Six individuals — and for the first time in the program’s history, one couple — have been selected as the 2025 Making a Difference Award recipients by the Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.
All were nominated and selected for their impact as exemplary role models in their schools and communities where they serve.
One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was selected from approximately 75 nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals. This year’s recipients are:
- CLASS 1A: JOHNNY ‘CAL’ YOUNG: A former Brantley High School student who has provided his alma mater exemplary service as an assistant coach over the last 30 years for virtually every athletic program at Brantley High School – including boys’ and girls’ basketball, softball, baseball, and football.
- CLASS 2A: DALE CARRELL: A veteran track and field coach at Westminster of Oak Mountain School who has set an example of faith and courage through his long-time service and impact as a teacher, administrator and coach for the Christian school located in Shelby County.
- CLASS 3A: HALEIGH WOODARD WILLIAMS: Lauderdale County High School’s tennis coach – who has built the girls’ program into the top Class 1A-3A program in the state while making a major impact on the lives of the student-athletes in her amazing tennis program and classroom.
- CLASS 4A: WILLIAM ‘BILL’ AND JUDY AYERS: The first couple to be selected as a Making a Difference recipient in the AHSAA program’s 15-year program, the Ayers have served Plainview High School’s students and coaches for more than 50 years. Mrs. Ayers, the school librarian, just completed her 53rd year, and her husband, has continued to serve as the athletic department’s team statistician for more than 50 years.
- CLASS 5A: CEDRIC BLAIR: The offensive line coach for Ramsay High School’s football team, Blair has served at various other Birmingham City Schools as well – earning the reputation of being not only an outstanding line coach but a molder of young men through his own example of service and dedication.
- CLASS 6A: Dr. ANN JACKSON: The Superintendent of Jasper City Schools since 2014 has molded the Jasper City School System into one of the finest in the nation – and has implemented an education-based athletic program that has become a model of excellence.
- CLASS 7A: ERICA DUBOIS: The former Prattville High School basketball star returned to her alma mater where she has become one of the most respected teachers and basketball coaches in the AHSAA.
This year’s class was announced by AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon.
Each honoree will be recognized at the 2025 AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet, which will be held Thursday night, July 24, at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center at 6 p.m.
The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by then AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. This year’s recipients include one school system superintendent, one track and field coach, one tennis coach, one girls’ basketball coach, two assistant coaches, and for the first time, a husband and wife duo who have served in various capacities from cheerleader sponsor to team statisticians for half a century.
“The recipients in this 2025 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving students with positive reinforcement, kindness and compassion,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “They take their positions as role models for their students, faculty, and community very seriously and have shown exceptional leadership and determination in the challenges each has faced. These individuals have had spent their entire teaching, coaching and administrative careers making a major positive impact in their communities and schools across the state and are excellent examples of what this award stands for.”
Harmon adds, “Qualities considered for this prestigious award include the recipient’s character, integrity, determination, sacrifice and service, all of which have enabled them to have a life-changing impact on the students, school and communities which they serve.”
Harmon said this special award also exemplifies what the AHSAA’s true mission is all about and personifies why education-based athletics are so important.
Plainview High School’s Bill and Judy Ayers, this year’s Class 4A co-recipients, have embraced that mission for more than 50 years. Described by Plainview High School girls’ basketball coach Luke Griggs as “the most well-known and most beloved couple in Rainsville whose value to the school, its athletic programs and community cannot be understated.”
Judy Ayers has served the DeKalb County School System for 53 years as a Plainview High School faculty member. Her roles have included various capacities ranging from classroom English teacher, cheerleader sponsor and librarian – which she has served for the past 40 years. Bill Ayers served as a teacher and administrator, retiring from Plainview High School in 2008 with 32 years of service. He and his wife have continued to be the school’s basketball team statisticians – working from the bleachers – for more than 40 years. During that time, they helped document Plainview’s basketball program’s 3-point shooting records that are noted throughout the AHSAA Record Book and the NFHS National Record Book,
“The things that I do for Plainview are the things that I believe in and things that I enjoy doing,” said Bill Ayers. “These things can be sports related, but they do not have to be sports related. I am a part of many events at Plainview High School. As I grew up, my parents taught me to help others. I helped neighbors with various tasks from working in a chicken house, weeding, and harvesting gardens, mowing yards, or pumping gasoline at a nearby service station. Helping others was something I did as an everyday experience.
“When Terry Mitchell asked me to help him by keeping basketball stats and records in the 1970’s, I said yes. He and I devised a system which I still use today for basketball stats after 48 years. Later on, I was asked to keep football stats by Coach (Dale) Pruitt, and I stayed on the sidelines for many years.
“The greatest gift for doing the stats is watching the players’ faces when I read the stats to the coaches and players at half-time. Also, seeing the athletes years later and they come up and give us a hug or ask how we are doing, is a big reward for both me and Judy. This is what I call “BEAR PRIDE”! I have been a Plainview Bear since I began school at Plainview in the second grade and plan to remain a part of Plainview in coming years.”
Judy Ayers echoes her husband’s sentiments. “My life-long association with Plainview High School and its students began humbly in 1972 when I was hired to teach science and history, neither of which was my secondary education major. Four years later, the principal asked me to work with the varsity cheerleaders long enough for him to find someone who wanted that responsibility. Twenty-five years passed without that person coming forth,” she said with a smile.
“In the meantime, I learned about cheerleading, Bill became a teacher at Plainview, and we both became invested in the lives of the students at Plainview. We saw that students needed direction, support, respect, and appreciation for their interests, their talents, and their hard work. We had the time, energy, and love for giving all of that…AND IT WAS FUN!“
She adds, “Over my 53 years at Plainview, I have worked with many students in various capacities including coaching cheerleading, keeping basketball stats, coordinating graduation ceremonies, advising student publications, sponsoring proms and plays, encouraging a love for reading, and teaching oral and written ELA skills. These activities have given and continue to give me the chance to see students reach personal goals, achieve what seemed impossible to them, expand their worlds, be their best, and receive recognition for their work.”
This year’s Making a Difference Class brings the total recognized in the AHSAA “Making a Difference” program to 101 since the first class of recipients in 2011.
Following is a brief synopsis of the Making a Difference recipients for 2025:
2025 MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS
CLASS 1A – JOHNNY ‘CAL’ YOUNG, BRANTLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Known as “Coach Cal” to the students and faculty at Brantley High School, Johnny Young is best described as the ultimate assistant coach. A graduate of Brantley High School, he returned to become an assistant coach for boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, softball, and with all student-athletes in the strength and conditioning program.”
Head softball coach Cindy Hawthorne says “Coach Cal” has been instrumental in the development of Brantley’s legendary girls’ softball program.
“In the summer of 2014, he girls’ coaching staff at Brantley High School recognized the need for a structured weight and conditioning program for our female athletes,” said Hawthorne. “That summer marked the launch of our girls’ weight training initiative – led by none other than Coach Johnny Young. His 6 a.m., workouts became the foundation of the program and continue to this day – producing remarkable results on and off the field.”
She said he has faithfully volunteered his time in the weight room and on the field for the past 12 years. “A proud graduate of Brantley High School, his love for this school and its student-athletes run deep. Although he doesn’t have children of his ow, he treats every student he coaches as if they were his own – offering support, encouragement, and discipline with a servant’s heart.”
She added, “despite facing a physical handicap, he has never let it stand in the way of his dedication. These are life lessons we all should aspire to teach.”
Basketball and baseball coach Andre Parks agrees. “Born with a physical disability that might have sidelined others, he has never allowed it to define or deter him, For over 30 years, Coach Cal has been a steadfast and devoted presence at Brantley. He selflessly dedicates his time to assisting with football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, junior high basketball, and the softball programs. Rain or shine, weekday or weekend, Coach Cal never misses a day. His reliability alone would merit recognition, but his legacy goes far beyond attendance. Coach Cal has changed lives. He is a pillar in the Brantley community.”
CLASS 2A – DALE CARRELL, WESTMINSTER-OAK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
Dale Carrell was a multi-sport athlete in high school and college. He said a person he will always remember in his life was Coach Dick Helm at Wheaton College.
“He was a man that cared about the entire person and by loving me and the other players he showed me that life was not just about winning. He made it his mission to convey Christ in all things, and I pray that is what has been passed on to me.”
Those who know Carrell best would say “well done, Coach Helm.”
Westminster-Oak Mountain has been a member of the AHSAA for more than 15 years. During that time, Coach Carrell has coached one or more sports every year, said his nominator. He is currently serving as the boys’ and girls’ indoor and outdoor track team head coach, and he assists with the girls’ and boys’ cross-country teams. He has been the head coach for at least five Westminster-Oak Mountain’s state championships won, and he assisted with four others. He has also been either head or assistant coach for 10 of the school’s teams that have finished state runner-up.
Over the last five years, he has been in a battle with cancer. His battle was aided by his strong faith and the faith, love and prayers of his students, teachers and peers at other schools who have been touched by his example. He says the trials have made him appreciate even more each day he gets to coach his student-athletes.
“When I first started teaching at my school, it was only three years old and I was just a teacher of math and science since there was no athletic program,” Carrell said. “When the school asked about starting one, I stepped in as the first athletic director while still teaching. The running programs (cross country, track, and field) were the first programs that we started, and my coaching career at Westminster began.
“We had no facilities of our own, so we used local parks to provide our locations to run. Throughout the years many more sports teams were added (18 total in 2025), and I handed the AD responsibilities to someone else, but kept coaching. When I am asked what I do, I say, “I am a teacher.”
Whether Chemistry or Physics or Track and Field, it all boils down to this, “Love them with the love of Christ, do what is best for them, push them toward becoming Godly men and women.”
Carrell said he has been blessed with student-athletes at Westminster that believe in putting God first is all things.
“Because of this,” he said, “we can “Maximize the Gift” that God has given every one of us. Because of these young people and their work ethic, Westminster has seven AHSAA State Championships in Track and Field and 4 AHSAA Championships in Cross Country, where I am the assistant. Westminster has also earned 20 State Runner-Up awards in XC and Track.”
“I do not do this for the awards, but for the Glory of God and the advancement of His work in the student-athletes with which I work.
CLASS 3A – HALEIGH (WOODARD) WILLIAMS, LAUDERDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The Lauderdale County High School girls’ tennis program has won three straight Class 1A/3A state championships under the tutelage of Coach Haleigh (Woodard) Williams. To judge her impact by trophies, however, would be an injustice to her impact.
Her nominator for the Making a Difference Award, assistant principal Amanda Mathis, says it best. While she points out the three straight state titles are “a testament to her exceptional coaching ability,” she points out: “She has a strong work ethic and provides unwavering support for her players. She puts her players first in all things. This has played critical role in shaping her students into successful athletes.
“Beyond athletics, she is invested in the academic development of her students as scholar. She not only challenges students on the tennis court but also in the classroom. The fosters a culture of inclusivity, and she is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals.”
Coach Williams describes her role and purpose as a teacher simply. “As cliche as it may sound, I truly became a teacher with one goal in mind: to make a difference,” she said. “I always felt that if I could make a difference in the life of just one child, my career would be a success. It’s incredibly important to me that my students and athletes know that they always have an adult who loves them and is in their corner. I take pride in the relationships this has allowed me to build over the years and always look forward to visits with former students and players.
“I also truly love to teach… There are few things more special than watching a child’s eyes light up when a new skill begins to click – whether in the classroom, or on the court. I really think that might be the best reward of all.”
CLASS 4A – BILL AND JUDY AYERS, PLAINVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Judy Ayers has served the DeKalb County School System for 53 years as a Plainview High School faculty member. Her roles have included various capacities ranging from classroom English teacher, cheerleader sponsor and librarian – which she as served for the past 40 years. Bill Ayers served as a teacher and administrator, retiring from Plainview High School in 2008 with 32 years of service. He and his wife have continued to be the school’s basketball team statisticians – working from the bleachers – for more than 40 years. During that time, they helped document Plainview’s basketball program’s 3-point shooting records that are noted throughout the AHSAA Record Book and the NFHS National Record Book,
Judy Ayers joined the Plainview High School faculty in 1972 when she was hired to teach science and history. She began working with the varsity cheerleaders long enough for him to find someone who wanted that responsibility. Twenty-five years passed without that person coming forth. In the meantime, I learned about cheerleading, Bill became a teacher at Plainview, and we both became invested in the lives of the students at Plainview. We saw that students needed direction, support, respect, and appreciation for their interests, their talents, and their hard work. We had the time, energy, and love for giving all of that…AND IT WAS FUN!“
She adds, “Over my 53 years at Plainview, I have worked with many students in various capacities including coaching cheerleading, keeping basketball stats, coordinating graduation ceremonies, advising student publications, sponsoring proms and plays, encouraging a love for reading, and teaching oral and written ELA skills. These activities have given and continue to give me the chance to see students reach personal goals, achieve what seemed impossible to them, expand their worlds, be their best, and receive recognition for their work.
“The rewards for me are when I can say, ‘I know them,’ and when they meet me after they have left Plainview and they say, ‘I remember you. Thank you for being in my life.'”
CLASS 5A – CEDRIC BLAIR, RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL
Considered one of the best offensive line football coaches in the AHSAA for more than three decades, Cedric Blair is described by his nominator as “a man who finds a way to reach the student-athletes who are most in need of positive influence.”
Blair says that is what a teacher and coach is supposed to do. Blair’s impact has been far reaching in the Birmingham City Schools. He has worked at Woodlawn, Hayes, Ensley, Parker, Huffman, and now Ramsay during his tenure as a teacher and coach. To say he is dedicated to the youth of Birmingham can’t be understated.
“I am very proud of the relationships I have had with the players, my fellow coaches, and my principal Dr. Carolyn Walker,” Blair said. “My focus on helping to develop and nurture a dynamic athlete who appreciates the importance of physical maintenance, hard work, respect for his fellow man or woman, high quality study habits, positive behavior, meaningful decision making, and the understanding of leadership and its impact on our challenging world.”
He said he is also eager to listen to players. “This offers them an opportunity to have conversations, which builds character and promotes brotherhood. I encourage them to have open discussions about things that are major importance to them. I encourage family involvement, and I try foster an active parent relationship with our players. Every experience that we share provided an opportunity for character building.”
He said his own family appreciates his love for his players – past and present.
“I end all my phone calls with my players by telling them, ‘I love you, man.’”
CLASS 6A – DR. ANN JACKSON, JASPER CITY SCHOOLS
Dr. Ann Jackson became Superintendent of Jasper City Schools in 2014. Over the next decade, the school system blossomed into one of the top school systems in the state. What was her secret to success?
One of her nominators, principal Jonathan Allen, said, “Dr. Ann Jackson has had a profound impact on our school and community, and she has done so in a grassroots boots-on-the-ground manner. Her measuring stick that she seems to gauge every decision by is: ‘How does it impact our kids.’ By placing our students first in every decision she has made as Superintendent of Jasper City Schools, she has turned our system into one of the top systems in the state of Alabama, and has created and is continuing to create the best athletic facilities in the state.”
Allen adds, “She has made an everlasting commitment to our student-athletes, and we can’t thank her enough.”
Jasper City Schools athletic director Jonathan Jordan agrees. “What is best for our students is her overriding question. Her view has changed the paradigm on our system, and her quest for excellence in everything to give our students the greatest opportunities has been the guiding light for our athletics department. I don’t know of another person in the state who has made a greater difference in the lives of their students, and the opportunities they experience than Dr. Ann Jackson.”
CLASS 7A – ERICA DUBOIS, PRATTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Her nominator wrote: “Coach DeBois has poured a lot of time and effort into raising her basketball players and their commitment to be better people. While teaching them to learn the skills of the game of basketball, more importantly, she has taught them better life skills. Coach D leads by example and shows what it looks like to make the right decision all the time.”
DeBois explains her purpose. “My strong faith in Christ is the foundation of everything I do—it’s how I live, how I lead, and how I coach. I believe that every young man and woman on the teams I have coached, were placed in my life for a reason, and it’s my responsibility to pour into them not just as athletes, but as sons and daughters of God with purpose. I don’t coach for recognition or personal gain—my focus is always on doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching. I hold myself accountable to a higher standard and expect the same from my athletes. I push them, challenge them, and encourage them because I know there’s greatness inside of each of them, and it’s my calling to help bring that out.”
