By Sandy Morris
Albany FFA judging teams are working hard to get ready for upcoming Career Development Event (CDE) contests this month.
Local teams will compete in farm business management, horse judging, vet tech science, range and pasture, livestock, and wildlife.
Wildlife Contest
The Albany FFA Wildlife team competed at the Anson Invitational contest on Monday, March 1.
AHS placed seventh out of 22 teams in the competition to kick off the spring CDE season.
By Sandy Morris
Albany eighth graders Jake and Abi Hale recently competed in the Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The purpose of the contest is to encourage more 4-H and FFA members to participate in a practical beef production program.
The event heavily emphasizes feeding and management of financial costs, and exhibitors are expected to have a firm understanding of the economics associated with the beef cattle industry.
By Sandy Morris
Next week, while the majority of Albany Independent School District students are enjoying Spring Break, the Cross Examination Debate team of Leddie Leech and Ella Webb will compete in the state Cross-X meet starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 15.
All preliminary rounds will take place on Monday with the elimination rounds starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
By Sandy Morris
Although Albany High School’s One Act Play did not advance to the next round of competition, three members of the cast and crew won special awards at the district contest held last Wednesday in Haskell.
“The Love of Oranges” members who were recognized were Cydney Nelson – All-Star Cast, Chey’anne Weaver – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, and Presley Green – Technical Crew Award.
OAP director Jenny Scott was very proud of the students and their performance at the district competition.
By Sandy Morris
Members of the Albany High School Band took a trip last week to prepare for contest and to have some fun.
AHS band director Will Vaughan said the group went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5 and had fun in the water both days.
By Sandy Morris
Albany ISD students, faculty, and staff are scheduled to dismiss for the spring break holiday at the regular time on Friday, March 12.
Cheerleader try-outs will be held on Friday prior to the break, with the sixth graders bused over to the Albany High School gym for the competition.
Spring break will take place March 15-19.
Classes will resume at the normal time on Monday, March 22.
By Sandy Morris
During the season of Lent, Catholics and other denominations often abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
In holding true to this tenet of faith and obedience, members of the Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church will host a fish fry fundraiser from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, following the Stations of the Cross at 5:15 p.m.
Organizer Jeff Bezner said while the money raised will be used for church needs and local mission work, the fundraiser is more about bringing back a sense of community.
By Sandy Morris
A raffle and a brisket plate fundraiser have been arranged at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 21 to benefit local resident Kristi Brooker.
Brooker, who is fighting Stage Four breast cancer, has been a long-time supporter of the community and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter.
The brisket plate fundraiser will be held at the Bank Park and will include brisket, beans, and potato salad.
The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per plate and all meals will be served ‘to-go’ starting at 11:00 a.m.
By Sandy Morris
Local resident Elsie Byrne recently celebrated her 104th birthday on Monday, Feb. 22.
Byrne was surprised with a party organized by close family friend Catherine Burton of Abilene.
Friends celebrated at Los Cazadores with Byrne, who still lives on her own.
By Sandy Morris
Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2021 North Texas Express Nationals at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland on Sunday, March 7.
The Level 3 team members were named National Champions in their division and brought home a banner for the gym and a hoodie for each girl on the team.
Coach Kourtnee Waters said the team did very well, despite several obstacles.
