Mike Price Sr. was described as an unselfish team player Wednesday as the new gymnasium at Iola Roberts Elementary School was named in his honor. 

“This is a special, special day for a special, special person,” said Dr. Michael Barber, Pell City’s assistant school superintendent and former principal of the school. 

“His greatest testimony is those seated back there,” he said indicating a class of fourth grade students seated on the gym floor. “Generations will benefit because Mike Price had a servant’s heart.”

Price, who died unexpectedly last year, served as a member, vice-chairman, and chairman of the Pell City Board of Education.  “He loved this school system, and he loved the children of this school system,” said Tammy Williams, the board’s current vice-chairman who filled Price’s unexpired board term. 

“He would be so proud of Iola Roberts,” said board chairman Norman Wilder.  “From the many children who will come through here, there will be plenty of smiles in this gymnasium because of Mike Price.”

Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hathcock praised Price as an “unselfish” public servant.

“Serving on the school board is an almost thankless job,” he said.  “They don’t get paid a lot of money for making decisions that affect thousands of people, including people who haven’t even been born yet.  I never knew Mike to make a decision for the school system that would benefit him.”