The Tullahoma Board of Education celebrated Tullahoma City Schools’ seven building-level Volunteers of the Year and named Carl Webster as the 2026 TCS District Volunteer of the Year.

Each individual was celebrated and awarded for their contributions at the Tuesday meeting. Additionally, the district named Webster as Volunteer of the Year for his work with Jack T. Farrar Elementary School. This annual recognition is closely tied to an award coordinated by the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). School systems may submit one volunteer for consideration by TSBA for their annual regional awards.

“Mr. Webster is truly one of a kind,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “His unwavering dedication to supporting Jack T. Farrar students and staff, his generous giving of time and his wholehearted service to students make him an invaluable asset to our district. Congratulations, Mr. Webster.”

Webster began volunteering at Jack T. Farrar Elementary School as a reading buddy, often adding flair by dressing in costumes or acting out stories. He also volunteers as a Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) proctor, a role he embraced fully after witnessing firsthand students’ diligence and the challenges some face. Webster continues to go above and beyond, and has even offered to serve as an unpaid education assistant, working with small reading groups. His commitment extends beyond academics, as he is intentional about recognizing students’ efforts, including assisting with Field Day, and showing up in a full neon yellow suit to supervise a glow party.

“Being named TCS Volunteer of the Year is a humbling honor,” Webster said. “I love working with the kids in Ms. Tammy Coop’s class. As a student, I faced significant academic challenges, so this honor is especially personal to me. It wasn’t until an observant ninth-grade teacher suggested that I have my vision checked that I discovered I was severely nearsighted and color-blind. For years, I had struggled simply because I could not clearly see what was being written on chalkboards or shown on overhead projectors.

“That experience shaped my heart for students and my commitment to helping ensure that no child faces unnecessary obstacles to learning. It is a privilege to work alongside the Farrar Frogs and the dedicated staff and teachers who serve them every day.”

Seven other individuals were recognized as schoollevel volunteers during the April Board of Education meeting. Nell Pack was selected as Bel-Aire Elementary School’s Volunteer of the Year. Sharon Nelius was honored as East Lincoln Elementary School’s Volunteer of the Year. Samantha Burfitt Boggs was chosen as Robert E. Lee Elementary School’s Volunteer of the Year. Shanna Gaither was recognized as East Middle School’s Volunteer of the Year. Hannah Lynch was honored as West Middle School’s Volunteer of the Year and both Tom and Tracey Dimon were named Tullahoma High School’s Volunteers of the Year.

“TCS is blessed to have many incredible and dedicated volunteers in our district,” Dr. Stephens said. “Our volunteers consistently and generously donate their time, talents and creative energies to support our teachers, staff and students. The volunteers recognized tonight have made remarkable contributions to our schools and district through their exemplary leadership and service. We are grateful for each of them and the contributions they make to our district as we strive to cultivate a culture that prioritizes students first.”