By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany band students ended the school year last Thursday with a concert showcasing each band both separately and combined.

Several students were also recognized with awards during the program that included several selections from each band’s contest music.

Senior Clara Holson was given the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award as the outstanding high school musician for the year.

Students who competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest were also recognized.

By Sam Waller

Rain forced the Nancy Smith Elementary School Field Day indoors earlier this week, but it couldn’t delay the start of summer vacation. Albany schools wrapped up the 2021-22 year today with early release at 2:30 p.m.

Before that, a junior high awards ceremony was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the high school auditorium.

Albany ISD offices will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day, then start summer hours on Tuesday, May 31.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Dance Theatre Company will present its 72nd Annual Recital on Saturday, June 4.

The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Albany High School auditorium.

Admission is free.

There are three featured seniors in this year’s recital, including Johnnie Hise and Hannah Rogers of Moran. There are no Albany seniors in the high school class.

More than 100 students from Albany, Moran, and several surrounding towns participate in the local dance program.

By Sam Waller

Despite a late change of plans, First Baptist Church of Albany enjoyed a good attendance Sunday, May 22 for its annual Bible presentation to the Albany High School senior class.

The event, including the traditional Coke float party, was moved to early afternoon at First Baptist after a schedule change with Albany’s Baccalaureate.

First Baptist youth minister Eduardo San Lucas addressed the pending graduates before presenting Bibles. Kyle Viertel led the worship service.

Five Albany High School seniors were presented with Albany Masonic Lodge scholarships at a special meeting held at the Lodge on Thursday, May 19 for recipients and family members.

After a hamburger meal, Lodge member Kelly Head offered an opening prayer, and  Stephen Kayga led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

By Sam Waller

Albany Methodist Church will honor retiring pastor Tim Trimble with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at The Feed Store.

Trimble is retiring after more than 16 years in the ministry, the last nine in Albany.

Trimble said a highlight of his time in Albany was seeing the church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry flourish.

By Donnie A. Lucas

With just three weeks remaining before the opening date, rehearsals for the Fort Griffin Fandangle are going very well, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

“We have had a great response by cast members this year,” Ayers said. “We have picked up several more adults in just the last week in response to needing more supervision for our record number of kids in the show this year.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the June distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are June 2-3.

Moran families should pick up their commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2.

Albany families who have been certified may pick up their food on Friday, June 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

Justice of the Peace James Breeden, who handles the program for the county, said it is very important for eligible recipients to pick up their commodities.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions passed their toughest test of the postseason so far, overcoming an eight-run deficit in Game 2 to complete a sweep of their Class 2A regional quarterfinal baseball series against Coleman at McMurry’s Walt Driggers Field.

The Lions (19-4) pulled away to win Game 1, played Friday, May 20 with a score of 7-1 after being tied 1-1 in the fourth inning. In Game 2, played Saturday, May 21, Albany won 14-12 in eight innings after trailing 11-3 in the third inning.

By Sam Waller

The entire Albany Lady Lions starting lineup earned spots on the All-District 8-2A softball team after making their deepest playoff run since 2018.

Ana Balliew received Albany’s lone superlative honor as Pitcher of the Year. Shortstop Robin Lucas, catcher Haily Cox, and third baseman Sara Smith were named to the first-team infield, with Ansleigh Garcia and Gracie Price chosen for the first-team outfield.