Randy Baugh

Randy Baugh was born March 4, 1962 in Guntersville. He grew up in Albertville in the Alder Springs community with 4 siblings, Gary, Danny, Donald, and Angelia. They had very hardworking parents, Birvle & Nelly Jo Baugh. While his family had enough, they were not what some would consider “well-off.” Randy attended West End Elementary school, then Alabama Avenue Middle, and graduated from Albertville High School in 1980. He played football until 10th grade and was the president of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America his 11th and 12th grade year. He has been married to Lynn Baugh for 21 years. They have 8 children (5 of which graduated from AHS), 6 daughters-in-law, 18 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Several grandchildren attend Albertville City Schools.
 

Randy began working in the automotive industry as a "wash boy" after one semester at Snead State Community College. He worked his way up in the business and soon became the wholesale manager at a dealership in the 80's. In 1995, he began working at Gilbert & Baker Ford. By 2012, he became a partner in the business. It then became Gilbert & Baugh Ford. Randy runs a very successful dealership and has obtained multiple awards and recognitions. Randy puts everyone's needs above his own, and his business is an example of his selflessness. Gilbert & Baugh has received the President's Award for customer service 3 years in a row. This is the top award in the industry.

Randy is a selfless individual who has worked his way to the top of his industry through hard work and perseverance. Randy tragically lost his arm at the age of 12 in a farm accident. He has never once used it as an excuse in life. His gratitude for life and the pursuit of happiness is an unmatched example and proof that work ethic and putting others' needs above your own will take you far in life. He believes this accident was a driving force in his life to help others, be an example, and strive to be successful in anything he undertakes. 

Randy regularly contributes to the community in a multifaceted way. He donates to worthy causes both publicly and privately. His random acts of kindness are routine and the stories from strangers are endless. Some of the many organizations he supports include Big Oak Ranch, St Jude's, hospice, and several local volunteer fire departments. He says often that God gives him resources to help others. He served on the North Alabama Better Business Bureau board for 4 years and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for Marshall Christian Academy. Randy is a member of Brashers Chapel Church where he serves on the finance committee. Randy is the first to say that he has done “nothing special.” However, his accomplishments in his career and his personal life demonstrate qualities and behaviors that all should strive to mimic to better themselves and those around them. Randy is a proud alumni of Albertville High School class of 1980.

José L. Cortez

Born on November 3, 1981, in Bradenton, FL, José was the eldest of four and the first in his family to graduate high school and attend college, achieving a remarkable milestone at Snead State Community College. A beloved figure at Albertville, he embodied school spirit and made lasting connections with classmates and faculty alike.

An all-around athlete, José excelled in football, basketball, and soccer. He made history as the first Hispanic player to join the Albertville football team, demonstrating exceptional talent and leadership. He played both running back and nose tackle, showcasing a relentless work ethic and an unwavering passion for the game. His dedication was evident when he walked miles to practice, embodying his commitment to the sport.

In basketball, he served as point guard for Coach Harding during his junior and senior years and captained the junior varsity team in 1998. In his final year, he also shined in soccer as a midfield leader for Coach West.

José's contagious smile and inspiring legacy continue to motivate future generations, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and community.

Mitch Floyd

Mitch Floyd was born on December 16, 1969, to Jimmy and Martha Collins Mitch. A 1988 graduate of Albertville High School, Mitch was a member of the National Honor Society and Interact clubs. He played basketball, golf and ran cross country. Mitch was also a member of the cast for AHS’s productions of Li’l Abner, Oklahoma, and Music Man.  

​

Following his time at Albertville High School, Mitch attended The University of Alabama, where he  was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. In his early time in Tuscaloosa, Mitch and nine others were charged in Walton County, Fla., for  cutting down two palm trees – Florida’s state tree. Mitch earned dismissal of the charges by  completing conditions set by the judge and finished his college days in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

​

Upon graduation, Mitch was hired as a staff accountant for Continental Grain Co. in Tupelo,  Miss. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to Wayne Farms – a  subsidiary of Continental Grain Co. – and he eagerly moved home to begin a 10-year career in  the poultry industry. While working for Wayne Farms, Mitch became interested in law. He was accepted to  the Birmingham School of Law, attending class at night while making poultry feed during the day.  He graduated in 2005, being named the school’s Constitutional Law Scholar and Valedictorian.  

As a law student, Mitch completed an internship with the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office. After passing the bar exame, Mitch stayed with the District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. During his time as a prosecutor, he handled a wide array of cases  ranging from traffic offenses to crimes against children. However, Mitch is best known for  prosecuting drug and chemical endangerment cases, which held mothers accountable when their  children were born with illegal drugs in their system. He appeared in the New York Times in  2012 for the handling of chemical endangerment cases.  

​

In 2012, Mitch made the decision to run for the District Court bench. A highly contested  campaign ensued wherein Mitch’s youthful arrest became the central theme. Marshall County  voters appreciated Mitch’s service to the community and accomplishments during the interim  22 years and overwhelmingly elected him to be their District Judge. He continued to  serve as District Judge, running unopposed every election thereafter.  

​

Mitch served on the Administrative Council for his church, Albertville First Methodist,  where he also taught adult Sunday school. He served on the boards of the Marshall County  Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Child Advocacy Center, and Marshall County  Community Corrections. Mitch served on The University of Alabama National Alumni  Association Executive Committee as District 2 Vice President. In 2023, the Attorney General  appointed Mitch to the Alabama Opioid Commission. Mitch married Jennifer Rains, also an AHS graduate, and they reside in Albertville. Their two children, Sam and Betsy, also attended AHS. 

Dianne Harbison

Dianne Harbison was born on March 12, 1956, in Albertville, Ala., the youngest of four children born to JC and Louise Williamson. Dianne graduated from Albertville High School in 1974. During her time there, Dianne was a cheerleader, class favorite, and senior princess. She participated in track and joined several clubs and organizations. 

​

Dianne attended Snead State Community College from 1974 to 1976. She went on to graduate from Jacksonville State University in 1978 with a B.S. in Education with Special Honors in English. During her years at SSCC and in the summers, Dianne worked as a writer and photographer for the Sand Mountain Reporter. Upon completing her degree, Dianne returned to Albertville and taught 8th grade English at Alabama Avenue Middle School. In 1978, she was recognized as Young Career Woman of the Year by the Albertville Business and Professional Women’s Club. Later in her career, Dianne also taught 9th, 10th and 12th grade English at Guntersville High School.

​

In 1979, Dianne married fellow AHS graduate Kenny Harbison. Together, they raised three sons—Jon, Paul and Mark—all of whom also graduated from AHS. Dianne’s daughters-in-law, Amanda, Katie, and Kace,y are AHS alumni. She is a proud grandmother to Witt, Livie, Hughes, and Abigail. When Kenny’s business took him and Dianne to Fairhope, Ala., Dianne worked as an Adult Basic Education instructor at Faulkner State Community College and Atmore Technical College. After returning to Albertville two years later, Dianne continued helping adults earn their GEDs through the Northeast Alabama Adult Education Program and GED preparation courses at local plants and North Alabama Skills Center job sites.

​

Dianne earned her Master of Science in School Counseling in 1989. She earned an Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling from the University of Alabama in 1994. Dianne served as the first elementary school counselor at Arab Elementary, Arab Primary, and Douglas Elementary schools. In 1994, Dianne returned to Albertville High School as a guidance counselor. She spent the next 22 years providing high school students with academic guidance and personal support. 

Beyond her daily work in the school, Dianne was twice invited to be the keynote speaker at the New Counselor Academy for the Alabama State Department of Education. Additionally, she conducted numerous Building Based Student Support Team workshops across the state for the Department of Education, sharing her expertise with fellow educators. After 32 years in education, Dianne retired in 2016. Though she has left the classroom, Dianne continues to be a proud alumnus of AHS, and she treasures the relationships and experiences that shaped her life and career.  She will always be thankful for the years she spent as part of the Albertville High School family and for the lifelong memories made at AHS.

Jon Alan Smith

Jon Alan Smith was born June 19, 1968 to Jane Campbell Smith Nelson and Donald (Don) Matthew Smith (deceased in April 2010). Both parents are Albertville High School alumni. 

Dr. Smith is a 1986 graduate of AHS with National Honor Society recognition. He participated in AHS athletics, including football, where he played as center and linebacker during the years of 1982-1985. He achieved All-County status at center in the year 1985. Smith was also on the AHS track team from 1982-1983 throwing shot and discus. Additionally, he was baseball team catcher from 1985-1986.

As an 11-year-old boy, he joined The Boy Scouts of America. In 1980, Smith was elected by his troop to serve in The Order of the Arrow, where he became a Brotherhood Member. In 1982, as a high school freshman, Smith earned the rank of Eagle Scout of Troop #272 in Rabbittown, Ala., as well as Brotherhood Status within the Order of the Arrow. Smith later served as Scout Master during the years 2001 – 2006 for The Boy Scouts of America Troop #171 in Albertville. 

In 1998, Dr. Smith was named a Certified Sports Fitness Chiropractor by the Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA). In 1988, he earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University in Marrietta, Ga. Dr. Jon Alan Smitht then returned to his hometown of Albertville with an inspired vision and personal mission for the overall health and wellness of his fellow citizens. He began implementing the principles of chiropractic care through establishing his own office of practice.

In June of 1999, he opened his practice, aptly naming it:  Family Chiropractic a Wellness Center. Dr. Smith’s standard of quality chiropractic care has earned him continued respect and confidence from his teachers, mentors, colleagues, and peers. Most notably, his practice has paved the way for multiple generations of families, athletes and other individuals, to benefit from a holistic approach when it comes to their overall health and wellness. 

Furthering his chiropractic credentials in 2002, The Council on Extremity Adjusting (C.C.E.P.) recognized and certified Dr. Smith as a Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner. Then, in 2007, Dr. Smith was recognized and certified as a Chiropractic Sports Practitioner by the American Board of Sports Physicians.

Dr. Smith has served as Albertville High School’s “Team Chiropractor” for 26 years and counting.He has created unique athletic wellness programs within his practice to benefit student athletes.

In 2015, Dr. Smith married Albertville native and AHS alumni Judi McClendon. He is stepfather to Savilla Brock Mountain and a step-granddad to one granddaughter, McKenna Mountain. Smith would also like to recognize Kenneth Nelson as his stepfather since 1984.