Tiffany Sauls

Asbury High School

Albertville, Alabama

Tiffany Sauls’ mother and father divorced when she was quite young. Her mother was awarded primary custody of the children, and both parents remarried. On December 27, 2002, 12-year-old Tiffany called the police, saying that she and her brother had been left alone at home and were scared. When the police arrived, Tiffany reported her mother’s involvement with illegal drugs. The officers obtained a search warrant, illegal drugs and paraphernalia were found, and the mother and stepfather were arrested. Tiffany and her brother were remanded to their father’s custody; however, the children would have to endure months of painful court testimony before their father was awarded permanent custody.

In the years since this tragic episode, Tiffany has dedicated herself to the legal protection of children in similar situations. She is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Drug Free Marshall County Program. Tiffany worked with a team that included her stepmother Darlene Sauls to draft legislation to revise and strengthen laws pertaining to custody and visitation rights for children whose parents are addicted to methamphetamine. At school in Albertville, Tiffany has excelled in her studies. She is a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society. Tiffany also competes on her school’s basketball and softball teams. “I consider her one of the best role models for our younger students,” commented Asbury High School counselor Patrick Smith.