Albany High School students will follow a major lunch schedule change this year as the boys’ and girls’ athletic periods move to different times.
AHS male students will have athletics during fifth period and eat lunch at 12:35 p.m., while female athletes will have athletics sixth period and eat lunch at 1:20 p.m. after their athletic period. Traditionally, the boys and girls have had lunch at the same time and athletics last period.
Hundreds of Albany Lions and Lady Lions supporters filled the Clear Fork Bank Park on Monday, August 11, for the annual ice cream supper that marks the start of the fall sports season. The long-running event once again gave the community a chance to meet the athletes and hear directly from the coaches about the year ahead.
Athletes from JV and varsity football, volleyball, cross country, and cheerleading took the stage to introduce themselves. Each coach spoke about their team’s preparations and expectations for the season.
“BE STILL AND KNOW”
Most of us have experienced a time when it seemed like our whole world was coming apart all around us. Psalm 46 was written in the aftermath of such a time – a time when the psalmist felt like his whole world was coming apart around him with no hope in sight; then God stepped in. The psalmist reminds us that our God is an ever - present help in times of trouble.
The Shackelford County 4-H program recently concluded another successful year with its annual awards banquet held Saturday, August 9, where members were recognized for their project completions and outstanding achievements.
The new 4-H year is now getting underway with planning strategies this month and a formal kickoff in September.
“The rest of August will be spent meeting with the officer teams and adult leaders to plan, and we’ll kick off our new year in September,” Shackelford County Extension Agent and 4-H sponsor Kelsey Bell said. “We don’t have a date set yet.”
Teachers of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year were recognized during the annual Staff Breakfast last Wednesday, Aug. 6, held at The Feed Store, marking the start of the new school year. The awards, selected by peers, highlight the dedication and impact of outstanding educators in the Albany Independent School District.
Nancy Smith Elementary School honored Roxanne LeMay, a 10-year Albany teaching veteran currently instructing kindergarten. LeMay has also taught second grade during her time with the district.
A devastating house fire broke out shortly after midnight in Moran on August 4, leaving a local family with nothing. The home, occupied by a family of six, was declared a total loss after the flames burned intensely for several hours. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
You may have noticed the paper looks and feels a little different this week. That’s because this issue marks the beginning of a new printing partnership for The Albany News. After many years of being printed in Lubbock, we’ve officially moved our printing operations to Midway Press in Dallas.
Final results from the Texas Education Agency show Albany ISD students performed well on the spring 2025 STAAR and End of Course exams, with AISD passing rates well above statewide averages in most subjects.
Leigh Lowe, Albany ISD director of student services, said the district is seeing consistent performance and encouraging growth.
“Scores remain steady and we are showing growth in the Meets and Masters categories,” Lowe said. “In most areas we are close to or above the region and state averages in the targeted categories.”
Cool morning temperatures gave Albany football players a welcome surprise as the first official week of practice got underway. Head Coach Denney Faith said the early conditions allowed for crisp, focused workouts to start the season.
“It’s been really cooperative weather-wise,” Faith said. “We’ve had a good start.”
The Lions opened the week under UIL acclimation rules, beginning with two days in shorts before adding shoulder pads on Wednesday. Full-contact practice was expected to begin Friday.
The Albany Lady Lions officially opened the 2025 volleyball season Friday, August 1, with a full weekend of workouts, community service, and team-building activities aimed at setting the tone for a strong year.
Head Coach MJ Reneau said 20 players are out for the team this season, ensuring full JV and varsity rosters with depth. While the program has had a third team in past years, Reneau said she hopes to see continued growth to bring that back in the future.
