A Night of Legacy, Reunion, and Celebration: Baldwin County School District Honors Distinguished Alumni Class of 2026

Now in its fourth year, the annual Baldwin County School District's Distinguished Alumni Gala continues to honor the rich history of Baldwin County Schools by celebrating graduates whose lives and work reflect excellence across a wide range of professions; from law, medicine, education, military service, higher education, public leadership, and the arts.

Melvin "Fish Scales" Adams with Justice Hugh Thompson and his kindergarten Speech Therapist, Jane Thompson

This year’s event was especially rich with meaningful reunions and many full-circle moments. One of the most memorable came when Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Melvin “Fish Scales” Adams was reunited with his kindergarten speech therapist, Jane Thompson, a connection that surprised many in attendance and added an especially personal note to the evening. Mrs. Thompson is also the wife of fellow Distinguished Alumni Class of 2026 honoree, Chief Justice Hugh Thompson, making the moment an unexpected bridge between two very different but equally remarkable Baldwin stories.

Throughout the evening, honorees repeatedly returned to the people who shaped them early. Many offered heartfelt thanks to educators and mentors who helped open doors long before their careers took shape. Dr. Kristy Cuthbert spoke movingly about the encouragement she received from former biology teacher Cathy Grimes, whose belief in her helped shift the course of her life as a first-generation college student.

Dr. LaMario Primas, Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services at Morehouse College, also recognized one of Baldwin’s own educational leaders, Dr. Runee Sallad, noting the strength of their ongoing partnership through Georgia College Early College, a program that continues to help local students imagine larger futures for themselves.

Dr. LaMario Primas

A Spirit of Mentorship

That same spirit of mentorship was visible throughout the room. Early College students, under Dr. Sallad’s leadership, helped decorate and facilitate the evening, adding a meaningful student presence to an event built around legacy and aspiration.

Thank you, Georgia College Early College Students!

Several alumni also took time to thank longtime Baldwin educators and coaches whose impact has stretched across generations, including Coach Aaron Bentley and the legendary Coach James Lunsford, both of whom were present and warmly recognized throughout the night.

The atmosphere itself reflected the elegance and pride of the occasion. Fine Arts Consultant Mr. Jay Wucher and his jazz quartet created a warm musical backdrop for the evening, joined by Baldwin High School’s accomplished band students, whose contributions added both sophistication and a strong reminder that the district’s artistic tradition remains very much alive in the next generation.

The evening also reflected the tremendous work happening behind the scenes. Special thanks to Executive Assistant Gina Whitaker, whose organization and leadership helped bring the gala together alongside the Distinguished Alumni Committee. And as Baldwin County Schools continues this now-established tradition, Superintendent Dr. Kristy Brooks has successfully carried the vision forward with grace and energy, building on the foundation established under former Superintendent Dr. Noris Price and guiding the district confidently into 2026. And of course, Baldwin High School's Principal Markeeta Clayton served stunningly as emcee, for the second year in a row. Thank you all!

What emerged most clearly throughout the evening was this: Baldwin County School District’s story is not only found in classrooms and campuses, but in the lives of those who carry its influence into courtrooms, clinics, universities, military service, recording studios, and communities across the country and beyond.