By BOE staff
More than 300 Marion County teachers, school administrators, board members and guests gathered Friday, Aug. 7, at the Bevill Center in Hamilton for the annual “Marion County Schools Back-to-School Institute.”
The event brought together educators and community partners to celebrate the accomplishments of Marion County Schools, recognize outstanding leadership and service and look ahead to another school year filled with opportunities for students.
The keynote speaker for the institute was Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. In his address, Mackey highlighted the outstanding academic progress being made across Alabama’s public schools. Marion County has been leading the way in many of the areas highlighted by Mackey in recent years.
During his visit, Mackey also recognized the significance of the newly opened Marion County Career Academy and toured the recently completed Agriscience Center. He praised Alabama’s public schools and expressed his appreciation for the teachers and school leaders who serve students and communities each day.
Honoring a Marion
County leader
In addition to Mackey’s remarks, Marion County School officials recognized former superintendent Ryan Hollingsworth, who recently retired after eight years as executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama.
Hollingsworth dedicated 32 years to public education in Marion County. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Hamilton High School, before moving into district-level leadership and eventually serving as superintendent for 10 years.
In recognizing Hollingsworth, Marion County Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton noted his leadership came during some of the most challenging periods in the history of Marion County Schools.
During his tenure as superintendent, Hollingsworth navigated periods of state funding proration and helped lead the school system through the devastating tornado that destroyed the Hackleburg schools in 2011.
Hollingsworth thanked the school system for the recognition and spent several minutes encouraging and praising Marion County’s educators for the important work they do on behalf of students.
Expanding
opportunities
through partnership
Bevill State Community College President Dr. Joel Hagood also addressed those attending the institute. Hagood has been a key partner in the
development and opening of the Marion County Career Academy and spoke about the importance of expanding opportunities for Marion County students.
Through the partnership between Marion County Schools and Bevill State, students attending the career academy will have opportunities to pursue industry-recognized certifications and credentials, earn college credit through dual enrollment and, ultimately, work toward associate degrees.
Hagood emphasized the importance of giving students multiple pathways to success and preparing them for both the workforce and continued education.
Celebrating success
—and looking ahead
Following Hagood’s remarks, Sutton addressed the educators in attendance. Sutton began by asking each school principal to recognize the teachers and staff members who are joining Marion County Schools for the 2026–2027 school year.
Sutton then highlighted the many accomplishments of Marion County Schools in recent years.
Marion County recently earned the highest state report card score in system history, led the nation in third-grade mathematics growth and has continued to make progress in graduation rates, college and career readiness and chronic absenteeism.
“That doesn't happen by accident,” Sutton said. “It happens because teachers refuse to settle. It happens because principals lead with purpose. It happens because support personnel understand that every job contributes to student success.”
Sutton also celebrated the accomplishments of Marion County students outside the classroom.
“Beyond academics, our students continue to excel in organizations and on teams that prepare them to become leaders. Our athletic programs continue to compete for and win championships while teaching discipline, teamwork and perseverance. Our students represent our communities with pride, and we are proud of them.
“In student organizations and performing arts, our students continue to earn state championships, national recognition, statewide offices and leadership opportunities.
“Just as importantly, our teachers continue to be recognized as outstanding coaches, advisors and mentors, who are helping shape the next generation.”
Sutton also celebrated the opening of the Marion County Career Academy, recognizing the MCCA staff and Bevill State officials for their hard work in creating new educational and career opportunities for students.
While celebrating the significant accomplishments of Marion County Schools, Sutton challenged educators to remain focused on the future.
“We have accomplished a great deal together, but I believe the best is yet to come.”
Supporting Marion
County Schools
The institute also provided an opportunity for educators to connect with businesses and organizations who support Marion County Schools. Vendors who sponsored the event welcomed educators throughout the day, providing food, supplies and door prizes during a drawing.
The annual “Back-to-School Institute” served as an opportunity to celebrate where Marion County Schools have been, recognize the people who have helped make that progress possible and build excitement for what lies ahead.
As Marion County Schools begin another school year, the message was clear: the accomplishments of the past provide a strong foundation, but the focus remains firmly on the future—and on continuing to be “Committed to Excellence.”
(Editor’s note: Besides the Ryan Hollingsworth story, which started on the front page, more coverage of this event will be printed in a future issue, to include a feature photo and feature article with excerpts from Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey’s speech to educators.)
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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