Educators and community members were honored Tuesday night for helping make Tupelo schools great.
The Celebration of Distinction, brought on through a joint partnership between the CREATE Foundation and the Association for Excellence in Education (AEE), with the Tupelo Public School District (TPSD) and presenting sponsor Toyota Mississippi, celebrated and honored both educators in the area and community members who make a difference in students’ lives.
“Great schools are built by people who believe in their students, challenge them to reach their potential, and go beyond what is expected to make a difference,” the CREATE Foundation wrote in a release. “At its heart, the celebration is about recognizing the people who show up every day for students—and the community that believes in supporting them.”
Created in 1999, the Teacher of Distinction Awards began through the CREATE Foundation and has been recognizing individuals in the Tupelo Public School District ever since. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Teacher, Assistant Teacher, and Champion (TAC) of Distinction program was created to recognize other people who play important roles in the lives of young Tupelo students.
Those roles can be anything from bus drivers and school resource officers to interventionalists, secretaries, and custodians. This year, 10 “champions” were distinguished on Tuesday out of the 45 total winners.
The event held at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center recognized teachers, assistant teachers, and “champions of distinction” in the public school district while also celebrating innovative classroom projects. Additionally, the 2026-2027 AEE grants educators of distinction – a grant for teachers with innovative ideas to help them to continue to create meaningful experiences – and J.C. Whitehead Advocate for Education Award – recognizing a business that reflects a commitment to education – and Jack Reed Sr. Advocate for Education Awards – an individual who champions public education – were announced.
Teachers and assistant teachers are recognized for professional achievement and development, serving as ambassadors for education and the school district, supporting student academic growth, inspiring students, and demonstrating excellence beyond their required duties. Champions are recognized for their passion for working in education, their impact on the school environment, and their ability to positively shape the lives of students.
“Teachers tap in and get the best out of a kid that a lot of people can’t get out of a kid,” Coach Fred Hadley, a long-time educator who received the Teacher of Distinction award in 2008 and in 2025, said. “To me, teaching isn’t just in the classroom. I tell everyone every year that I don’t teach kids. I teach community. If I teach the kid to be the right way, then the community will get better.”
The evening included a 30-minute socializing period with snacks and a video highlighting past grants and how recipients used the funds. Following that was a presentation of the AEE grants and the 2026 Teacher, Assistant Teacher, and Champions of Distinction from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
“Together, the awards recognize that the success of public education is a community effort. Businesses, families, foundations, individuals, and organizations all have a role to play in creating opportunities for students and supporting the educators who serve them,” the release reads.
