Cullman native Austin Monk hasn’t even been out of high school for a decade, but he’s already returned home as a prestigious, honored alumni.

Monk, a 2007 graduate of Cullman High School, was recently hired as director of the Economic Development Initiative in Washington County, Alabama.

He made the trek from the small, southern Alabama town of Chatom to attend the Cullman City Schools Foundation annual luncheon Friday, where he was honored as the 2013 Promising Alumni.

“It’s so great to be a part of this school system, and it’s because of school systems like this that we’ll have a workforce trained and prepared for the global economy,” Monk said, while crediting some of his favorite teachers. “One thing I learned was cooperation, and regardless of whatever situation there might be, you’re always able to move forward.”

Monk was joined on the stage with two distinguished service winners and eight distinguished alumni, who were all honored by the Foundation.

“We want to thank these honorees who have given so freely of their time, talent and love,” mistress of ceremonies Dr. Ginger Holt said. “We, and the success you see, are the fruits of their labor.”

The two distinguished service awards were given to longtime Cullman City School board member Suzanne Harbin and former long-time speech and drama director Mona Hopper.

“I never think of what I do as a service, because it’s a pleasure and a joy,” Harbin said.

“I love Cullman City Schools … and it has always been great to be a Bearcat,” Hopper added.

The Foundation recognized eight distinguished alumni, including several educators and industry leaders. Honorees include:

 Alan C. Burns, Sr., class of 1945. Burns was a lifelong educator and served as a principal, teacher and superintendent across Alabama.

 Tom Drake, class of 1949. A well-known local attorney, Drake was the first wrestling coach at the University of Alabama and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers to play football. He also served nine terms in the House of Representatives.

 Dr. Sydney R. Gibbs, class of 1952. Gibbs is a healthcare pioneer and was medical director at American Cast Iron Pipe Company.

 Dr. C. Eugene Scruggs, class of 1956. Scruggs is a long-time university professor, as well as an author, singer, teacher and artist.

 Dr. Jenny Folsom, class of 1964. Folsom is a two-term member of the Cullman city council, and worked 22 years at Wallace State, including a lengthy stint as the college’s vice-president and dean of academic affairs.

 Caroline Reddick Lawson, class of 1970. Lawson has worked in theater and the arts in New York, and currently teaches theater in Montgomery at the Booker T. Washington Magnet School for the Arts.

 Neil Allen Foust, class of 1977. Foust is general manager of Bracco-Eisai Co. Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan. He is the first non-Japanese person to hold the position.

 Dr. Brad Moody, class of 1996. Moody is a surgeon, and the director and founder of the Wound Center of Cullman.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.