when Jordan and Jacob Garrison marry their fiances. Pictured from left to right are Jordan Garrison, Alex Kuck, Randy Garrison, Lynn Garrison, Sally Barber and Jacob Garrison.

BY REBEKAH MARTIN

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itting in his office at city hall, wearing an Auburn shirt and vest combo, Randy Garrison reflected on his love for the town where he was born and reared and where he now serves as mayor.

“I believe in Hartselle. It’s a great place to live. I feel very blessed to be here, and I can’t help but think of the old saying, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’” Garrison said. “I think when you’re blessed to have what we have here, you’re obligated to give back and help make it even better.”

A graduate of Hartselle High School, formerly Morgan County High School, Garrison’s Hartselle roots run deep, and he counts his love for the city and her citizens as a source of pride.

Garrison said he believes it’s Hartselle’s people who give

it the small-town Mayberryesque feel. “The people make it unique. It’s almost a feeling.

Have you ever walked in somewhere, and you immediately feel right at home? Well, to me that’s how (Hartselle) is,” he said.

“People here are very welcoming. It’s almost like a family.”

Elected in August 2016, Garrison said he wanted to serve

his hometown as mayor because he felt the desire to give back to the town that has given him so much. “I wanted to promote Hartselle and what it stood for and why people should be proud to call it home,” Garrison said.

Spending 14 years as the publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer, Garrison called his transition to

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city leadership a natural progression. His former career gave him a lot of insight into the people of Hartselle. “You meet a lot of people and learn about what people want,” Garrison said. “It keeps you involved.” He said his love for the community and desire to do both jobs justice are what fueled him in both positions. “I’m a big believer in working hard to achieve things, and there’s nothing wrong with hard work,” he said. “In order to achieve big things, you’ve got to be willing to dedicate yourself and believe in what you’re doing.”

Garrison is a family man. He and his wife of 32 years, Lynn, have two children: Jordan, 29, and Jacob, 24. The family will soon grow when Jordan and Jacob marry their fiancés this spring. Rounding out the tightknit family are two rescue dogs, Blue and Bud. Garrison said the way of life prevalent in Hartselle makes it a rare jewel. “We have people here who care about other people,” Garrison said. “You know that if you need someone, they’re there.

We’re safe here. There’s nowhere in Hartselle that I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking at night.

There’s no place in Hartselle that today I wouldn’t feel comfortable going and knocking on someone’s door.

“I think people here have a very strong sense of community

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Randy and Lynn Garrison have been married for 32 years and have two sons, Jordan and Jacob.

and say ‘I’m happy to be from Hartselle. I’m happy to call it home.’”

A member of the Hartselle First United Methodist Church, Garrison said his faith in God is an important part of his life and plays an important role in his dedication to Hartselle. “I have a very strong faith,” Garrison said.

“I know who put me here, and I know where I’m going. Now that road might get a little rocky, but you never have to worry about being by yourself.”

Garrison said he is thankful for the opportunity to make a

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

real difference in the community he loves. “When you ask for someone to put you in this position, you’re asking them to allow you to serve them,” Garrison said. “It’s a very humbling thing.”

He added he has big goals for Hartselle – and it will take everyone working together to make those dreams a reality. “I think it’s moving very much in a positive way,” Garrison said. “What we’re doing now might only affect the next generation, but you want to leave it in a better place than how you found it.”

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Realizing potential:

DEE DEE JONES

shares passion for students Jones and her husband, Joe, have been married for 29 years and have two children.

Emsley, 21, is a senior at her mother’s alma mater and is applying to graduate schools.

Jones’ youngest, Caroline, 16, is a junior at Hartselle High School.

BY REBEKAH MARTIN

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ee Dee Jones knows education. The superintendent of Hartselle City Schools said her career path was more of a calling than anything else.

Jones has an office wall bearing her many degrees, showing her journey from a classroom teacher, to working for the state department, to later joining Hartselle City Schools in 2015.

Jones was named superintendent in August 2017 and has recently finished her first semester in the top position.

The Fort Payne native began at Jacksonville State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in both elementary and early childhood education. Finishing her master’s degree in the same disciplines at UAB in the early ’90s and her doctorate in 2008, Jones has worked for

school systems in Fort Payne, Decatur and Hartselle throughout her nearly 30-year career.

Jones said her transition from Hartselle’s director of teaching and learning in 2015 to her current position was a seamless one – which she attributes to already being familiar with the system and employees. “I think that’s a benefit for me, having already

been in the school system,” she said, “especially having been at the central office – you kind of know what’s going on.”

Jones said she has enjoyed watching her students go out into the world and find success – knowing that a solid foundation was integral to that success.

“One of my former students became a principal, but not only

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that: he defended his dissertation last fall at Samford, and I was on his dissertation committee. To not only be his sixthgrade language arts teacher but to see him through that process – that was unique for me,” Jones said. “Most people don’t get that opportunity.”

Jones said it is thrilling to have a personal hand in helping a child realize his or her potential. “Watching that take place and unfold is amazing,” Jones said. “Especially after you’ve taught them in the classroom, and they ‘get it,’ or they go out and they’re doing so well. The success stories, the after stories, if they come back and share them with you or if you run into them and they share with you … that’s what it’s all about.”

Jones said to be successful in education, the focus has to be on the wellbeing of the students. “My focus has always

been on the students – getting them ready for stepping out there. When they leave Hartselle City Schools, I want them to be ready and prepared for college or for their career.

Whatever pathway they want to take or need to take, I want us to be able to offer it, but I also want to have them prepared,” Jones said. “Whether it’s just soft skills or their education, I just want them to have those opportunities.

“Just to have them prepared and ready to leave, that’s what makes this worth it for me. I love being excited for them.”

Happy to call Hartselle home Jones said there is something unique about Hartselle’s school system and the community as a whole. “That’s what Hartselle is known for – our school systems. I just think about how

people in this community care about each other.” Jones said she often drives by Hartselle High School on the weekends and is amazed at the community involvement – even when it’s not football or basketball season. “The high school is like the hub of the whole community,” Jones said. “There’s such an important school spirit culture here. I love the kids, and I love working with the teachers.”

Jones and her husband, Joe, have been married for 29 years and have two children. Emsley, 21, is a senior at her mother’s alma mater and is applying to graduate schools. She has aspirations to be a registered dietician. Jones’ youngest, Caroline, 16, is a junior at Hartselle High School. She will enter college having already completed numerous freshman courses, thanks to Hartselle’s dual enrollment program.

“TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN EDUCATION, THE FOCUS HAS TO BE ON THE WELLBEING OF THE STUDENTS.” — DEE DEE JONES

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BETH EMERSON

serves up snacks, slushes, selfies at Hartselle High School Beth Emerson, far right, takes daily ‘selfies’ with Hartselle High School students and faculty.

BY REBEKAH MARTIN

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ny given day of the week, Beth Emerson can be found behind the counter of Hartselle High School’s coffee house. Often, the drinks and snacks she sells come with words of encouragement and a hug, completely free of charge.

Emerson, who is closing in on two decades with Hartselle City Schools, said she feels at home when she’s at HHS. “I love it. This is my place right here because I get to see all of my kids … Also my specialneeds students come during second period, and they help me clean and get the garbage – so I really have the best of both worlds,” Emerson said.

Comparing the loving atmosphere to being like a tightknit family, Emerson said the students, teachers and

administration are genuinely kind and welcoming. “This is like home for me. When I got here, it’s like everybody welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “It is great place to be; everybody makes people feel so welcome.”

Her personal mission: show love to any and everyone who comes to see her. “I want every

child that comes through those doors to feel loved, to know that they’re loved and that they’re special,” she said. “I will tell everybody that I love them.”

Emerson said she loves waking up and coming to work, and she tries to give 100 percent every day.

One more reason she feels at home at HHS, Emerson added,

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is because she met her husband of 31 years there while she was a freshman and he was a senior.

She and her high school sweetheart Kevin have a daughter, Megan, son-in-law Zeke and granddaughter, Emory.

‘Selfies with Emerson’ Emerson said she likes to develop personal relationships at HHS – often taking “selfies” with students. A few years ago, her students convinced her to start sharing her pictures on social media. “We were in fourthperiod break, and my students said ‘You need an Instagram, Emerson’ and I said ‘What is an Instagram?’ Since then, I started making pictures with them and posting them, and it just took off.” She posts her photos daily and has nearly 1,400 followers.

Somewhat of a local celebrity, Emerson is admired and loved by students and teachers alike at HHS. Her pictures with students now fill a page in the monthly student newspaper, the Tiger Times. “Mrs. Emerson is just one of those who can brighten your day,” said senior Garrett Wade. “She’s always in a good mood – always upbeat, always happy. She will go out of her way for people. She’s just all around a great person.”

Junior Hudson Snead said Emerson is a friend and counselor to many of her students.

“A lot of people go to her for personal problems. She’s a great person to talk to. It’s almost like a rite of passage to take a selfie with Emerson,” he said.

Her career began at F.E. Burleson Elementary School, and she said she has been blessed to

see so many students grow up right before her eyes. Senior Cesar Romero said he was in first grade when he first met Emerson, and she has been a constant in his life ever since. “I’ve known her since I was at F.E.B. She’s been there all my life basically – I’ve known her at school and outside of school,” Romero said. “She’s never left my life.”

Junior Addie Johnson said Emerson’s positive affect on her and her friends has been life changing. “If you walk into this library, you can guarantee that she will love you and be excited to see you,” she said. “She does a great job of being a light.

There’s stuff that goes down outside of these walls that brings kids down constantly, and she’s created this place that kids can come and get loved on.

It’s definitely life-changing.”

“I WANT EVERY CHILD THAT COMES THROUGH THOSE DOORS TO FEEL LOVED, TO KNOW THAT THEY’RE LOVED AND THAT THEY’RE SPECIAL. I WILL TELL EVERYBODY THAT I LOVE THEM.” — BETH EMERSON

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CHRISTY

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CHRISTY FERGUSON promotes culture of excellence

Christy Ferguson celebrates after her team won the 2014 state title after a walk-off homerun.

BY JUSTIN JEFFERIES

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nyone who is familiar with athletic events in Morgan County knows the passion and competitiveness that surrounds each and every program. Falkville native – and current Hartselle High School softball coach – Christy Ferguson understands that perhaps as much as anyone.

Ferguson is in her 20th year as a member of the Hartselle faculty. During her time with the Tigers, she has taken on numerous roles, including junior high basketball coach and physical education teacher, and she even spent some time volunteering as a softball coach for the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

“I got my start out of college as a student-teacher for Hartselle, and I fell in love with it here,” Ferguson said. “I was a dualsport athlete: I played basketball

at Calhoun Community College, and I played softball at Wallace State. When I came to Hartselle, I knew I wanted to be involved in athletics, so I quickly got involved.”

Not only is this Ferguson’s 20th year as a staff member, but it is also her 20th year as a junior high basketball coach. Many in the community also know Ferguson for her work on the softball field – this will be her 17th season with Tiger softball and her sixth as the head coach.

It did not take long for Ferguson to make her mark at the helm. A program already rich with tradition, Ferguson guided her 2014 squad to a 5A state

championship. While it was her first state title as a head coach, it was not her first taste of success with Hartselle. Ferguson was an assistant for the 2000, 2002 and 2003 state champion Hartselle softball teams.

“We are extremely proud of the tradition of Hartselle softball,” Ferguson said. “We’ve had several of our players go on to play collegiate softball and even some go on to play other sports, like basketball. We are still building on that tradition, but in my 20 years, I am proud of where we are.”

While strategies and philosophies change in almost every sport, Ferguson said she prefers 2018

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to control the things that withstand the test of time. Teams are going to win and lose close games each year that can make or break the season, but there is something they can clearly control, and that is how they respond. It’s a concept Ferguson likes to sum up in one word: culture.

“During my time with UAH, I coached under a great friend of mine in Les Stuedeman,” Ferguson said. “She’s been a great inspiration for me both with how she runs her program and her success. She is up over 1,000 wins now, and I couldn’t help but use the way she approached culture when I got the job at Hartselle.

“Involving myself with successful people like Coach Stuedeman and her sister Vann (current softball coach at Mississippi State) was probably the best thing I have done as a coach. That’s where I learned how important culture was to have a successful program.”

The community of Hartselle is characterized by passionate and loyal fans. Hartselle has its own story. Ferguson said the passion shown by fans and parents in this community is a big reason why the town has had so much success in its athletic programs.

“Growing up in Falkville, we always wanted to be like Hartselle,” Ferguson said. “We wanted to beat them, of course,

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but we wanted to be like them too. They were winners. I think that’s a big testament to the community and the people involved here. The support in this town for the schools, the sports and the churches is second to none.”

Ferguson said she has counted on that support as she prepares to send out another talented group this season.

“The culture extends far beyond the playing field,” Ferguson said. “It’s generations of support from the people of Hartselle.

That’s why we have success. It’s unbelievable the class, sportsmanship and support we have here. To me, there is no place in North Alabama that is better to be than Hartselle.”

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COREY

KRIEGER 22

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COREY KRIEGER

comes home to Hartselle to coach Tigers Corey Krieger with his team at South Gray High School in Montezuma, Kan. Kreiger is in his first year as Hartselle’s assistant basketball coach.

BY JUSTIN JEFFERIES

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ne thousand, seven hundred eighty-six.

That’s the number of miles roundtrip from the University of North Alabama to Montezuma, Kan., where South Gray High School is located.

That’s the distance Hartselle High School government teacher and assistant basketball coach Corey Krieger traveled to land his first job out of college.

After spending the past five years in Kansas, miles and miles away from family and friends, Krieger returned to Alabama this summer, accepting an opportunity offered by Hartselle principal Jeff Hyche.

“Obviously, it was tough being away from everyone I knew,” Krieger said. “But I don’t regret a single second I spent in Kansas.

I knew if I worked long enough and hard enough that the right

opportunity would come along back home.

“I wasn’t going to interview for a job unless I knew it was right. When Mr. Hyche called me, it all happened really fast.

I knew Hartselle was a place I wanted to be right away, and so far, it’s worked out better than I ever could have imagined.”

The uniqueness of Krieger’s

story perhaps begins and ends with the game of basketball.

Krieger spent three seasons on the varsity squad at Wilson High School in Florence and pursued a history degree from UNA in hopes of one day coaching the game he loved.

While some people are fortunate enough to get their start close to home, Krieger ended up 2018

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“THE GOAL IS OBVIOUSLY TO WIN BASKETBALL GAMES, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO HELP CREATE GREAT YOUNG MEN.” — COREY KRIEGER stepping out of his comfort zone in order to pursue his passions – a passion for educating students and a passion for teaching the game of basketball. Opportunities in this area were scarce, and he was forced to look elsewhere to find the perfect match. But anyone who has ever met Krieger knows it was a challenge he gladly accepted.

“As a teacher in Kansas, I would sometimes have 45 total students in my class the entire day,” Krieger said. “You got to know every single kid personally, and as a teacher, it inspired me to make those connections to get to know everyone. It wasn’t uncommon for me to have to take kids to different school events because their parents were unable to do it.

“Because of how small the school was, I had my hand in basically everything,” Krieger added.

“Hartselle has been a challenge because I made the switch from a 1A Kansas School to 6A Hartselle.

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Right now, I teach almost 140 kids each day, and trying to make those relationships with the students has been more difficult, but it is something I will continue to try to do.”

Krieger was under the tutelage of Kansas high school basketball legend Mark Applegate at South Gray, where he got his start in developing high school basketball talent. Applegate has posted more than 600 wins and numerous state championships during his time with the Rebels.

Krieger said the time he spent in the Sunflower State as a basketball coach helped him realize where he wanted to be as coach.

Then he met Hartselle head coach Faron Key. “With Coach Key, I knew within three minutes of walking into the gym that he was someone I would want to work for,” Krieger said.

“You can tell immediately that he genuinely cares for his players,

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

and from my time in Kansas, I knew that was something that was important for me.

“The goal is obviously to win basketball games, but we also want to help create great young men. The practices and games are extremely competitive. The energy and enthusiasm that he brings to the gym every day is infectious.

We all feed off that.”

After a half-decade of paying his dues a long way from home, Krieger said he is ecstatic to be representing Hartselle High School and the basketball program. While many would have never taken that leap of faith, Krieger’s hard work is now paying off in a way he could have only dreamed about.

“It’s been a long time coming to be back home,” Krieger said.

“Coach Key talks about investing a lot. I am happy to say that I am investing my future with the community and with the students at Hartselle.”

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DAXTON MAZE

pours passion into utilities, schools, family

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

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any former Hartselle City Schools students spend much of their adult lives going back and giving their time to the school that once impacted them. Daxton Maze is one of those selfless students.

After graduating from Hartselle High in 2006, Maze made his way back to the community of Hartselle to work for the city. “I wanted to find a way to get involved in the school system. They were just so good to me, and I wanted to be able to make a positive impact on the community,” Maze said. “You can’t do that by sitting on the sidelines. So, I decided I wanted to get involved.”

He was elected to the Hartselle City Schools Board of Education in September 2016.

“I began my role with them in November 2016,” Maze said.

“There are currently five members on the board; Randy Sparkman is the president, and Dr. James Joy is the vice president.

Each year we switch around the roles, enabling everyone to have their turn to be a little more involved.”

This year Maze was nominated as the Hartselle representative to the Alabama Association of School Boards’ winter conference in December.

“We voted on the agendas for the year; I was the voting delegate for the assembly,” Maze said. “We also, each year, create a strategic plan for the school board that we use for facilities/operations for the upcoming year. It creates a vision for what is to come that year and for upcoming years.”

Maze said the board is looking at updating or adding on updates to several buildings in Hartselle. “Right now, some of our big-ticket items include windows at Crestline and at Hartselle Junior High School and also a chiller for the coder unit at Barkley Bridge Elementary School.”

Something Maze said he finds important is the open forum setting the Hartselle City Schools Board has.

“Per the board – as far as new ideas and things, anything can be implemented; we have an open floor,” Maze said. “We rely on the administrators of the schools for decisions that maintain to be what is best for each. We have a great working relationship with our superintendent, the CSFO and the

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principals at the schools. We communicate well and work together well, and I think that is very important.”

Following his time as a student at Hartselle, Maze graduated from the University of Alabama in 2010 with his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

Four years later, he obtained his master’s degree from UAH in science systems engineering.

“My role currently is with Hartselle Utilities. I have been here since 2016,” Maze said.

He serves as engineering service manager, and some of his primary roles involve different aspects of utility work and development.

“What I do is help with plan implementation, design auxiliary services, the meter services, mapping and GIS services,” Maze said. “A lot of my job is with the utility work.

“I also do work with development. I’m generally responsible for getting utilities to these places. Most are in place, and I just have to get them and make sure it works like it is supposed to,” Maze explained. “I deal with a lot of regulatory services in regard to compliance. The costbenefit analysis is usually one of the bigger decisions to be made:

we have to know if we can afford to do different jobs.”

Maze said it’s a priority to make those decisions and discover what is the most inexpensive route – while still providing top service.

“When it comes down to it, utilities are the lifeline, and we are trying to make sure that they’re continuously on,” Maze said. “We have guys who will step up and hit the tasks at hand. They will respond any day of the week or time of day and make sure they make an impact. We try and make sure they have the right tools to help them be successful.”

Along with making decisions for Hartselle Utilities, he’s been heavily involved with some impactful decisions made with the Hartselle City Schools Board.

“I’ve been involved in a few big decisions with the board this last year – both being personnel decisions,” Maze said. “We had to hire a new CSFO and superintendent, and the two who we chose were both phenomenal.

They showed their reasoning for being hired throughout the interview process, and now as they work so well for Hartselle City Schools.”

On a personal level, Maze’s life completely changed in October 2017 when he welcomed a baby girl into his life.

“Last October, I became a dad,” Maze said. “My daughter Collins was born, and my wife has actually spent the past 12 weeks on maternity leave with her. She is a pharmacist at Gilchrist Pharmacy here in Hartselle. So, right now, I’m in full-time daddy mode along with my 40-hour work week job and various clubs and groups I belong to. Me and Oliva are still learning and figuring out how to be parents. We love every minute of it.”

Outside of being a city employee, board member and fulltime parent, Maze said he also enjoys all things sports and is active in local civic groups.

“In my spare time, I enjoy going to basketball and football games anytime I can,” Maze said. “I am an Alabama fan, so I go to their games as much as possible. Outside of sports, I’m involved the Rotary Club as president-elect and a member of the Lions Club, and I enjoy construction. Me and my dad have actually bought a couple of houses, fixed them up and sold them.”

“WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, UTILITIES ARE THE LIFELINE, AND WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY’RE CONTINUOUSLY ON.” — DAXTON MAZE 28

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| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

BUSINESSES

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JEROME

WARD 30

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JEROME WARD

has a talent for teaching, passion for music and love for Jesus

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

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lthough many people hear Hartselle High School assistant principal Dr. Jerome Ward’s name and refer back to his tough-yet-beneficial teaching methods, many don’t know what Ward does outside the classroom.

“I often hear young men and women say they are trying to ‘find themselves;’ though I have an idea of what they mean, I believe that we ultimately become a mixture of the influences around us,” Ward said. “I like to think of myself as having characteristics of those who invested in me with their time and love – my grandparents, parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, and friends. I’m certainly a product of a loving home, a Christ-centered church and a school and community that values its students.

“I’m in a place to help others ‘find themselves’ today because a number of people saw value in me and showed me how to tap into my potential.”

Ward has been an educator for 20 years, and in that time he has taught at both the high

school and college level. He was promoted to assistant principal at Hartselle High School.

“The last few weeks in the classroom were emotional for me, though I worked hard to conceal that and carry on with business as usual,” Ward said.

“Many of my students shared kind words, brought me tokens of their appreciation and wrote notes.” One note in particular stands out. “The young man who wrote it was in my class last year, and I also worked with him in ACT-prep,” Ward said. “Just before break, he came by and brought me a hand-written letter.

In the letter, he thanked me for challenging him to ‘be the best man I could be.’ He concluded his letter by saying ‘I thank God for putting you in my life.’ To me, there is no greater honor for a teacher.”

Ward said the letter also included a scripture, Psalm 1:3: “That person is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” “This

is now part of my daily prayer for our students – that they should be steadfast and prosper,” Ward said. “How blessed I am to have a job where I can also be challenged by those young men and women around me.”

A vital part of Ward’s life is music, and his talent in singing, playing instruments and leading choirs was impacted by his role model.

“The late band director at HHS, Dexter Greenhaw, gave me some advice early in my career,” Ward said. “He said, ‘Surround yourself with people more talented than you, and you’ll always have an opportunity to learn and improve.’ Music provides a way to connect with others, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some great local musicians and singers, especially when putting on events like the Tabernacle Hymn Sing and the Depot Days Homecoming Sing.

“As a musician and singer, I’m mediocre, at best. But I greatly enjoy being the guy who organizes events that bring together talented folks for times of worship.

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I consider that my greatest contribution – the ability to bring gifted people together. I do love rehearsing and directing choirs, but I’d much rather let others be center-stage.”

Above all, Ward said, he endeavors “to be that vessel God can use for HIs will and purpose, and I listen intently for His direction when I’m leading worship.”

Ward said he can recall Christmas gatherings with his family when everyone would pick up an instrument and play music by ear.

“For me, I do better with reading music; I wish I could do more of the playing music by ear,” Ward said. “In my family, my wife Tracy sings, and my son Ty plays the guitar. The boys don’t really commit to the singing side of it. My daughter, Dixie Ann, is 3, and she sings some of the songs at church with us.

Mom plays bass and sings, and I get the piano playing part from her. We had a piano growing up, and I would either sit beside her or on her lap while she would play and sing, so that was something that I grew to love. Also, my sister sings and plays brass instruments.”

Although he is known for his success with music, Ward said he still finds himself with the occasional stage fright.

“I’m an anxious guy, by nature. I deal with nervousness, especially when I’m responsible for the program or event,” Ward said. “But through my years of ministry and teaching, I’ve found 32

PROFILE

the best way to deal with nervousness is adequate preparation prior to the event. If I’ve done my job in planning and in rehearsals to make sure all the pieces are in place and that everyone is ready, that confidence usually provides for a smooth run. Though that’s a fairly large burden to carry, it’s part of the job. I don’t mind the heavy work on the front end, if it means the event will go well.”

Ward’s love for music started early in life and was also centered on his love for Jesus.

“The Lord called me into ministry when I was 12; I began music ministry at 18 and now have 23 years of experience,” Ward said. “Of course, music is ‘in my blood.’ My grandfather, the late Hack Ward, was a lifelong local musician who instilled his love for music in his children and grandchildren. Building on that love, in my youth I took lessons from a Southern Gospel pianist, the late Atlas Howard. I was also a member of the HHS band.

“I’ve always loved music, and as an English teacher, I came to study and appreciate the hymns: their poetry, their melodies, their gospel. Hymns are powerful messengers of the gospel. Like a sermon, a song about or to God has the power to touch hearts and change lives. I try to remain mindful of this truth when I’m preparing for and leading worship.

“God uses music to unify us.

Harmonies are separate parts that blend to make full chords; similarly, we are separate parts

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

that unify as the body of Christ.

Music is a beautiful metaphor for our relationships with each other and with Christ.”

Ward said in his hobbies, jobs and goals, servitude always remains a priority.

“Though leading worship, teaching and being a vice principal are leadership roles, I keep in mind the lesson that Jesus taught us: servant-leadership is the most effective way to lead, and the least shall be the greatest,” Ward said. “My goal in each of these roles has been and continues to be helping others reach new levels. I want to help people be their best.

“God allows me to serve Him by serving others, and that’s both rewarding and humbling.

When former students tell me I made an impact in their lives, or a fellow parishioner tells me he or she was blessed by a song or sermon, that’s quite rewarding.

But it’s very humbling, as well: I’m humbled that God would use me for a small part of His great work.”

Ward said he has found it to be true that former students rarely remember a lesson, but they always remember “how you treated them, how much you invested in them and how you lived your life in front of them,” Ward said. “I strive to live each day so that my students will remember me as a man who loves God, loves his family, and loves his job and community. I want them to think of me as ‘a good a faithful servant.’”

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JONATHAN

BRAGWELL 34

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| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

JONATHAN BRAGWELL lends voice to Hartselle Tigers

Jonathan Bragwell, who is in his 20th year with Hartselle City Schools, is the voice of the Tigers.

BY JUSTIN JEFFERIES

T

he road home is rarely, if ever, straight and narrow. Usually there are hills, curves and some bumps along the way. But sometimes when a person is thrown off course, he ends up right where he was supposed to be all along.

Jonathan Bragwell is in his 20th year working in the Hartselle school system. Bragwell is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned a degree in education. He is a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Hartselle Intermediate School, but his role in the community goes far beyond that.

While people around the Hartselle and Morgan County area might know Bragwell from his teaching accolades, the sports fans around the town know him by his voice: the unofficial voice

of the Hartselle Tigers.

“I got my start helping a close friend of mine out on the radio way back in 2001,” Bragwell said. “He was doing the play-by-play for Hartselle basketball, and he asked me to do the color commentary. The superintendent heard me on the radio, and they needed a publicaddress announcer for football,

so he asked, and I figured I would give it a shot.

“From there my role expanded to basketball, and now here we are. I am in my 16th season doing football and 11th season doing basketball.”

Serving as the primary public-address announcer for a combined 27 seasons is a tall task, but it is something Bragwell said 2018

35

he is excited about, each and every game he gets behind the mic.

In fact, Bragwell decided to take his voice one step further.

“Something else I try to do is keep the community and fans up-to-date on social media,” Bragwell said. “Even though I am not technically working at away games, I can use Twitter and Facebook to update scores or announce events.

“I just knew I wanted to give people who might not be able to come to the games or might not know how to find information a way to stay informed.”

Bragwell said he did not know what to expect when he first adapted his social media accounts, but overall the experience has been positive. As trends

36

PROFILE

with social media continually change, Bragwell said he finds it important to keep up with the changes.

“The feedback I have gotten through the Facebook account has mostly been from parents,” Bragwell said. “A lot of times parents will thank me at the games and tell me they appreciate the Facebook posts. Twitter is more for the kids. I see them retweeting and liking a lot of the things I share, so I know they are seeing it.”

In a small-town environment like Hartselle, the role Bragwell plays is invaluable to the people who are following sports. The town has grown to anticipate his posts as he works diligently to provide as much information to

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

the fans and parents as possible.

“I remember a quote from a former superintendent here in Hartselle, who was here back when I got my start,” Bragwell said. “He said there are three things to do in Hartselle: sports, school and church. When things happen in this community, we rally to help them. That’s what makes this place special.

“My wife and I have absolutely loved being here, and we want to stay here as long as we possibly can,” he added. “My children will always know Hartselle as home. While I wasn’t sure which path I would be on coming out of college, I am glad we ended up here. I am just trying to do my part, and I am happy to help in any way that I can.”

MIKE

SWAFFORD 38

PROFILE

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

MIKE SWAFFORD

does his part to help Hartselle grow, prosper

Mike Swafford and his wife Sallye have two children, Brennan, 8, and Rowe, 4.

BY CLIF KNIGHT

U

nlike many of his friends and neighbors, Mike Swafford isn’t a native of Hartselle or Morgan County. His wife Sallye, however, is the daughter of Paul and Frances Rowe of Falkville.

“Sallye and I were living in Harvest nine years ago when we started looking for the ideal place to put down roots and raise a family,” Swafford recalled. “We chose Hartselle because it has a sense of community, a good school system and it’s close to where Sallye’s parents live.”

Swafford wasted no time getting involved in community projects and activities, even though his job takes him from the Carolinas to California in a never-ending cycle.

“We moved around from city to city when I was growing up, and I never had the opportunity

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39

to build a foundation of belonging,” Swafford said. “I didn’t want that to happen to our children. I wanted to get involved and help make a difference.”

He joined the Kiwanis Club shortly after locating in Hartselle and is serving as its president.

He’s also a member and director of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and First Baptist Church Hartselle. In youth sports, he is a commissioner for the Hartselle Youth Flag Football League.

He also served as a member of Hartselle Board of Education for 1.5 years, fulfilling the term of Monte Vest.

“That experience was especially gratifying,” Swafford said.

“Being on the inside enabled me to see firsthand just how efficiently our school system operates. The level of expectation for excellence our administrators,

teachers, parents and students have is awesome. I’m not surprised about the ‘A’ grade our schools received recently from the State Department of Education. That’s big.”

Swafford said it can be easy to overlook all of the value Hartselle has to offer.

“Because we live inside of a bubble, we might not always see and appreciate what we have to enjoy in our community,” Swafford pointed out. “The Kiwanis-sponsored Christmas Parade is my favorite event.

It attracts a large number of participants and a huge crowd of viewers.”

An impromptu post-parade attraction last year was a Santa Claus visit throughout the community on Christmas Eve. Swafford donned a Santa suit and rode around town on a

fire truck to greet residents and spread Christmas cheer. He was accompanied by Mayor Randy Garrison and Scott Stadthagen.

“We were in every neighborhood for about six hours,” Swafford said. “We got stopped several times by people who offered cookies and hot chocolate as gifts.”

Swafford, 43, is a native of Fyffe and a graduate of Fyffe High School. His wife Sallye, a fourth-grade teacher at Lacey’s Spring School, is a graduate of Falkville High School.

They have a son and a daughter. Brennan, 8, is a secondgrader at Crestline Elementary School, and Rowe, 4, attend pre-school at Fairview Church.

Swafford earned a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville State University and is employed as a regional manager for AWI Communications.

Mike Swafford, dressed as Santa, extends greetings and well wishes to Hartselle residents on Christmas Eve 2017.

“BECAUSE WE LIVE INSIDE OF A BUBBLE, WE MIGHT NOT ALWAYS SEE AND APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE TO ENJOY IN OUR COMMUNITY.” — MIKE SWAFFORD 40

PROFILE

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

2018

41

POLICE CHIEF

RON

PUCKETT 42

PROFILE

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

Police Chief

RON PUCKETT

serves, protects Hartselle citizens

BY CLIF KNIGHT

S

erving and protecting the public is what police work is all about, according to Hartselle Police Chief Ron Puckett.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I have to work with 27 other highly-skilled and devoted police officers, along with our administrative assistant,” Puckett said. “They put their lives on the line every day and, without flinching, would die to protect the citizens they serve.

“We’re blessed to work in a community that has a low crime rate and good schools,” he added. “Strong family values are practiced, and children are taught to obey the law. The biggest payback we can receive when we help someone is to hear them say, ‘Thank you.’”

Puckett, 55, has served as a police officer in Hartselle for 28 years and as chief since 2005.

He said he became interested in law enforcement as a teenager when he and his twin brother Don enlisted as volunteer members of Hartselle Fire Department. He later qualified as an EMT and worked with Hartselle Ambulance Service.

He served as a Morgan County juvenile probation officer for two years after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Athens State College. He became a Hartselle police officer in 1989.

A1981 graduate of Hartselle High School, Puckett earned a master’s degree in justice safety in 2001 and graduated from the National FBI Academy in 2002.

Through advanced professional training, he earned certificates as a registered police chief and law enforcement executive.

Puckett is a member and

past president of Hartselle Kiwanis Club, member and first vice president of Hartselle Camp Meeting Association and a member and deacon at Life Church in Hartselle.

His wife Sharon is employed as a chemical engineer with a contractor at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. They have a daughter, Elizabeth Chambers, resident of Punkin Center, and two sons: Bobby, employed at Morgan Farmers Co-Op and Caleb, sophomore at Hartselle High School.

A Citizens Police Academy was organized under Puckett’s leadership 10 years ago.

“We wanted to do a better job of educating the public about what we do, how and when,” Puckett said, “so we came up with the idea of hosting a six-month academy with classes

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43

open to any adult in the community. Interest was so high with the first class that the graduates decided to form an alumni association, open to gradates on a voluntary basis. It has become an important volunteer arm of the department.” Traffic control for high school sporting events and fundraisers for department needs are two of the activities the association provides.

Puckett said technology upgrades and a working association with Morgan County E-911 are two improvements in the department since he became chief.

“We have moved away from the pen and paper generation and now rely on PCs to store

44

PROFILE

Photo by Brent Maze

Lee Y. Greene discusses the proposed changes in downtown Hartselle with Hartselle Police Chief Ron Puckett and Dwight Tankersley.

and retrieve the information we need,” he said. Texting on handheld devices is also replacing the telephone.

“Since we switched to the E9ll call center,” he added, “the communications our officers are receiving when responding to incidents has improved. A

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

dispatcher at E-911 is capable of locating a call even when the caller cannot respond to questions.”

Puckett recently announced he will be a Republican Party candidate for the office of Morgan County sheriff in the 2018 primary election.

2018

45

SETH “SULLY”

SULLIVAN 46

PROFILE

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

SAFETY AT SCHOOL:

Student Resource Officers protect local students

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

S

chool resource officers have become a vital asset to schools across America as school violence has risen and administrators have placed an increasing importance on safety and security.

Local schools in Morgan County and Hartselle have counted on SROs for the increase of safety and accountability – achieved through respect and trust developed between officers and students.

Falkville SRO and town employee Seth “Sully” Sullivan started his law enforcement career in 1994 and became an SRO five years ago. He said he finds being in the school is about much more than looking for school violations.

“An officer who is properly trained, properly selected and placed in the school benefits the entire school ​team,” Sullivan said.

“The SRO is another resource at the school. We are not there to arrest kids or look for problems

or issues. It is about building rapport with students, being a mentor and protecting our most valuable assets: the students.” ​​Since the time Sullivan began working with the high school, his daily duties are vastly different from his experience as a patrol officer.

“Working with students daily is much different than being on the road,” Sullivan said. “I can remember my first day here – I didn’t know where the bathroom was, much less specific classrooms. Many students were open and said hello from day one. I have had students come to me and open up about situations at home and at church and just ask for advice in general.” Sullivan said he has dealt with a couple of minor issues on campus in his tenure when having a full-time officer on campus proved to be beneficial. One instance ended in the arrest of a student. “A student had some illegal items, and sadly an arrest

had to be made,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan has also been called upon to assist in issues involving students’ home lives. “I have an opportunity to work with our school counselors and try to help students with many different things,” he said. “Prompt, positive conversation with the student about issues helps to build confidence with them and help their self-esteem. Being on campus ensures someone is there, when an issue occurs, who is familiar with the students, staff and campus – versus having to wait for someone to respond who isn’t familiar with the school environment.”

One of the biggest differences Sullivan has seen since his time in the school is the relationships he has developed with students that demonstrate officers are people too. He said he has been able to gain trust and understanding with students so they feel they can come to law enforcement for help.

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MICHAEL

HUDSON 48

PROFILE

| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

“The school gives more opportunity for a positive interaction with the police. I wore plain clothes to school one day, and the students were in shock.

They didn’t realize I owned a pair of jeans,” Sullivan said. ‘Working with the students gives me a chance to let them know that I am human too. Several times, out away from the school, I will see students, and they come and say hello and introduce me to their parents. It is nice to hear the parents say thanks for taking time to listen to my child or just being there.”

Sullivan is also involved in several programs in the schools that help with safety and overall awareness for students. “​In Drivers Education classes I teach about the rules of the road, travel laws, safety and what to do during a traffic stop,” Sullivan said. “I am one of 40 instructors for the National Association of School Resource Officers. During the summer, I have the privilege of traveling across the U.S. to teach other officers about the role of the SRO and how to build an effective program.

“We teach the triad concept of school-policing: law enforcement, teacher and informal counselor.”

He is also a L ​ aw Enforcement Against Drugs Instructor and teaches the fifth grade at FES. He has two children: a 19-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter.”

Hartselle City Schools SRO Michael Hudson spends most of his time working with Hartselle

High School but also teaches classes about safety with local elementary schools.

“I think the main thing about having student resource officers here is knowing that if something were to happen, we can make people feel safe,” Hudson said. “We can’t always help everyone and everything, but we do our best to help students work through problems – especially when things get out of hand.”

Hudson has been with Hartselle High School for 16 years and said he has experienced a lot of good memories with the school.

“The worst experience that I can recall involves a student bringing a pocket knife to school,” Hudson said. “We hope that we continue to be a school that doesn’t experience a lot of the things that we see in the media. We’ve been blessed to not have had anything truly bad happen on our campus and want to keep it that way.

“We also added a hotline here at the school that students can call and report things that are happening at the school, and that way it’s more confidential and other students won’t see people coming to my office to report things.”

Hudson said he sometimes has to have a little tough love with students during situations that call for it, but he and other officers and the teachers only want what is best for the students.

“Prior to coming here, I actually taught one year of D.A.R.E.,

and then I went to SRO training with the sheriff’s department in 1998 in Murfreesboro,” Hudson said. “Student resource officers have been around a long time, but the big realization that an officer in the schools could be beneficial was around the time of the Columbine School shooting. I think knowing that having someone within the school to put additional speed on situations in case something was to occur, and having someone keep an account of things going on, has helped the mindset and overall safety of the community.”

One of the greatest things for Hudson is seeing students after they graduate and the changes they make from their teen to adult years.

“I love seeing students some time after they have left school and knowing they’ve made an impact on society – and also knowing I possibly had a hand in keeping them out of trouble,” Hudson said. “I feel like we are really fulfilling a purpose as we see students leave and become successful.

“I really enjoy my job. I’ve been working in law enforcement my whole adult life.

Hudson’s wife is a Spanish teacher at the high school, and they both coach tennis.

Hudson also has two children. In addition to his role at Hartselle High, he also teaches law enforcement and safety programs at Burleson and Crestline elementary schools, to the fourth- and sixth-grade classes.

2018

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TOM

SPARKS 50

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| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

Unsung hero:

TOM SPARKS

serves in blue for more than 25 years

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

H

artselle native Tom Sparks has always wanted to do only one thing: be an officer in law enforcement.

The Hartselle Police Department captain, husband and father of two has spent 23 years in law enforcement in the City of Hartselle after becoming a patrolman in 1995.

“I spent a short time as a police officer on campus at the University of Alabama while I was in school there getting my criminal justice degree,” Sparks said. “I then spent a short time working with the Rogersville Police Department and with the Killen Police Department while at Athens State obtaining a master’s degree.”

Tom is a husband to Leeann of 15 years and a father to Harrison and Luke, who are 9 and 13, respectively.

Sparks said once he started working for the police department, there were other things that he wanted to do in the realm of working in law enforcement.

“I enjoy working on the road, but I also wanted to do investigation,” Sparks said. “Really, I just wanted to be a police officer. I wanted to do anything that was a part of the force. Since I began my career, I’ve just been working my way up the ranks.

I’ve enjoyed all of it. I love law enforcement.’

Sparks said he started as a patrolman, then was promoted to the investigation department and finally given the title of lieutenant of investigation.

“After being lieutenant, I was promoted to captain of the Hartselle Police Department,” Sparks said. “The position is more administrative than with investigation or patrol, so I’m

at a desk most of the time with paperwork. I enjoy my job now because I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule, which is great for my children and family. I’ve worked every nearly every position in the police department and learned a ton along the way.”

If there is something he dislikes about the work of law enforcement, Sparks said its the persona and image that sometimes gets cast on law enforcement officers.

“I do not like the negative connotation that has often been coming with police officers,” Sparks said. “I think there’s been a disruptive breakdown of what is often shown in the media and things that are highlighted, which is not always a true representation of what is happening.

We don’t seem to have those issues here, in Hartselle, and I’m

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51

very blessed by that. Our officers seem to make good decisions.

“Nobody is doing this job for fame or for fortune. You’re not going to get that here,” Sparks said. “But what you do get is purpose. I believe people are called to this job. I’ve personally never known a guy to attempt to use this job for the wrong reasons.”

Outside of working as the HPD captain, Sparks said he enjoys spending time with his family volunteering.

“We are actually caretakers at the Church Camp at the Tabernacle,” Sparks said. “We live there too. We take care of the grounds and spend a lot of our time there working with DHR.” Sparks said his goal at HPD is to continue to advance within his position.

“I’m young. I’m 47 years old, and I still have a lot of work to do,” Sparks said. “I love my job and this town. This is my home

and my family’s home. I will do everything I can to plan and work for advancement within my job.”

In 2017 Sparks was honored for his volunteer service with the police department. Hartselle Beautification Association director Carolyn Wallace said each year they host a beatification challenge, in which community members can drop their names in a drawing each time they complete a volunteer project across Hartselle.

Sparks’ name was entered into the drawing eight times for his volunteer work in the community, enabling him to win the check for $500. He has been mowing the Hartselle Police Department grass for more than 20 years – but was honored for his service for the first time last year.

“I was very happy that Capt.

Sparks won,” Wallace said. “He does a lot of work for the community and really deserved this.”

In his 23 years, Sparks has also had his fair share of positive, impactful memories.

“Any instances that involve children always stay with you, especially when you have children of your own,” Sparks said.

“We’ve been involved in cases when we were able to reunite children with their families or help others get out of dangerous situations and see them later on in life, knowing they had a fresh start and are doing well for themselves.

“We want the community to have a good relationship with law enforcement officers, and we want to have a good relationship with the community,” Sparks added. “I feel like we have that here. I’m blessed to be a part of a community that trusts and respects each other like we do.

Ever since I was 21 years old, I’ve been a police officer. That’s all I’ve wanted to be.”

“WE WANT THE COMMUNITY TO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND WE WANT TO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY.” — TOM SPARKS

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| A LOOK INTO HARTSELLE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

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