Friday night Escambia County High School was the gathering place for ECHS teachers, students and many of Atmore’s community and government leaders as the school presented its first annual “Academy Awards” ceremony held to honor teachers and community members who have contributed to the school’s success throughout the 2011-12 school year.

The night began with a catered dinner in the ECHS gymnasium before students Rainy January and Quinston Ephraim Jr. emceed this year’s ceremony and presented a number of awards to ECHS teachers. Taking home the night’s biggest award was Joey Quimby, who received the coveted “Teacher of the Year” honor.

ECHS Principal Zickeyous Byrd said the ceremony was the administration and student’s way of honoring the teachers, staff and community members who do so much for the school each year.

“We have the best teachers and we have the best staff in the world,” Byrd said. “We just wanted to do something to honor them and let them know how much we appreciate all they do.”

For the complete story on Friday’s awards, including a complete list of winners, continue to check www.atmoreadvance.com or see the Wednesday, May 16, edition of The Atmore Advance.