LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

« Return to Nominee List

Cicely Curtis

Position: Principal
School: R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy
School District: Selma City Schools
City, State: Selma, AL

Support Cicely Leave a comment Get Updates

Music that Describes Cicely


Cicely Curtis was nominated by a colleague, Mariama DeRamus.

Mrs. Curtis is a mother, lifelong educator, principal, faith giver, church member, and supportive community sponsor. Mrs. Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Hudson. She has worked diligently to provide support to community members through her role as a school leader. She has also worked tirelessly to create an environment where scholars can not only learn, but thrive. Her approach to teaching the “whole child” includes creating and establishing a positive school climate and supportive learning environment. She takes an individualized approach towards reaching every staff member’s needs to create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.

Although she has experienced various trials and tribulations as a school leader and educator amid a quarantine, she managed to forge ahead, responding to the immediacy of the circumstances. She conducted home visits, delivered necessities to families, provided breakfast and lunch, prepared learning materials, and maintained communication with each family. She implemented digital learning tools, databases, and management systems to streamline school processes when scholars returned in the fall. Mrs. Curtis empowers every scholar and teacher to act as a leader, in an authentic approach towards school leadership.

Mrs. Curtis has worked countless hours throughout the quarantine to create a home-to-school connection and ensure that each family has active involvement in their scholars’ learning. Her faith-based approach towards education has been guided by her own diverse experiences. Her transparency in school processes increases accountability in the district. She has made a longstanding impact by creating a safe and supportive school climate through restructuring and upgrades. This has changed the face of R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy. Under her leadership, R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy has received a designation as a model school and will represent Selma City Schools at the Model Schools Conference in Tennessee. It has also been recognized as a CLAS school by the state of Alabama and as an exemplary model school through multiple media outlets, publications, and regional/state conferences.

Comments (28)

Shelly McGee Posted over a year ago

I am so proud of you Mrs. Curtis. You always go that extra mile in your school, in your community and with your family. Congratulations to a wonderful visionary leader!

Tammy Major Posted over a year ago

Cicely Curtis is definitely a life changer for her students, their community, and the city of Selma. She is caring, consistent, and dedicated to the quality of her students’ education as well as safety. I have known her for many years, and Cicely remains steadfast in her endeavors as an educator, instructional leader, and spiritual warrior. She is most deserving of this award.

Jacqueline Peoples Posted over a year ago

First of all, Mrs. Curtis is a Woman of God (W.O.G.) I truly believe her steps are Order by God and this is the main reason she exhibits GREATNESS. She loves the students and her staff. I have been at R.B. Hudson long enough to observe the rise and fall of Morale and I can truly say that now we are at an ALL -TIME- HIGH. Under the administration of Mrs. Curtis, we have a sense of FAMILY among the staff which attributes to a great work environment. When Mrs. Curtis is out for whatever reason, the students really miss her. They look at her as "Mom" away from home and they feel safe in her care because they know she is here for them because she has shown this time and time again. She is very Serious when it comes to Educating our Scholars and has allowed the implementation of many different programs in order to enhance their educational endeavors. This is my 30th year as an educator and I can honestly say I've never seen a Principal work so hard. Principal Curtis has never asked us to do anything she wouldn't do; from directing carpool traffic to jumping in and teaching our classes as needed. She is a Life Changer and deserves to be Rewarded. Congratulations!!!!!! This old teacher is Proud of You.

Denisha Streeter Posted over a year ago

Cicely Curtis was one of the first faces I saw when I walked into the principal’s office in 2013 for my first interview. She was a member of the school’s leadership team at that time. I didn’t know until later that she was my angel in the room! She became my mentor that year and I have been learning from her since! She continues to be the voice that lets me know it’s okay to be different! And to do what I have to in order to keep the students’ needs at the forefront. She leads with her whole life! She’s a great model for educators as well as parents. Mrs.Curtis promotes forward thinking which means everything she touches moves!!!

martraevius gordon Posted over a year ago

i love you miss cutis for helping me stay focus and rip to ms coleman and coach ms harper

Stephanie Coles Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your nomination! Putting others first as a leader, she wears many hats from Principal, Teacher, Counselor, Civil servant, mentor, parent and friend. She makes R.B Hudson the safe haven of learning. Maintaining the Selma City Schools aiming for excellence vison, she strives everyday to provide innovative ways to keep the Scholars, Staff, Stakeholders, and Parents motivated to making R. B. Hudson great. In the Bible, Matthew 20:26 says that leaders are servants first. Mrs. Curtis continues to lead the Steam Academy to a respectable diverse environment.

RB Hudson Steam Academy Posted over a year ago

I've had the honor of working with Mrs. C for the past 3 years at RB Hudson. She's an awesome leader and I have grown a lot under her leadership. She's a God-fearing woman who definitely loves our scholars and the Selma Community. Congratulations on this awesome nomination! Well-deserved!

T henderson Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Curtis is a great principal who ensures that all scholars feel welcomed and loved in our school. She has made several visits out to our RISE class to make sure they feel connected to their peers through mutual positive role models.

Shayla George-Williams Posted over a year ago

Team player, committed, dedicated, dependable, determined, goal-oriented, compassionate, loving, caring, giving and God fearing are just a few term that describes Principal Cicely Curtis. She strives for excellence while bringing JOY to all faculty, staff and scholars of R. B. Hudson STEAM Academy. Mrs. Curtis has influenced my life in several ways over the past years. She believed in me and gave me the encouragement that I needed to move forward in my career. She was selfless in her actions and granted me the opportunity to grow as a School Counselor. I am forever grateful to Principal Cicely Curtis.

Aubrey Larkin, Jr. Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Curtis and I first worked together at Clark Elementary School where she served as a fourth grade teacher and curriculum resource teacher and I served as principal. From that time to the present Mrs. Curtis has been a proven educator and natural leader. She is known for going over and beyond for the scholars and families she serves! She has been a HUGE blessing to the Selma Community!!!

Angela Martin Posted over a year ago

Principal Cicely Curtis is one of the ways I pick the school my child in a particular grade will attend. She's more than an educator, she's a parent figure to all the students when they let her in. She has been appointed to do what she does. To God be The Glory. Love Her To Life

Victoria West Posted over a year ago

LOVE YOU COUSIN????????MY BEAUTY! MY SPIRITUAL ADVISOR AND MY PRAYER WARRIOR. THIS WOMAN OF GOD IS JUST WHAT OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS. SHE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LEAD THIS CITY AND SYSTEM SEVERAL WAYS! PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE GREAF AND AWESOME! LOVE YOU??????????????????????????????????????????????

Aneatria Leason Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your nomination for Life Changer of the Year! I believe Principal Cicely Curtis is worthy to receive this great honor. She gives herself freely to her students, faculty and community! Blessings to a deserving leader! Love always!

Dominik West Posted over a year ago

Motivator, Prayer Warrior, Councilor, Advisor, Therapist, Leader, Believer, Comforter, are just a few titles I would give to the awesome Cicely Curtis….. Now the title Life Changer of the Year should be added to her list of greatness. She deserves this title for so many reasons but I will only share how she has impacted and changed my life. She is the one you call when you’re down and want to smile, when you are discouraged and want to remove your frown, when you consider giving up and need a friend around, when you need some words to use in prayer but none can’t be found. In life we should give props and flowers when they are due, so I took this time to share some greatness about the person I was blessed with on this journey with you! I Love You Cicely. Good luck!!!!

Mere B Cleveland Posted over a year ago

Selfless, compassionate, unwavering. In every role/relationship you commit yourself 110% You genuinely value the best interest of our children, our families, our community as a whole - All while maintaining a humble heart. So so blessed to be a mentored loved and prayed for by you! Regardless the outcome of this nomination, you’re such a hero and already the #1 winner in our eyes & hearts!!

Crystal Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your nomination for Life Changer of the Year! It is an honor I believe Principal Cicely Curtis is worthy to receive. She was an excellent classroom teacher and has become an outstanding leader in the Selma City School System. Principal Curtis is innovative and intentional about her staff and student achievement. She is encouraging and supportive of all her scholars, propelling them toward a successful present and future.

Walter Curtis Posted over a year ago

Strong, dedicated educator. Fully committed to the scholars and spends countless hours making sure things are in place for each and every scholar. R.B Hudson deserve this award as well as Mrs. Curtis. Someone who is loved by the entire community.

Cynthia West Posted over a year ago

Principal Cicely Curtis should be commended for all of the work she does and her role in the community. There is always a time when someone comes to me and says she is great with the kids and we are blessed to have her in Selma. Keep up the good work!!! Cynthia West, RN Director of Medical Surgical Nursing, VRMC

Kenyatta Evans Posted over a year ago

I have never met someone who is so driven and passionate about her work. Mrs. Curtis not just a principal but also an amazing person. She goes above and beyond to make sure that our scholars and staff is taken care. I've see her go hard all day long without thinking of herself.

Martina West Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Curtis is a dynamic educator and leader! She has made and AMAZING impact on the children of Selma, AL! There has never been I time when I needed Mrs. Curtis and she wasn’t there. She is a great mother, educator, friend, daughter, and woman of God! I pray that she wins this award. I know that she will use the reward for an amazing purpose.

Caleb Smith Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Curtis, Thank you for all you do for students in the Selma community. I appreciate your support as my principal at the School of Discovery. Under your leadership, and FBLA club was established, and I became a charter member. I appreciate all you have done to encourage academic achievement and personal growth within your student body. You were very supportive of my Disney project, Selma Recycles, and I will forever be grateful. Sincerely, Caleb

Beatrice Cleveland Posted over a year ago

We are proud of you!! This nomination is well deserved.

Calvin Marshall Posted over a year ago

You have been so instrumental in my career from beginning to now and I and truly thankful to be under your Leadership and guidance!

Tonya Chestnut Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!! Mrs. Curtis commitment to students and teachers has been a constant. Her level of commitment stood out as a classroom teacher, mentor to novice teachers and administrator. She is a picture of what a true servant looks like. I am so proud of you Cicely. Most deserving honor.

Tanya Miles Posted over a year ago

I just want to say Thank You Principal Curtis for all you do for the Scholars of R B Hudson STEAM Academy. You are an innovative leader that's always looking for new learning experiences for your staff & Scholars. Thank you for leading by example and with a passion.

Ebonaa Boyd Posted over a year ago

Congratulations mommy!!! You deserve this nomination ?? You are truly a life changer!!

Susan Russell Posted over a year ago

I spent my teaching sabbatical in Selma, Alabama. My son Sam went to R.B. Hudson Steam Academy. We usually live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. When we stopped by the school to visit the summer of 2019, Ms. Curtis stopped everything she was doing and gave us a personal tour. When my son started in January 2020, she made sure that everything went smoothly for him. She was also a dear friend and resource for me as we struggled through the pandemic. We volunteered with a feeding program for kids when the schools shut down. She is always upbeat, loving, kind, and has high standards for her scholars at the middle school. As the only white kid in a majority African American school, it meant a lot to be welcomed so warmly. But soon I discovered that she treated everyone like that as far as I could tell: all the students, all the parents, all the other teachers and staff at the school. She is truly an inspired and inspiring angel! Everyone seems to love Ms. Curtis, and she has really turned the school around, from what I've heard from others in the community. Thank you, Ms. Curtis!

Courtney Washington Posted over a year ago

We are so proud of you! Well deserved! #TeamSelma