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Shelton State Community College Celebrates Graduation of Inaugural Practical Nursing Cohort at Bibb Medical Center
By Savannah Logan
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) celebrated a groundbreaking moment as it honored its first cohort of practical nursing (PN) graduates at Bibb Medical Center (BMC) in Centreville, Alabama. The graduation festivities, which included a nursing pinning ceremony and commencement exercises, occurred on August 3 and 4, marking a significant milestone for the nine students who pioneered the PN program at BMC. The collaboration between SSCC and BMC, announced in 2022, aimed to cultivate skilled nurses and bolster the West Alabama workforce, with the inaugural program commencing the previous fall. Throughout their studies, the cohort utilized a recently renovated clinical facility within BMC and received financial support to alleviate educational costs. These graduates, now equipped with diplomas, are poised to serve a two-year commitment as practical nurses at BMC, contributing their expertise to the local community’s healthcare needs. Dr. Chris Cox, President of SSCC, expressed enthusiasm for the success of the PN students and the partnership with BMC, emphasizing the positive impact on healthcare provision in Centreville. The collaboration addresses the escalating demand for caregivers, as highlighted by Joseph M. Marchant, President and CEO of BMC, who thanked the inaugural class for their trust in this new initiative. The celebratory events, held at the Martin Campus gymnasium, included a nursing pinning ceremony on August 3 and commencement exercises on August 4, attracting attention to SSCC’s PN programs and offering details via sheltonstate.edu or nursing@sheltonstate.edu. An upcoming article will delve into the partnership’s success, spotlighting the graduates and their contributions to the program.
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Bringing Literacy to Life: Woodstock Elementary’s Book Vending Machine Sparks Enthusiasm for Reading
By Savannah Logan
At Woodstock Elementary School, tackling the challenge of instilling a passion for reading in the age of digital dominance became a triumph through innovation. Spearheaded by Catrina Corbell, President of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), the Book Vending Machine project emerged as a solution to invigorate young minds with literature while reinforcing positive behavior. Catrina Corbell pitched the idea to the school’s PTO, Principal Shea Essman, and Superintendent Kevin Cotner, receiving instant approval and support that aligned with the institution’s aim of fostering a lifelong love for learning. With Superintendent Cotner securing funding, Mrs. Amanda Cromer, the School Reading Specialist, curated an assortment of books tailored to students’ diverse interests and reading levels. The arrival of the machine in April, aided by Commissioner Ty Corbell and volunteers from the Green Pond Fire Department, symbolized community collaboration. Stocked with various books and supported by Senator April Weaver’s $2,500 pledge, the machine incentivized positive student behavior through book tokens. Principal Shea Essman praised the students’ delight and the project’s success, acknowledging the collective effort’s impact on nurturing young minds. The Book Vending Machine became more than a technological marvel; it embodied a spirit of unity, community dedication, and the boundless potential of collaborative educational endeavors.
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Fueling Education with Heart: 27 Years of Mt. Carmel’s Breakfast for Teachers
By Savannah Logan
For over 27 years, the tradition of the Breakfast for Teachers at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church has stood as a symbol of gratitude and unity in honoring educators. Originating in 1996 through Brother Milton Simpson’s visionary leadership, the breakfast aimed to recognize teachers’ dedication by providing them with a warm, hearty meal at the start of each school year. Led by Donna Ellis and Children’s Church Pastor Tim Jennings, the endeavor received enthusiastic support from the congregation, embodying a spirit of community outreach. Donna Ellis played a pivotal role in organizing the event, and her unwavering dedication kept the tradition alive year after year. The breakfast not only provided delicious meals but also offered leftover food for teachers’ classrooms and distributed generous door prizes, reflecting the collective commitment of Mt. Carmel Church to support educators. The initiative expanded over the years, collaborating with other churches for events like the Back to School Bash, echoing the community’s unified effort to care for both educators and students. As the Breakfast for Teachers celebrates its 27th year, its legacy of unity and service endures, demonstrating the profound impact of small acts of kindness and collaborative community efforts led by dedicated individuals like Donna Ellis.
