By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Albany Parent Teacher Organization, parents of local students, and several local businesses plan to provide snacks, meals, prizes, and gifts to Albany Independent School District teachers, support staff, and administrators during Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6.

Parents of Albany High School graduating seniors are reminded to gather baby pictures for The Albany News’ upcoming graduation section.Pictures are due by the end of next week, on Thursday, May 5, if possible.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store student council will make another attempt at staging its Powder Puff football game after last week’s effort was rained out.Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said the event is now planned for 2:00 p.m. this coming Sunday, May 1 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance is again spearheading local participation in the National Day of Prayer.The local event will be held at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5 at Bank Park.

By Sam WallerMoran’s freshman and junior students participated in an aquatic biology field day earlier at Texas State University in San Marcos.Moran science teacher Matthew Hise said the program provided a general overview of different kinds of environments.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High tennis team got its first taste of outside competition Wednesday, April 20, with more than 30 players competing against opponents from Winters at the Albany courts.“The junior high tennis season is very short,” coach M.J. Reneau said.

By Donnie A. LucasIt wasn’t exactly a case of lighting striking twice, but it was close.The first time the Albany Lion Band earned a Sweepstakes Award for earning Division I ratings in marching, sight reading, and concert contests was in 1962.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions and Lady Lions make their bid for a berth at the state track meet this weekend at the Regional II-2A meet at Porcupine Stadium in Springtown.Albany has 10 boys and six girls qualified in individual events and relays.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions split their final two District 8-2A softball games last week and start the playoffs this week.Albany defeated Gorman 7-0 on Tuesday, April 19 on senior night at Webb Park before falling 7-5 on Friday, April 22 at Cisco.

By Sam WallerSarah Cotter returned to the girls singles final at the Class 2A state tennis tournament this week, dropping just five games in a trio of straight-set victories to claim the gold medal.