Community Corner
Mike Ramsey Named 2026 Northport Citizen Of The Year
Newly named 2026 Northport Citizen of the Year Mike Ramsey says he is honored to be recognized alongside generations of community leaders.
NORTHPORT, AL — Newly named 2026 Northport Citizen of the Year Mike Ramsey was both surprised and honored to be recognized alongside generations of community leaders.
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Ramsey, a lifelong Northport resident and 1975 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, was recently announced as this year's recipient of the prestigious recognition for his decades of volunteer work and dedication to the city.
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Ramsey expressed his gratitude while reflecting on the people who helped shape his life in Northport.
"This is an honor that I’ve never thought of myself worthy of," Ramsey told Patch. "To be recognized alongside past recipients who were great citizens and leaders in Northport. Many of those had a big part in who I am today. Little league and high school coaches, teachers, mentors and friends."
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Ramsey went on to offer his appreciation for the city he has called home his entire life.
"And thank you Northport for giving me a place that I can call mine," he said. "What a wonderful city to grow up in, be educated in, and now retire in, with opportunities to serve and give back to the city I love."
The recognition follows years of service to Tuscaloosa County High School, where Ramsey has provided meals and nutritional support for football players.
He is also an amateur radio operator who helps maintain emergency communications during severe weather.
Ramsey's contributions to the school previously earned him the Selfless Servant Award, recognizing his commitment to supporting students and the broader community.
Ramsey also prides himself on his involvement with the Wildcat Quarterback Club, where he helps support the school's football program.
Among his countless contributions both to the community and his alma mater, Patch previously reported on Ramsey's involvement in fundraising efforts surrounding the installation of a new video board at Wildcat Stadium in 2023.
Ramsey will be formally recognized during the Northport Citizen of the Year awards luncheon Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northport Civic Center.
The event will also recognize several other community leaders for their contributions to business, education, religious service and historic preservation.
Other honorees for this year's awards include: Business Leaders of the Year: Anwar and Shannel Aiken; Education Leader of the Year: Emily Harris; Religious Leader of the Year: Tommy Brannan; Heritage/Pioneer Leaders of the Year: Richard and Kim Harwood, Neal DiChiara and Adam Tant.
Ramsey joins a list of previous honorees dating to 1976, when the Rev. B.F. Atkins received the inaugural recognition.
Past recipients of the award
- 2025: Ophelia Tierce Harrison
- 2024: Mike Griffin
- 2023: John Curry
- 2022: Walter “Sonny” Aaron and Donna Aaron
- 2019: Wayne Rose
- 2018: Felicia Hickman Krebs
- 2017: Judy Holland
- 2016: Ashley Gill
- 2015: Charles Swann
- 2014: Jerry Pike
- 2013: Earl Mitchell
- 2012: Ronald Lett
- 2011: W. Dan Morrison
- 2010: June Lambert
- 2009: Chuck Gerdau
- 2008: Glenn Crow
- 2007: James Barnett
- 2006: Robert Green
- 2005: Dr. James Adams
- 2004: Frances Rice Pool
- 2003: Joyce Sellers
- 2002: Jean Carlson
- 2001: Eddie Jackson
- 2000: Sam P. Faucett III
- 1999: Janet Teer
- 1998: Roger Anders
- 1997: A.H. Bean
- 1996: Dr. Neil Hyche
- 1995: Lewis Drummond
- 1994: Dr. John Hinton
- 1993: Bob Rust
- 1992: June Hogue
- 1991: Lyda Black
- 1990: Dr. Rickey Harrison
- 1989: Frankie Thomas
- 1988: Fran Viselli
- 1987: Samuel Key
- 1986: Harvey Fretwell
- 1985: Robert Hasson
- 1984: Frank Manderson
- 1983: A.D. Christian Jr.
- 1982: Dr. Norman Carlson
- 1981: Olga Faucett
- 1980: Betty Barnett and Ellis Teer
- 1979: Sarah Rodgers and Dawson Christian
- 1978: Charles Sprayberry and Estelle Mitchell
- 1977: Marvin Harper and Bessie Booth
- 1976: Rev. B.F. Atkins
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