Schools across the Birmingham City Schools have identified Teachers of the Year. These teachers will also serve as candidates in the process for the Alabama Teacher of the Year.

A committee will review candidate applications, observe classroom performance and nominate one teacher to represent the district in the state process. The district representative will be announced on Jan 30. District Teachers of the Year will be recognized in a formal ceremony in February.

"Congratulations to the teachers who have been selected by their peers to represent their schools," said Superintendent Craig Witherspoon. "We thank them for their hard work and dedication on behalf of the students of the Birmingham City Schools."

The Teachers of the Year are:

• Sean Colosimo, Wenonah High School, U.S. history
• Natasha Givens, Councill Elementary School, third grade
• Zanis Hill, North Roebuck Elementary School, special education
• Telisha Hollamon, Woodlawn High School, U.S. history
• Dr. Beth Howard, Glen Iris Elementary School, kindergarten
• Zakiya Jenkins, W.J. Christian K-8 School, pre-AP social sudies
• Contanika Johnson, Huffman Middle School, mathematics
• Gary Lyas, Center Street Middle School, physical science
• Courtney Mallory, Hudson K-8 School, fourth grade reading
• Shonquella McGhee, Central Park Elementary School, third grade
• Yohna Mills, Avondale Elementary School, third grade
• Delilah Stitt, Jackson-Olin High School, English
• Jerry Strickland, Wilkerson Middle School, history
• Erica Tanks, Hudson K-8 School, fifth grade mathematics
• Deborah Thomas, Phillips Academy, kindergarten
• George Walls, Carver High School, graphic arts

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb hasn't forgotten where he came from. In fact, Webb -- a Wenonah High School and UAB graduate who was drafted by the Vikings two years ago -- recently visited Wenonah. He helped a Spanish teacher teach a lesson.

Webb also gave one student a monetary prize for her accomplishments in Spanish. "I'm making a deposit into our future," he said, adding that education is the key to transforming communities.

Webb is pictured with student Jasmine Walker.

Students win at social studies fair

Students from elementary, middle, K-8 and high schools competed in the annual Birmingham City Schools social studies fair last week. Students submitted projects with a wide variety of topics.

Winners included:

Elementary

• First place, Kaniya Washington, Councill Elementary School
• Second place, Zakariya Grayson, Hill Elementary
• Third place, Hope Ekundayo, Phillips Academy
• Honorable mention, Deana Williams, North Roebuck Elementary School, Olivia Hutchinson, Phillips Academy, and David Hunter III, Gibson Elementary School

 Middle

• First place, A 'Kaycia Quinn, Putnam Middle School
• Second place, Timese Cobb, Smith Middle School
• Third place, Tami Harris, Phillips Academy
• Honorable mention, Chrstina Mitchell, Phillips Academy, Alencia Lamb, Center Street Middle School, Xavier Williams, Wilkerson Middle School, Jair Diaz, Center Street Middle School, and Kevin Limaz, Center Street Middle School

 High

•  First place, Evelyn McGrue, Ramsay High School
• Second place, Diona Kind, Huffman High School
• Third place, Angelica Gantt, Huffman High School
• Honorable mention, Courtney Young and Ariel Young, Woodlawn High School

Regions Bank has announced a new scholarship program: the Regions Riding Forward scholarship, which is open to all high school seniors in markets served by the bank. The scholarship is part of the bank's focus this year for Black History Month, which will honor African-American pioneers and heroes who have helped propel others forward.

The scholarship is a one-year, $5,000 award. The company will provide 25 scholarships based on a simple essay contest in which students are asked to write about an African-American hero who has influenced them or propelled others forward.

Applications and essays will be accepted through Feb. 29. Winners will be announced in April.

For more information, click here.