The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club recently named its Don Haisten Student of the Month and Teacher of the Month for December.

The student of the month is Ann Shepard Murray, a freshman at Hewitt-Trussville High School.

According to Rotary press release, “Murray exemplifies leadership, service and compassion. She has been actively involved in programs such as MUSH Mentors, Ambassadors, NJHS, and serves as an assistant adaptive P.E. coach, working daily with life skills students. Her achievements include the Principal’s Award for both MUSH Mentors and Ambassadors and also the “A” Honor Roll for her 8th-grade year.”

In her leisure time, Murray loves reading, watching movies and spending time with children, especially those with special needs.

“Her passion for serving others and her dream of becoming a special education teacher are truly inspiring,’ the release said.

Christy Stone, from Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, was named teacher of the month. Stone teaches the self-contained life skills class at HTMS

and has been a guiding light for her students. Murray credits Stone with helping her achieve her goal of caring for children with special needs.

“Stone’s incredible dedication has transformed the lives of her students, showing remarkable progress in just a few months,” according to the press release.

Murray shared how Stone’s compassion extended beyond the classroom, including attending Murray’s little sister’s funeral to provide comfort.

“Most people can’t say a ‘random’ special ed teacher held your hand at your little sister’s funeral,” Murray said. “Mrs. Stone has not only inspired her students, but has also made a lasting impact on their families and peers.”

The student teacher of the month program is sponsored by Full Moon Bar-B-Q in Trussville.

The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Trussville (128 N. Chalkville Road). For more information on the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, or to help with a project, email Diane Poole at dlpoole1225@gmail.com.