Profile 2008
UNSUNG HERO: James Bell
James Bell — better known as “Bubba” — is a custodian at Cullman Middle School. While his job at the school is important, it’s the way he interacts with the students and other staff members that makes him an Unsung Hero.
He always goes beyond the call of duty. Any job request, whether regular or out of the norm, is met with willingness, enthusiasm and an attitude that shows he wants to truly help other people.
Within the guidelines of good wisdom, this Unsung Hero gives many students money for a snack or lunch if he thinks they’re hungry or in need.
Bell does an annual Christmas dance, dressed complete in a Santa suit, for the Cullman Middle School students. It’s apparently one of their highlights of the year.
He is always on the lookout for people who may need a helping hand. One example shows a lot about how he tries to make the community a better place for everyone.
When the librarian at CMS was expecting a baby, he noticed she had to walk a long way from the parking lot to the library every morning and afternoon. He took the initiative to have the art department create a sign that said “Future Mother Parking,” and installed it at the nearest parking space to the library.
The person who nominated this Unsung Hero wrote, “In our hurried-up, me-focused society, I consider him a man among men, an example I’d want my son to follow.”
He is an example of a person who is quietly doing acts of kindness with no motive to receive any recognition. He simply does it because it’s the right thing to do.
- Profile 2008
-
-
UNSUNG HERO: James Bell
James Bell — better known as “Bubba” — is a custodian at Cullman Middle School. While his job at the school is important, it’s the way he interacts with the students and other staff members that makes him an Unsung Hero.
-
UNSUNG HERO: James Bell
James Bell — better known as “Bubba” — is a custodian at Cullman Middle School. While his job at the school is important, it’s the way he interacts with the students and other staff members that makes him an Unsung Hero.
-
UNSUNG HERO: Brenda Graham
The person who nominated her said, “I was always amazed at how she cared for all the children as if they were her own. She gave love and caring, and bought countless coats, shoes, toys and clothes out of her own money.”
-
UNSUNG HERO: Martha Gutherie
Martha Gutherie retired from the Parkside Middle School lunch room two years ago. Since then, she has volunteered her time at the school to help children read. Teachers and students look forward to this Unsung Hero coming every Thursday to read with the kids.
-
UNSUNG HERO: Marvin Key
Marvin Key began his career in education in 1952 at Meek School in Winston County. The next year he came to Cullman County to teach at Dowling Junior High. He retired in 1988 but continued to work until the beginning of this year at age 85.
-
UNSUNG HERO: Dee Lawrence
Losing both her parents at such a young age gave her an extra ability to care for other people. She makes sure that anyone who crosses her path is taken care of.
-
UNSUNG HERO: Billie Sue Persall
Love is best shown when someone gives of their time and energy. Anyone who helps others when they are sick, injured or moving into a new home is a special person.
-
UNSUNG HERO: Cathy Pilgrim
The person who nominated Cathy Pilgrim as an Unsung Hero described her as “one of the most unselfish, caring and generous people I know.”
-
UNSUNG HERO: Grace Walsh
Grace Walsh had a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, including a quarter century teaching art history at Jefferson State Community College.
-
2008 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN: Dr. Sylvia Morris
Holding two floppy-brim black hats, Dr. Sylvia Morris says proudly, “I made these hats for the community theater play, ‘Romeo & Juliet.’” Nearby her beloved cat, Jennifer, lies curled up in a soft chair, sunlight filtering through drawn curtains.
-
MARIMAN POPE AND KRISTINA MATTOX: Taxidermist passing the torch
In the 45 years that Mariman Pope has been in the taxidermy trade, he’s created quite a reputation for both himself, and his business.
- More Profile 2008 Headlines
-
