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DOTHAN, Ala. - Dothan City Schools is excited to announce that two Dothan Tech students, Gregory Helms and Julia Batts, have won first place in the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's high school video contest.

This contest was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of underage alcohol use, and the creative efforts of these talented students have clearly made an impact.

"We are so happy to be able to raise awareness to this growing problem," said Batts, 11th Grader at DHS and Dothan Tech Graphic Arts student. “As a student, it was exciting to create something that can put this issue into perspective."

"Life surprises you with unexpected opportunities. We are proud to have been able to put our creative abilities on display," explained Helms, DHS 10th grade student in the Dothan Tech Graphic Arts program.

Gregory and Julia will share a $300 prize for their outstanding video entry.

“Congratulations to these students on their exceptional achievement in winning first place in the contest!” said Dr. Dennis Coe, Superintendent of Dothan City Schools. “These students’ creativity and dedication to raising awareness about the dangers of underage alcohol use are truly commendable. We are incredibly proud of them, and we are grateful for the positive impact you are making in the community.”

Their work highlights the significance of peer engagement in conveying critical messages about alcohol safety and responsibility among young individuals.

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DOTHAN, Ala. - Students from Carver 9^th Grade Academy and Dothan High School competed in a cornhole contest Thursday, May 8, with cash scholarships up for grabs! Once again, this year, Mike Schmitz Automotive Group provided $25,000 in cash dispersed among the top winners in the one-of-its-kind competition. The contest was held at the Dothan High School Convocation Center.

The qualification period began August 1 and continued through April 30. The schools established criteria for student participation. Some of the criteria was based on attendance, earning a CCR credit, FAFSA paperwork, and other academic opportunities at Carver 9^th Grade Academy and Dothan High School during the school year.  Students earned entries (tosses) in the cornhole contest in those ways.

“A couple of years ago, we were not satisfied with our school’s Report Card, so we came up with an idea that we took to Mike Schmitz.  He put some money behind it -- $25,000 in scholarship money to motivate and incentivize our students to come to school,” said Todd Mitchell, Carver 9^th Grade Academy Principal. “Because of that, these students have done what they need to do to meet their benchmarks including graduation requirements and for report card scores to go up.”  

Overall, 1,158 students from Carver 9^th Grade Academy and Dothan High School qualified, and 130 students made it to Thursday’s money round part of the cornhole contest. It took around six rounds to narrow the students down to the final ten slots worth the cash scholarships.

“Public school is a priority in Dothan, and we need to help our students succeed.  Business people like me need to step up and help our educators,” said Mike Schmitz, founder of Mike Schmitz Automotive Group and Dothan businessman. “During COVID, public school attendance went way down. We had to think outside the box to figure out a way to get our attendance up here, and it’s worked dramatically. We know that if you attend high school you’ll succeed. And that’s what this is all about!”

This year’s $25,000 cash scholarships winners were:

• 1st Place and a $10,000 Cash Scholarship: Pari Patel
• 2nd Place and a $5,000 Cash Scholarship: Evan Dunn
• 3rd Place and a $3,000 Cash Scholarship: Addison Hendrix
• 4^th-10^th Prizes - $1,000 each:Johnathan Castillo, Jayla Gordon, Hayley Chavez, Davis Langford, Brynn Resspress, Rah'kyeriah Ash, and Taharie Myhand

“I’m so excited. Our students are some of the most capable in the Wiregrass.  If we can get them here, they can perform and compete with anybody. And, Mike Schmitz saw our vision in that and the report card scores are going to show all of that,” Mitchell said

After last year’s challenge, chronic absenteeism rates fell over 300% on Carver 9’s campus while report card scores went up seven points. At Dothan High School, chronic absenteeism is down by nearly 14% with increasing signs to exceed that level this school year.

“Dothan City Schools has struggled with absenteeism since COVID, not unlike what school districts have seen nationwide,” said Dr. Dennis Coe, Dothan City Schools Superintendent. “We would like to thank Mike Schmitz for helping Dothan City Schools attempt to resolve this chronic problem that has been occurring across the country.”

“This is exciting, and we win in the end. If our students succeed, our businesses succeed, and our city will succeed,” Schmitz expressed.

Mike Schmitz is the former chairman of the Dothan City Board of Education and former Dothan Mayor.

 

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DOTHAN, Ala. – Dothan City Schools is proud to share that two Dothan High School students have received 2025 Michael Miller Memorial Scholarships by the Southeast Health Foundation.  Mabelin Sykes and Avery Kenyon are TeenAge Volunteers (TAVs). Both students have been awarded $4,000 scholarships. These students are set to graduate on May 15.

Both students have been involved in Dothan Tech programs during high school; Mabelin has been in the health sciences program while Avery has been a part of the biomedical science program.

Furthermore, Abigail Nwaosu, a current Wallace Community College student and a 2024 DHS Graduate, also received a scholarship from Southeast Health Foundation. Abigail also was in the health science program at Dothan Tech.

Dothan City Schools acknowledges the importance of the scholarships awarded by the Southeast Health Foundation. Michael Miller was a beloved member of the Southeast Health team, known for his generous spirit and steadfast dedication to both the organization and the wider community. His enduring legacy lives on through these young volunteers who embody his commitment to service and excellence.

“We appreciate the continued support from Southeast Health, providing our students with resources to pursue further educational opportunities in the healthcare field,” said Ryan Richards, CTE Administrator for Dothan City Schools at Dothan Tech. “We're excited for the students and know they're going to make an impact on the Healthcare Community in the future.”

The school district is profoundly grateful for the collaborative partnership it shares with Southeast Health. The financial support Southeast Health provides Dothan Tech is substantial. The funds received are instrumental in procuring necessary equipment and supplies, as well as covering travel expenses for students participating in various competitions. This support not only enhances the educational experience at Dothan Tech but also empowers students to excel in their pursuits.

DCS congratulates these deserving students!

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DOTHAN, Ala. – Highlands Elementary School is excited to announce that several of its exceptional mathematics students have advanced to the National Championship with Perennial Math. Fifteen students from Highlands Elementary School make up the two Rookie teams and one Intermediate team that have progressed.

These talented students recently qualified to represent Highlands. The Grade 5 team will join teams from across the nation to compete in live, interactive mathematical competitions. The championships, hosted virtually, will feature teams submitting their answers through a live scoring site. The winners will be announced on Facebook at the conclusion of the event.

“I am Highlands Proud! of our students and teachers! The dedication to excellence is evident with these results,” said Beth Bouchard, Highlands Elementary School Principal. “I am grateful for the time and commitment that these students, teachers, and parents contributed to make this event such a success!”

Notably, the Grade 5 team has consistently qualified for the Perennial Championship over the past three years, while the Grade 4 team has qualified for the past two years. The Grade 5 team is set to compete in the National Championship on May 15, 2025.

These teams have been guided by teachers Jenny Barkley and Heather Harden. These teachers serve as math coaches for the Perennial Math teams.

“These math students are certainly superstars! They are enthusiastic and eager to learn,” explained Barkley. 

“The Grade 5 team has competed the last three years and has placed in the top five each year to advance to the National Championship. We are extremely proud that they have finished their tenure at our school with yet another invitation!” stated Harden.

Perennial Math is committed to providing students with opportunities to excel in mathematics through challenging and engaging competitions. The organization fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for both academic and career success. Dothan City Schools invites the community to celebrate the students' achievements and support them as they strive for new heights in mathematics.

Dothan City Schools joins with Highlands Elementary School in applauding the hard work and accomplishments of these young mathematicians as they prepare to showcase their skills on a national stage.

 

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