For nearly five decades, Northport Citizen of the Year. Inc. has celebrated residents whose community involvement creates meaningful change.

95.3 The Bear logo
Get our free mobile app

Established in 1976, the nonprofit celebrates those who exemplify exceptional commitment, visionary leadership, and meaningful service that strengthen and uplift the community.

The Northport Citizen of the Year. Inc. will honor the recipients with a luncheon in November.

2025 Honorees

Citizen of the Year: Ophelia Tierce Harrison

Business Leader: Brandon Cooper (Adams Antiques/The Potager)

Education Leader: Sarah Gann (Echols Middle School)

Religious Leader: Bishop Gloria Sylvester (New Dimensions Worship Center)

Heritage/Pioneer: Sam Faucett (Civic Leader)

95.3 The Bear logo
Get our free mobile app

Past Citizen of the Year Recipients

1976: Rev. B.F. Atkins

1977: Marvin Harper and Bessie Booth

1978: Charles Sprayberry and Estelle Mitchell

1979: Sarah Rodgers and Dawson Christian

1980: Betty Barnett and Ellis Teer

1981: Olga Faucett

1982: Dr. Norman Carlson

1983: A.D. Christian Jr.

1984: Frank Manderson

1985: Robert Hasson

1986: Harvey Fretwell

1987: Samuel Key

1988: Fran Viselli

1989: Frankie Thomas

1990: Dr. Rickey Harrison

1991: Lyda Black

1992: June Hogue

1993: Bob Rust

1994: Dr. John Hinton

1995: Lewis Drummond

1996: Dr. Neil Hyche

1997: A.H. Bean

1998: Roger Anders

1999: Janet Teer

2000: Sam P. Faucett, III

2001: Eddie Jackson

2002: Jean Carlson

2003: Joyce Sellers

2004: Frances Rice Pool

2005: Dr. James Adams

2006: Robert Green

2007: James Barnett

2008: Glenn Crow

2009: Chuck Gerdau

2010: June Lambert

2011: W. Dan Morrison

2012: Ronald Lett

2013: Earl Mitchell

2014: Jerry Pike

2015: Charles Swann

2016: Ashley Gill

2017: Judy Holland

2018: Felicia Hickman Krebs

2019: Wayne Rose

2022: Walter “Sonny” Aaron and Donna Aaron

2023: John Curry

2024: Mike Griffin

Community 411 News Coverage

Have a community event coming up? We’d love to help spread the word!

The Tuscaloosa Thread and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations welcome press releases for possible coverage in our “Community 411” news coverage.

To be considered, events should be either free to the public or fundraisers that benefit the community. Sharing your event with us is a great way to reach more people across Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, encouraging their participation and support.

We are excited to help highlight the positive work happening in our area and to support community programs together, making a meaningful impact.

How to Submit Your Press Release

Send your press release to maryk@townsquaremedia.com at least two weeks (or earlier) before your event.

LOOK: Every Kid Wanted to Go to These Famous TV and Movie Locations

Before Google Earth and instant streaming, your imagination had to do the traveling, and TV and movies were your passport. From pirate coves to suburban streets, these were the places every kid dreamed of visiting.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

If You Grew Up in the '70s and '80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy

From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these 'fancy' childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: These TV Guide Covers Will Take You Back to a Golden Age of Television

From "Who Shot J.R.?" to the tearful goodbye on the final episode of M*A*S*H, TV Guide — and those unforgettable covers — were once a treasured part of every TV lover’s routine.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

RANKED: Your Favorite Childhood Bubble Gums

From long-lasting flavor to epic bubble potential, we're ranking the most iconic childhood chewing gums that defined recess, ruled the playground and stuck with us (sometimes literally).

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: Popular children's books published the year you were born

Stacker compiled a list of popular children's books published every year between 1920 and 2021 based on librarian and teacher polls, top 100 roundups in media like Time magazine and the BBC, book critic reviews, interviews with children's book authors, and lists of award-winning literature for young readers.

Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet

More From 95.3 The Bear