12/15/2025
Proud is an understatement!
- Celebrating Outstanding Student Leadership & Athletic Excellence -
Madison County Schools is proud to recognize Hazel Green High School's Nehemiah Johnson for his remarkable 2025 cross country season, culminating in a well-earned Class 6A Individual State Championship. The Madison County Board of Education and Superintendent proudly recognized Nehemiah for his outstanding accomplishments.
Nehemiah’s journey to the top of Alabama high school distance running was built long before race day. Months of disciplined summer training laid the foundation for a season marked by consistency, maturity, and purpose. After learning from one of the state’s best during his first two seasons in the program, Nehemiah stepped into his junior year as the team’s leader and embraced that responsibility with focus and determination.
His impact extended far beyond individual success. Through his leadership and example, Nehemiah helped elevate the entire Hazel Green cross country program. This season, the boys’ team captured the Sectional Championship for the first time in school history and finished 6th at the State Meet, improving on last year’s placement and achieving the tightest team pack the program has ever recorded.
Nehemiah earned individual victories at the Huntsville Metro Championships, 6A Section 6 Sectionals, and the 6A State Meet. The first two meets also marked the first team victories in program history. Along the way, he set new personal records three times, running 15:41, 15:39, and 15:38, a testament to his remarkable consistency and preparation.
While records tell part of the story, Nehemiah’s character tells the rest. From early-morning runs and demanding two-a-days to the most challenging workouts in the heat, he modeled resilience, discipline, and a positive attitude that lifted those around him. His encouragement of teammates and commitment to bringing his best effort to every race made him a cornerstone of the program.
We are incredibly proud of Nehemiah, not only for the athlete he has become, but for the example he sets. His state championship reflects years of dedication, humility, and perseverance, and we look forward to seeing where his talent and character take him next.
Better together, Madison County Schools 💙