The Bartlett Express

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.

Bartlett City Schools Bartlett City Schools is excited to announce our 2025-2026 Principal and Supervisor of the Year awards. Help us congratulate Mr. Shannon Abraham our Principal of the Year from Bartlett High School and Mr. Jeff Waller, Operations Director for our school district. Mr. Abraham earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Martin and has dedicated his career to education.

Due to the forecasted storm, Saturday’s concert at Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center for Wendy Moten has been rescheduled to Friday, February 6 at 7:30 PM. Ticket holders will be receiving an email from boxoffice@cityofbartlett.org with further information. Any tickets previously purchased will automatically be honored for the new performance. If ticket holders are unable to attend the new performance date, please check your email on information regarding refunds.

Bartlett City Schools Bartlett City Schools proudly recognizes three exceptional educators whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to students exemplify the very best of our district. Our three division winners are: Lorraine Gatlin Oak Elementary School Elementary Division Teacher of the Year Lorraine Gatlin is a highly dedicated educator whose instructional practice is grounded in reflection, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to student success.

BARTLETT, TENN., Jan. 1, 2026–Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, located at 2986 Kate Bond Road, will host a stroke support group for patients, caregivers, and family members on Tuesday, Jan. 20th from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Magnolia Room. The group will offer attendees the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors and caregivers, learn how to manage and overcome new challenges, and share resources.

Courtesy BPACC Making their return to BPACC’s stage on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 AT 7:30 p.m., The Linda Ronstadt experience is a show you don’t want to miss! Vocal powerhouse Tristan McIntosh’s stunning portrayal of Linda Ronstadt in the prime of her career takes you back to a time where Ronstadt ruled the airwaves. Performing songs like “Blue Bayou,” “When Will I Be Loved,” and “You’re No Good,” this American Idol alumna and the talented band behind her will blow you away.

Mayor David Parsons met with Chief Gately and the newest Fire Department recruit class last Monday morning. The Bartlett Fire Department is eager to have these new firefighters serving our city. Bartlett strives to provide the absolute best services for our citizens.

The December 29th “Panther Clash” was a resounding success, with Bartlett’s victory. Notable achievements included top finishes by Brody Hayes, Jack Howard, Asante Vontress, Daniel Bado, Luke Anderson, Terrell Cannon, Myles Snelling, Syre Jones, and Jackson Brown. The coaching staff’s efforts were instrumental in driving the team’s success. Bartlett Panther Wrestling