Orange Beach City Schools Hosts Inaugural Legacy Celebration

R. Ken Cooper • February 1, 2024

Orange Beach Educators Recognized at Legacy Ceremony

Orange Beach Educators Recognized at Legacy Ceremony

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Tuesday night, Orange Beach City Schools marked a significant milestone with the inaugural Legacy Celebration, honoring the exceptional dedication and achievements of its teachers and staff. The event brought together educators, administrators, and community members in a show of appreciation for the individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the area.


The celebration recognized several individuals for their outstanding contributions. Kristen Rayborn was named the Teacher of the Year for Orange Beach Elementary School, while Rhonda Prater received the Teacher of the Year award for Orange Beach Middle/High School. Staff members Jody Kirkley and Gloria Henson were honored as Staff Members of the Year for OBES and OBMHS, respectively. In addition to these recognitions, Brent Williams was celebrated as the Volunteer of the Year, and Dr. Robbie Smith was bestowed with the prestigious Legacy Award. In addition, the Legacy Award will carry Dr. Robbie Smith’s name going forward. 


The event was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and the efforts of key figures, including the School Board, Superintendent Wilkes, Shannon Gray, Laura Hopkins, Angela Bateman, Mary Courtney and Charles VanCamp. Their dedication to organizing this celebration underscores the community's commitment to recognizing and supporting educational excellence.



This inaugural Legacy Celebration not only highlights the achievements of individual educators and staff members but also strengthens the community's bond with its schools. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that education plays in the development of Orange Beach and its future generations.


The Orange Beach City Schools expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this event and extended congratulations to all the award winners. The community looks forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating educational excellence and the individuals who make it possible.

Orange Beach School Board Members

Orange Beach School Board Members:

  • Randy McKinney, President
  • Nelson Bauer, Vice President
  • Lisa Nix, Board Member
  • Shannon Robinson, Board Member
  • Robert Stuart, Board Member

Share this article w/ Friends...

Wolf Creek Dock
By OBA Staff • October 28, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley plans to add new features to Wolf Creek Park. A state grant will help fund the work. Plans include an elevated boardwalk and an observation tower. The project also calls for a parking area and additional signage.
Orange Beach Parks & Recreation Office
By OBA Staff • October 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Parks and Recreation has officially launched "Locals Month," a full schedule of activities and community gatherings honoring area residents. Organizers created the initiative to thank the local community for its ongoing participation, enthusiasm, and support for municipal parks
Photo from Orange Beach FIrst Responders Night
By OBA Staff • October 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Today, the nation pauses to honor millions of Americans who stand ready to protect lives, property, and communities at a moment's notice. National First Responders Day honors the courage, selflessness, and enduring vigilance of the personnel who rush toward danger when others must seek saf
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
By OBA Staff • October 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Today is National Navy Day. The annual observance honors everyone who serves or has served in the United States Navy. The Gulf Coast region has deep ties to the Navy. NAS Pensacola ranks among the Navy's most historic installations.
Orange Beach Police Cruiser
By K. Cooper • October 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Coastal Public Safety Cadets introduces teens to careers in law enforcement. The program serves ages 14–18. Participants gain hands-on experience and learn the fundamentals of policing. They also help with community events while exploring whether a law enforcement career fits their interest
Gulf Coast Gumbo Fest
By OBA Staff • October 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CoastAL Orange Beach brings the Gulf Coast's deep gumbo tradition to the beachfront for its annual Gumbo Festival. The event brings together seafood lovers, culinary competitors, and community members for an afternoon of food and live music. Louisiana developed gumbo through a blend of West
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor • October 26, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — October is making its grand exit, Halloween and hayrides are stealing the spotlight, and the Alabama Gulf Coast is giving us every reason to squeeze a little more fun out of our short-lived fall. From cozy coffee dates and off-key karaoke to candy-filled trails, hometown festivals, and wat
Orange Beach Wildlife Transport Classes
By K. Cooper • October 26, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Wildlife Center is seeking community members to join its volunteer transport network. The center helps injured and distressed wildlife along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Volunteer transporters play a key role in safely capturing animals and transporting them to the facility for
Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge
By K. Cooper • October 26, 2026
Gulf Shores is advancing major infrastructure improvements around its pedestrian bridge project and preparing to move forward with the first phase of the Pedestrian Bridge Plaza, which will convert undeveloped ground into functional public spaces.
Johnson Beach on Perdido Key
By K. Cooper • October 25, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — A trip to Johnson Beach will cost a little less on an upcoming national park fee-free day. The beach is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore on Perdido Key. It’s a short drive east from Orange Beach. A vehicle pass normally costs $25 and covers seven consecutive days.
Show More