By By Paul Keane
Publisher
Escambia Academy Headmaster Judy Brannum is among 10 inductees into the Alabama Independent School Association's Hall of Fame Class of 2003.
Brannum will join Faith Academy football coach Robbie James, Lowndes and Monroe Academy football coach Mac Champion, AISA Administrative Assistant Linda Faust, Crenshaw Christian teacher and administrator Theresa Johnson, Shelby Academy Headmaster and football and basketball coach DeWayne Kervin, Monroe Academy teacher Paula Stacey, Edgewood Academy Board of Directors member Herbert Traylor and Pickens Academy Headmaster and football and basketball coach Lynn Wright in the induction ceremonies.
The group will be formally inducted during a banquet in Montgomery on March 10.
Brannum, who taught at Flomaton High School and Escambia County High School before joining the academy as a history teacher in 1971, said she was honored and surprised by the announcement.
"I was very much surprised," she said. "Everyone involved in nominating me for this honor kept it very secret and hidden from me.
"But this award is just a reflection on the entire school, the Board, the teachers and the students. They have all given me unending love and support, which is why we've been able to accomplish all the things we've accomplished over the years.
"I'm very honored, humbled and appreciative to be given this award, but everyone involved with Escambia Academy deserves to be a part of this."
Brannum joined the faculty at EA in 1971 as a history teacher, eventually serving in a wide variety of roles. She was named assistant headmaster in 1994 before taking over as headmaster in 1996.
Under her direction, the school has earned numerous AISA awards and honors, including the Blue Ribbon Award and both the President's and Chairman's Awards. The athletic teams have also flourished, bringing home state championships in basketball and softball.
Brannum is the first person connected with EA to earn the Hall of Fame distinction.
"This is more a reflection on the academy than on me personally," she said. "I've been teaching for more years than I would like to admit, but I've just always loved teaching and the students and parents have been so supportive over the years.
"This honor is not so much a reflection on me. Instead, it is just another example of everyone at the academy pulling together to raise the bar up another notch."