Issuu

LOCAL, PAGE B6

LOCAL, PAGE A6 & A7 SPORTS, PAGE B1

REELTOWN COMES UP JUST SHORT AT STATE

City celebrates Christmas with parade

Bringing the story of Jesus to life

INSIDE:

SEE RECENT ARREST REPORTS, PAGE A2

Tallassee, AL 36078

$1.00

DECEMBER 13, 2023

TallasseeTribune.com

VOL. 125, NO. 48

THS Teacher of the Year ‘firmly planted in Tallassee’ By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor Many high school students avoid work when it comes to math, science and chemistry. But Tallassee High School teacher of the year and agribusiness teacher Dr. Daniel Free bucks the trend. Every year nearly a third of the

student body is in his classes and that is only part of the story. “Every year kids are trying to get in here,” Free said. “We don’t have enough spots for them. It is a class that is in high demand.” Free said he modeled his classes after his ag classes in high school.

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“When I was in high school, this was the one class I looked forward to every single day,” Free said. “That is the same mentality that I bring into teaching. I want this to be the highlight of everybody’s day. That is what we are doing.” Free was humble when See TEACHER, Page A7

Avery Nolin, left, speaks with Dr. Daniel Free in the ag shop at Tallassee High School. Free is the school’s teacher of the year. His ag business classes are some of he most demanded by students.

Holiday open house benefits ACTS By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor Many families across Tallassee have stories connected to Seven Gables — the home on Gilmer Ave-

LIGHTING UP THE SEASON

nue built by Red Blount. Some can recall stories of working for the Blounts, others for Alabama Supreme Court Justice See ACTS, Page A7

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Guests at the Sunday open house were treated to carolers who stopped by Seven Gables. It is the first time ACTS has been in the home since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Willis named teacher of the year at Reeltown By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Repor ter MELODY RATHEL | THE TRIBUNE

On Friday night many gathered around the front of the courthouse to see the Christmas tree light up. Many local vendors from Tallassee supported this event including a teen-owned business that sold cotton candy and popcorn to a vendor selling candles and homemade ornaments. All offered their products and services to the adults and children waiting for the Christmas tree lighting. Once the Christmas tree became illuminated, a choir performed three Christmas songs followed by a visit from Santa Claus.

Reeltown High School science teacher Whitney Willis said she was sur-

prised when she found out she was teacher of the year, especially given her competition. See WILLIS, Page A7

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

Whitney Willis wins teacher of the year for Reeltown High School. She said this was very unexpected but feels honored that her school views her in such a positive light.

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