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PAGE 2 February/March 2025
Students Named To Homecoming Court
Reece Knight and Bailee Battles, both of Albertville were crowned the 2025 Snead State Community College Homecoming King and Queen on Feb. 6, 2025. The Homecoming celebration continued when the Snead State Basketball Teams walked away with wins over Reid State. The Lady Parsons secured a 100-52 win, and the Parsons claimed a close win of 80-78. The students named to the Homecoming Court were sophomores Bailee Battles, Audrey Beasley, CeeCee Cartagena, Madison Chapman, Alina Ramirez Perez, Connor Aderholt, Tucker Cagle, Reece Knight, Jack Ollis, and Tyler Whaley. Alina Ramirez-Perez of Boaz is a 2023 graduate of Boaz High School. Currently majoring in General Business, Alina plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. She serves as secretary for the Ambassadors and as a representative for the Student Government Association. She is the president of the Rotaract Club and secretary for the FBLA-Collegiate organization. She is also part of the TRIO Student Support Services program. Alina is the daughter of Ana Perez and Marcos Lucas. Audrey Beasley of Guntersville is the daughter of Chasity and Andy Beasley and is a 2023 graduate of Guntersville High School. After graduating from Snead State with her Associate’s degree, Audrey plans to transfer to the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She serves as the event chair for the Ambassadors and president of the Student Government Association. She is also a member of the Rotaract Club. Bailee Battles of Albertville cheers for the Snead State Parsons and is a member of the FCA Leadership Team. The daughter of Darrin Battles and Shanna Battles, she is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in General Education. The Albertville High School graduate plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing. CeeCee Cartagena of Boaz is the daughter of Gloria Martin and a 2023 graduate of Boaz High School. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in General Education and serves as an Ambassador. She is part of the Theatre Department and the Media Club. She plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. Connor Aderholt of Shelby is a pitcher for the Parsons Baseball Team and is an Ambassador. He helps with the Parson Pantry and Parson Closet programs. The son of Clay and Stacy Aderholt, Connor is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Biology. He plans to transfer to the University of Alabama in Birmingham to study Kinesiology and apply to Physical Therapy school. Jack Ollis of Birmingham plays for the Parson Baseball Team and is pursuing an Associate’s degree. The son of Wade Ollis and Andrea Ollis, Jack is a graduate of
Baseball Team. He plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education. The Freshmen members of the homecoming court included Emma Buck, Natalee Gulledge, Tazi Harris, Shaquondra Holcombe, Gabe Benton, Carson Floyd, Davis Jackson, and JT Johnson. Carson Floyd of Guntersville is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. The son of Julie Floyd and Jimmy Floyd, Carson is a member of the Snead State Fishing Team and serves as an Ambassador. He graduated from Guntersville High School in 2024. He plans to transfer to the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Davis Jackson of Horton is the son of Jason and Jami Jackson. He is a 2024 graduate of Douglas High School. He is an Ambassador and is majoring in Engineering. He plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biosystems Engineering. Emma Buck of Albertville serves as vice president of the Ambassadors and is majoring in General Education. A graduate of Albertville High School, she is the daughter of Brittany and Andrew Buck. She plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Agriscience Education. Gabe Benton of Alexander City is the son of Yonnie Edwards and is a 2024 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School. He is majoring in Material Engineering. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. He plays for the Parson Baseball Team. John Thomas (JT) Johnson V of Athens is the son of Geri Durham Johnson and Johnny Johnson. A graduate of James Clemens High School, he is majoring in Sports Management. He plays for the Parson Baseball Team and hopes to continue playing baseball after he graduates from Snead State. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Natalee Gulledge of Arab is the daughter of Scott and Jolie Gulledge. The Central Christian School graduate is majoring in General Education. She is an Ambassador. She plans to transfer to Calhoun Community College to pursue a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Shaquondra Holcombe of Chatom is the daughter of Latosha White and Darrin White. She graduated from Washington County High School. She plays for the Lady Parsons Volleyball Team. Majoring in General Education, Shaquondra plans to transfer to the University of West Alabama to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English or another field. Tazi Harris of Guntersville plays for the Lady Parsons Volleyball and Basketball teams. The daughter of Crystal Banks, she graduated from Guntersville High School and is majoring in Business. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business and hopes to continue playing volleyball and basketball after she graduates from Snead State.
Homecoming 2025 Snead State Community College recently crowned its 2025 Homecoming King and Queen. The college's Homecoming Queen is Bailee Battles and the King is Reece Knight. They are pictured with Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore and First Lady Janet Whitmore. Photo Courtesy of Snead State Hewitt Trussville High School. He plans to transfer to the University of Alabama to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Madison Chapman of Boaz is a Parson Cheerleader and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Mathematics. The daughter of Brian and Ashley Chapman, Madison is a 2023 graduate of Boaz High School. Reece Knight of Albertville is the son of Chris and Amber Knight. He graduated in 2023 from Albertville High School. Majoring in Marketing, Reece is a member of the Snead State Fishing Team. He plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Tucker Cagle of Cullman is majoring in General Education and is a pitcher for the Parsons Baseball Team. The son of Greg and Teresa Cagle, Tucker plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Tyler Whaley of Boaz is the son of Alison Whaley and is a graduate of Boaz High School. He is pursuing an Associate in Science degree and plays for the Parson
Grants Total $23.5 Million support from Greenville, South Carolina-based
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved 29 grants totaling $23.5 million under the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. These grants aim to accelerate the development of industry-ready sites, positioning Alabama to attract transformative economic growth projects. The SEEDS grants will support industrial site development in major cities like Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa, as well as rural communities in counties such as Greene, Fayette and Macon. The program is designed to enhance Alabama’s competitiveness in securing large-scale projects by addressing the growing need for development-ready industrial properties. “SEEDS was launched to be an important tool that supports our strategic efforts to secure high- impact economic growth projects that make a real difference in the lives of our citizens and in the future of communities around the state,” said Governor Ivey. The SEEDS allocations will be matched with $17.4 million in local contributions, supporting
29 industrial sites spanning nearly 8,700 acres. SIDA approved 20 SEEDS site assessment grants valued at $1.5 million, chiefly for activities such as environmental and geo-tech surveys of early- stage industrial sites. The largest of these grants, totaling $296,000, is going to benefit the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Park, along with a local match of the same amount. Several other SEEDS site assessment grants are headed to communities in rural counties including Fayette, Dadeville, Demopolis, Troy, Epes and Enterprise. Additionally, Nine SEEDS development grants valued at $22 million for purposes such as infrastructure improvements, land purchases and site grading. Communities including Auburn, Opelika and Montgomery will provide matching funds totaling a combined $10.8 million. The largest of these SEEDS development grants, amounting to $6 million, will support the growth of Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex industrial complex, home to Airbus’ U.S. manufacturing center. Three development grants, totaling $6.1
million, are bound for sites in rural Macon, Lawrence and Fayette counties. The SEEDS program, a cornerstone of Governor Ivey’s 2023 “Game Plan” for economic development, addresses the urgent need for quality industrial sites at a time when other states are investing heavily in similar initiatives. The first round of SEEDS allocations, totaling $30.1 million, was matched with $38.4 million in local contributions across 29 industrial sites. “By investing in site readiness, we’re not just preparing land — we’re preparing communities for long-term economic success,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This latest round of SEEDS funding will help cities and rural communities alike attract transformative industries, creating opportunities that will benefit Alabamians for generations. At the same time, we are keeping a close watch on industrial site demand and working with local partners to ensure Alabama stays ahead of the curve.” Administered by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), with evaluation
Global Location Services (GLS), the SEEDS program continues to position Alabama as a leader in industrial site readiness and economic growth. A third round of SEEDS funding will be announced when the Alabama Legislature passes this year’s budgets. Governor Ivey, as part of her budget request, included an additional allocation of $20 million to continue the success of the site development program. Key leaders in the Legislature praised the program’s impact and its potential to unlock future economic growth across the state. "Investing in site development through the SEEDS program is a game- changer for Alabama’s economic future,” said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. “By preparing industrial sites across the state — especially in rural areas — we are ensuring that Alabama remains a top destination for job-creating industries. These grants will help communities compete for major economic projects, bringing new opportunities and long-term growth to our state."
Etowah County Commissioner Craig Inzer Jr. and the County Commission have provided funding to help Gadsden State purchase bulletproof vests and body cameras for the campus Police/Public Safety Department. These resources will strengthen the college's ability to protect and serve, ensuring that officers can carry out their duties with increased confidence and protection. Craig Inzer Jr., is shown presenting Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, with a check to purchase equipment. Also pictured Jay Freeman, Chief of Police at Gadsden State. Bulletproof Vests
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