Dr. Larry Haynes, principal at Oak Mountain Middle School, has been named Middle School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals, an affiliate organization of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).

Dr. Haynes was surprised at OMMS with the announcement by Vic Wilson, Executive Director of CLAS; Katrina Akers, Legal Services Coordinator with CLAS; Dan Chappell, with Interior Elements; Dr. Lewis Brooks, Superintendent for Shelby County Schools; board members Jimmy Bice and Jane Hampton; and several district leaders. Haynes had previously been named the Principal of the Year for District 5 and was one of three finalists for the state award.

“I am extremely proud that this honor is being bestowed upon my long-time colleague and friend, Dr. Larry Haynes,” said Dr. Brooks. “Dr. Haynes is a dedicated professional who is committed to serving his school and community. There is no one that I know of that has a bigger heart for people.”

Haynes has served as principal at OMMS since 2004. His leadership has been unwavering through good times and bad, including the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and when the OMMS facility suffered significant damage in the March 2021 tornado.

“As a long-serving teacher and administrator, this opportunity is both exciting and humbling. However, this recognition is not about me,” said Dr. Haynes. “My colleagues now and throughout my service at Oak Mountain Middle School are the difference makers who have made OMMS an exceptional place to be. Any recognition for me is the result of the teachers and staff members who have worked together as a team and a family, now and since 2004, to provide the absolute best for our students”

“Supportive parents, amazing students, community partners, and a tremendous vision and guidance from Dr. Brooks and the staff at the Shelby County Board of Education have also played a vital role in the success of our school throughout my tenure.” Haynes continued. “I cannot adequately put the right words together to fully express my sincerest appreciation to the entire Oak Mountain community. I have been blessed beyond measure throughout my career.

The Middle School Principal of the Year Award is sponsored by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP), the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP), the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The business sponsor of the award is Horace Mann.

It is the second year in a row for a Shelby County Schools administrator to win the award. Caroline Obert won Middle School Principal of the Year last year while still serving as principal of Chelsea Middle School. Obert now serves as principal of Huntsville Junior High.