Ramsay Principal Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker is one of seven individuals who have been selected as the 2026 Making a Difference Award recipients by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA). 

The award recognizes individuals who have made an impact as exemplary role models in their schools and communities. One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was selected from approximately 75 nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals. 

Beginning Friday, June 12, each recipient will be featured daily in a special seven-part series, with Dr. Russell-Walker scheduled for June 16. Then, the honorees will be recognized at the 2026 AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet, which will be held Thursday night, July 23, at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center at 6 p.m.

The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by then Executive Director Steve Savarese with the AHSAA and its coaching wing the AHSADCA to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.

This year’s recipients include two principals, one school system athletic director, two head football coaches, one veteran varsity assistant football and baseball coach who also coaches middle school athletics, and one girls’ basketball coach who was a standout collegiate player and captain of the team at the University of Alabama before returning to the high school ranks to become a coach.

“The recipients in this 2026 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women that understand and embrace the important mission of the AHSAA by dedicating themselves to serving students with positive reinforcement, kindness and compassion,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “They take their positions as role models for their students, faculty, and community very seriously and have shown exceptional leadership and determination in the challenges each has faced.“

This year’s Class brings the total recognized in the AHSAA “Making a Difference” program to 108 individuals from 94 different member schools since the first class of recipients in 2011.