The Attalla Junior/Norris High Foundation Inc. honored Nancy Gibbs Cunningham as its 2014 Hero of the Year during the organization’s banquet.
Cunningham received a proclamation from City of Attalla Mayor Larry Means a resolution from the foundation, presented by president Rev. Preston Nix.
“Mrs. Cunningham was a great teacher, mentor and graceful person that loves people,” Nix said.
Cunningham attended Attalla Junior High and is a 1956 graduate of Norris High School. She attended Alabama State University, majoring in elementary education with a minor in music. In 1960, she received a B.S. degree and began her teaching career at Norris High. She also taught at Stowers Hill and Curtison elementary schools. She later obtained a Master’s Degree from Alabama A&M University. Cunningham is a life-long resident of Attalla, and in addition to teaching in Attalla’s schools for 40 years, she taught public school music to children from kindergarten through second grade.
She has directed the Senior Choir at Mt. Calvary for more than 50 years, and provided music education and performance opportunities to young people and adults with her choir direction. She served as a positive role model to people of all ages with her untiring efforts and her commitment to God. Cunningham served as a Sun-day School teacher for more than 25 years as well as teaching piano lessions.
Many of Cunningham’s relatives and friends, along with members of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Attalla were present. The church pastor, Rev. W.H. Granger, spoke words of inspiration of Cunningham.
The banquet was a fundraiser to help build the Norris Museum of Attalla. Nix said the foundation welcomes donations of any size, and there is an open enrollment for people who want to be a part of the board. The next banquet will be Aug. 9. For more information, call 256-538-2055 or 256-390-1335.
