Graduating senior Corbin Roberts (above, r) accepts a Bible from First Baptist youth pastor Campbell Terry (l) during Sunday’s Baccalaureate service and Bible presentation, two traditional events that were combined again this year. Former Feed Store director and Young Life leader Grant Zeller (at left) was the speaker.

By Sandy Morris

Members of the First Baptist Church of Albany will host a “Mexican Pile-On” fundraiser on Sunday, June 6.

The meal will be held in the FBC Fellowship Hall immediately following the Sunday worship service that morning, according to Julie Miller, who is helping to organize the event.

In addition to the meal, baked goods will be available for purchase.

Suggested payment for the “Pile-On” is $10 per person or $20 for a family. Donations will also be appreciated.

By Sandy Morris

Moran Independent School District will present six seniors with high school diplomas on Friday, May 28.

Commencement exercises will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the MISD gymnasium.

Dariann Hawley is the valedictorian for the class, and Corey Miller is the salutatorian.

Other members of the Moran High Class of 2021 are Aspen Box, Corley Hendricks, Sondra O’Keefe, and Tiffany Wade.

The ceremony will begin with the invocation given by Wade, followed by a welcome from retiring superintendent Danny Freeman.

By Donnie A. Lucas

While the school year is ending today for local classes, a couple of summer programs for junior high and high school students are scheduled to start in June.

Prospective female athletes who want to stay or get in shape this summer will be able to participate in a strength and conditioning program that starts Monday, June 7, plus practicing some sport specific drills as well.

A program for male athletes will wait an extra week due to the baseball playoffs, starting on June 14.

By Sandy Morris

Moran students wrap up the school year this week with an elementary field day Thursday followed by an awards ceremony.

Kindergarten and eighth grade graduations also will be held Thursday.

Eighth grade valedictorian is Ellis Hise and salutatorian is Aydan Moreno.

The last day of school and graduation will be on Friday, May 28. Graduation will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. 

Fundraiser

By Donnie A. Lucas

With the end of the school year, students might be looking for something to keep them busy this summer.

There are several options including a host of sports camps during the summer break, including one that starts next week.

The first is the All-Sports camp which is set for June 1-3. The camp combines three sports - football, baseball and basketball - with one day of instruction dedicated to each.

The multiple sport camp is open to both boys and girls.

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Masonic Lodge once again awarded four graduating seniors with $1,000 scholarships during a special dinner and program on Thursday, May 20.

Recipients of the scholarships this year were seniors Brady Karl, Addie Beth Denton, Torie Fuentes, and Jackson Chapman. 

The ceremony started with a dinner honoring the recipients and their families, followed by the award presentations made by Worshipful Master Kelly Head.

According to Lodge member Bob Skelton, the Masons have several criteria for selecting recipients.

By Sandy Morris

Summer is shaping up to be full of opportunities for members of the Shackelford County 4-H Horse Club. 

 Horsemanship Clinic

Texas A&M will host a  horsemanship clinic May 28 to May 30, sponsored  by Coleman and Callahan counties. 

An invitation has been extended to Shackelford County club members to attend the clinic. 

Kelsey Bell can be contacted at 325-513-5818 for more information.

Field Trip

By Sandy Morris

Every year, a crowd of people comes together, not only to enjoy the annual Polo on the Prairie, but to  raise money for MD Anderson in the fight against cancer.

Last year the event was cancelled due to ­COVID concerns, so regular attendees were looking forward to the return of the yearly fundraiser. 

Recent heavy rains caused flooding at the traditional location at the Lazy 3 Ranch, so the main event took place at the Stephens County Airport.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School seniors are anxiously waiting to cross the stage on Friday night and then celebrate their success at the traditional Project Graduation party later in the evening.

According to chairman Tisha Wilkins, the organizers of this year’s event are almost ready for the party.

“We are on the home stretch,” said Wilkins. “We are working on getting the final things organized, but everything is coming together very well.”