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For Further Information
Guy McClure
For immediate release
May 22, 2013
22nd Annual Athens State Alumni Golf Classic a Huge Success
ATHENS, AL- The 22nd Annual Athens State University Alumni Golf Classic on May 16 was a success. “This was our best year ever,” stated Trish Di Lullo, Alumni Director. “Our 1:00 pm flight was sold-out with 103 golfers, and we had a record number of sponsors.”
“A special thank-you goes to Jerry Evans and Greenbrier Restaurant for donating lunch, Pepsi of Decatur for donating the beverages, McClary Ford for covering the hole-in-one prize, $1,000,000 shoot-out, putting contest and Closest to the Pin prizes, HealthSource of Athens for their prize donation and to the Golf Committee and volunteers for pulling it all together,” continued Di Lullo.
First place went to Mark Yarbrough, Ben Yarbrough, Terry McDonald and Brian Askew; second Place was David Hyman, Scott Weaver, Joe Haney and Barry Manning; and third place was Larry Sharp, David Williams, Robert Burton and Jeff Wilson. The women’s longest drive went to Heather Carlton, men’s to Aaron Bishop and closest to the pin to Brian Moore (hole 3), Ric Patterson (hole 17), JJ Donahue (hole 13) and John Worley (hole 8).
All proceeds raised from the Golf Classic go directly to scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Based on early estimates, nine (9) students should receive funding from the 2013 tournament.
Attached Picture (L-R): Golf Scholarship Recipients Erica Smith, Krystal Holland, Paige Green and Alumni work-study Nick Bolding
For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 15, 2013
Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning Offering Summer Courses in Decatur
ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning will be offering classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur starting this summer. The classes offered will be some of the most popular courses that have been previously taught at the Center’s downtown Athens facility.
For youth the classes include Adventures in the Hundred Acre Woods, a drama course that introduces students to character creation from classic literature; Discovering Violin, a course for beginners with less than three months experience; Private Violin and Cello Lessons for students 8 and up; and Painting Fun, a camp where students will create a painting in acrylic.
For adults the classes include Painting with Acrylics, a fun and interesting way to learn how to paint with acrylics; Swing Dancing Lessons that will get you up and moving; Introduction to Photoshop Elements 9 for novices and a separate class for beginners; and Computers for Seniors, one-on-one sessions to help set up email, learn to search the web, and research ideas and interests.
Classes start as early as June 3. The Alabama Center for the Arts is located at 133 2nd Avenue NE in Decatur. Visit www.athens.edu/CLL or call 256-233-8260 for registration or information.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
For immediate release
April 25, 2013
New $1,000,000 Shoot-Out and Putting Contest at Annual
Athens State Alumni Golf Classic Scholarship Fundraiser
ATHENS, Ala –Athens State University’s Alumni Golf Classic supported nine students with scholarship funding for 2012-2013. This year’s Classic is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the Canebrake Golf Club with a shotgun start beginning at 1:00 p.m.
The paid registration deadline is May 10th and can be made by calling the Office of Alumni Affairs at 256-233-8185, dropping by the office on the corners of Pryor and Hargrove Streets or visiting www.athens.edu/alumni/. Hole sponsorships are also available at $100 for shared, $250 for quarter, $500 for half, and $1,000 for the entire hole. The 4-man scramble is $400 per team which includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, course refreshments and hospitality gifts and prizes.
McClary Ford is sponsoring the hole-in-one prize with a 2013 Ford Fusion, a new $1,000,000 Shoot-Out at $15 per chance and 50 ft. putting contest at $5 per chance. All proceeds from the sponsorships, team fees, mulligans, shoot-out and putting contest support scholarships for 2013-2014. The Golf Classic is open to any interested golfers - not just those who are alumni of Athens State.
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Athens Living History Festival This Weekend – Rain or Shine
Athens, AL – Lots of fun and exciting, as well as educational, activities are planned at the Athens Living History Festival this weekend at the Donnell House located on the Athens Middle School grounds at the corner of Forrest and Clinton Streets in Athens, AL. The event will be held rain or shine.
This event is part of commemoration efforts of the 150th anniversary of the War for Southern Independence. The event will allow students attending to see what a camp site was like during the war as well as see and hear the rifles and canons firing. They can even (pretend) enlist and have their physical examination prior to being accepted for “rifle training” and more. It is a wonderful opportunity for 4th grade students to have a fun history lesson. We encourage 4th grade teachers to give extra points to their students who attend and bring back a signed program.
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy this free family-friendly, educational event. The event will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is sponsored by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association, the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Hobbs Camp #768 and the Donnell House Foundation.
For more information call 256-232-5411 or 256-867-1438 or email info@visitathensal.com. Information is also posted on www.VisitAthensAL.com.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
April 26, 2013
Alabama Center for the Art Announces Call to Artists
DECATUR, Ala. - The Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur announces a call to artists for a show of works following the theme, CIVILITY.
In light of a seemingly increasing violent culture, as evidenced by recent public bombings, campus shootings, and virulent school bullying from the elementary grades through higher education, many public figures call for Americans to pledge to a new civility. The collaborative Calhoun and Athens State art center plans to follow that lead with an innovative showing of works of local artists.
“We ask that artists explore the meaning of civility and express their findings through art,” explains Center Director Dr. Mary Beth Johns. “They need to ask themselves what civility means to them, what role can art play in it, what the relationship is between civility and civilization, how can civility be measured, and so on.”
The CIVILITY show will feature a collection of images that reflect on, perpetuate, and inspire a new cultural dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and sense of community. Submissions can represent diverse mediums and styles. The show is an exhibition only and none of the art pieces will be available for purchase during its exhibition.
Johns adds, “The purpose of the exhibit is to create an intelligent and compassionate dialogue about the issues outlined in the original call.”
The show is limited to works in 5” x 7” dimensions. They must be ready to hang and no work that might be deemed in offence of Athens State University Policy will be included. In the case of mixed media or relief work; No art should protrude from the 5" x 7" surface more than 2 inches and any work may not weigh more than 2 pounds. Artwork must have the name of the artist, title of the work, medium, contact phone and email secured to the back of the art.
Artwork should be received no later than June 30th at the Alabama Center for the Arts, either by mail or hand delivery. The show will remain on exhibit until September 30. The dates and times of the show will be announced after the artwork is received.
There will be no pick-up of art from the Alabama Center for the Arts when the show is over, but art may be mailed back to the artist should they wish by including a self-addressed stamped mailer.
Mailed artwork should be mailed to Dr. Mary Beth Johns, Athens State University, 300 N. Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611. For more information call 256-260-4291.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
For immediate release
May 13, 2013
Athens State Art Students to participate in National “Athens” Exhibition
ATHENS, Alabama - Athens Voices USA ’13, an Athens, Ohio biennial event by The Dairy Barn Arts Center, is an all media, juried art exhibition that aims to feature the diverse styles and visions of artists residing within 30 miles of a city named Athens in the United States. Athens Voices USA 2013 will be the fourth juried art exhibition celebrating “Athens” from all over the Nation.
Athens Voices USA ’13 Exhibition opens locally on June 6 at the Alabama Center for the Arts located at 133 2nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama. Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 to noon. The show will close on August 20.
359 submitted works from artists living in or near a city named “Athens” were considered in December by Jurors who met at the Dairy Barn in Ohio. 76 pieces were chosen to compose the Athens Voices USA ’13 Exhibition. Seven of these 76 pieces are from five Athens State University students who attend classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur; Katelin Harris, Robyn Locke, Eric Murphy, Heather Snow and Adriana Stephens.
To kick off the show’s opening on June 6, a lecture by one of the show’s jurors, Gary Kirksey, will be offered at the Center. Kirksey serves as an associate professor, School of Visual Communication, Ohio University. A few of his works will be included in the display at the Center alongside the Voices show. His exhibition record includes: Actors Theatre of Louisville, KY, African-American Art Museum, Dallas, TX, Appalachian Corridors, Charleston, WV, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Brooklyn, NY, Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington, WV, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA, and his art work is included in over 40 public, private and corporate collections.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 2, 2013
Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning Announces May Classes
ATHENS, Ala. - The Center for Lifelong Learning has announced its summer course offerings. Information is available on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL - or you can call 256-233-8260 to request a printed catalog be mailed to you.
There are several courses coming up in the month of May:
Couples Paint – Starry Night. If you are looking for a new and interesting date night this class is for you? If you are looking for something different for you and friends to do, this is the class for you. Join other couples as we paint Starry Night. Each couple will paint half the picture, combine them for a special art piece and have lots of fun. You don’t have to be an expert to paint together. All supplies provided. The class will be held at the Center in the Mezzanine. Sanda Bishop, local artist and owner of Coffee and Canvas will teach the class. Class is scheduled Friday, May 9, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The fee is $59/couple.
Another community event is the Community Chorus Spring Concert. This is the third concert for the Chorus. The Center for Lifelong Learning will host their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 pm at the Senior Center located at 912 W Pryor St, in Athens, Alabama. The concert is directed by Dr. John Buttler and Lynette Pope. This concert is free to the public. No reservations are required.
LUNCH & LEARN: Reconsidering the "War on Terror" 12 Years After 9/11
This class is the first one of the Spies, Treason, and Treachery Series. John Davis, retired Army officer and military intelligence civilian, will discuss how we as a nation have fared in our “War on Terror.” We will discuss the goals and how we determine the success of such aims using President Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms. Class is scheduled Monday, May 13, from 11:30 – 12:30. There is no charge for this class.
The Resistance Behind German Lines in WW II presentation will give an overview of British Special Operations Executive (SOE), the secret organization created by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to organize a resistance among captive populations in Nazi Occupied Europe. The SOE engaged in subversion and sabotage to disrupt the Nazi war machine. This presentation will concentrate mainly on the SOE’s role in the Netherlands and France. This session is scheduled Monday, May 20, 11:30-1:00. There is no charge for this class.
Another LUNCH & LEARN for the Business community is OSHA's New GHS Requirements.
OSHA is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized Standard for chemical hazard information. This standard has changed the way chemical hazards are identified and labeled. By December 1, 2013, businesses will need to retrain your workers in the new chemical labels and safety data sheets. Are you ready for this change? This class is scheduled on Thursday, May 16, 11:30 – 1:30. The fee is $25/person which includes your lunch. Please reserve space by May 15.
The LUNCH & LEARN Series Caring for Older Adults will feature two classes for those who need to care of parents or spouses: Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship will explore the difference between guardianship and a power of attorney when caring for their elders. Judge Charles Woodruff will explain when to use guardianship and when to use a Power of Attorney. He will discuss the pros and cons of each document. Class is scheduled Monday, May 20, 11:30am—1:00pm. The fee is $10/person which includes lunch. Please reserve space by May 17.
We will finish up May with Painting with Acrylics: Paint Your Pet. Spend an evening painting a portrait of your pet. Send your pictures by email to CLL@athens.edu no later than May 22nd so that our instructor, Sanda Bishop, can sketch out your painting before the class. All supplies are provided for this class. Class is scheduled Friday, May 31, 6:00-9:00 pm. The fee is $49/person. Please reserve space by May 24.
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#10 black is Josh Bailey (Athens)
May 10, 2013
Athens season ends at state semisBy Jonathan Deal jonathan@athensnews-courier.com The News Courier Fri May 10, 2013, 07:30 PM CDT
HUNTSVILLE — Athens boys team was inches away.
Literally. Trailing 1-0, Jose Soto’s long-range shot with less than a minute to play bounced off the underside of the crossbar and down on the goal line, inches from going in. Briarwood fought off one Athens attack after another in the second half to hold on for a 1-0 victory in the 5A semifinals Friday afternoon at John Hunt Park. “It was a nail-biter. We knew it wasn’t over until the final whistle,” said senior captain Wynn Baker. “They just made some big saves at the end. That was the difference.” Athens sent wave after wave to attack the Briarwood goal in the closing minutes of the game. Its best chances came with less than two minutes to play. Pressing for a goal, Wynn Baker fired a shot from 30 yards, forcing Briarwood’s goalie to go full stretch to his left to save the dipping ball. On the ensuing corner, the ball bounced out to Soto who ripped another shot toward Briarwood’s goal. Soto’s ball hit the crossbar and sent Briarwood’s defense into chaos trying to clear the ball in the dying seconds of the game. Moments later the referee blew the final whistle, ending Athens unbeaten season. “We repeatedly attacked their goal in the second half,” said Athens head coach Ron Oakley. “They outplayed us a little in the first half and we challenged our guys to step up and they did just that.” Athens outshot Briarwood 11 to 5 in the second half and 15 to 8 for the game. Briarwood took the lead in the 23rd minute when Lee Conner found space on the right flank. Conner’s shot from the right side of the 18-yard box slid past Dean Bunnell and into the side netting for the game’s only goal. It was the first time Athens’ trailed all season. “The response we had is what I expected from them,” said Oakley. “This team has character and they’ve showed it for the past four years. Somebody always steps up. I’m proud of the way they played. I couldn’t have been more proud if we had won.” Athens ends its season with a 21-1-1 record. Athens boys soccer defeated in Class 5A semis
By Meredith Qualls
The Decatur Daily HUNTSVILLE -- No. 1 Athens High boys soccer ended its undefeated run in the Class 5A semifinals with a 1-0 loss to No. 2 Briarwood Christian.
Conner Lee scored the lone goal in the 22nd minute to send the Lions (19-6-3) to the state finals.
The Golden Eagles (21-1-1) rallied in the second half with 11 shots, but the effort did not culminate in a goal. There was a glimpse of hope when Jose Soto rocketed a shot from about 35 yards outside if the goal, hitting the crossbar but bouncing down outside the goal line and avoiding the net.
Meredith Qualls can be reached at 256-340-2395 or mqualls@decaturdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @DailyMeredith
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
Guy.McClure@athens.edu
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 13, 2013
Drake State and Athens State Collaborate on Transfer Agreement
ATHENS, Ala. – J. F. Drake State Technical College and Athens State University have partnered to develop a Reverse Transfer Agreement that benefits students who attend both institutions.
Dr. Robert Glenn, president of Athens State University and Dr. Helen T. McAlpine, president of Drake State Technical College finalized the preparations for the agreement on May 13, 2013. It became effective upon its signing and will remain in effect unless terminated by either institution. The Reverse Transfer Agreement will give students who attended Drake State but transferred to Athens State prior to completing their associate’s degree an opportunity to earn that community college degree. While attending Athens State, university credits can be transferred back to Drake State allowing these students to complete their degree requirements without losing any university credit. Students are eligible for the program when they have earned at least 12 semester credits at Drake State, have earned at least 3 semester credits at Athens State, and are in good standing at both institutions.
“We have always had a good working relationship with Drake State,” stated Glenn. “This agreement strengthens that collaboration. By moving partnerships like this forward, it helps the two institutions meet the overall goal of President Obama’s College Affordability and Completion goals. This encourages all higher education institutions to assist in increasing the number of college graduates.”
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Attached picture: Seated left to right: Drake State President Dr. Helen McApline and Athens State President Dr. Bob Glenn. Standing left to right: Dr. Alice Raymond, Dr. Jackie Smith, Mr. Jim Hutto, Dr. Patricia Sims, Mr. Rick Mould, Dr. John Reutter, Dr. Ronald Cromwell, Dr. Kemba Chambers, Ms. Sarah McAbee.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
For immediate release
May 15, 2013
Athens State Names Members of Leading Edge Institute ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University Assistant Professor of Justice Studies Dr. Quanda Watson-Stevenson was chosen as a faculty advisor for the 2013-2014 Leading Edge Institute (LEI), XII class for Women. She will represent Athens State University along with three students.
The three students chosen are Ms. Krystina Lovell, Ms. Stephanie White, and Ms. Whitney Elizabeth Smith. Lovell is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice. Her future career plans are to work with juveniles in the juvenile justice system as a Juvenile Probation Officer. White is a junior majoring in Education and would like to work with children with disabilities. Smith is a senior majoring in Business. She plans to own and operate her own car dealership business. She also plans to enroll and complete the MBA program offered at Athens State University in collaboration with UNA.
The Leading Edge Institute is a dynamic leadership program dedicated to working with college women across the state of Alabama. Leading Edge Institute brings women together to develop their leadership skills, expose them to critical issues facing Alabama and, most importantly, inspire them to make a difference in our state.
Membership in the organization requires a week long training session, completion of a service program for the Athens community, and attendance to a Winter Conference in early 2014. The Athens State representatives will attend the conference along with several female students and professional women across the State of Alabama from various colleges, universities, businesses, and political arenas.
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Pictured: Front: Dr. Quanda Watson-Stevenson. On stairs left to right: Stephanie White, Whitney Elizabeth Smith, Krystina Lovell.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 15, 2013
Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning Offering Summer Courses in Decatur
ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning will be offering classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur starting this summer. The classes offered will be some of the most popular courses that have been previously taught at the Center’s downtown Athens facility.
For youth the classes include Adventures in the Hundred Acre Woods, a drama course that introduces students to character creation from classic literature; Discovering Violin, a course for beginners with less than three months experience; Private Violin and Cello Lessons for students 8 and up; and Painting Fun, a camp where students will create a painting in acrylic.
For adults the classes include Painting with Acrylics, a fun and interesting way to learn how to paint with acrylics; Swing Dancing Lessons that will get you up and moving; Introduction to Photoshop Elements 9 for novices and a separate class for beginners; and Computers for Seniors, one-on-one sessions to help set up email, learn to search the web, and research ideas and interests.
Classes start as early as June 3. The Alabama Center for the Arts is located at 133 2nd Avenue NE in Decatur. Visit www.athens.edu/CLL or call 256-233-8260 for registration or information.
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For further information:
Guy McClure
For immediate release
May 17, 2013
Fiddlers Convention named a Top 20 Southeastern Event Athens, Ala.- For the third time, the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention has been honored as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events. The event also received this tribute in 2003 and 2007.
The Southeastern Tourism Society feels that each festival or event in the South represents a special piece of our culture and heritage and has been naming Top 20 Events since 1983.
The Southeastern Tourism Society is a non-profit organization whose goals and objectives are to develop, market, and promote travel to and within the Southeastern states. The organization has more than 450 members in ten Southeastern states.
This year's Fiddlers Convention will be October 4 and 5 on the campus of Athens State University. The event has historically attracted more than 15,000 people for the two-day event, with more than 200 musicians expected to participate.
Competition for the convention’s top award “Fiddle Champion” is always strong and this year will be no different. Prize money totaling $11,870 will be awarded in 18 different categories.
Approximately 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts are part of the convention. Convention goers will see everything from traditional artwork to coal-fired metal works.
Contests begin on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7p.m., and will resume on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. Cost is $8 for Friday, $10 for Saturday and $15 for both days. Children ages 12 and under are free with a parent.
This year's special guest will be musical comedian Mike Snider performing Friday, October 4th at 4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. Snider, a native of Gleason, Tennessee, made his way on the country music scene in the 1980's with his incomparable wit and stellar banjo playing. Mike first worked his way into people's hearts through his hundreds of spots on TNN's Nashville Now, and his seven-year stay in the cornfield on "Hee Haw". In addition to his television work, Mike and his band entertained crowds for seven years at Nashville's Opryland USA.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 17, 2013
Retired Athens State Professor Inducted into Honorary Society
ATHENS, Alabama – Athens State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Joe Brasher has been
elected into the honorary Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. The Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter was established to recognize men and women who have made significant contributions of service to the Society and exemplified its ideals and excellence in education.
“Election into the Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter is a lifetime award and limited to 100 living members,” states Executive Director Faye Snodgress in her letter congratulating Brasher. “Like the Laureate nomination and selection process, current Chapter members will assist in the selection of new members of the Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter every biennium.”
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, founded by Dr. William Bagley in 1911 at the University of Illinois, was established to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. Pioneering from its beginning by including women as well as men, Kappa Delta Pi grew from a local chapter to the international organization it is today, comprising 600 chapters and more than 40,000 members.
Brasher is invited to attend the 49th Biennial Convocation in October in Dallas, Texas. During that Convocation he will be formally inducted into the Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter.
Brasher retired from Athens State in 2011 after serving Athens State University for 26 years in the capacity of Professor of Education in the College of Education.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
May 17, 2013
Athens State Offering Technical Instructional Design Option
ATHENS, Ala. – At the beginning of the 2012/2013 academic year, Athens State University added an option to the Career and Technical Education major in the College of Education that prepares students to work as instructional designers and trainers. The Option in Technical Education: Instructional Design addresses a need for bachelor-degreed instructional designers in schools, community colleges, business and industry.
“The individuals looking for these types of jobs will not require a Class B teaching certification,” states Christopher Inman, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology. “They will, however, require knowledge of how students learn as well as how technology can be utilized to facilitate learning. The advent of widely available technological possibilities in the teaching cycle has caused a void in the number of skilled instructional designers who understand curriculum, instructional technique and how to design online and technology-based coursework at all levels. This option is in an answer to this need.”
Instructional Designers engage students or employees in the learning process, encourage their participation, and address specific learning needs. The program at Athens State will advance the student’s knowledge of instructional design and learning theories and provide practical application experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating training. Further career options in instructional design include: training consultant, technologist trainer, corporate trainer, and program designer. For more information, visit www.athens.edu/college_edu.
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For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
For immediate release
March 29, 2013
Athens State University Announces Weekly Writers Group
ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University’s Writing Center has organized a gathering for those who have ever wanted to start a blog, write an award-winning novel, or simply learn how to get their writing published.
The Athens State University Weekly Writer’s Group will meet weekly, beginning in April 2013, to discuss any writing projects members are working on. The group is open to the public.
This Weekly Writing Group supports the mission of Athens State University to recognize diversity and nurture the discovery and application of knowledge. It also strives to prepare students for professional careers, graduate school, lifelong learning, and enrichment, and it offers programs of continuing education and community services that provide a variety of cultural and professional opportunities.
If you’re interested in joining this group, please contact Dr. Tony Ricks for date and time information. Ricks can be reached by phone, 256-216-6670 or by email, tony.ricks@athens.edu. Depending on the needs of the group, dates and times may change from time to time; however, the group will aim to agree upon a set time and date to meet weekly.
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Carlisle B. Grisham, Post 49, The American Legion
PO Box 45
124 Cloverleaf Drive
Athens, AL 35612
PRESS RELEASE
May 21, 2013
Written and Released by: Rod Huffman, Adjutant
Phone: Home 256-233-3023 Cell 256-230-8864
Limestone County Youth to Attend Boys and Girls State
During June thirty-five Limestone County high school juniors will attend Boys and Girls State, which will both be conducted at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. This is the first time that both programs are being conducted simultaneously on the same campus. The Limestone County boys and girls will join the other delegates from across the state and will learn how city, county, and state government functions in Alabama. Some of the participants at Tuscaloosa will come home with scholarship awards or opportunities to apply for scholarships, and some will be offered the opportunity to participate at Boys and Girls Nation, which is also a program of the American Legion.
This year is the Seventy-sixth Anniversary of Boys State in Alabama. It is a program of The American Legion. Girls State is sixty-seven years old in Alabama this year, and it is organized and supervised by the Alabama American Legion Auxiliary. This year twenty-four Limestone County boys will attend the program. This is the largest group of boys from Limestone County ever to attend in a single year. High level state leaders will address both the boys and the girls throughout their time at the University. There will also be learning and social activities for both groups in addition to the instructional periods. All of these events and classes are designed to improve their knowledge and their leadership skills. Both programs begin on Sunday, June 9th.
The Boys State Program is directed by Judge O.L. Johnson of Birmingham. He has directed the program for fifty-one years on be-half of and with the assistance of Legionnaire volunteers and the staff of the American Legion's Department of Alabama, which is headquartered in Montgomery.
On Monday evening, May 20th, The American Legion Post 49, and the Ladies Auxiliary Unit 49, hosted the 2013 Limestone County delegates to Boys and Girls State, and their parents, at an Orientation and Pizza Party at the Post Home on Cloverleaf Drive. Post Commander Camden Kent welcomed the participants and Dr. Tom Sisk, Limestone County School Superintendent, was the featured speaker. Dr. Sisk encouraged all of the delegates to "make the most of this opportunity as it is truly the experience of a lifetime."
Previous year delegates Joseph Topliss, Boys State Lt. Governor in 2011, and Jordan Corneil, 2012 Girls State delegate from Athens Bible School, briefed this year's delegates on what to expect and how to get the most from their experience. Ruby McCartney, coordinator for Auxiliary Unit 49 also provided guidance to the girls. Yancey Mitchell, who has been a Boys State Counselor for 21 years, spoke to the Boys State delegates about maximizing their opportunity. And, Bob Borden, Post 49 Boys State Coordinator was over-all responsible for the evening's events. Both Mc Cartney and Borden expressed satisfaction in the quality and the number of boys and girls who will serve as Limestone County delegates this year.
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