Opelika City Schools Director of Human Resources, Keith York, was honored with the prestigious CLAS Leadership Award at the annual Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Conference on June 10.

Each year, the CLAS Leadership Award is presented to one member who demonstrates exemplary leadership within their affiliate and at the state level. Each of the eleven CLAS affiliates selects nominees, with the final recipient chosen by the CLAS Awards Committee, as designated by the CLAS Board of Directors.

This marks the third time York has been recognized at the state level for his education leadership. Before stepping into his current role, York served as principal of Opelika Middle School from 2011 to 2024, earning the title of Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year in 2017 and 2024.

The award was presented during a recognition ceremony at the 2025 CLAS Annual Convention.