The City Schools Foundation is honored to announce Rev. Martha Touchton as the 2026 honoree for Excellence in Education. The 19th annual celebration will be held on Friday, March 20, at the elegant Macca Villa at Riverside. As the Foundation’s largest fundraising event, the evening brings together community leaders, educators, and supporters to recognize exemplary contributions to public education.

Rev. Martha Hicks Touchton serves as the Minister of Adult Discipleship and Mission at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. A longtime advocate for Murfreesboro City Schools, she has played a central role in St. Mark’s decade‑long partnership with Reeves‑Rogers Elementary and recently led a successful community initiative supporting school improvements.

Ordained in 1999, Rev. Touchton has dedicated more than 25 years to Christian education and community service across Middle Tennessee. Her leadership extends into numerous local organizations, and she was honored as the 2022 Rutherford ATHENA Award recipient for her outstanding service and advocacy.

“Rev. Touchton exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment,” said Chairman Eric Newell. “Her advocacy for students and her deep investment in our school communities have made a lasting impact on children, families, and educators across Murfreesboro.”

Former Excellence in Education honorees include an esteemed list of community leaders such as Dr. Andy Brown, Andy and Cherry Womack, Charlie Patel, Doug Young, Collier Smith, Drs. Max and Mary Moss, John Floyd, Ed and Andrea Loughry, Tommy and Jeannie Bragg, Dr. Sidney and Elizabeth McPhee, Dr. Susan Andrews, John Hood, Rhea Seddon and “Hoot” Gibson, Gloria and Ted LaRoche, Joyce Taylor, and Bart Gordon.

Mark your calendar and join us for a special evening celebrating Rev. Martha Touchton and her extraordinary dedication to Murfreesboro’s children and families. Event co‑chairs for the 2026 celebration are Foundation Board Members Emily Flood and Kim Young.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa Trail or any member of The City Schools Foundation Board.