By Emily Beckett

Local high school students in family and consumer science classes recently participated in the 2011 Chilton County 4-H Beef Cook-Off.

Twenty-nine students from Isabella, Thorsby, Maplesville and Verbena entered dishes, and 18 guests attended the event.

While the judges deliberated on the dishes, Erin Beasley of Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Janice Hall of Alabama Cooperative Extension System presented programs on beef cuts and beef safety.

Awards were presented to first, second and third place winners from both the junior and senior divisions.

The senior division winners were: Savannah Kissel of Isabella High, first place for “Lasagna;” Kelsey Jackson of Thorsby High, second place for “Blue Bayou Burger;” and C.J. Melendy of Thorsby High, third place for “Boeuf Bourgignon a la Julia Childs.”

The junior division winners were: Drew Smith of Thorsby High, first place for “To Die For Crock Pot Roast”; Lacee Wallace of Maplesville High, second place for “Tasty Taco Dip”; and Beverly Moore of Maplesville High, third place for “Pot Roast.”

After the awards presentation, Chilton County Cattlewomen hosted a luncheon for the group.

Pat Farmer, Jerry Farmer, Tina Childers and Alicia Karschnik served as judges.

The annual beef cook-off is sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Chilton County Cattlewomen and the Chilton County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee.

Senior winner’s recipe:

Lasagna
8-ounce package lasagna noodles (cook as directed)
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 16-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 16-ounce cans tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 16-ounce carton ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook time: 30 minutes (sauce), 40-50 minutes (bake time)
In large heavy pan, lightly brown beef and onion in oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper and oregano; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook lasagna as directed; drain.  In a 13-by-9 inch baking pan, spread 1 cup sauce in bottom of pan. Then alternate layers of lasagna sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Always have a top layer of sauce before adding next layer. (It makes three layers.)
Do not put ricotta on top layer; it will burn. (Divide ricotta in half, mozzarella into thirds and parmesan into thirds. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly.
Allow to stand for 15 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

Junior winner’s recipe:

To Die For Pot Roast

4-5 lb. beef roast
1 1/4 ounce package dry brown gravy mix
1 1/4 ounce package dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 1/4 ounce package dry ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup water

Place beef roast in crock pot. Mix the dried mixes together in a bowl and sprinkle over the roast. Pour the water around the roast. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

12th grade
All A’s
Agee, Chaquita Junae; Bowden, Heather Elise; Burnett, Chasity Nicole; Carter, Hannah Michelle; Caudle, Chelsea Leigh; Clements, Scott Dennis; Davenport, Anna Christine; Ellison, Amber Caitlin; Foshee, Heather Lynn; Gortney, Krystal Michelle; Hand, Emily Lauren; Haynes, Alexis Anne; Hutchison, Jarrett Gage; Kaylor, Zachary Adam; Long, Alex Taylor; Lutz, Cody Edward; Mims, Kelsey Rene’; Moore, Joshuah Allen; Naugher, Christopher Stewart; Samya, Callie Marie; Scarbrough, Abigail Rose; Sciandra, Frank MaKenan; Smith, Jeffrey Brett; Smithey, Emily Elizabeth

A’s and B’s
Bice, Brianna Nicole; Bird, Sarah Danielle; Bolton, Mason Spencer; Brown, Shelby Caroline; Bryant, Cameron O’Neil; Burnett, Meagan Nicole; Campbell, Brandon Lee; Darden, Lauren Ashley; Dutton, Brandi Lynn; Flores, Sergio Antonio; Garrett, Ronald Eugene II; Gibson, Ashlyn Logan; Glasscock, Jacqueline Elizabeth; Hawotte, Misty Louise; Hayes, Garin Gregory; Hendrick, William Logan; Jones, Jordan Chad; Jones, Macy Nicole; Killingsworth, Jerin Dwayne; Littlejohn, Jordan Colin; Moore, Robert Larry III; Pate, Ashley Madison; Pless, Savannah Renee; Posey, James Andrew; Robinson, Charles William; Simmons, Cody Darrell; Smith, Jasmine Gabrielle; Wells, Kasi Rebecca; Williams, Jacob Matthew; Woods, Abigail Corrine

11th grade
All A’s
Carlisle, Jaclyn Renae; Jackson, Hylan Ruth; Liveoak, Tanya Eloyce; Nemec, Amanda Carey; Posey, Morgan Rhea; Wigington, Christopher Thomas

A’s and B’s
Amos, Hallie Dawn; Bass, Jacob Andrew; Childress, Alyson Morgan; Chisholm, Tequylla Jonyese; Collum, Jessica Marie; Emerick, Cody Alexander; Freeman, Guy Willliam Jr; Glass, Tyndall Brooke; Griffin, Tiffany Alishia; Herrera, Maria Rosario; Hicks, Chaniece Megan; Hilyer, Katherine Elizabeth; Hood, Haley Nicole; Johnson, Brannon Michael; Knight, Ashlyn Elizabeth; Lawrence, Marquis Tony; Lemley, Kristin Elaine; McCall, Joi JerNiecee; Mims, Jeana Michae; Porter, Brian Lee; Roberson, Amanda Lynn; Robinson, Shayna Jo; Smith, Cynthia Amber; Stafford, Justin Del; Swindle, Javea Evonte; Wakefield, Rachel Lauren; Waldrop, Wendy Leigh

10th grade
All A’s
Anderson, Trevan Davis; Deavers, Kaitlin Victoria; Evans, Courtney Nicole; Gilmore, Morgan Dian; Greer, Morganlynne Marie; Henderson, Krista Nicole; Hernandez, Jessica Silvestre; Higgins, Dylan Lee; Johnson, Brandon Lee; McAlister, Shelby Jean; Millard, Kristen Nicole; Parsons, Ariana Gabrielle; Phillips, Matthew Heath; Price, Lauren Kayci; Roop, Jacob Dwayne; Smitherman, Haley Nicole; Vinzant, Jill L

A’s and B’s
Bice, Brooke Danielle; Burgos, Amairani Barrados; Cummings, John Dylan; Daniel, Heather Michele; Eslinger, Daniel Charles; Fallin, Michael Edward; Gentry, Sara Lizabeth; Glass, Courtney Dawn; Howard, Shane Austin; Loyd, Charlie Olan III; Morales Lara, Giovani; Raines, Chassity Summer; Ray, Lacy Nicole; Ray, Makenzie Del; Scruggs, Lisa Star; Steinmetz, Christopher Lee; Wallace, Ashly Nichole

Ninth grade
All A’s
Bittle, Ansley Rose; Blankenship, Ashland Raye; Burnett, Courtney Cherie; Camarillo, Yoandra; Dabel, Jayni Marie; English, Elijah Lee; Glasscock, Allegra Scout; Lagrone, Christal Katlin; Lucas, Morgan Faith; Mazingo, Kristin Tayler; McGee, Abria Lashai; Miskelley, Candace Leldonna; Parker, Jessica Hope; Paschal, Brettson K; Stokes, Brandon T; Woodley, Kaiser L

A’s and B’s
Bates, Jacob Austin; Chapman, Austin Hanley; Dansby, Austin Ryan; Endress, Kayla Marie; Hall, Joseph K; Hatch, Jacob Tyler; Jemison, Keyshawn Dewayne; Johnston, Chase Erickson; Lane, Matthew Connor; Long, Jacob T; Lucas, Melissa M; Martin, Robert Tyler; McDaniel, Gilbert P; Mendoza, Itzel Paola; Morton, Andrew B; Parsons, Micaiah Elizabeth; Singletary, Gloria Daniela; Smith, Leslie Dale; Smith, Madison A; Smith, Morgan K; Swindle, Miles Smith; Wilburn, Brittany Michelle

Eighth grade
All A’s
Broussard, Jessica C; Burnette, Griffin W; Clark, Jordan Ashley; Deavers, Amber Elizabeth; Flores, Gilberto; Glasscock, Kyra C; Henderson, Tyler B; Martin, Grant F; Martin, Wesley G; Millard, Derek M; Powell, Emma Kathleen; Pritchard, Karlee Danielle; Robertson, Christopher M; Shaner, Dylan Rae; Stephens, Daniel Robert; Street, Griffin Benjamin; Thompson, Macey B

A’s and B’s
Akers, Courtney Danielle; Aldrich, Alexander Kenneth; Alvarado, Sarai; Baker, Amelia N; Barradas, Norma Sheyla; Brantley, Sarah Nicole; Brigner, Charles Leroy II; Bryant, Brittany Alana Nicole; Caputo, Shelby M; Caudle, Andrea L; Champagne, Dustin Blaise; Champagne, Taylor Mary-Aline; Chen, Linfang; Cleckler, Jasmine M; Cohron, Logan Dakota; Crawford, Hunter L; Crosby, Lauren E; Crumpton, Austin G; Curtis, Tylor A; Dismukes, Ciara Raven; Dutton, Ashley O; Dutton, Richard Harley; Flores, Sayeg Alejandro; Frith, Alisha L; Graves, Brady Caleb; Harris, Magan N; Hartley, Jacob B; Hayes, Allison N; Hayes, Alyssa Rose; Hayes, Jonathan Gabriel; Jones, Marisa L; Lawley, Lexie R; Lowery, Delaney Suzanne; Loyd, Jennifer Brook; McGraw, Erica Marie; McIvor, Michael Glen; Mims, Kory Ross; Mims, Quinton David; Moore, Jonah Lee; Morris, Sara J; Noble, Zachary James; Paschal, Jennifer M; Pinon, Samantha Sarai; Powell, Brittany Nicole; Rangel, Abdias Felipe; Ray, Trent Horton; Robinson, Keegan Danial; Robinson, Shelbie Lee; Sandlin, Angela J; Shafer, Matthew Ryan; Simpson, Taylon J; Smith, Quincy Alexander; Street, Griffin Benjamin; Thornton, Mikala Cheyenne; Thrash, Tyler Andrew; Tillery, Jerry L; Vinzant, Laura Lawana; Williams, Breanna Hope; Wilson, Allie Pierce; Woods, Christopher A; Yeager, Dustin Alexander

From staff reports

Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, Jemison Middle School will offer more choices as part of its mandatory uniform dress code for students.

“When we informed parents and students that we were going to keep the uniforms even after the board’s county-wide vote, we had an even mix of positive and negative responses,” JMS principal Mark Knight said in a release. “But both supporters and opponents suggested we broaden the policy some.”

Starting in August, students may wear collared shirts of any solid color, not just navy, gray and white as required by the initial policy. Also, students may opt to wear a school related T-shirt any day of the week, not just on game days.

“But the no-denim policy remains,” Knight said. “Students will need to wear khaki, black, or navy pants with the collared shirt or Jemison tee. No jeans.

“In April, the board did not vote to support an idea to make school uniforms a county-wide policy, but after the ‘no’ vote, the superintendent told those of us that already had board-approved uniform codes that we could keep them,” Knight stated. “Jemison Middle never wavered in its decision to keep their uniforms.

The Chilton County Board of Education on April 19 voted against the implementation of a county-wide uniform policy, but previously approved policies at individual schools were unchanged.

“Because the opponents made the most noise, it’s easy to think that the community as a whole was against our uniforms, but it would surprise many to know that we had as many emails and calls supporting them as we did complaints. Parents and teachers both know that our dramatic decrease in discipline issues, our improved safety and our increased academic scores all came about when we brought in uniforms, and we’re not willing to sacrifice safety for fashion.”

Students will still not be allowed to wear hoodies, cargo pants or kangaroo pouches. And the policy of not allowing hair in the eyes is still in effect.

But Knight said the addition of color choices will satisfy most.

“With more colors, we allow for more choice while still maintaining the integrity of the dress code policy. Everyone wins—most importantly, the students.”

Parents wanting more information to know more about the updated uniform policy can view it online or get a copy at registration in August.

Registration for students new to Jemison schools is from 9-11 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 11; for students returning to JMS, including new fifth graders, registration is on Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Cody Carroll’s performance in the classroom and on the baseball field would give no indication of an obstacle he’s had to overcome.

During the 2010 school year, his junior year, Carroll was hospitalized for six days with an illness doctors have been unable identify.

“We still don’t know what was wrong,” Carroll said.

Despite having to make up many days worth of work and missing valuable working out with his baseball teammates, Carroll excelled in both endeavors.

He is ranked in the top 10 in his graduating class academically, is a class salutatorian and was the ace pitcher on the THS baseball team that made the school’s first ever appearance in the semifinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

Carroll also played basketball for the Rebels.

Because of his perseverance in overcoming difficulties, Carroll was the winner of the Area 7, Region 4 Bryant-Jordan Student Achievement Award and honored at the Bryant-Jordan banquet.

As regional winner, Carroll was awarded a $2,500 scholarship to be used toward the school of his choice.

From Staff Reports

Jemison Elementary School third graders held a service learning project to benefit tornado victims in Alabama.

The project began on April 28, and the students have since collectively raised $4,000.

Last week, representatives with the American Red Cross visited the school to accept the donation.

The students raised money through bake sales, lemonade stands, mowing grass, picking up garbage, cleaning shelves and more.

The community supported the students’ efforts, and a $1,000 donation from Tammie Hatch, owner of Subway restaurants in Chilton County, helped the students achieve the $4,000 total.

The ultimate goal of the service learning project was for the students to understand what helping others meant. The teachers challenged the students to do something independently to benefit others.

“The end result was for each child to make a difference in a small way,” said third grade teacher Stephanie Sirmons, whose class raised $2,763. “The students achieved the goal and now have the lifelong memory of making a significant difference for people in need.”

Slay Stevens of the American Red Cross and Bobby Martin accepted the donation.

“We are very proud of the effort and hard work of our students,” school Principal Louise Pitts said.

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Jemison Elementary School students learn each year that their career possibilities are as boundless as their imaginations.

The school holds a three-day Career Day event to introduce students of all grades to professionals from many career fields.

“We want to let them see there is a wide variety of things to do,” said counselor Brenda Godbold, who organizes the event along with fellow counselor Jared Hood. “Our future workers get a hands-on introduction to many interesting jobs, which will help them make positive choices for their future.

Speakers this year included workers from the following fields: telecommunications, photojournalism, meteorology, ballet, culinary arts, optometry, plumbing, entrepreneurship, public service, genealogy, law, martial arts, ministry, police, firefighting, real estate and farming.

Margaret Beal, a retired high school English teacher who is involved with the PEECH organization, told students why English is an important subject.

“If you can read and understand what you read, you can learn anything,” Beal said.

Jason Roth, pastor at Mineral Springs Baptist Church, showed students photographs from areas of the state devastated by tornadoes in late April, taken while Rothe went to provide assistance.

“My job as a pastor is to be able to help people through the storms in their lives,” he said.

The event is a culmination of career awareness lessons presented by the school counselors.

“Speakers share how the students’ day-to-day learning experiences relate to possible career choices and discuss the skills, tools and training needed for their jobs,” Godbold said. “Some of the speakers go into the classrooms, and others are stationary locations for the students to visit. The demonstrations serve to motivate students to stay in school and pursue their goals.”

First grade

All A’s

Ashley Adams, Hayden Anderson, Khalijah Andrews, Julio Axol-Roman, Jasmine Beane,Angel Benites, Grace Ann Biel, Connor Bishop, Brantley Bishop, Seth Bittle, Matt Brasher, Levi Burchfield, Chance Caputo, Camden Cummings, Halley Davis, Erin Deavers, Alex Dewitt, Cole Elrod, Jordan Epperson, Sydney Espinoza, Caeden Forbach, Elizabeth Frankllin, Sierra Gaines, Lorenzo Garcia, Dillan Garza, Nate Gatson, Mary Hayley Gillespie, Bella Gilliland, Ruben Gonzalez, Tyler Gothard, Lacey Gothard, Cole Gray, America Gutierrez, Jason Gutierrez, Jackson Hallmark, Natalie Harris, Jadia Harris, Carson Hayes, Canaan Henderson, Gracie Henry, Harrison Hilyer, Quinn Jackson, Abigail Johnson, Haileigh Kimbrel, Jacob Knight, Patrick Litleton-Gadberry, Emily Loggins, Margarita Lopez, Mckenzi Luster, Luz Malpica, Kristopher McAnally, Julie Ann McNair, Grace Means, Fernanda Medina, Juliet Mendoza, Logan Mitchell, Jacob Monks, Michael Nance, Enrique Ortiz, Michaell Perez, Lia Perez, Kasey Phillips, Josh Plier, Luke Porter, Halie Powe, Nathan Quesenberry, Kayla Ray, Alexis Redd, Skylar Reeves, Chrissy Rhea, Gracie Roberts, Citlaly Roman, Gracie Schrader, Kelsey Scott, Chance Segal, Makalah Smith, Claire Smith, James Smith, Brisco Smith, Austin Smith, Leeann Smith, Jimmy Smith, Armani Sowell, Jacob Teal, Gauge Thompson, Braden Tillery, Karley Tillery, Demi Tolison, Jackson Tucker, Brianna Wakefield, caleb Webb, Heather Wood, Damon Wright

A’s and B’s

Sebastian Almodovar, Stephany Antnuez, Estefany Arguello, Emily Baker, Zechariah Bazzano, Kathryn Blow, Xavian Bryant, Jacob Burnett, Raven Busby, Braeden Calvert, Bethany Coffee, Gissell Delacruz, Tyler Ellison, Ava Franklin, Livie Galloway, Maverick Gentry, Hayden Hilyer, Brantley Hood, Haylee Hood, Haylee Ingram, Logan Jackson, Tristan Lee, Roselyn Lopez, Tayler Lowery, Austin Loyd, Danelyn Martinez, Austin Mathis, Jillian Miller, Gage Mims, Makayla Nemec, Emily Pena, Makalub Price, Laken Ray, Macey Robinson, Luis Robles, Guadalupe Rosas, Haily Schoener, Luz Serrano, Elijah Simon, Julieta Smith, Dylan Snipes, Jasmin Solano, Nathan Thornton, Arles Thrash, Payton Vanderslice, Jasmine Varden, Ryan Walden, Katlyn Walker, Ethan Vessels, Brooke West, Connor Wilhite, Baylee Woodall

Second grade

All A’s

Luke Alexander, Bladmir Angel, Nathan Bailey, Brandon Barcenas, Georgia Belligan, Kinley Bolton, Austin Brown, Carson Brown, Noah Carroll, Ben Champange, Macaleb Collum, Braden Compton, Cameron Crabb, Kameron Dawson, John Doaks, Bronson Dufrene, Allison Edge, Hannah Ellison, Jose Flores, Ivonne Garcia, Jailyn Giddens, Jocelyn Guizar, Caitlyn Harris, Ryan Harris, Jack Hayes, Ashlee Hilyer, Caleb Hobbs, Sarah Hubbard, Kylie Hutton, Nathan Johns, Sarah Jones, Anna Kendrick, Matlie Lawrence, Karla Mancilla, Gabby Marquez, Hayden McCullough, Colin Meeks, Brenda Mendoza, Eric Mitchell, Luke Mitchell, Oscar Mondragon, Courtney Moore, Deven Mre, John Moore, Madeline Moore, Adrianna Newson, Lynealya Nunn, Victoria Olguin, Laisha Pinon, Assyson Plier, Brianna Poe, Cody Posey, Audrey Price, Adrianna Quinilla, Isaac Ramirez, Jason Rico, Dallas Sadler, Austin Scott, Christian Simpson, John Lewis Smith, Sammi Snnipes, Christopher Tolbert, Tarun Varner, Carlos Villeda, Caitlin Waddell, Paisley Walker, Madison White, Dominic Williams, Cole Wilson, Keeli Wilson, Austin Wyatt, Kaitlyn Zanella-Roberts

A’s & B’s

Antonio Abarca, Ricky Absher, Terra Anderson, Nahomi Andrade, Bryan Angel, Kelsey Argo, Hunter Baker, Adriane Beavers, Austin Black, Luke Brasfield, Eli Brasher, Robin Burnette, Yahir Cabrera-Salazar, Taylor Carden, Xavier Cartwell, Kaden Childress, Jacob Cleckler, Emilee Culver, Amberly Davenport, Zully Del Valle, Adamaris Delgado, Harmony Demissie Ashley Drinkard, Breana Eaves, Maria Flores, Patrick Garrett, Riley Giles, Joshua Gilliland, Lane Golden, Humberto Guajardo, Katie Haggard, Zyon Hardnett, Brianna Headley, Angie Hernandez, Evelyn Jacobo, Drew Johns, Morgan Johnson, Mark Kalaj, Logan Kiefer, Camron Kimbro, Jacob Lane, Natalie Larocca, Derick Lowery, Arturo Malpica, Jase Marshall, Rilee Marshall, Rilee Martin, Yanet Melchor, Marybeth Porter, Roger Price, Jaden Rhinehart, Adam Rico, Austin Robinson, Kody Robinson, Jewelianna Rodriguez, Tylan Rudolph, Brooke Smith, Alejandra Solano, Chanse Swack, Erica Swinea, Alex Torres, Landon Updike, Marifer Valencia, Angela Vazquez

Third grade

All A’s

Dylan Benton, Elijah Bittle, Bryanna Blackmon, Leah Brackin, Tosha Burnett, Jackson Burnette, Hannah Grace Childress, McKenzie Cleckley, Bentley Cross, Cassidy Dansby, Chloe Eddins, Grayson Gann, Jesus Garcia, Autumn Gilreath, Grayson Graves, Mason Hadden, Jacob Hallman, Jacob Harris, Jasmine Ingram, Sairah Kilgore, Taylor Lane, Chase Lang, Jonathan Lowery, Damion Martin, Junithan McCall II, Francesca Millard, Bree Morris, Mattie Pace, Anna Patterson, Kelsey Porter, Nic Ray, Courtney Rogers, Alex Schrader, Gentry Scott, Ty Scott, Jacylin Smith, Emily Smitherman, Morgan Smitherman, Jasmine Stanley, Colin Tillery, Anna Walling, Briana Watson, Emma Weaver, Alishia Weir, Braylen Woodruff.

A’s & B’s

Keith Adams, Brittany Alonso, Alana Alverson, Elizabeth Bice, Makilah Bryant, Savannah Busby, Austin Byars, Jorge Calzoncit, Michael Castleberry, Tyler Chapman, Rebecca Childress, Ja’Lessia Childs, Christopher Christensen, Zac Clark, McKinnley Collum, Brandon Connell, Tonya Cook, Shelby Crowson, Isabel Cruz, Perla Cruz, Payge Davis, Leiah Davidson, Brooke Endress, Jared Fisher, Asia Flores, Sendy Flores, Caroline Foote, Colton Forester, Morgan Fowler, Aliya Franklin, Emily Fricke, Brandon Garcia, Emmanuel Garcia, Sara George, Noah Gilliland, Graci Golden, Daphne Gonzalez, Dulce Gonzalez, Tyler Grauel, London Grinstead, Jadelyn Hatch, Tucker Hilyer, Cierra James, Tashyra Johnson, Haley Joiner, Eyshala Jones, Destiny Kelly, Julia Kiefer, Braden Lawley, Tanner Lee, Tiffany Lemley, Jacob Littleton, Daniel Martin, Clyde Mathis, Monserrath Olarte, Keneth Orozco, Shakyia Pierce, Tyler Ray, Madeline Rhudy, Jessica Robinson, Edwin Sagastume, Bray Smith, Gracie Smith, Jordan Smith, Stormy Smitherman, Ashanti Sowell, Anna Speakman, Ceaira Stockdale, Reace Thompson, Ethan Thrash, Austin Tolbert, Tori Tucker, Antonio Verastgui, Alexis Vernon, Valeria Villagomez, Kaylb Williams and Tyler Wright.

Fourth grade

All A’s

Elian Alvarez, Jacob Beal, Hailey Bice, Suzie Blue, Dakota Brown, Tyler Burnett, Jose Campos, Shianne Conn, Sean Connell, Tanna Curtis, Megan Deavers, Peirston Dixon, Brynn Elliot, Emily English, Patrick Gentry, Wesley Gore, Daniel Green, Jordan Hallmark, Colin Hayes, Carlos Hernandez, A.J. Jackson, Preston Johnson, Casey Jones, Garrett Ledbetter, Aurelia Martinez, Mechelle Miller, Haley Moore, Madison Nemec, Keegan Pate, Blake Smith, Lane Smith, Jarred Taylor, Kyla Wilson, Logan Woodley.

A’s & B’s

Marissa Adams, Jacob Anderson, Brittany Bice, Casie Black, Ashlyn Blankenship, Tyra Brown, Andrew Carisle, Hannah Coffee, Shilah Conn, Brody Conway, Jacob Crabb, Hope Creamer, Kinsley Davison, Zac Dixon, Johniya Doaks, Christie Dutton, Heath Edge, May Ellis, Erristen Evans, Feliz Flores-Rodella, Breagan Franklin, Jocelyn Garcia, Juan Garcia, Deborah Garrett, Deanna Gilliland, Jasleigh Glass, Cindy Guajardo, Haley Haggard, Austin Harris, Ashton Hobbs, Courtney Hyde, Madison Isbell, Gannon Jackson, James Jurgens, Madison Kimbro, Hunter Knight, Braden Larocca, Adan Lowery, Hunter Lowery, Maria Maldonado, Madeline Manning, Sean Martin, Lia McAnally, Braden McDaniel, Chance Merrell, Gracie Mims, Mackenzie Mizzell, Madyson Mizzell, Kayla Moore, Callie Morris, Lexy Murphy, Sergio Nava, Jesse Nelson, Kaleb Nemec, Tanisha Nunn, Abigael Perales, Johana Perez-Moreno, Patrick Pickett, Brandom Pimentel, Daniela Pinon, Yoeth Pinon, Melaney Pope, Taleshia Ramsey, Grayson Ray, Destiny Rojas, AShley Sanders, Skylor Scott, Joshua Singletary, Samantha Smith, Jaray Smitherman, Kiara Steele, Jaren Swindle, Jake Thrash, Laurin Tillery, Margaret Torres, Jarrett Traywick, Lauren Tucker, Victoria Wier, Chris Williams, Gabe Wilson, Makenna Wiseman, Brianna Woodall, Kathy Yaras.

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Jemison Middle School will likely continue to occupy Jemison Intermediate School for at least one more school year.

The intermediate school was built last year to ease crowding by giving Jemison four schools.

Shortly thereafter, education officials decided the transition would include moving the middle school to the intermediate school, located adjacent to Jemison Elementary, so that renovations could be completed at the old middle school building, which is adjacent to Jemison High School.

But the high cost of the renovations coupled with evaporating state education funding has put the project on hold, at least until the Alabama Legislature passes a budget.

“None of us like the building sitting empty like that, but right now we’re just having to wait,” Chilton County Superintendent of Education Dave Hayden said.

No timeline has been decided on beyond waiting to see what action is taken by the Legislature.

Before students could move back into the old building, the gymnasium—which has been declared unsafe—would have to be demolished, a new gym constructed and the entire facility renovated, Hayden said.

A two-year-old estimate on the project was $1.8 million, a number that could be higher when work actually begins.

Hayden said getting an answer about state funding would be the first step; he would then meet with the Board of Education to discuss whether the renovations would be possible.

If and when the updates were completed, a decision would have to be made about which grades would move back to the old building and which ones would remain at the intermediate. Even grades that are currently at Jemison’s high and elementary schools could be moved.

The elementary school currently houses grades kindergarten through fourth grade, the middle school houses grades 5-7 and the high school houses grades 8-12.

Jemison Middle School Principal Mark Knight said the intermediate school building meets the needs of his teachers, students and administrators.

As for the future, Knight said he plans only to be back in the new building next school year.

“We’re assuming next year will be the same,” Knight said.

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Sharrif Simmons on Friday took Jemison Middle School students “from the page to the stage.”

Simmons used that phrase, meaning taking education learned in the classroom to produce a performance, to both describe his career and tell students what they should aspire for.

Using a blend of music and poetry, Simmons entertained and instructed about 575 kids in the JMS cafetorium for the school’s Black History Month program.

Simmons asked attendees if they listened to music, and then what genre of music. The students seemed partial to hip hop, and Simmons compared hip hop lyrics to poetry.

He read one of his poems to the rhythm created by an acoustic guitar.

“There were a lot of images in there, a lot of words,” Simmons said. “That poem is about how music changes. When you’re writing poetry, focus on images. It’s like painting.”

Simmons performed a second poem, to a slower musical beat, and stressed the emotions invoked.

“A lot of it is how you feel,” he said. “How you feel is part of you being unique when you’re writing your poem.”

A third poem was written in French—Simmons has lived in New York, Paris and Ethiopia—and a final one discussed the importance of protecting the environment.

“Be unique in everything you do,” he concluded. “The experiences you go through are important.”

By Theadoris Morris

The Chilton County Board of Education agreed Tuesday to move forward with a to a building to Jemison High School.

Sen. Cam Ward recently awarded the school a $25,000 state grant to build a multi-purpose building for the school.

Circuit Clerk Glenn McGriff, Principal Alan Thompson and Wayne Howell represented Jemison at the meeting.

“The building is going to have a batting cage and is going to be a place where cheerleaders or whoever can enjoy,” said McGriff. “We are asking for permission to move forward.”

The next step is to get with an architect to certify the building, and then send it to the Alabama Building Commission, said Howell.

“It has to go to the Alabama Building Commission before they can approve the grant,” he said.

In other business, the board decided to discuss ongoing renovations at Jemison Middle School at a later date so more information can be gathered and studied.

The board also increased the system’s mileage rate to 51 cents per mile, amidst rising fuel prices and a memo from the state comptroller’s office.