After morning worship and Sunday School, the Sunbeams boarded the church bus and stopped at McDonald's to grab a quick lunch. This group of youngsters were on a mission. They had a date with the Cookie Monster!!! Well, actually, they had tickets to see the Sesame Street Play sponsored by the USO at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center in Ft. Benning, GA. But, to them it was like an adventure.
Because of the ticket count, there was not room for every Sunbeam, but the ones that went will happily share their experience with those who couldn't go.
The group got a chance to meet and even shake hands with and hug Elmo, Grover, the Cookie Monster, and other Sesame Street characters--all of them life-size. The characters performed the play on stage, sang songs, and invited the children to sing along. They even came down from the stage into the audience and shook hands with the children, while parents, and even the children who had cell phones took pictures with cameras and cell phones.
The event lasted about 30 minutes, but it created a lasting image in the minds of all the children who attended. Each child--and adult was given a Sesame Street toy as a souvenir that will serve as a wonderful reminder of the day they came face to face with the Cookie Monster.
Beason experiences Alabama Boys State
June 5, 2010
Congratulations to Aaron Beason, who was chosen to participate in Alabama Boys State on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa during the week of May 31 - June 5, 2010.
AlabamaBoysState is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. BoysState week is a full and active week held on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
At BoysState, student delegates have the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, and civic leaders. They can also focus on their areas of interest such as law school, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city or county government, etc. There is also activity time during which they can participate in recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, academic bowl, etc.
The American Legion, which sponsors the event, believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys States.
Young men chosen to be BoysState participants can look forward to a wonderful and challenging experience. All who attend can acquire a better understanding and regard for two of our nation?s benefits: freedom and democracy.
The Debutante Cotillion is an Experience for St. Mark Youth
April 3, 2010
The Tuskegee Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. presented its 15th Biennial Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kellogg Conference Center, on the historic campus of Tuskegee University.
Eight young ladies were introduced to society during this culminating event, which took place in the beautifully decorated grand ballroom.
Beginning in October 2009, several young ladies from the area were selected to participate in this momentous program. Each young lady in turn selected an escort (Squire) of upstanding character.
They attended clinics on etiquette and financial planning, as well as socials held in their honor.
Greater St. Mark Youth who participated in the 15th Biennial Cotillion were KiJuan Jones, who squired Debutante Lauren Cooper; Craig Milner, who squired Debutante Shineka Sanders; and Joshua Renfroe, who squired Debutante Rosie Long.
Even though fundraising was not a favorite part of the experience, it was a necessary part because these funds go toward scholarships, community projects, and event operations.
Congratulations to Squires KiJuan Jones, Craig Milner, and Joshua Renfroe, who received plaques, and congratulations to Debutante Lauren Cooper for winning the "Highest GPA" award.
Thanks goes out to Sis. Melanie Lunsford-Johnson and the other members of the Tuskegee Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. for giving our youth this opportunity.
Greater St. Mark Youth participate in Annual Youth Convention
March 20, 2010
It was very early Saturday morning, March 20, that Greater St. Mark Youth got out of their beds, and ate a hasty breakfast of cereal, Pop Tarts, or Toaster Streudel. But they knew they had to get their parents to bring them to the church at 6:45 a.m. The bus would be leaving by 7:00 a.m.
Today, they would journey to Elba, Alabama to the Greater New Zion Missionary Baptist Church to take part in the Southeast District's Annual Youth Convention. So, Greater St. Mark Youth -- Sunbeams in their yellow shirts and black skirts or slacks, Red Circle in their white dresses, and Crusaders in their white shirts with tie and black pants -- loaded into two church vans and rode for almost 2 hours to pull up at the church.
As it turned out, Greater St. Mark Youth had a good attendance. In fact, Greater St. Mark, including the advisors, once again brought the attendance banner back as the largest group in attendance.
But, that was not the only accomplishment to credit to Greater St. Mark Youth. They also had major roles in the service. First, Greater St. Mark Crusaders led the devotion. Then, Sis. Lauren Cooper served as Mistress of Ceremony for the event. Sis. LaPrecious Hackworth ran for office within the Red Circle. She is now the 2010-2011 Secretary of the Red Circle for the Southeast District!!!
Then, Sis. Martha Mayo led the song for the combined Red Circle choir. Sis. Maria Robinson, advisor for the Greater St. Mark Red Circle, presented the crown to Martha for her diligence in Red Circle projects. Bro. Donald Brooks gave the scripture. Bro. TaBarious Cook gave the financial report. And the Greater St. Mark Crusaders led all of the songs for the combined Crusaders choir.
But, the highlight of the day was a keynote address given by our own, Bro. KiJuan Jones, who received a standing ovation for his delivery. After an introduction by his grandfather, Dea. Willie Jones, KiJuan proceeded to lecture the audience on the duties of man, giving scriptual references to back up his address.
After the program, having had a hot nutritious lunch in between, the tired, but satisfied group headed back home.
Pace receives "Woman of the Year" award
March 14, 2010
Congratulations to Dr. Ralphenia D. Pace, who received the prestigious award of "Woman of the Year" from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The award was presented at the annual Finer Womanhood banquet held at the Washington Chapel Parish House on Sunday, March 14, 2010. Pace's award was presented to her by Ms. Erica Hudson, a chapter member of Zeta Phi Beta.
Pace, a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, has been affiliated with Tuskegee University since the mid 1980's. She has served as Head of the Dept. of Home Economics and Dean of Academic and student Affairs in the School of Agriculture and Home Economics.
She has also served as Professor in the Nutrition Program and Chairperson of the International Food and Nutrition Conference. Currently, she is Professor and Head of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.
Pace has a long record of outreach services. These include: Former Principal Investigator in the implementation of 3 Community Nutrition Education Programs; Past Chair of Local and Area Nutrition Health and Physical Activity Fair, and current Chair of Nutrition Health Initiative for the City of Tuskegee.
The Speaker for the occasion was Ms. Tonya Terry, News Anchor for WSFA TV 12. Terry spoke about overcoming hardships and adversities to achieve your goals.
Also on program were Mrs. Deborah Ellis, who presented the award of "Zeta of the Year" to Mrs. Grace F. Harris, who has been like a surrogate mother to her since she was young, and is still a close family friend.
The 2010 Finer Womanhood Committee includes: Minnie Austin, Annie Bascomb, Brooke A. Burks, Katy Campbell, Sallie A. Fernandes. Elaine Harrington, Grace Harris, Johnnie Harrison, Lillie Hicks, Erica Hudson, Janice Maxwell, and Senora Moore, who serves as Chapter President.
Austin named local NAACP chapter First Vice President
March 2, 2010
Officers were elected and others honored by the Tuskegee-Macon County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at its Centennial Celebration on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
The meeting was held at the Macon County Commission Chambers.
The following officers were elected: Barbara Howard, president; Minnie Austin, first vice president; Guy Trammell, second vice president; Jacquelyn Carlisle, secretary/treasurer; Rose Washington, assistant secretary; and Beatrice Smith, assistant treasurer.
February 21, 2010 Congratulations to Sis. Lydia Wilson. Lydia was chosen as one of the top 100 Outstanding Macon County Students.
Menefee Assumes Role as First Black Male AAPJ President
February 4, 2010
Macon County Probate Judge Alfonza Menefee assumed the reins of the Alabama Association of Probate Judges (AAPJ) last month, making history as the first black male to lead the group.
But 22 years prior, Menefee, now 63, had already secured his historic legacy as Macon County?s first ? and to date only ? black American probate judge. It?s a position he believes obligates him to serve as a role model in the community, especially this time of year.
?To me, Black History Month is a time to inspire younger blacks to reach for higher heights,? Menefee said. ?It?s a time to hopefully exhibit something that can encourage them to elevate beyond the single-family homes and limited resources around them and use the motivation of black leaders to work for something.?
Judge Menefee may now be attempting to lift by example, but he is a model of what he believes about Black History Month. He was born and raised in Tuskegee and educated in the Macon County School System. He attended college at Tuskegee University where he earned a Bachelor?s of Science degree in agriculture and a Master?s of plant and soil conservation.
Local education taught him to be a farmer, but after serving in the military following college, Menefee returned to Tuskegee and served his community as a police officer.
Farming was what he knew though, and it wasn?t long before he was back to it. He managed SEASHA?s agriculture program for a while before venturing into private enterprise ? farming more than 2,000 acres of row crop.
What turned Menefee into Judge Menefee didn?t come until later, when a leadership program forged in collaboration between Auburn University, Alabama State University and Tuskegee University selected him to participate in a two-year training session that would take him around the world.
Crown Prince and Princess Named at Premiere de la Premiere
December 12, 2009 During the 10th Biennial Premiere de la Premiere, Marqui David Harris and Taylor Marie Welch were named 2009 Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
Crown Prince First Runner-Up was Aubrey Malik McDade and Second Runner-Up was Tahjay De?Quan Piner. For the Princesses, First Runner-Up was Maya Alyssa Johnson. Second Runner-Up was Princess Tiya? Vaniece Jones.
The event, presented Dec. 12, 2009 by The Tuskegee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., also included participant voting for Prince and Princess Charming and Spirit of Premiere Prince and Princess.
Marqui Harris was named Prince Charming and the Spirit of Premiere Prince in addition to taking the crown, while Tiya? Vaniece Jones was named Princess Charming and Jere? Dominique Armstead was deemed Spirit of Premiere Princess.
All participants received savings bonds based upon the amount raised for the event and a copy of ?Brown Angels,? a book of verse by Walter Dean Myers. Participants also received a Premiere de la Premiere trophy, watch, tee shirt, photograph and a copy of the issue of The Tuskegee News that highlighted all 13 that took part in the Premiere.
Net proceeds from Premiere de la Premiere support Delta service projects and other events. -- Article Source: www.thetuskegeenews.com, Feb. 11, 2010
Lauren Cooper participates in Macon County Junior Miss
August 29, 2009
The Macon County Junior Miss Competition was held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (VA Hospital) building 90. The competition is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Macon County.
Sis. Lauren Cooper, participated in the competition along with 7 other contestants: Elizabeth Ebo, a student at Booker T. Washington High School, Rachel Gandy, a student at Montgomery Academy, Jasmine Gray, a student at Booker T. Washington High School, Ashley Hostetter, a student at Eastwood Christian School, Sharanne Patterson, a student at Booker T. Washington High School, Melanie Tolbert, a student at Booker T. Washington High School, and Natasha Williams, a student at Notasulga High School.
Lauren, who is a student at St. Jude Educational Institute in Montgomery, AL won the "Scholastic Award." A separate panel of qualified educators reviewed transcripts of grades in core classes, college prep classes, electives, scores of scholastic tests and college entrance exams of all of the contestants. Lauren was proclaimed the winner of this category, which also carried a monetary prize.
Sis. Shamori Maxwell and Sis. Martha Mayo served as 'Little Sisters' in the Contest. Martha served as Little Sister to Lauren Cooper and Shamori served as Little Sister to Jasmine Gray.
Sis TaMyra Robinson, 2008 Macon County Junior Miss, and Sis. Christel Haygood, 2006 Macon County Junior Miss, served as Emcees of the Program. The winner of this year's Macon County Junior Miss Competition was Rachel Gandy. The first runner up was Ashley Hostetter, and the second runner up was Melanie Tolbert.
Sis. Mary Hooks, Education Specialist at the Tuskegee Area Health Education Center in Tuskegee, AL., serves as treasurer of the Kiwanis Club. Sis. Mary Arrington, a Biology Teacher and Cheerleader Coach at Booker T. Washington High School, has served as choreographer for the Macon County Junior Miss Program for more than 20 years. Sis. Deborah Biggers, an Attorney in Tuskegee, AL., served as Chairperson of the Panel of Judges. Also assisting with the Junior Miss Program were Sis. Natasha Brown, Sis. Shirley Curry, Sis. Janeen Roberts, Sis. Juanita Roberts, Sis. Janice Robinson, and Bro. Ulysees Roberts.
Lauren is the daughter of James and Cassandra Cooper.
Bro. Alphonso Hooks on magazine cover
Hooks featured in Alabama Farmers Federation Magazine
June 14, 2009 Congratulations to Bro. Alphonso Hooks and wife, Myra. Bro. Hooks was featured on the cover and in an article in the June 2009 issue of the Alabama Farmers Federation magazine entitled "Neighbors."
Hooks, owner of a thriving produce farm in Macon County, reveals that he puts a lot of effort into producing "A Garden for Myra." The results of his efforts aids in the recovery of his wife, Myra, who had a stroke a few years ago, but is coming along nicely.
Al and Myra have two sons, Alphonso Jr., and Demetrius.
Dr. Constance Hendricks
American Academy of Nursing selects Constance Hendricks for Fellowship
May 24, 2009 Congratulations to Sis. Constance Smith Hendricks on being selected for a fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing. This is the top honor in nursing. The Academy serves the public and the nursing profession by advancing health policy and practice through the generations, synthesis and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Sis. Hendricks is a Professor in the School of Nursing at Auburn University.
The Coopers, Congressman Bright, and "Sarge" Whitehead
Coopers receive 4-H Length of Service Award
May 21, 2009 Alabama State 4-H Program celebrated 100 years. Autauga, Elmore, Macon, and Montgomery counties held a Centennial Celebration on Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Ampitheatre on the Riverfront in Montgomery, AL. Congressman Bobby Bright was the keynote speaker.
4-H Youth members, volunteers, club leaders, supporters, and staff members attended the event. Following the personal experience 4-H stories of Congressman Bright, greetings were given by county 4-H youth representatives: Bethany Pate of Montgomery County, KiJuan Jones of Macon County, Quentin Smith of Elmore County, and Elizabeth Petrunic of Autauga County.
Mr. John Pulliam, Macon County Extension Director presented awards to Macon County recipients in the following three categories: Lifetime Achievement Award to Ruso Minnifee, Sponsorship Award to Willie "Sarge" Whitehead and Milton McGregor of Victoryland, and Length of Service Award to James and Cassandra Cooper.
The Coopers were members of 4-H in grade school through high school and continue to support the 4-H program by being volunteers since 1988.
Ms. Candie Glover is the 4-H Regional Extension Agent and Mr. John Pulliam is the Macon County Extension Service Director.
- article source: The Tuskegee News, May 21, 2009
Youth Choir, Praise Dancers and Steppers
Greater St. Mark Youth give striking Performances at Youth Rally
May 2, 2009 Greater St. Mark loaded up the bus and traveled to Troy University in Troy, Alabama to once again compete in the Southeast District Annual Youth Rally.
Dr. Clarence P. Noble is President of the Southeast District State Convention and Dr. L.C. McMillian is President of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention.
58 Churches from the Southeast District and 1 church from the Northeast District attended the Annual Youth Rally on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The total attendance was logged at 1,493. Greater St. Mark represented with approximately 36 youth and 19 adults.
Presentations of winners were made during the morning session for the following contests that were held earlier: the Oratorical Contest, the Bible Bowl Contest, and the Essay Contest.
Greater St. Mark came away with two places. Sis. Destiny Caldwell presented a rousing speech to win 1st Place in the Oratorical Contest, and the young men of the Crusaders took 2nd Place in the Bible Bowl.
Elections for Youth Officers were also held during the morning session, followed by an inspirational message from Rev. Jamaal Oliver, Associate Minister of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, AL.
The afternoon brought the competitions of Drill Teams, Steppers, Choir Sing-off, Pantomime, Church Banners, and Praise Dancers. Greater St. Mark Steppers presented a brand new routine and out-stepped problems with the audio, but those steps did not add up to a victory. The Greater St. Mark Youth Choir was very hopeful when they delivered their rendition of "There's Hope," but that hope was short-lived when other choirs sang away with the victory. But, both groups gave outstanding performances!
All groups who entered the Praise Dance Competition wore beautiful costumes and gave performances that drew in the audience. But, the Greater St. Mark Praise Dancers once again brought home the trophy for 1st Place by giving a foot-stomping, church-shouting performance, which had the audience once again on their feet. They danced and shouted to "Long as I've Got King Jesus"and gave such a dynamic execution that it left the audience thinking how they will be able to top such a performance next year.
Thanks goes out to the chaperones, drivers, and musicians who helped the youth in their efforts. Special Thanks goes out to Sis. Mary Arrington, Bro. Clinton Bean, and again to the young men who worked with the Steppers: Bros. Terence Gamble, Wesley Davis, Michael Merideth, Steven Loud, Alexander James Turner, Walter Bush, Andre Lewis, and Ramell Chambers.
Very Special Thanks goes out to our Youth Leaders: Sis. Janice Robinson, Bro. Tommy Robinson, and our pastor, Rev. C.P. Noble.
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