Kennerly, Scruggs named Educators of the Year at Franklin County Partnership Awards Ceremony

In a county blessed with more than its share of outstanding educators, it’s particularly special to be recognized as Educator of the Year for an entire school system.

One educator from each of Franklin County’s two school systems is honored annually at the Franklin County Partnership Awards Ceremony. Thisyear’s honorees are Walker Kennerly and Libby Scruggs.

Kennerly, who teaches 6th-9th grade science at East Franklin Junior High School, received the Educator of the Year Award for Franklin County Schools.

In his 10th year of teaching junior high science, Kennerly is a favorite among students, as he creates a hands-on learning experience where students develop a genuine curiosity about science.

“We are very proud of Mr. Kennerly. He’s a hard worker and this honor is well-deserved,” said Franklin County Schools Superintendent of Education Greg Hamilton.

Meaghan Reed, who also teaches at East Franklin, was the other educator nominated from Franklin County Schools.

Libby Scruggs, a 30-year career educator, was named Educator of the Year for Russellville City Schools. Scruggs teaches at the RCS Early Childhood Education Center.

Scruggs’ commitment to continuous improvement positively impacts each of her students, as well as the entire school community.

“Libby is one of the most kind, loving and hardworking teachers in our system—a teacher and leader who has mentored numerous younger teachers as they begin their educational careers,” said RCS Superintendent of Education Tim Guinn.

“All of our teachers give their best to our students everyday, but Mrs. Scruggs is most certainly one of our best,” Guinn added.

The other nominees for Russellville City Schools included Dana Crummie, Russellville Elementary School, and Amanda Ridge from Russellville Middle School.

The Franklin County Partnership Awards Ceremony is an annual event hosted jointly by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Development Authority.

This year’s event, held at the A.W. Todd Centre, brought a crowd of more than 350 guests to Russellville. Guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the Frosty Inn and Big Star of Russellville, served by students in the Franklin County Junior Leaders program.

Educator of the Year is one of five awards presented by the Development Authority. Franklin County Development Authority Board of Directors Chairman Matt Cooper presented this year’s awards.

Other Franklin County Development Authority Award recipients included:
— Industrial Growth Award: Pilgrim’s Corporation.
— Industrial Support Award: FreedomFIBER.
— Industry of the Year: Franklin Homes.
— Robert I. Rogers Award: Glen Vinson (posthumously), accepted by his son Jason Vinson. Vinson served on the Development Authority Board for more than two decades, serving as Chairman for 18 years.
— Hall of Fame Award: Tony James.

Eight awards are presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at the annual ceremony.

Award winners were announced by Cassie Medley, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

The 2026 honorees included:
— Beautification Award: Russellville Hospital (Russellville), Phil Campbell Walking Trail (Phil Campbell), BelHaven Heights Gifts (Red Bay) and Belgreen High School Football Field (County At-Large).
— ‘Sprout’ Business Award: Brew Sisters.
— Business of the Year Award: Traditions Sports Deli.
— Franklin County’s Best Kept Secret Award: Bear Creek Collaborative.
— Distinguished Service Award: Curtis Baker (Phil Campbell), David Corum (Red Bay), Jocelynn Edmonds (Russellville) and Mary Glass (County At-Large).
— Volunteer of the Year Award: Andy Deaton.