Jennifer Deshazo

MURFREESBORO — As the clock ticked down in the Murphy Center, Bartlett Panthers Head Coach Dion Real realized his team had finally done it. The team with multiple tournament titles, individual honors and national recognition was about to celebrate being the 2026 Class 4A State champions. Bartlett’s 69-47 victory over the Walker Valley Mustangs earn the Panthers their first title since 2001. “One thing we talked about is protecting the circle,” Real said prior to the departure to Murfreesboro.

Bartlett City Schools We are proud to celebrate our students for an outstanding showing at this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards exhibition. Our students earned a record-breaking 264 awards in the 2026 Scholastic Mid-South Art and Writing Awards! Congratulations to the talented students from Appling Middle, Bon Lin Middle, Bartlett High Ninth Grade Academy, and Bartlett High School for this incredible achievement.

Bartlett City Schools January 25–31, 2026, is School Board Member Appreciation Week in Tennessee, a time to recognize and thank the dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to serve our students, schools, and community. At Bartlett City Schools, we are grateful for the leadership and commitment of our elected Board of Education, whose work helps ensure our schools remain places where students can thrive, discover their interests, and prepare for the future.