RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes and board president Jerry Groce honor RMS teacher Mark Keeton for his National Space Club – Huntsville Educator of the Year Award.

The Russellville City Schools Board of Education started its meeting Thursday by recognizing two of its own for their outstanding achievements.

At the 27th Annual Wernher von Braun Memorial Celebration dinner at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in October, RCS teacher Mark Keeton was honored with the National Space Club – Huntsville Educator of the Year Award, which is presented to an educator who has made an outstanding contribution in kindergarten through twelfth grade in the STEM disciplines.

Superintendent Heath Grimes presented Keeton with a certificate thanking him for his dedication to the school system and for “representing our board in an exemplary fashion.”

Keeton expressed what a privilege he feels it is to work in the RCS system. “I knew there was something special about this school system, and I’m just very happy I was able to get the job over at the middle school five years ago,” Keeton said. He also pointed out that “the Science Club award – Russellville City Schools is the only place where they have had two winners,” – the first being Lee Brownell.

RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes recognizes board president Jerry Groce for his selection as a member of the 2015 All-State School Board.

The school board also recognized RCS board president Jerry Groce, who was named a member of the 2015 All-State School Board, with a recognition ceremony Dec. 5 in Montgomery.

“It was just an honor to me to think my board thought enough of me to nominate me for this,” Groce said.

The school board carried out all its usual business, including approving trips, expenses and personnel changes. The next board meeting will be Jan. 28.