Engle awarded Turner scholarship

Lauren Engle, a graduate of Clements High School, was recently awarded the Turner Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was created in honor of the memory of Binford and Elizabeth Turner. The Turners were life long residents of the Ripley Community and believed in the value of education.

Engle is the daughter of DiAndrea York. She has been active in the band, FCCLA, Pep Club, and SADD. She is a member of the homecoming court and received the “Highest Average Award” in American History in 2007. She plans to attend the University of North Alabama and one day become an orthodontist.

The Turner Endowed Scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduate of Clements High School.



Schmidt graduates from School of Mathematics and Science

Kayla Schmidt of Limestone County will graduate with concentrations in biology and Spanish from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile on June 7. The graduation ceremony is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. in the ASMS.

Schmidt, the daughter of Johnny and Linda Schmidt, was active in many clubs and organizations including: RLST, cheerleading captain, treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society, cross county, ambassador group leader, Junior Scholars’ Bowl 2004-2005, and golf team 2004-2005. She also received the Most Spirited Athlete Award 2007-2008.

Schmidt has cheered for two consecutive years as a Junior Varsity cheerleader at Elkmont High School and as a Varsity cheerleader three consecutive years at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. She is currently captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. She ran cross country track for two years and received letters for cross country and cheerleading.

Schmitdt was offered scholastic scholarships from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She received a scholarship for full tuition, $1000 for books, and $2,000 for housing from UAB. She will be attending the University of Alabama in Birmingham in the fall, where she plans to major in biology.



Williams graduates from UNA

Marla Mucci Williams will graduate May 10 from the University of North Alabama. She graduates with a 4.0 GPA and Summa Cum Laude.

Williams is the wife of Jason Williams and mother of Wyatt and Samuel Williams. She is the daughter of the late Giovannie and Bobbie Ridgeway Mucci.

Williams is a sixth grade teacher at Owens Elementary School and has taught in Limestone County Schools for 17 years. She is pursuing a doctorate degree.



Jared Meals graduates from University of West Alabama

He was graduated cum laude with Bachelor of Science in English and History with an Honors Scholar designation.

He was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a History honors fraternity, Sigma Tau Delta, and English honors fraternity.

Also a member of Alpha Chi and Blue Key Honors Societies and President of Pi Eta Sigma honor society.

His parents are Marlon and Julie Meals. Grandparents Marshall and Gladys Meals, and George and Frances Mitchell.



Gilbert receives agricultural award

Morgan Chelsey Gilbert of Lester was recently presented West Limestone County High School’s highest agricultural honor, the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, sponsored by Monsanto Company.

Gilbert, the daughter of Thad and Melissa Gilbert, received the award for excellence in academics, leadership and agricultural work experience.

Russ Gant is Gilbert’s agricultural education instructor at West Limestone High School.



Morris receives mayor’s award

Jake Morris, an upcoming sophomore at Bob Jones High School in Madison, was recently chosen by the faculty and principal of Discovery Middle School and mayor of Madison to receive the Mayor’s Award. This award is given for scholastic excellence and overall academic excellence with outstanding accomplishments in honor’s English.

Morris is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and S.A.D.D. He is actively involved in the choir and mission activities of Asbury United Methodist Church of Madison.

Morris was one of the top ten students academically of the ninth grade with a GPA of 4.33. He has made all A’s throughout the three years at Discovery Middle School, while taking honor’s classes. He was also chosen the defensive player of the year for the freshman soccer team and had the highest GPA of the team.

Morris is the son of Lance and Michele Morris and the brother of Brandon Morris of Madison. He has several relatives in the Athens area including his grandparents, Linda and Paul Morris. He is also the grandson of Mary and Relman Cartee of Anderson, S.C.