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Baseball Team Wraps Up 2013 Season, Sets Tryout Date OZARK, AL – Snead State Community College’s baseball team has wrapped up its 2013 season. The Parsons went 1-2 in their second appearance in a row at the Alabama Community College State Tournament. The 2013 season has proven to be a memorable one for the Parsons and one for the history books. Snead State broke the record for the most wins in a season and in its best showing ever, six players filled 14 spots on All-Conference teams. The team’s coaching staff includes Head Coach Gerry Ledbetter and Assistant Coaches Casey Underwood, Jerry Wayne Hallmark and David Russo. “Not only has our baseball team done well on the field but they have had a remarkable year in the classroom as well,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard. “The team has a collective grade point average of 3.03 and 13 of our 15 sophomores have already received their Associate degrees on schedule and will graduate this summer.” “Our coaches have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to ensure that our players perform well both on the field and in the classrooms. We know our students are prepared to succeed at the next phase of their college careers and wish them all the best.” Four of the Parsons have already signed to continue their college baseball careers at the next level. Two additional sophomores are expected to sign in the next couple of weeks. Coaches agreed that the leadership and dedication from the sophomores on the team has been phenomenal and were one of several determining factors in the success of the team this season. “I’m very proud of my kids for how they’ve played and for their grades,” said Coach Ledbetter. “One reason I believe our program does so well is we have three of the best assistant coaches in the state – Hitting Coach Casey Underwood, Pitching Coach Jerry Hallmark and Coach David Russo. On a daily basis, they share the importance of getting an education and playing baseball. That went a long way with our team this year. I appreciate my assistant coaches and am proud of them.” “I also want to let the administration at Snead State know how much I appreciate them as well for their work not only with our baseball program but with our entire athletic department as well.” Snead State 6, Enterprise 5 Five of the nine starting Parsons collected RBIs Saturday against Enterprise State. Anthony Wagnon went 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Trey Shaw went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Parker Madden hit the ball well in the first game of the tournament but only managed to grab one base hit. He went 1-for-5 with two run scored and an RBI. He had a walk and a stolen base in the game. Sam Eure went 1-for-4 with an RBI walk in the ninth inning that helped force the game into extra innings with a 5-5 tie. Eure led off the bottom of the twelfth inning with a crucial double and was eventually the game winning run. Eure scored off a walkoff single by Jesse Thomas, who went 2-for-5 in the game. Thomas also recorded a homerun in the fourth inning. Reed Bright started for the Parsons and pitched an excellent outing despite giving up four runs. He went six innings and had nine strikeouts and gave up six hits. David Collins came in as relief and went the entire rest of the game for six innings. He only gave up one run on a homerun in the seventh inning. The two pitchers combined for 12 innings and 15 strikeouts. Collins was credited with his third win on the year as the Parsons defeated Enterprise 6-5. Southern Union 8, Snead State 2 The Parsons took on the ACCC Central’s number one seeded Southern Union on Sunday. The Parsons were defeated 8-2. Madden went 2-for-4. Blake Truett went 2-for-2 with two base on balls and a run scored. He also recorded a stolen base in the game. Trey Shaw went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in the game. Reed Bright led the Parsons on offense going 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Jamey Barnes started and went 4.1 innings and gave up five earned runs. He pitched well until he ran into problems in the fifth inning. He started the inning off with a base on balls, followed by four consecutive hits. Colton Clifton came in to relieve Barnes and pitched 0.2 innings. He also gave up an earned run. Preston Thompson finished the game. In three innings, he gave up no runs on one hit and recorded two strikeouts and a walk. Wallace-Dothan 6, Snead State 4 Snead State scored a run with an RBI single off the bat of Pat Lecroy to start game three of the tournament. LeCroy went 1-for-5. Wagnon went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a run scored in the game. Thomas had another two-hit game and went 2-for-5. Reed Bright went 1-for-4 with a base on balls and a run scored. Jakob Kirkwood went 1-for-4 with a hit by a pitch and a run scored. Daniel Moore started the game for the Parsons but gave up two, two-run homeruns in the first inning. Caleb Roberts came in for the second inning and gave up two unearned runs, which proved to later be the deciding factor in the game. Hunter Payne pitched 3.1 innings and gave up no runs on only one hit. He had two strikeouts and a walk. Ryan McNaughton pitched the final three innings and faced ten batters. He gave up one hit and no runs. He recorded two strikeouts and a walk in the 6-4 loss. Snead State Sets Tryout Date The Snead State Community College baseball team will hold an open tryout on Monday, May 20, at 2 p.m. for anyone interested in playing during the 2013-2014 season. Interested players must bring an updated physical, proof of insurance and a copy of their current transcripts to practice. read more...

Snead State Holds Spring Commencement Ceremony Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland The annual Spring Commencement Ceremony at Snead State Community College brought students, faculty and staff, family and special guests together to share in the successes and accomplishments of the approximately 190 graduates participating. Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland served as the Commencement speaker for Thursday’s ceremony, held in the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium. Dr. Westmoreland spoke on three life lessons the graduates could learn based on the life of a famous historical leader – Moses. Dr. Westmoreland reminded the audience of Moses’ journey as a baby left in a basket by the Nile River, only to be discovered and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, as a boy raised as a Hebrew, and as a man who upon witnessing a Hebrew being beaten by an Egyptian stepped in to take matters into his own hands. “Moses killed the Egyptian. Then later on, he comes upon two Hebrews fighting. He steps in, only to have them ask him ‘who made you ruler of the world?’ They asked him if he planned to kill them as he had the Egyptian. And Moses realized, ‘What I did must have become known.’ What we do as leaders will also become known,” said Dr. Westmoreland. He advised the graduates to remember the three life lessons illustrated through Moses’ life: wise decisions require time; true leadership requires moral authority; and right relationships require transparency. He challenged them to be ethical leaders. “Do you know what is right when no one is looking? Look at Moses. He was used to free people and transform a nation. He learned his life lessons well,” Dr. Westmoreland said. Dr. Westmoreland told the graduates they were already leaders, and a few of those leaders were recognized by Snead State Community College President Dr. Robert Exley for their accomplishments while dealing with challenging circumstances. Ellen Stephens of Albertville and Clarence Warden of Guntersville worked at the Kendall/Berry factory in Albertville for more than 30 years. Too young and without adequate resources to retire, they suddenly faced the challenge of “restarting their work life,” said Dr. Exley. “Not only did they both have the courage to do just that, they have done so with great success.” Trent Hundley of Guntersville started at Snead State in 2006 on a basketball scholarship, but due to unfortunate circumstances, had to withdraw from school in 2008 before graduating. Recently, he enrolled in the Ready to Work program available through the Snead State Workforce Development Program, and was able to use that experience to return to Snead. His return hasn’t been an easy journey. An injury prevented him from playing basketball, and he also suffered the loss of his mother. “Trent stayed the course to finish what he started. He will transfer to a four-year university and major in physical therapy,” Dr. Exley announced. Erin Kelley of Arab attended SSCC as a Presidential Scholar with dreams of one day becoming a teacher. “She impressed me with her tenacity and determination as she pursues her academic students and her dream to be a teacher even though she deals with a challenging speech disorder. Erin exemplifies the courage of so many of our students as she refuses to allow this or anything else to limit her dream.” Amidst the celebration Thursday night came a somber moment during which Dr. Exley honored a student who was killed this spring before having an opportunity to receive his diploma. The late Paul Marin was to receive his Associate degree as the top student in the Computer Science Technology Program at Snead State before he lost his life in an automobile accident in April. Mr. Marin was awarded his Associate degree posthumously to his family during the Commencement Ceremony Thursday night. Pictured, from left is Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley, guest speaker Dr. Andrew Westmoreland, President of Samford University, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jason Watts, Mr. Marin’s wife, Holly, and their three children. The late Paul Marin was a top student in the Computer Science Technology program. He was nominated for the League for Innovation in Community College’s Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award. He came to America from Romania eight years ago, and he told his instructors, “It was my dream to come to this country to obtain a good education and to be able to provide for my family.” While pursuing an Associate degree, Mr. Marin worked two jobs. He was married to Sardis native, Holly Goforth Marin. At the time of his death, he and Mrs. Marin were expecting their third child. Mrs. Marin along with their children – including the newest addition to the family – crossed the Commencement stage Thursday night to accept a framed Associate degree awarded posthumously to Mr. Marin. “Mother Teresa once said, ‘I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.’ As evidenced through his life, Paul served as an instrument to write a love letter to the world through his integrity, his dedication to excellence, his sacrifice for his family and most of all through his life testimony. We are blessed to have had Paul as a Snead State Parson, and along with his family, we miss him today,” said Dr. Exley. Honoring student success and achievement continued not only with the presentation of certificates and degrees but also with the presentation of student awards. Vice President for Student Services Jason Cannon presented the Civitan Best All-Around Student Award to Bria Dupree of Birmingham. Vice President for Student Services Jason Cannon presented the James B. Allen Award to Brady Keel of Boaz. Bria Dupree of Birmingham received the Civitan Best All-Around Student Award. The Civitan Award is presented annually to the Best All-Around Student of the graduating class. To be eligible for this award, the student must have attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters and attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. In addition, the student should have participated in extracurricular and community activities. The student is elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates who are participating in the graduation ceremonies. Brady Keel of Boaz was awarded the James B. Allen Award presented annually to the Outstanding Student of the graduating class. This award is a gift of the late James B. Allen, United States Senator from Alabama. To be eligible for this award, the student must have exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership and service, attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.5, and attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters. The student is elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates who are participating in the graduation ceremonies. Keel and Erin Kelley of Arab were recognized as this year’s members of the All-Alabama Academic Team. The All-Alabama Scholarship program is a complement to the All-USA National Academic Team Program, which is sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges. read more...

Snead Alumnus Accepts New Position A Snead State Community College alumnus continues to achieve success within the college environment. Dr. Stuart D. Noel, formerly of Boaz, was named the Academic Division Dean for English at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta. Dr. Noel served as interim dean for three years before accepting the permanent post on April 1. Also, he served as Chair of the Department of English from 2006-2010. As the Academic Division Dean for the English Division, Dr. Noel oversees the English division and individual English departments and leads the English discipline faculty in academic strategic planning. Working closely with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, he serves as an advocate for the division’s Department Chairs and their faculty to ensure efficient management of the division’s resources. He also assists in developing new and innovative programs to enhance academic quality and strengthen student success. Dr. Noel serves as the liaison between Georgia Perimeter College and external organizations and works with the College’s Grants and Sponsored Programs, Institutional Advancement, and community initiatives to obtain external funding. In addition to his responsibilities as an Academic Division Dean, Dr. Noel serves as an Associate Professor of English. He was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of English effective July 1. The first of Dr. Noel’s four degrees was earned at Snead State. He graduated with an Associate in English in 1984. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his Master’s and Ph.D. from Georgia State University. He has been working with Georgia Perimeter College since 1998. Georgia Perimeter College currently operates five campuses and serves more than 26,000 students. Dr. Noel continues to maintain his connection to his alma mater as a lifetime member of the Snead State Alumni Association. read more...

Parson Baseball Team Fills Up All-Conference Teams In its best showing ever, six players from the Snead State Community College baseball team filled 14 spots on All-Conference teams in the Alabama Community College Conference. “This has been an exciting year for our team,” said Coach Gerry Ledbetter. “This has been the second year in a row we’ve made it to the state tournament. We broke the school record for season wins. And, now we have a remarkable showing on our ACCC conference teams.” First-baseman Pat Lecroy of West Palm Beach, Fla., received two honors for his performance during the season. He was named to the All-North and All-Region First Teams for infielders. Lecroy is a sophomore and has eight homeruns on the season. He has 37 RBIs and a .426 batting average. He finished the regular season with 52 hits and 13 doubles. Center-fielder Parker Madden of Woodstock, Ga., was also named the All-North First Team for outfielders, and catcher Sam Eure of Kennesaw, Ga., was named the solo catcher to the All-North First Team for catchers. Madden and Eure were named to the All-Region Second Teams. They are both sophomores. Madden currently has a .355 batting average and 15 stolen bases. He finished with 12 RBIs. Eure has a .323 batting average and 26 RBIs. He recorded five doubles during the season. Boaz native and shortstop Blake Truett and second-baseman Trey Shaw of Alexandria were named to the All-North Second Team for infielders. Both are sophomores, and Pelham’s Reed Bright, a freshman, was also named to the Second Team for outfielders. Truett finished the 2013 regular season with 46 RBIs, eight doubles, and two triples. He has eight stolen bases and a .261 batting average. Shaw recorded 24 RBIs with a .271 batting average. He had 18 stolen bases on the year. Bright has a .286 batting average and nine stolen bases. He had five doubles. Five Parsons were named to the prestigious Golden Glove Team, which recognizes superior defensive play. Truett, Madden and Eure were all named to the First Team. Shaw and Bright received Second Team honors. Bright was named to the All-North Second Team for outfielders but received Golden Glove honors for pitching. He finished the regular season 4-3 with a 3.8 ERA. He recorded 50 strikeouts and 24 earned runs. read more...

Four Parsons Move to Next Level Four students in the basketball programs at Snead State Community College signed and sealed their commitments to continue their play at the next level Thursday afternoon. Not only have the student-athletes excelled on the courts but in the classroom as well. All four players will graduate with their Associate degree tonight. “We are extremely proud of our students and their accomplishments both on and off court. We believe Snead State has prepared them to be successful in their future and look forward to seeing their success grow even bigger,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard. The Alabama State Hornets picked up commitments from Snead State guard DeMarcus Robinson and forward Brandon Graham. Robinson is a 5-foot-11 guard. He averaged 16 points and 2.6 rebounds in 29 games for the Parsons. Robinson also received offers from South Carolina State, Georgia College and Clayton State in Georgia. “DeMarcus is one of the best guards I have ever had the good fortune to coach,” said Coach Welborn. “He exhibits exceptional athletic abilities in spades, and that’s what every coach dreams of in a player. He can make any shot, any pass, any move that is required at the highest levels of basketball. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to coach such a talented player. He is a high-academic, high-character guy.” Coach Welborn spoke positively about Robinson’s uncanny ability to make clutch shots and to lead a team through example and actions more than words. “I have enjoyed my time at Snead State, and I have learned a lot of new stuff and met a lot of new people,” said Demarcus, who’s from Jonesboro, Ga. “I became a better student athlete and am excited for the new the opportunity at Alabama State. I appreciate all of my teachers and coaches at Snead State for helping me make it to where I am today. I will miss my teammates; they are some great people. I’ll remember them for the rest of my life.” The 6-foot-6 Graham was a standout at Munford High School before signing with Snead State two years ago. He averaged 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists at a sophomore and declined offers from Florida A&M and Clayton State to become a Hornet. “Through hard work and dedication in skill development, Brandon has become a force who can score from the block or the arc. His tenacity on the boards and his ability and willingness to pass the ball are special. He will do great things at Alabama State,” said Coach Welborn. Coach Welborn also mentioned Graham’s diligence and commitment to excellence in the classroom. He said his academics have been his primary focus. “I’ve had a fun time the last two years at Snead State. I’ve made a lot of friends and have had some wonderful teammates over the last two years. I’ve had some nice teachers that have really helped me out and wanted me to succeed,” said Brandon. Robinson was a first team all-region and All-North Division selection after finishing the season forth in scoring in the Alabama Community College Conference. Graham was a second-team choice to the All-North Division team. Brandon and Demarcus have played together for the past two years and are excited for the opportunity to continue to play together. “It’s going to be an easier transition to have my teammate going with me to Alabama State. It’s going to be another fun and exciting two years,” said Brandon. Austin Watkins, a native of Decatur, signed with Fisk University in Nashville. Watkins finished his sophomore year averaging 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He totaled 44 assists on the year. He was a 6-foot-2 starting guard for the Parsons. “My last two years have been a great experience for me. I learned a lot working with Coach Welborn. Because of the time I’ve spent at Snead State, being a part of this team, I have improved my skills on the court, and I’m ready to take the next step. I’m proud to become a part of the Fisk athletic program,” Watkins said. Watkins was the recipient of the team’s Jimmy Griffin Award. The recognition goes to a Snead State player with the biggest heart and passion. Coach Welborn said Watkins exemplified that in his work ethic on and off the court. “Austin Watkins is one of the toughest players I have ever met. His leadership and intangibles are off the charts. He takes on his responsibilities and leads others well. To me, that is a great sign of maturity and manhood. I am humbled to have coached a man of Austin’s character and work ethic.” Not only have Robinson, Graham and Watkins excelled on the court but in the classroom as well. All three have attained a GPA greater than 3.0. Coach Welborn, who just finished his first season with the Parsons, is excited for the opportunities that his players have earned. “I know they’ll continue to excel academically at their universities. These are some of the most selfless men I have ever coached. These men were not my recruits. But I came in and asked them to believe in what I was trying to build at Snead State. They didn’t have to buy in, but to their credit and character, they did. And our program and team was better for it,” said Coach Welborn. “As good as they are on the court and in the classroom, they are even better people. They have proven themselves to be men of integrity and truthfulness.” Fort Payne’s Diamond Elston will be joining the women’s basketball team at Birmingham Southern this fall. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and finished at Snead State with a 3.4 GPA. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the team at Snead State, but I’m excited about the new opportunity to play for the Panthers,” said Elston. “I have learned a lot working with Coach Plummer. My time at Snead has really prepared me for the next step, and it has been a great learning experience both on the court and off the court.” Elston played center for the Lady Parsons. As a 6-foot-1 sophomore, she finished fifth in the ACCC in blocks per game with 1.7 and was fourth overall with a 49.2 field goal percentage. She averaged 8.25 points per game and show 73.2 percent from the free throw line. “Diamond stood out as a leader on our team. Her skills have matured over the last two years, and she has set herself apart as an academic role model as well,” Plummer said. “I expect her to be an impact player at Birmingham Southern from day one.” Four students in the basketball programs at Snead State Community College signed and sealed their commitments to continue their play at the next level Thursday afternoon at the Norton Social Sciences Building. Front row, from left, is Demarcus Robinson, Brandon Graham, Austin Watkins and Diamond Elston. Back row, from left, is Men’s Assistant Coach Drew Wilson, Men’s Head Coach Jay Welborn. Demarcus and Brandon signed with Alabama State. Austin signed with Fisk University in Nashville. Diamond signed with Birmingham Southern. read more...

Snead State Pins Class of 2013 Registered Nurses The moment symbolized two years of hard work and sacrifice, but it was with mixed emotions that 53 Snead State Community College students crossed the stage in the Bevill Center to receive their pins as members of the 2013 class of Registered Nurses. The special pinning ceremony for the RNs was held Tuesday, May 7, as friends, family, and Snead State faculty and administration attended to celebrate the students’ accomplishments. “I want to congratulate you on making it to this day,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. “This is a calling, not a career. You are not only health care providers but healers as well. Never forget the power of your word, touch or simply being in the room with your patients and their families. I challenge you to be a healer in your hearts and to deeply care for your patients and their families as well.” Class President Kari Brock of Sardis welcomed everyone to the ceremony and explained the closeness of her class. “This has been a crazy ride, but we’ve made it. We’ve supported each other, and now it’s our turn to make a difference. I encourage you to never lose your pride and passion for nursing,” said Brock. The guest speaker of the evening was Rachel Smedley, a nursing instructor at Gadsden State Community College. Rachel is also a clinical instructor for Snead State Community College. Rachel read Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and encouraged the group to take the road less traveled. “You are part of an elite group of the population called nurses. It’s an ever-changing field; you will change it, and you will be changed by it. Always remember to take the road less traveled,” said Smedley. Members of the Snead State RN Class of 2013 are: Albertville – Christen Biddle, Misty Brogdon, Thomas Brueggeman, Dan Bryan, Ashley Chambers, Ashley Clontz, Ashley Cooley, Amber Ennis, Stephanie Johnson, Desi Kyriakopoulous, Trey Long, Michelle Maher, Constance Pams, Stefanie Price, Bobby Smith and Monica Zavala. Alexandria – Joanna Davis. Arab – Kristin Waldrop. Attalla – Tammy Lawrence. Baileyton – Colton Fortner. Birmingham – Ty Chambers. Boaz – Kimberly Arnold, Leah Ballentine, Lisa Bowen, Lillie Dixon, Jessica Fant, Chrissy Hutt, Laura Lotfi, Kareena Lowery, Chase Oglesby and Jade Sanders. Blountsville – Josh Misenhimer. Bowden, Ga. – Tiffany Holloway. Crossville – Patricia Willis. Dawson – Brianna Coffey. Douglas – Melissa Parrish. Eva – Melissa Hayes. Fairfield – Jakita Dial. Gadsden – Esco Ward. Guntersville – Haley Anderson, Heather Anderson and Kinya Sampson. Hanceville – Amy Parkins. Horton – Craig Eagle. Huntsville – Hayley Simmons. Ivalee – Bridgett Horsley. Northport – Michael Hall. Oxford – Walkita Easley. Rainsville – Roxana Mendez and Rachel West. Rainbow City – Mara Rodriguez. Rodentown – Luke Nelson. Sardis – Kari Brock. read more...

Women’s Basketball Team Welcomes Four New Players Coach Jarrod Plummer welcomed four new players to his 2013-2014 women’s basketball team recently. Holly Pond’s Taylor Terry will join the Parsons this fall. She is the daughter of Tim and Daphne Terry. As a senior, she was named to the All-County, All-County Tournament, All-Area and All-Regional teams. She was also the Northeast Regional MVP and a member of the Class 3A First Team All-State. She also boasts a 3.23 GPA. “Taylor has a great work ethic and comes from a winning program at Holly Pond. She is smart on the court and off as well,” said Coach Plummer. Larian Scott is from Pinson Alabama and will be graduating from Clay-Chalkville High School. As a senior she was named to the All Area team. She’s the daughter of Larry and Wanda Scott. “Larian is a very athletic wing that will help us with her quickness and shooting ability,” said Coach Plummer. “She is quiet off the floor but we expect her to make a big noise on the floor.” Buckhorn’s Sierra Fearn is sure to make an impact on the floor and in the classroom. She has a 3.7 GPA and was named to the 1st Team All-State in 2012 and received honorable mention All-State in 2013. She is the daughter of Stephanie Chandler. “Sierra is a hard-working guard that will bring a lot of energy to our program. Her intensity will elevate her to another level, as well as her teammates,” said Coach Plummer. Aleeya Epting is joining the Parsons from Fairfield High. She is the daughter of Vanessa and Alfred Epting. She averaged eight points, seven rebounds and two assists per game last season when her team went 29-6. "Aleeya is a good athlete that will work hard, and she has a great attitude about life and is a joy to be around. We welcome her to our family here at Snead State," said Coach Plummer. Snead State recently welcomed Holly Pond’s Taylor Terry to its 2013-2014 team. Pictured are her dad, Tim Terry, Taylor, and Taylor’s mom, Daphne Terry. On the back row is Coach Scott Adams and Snead State Coach Jarrod Plummer. Larian Scott Signing: Larien Scott will join the Parsons this fall as a member of the women’s basketball team. Pictured are her Dad, Larry Scott, Larian and Snead State Coach Jarrod Plummer. Sierra Fern is one of the newest members of the upcoming year’s women’s basketball team at Snead State. Pictured are her mom, Stephanie Chandler, Sierra and Snead State Coach Jarrod Plummer. In the back is Buckhorn’s Coach Steve Clemons. Aleeya Epting is joining the Parsons from Fairfield High. She is the daughter of Vanessa and Alfred Epting. She averaged eight points, seven rebounds and two assists per game last season when her team went 29-6. read more...

Snead State Hosts Sigma Kappa Delta Induction Snead State welcomed 43 new members into its English honor society, Sigma Kappa Delta, at a ceremony held Sunday, May 5, in Fielder Auditorium. “My college English teacher taught me the power of literature. She encouraged me, and as a result, I fell in love with English,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. “I, too, want to encourage you to accept your gifts and to think while you write.” “At Snead State, we’ve given you the opportunity to see things you never have before. I encourage you to re-examine what you know, to keep reading and to keep a journal. It will be something you’ll enjoy looking back at one day.” The ceremony was led by current officers of the organization, which include Emmauel Morales-Ramirez as president, Cinthia Zavala standing in for Yadira Patino as vice-president, Lauren Cain as secretary and Bethany Rohlfs as historian. New officers for the 2013-2014 year were also presented. Those include President Sarah Leighann Hayes, Vice-President Brett Austin Kent Glass, Secretary Morgan Patterson and Historian Jessica Lee. Members Delia Gueverra and John Bradford served as marshals. Membership into the honor society at Snead State requires completion of twelve transferable semester hours with a 3.3 GPA and at least a “B” average in all English courses. Members do not have to be English majors. English instructor Mrs. Pamela Moore is the faculty sponsor of SKD. Sigma Kappa Delta welcomed the following students into its organization: Albertville – Magon Leeann Canady, Camila Cruz Carreno, Lorena Franco, Sarah Hayes, Riley Ray Jones, Charles W. Long, Hunter Ray Nicholson, Magdalena Pablo, Michelle Louise Patton, Carissa Starnes, Rebekah S. Stone and Glorie Zirkelbach Altoona – Brett Austin Kent Glass and Joni Goss. Arab – Tiffane Frazier and Michael Brian Young. Boaz – Jana Beth Anderson, Karianne Buchanan, Nathan Gowens, John Paul Gray, Terri Joyce Kilgo, Landon N. King, Jessica Lee, Tonya Neal, Christopher D. Patterson, Tara Thomas, Logan Brandon Thrasher and Morgan Taylor Tinsley. Crossville – Kaitlin Dixon and Baylee Jolley. Fyffe – Alexandria Duke. Gadsden – Christine Posey. Grant – Miriam Tanya Cooper, McKayla Edmonds and Jacob Rice. Guntersville – Chasity Jackson, Larissa G. Newman and Morgan Patterson. Oneonta –Kaitlin Wadkins. Ranburne – Julia Daniel. Riverside – Amanda J. Taylor. Springville – Kaitlyn Fox. Union Grove – Brandon Mathew Hawes. read more...

Marshall County Juniors Complete MCYL Program Twenty-nine local high school juniors successfully completed the 2012-2013 Marshall County Youth Leadership Program hosted by Snead State Community College. The students were recognized during a graduation banquet on Thursday, May 2, at the new training facility at Progress Rail in Albertville. The group is under the direction of Snead State Recruiters Lindsey Beck and Michelle Machen. “You should be honored and proud to be part of such an elite group,” said Ms. Beck. “It has been a privilege to work with such a great group. Michelle and I appreciate your hard work and dedication. We want to especially thank our advisors and the businesses who have partnered with us during this year.” Boaz High School’s Jessamy Munoz spoke about her MCYL experience. “I learned a lot and gained friends from across the county. I learned how to be a better me and that I can’t lead if I don’t know where I’m going,” said Ms. Munoz. “I learned to lead by example. I have witnessed my potential and leadership ability.” Arab High School junior Laura Green also shared her experience about the program. “With a busy senior year coming up, I am better prepared to take on everything that’s coming up. I know now how to write a resume and how important professional dress is,” said Ms. Green. “I finished the program with better communication skills and am prepared to be a better leader in my senior class using the skills and knowledge I learned from Marshall County Youth Leadership.” The final student speaker of the night was Gavin Gilliland, a junior at Brindlee Mountain High School. Gavin dreams to one day become a pediatrician. “I have learned a vast amount of leadership skills that I would never have been able to without Marshall County Youth Leadership,” said Mr. Gilliland. “I have learned leadership strategies like servant leadership. Our leaders are vital to society, and I want to influence better leaders in our community. The strengths I have to become a leader in my community will be because of the skills I learned here.” Snead State Community College President Dr. Robert Exley congratulated the graduates of the program and thanked them for their dedication and hard work. He left them with a challenge to take on for the rest of their lives. “If you’re going to leap the Grand Canyon, you don’t do it in two leaps, you make one. My challenge to you is to not set limits. If you only take one leap, that’s only accomplishing half of your goal. Stretch yourself, be confident, positive and action- oriented,” said Dr. Exley. “Don’t let financial reasons limit your dreams on college. If you put the time and energy into your education, you’ll find a way to get to where you want. Don’t talk about your dreams – make them happen.” Dr. Exley also spoke to the graduates about the importance of compassion and empathy in today’s world. “Never have a limit on your compassion. When people hurt you, don’t lose your compassion. Empathy is my favorite virtue. Empathy is the ability to feel how others are feeling. No limits on your compassion lead to empathy.” Members of the Marshall County Youth Leadership Class of 2012-2013 include: Albertville High School: Madison Daugette, Madison Hulsey, Dustin Kelly, Warren Stewart and Anna Woodham. Arab High School: Joe Crowder, Laura Green, Alex Morgan, Macy Morgan, and Paisley Varano. Asbury High School: Lauren Bozarth and Josie Pelham. Boaz High School: Cody Carroll, Jessamy Munoz, Caleb Tarvin and Lee Thompson. Brindlee Mountain High School: Sydney Daugette and Gavin Gilliland. DAR High School: Kayla Branum, Kaylee Mercer, Mikala Patterson and Jacob Shelton. Douglas High School: Anna Kate Brock, McKenna Hancock, Stephanie Kubick and Cassie Long. Guntersville High School: Morgan Gaston, James Tangman and Samantha Thomas. read more...

Snead State Alumni Rock to the ‘50s during Homecoming Poodle skirts, leather jackets and music that stands the test of time were the focus of Snead State Community College’s annual Alumni Homecoming event as the decade of the 1950s was remembered. The Snead State Alumni Association decorated the Student Union Building so alumni could step back in time when vinyl records, Coke floats, and sock hops were all the rage. The Snead State Theatre Department brought the cast of the popular “Fabulous ‘50s” to provide entertainment for the evening, and the group had the alumni remembering such music legends as Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Chuck Berry. The 2013 Alumni Homecoming wasn’t just a time to pay tribute to the 1950s. It was a time to recognize the significant contribution of a Snead alumnus. The 2013 Alumnus of the Year award was given to a graduate of 1948, Mr. Charles White of Sardis. “It is not unusual for the Board to receive a few different nominations for Alumni of the Year. However, it is unusual for us to receive many nominations for the same person, and that is exactly what happened this year. When it came time to review this year’s nominations, we had four for this individual,” said Alumni Association President Morgan Willis, who presented Mr. White with his award. At 98 years of age, Mr. White is very active with his church, First Baptist Church of Boaz. A veteran of World War II, Mr. White did not attend Snead until after concluding his time in the service. He spent more than eight years in the Navy. He was considered a “good student with a wonderful, helpful personality.” He met his wife, Margaret Nelson White, while at Snead, and he shared with those present at Friday’s Homecoming event just how he and his wife met. “She was standing at the girls’ dorm and threw snowballs at me,” Mr. White described his first meeting with his wife, who passed away in 2009. Mrs. White came to teach at Snead as part of a special program from Vanderbilt University. After her time at Snead finished, she moved back to her hometown in Illinois until she received an opportunity to teach in Alaska for nine months. “When she came home from Alaska, I met her in St. Louis and we planned our wedding,” Mr. White said. The courtship that lasted seven years and 500,000 miles led to the couple marrying in 1952 and settling in Huntsville for a couple of years. They then moved to the Gadsden area, where Mrs. White taught at Gadsden State full-time and at Snead State part-time. In honor of his wife, Mr. White recently presented Snead State with a contribution of $25,000 to begin a scholarship fund in his wife’s memory of his beloved wife. The scholarship fund was something she always wanted to do, and through the generosity of her husband, her wishes have become reality. In addition to the Alumna of the Year award presentation, a graduate from the 1950s, Mr. Billy Bean from Semmes spoke about what the College was like during his time as a student. Mr. Bean attended Snead from 1949-1951 on a basketball scholarship, and he is one of a group of basketball players who return to Boaz every year for a special reunion. The Alumni Association unveiled a new project during Homecoming Friday night. “We’re calling the project the ‘Alumni Walk Paver Project,’ and we’re excited to provide this opportunity for alumni to continue their connection to the College and be a permanent part of the campus,” said Alumni Director Shelley Smith. Alumni Walk will be constructed around the gazebo located between the Administration Building and Student Union Building. The Alumni Association is selling brick pavers that can be personalized by alumni in a variety of ways – in honor of their graduation from Snead, in memory of a loved one, in recognition of their graduating class, etc. “The proceeds from this project will go to the Alumni Scholarship Fund to support future students who will follow in our footsteps,” said Mrs. Smith. “Students or visitors to campus to walk across the gazebo area will be able to see the legacy our alumni leave behind.” Pavers will be sold in two sizes. The traditional 4x8 inch paver is $125 each, and the 8x8 inch paver is $300 each. Those purchasing the pavers also have the option of purchasing an additional keepsake stone paver that will be a replica of the paver they purchase. “We have alumni who live all over the world. While they may purchase a paver, they may not have an opportunity to visit the campus and see it. The keepsake paver will be something they can have as a momento,” said Mrs. Smith. The Alumni Office will spend the next few months distributing information to alumni about the Alumni Walk. Anyone who would like more information is encouraged to contact the Alumni Office at alumni@snead.edu. Officers were also elected during Alumni Homecoming to serve the 2013-2014 year: President Morgan Willis of Boaz, Vice President Katherine Brewer of Albertville, Secretary Cherri Barnard of Geraldine, and Treasurer Gary Don Webb of Boaz. Two officers were stepping off the Board and were recognized for their contributions – Jarrod Shields of Albertville, who served as Vice President, and Lindsey King of Boaz, who served as Secretary. Alumni Homecoming is one of several events hosted by the Alumni Association each year. Anyone who joins the Alumni Association can do so and receive information about the events as well as a membership card that may be redeemed for discounts provided by local businesses. To join the Alumni Association, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@snead.edu or (256) 840-4128. Cutlines Top Left: Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley, right, congratulates the recipient of the 2013 Alumnus of the Year Award, Mr. Charles White. Bottom Right: Snead Alumnus Billy Beane of Semmes shared his memories of the College during the 1950s. read more...

Snead State Baseball Team Headed to State Tourney The Snead State Community College baseball team defeated Calhoun Community College on Thursday, May 1, in two games played at Calhoun. The wins secured a playoff spot for the Parsons in the ACCC Tournament coming up May 11-16 at Eagle Stadium in Ozark. The wins also broke a school record for wins in a season. Snead State defeated Calhoun in game on 10-8 and in game two 11-3. Parker Madden led the Parsons offense in game one and went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and three RBI’s. One of those hits included a bases-clearing triple in the second inning. Same Eure went 2-for-5 with two RBI’s. Trey Shaw went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI sacrifice-bunt. Jakob Kirkwood went 2-for-5 with a run scored and collected an RBI. Pat LeCroy, Blake Truett and Anthony Wagnon all collected an RBI for Snead State. Mitch Cohen started the game and went three and a third innings. He gave up six runs on eight hits. David Collins came in for relief and pitched an excellent five and two-thirds innings. He gave up six hits and one earned run. He recorded the win. Madden had a big game the second time around for the Parsons as well. He went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, an RBI double and stolen base. Wagnon went 1-for-2 with two RBI’s, two walks and a stolen base. Eure boosted his batting average by going 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. LeCroy collected another RBI and went 2-for-5. The offensive MVP of game two was Shaw. Shaw went 3-for-4 and collected two doubles and had four RBI’s. Reed Bright started for the Parsons and pitched all seven innings. He gave up three runs on eight hits. He recorded seven strikeouts. Parsons Fall in Final Series at Home Against Calhoun In an effort to beat the weather, Saturday’s games were moved to Friday at Snead State. It was the final two games of the series and the final home games of the season. Nick Baldwin led Snead State in game one and went 2-for-4. He had a double and was the only run scored for Snead State. Jesse Thomas went 1-for-4 and had the only Parson RBI. Casey Wiggins went 1-for-2 with a walk and hit by a pitch. Andrew Tetrault had another hit for the Parsons as he went 1-for-4. Preston Thompson started for Snead and went two innings. He gave up one run on two hits. Kalen Thompson came in for the next two innings and gave up only one run but recorded the loss. Caleb Roberts threw one inning and surrendered dive runs. Hunter Payne, Ethan Hunter and Jamey Barnes went for the rest of the game and gave up a combined three runs. The Parsons were defeated by Calhoun 5-2 in game two. Jake Shumate and Wiggins each collected an RBI. Tetrault went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Thomas went 1-for-3 and a run scored. Cody Mize went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases. Daniel Moore started the game and threw two scoreless innings. Colton Clifton threw one and a third innings and recorded the loss. Ryan McNaughton threw two and two-thirds innings. He collected four strikeouts and gave up one hit. Taylor Miller pitched the last inning. The Parsons finished the regular season with a 31-23 overall record and a 15-17 conference record. State Tournament Information The bracket for the State Tournament can be found online. Snead State will take on Enterprise at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The tournament is being held May 11-16 at Eagle Stadium in Ozark. read more...

Snead State Holds Spring PTK Induction Snead State Community College held its largest Phi Theta Kappa induction on Tuesday, April 16. This spring, the College inducted 128 members into the honor society. PTK was established in 1918 and is the largest honor society in American higher education. It recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two –year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. The ceremony was led by the current PTK officers: President Brady Keel, Vice-President of Leadership Sarah Haygood, Vice-President of Service Katie Bobo, Vice-President of Scholarship Jessica Goss and Vice-President of Fellowship Kayla Waddle. The special speaker for the evening was the Alabama Region I Vice-President of PTK John Clements, a student at Northeast Alabama Community College. Spring 2013 inductees include: Addison Lauren Lowery Albertville Jessica Bearden Andrew Borham Souleyman Cherif Eric Claburn Adam Cravens Eva Crump Camila Cruz-Carreno Hollie Dobbins Elizabeth Epperson Lorena Franco Daniel Garcia Jared Gore Brandy Grizzard Erika Guevara Martinez Sarah Hayes Amparo Hernandez Dyllon Howell Riley Jones Elaine Owens Maggie Pablo Julian Patino Michelle Patton Harley Peppers Harley Jo Peters Karla Rauda Whitney Sanders Kaley Sawyers Ami Scott Samantha Searels Jacob Simmons Taylor Sims Carissa Starnes Whitney Sutton Will Towers Glorie Zirkelbach Alpharetta, GA Mitch Cohen Altoona Morgan Fleming Haley Fulenwider Joni Goss Amanda Salter Jessica Summerford Arab Carrie Banister Hannah Bannister Jennifer Black Evan Brock Lara Caves Elizabeth Childs Matthew Jordan Jaclynn Kampmeyer April Lankford Brandi Pate Vanessa Pate Dillan Reed Alex Tankersley Courtney Thomas Jamey Warren Ardmore, TN Megan Honea Attalla Melissa Norton Antrina Patrick Boaz Jana Anderson Karianne Buchanan Justin Childers Bridgett Coffey Scarlett Crews Tyler Freeman Dallas Gibson John Paul Gray Terri Kilgo Jessica Lee Natasha McDowell Brenna Mitchell Alexandria Morris Errin Patterson Chris Patterson Ashley Robinson Bethany Rohlfs Holly Scott Tyler Smith Tiffany Stevens Tara Thomas Andrew Thompson Logan Thrasher Moran Tinsley Collinsville John Bradford Keelie Wilkes Crossville Kaitlin Dixon Baylee Jolley Savannah Keener Jacob Underwood Fort Payne Justin Garmany Fyffe Ali Duke Gadsden Melanie Turner Grant Monica Cooper Maston Edmonds McKayla Edmonds Justen Rhyne Jacob Rice Dylan Stewart Charlie Walker Guntersville Bryneth Buckner Brody Daniel Chelsey Gargis Jennifer Garner Dyllon Howell Ayla Kirby Connie Marsinko Tonya Neal Larissa Newman Charles Rush Christopher Rush Patti Rush Steven Tesney Horton Jo Anne Brown Robert Debter Huntsville Ricky Lang Jr. Laceys Springs Mary Graves New Hope Megan Stapler Oneonta Kaitlin Wadkins Pinson Bria Dupree Rainbow City Natalie Conner Leslie Crawford Ranburne Julian Daniel Springville Kaitlyn Fox Union Grove Brandon Hawes Maegan Hood read more...

Snead State Announces Results for Recent Race Guntersville’s Josh Dobosz was the top finisher in the Jennifer Garmany Hallmark Memorial Scholarship 5K. Dobosz, age 27, posted a time of 19:57. The overall female winner, Brandi Garmany of Arab, finished in 22:11. The race featured 140 area participants. It was the second year for Snead State Community College to host the race to raise funds for the scholarship. The race is sponsored by the SSCC Nurses Association in honor of former classmate Jennifer Garmany Hallmark. Jennifer enrolled at Snead State in the 2008. In the spring of 2011, Jennifer achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Jennifer was recognized for maintaining the highest GPA in her class as both a first-year and second-year RN student. But before Jennifer could claim her diploma, she – along with her husband, her in-laws, and her nephew – were killed as a result of the April 27, 2011, tornados that hit Arab. The race marked the two-year anniversary of the tragic day. If you would like to make a donation to Jennifer’s scholarship fund, please contact Dr. Amy Langley, Director of Health Sciences, at alangley@snead.edu or call 256-840-4185. Complete race results by age groups are as follows: Male Overall Winner: Josh Dobosz of Guntersville, 19:57 Female Overall Winner: Brandi Garmany of Arab, 22:11 Male Age Groups 75-79: Don Self of Boaz, 38:04 60-64: Jerome Bryant of Geraldine, 29:30; Arron Rogers of Arab, 30:00; Jonathan Watts of Guntersville, 43:56 50-54: Randy Turner of Crossville, 22:00; Scott Self of Boaz, 26:23; Jack Self of Boaz, 26:55; Richard Cederholm of Albertville, 35:56; Mark Hood of Union Grove, 42:42; Randy Smallwood of Union Grove, 49:06 45-49: Chuck Ellis of Albertville, 50:34 40-44: Patrick Sularin of Union Grove, 28:46; Kenneth Eddleman of Holly Pond, 31:31; James Washington of Arab, 32:11; Scott McCormick of Boaz, 34:08; Leonard Peplinski of Grant, 46:59; Jason Watts of Boaz, 49:53 35-39: Adam Stimpson of Boaz, 23:55; Jonathan Story of Guntersville, 24:29; Jeremy Duncan of Madison, 25:09; Jamie Bradshaw of Union Grove, 26:59; Jason Garmany of Arab, 33:15; Trent Compton of Arab, 39:33; Jay Prosser of Guntersville, 40:21 30-34: Adam Goss of Union Grove, 21:11; Robert Miguel of Albertville, 22:46; Josh Garmany of Arab, 40:11; Stan March of Arab, 51:12 25-29: Cody Yarbrough of Arab, 21:12; Daniel Clanton of Arab, 21:58; Adam Self of Boaz, 24:58 20-24: Josh O’Brien of Union Grove, 28:41; Andrew Hood of Union Grove, 42:41; Cad Smallwood of Union Grove, 49:41; Sam Davis of Union Grove, 49:41 15-19: Caleb Smith of Union Grove, 23:33; Noah Walker of Arab, 28:15; Cameron Lubert of Falkville, 28:52; Todd Henry of Albertville, 29:22; Andrew Washington of Arab, 33:53; Jamey Warren of Arab, 48:14 10-14: Alex Peplinski of Grant, 25:30; Gage Mason of Guntersville, 37:16 1-9: Brody Robinson of Collinsville, 36:29; Will Compton of Arab, 39:33 Female Age Groups 60-64: Karen Watts of Guntersville, 34:51 55-59: Vicki Yarbrough of Arab, 44:24 50-54: Michelle Henderson of Fort Payne, 31:16; Donna Graves of Fort Payne, 42:01; Lisa Boyles of Crossville, 43:19; Darlene Butler of Crossville, 43:20; Joyce Miller of Joppa, 48:04; Saundra Handley of Joppa, 48:19; Paula Parker of Union Grove, 49:14; Jackie Davis of Union Grove, 49:48 45-49: Janie Baugh of Fort Payne, 30:28; Nena Edwards of Albertville, 39:18; Donna Hood of Union Grove, 42:41; Cindy Smallwood of Union Grove, 49:13; Kris Bolding of Arab, 49:48; Renona McCullars of Albertville, 50:34; Annette Cederholm of Albertville, 51:14 40-44: Tammy Wilson of Union Grove, 36:35; Jetta Phelps of Hartselle, 49:42; Stephanie Eddleman of Holly Pond, 51:16 35-39: Debra Williams of Boaz, 29:38; Rachel Bloodworth of Albertville, 33:16; Jennifer Morris of Boaz, 33:57; Amy Duncan of Madison, 35:35; Sandy Chamblee of Crossville, 42:00; Sheryll Griffin of Arab, 49:49 30-34: Kristi Rowe of Union Grove, 25:43; Chrystal Ellis of Albertville, 29:32; Amanda Mason of Guntersville, 33:06; Heidi Smallwood of Union Grove, 33:07; Maria Andres of Albertville, 34:28; Mandy Chastain of Albertville, 37:03; Lindsey Giambrone of Guntersville, 43:55; Jamie Eddings of Albertville, 47:03; Mandy Garmany of Arab, 49:28; Candace Cleland of Guntersville, 49:29; Tamara Allen of Arab, 51:13 25-29: Jessica Clanton of Arab, 25:06; Linda Buckley of Guntersville, 28:00; Kayla Harper of Union Grove, 30:04; Melanie McCormick of Boaz, 30:32; Renee Bearden of Geraldine, 35:52; Hannah Scott of Albertville, 36:17; Kacie Kirkland of Guntersville, 37:41; Krissy Roberson of Arab, 38:48; Maura Lowery of Boaz, 39:49; Jessica Stephens of Union Grove, 49:17; Alana Rogers of Northport, 50:03; Erin Corbin of Hollypond, 51:14 20-24: Kayla Brisendine of Arab, 29:25; Jenneth Lardner of Boaz, 33:10; Susan Eudy of Fyffe, 41:33; Brittney Alexander of Tuscaloosa, 49:06; Amber Pack of Union Grove, 50:03 15-19: Samantha Dooley of Boaz, 25:33; Dayleigh Dorsett of Boaz, 30:25; Morgan Vines of Arab, 33:42; Kayla Maze of Arab, 48:36; Emilee Burgett of Arab, 49:50, Chelsea Phelps of Hartselle, 50:26 10-14: Kaitlyn Morris of Boaz, 26:09; Jaelee Price of Boaz, 29:13; Lucy Price of Albertville, 31:35; Maddie Compton of Arab, 40:08; Kaitlin Carroll of Boaz, 42:04; Leetha Eddings of Albertville, 47:03; Angie Gunthrey of Arab, 49:49 1-9: Ari Hallmark of Arab, 33:02; Lilli Garmany of Arab, 37:14; Marli Ellis of Albertville, 39:55 Overall results in order of completion can also be found at here. ------------------------- Photo, top left: Guntersville’s Josh Dobosz was the top finisher in the Jennifer Garmany Hallmark Memorial Scholarship 5K held at Snead State Community on April 27. Dobosz, age 27, posted a time of 19:57. Photo, middle: Three generations of the Self family participated in the Jennifer Garmany Hallmark Memorial Scholarship 5K on Saturday, April 27. All three finished in the top three in their categories. Don Self, far right, was the oldest to participate in the race and at the age of 76 finished the race in 38:04. Pictured from the left are his son and grandson, Jack and Adam Self. The Selfs are all from Boaz. Photo, bottom right: Ari Hallmark finished first in her age division in the race that honors her mom, Jennifer Garmany Hallmark. Ari , age 8, finished with a time of 33:02. read more...

Snead State Prepares for Final Series of Regular Season Play The Snead State Community College baseball team will play at Calhoun Community College Thursday. The double-header will mark the first two games in the final series of the 2013 regular season for the Parsons. Snead State will welcome Calhoun to campus this Saturday for the final two home games of the year. The Parsons will take the field at noon. Snead State currently has a two-game lead over Calhoun Community College for third place in the northern division of the Alabama Community College Conference. The third place team will advance to the State Tournament being held May 11-16 at Eagle Stadium in Ozark. Snead State is current 29-21 on the season and 13-15 in conference play. Calhoun Community College is 23-27 and 11-17. Snead State’s Patrick Lecroy leads the northern division of the ACCC in hitting with 52 hits and a 0.426 batting average. He also leads the division in RBI’s with 37. Snead Splits Games Against Lawson State Snead State took on Lawson State at home on April 27. Same Eure went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Jakob Kirkwood went 1-for-4 and had two RBI’s. Pat LeCroy and Parker Madden both had hits for the Parsons. Despite being held to only five hits the entire game, the Parsons managed to score three runs in the 5-3 loss. Kalen Thompson started the game and went only a third of an inning. He gave up four runs on four hits, a walk and a hit on the batter. Colton Clifton relieved Thompson and went four and two-thirds innings. He gave up no runs and only three hits. David Collins threw an inning and gave up one run on a balk. Hunter Payne finished the game for the Parsons. He went the last three innings and gave up only three hits and no runs. Snead Snead improved their hitting in time for game two on Saturday. The Parsons won 6-5. They doubled their hit totals from the first game. They ended with 10 hits. Reed Bright went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Trey Shaw went 2-for-3 with two RBI’s and a double. Parker Madden also collected an RBI for the Parsons and went 1-for-4. The big story for the Snead State offense was sophomore Patrick Lecroy. Lecroy went 2-for-4 with two RBI’s that both came off his last inning two out, two run walk-off homerun that gave the Parsons the victory. Preston Thompson started for Snead State and went three and a third innings. He gave up three earned runs. Caleb Roberts went just over an inning and gave up one run. Ryan McNaughten came in for the last two and a third innings and was credited with the win, making him 4-0 on the year. read more...

Tennis Team Claims Sixth Title in a Row The Snead State tennis team recently won the NJCAA Region XXII Women's Tennis Championship at the Jimmy Johns Tennis Center in Decatur. This was the sixth Alabama Community College Conference regional title in a row for the Lady Parsons. The win qualifies Snead State to attend the national tournament in Tucson Arizona May 4-9. The team won 16-of-18 possible points and won seven out of nine positions. “This was one of the most challenging seasons during my eighteen years with the Snead State tennis program in respect to weather,” said Coach Machen. “The team had several matches that had to be cancelled and could not be made up. Even with the challenging weather the team posted 10 wins and only three losses, all of which were against four year universities and colleges. If you know one of our players, please join me in congratulating them on their hard work paying off.” Coach Machen also received the Region XXII Coach of the Year award. Members of the tennis team include Makinly Baird of Decatur, Natalie Conner of Gadsden, Samantha Dooley of Boaz, Lindsey Elrod of Arab, Erin McAllister of Guntersville, Alex Poole of Powell, Katie Sharpton of Cullman and Jordyn Wagner of Decatur. The Snead State tennis team recently won their sixth NJCAA Region XXII Women's Tennis Championship in a row. Pictured left to right are Makinly Baird of Decatur, Samantha Dooley of Boaz, Natalie Conner of Gadsden, Jordyn Wagner of Decatur, Erin McAllister of Guntersville, Alex Poole of Powell, Katie Sharpton of Cullman, Lindsey Elrod of Arab and Coach Steve Machen. Coach Machen also received the Coach of the Year award. read more...

College Street Singers Receive Superior Rating Snead State Community College’s musical ensemble, the College Street Singers, recently earned a superior rating at the inaugural Alabama ACDA Show and Jazz Choir Festival. The festival, held April 13 at Vestavia High School, showcased choirs of different musical styles with performers of different ages. Snead State was the only two-year college represented at the festival. The College Street Singers performed diverse selections, ranging from rock hit “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 to the African folk song “Bonse Aba.” The group performed as part of 13 different ensembles, including those from the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Following their performance, the members of the College Street Singers participated in a master class, left by Dr. Gary Packwood, director of Choral Activities at Mississippi State University. Dr. Packwood also served as a judge along with John Baker, formerly with Enterprise High School, and Quint Harris, Director of Music at Vestavia Methodist Church. Members of this year’s College Street Singers include Bethany Hollis of Oneonta, Lea Wiginton of Cleveland, Ashley Collins of Albertville, Kaitlyn Miller of Albertville, Sally Kauffman of Albertville, Deanna Kampmeyer of Arab, Hanah Droze of Albertville, Justin Bentley of Albertville, Blaike Patterson of Albertville, Blake Brock of Guntersville, Josh Waldrop of Albertville, Eric Claburn of Boaz, Kahilil Oliver of Boaz, Daniel Dean of Florence and sound technician Brock Bearden of Crossville. read more...

Students Honored During Awards Day Hannah Williams of Albertville received the President’s Award in the Technical Division. Students were honored for their achievements during the annual Awards Day at Snead State Community College on Thursday, April 18. Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley presented the President’s Award to a student majoring in an academic field and a student pursuing a technical field of study. The Academic Award went to Terry L. Duckett of Albertville, and the Technical Award went to Hannah L. Williams of Albertville. The Dean’s Awards, presented by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jason Watts, are also given in two categories – Academic and Technical. Mary S. Harper of Albertville received the Dean’s Award for the Technical Division. Alexander B. Tankersley of Arab received the award for the Academic Division. The ceremony also served as a time of remembrance for a Snead State student. Paul Marin of Sardis was enrolled in the Computer Science program when his life was claimed in a four-vehicle collision on Friday, April 5. Mr. Marin worked two jobs in his career field. He was the top student in the Computer Science program, and Technology Division Director Greg Randall presented the Computer Science award to him posthumously. The award will be given to Mr. Marin’s family. To View More Photos From Awards Day, visit our Facebook page! Other award recipients included: Accounting – John Paul Gray of Sardis. All-Alabama Academic Team members – Brady Keel of Boaz and Erin Kelley of Arab. Biology – Outstanding Student Achievement in Biology I: Dylan Stewart of Grant; Outstanding Student Achievement in Biology II: Glorie Zirkelbach of Albertville. Business – Miriam Tanya Cooper of Grant and Amy Holmes Stone of Crossville. Chemistry – Inorganic Chemistry: Will Towers of Albertville, Misty Walker of Horton, and Alex Tankersley of Arab; Organic Chemistry: John Bradford of Collinsville. Cosmetology – Monica Greenleaf of Altoona, Natasha McDowell of Boaz, Jenny Lassetter of Fyffe, Jessica Holland of Albertville, and Jennifer Garner of Guntersville. Economics – Tanya Cooper of Grant. Electronics – Jeff Collins of Albertville. English – Yadira Patino of Albertville and Erin Kelley of Arab. History – Charles E. Rush, Christopher Cody Rush, and Patti Rush of Guntersville. Mathematics – Sophomore Award – Ethan Hunter of LaFayette, GA; Freshman Award – Matthew “Boss” Shell of Arab. Music – Lea Hitchcock of Guntersville. Nursing –Highest GPA in First Level RN – Brittany Bearden of Sardis; Highest GPA in Second Level RN – Melissa Parrish of Guntersville. Office Administration – Melissa Norton of Attalla. Political Science – Timothy Handley of Boaz. Psychology – Jan Evans of Boaz and Dylan Stewart of Grant. Carl Roebuck Science Scholarship to Snead State – Kelli A. Sheridan of Albertville. Some students continuing their education at other institutions were awarded scholarships. The scholarship recipients included: Auburn University – Katie Bobo of Fort Payne, Corrine Champion of Albertville, Jon Honea of Albertville, Dyllon R. Howell of Guntersville, Heather Humphries of Arab, Clint Kelley of Guntersville, Jason Nicholas Light of Guntersville, Charles Long of Albertville, Allison Meeks of Geraldine, Leah Miller of Horton, Caleb Perry of Boaz, Robert Rutland of Guntersville, Edgardo Santos of Albertville, and Emily J. White of Boaz. Berry College – Erin McAllister of Guntersville. Jacksonville State University – Bonnie Aguirre of Grant, Kayla Centers of Crossville, Lyndsie Erin Kelley of Arab, Victoria Jordan Luther of Geraldine, Melanie Brianna Pullen of Sardis, Holly Justine Scott of Boaz, and Keelie S. Wilkes of Collinsville. University of Alabama – Brady Keel of Boaz, Leah Miller of Horton, and Landon Naylor of Boaz. University of Alabama in Birmingham – John Bradford of Collinsville, Victoria Champion of Albertville, Eva Crump of Crossville, Bethany Rohlfs of Boaz, and Hillary Word of Boaz. University of Montevallo – Brandi Pate of Arab and Jessika Kozinski of Arab. Several organizations were also recognized for their hard work throughout the year. Those clubs included the Pan Latino Club, which received the Club of the Year Award, Phi Beta Lambda, College Bowl, Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa, and Student Government Association. read more...

Music Department Hosts Spring Recital Two students in Snead State’s Music Department will be featured in a spring recital on Monday, April 29, at 6 p.m. Sophomore Percussionist Derrick Willingham and sophomore Guitarist Jacob Smart will present the recital in Fielder Auditorium. Jacob Smart began playing guitar at 12 years old and started studying classical guitar almost a year ago under the instruction of Keith Sullivan and this year with Bob Valentine. Derrick Willingham is a music major at Snead and hopes to start taking classes at Jacksonville State University this fall. Admission to the recital is free. read more...

Snead Dominates Shorter College Snead State defeated Shorter College Tuesday afternoon at home 11-0. Parker Madden went 1-for-1 with two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base. Brett Burgess went 1-for-2 with a run scored and stolen base. Jakob Kirkwood had two RBI’s off of a first inning homerun. He went 1-for-2 with a run scored. Pat Lecroy joined Kirkwood in the homerun column for the game when he went deep in the second inning with a two-run blast. Andrew Tetrault had two RBI’s for the Parsons and went 1-for-3 with a double. Justin Garmany and Jesse Thomas both collected an RBI. Hunter Payne earned the win going four innings with two hits, two walks and four strikeouts. David Collins and Harrison Bright combined to go the last three, which completed the shutout. read more...

Snead Baseball Splits Series with Wallace Hanceville Snead State took on Wallace Hanceville Wednesday afternoon in baseball action. Wallace defeated Snead 10-0 in game one. Patrick Lecroy went 2-for-3. Anthony Wagnon and Brett Burgess collected two other hits for the Parsons. Robert Pettet started for Snead State and went just over three innings and gave up four hits and seven runs. David Collins and Mitch Cohen came in as relief. Combined, they went three and two-thirds innings and gave up three runs. The Parsons came back in game two to defeat Wallace 7-1. Parker Madden had a great offensive game and went 3-for-3 with two RBI’s, a run scored, a walk and a double. Jakob Kirkwood went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. Brett Burgess collected an RBI off a sacrifice fly. Lecroy went 1-for-3 with a walk, double and an RBI. Reed Bright had an excellent game, shutting out six innings and only giving up one hit in the second inning. He earned the win. Hunter Payne pitched the final inning for the Parsons, giving up one run. The Parsons are 20-16 overall and 8-10 in conference play. The Parsons will travel to Hanceville Saturday to take on Wallace State. They will return home Monday to play Shorter College. The first game will begin at noon. ----------------------------------------------------- Snead State’s Parker Madden had a great offensive game against Wallace State Wednesday afternoon. During game two, Parker went 3-for-3 with two RBI’s, a run scored, a walk and a double. read more...

SSCC Students Selected to All-Alabama Academic Team Erin Kelley, Dr. Robert Exley, Brady Keel Two sophomores represented Snead State Community College during the All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Luncheon on Friday, March 22, at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery. Brady Keel of Boaz and Erin Kelley of Arab were among 50 students representing two-year colleges within the Alabama Community College System. All-Alabama Academic Team students are nominated by their respective colleges. Students selected must possess a minimum GPA of 3.25, be involved in campus activities and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at the institution. “You have truly distinguished yourselves through excellence in academic and technical pursuits, commitment to personal and professional skills development, and conscientious and passionate devotion to your career future,” said ACCS Chancellor Dr. Mark Heinrich to all of the All-Alabama Academic Team honorees. “It is an honor and pleasure to recognize you as being among the best and brightest within the Alabama Community College System.” Brady is the son of Marsah Cryar and Chris Keel. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA at SSCC and majors in Telecommunications and Film. He is a Presidential Scholar at SSCC, president of Phi Theta Kappa, the academic honor society for two-year colleges, and vice president of the Student Government Association. He is also a participant in Snead State Theatre. His goal after graduation this Spring is to attend the University of Alabama on a Presidential Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor degree in Telecommunications and Film. His plans are to be a film producer or film director. The daughter of Paul and Cheryl Kelley, Erin maintains a 3.9 GPA and majors in Elementary Education. She is one of Snead State’s Presidential Scholars, an Ambassador, and member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was awarded the PTK Distinguished Member Award. Erin plans to attend Jacksonville State University on a Presidential Transfer Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor degree in her chosen field of study. Her goal is to teach elementary-aged children and make a difference in their lives. “Erin and Brady have established themselves as academic and student leaders at Snead State,” said President Dr. Robert Exley. “We are proud of their successes and honored to have them represent the excellence we see within all of our students. We look forward to seeing where their determiniation and commitment take them as they leave our College to follow their chosen educational and career path.” The All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program was founded in 1995 to complement the All-USA National Academic Team Program sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges. read more...

Fall 2012 President's List Snead State Community College is pleased to announce its President’s List for the Fall 2012 semester. To be eligible for the President’s List, a student must maintain a perfect grade point average of a 4.00 (all A’s) and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours of regular college-level courses. Listed by hometown are the Snead State Community College students named to the Fall 2012 President’s List. Addison Lauren Taylor Lowery Albertville Megan J. Archer, Paul E. Bohannon, Andrew R. Borham, Rylee J. Breneman. Robin R. Burbanks, Laura M. Casey, Makayla D. Davis, Hollie L. Dobbins, Terry L. Duckett, Jared Tyler Gore, Delia Guevara, Kenna R. Haycraft, Sarah L. Hayes, Dawn Michelle Holloway, Joseph C. Jenkins, Riley Ray Jones, Emmanuel MoralesRamierz, Lesa A. Mosley, Jamie Sue Mulvihill, Julian Patino, Yadira Patino, Michelle L. Patton, Misty Dawn Reagan, Wesley T. Sanders, Kaley Nicole Sawyers, Hailey M. Shelton, Stephany A. Silas, Taylor J. Sims, Ellen R. Stephens, Torrea D. Talton, William F. Towers, Amy D. Vaughn, Joseph Charles Walter, Anastacia Danielle Wilburn, Hannah L. Williams, Glorie A. Zirkelbach Altoona Morgan T. Fleming, Haley M. Fulenwider, Brett A. Glass, Trevor E. Grady, Monica Danielle Greenleaf, Sydnee M. Holliday, Amanda E. Salter, Jason W. Tucker, Samantha Nicole Williams Arab Carrie A. Banister, Hannah E. Bannister, Lara J. Caves, Tabitha Lynn Dailey, Lindsey K. Elrod, Amanda W. Gosselin, Tiffany D. Hix, Matthew Wayne Jordan, Donald J. King, Sarah A. Kritner, Olivia L. Laney, Brandi Morgan Pate, Vanessa C. Pate, Dillan E. Reed, Alexander B. Tankersley, Jamey L. Warren Ardmore, TN Megan L. Honea Attalla Savannah R. Harper, Melissa R. Norton, Haley R. Stevenson, Randy Joshua Works Baileyton Jacob Mark McDonald Birmingham Bria S. Dupree Boaz Charles Allan Bates, Jordan J. Brooks, Kimberly Michelle Chamblee, Justin R. Childers, Eric G. Claburn, Bridgette N. Coffey, Dallas B. Cornett, Scarlett E. Crews, Ashlee Nicole Estes, Ellen Faye Garrison, Nathan Lee Gowens, John P. Gray, Dylan J. Harvey, Sarah B. Haygood, Abby N. Jones, Brady Christopher Keel, Landon N. King, Nathan S. Lee, Athena L. Lewis, Katelyn Sherard Lister, Paul Marin, Katelyn D. Marshall, Brenna R. Mitchell, Barbara A. Montejo, Chelsey N. Moon, Alexandra Nicole Morris, Elaine D. Owens, Teena Owens, Christopher D. Patterson, Errin M. Patterson, Kyrie Lare Purdy, Sarah E. Putman, Bethany N. Rohlfs, Richard C. Rusk, Lindsey M. Stanfield, Shelby J. Stanfield, Tiffany L. Stevens, Amanda S. Tarvin, Parker N. Tarvin, Logan B. Thrasher, Shawn W. Vaughn, Jonathan L. Walden, Halee A. Williams, Joshua K. Williams, Tanya Marie Wilson, Hillary B. Word Collinsville Keelie S. Wilkes Crossville Kayla B. Centers, Eva Crump, Kaitlin N. Dixon, Wesley Daniel Dorsett, Destany L. Jones, Fernando Juan Matias, Colton C. Mayes Cullman Daniel R. Moore Dawson Amy M. Banks Decatur Jordyn Haley Wagner, Austin D. Watkins Fort Payne Katherine G. Bobo Gadsden Chassidy Angela Taylor Gallant Jennifer B. Rowan Geraldine Amanda R. Joilet, Allison C. Meeks Grant Bonnie L. Aguirre, Miriam T. Cooper, McKayla L. Edmonds, Austin T. Fox, Justen B. Rhyne, Dylan T. Stewart, Jennifer E. Thomas, Charlie Joe Walker Guntersville Martha T. Baker, Raechel J. Benefield, Donald James Brown, Bryneth C. Buckner, John B. Daniel, Bobby R. Hopper, Johnathon Michael Kopp, Connie D. Marsinko, Tonya S. Neal, Melissa Walden Parrish, Courtney B. Redington, Charles E. Rush, Christopher C. Rush, Patti B. Rush, GinnyLynne Sexton, Timothy Edwin Ward Horton Tasha L. Barron, Jordan K. Chaffin, Amber D. Dunston, Bethany A. Fowler, Lauren Nicole Hayes, Leah B. Miller, Kayla N. Waddle, Misty Cox Walker La Fayette, GA Ethan S. Hunter Moulton Bridget N. Fulks, Lydia N. Vick Oakman Morgan E. Walton Rainbow City Natalie J. Conner Rainsville Taylor H. Fossett, Alexandria L. Poole Ranburne Julia Elizabeth Daniel Southside Vincent Janiel Lister Trinity Hannah E. Harris Union Grove Brandon M. Hawes, Maegan D. Hood read more...

Fall 2012 Dean's List Snead State Community College is proud to announce the Dean’s List for the Fall 2012 semester. Students must hold a minimum 3.50 – 3.99 grade point average and be enrolled in 12 or more hours of regular college level courses to be eligible for the Dean’s List. Students are listed below by their hometown. Albertville James W. Allbritten, Jessica L. Bearden, Tyler D. Blake, Karen Darlene Britton, Kimberly M. Carmichael, Heather C. Carroll, Tony A. Cassels, Victoria Rose Champion, Souleymane H. Cherif, Courtney R. Childress, Jeffery T. Collins, Adam Hamilton Cravens, Camila CruzCarreno, Alexia A Cullom, Cameron L. Dooley, Elizabeth C. Epperson, Maria Francisco, Lorena Franco, Daniel Garcia, Jansen C. Gentry, Kimberly A. Goodwin, Brandy M. Grizzard, Erika Guevara Martinez, Douglas C. Harper, Amparo Hernandez, Arturo Gaspar Hernandez, Jessica Brittany Holland, Jon R. Honea, Michaela Juan, Katlin Krin Light, Charles Wilburn Long, Courtney M. Mason, Hilary C. Morrow, Dylan B. Nailor, Hunter R. Nicholson, Magdalena Tercero Pablo, Constance Catina Pams, Harley Jo Peters, Veronica Pohls, Karla Yamileth Rauda, Johnny Lee Reagan, Benjam C. Rice, Jose Manuel Ruiz Colon, Elizabeth J. Sanders, Whitney R. Sanders, Moreno Edgardo Santos, Ami B. Scott, Samantha A. Searels, Jennifer M. Sewell, Katherine R. Sewell, Alexander R. Simpson, Morgan A. Smith, Carissa Nicole Starnes, Whitney A. Sutton, Mayra C. Villacorta, Stephen Bron Whitten, Rebecca L. Wilder, Maria I. Zavala Alpharetta, GA Mitchell Geoffrey Cohen Altoona Tiffany M. Beacham, Nicholos Scott Butts, Joni D. Goss, Cheyene R. Radford, Jessica LeAnna Summerford Arab Ian C. Albright, Jennifer L. Black, Evan Nathaniel Brock, Betsy M. Campbell, Elizabeth D. Childs, Thomas Riley Dennis, Macala A. Eldridge, Candice O. Fawcett, Heather L. Humphries, Jaclynn R. Kampmeyer, Lyndsie E. Kelley, Jessika A. Kozinski, April Leighann Lankford, Savannah L. Latham, Taylor L. Ogletree, Jeremy B. Plunkett, Aaron K. Pritchett, Aaron C. Roe, Jackson A. Shell, Matthew B. Shell, Robert Glen Spencer, Courtney Nicole Thomas, Hailey M. Wilson, Micheal B. Young Attalla Brandy L. Bowen, Antrina M. Patrick Blountsville Vanessa Rhea Denny, Daniel Wayne Haynes Boaz Lenze R. Alexander, Jana Beth Anderson, Zachary Tyler Bolding, Karianne M. Buchanan, Jordan M. Chumley, William P. Cole, Aja D. Davis, Misty Ann Engeron, Tyler Ray Freeman, John D. Gibson, Ashley N. Gilbreath, Jordan N. Goss, Austin L. Harvey, Crystal Castelle Hill, Terri Joyce Kilgo, Jessica L. Lee, Amber L. Lightsey, Lisa Marie Lipscomb, Justin L. Maroney, Katherine Elizabeth Mattox, Natasha Dawn McDowell, Nicholas A. McIntire, Jessica D. Mitchell, Desla E. Nixon, Janice W. Payne, Harley R. Peppers, Taylor D. Putman, Cheyenne A. Pye, Jessica Ryan Rios, Maegan N Roberson, Demarcus R. Robinson, Morgan D. Rogers, Shyna D. Rowan, Holly J. Scott, Tanika T. Smith, Tyler Walden Smith, Cassandra D. Stallings, Toni L. Stanfield, Miranda Lashay Tedder, Tara E. Thomas, Andrew B. Thompson, Morgan T. Tinsley, Jeffrey L. Todd, Stehpanie L. Toole, Joshua M. Walker, Kristian Blake Weaver, Carrie F. Williams, Stephanie Michelle Womack Centre Timothy B. Burgess Cleveland Leah J. Wiginton Collinsville John P. Bradford, Kristopher Haward Sexton Crossville Brock David Bearden, Jed A. Bunch, Baylee H. Jolley, Savannah Lynn Keener, Jacob J. Underwood Dawson Taylor D. Richards Florence Elizabeth J. Humphrey Fort Payne Diamond M. Elston, Justin Ryan Garmany, Marissa H. Solomon Fyffe Jenny Lee Lassetter Gadsden Connie DeNae Ables, Bethany Rochelle Redden, Melanie R. Turner Geraldine William Jeffery Fleisher, Tabitha E. Helton, Victoria J. Luther, Bradley P. Parris Grant Lindsey M. Bearden, Victoria D. Bearden, Monica Hadley Cooper, Charles M. Edmonds, Bailey M. Gamble, Jacob Collin Rice, Aaron Lee Troup, Noah S. Wright Guntersville Amanda E. Banner, Morgan L. Earp, Chelsey A. Gargis, Jennifer Dawn Garner, Matthew Ryan Gunther, Trenton Kareem Hundley, Addison G. Kennamer, Ayla Carol Kirby, Jason N. Light, Larissa Gabrielle Newman, Craig Anthony Ogle, Chadwick D. Pritchett, Aaron V. Rains, Robert M. Rutland, Rachel E. Rutledge, Kimberly L. Siebert, Steven A. Tesney, Samuel B. Tidmore, Christian Ronald Walshus Harvest Karl R. Kiesler, Ashunte D. Smith Hazel Green Tamra Kay Carroll Horton Jo Anne Brown, James Robert Debter, Timothy D. Stewart, Jonathon Michael Tapp Huntsville Ricky C. Lang Jacksonville Caitlin W. Gattis Jasper Robert H. Payne Laceys Springs Jordan A. Crawford, Mary Catherine Graves Lynn Ellie Caroline Pendley New Hope Megan L. Stapler Oneonta Twila Alexander, Shelly Renee Brand, Austin E. Owens, Kaitlin M. Wadkins Pell City Ashley L. Robinson Rainbow City Leslie Brooke Crawford Springville Kaitlyn N. Fox read more...

Survey Shows Snead State Reaching Benchmark for Student Engagement Snead State Community College came out on top in areas of Student Engagement, according to a survey released by SENSE (Survey of Entering Student Engagement). Of participating freshmen taking the survey, 79.7 percent strongly agreed that SSCC excelled in early student engagement when it came to advising about a course of study or major, academic goals-setting, and schedule building. When it came to high expectations and aspirations, 58 percent ranked Snead State at the top of instilling in students high expectations to succeed, and the study indicated that students often rise to meet those aspirations. “This is the trend we see every day at Snead State. We encourage our students to reach beyond what they think they are capable of and find success they never dreamed possible. Our growth in the number of Associate degrees awarded in the last few years is a testament to that,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. Dr. Exley attributes the College’s success to its implementation of the College Completion Campaign. From the moment a student is admitted to Snead State, he or she is educated on the value of a community college education. Students have opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom as well through an active student life and community service options. “The results are students who are ready to change the world – either in a small or in a large way. Their impact is significant, and it radiates throughout our community,” said Dr. Exley. read more...

Snead State College Bowl Finishes in Top 10 of Championship Tournament The College Bowl Team from Snead State Community College reached the top 10 among 24 teams during the NAQT Community College Championship Tournament held in March. Snead State finished in ninth place overall with a record of 10 wins and three losses, including two tie-breaker matches. Team captain Matt Landers of Boaz finished seventh place among individual scorers and was named to the All-Tournament Team. The tournament consisted of bracketed preliminary matches with the top two teams from each of the four brackets advancing to the championship bracket. “Our team was involved in a three-way tie for second place in our preliminary bracket. We won the first tie-breaker match but then lost the second tie-breaker on the last question of the match,” said Team Sponsor Vann Scott. The team completed the tournament by sweeping the consolation bracket, which included beating the five other teams representing Alabama plus Tulsa Community College and the Blue Team from Valencia College. “I was very proud of the performance of the students, and as usual they represented Snead in an exceptional manner,” said Mr. Scott. The team’s last tournament of the year is the State Championship held at the University of Alabama in Birmingham on April 26. The Snead State College Bowl Team placed in the top 10 at the NAQT Community College Championship Tournament. Members of the team include, from left, David Abney of Albertville, Matt Landers of Boaz, Landon King of Boaz, and David Crawford of Guntersville. read more...

Snead State Students Celebrate Community College Month Representatives from Snead State Community College visited with Senator Clay Scofield during the annual Legislative Day in Montgomery on March 14. Shown, from left, are Allison Meeks, Ginny-Lynne Sexton, Brett George, Sen. Scofield, Arlos Luque-Nieves, Brady Keel, and Vice President for Student Services Jason Cannon. It was a day to celebrate the achievements of the Alabama Community College System and its students as representatives from the ACCS’ colleges, including Snead State Community College, participated in the 2013 Legislative Day on Thursday, March 14. Students Brady Keel of Boaz, Ginny-Lynne Sexton of Guntersville, Allison Meeks of Geraldine, Arlos Luque-Nieves of Boaz, Sarah Haygood of Boaz and Brett George of Crossville represented Snead State at the event. “It was a great honor…to represent SSCC in Montgomery. I felt that the opportunity we had as students to promote the school was very important. It helped us to get out name out there and show the leaders in our state how essential and wonderful community college is,” said Ginny-Lynne. More than 230 students and College administrators attended Legislative Day which started with a Legislative Breakfast, giving state legislators an opportunity to interact with students and representatives from community colleges. The Snead State students were joined by Representative Kerry Rich, R-Albertville. “My peers and I ate breakfast with our state legislators to discuss the importance of community college and hear about others’ experiences while in the community college system. It was inspiring to hear about other people’s accomplishments and share all the experiences I have had the privilege of having while attending Snead,” said Brady. ACCS Chancellor Mark Heinrich shared stories of success and triumph involving some of the students attending the breakfast, including Snead’s own Sarah Haygood. Sarah is a dual enrollment student at Snead State who earned her Associate degree while still a junior in high school. Now a high school senior, Sarah still attends SSCC and is involved in several student organizations, including Ambassadors, Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley addressed the crowd before signing the proclamation declaring March as Community College Month. Following the breakfast, the students were bused to the Capitol, where they were able to sit in and be recognized during sessions of the House of Representatives and Senate. The Snead State students had an opportunity to visit with Senator Clay Scofield, R-Arab, before returning to Boaz. “My eyes were opened even more to the opportunities within community colleges, not only here at Snead State, but all over Alabama. I was truly inspired by hearing the stories of numerous students who attend a community college. The genuineness and care displayed by the state representatives, senators, and board members reassured me that community colleges, statewide, would continue to have a bright future,” said Allison. “I’m glad I was able to represent Snead because they have given me so many opportunities to further my career. Not only were we able to meet people in our Senate, we were able to see that they truly care about our education and bettering the future generations,” said Brett. read more...

Snead State Baseball Team Takes on Shelton State Sophomore Patrick LeCroy had a huge game Thursday, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, two doubles and two RBI’s in Snead’s 8-7 comeback win over Shelton State at home. Blake Truett went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a double and two walks. Jesse Thomas collected an RBI off a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. Reed Bright and Anthony Wagnon both collected an RBI for the Parsons. Jakob Kirkwood had the game winning walk-off two-RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Parsons the win. The Parsons came into the ninth inning down 7-3. Snead rallied for five runs in the ninth to come back and win 8-7. Preston Thompson started for Snead and gave up four runs in four innings. Kalen Thompson relieved Preston and went four innings, giving up three runs. McNaughten came in in the ninth to record the win. He gave up no runs. Snead State couldn’t get the offense going in game two. Snead State only collected five hits. Parker Madden led the Parsons by going 2-for-3. Truett, Kirkwood and Reed Bright had one hit each. Daniel Moore started the game and went four innings. He gave up four runs and recorded his first loss on the year. Caleb Roberts came in as relief for Moore. He pitched an excellent three innings and only gave up two hits. Snead lost game two 4-1. On Saturday, the Parsons traveled to Shelton State. Parker Madden led the Parsons in game one in hits and runs scored. He went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. He had a walk and two stolen bases as well in Snead’s 7-4 loss. Sam Eure went 2-for-2 with two RBI’s, a hit by pitch and a sacrifice bunt. Lecroy ended up going 1-for-3 with a run scored and a double. Anthony Wagnon and Brett Burgess also collected a hit. Truett and Trey Shaw both had RBI’s for the Parsons’ offense. Ross Garrett pitched only two-thirds of an inning and gave up three earned runs. David Collins came in and went five innings and only gave up four runs. Colton Clifton pitched two scoreless innings. Truett collected the first RBI of the game on a bases loaded walk in game two. He had a triple in the third inning and went 1-for-3. Wagnon and Kirkwood each had an RBI. Reed Bright started for the Parsons and pitched very well going five innings and only giving up two earned runs. Hunter Payne came in as relief and pitched three innings, giving up only one earned. Snead lost 4-3 on a walk off sacrifice fly. Snead State will play at home Thursday against Lawson State. The first game begins at noon. Sophomore Patrick LeCroy had a huge game going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, two doubles and two RBI’s in Snead’s 8-7 comeback win over Shelton State Thursday at home. read more...

Snead State Lady Parsons Win 13 in a Row The Snead State Lady Parsons picked up their thirteenth win a row this weekend in a tournament in Montgomery. The Lady Parsons traveled to Fain Park in Montgomery on Friday and played three games. In game one, Snead State took on Alabama Southern in an incredibly close match-up. Sophomore Torrea Talton pitched a shutout through the first seven innings of play. Sophomore Whitney Sharp came in to pitch in the top of the eighth to get the save in the 1-0 victory. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Talton hit into a fielder’s choice at shortstop and was moved over by sophomore Bridget Fulks on a bunt single. Sophomore Hannah Harris had an RBI double to deep left-center field to give Snead the only run of the game. Harris went 3-for-4. In game two, the Lady Parsons faced L.B. Wallace. Sharp pitched another shutout, only giving up two hits and having eight strikeouts. She pitched the entire seven innings. Freshman Kelsey Pelham finished day with two hits and two RBI’s. Harris, Kaitlin Light, Beatrice Woodard and Sharp each had an RBI in the 6-0 shutout. In the final game of the day, the Lady Parsons played Chattahoochee Valley Community College. Megan Honea took the mound and pitched a two-hit shutout through the first 5 innings of play. Jordan Beasley entered in for the sixth and final inning of the game. At the plate, Harris and freshman Mary Graves both had good offensive games going 3-for-4 with two RBI’s each. On Thursday, March 14, the Lady Parsons took on the tenth-ranked Central Alabama Community College softball team. The Lady Parsons swept CACC 5-4 and 7-6. Sharp allowed one hit and recorded three strikeouts. Sharp also had a big game at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI’s. Light went 2-for-3 with one RBI, as the Lady Parsons down the Trojans in game one 5-4. In game two, Honea gave up four hits. Light continued to have a big day at the plate going 2-for-4 with two RBI’s and scoring twice. Freshman Karlee Hunter added two RBI’s in the bottom of the fifth with a double deep to right center field, as the Lady Parsons nudged by the Lady Trojans 7-6. Snead State’s Hannah Harris slides in safely at home plate to give the Parsons the win in game one of a sweep over the top-ten nationally ranked Central Alabama Community College. The Lady Parsons defeated CACC 5-4 and 7-6. read more...

Snead State Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Recognized at Regional Convention BOAZ – Snead State Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa earned two important awards during the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Convention March 1 and 2 at Jefferson State Community College in Brewton. The Theta Iota Chapter was designated as a Five-Star Club, an achievement of PTK’s Five Star Chapter Development Program. The program, which reflects the scholarly ideals of PTK, serves as a blueprint for developing a strong chapter and for earning local, regional, and international recognition. The Five Star Chapter Development Program helps chapters to organize their projects and initiatives starting with the basic elements of running a chapter in Level One to becoming competitive in Phi Theta Kappa programming in Level Five. Snead State sophomore Erin Kelley of Arab earned the Distinguished Chapter Member Award. Distinguished Members are selected based on a student's embodiment of the Hallmarks of the Society, emphasizing participation in Society programs. This award is the highest honor given to a chapter member. “I’m very proud of our Phi Theta Kappa chapter. To earn these important recognition, they have to put in a lot of hard work in addition to the work they put into their classes and other extracurricular activities. Snead State challenges our students to strive for academic excellence, and our PTK student have achieved that challenge,” said Director of Campus Engagement Brittany Goble, who serves as the PTK Chapter Advisor. Phi Theta Kappa is an International Honor Society that concentrates on four areas of importance to PTK – Leadership, Service, Scholarship, and Fellowship. Sarah Brooke Haygood of Boaz, Erin Kelley of Arab, Brady Keel of Boaz, Jess Goss of Douglas and Jordan Luther of Geraldine represented Snead State at the Regional Convention. read more...

Snead State’s Administration Building Featured in State Magazine The Administration Building on the campus of Snead State Community College serves as an example of renovating an historical building while maintaining its look and integrity. This example is also a point of pride for the project architect Phil Black. As Senior Vice President and Director of Architecture for Krebs Architecture in Birmingham, Black was featured in fall edition of “Concrete Works,” a statewide publication produced by the Alabama Concrete Industries Association. In the article, Black refers to the renovation of the Administration as not only a project in which he is proud but also an example of how concrete played a major role in the renovation. “We took a 90-year-old building that had a wood frame and was in really poor condition and made it strong and stable while keeping its historic look and integrity, thanks to concrete,” said Black in the article. Krebs Architecture Firm has worked with Snead State on the development of a campus master plan, which was used as the basis for the renovation of both the Administration Building and the Norton Social Sciences Building. The Administration Building was constructed in three parts in 1920-21. Rededicated in September 2012, the Administration Building serves as a point of pride for Snead State as well. “Our goal was to maintain the historical integrity of the building, especially Fielder Auditorium. We’ve done that, and in the process we now have a beautiful classroom building complete with a cyber library and seminar room. We have a wonderful auditorium perfect for concerts, lectures or meetings. We also have a reception room that is used by the College and the community. “We’re pleased to have a facility that provides a quality academic environment for our students and a facility that can be utilized by our friends and partners in the community,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. read more...

Spring Semester at Snead State Shows Positive Turn with Enrollment The Spring Mini II term began on a positive note as Snead State Community College experienced an increase in the number of credit hours students are taking from last year. “When we talk about enrollment growth, many people automatically think of the number of students we have enrolled. We actually look at a completely different number – credit hour production,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. Credit hour production indicates the number of classes students are taking, and for the spring 2013 term, that number has increased by 8 percent over the previous year. Last year, students took a total of 24,023 credit hours while this year, students have taken 24,797. Classes range in credit hours from one to four, but a typical class will be three credit hours. An increase in credit hours means an increase in revenue for the College to help offset any reductions in state appropriations for the current fiscal year. But the increase signifies another indicator. “Students are realizing the need to take more credit hours to stay on track to receiving their Associate degree. As students enroll, our advisors educate them on the number of credit hours they need to take each semester in order to complete their degree requirements within a two-year period. Taking longer than necessary to earn their Associate degree could put students in a situation where they run out of financial assistance or miss a job opportunity because they don’t yet have that needed credential,” said Dr. Exley. This spring, Snead State has 2,211 students enrolled, which is 1 percent lower than last year’s enrollment at 2,242. Snead State will begin its registration period for the summer semester on April 8. read more...

Snead State Athletic Teams Take Part in Service Learning Projects The Snead State Community College volleyball team has taken its talent on the road and is serving up some fun at Golden Living Center in Boaz. “It’s been a great experience,” said Coach Dee Ayres. “We look forward to visiting with the residents each week. The girls and I have started making connections with them. We look forward to seeing them as much as they look forward to seeing us. I’ve really witnessed the girls blossom through this experience. They made me proud each week.” The team started going to Golden Living Center in January and has been going every Monday since. The team plays Bingo with the residents, delivers them cards and sometimes simply visits with them. “I enjoy getting to visit with the residents at Golden Living Center. I enjoy getting to brighten their day,” said Geraldine freshman Shanea McElrath. Snead State is an advocate for service learning and requires each athletic team to participate in community service. Recently, the baseball team and cheerleading squad partnered together to spend a Saturday doing volunteer work at the local animal rescue, Second Chance Animal Shelter. “If you need to build it they will come,” wrote Second Chance Animal Shelter owner Doug McGee on the shelter’s Facebook page. “We had more volunteers than ever on that Saturday thanks to Snead State Community College. When they first got here, it was impressive to see an army of people walk down our small dirt road. They came prepared to help and did in four hours what would normally take us days to do. They put pavers down, moved kennels and shoveled dirt and gravel. They even managed to move a large stump by hand with no machines. We want to say thank you to the coaches and athletic department at Snead for the help.” “Our student-athletes serve as an example of the College’s service learning philosophy,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard. “Our athletes continue to give their time to work with school reading programs, volunteer with Special Olympics and to spend time with residents in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. They are hosting athletic camps and clinics to work with the young people in our community.” read more...

Baseball Splits Two-Game Series with Southern Union The Snead State baseball team split a two-game series with Southern Union on Tuesday. Trey Shaw led the Parsons during game one in hits and RBI’s. He went 2-for-4 and had three RBI’s. Same Eure collected two RBI’s and had a sacrifice fly. Jakob Kirkwood earned an RBI coming from a double in the second inning. Parker Madden, Blake Truett and Anthony Wagnon all had stolen bases for the Parsons. Robbie Pettet recorded his second win of the year to move him to a 2-1 record. He gave up no runs in two innings. Calen Roberts, Mitch Cohen and Ryan McNaughton all combined to go the rest of the way for Snead State. They pitched five innings and gave up five runs. Snead defeated Southern Union 8-5. Madden recorded a loss on his first pitching appearance of the year for game two. Southern Union slipped by and defeated Snead 8-7. Cody Clifton recorded two innings and gave up no runs. Andrew Tetrault led the Parsons going 3-for-4 and collected three RBI’s. Madden went 1-for-2 with a run scored. He recorded two RBI’s and two walks. Kirkwood went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a stolen base and a walk. Truett got the go-ahead RBI off a bases loaded pass ball in the top of the seventh inning for Snead State’s first lead of the game. Snead State will take on conference-rival Shelton State Thursday at home. Game time is noon, followed by another game around 2 p.m. read more...

Basketball Players Receive Post-Season Honors Three Snead State basketball players have received post-season honors form the Alabama Community College Conference. Sophomore point guard Demarcus Robinson from Jonesboro, Ga., was named to the 2013 All-Region 22 Men’s Basketball First Team. He was also named to the Men’s Basketball North Division First Team. Demarcus Robinson finished the season ranked fourth in the conference in scoring, averaging 16.76 points per game. He scored 486 points during the season and led his team with 71 assists. He is the son of Alicia Partridge and Armye Robinson. He is majoring in general education and hopes to study communications at a university to become a sports analyst. Sophomore Brandon Graham of Anniston was named to the North Division Second Team. As a forward for the Parsons, Brandon led the team with a total of 144 rebounds. He averaged 8.66 points per game and scored a total of 251 points during the season. He recorded two double-doubles, both against Cleveland State. He is the son of Tracie Williams. He is majoring in physical therapy and plans to transfer to a university to receive a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Ashunte Smith is a sophomore from Harvest. As a guard, Ashunte finished her career at Snead State as the 2012 leading scorer for the Parsons. She recorded 323 points over the season, averaging 11.54 points per game. In 18 of 28 games played, she entered double-digit scoring. Her highest scoring game of the year came on Feb. 16 against Wallace State Hanceville when she put 26 points on the board for the Parsons. She also led the Lady Parsons with 42 steals and was the second leader in rebounds with a total of 120. She is the daughter of Terry and Kelley Smith. She hopes to one day become a pediatric nurse. read more...

Snead State Falls in Quarter Finals of State Tournament The 2013-2013 season came to a heartbreaking end Thursday night when the Snead State men's basketball team was defeated by Chattahoochee Valley 58-55 in the quarter finals for the ACCC Region 22 Tournament. Demarcus Robinson led the Parsons with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Shamarae Watts tossed in 12 points. Brandon Graham and Lawyer Lilly had six points each. Under the new leadership of first-year head coach Jay Welborn, the Parsons finished the 2012-2013 season with a 14-16 record and went 5-7 in conference play, a definite improvement on the 2011-2012 season when the Parsons went 7-17 and 4-8. “As they have in virtually every game all season, the guys never gave up and relentlessly fought back against the odds giving themselves a few opportunities in the closing seconds to win or tie,” said Coach Welborn. “I have thanked them for their tremendous spirits and tenacity.” The Parsons led the conference in three-pointers per game, three-point percentage, free-throw percentage and defense. They finished second in the conference in scoring. The team went 39 percent from the arc in league play, a full 10-percent increase from 2011-2012. The team also improved their average of points scored against them from 70 to 62. The team never gave up 80 points this season. Demarcus Robinson finished the season ranked fourth in the conference in scoring, averaging 16.76 points per game. read more...

Snead State men win, advance in state tourney HANCEVILLE — The Snead State men's basketball team trounced L.B. Wallace 70-34 Wednesday in the opening round of the ACCC/Region XXII Tournament at Tom Drake Coliseum. The Parsons advanced to play Chattahoochee Valley in the quarterfinals Thursday at 3 p.m. Snead rolled to a 43-22 halftime advantage against L.B. Wallace. Dominic Bass scored 16 points to lead a quartet of Parsons in double figures. Shamarae Watts netted 13 and both Brandon Graham and DeMarcus Threatt 10. Courtesy: The Sand Mountain Reporter read more...

Snead State tennis team triumphs in season opener MARION — The Snead State women’s tennis team opened its 2013 season Feb. 28 with a 6-0 whipping of Marion Military Institute. Samantha Dooley of Boaz posted a 7-5, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles. Alex Poole of Rainsville won 6-2, 7-5 at No. 2 singles. Katie Sharpton of Cullman gave the Parsons a 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 3 singles. At No. 4 singles, Jordyn Wagner of Decatur rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 decision. Dooley and Poole combined for a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles. Snead State’s Lindsey Elrod of Arab and Natalie Conner of Gadsden coasted to a 6-1, 6-1 decision at No. 2 doubles. The Parsons’ first home match is Monday against Stillman College at 1 p.m. Courtesy: The Sand Mountain Reporter read more...

Snead State Baseball Splits Series with Wallace Hanceville, Defeats Martin Methodist The Snead State baseball team went 2-2 in the 2013 conference-opening series against Wallace State Community College last week. The Parsons defeated Wallace Hanceville 9-2 and 5-4. In game one, Snead was defeated 2-1. The lone run for the Parsons came off a groundout double-play from Blake Truett. The Parsons only had two hits the entire game. Same Eure went 1-for-4, and Anthony Wagnon went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. Kalen Thompson recorded the loss despite only giving up one earned run in the bottom of the ninth by a walk-off single. Snead bounced back to defeat the lions 9-2 in game two. The Parsons blasted 10 hits. Multiple Parsons recorded two hits including Pat LeCroy, Anthony Wagnon, Brett Burgess and Reed Bright. Bright broke out the scoring in the top of the second with an RBI-single. Wagnon recorded a double. Jacob Kirkwood recorded a two-out triple with three RBI’s in the top of the sixth inning. Parker Madden added two more RBI’s for Snead State. Daniel Moore pitched a complete game and only gave up two runs in seven innings. It was his first win of the year. Snead opened game three at home with another win. Trey Shaw and Pat LeCroy both had a big game for the Parsons. Both went 3-for-5. Lecroy added his second homerun of the season in the fifth inning. He led the team with two RBI’s. Jesse Thomas came up with a big RBI-triple in the bottom of the sixth inning. Trey Shaw, Sam Eure and Jesse Thomas all had one RBI each. Preston Thompson pitched a successful game and only gave up two hits in over six innings. He gave up three runs. David Collins recorded his first save of the year. In the final game of the series, Pat Lecroy added yet another homerun to his season record. He finished 2-for-2 and had two RBI’s and two walks. Jesse Thomas went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Trey Shaw went 1-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt. Reed Bright pitched just over seven innings and gave up five runs. Hunter Payne finished the game for Snead State. On Monday, Snead State took on Martin Methodist College in a non-conference matchup. Snead won both games. In game one, Snead defeated MMC 7-4. Dylan Payne went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI’s. Cody Mize and Nick Baldwin both led the Parsons in hitting, both going 3-for-4. Justin Garmany, Casey Wiggins and Mize all collected an RBI for the Parsons in game one. Robert Pettet recorded the win, going four innings and only giving up two earned runs. Austin Dickie went two innings, only giving up two unearned runs. Ethan Hunter got his first save of the season. Payne went 2-for-4 again in game two, adding two more doubles. David Collins went 1-for-4 and collected two RBI’s. Andy Tetravet and Justin Garmany both had one RBI. Nick Baldwin went 1-for-2 with a run scored, sacrifice bunt and a stolen base. Colten Clifton recorded his third win of the year. He pitched four innings and gave up four unearned runs. Ryan McNaughten got his second save of the year as he collected nine strikeouts in three innings. The Parsons won 6-4. The Parsons will take on Shorter College at home on Thursday. Game time is 2 p.m. read more...

Season Ends for Snead State Lady Parsons The Snead State Lady Parsons basketball team ended its season Monday afternoon with an 84-52 loss to Shelton State at the ACCC Region 22 Tournament held at Wallace State in Hanceville. Ashunte Smith finished the game with 15 points and had seven rebounds. Angelique Wilkerson recorded four assists. Brianna McKenzie, Diamond Elston and Bianca Bothwell all scored six points each. Bria Dupree and Bothwell had four rebounds. On Sunday, the Lady Parsons defeated Lurleen B. Wallace Community College 63-55 to start the tournament out with a win. Elston had 15 points and eight rebounds. Terrian Smiley had 13 points. Bria Dupree scored 11. Monica Cooper had six rebounds. The Lady Parsons ended their season with a final record of 14-16 and 2-8 in conference play. Smith finished her career at Snead State as the 2012 leading scorer for the Parsons. She recorded 323 points over the season, averaging 11.54 points per game. In 18 of 28 games played, she entered double-digit scoring. Her highest scoring game of the year came on Feb. 16 against Wallace State Hanceville when she put 26 points on the board for the Parsons. She also led the Lady Parsons with 42 steals and was the second leader in rebounds with a total of 120. Cooper, a native of Grant, finished the season as the team’s top rebounder with 122 rebounds. She also had 68 assists. Elston was the team’s leading blocker with 29 on the season. read more...

Parsons Begin Post-Season Play Snead State Basketball Teams Begin Post-Season Play BOAZ – Both the Snead State Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams wrapped up their regular season with losses Thursday night at Gadsden State. The Lady Parsons suffered a rough 62-36 loss to the Cardinals. Terrian Smiley led the Lady Parsons with 11 points. Summer Starr had four rebounds. The women’s basketball team has earned the fifth seed out of the north in the ACCC Region 22 Tournament. They will take on the ACCC south’s fourth-seeded Lurleen B. Wallace on Sunday, March 3, at 1 p.m. The tournament is being played at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Freshman Aaron Troup led the men’s team with 16 points, including a monstrous two handed dunk. Freshman Lawyer Lilly added seven points and nine rebounds. ACCC North leading scorer, DeMarcus Robinson, who didn't play in the first half, managed to finish with 12 points. The Parsons held a slim one point 40-39 halftime lead. The lead flipped back and forth throughout the second half. Neither team was able to achieve a double digit lead. The Parsons dropped to 13-15 overall and 5-7 in league play after the 79-75 loss. The 79 points is the most points given up by the Parsons the entire season. The men’s team has earned the fourth seed out of the north in the ACCC Region 22 Tournament. The Parsons will take on the fifth-seeded ACCC South opponent Lurleen B. Wallace on Wednesday, March 6, at 1 p.m. The tournament is also being held at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. The Parsons record is very deceptive as they lost nine games by six points or less including four during league play. The Parsons led the ACCC North in conference games in several categories including: scoring defense per game, free throw percentage, three-point field-goal percentage and three-point field goals made per game. The Parsons finished the year shooting 46-of-93 for 49.5 percent from the three-point line over their last four games. You can follow both tournaments and receive up-to-date scores and information at http://www.acccsports.org/. read more...

Community college grads out-earn bachelor's degree holders By Jon Marcus at The Hechinger Institute @CNNMoney February 26, 2013: 6:23 AM ET Source: http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/pf/college/community-college-earnings Berevan Omer graduated on a Friday in February with an associate's degree from Nashville State Community College and started work the following Monday as a computer-networking engineer at a local television station, making about $50,000 a year. That's 15% higher than the average starting salary for graduates -- not only from community colleges, but for bachelor's degree holders from four-year universities. "I have a buddy who got a four-year bachelor's degree in accounting who's making $10 an hour," Omer says. "I'm making two and a-half times more than he is." Omer, who is 24, is one of many newly minted graduates of community colleges defying history and stereotypes by proving that a bachelor's degree is not, as widely believed, the only ticket to a middle-class income. Nearly 30% of Americans with associate's degrees now make more than those with bachelor's degrees, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. In fact, other recent research in several states shows that, on average, community college graduates right out of school make more than graduates of four-year universities. The average wage for graduates of community colleges in Tennessee, for instance, is $38,948 -- more than $1,300 higher than the average salaries for graduates of the state's four-year institutions. In Virginia, recent graduates of occupational and technical degree programs at its community colleges make an average of $40,000. That's almost $2,500 more than recent bachelor's degree recipients. "There is that perception that the bachelor's degree is the default, and, quite frankly, before we started this work showing the value of a technical associate's degree, I would have said that, too," says Mark Schneider, vice president of the American Institutes for Research, which helped collect the earning numbers for some states. And while by mid-career, many bachelor's degree recipients have caught up in earnings to community college grads, "the other factor that has to be taken into account is that getting a four-year degree can be much more expensive than getting a two-year degree," Schneider says. A two-year community college degree, at present full rates, costs about $6,262, according to the College Board. A bachelor's degree from a four-year, private residential university goes for $158,072. The increase in wages for community college grads is being driven by a high demand for people with so-called "middle-skills" that often require no more than an associate's degree, such as lab technicians, teachers in early childhood programs, computer engineers, draftsmen, radiation therapists, paralegals, and machinists. With a two-year community college degree, air traffic controllers can make $113,547, radiation therapists $76,627, dental hygienists $70,408, nuclear medicine technologists $69,638, nuclear technicians $68,037, registered nurses $65,853, and fashion designers $63,170, CareerBuilder.com reported in January. "You come out with skills that people want immediately and not just theory," Omer says. The Georgetown center estimates that 29 million jobs paying middle class wages today require only an associate's, and not a bachelor's, degree. "I would not suggest anyone look down their nose at the associate's degree," says Jeff Strohl, director of research at the Georgetown center. "People see those programs as tracking into something that's dead end," Strohl says. "It's very clear that that perception does not hold up." The bad news is that not enough associate's degree holders are being produced. Only 10% of American workers have the sub-baccalaureate degrees needed for middle-skills jobs, compared with 24% of Canadians and 19% of Japanese, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reports. Over the last 20 years, the number of graduates with associate's degrees in the United States has increased by barely 3%. And while the Obama administration has pushed community colleges to increase their numbers, enrollment at these schools fell 3.1% this year, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports. Graduation rates also remain abysmally low. Meanwhile, many people with bachelor's degrees are working in fields other than the ones in which they majored, according to a new report by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. "We have a lot of bartenders and taxi drivers with bachelor's degrees," says Christopher Denhart, one of the report's coauthors. Still, the salary advantage for associate's degree holders narrows over time, as bachelor's degree recipients eventually catch up, says Schneider. Although these figures vary widely by profession, associate's degree recipients, on average, end up making about $500,000 more over their careers than people with only high school diplomas, but $500,000 less than people with bachelor's degrees, the Georgetown center calculates. As for Omer, he's already working toward a bachelor's degree. "Down the road a little further, I may want to become a director or a manager," he says. "A bachelor's degree will get me to that point." This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, nonpartisan education-news outlet based at Teachers College, Columbia University. It's one of a series of reports about workforce development and higher education. First Published: February 26, 2013: 6:23 AM ET read more...

SSCC Names 2013 King, Queen Two sophomores were chosen from the 2013 Homecoming Court to be the new King and Queen at Snead State Community College. Katie Bobo of Ft. Payne and Brett George of Crossville were crowned Homecoming Queen and King, respectively, between the women’s and men’s basketball games on Thursday, Feb. 14. The Parsons battled Southern Union on the court. Katie BoBo is from Fort Payne and is the daughter of Wade and Patty Bobo. She graduated with the class of 2011 from Fort Payne High School. Katie plans to obtain her Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education at Snead State and then transfer to Auburn University in the summer of 2013 to pursue a Bachelor degree in Architecture. Katie is president of the Student Government Association and vice president of service of Phi Theta Kappa. She is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, History Club, Parson Pit, and Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. Katie attends New Oregon United Methodist Church. Brett Christopher George is from Crossville and is the son of Connie Campbell and Tommy Campbell. He graduated with the class of 2011 from Crossville High School. Brett is on Service Scholarship, and his major at Snead is Pre-Physical Therapy. Brett plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University in the fall of 2013 to pursue a Bachelor degree in Exercise Science and Wellness. Brett is the vice-president of the Snead State Ambassadors and a sophomore representative for the Student Government Association. Brett attends Mount Vernon Baptist Church and is a member of Frequency. Eight freshmen and 10 sophomores were selected to serve on the Homecoming Court. In addition to Bobo, Sarah Haygood of Boaz, Megan Honea of Ardmore, Tenn., Jordan Humphrey of Florence, Ginny-Lynn Sexton of Guntersville, Brett George of Crossville, Lucas Jolley of Crossville, Brady Keel of Boaz, Zed Martin of Geraldine, and Dylan Payne of New Hope represented the sophomores. Representing the freshmen were McKayla Edmonds of Grant, Jordan Goss of Boaz, Karlee Hunter of Southside, Jordyn Wagner of Decatur, Marcos Cruz of Collinsville, Justin Garmany of Fort Payne, Taylor Putman of Boaz, and Andrew Thompson of Boaz. The 2012 Homecoming King and Queen Colton Campbell of Albertville and Jacie Scott of Boaz returned to pass their crowns on to the new Homecoming royalty. read more...

Snead State Presents Scholarships to Youth Tour Winners Snead State Vice President of Student Services Jason Cannon, left, congratulates the participates of the 2013 Alabama Youth Tour Competition, from left, Bailey Berrey and Angel Ramsey, both from Douglas, Cody Carroll of Boaz, Jaycie Bobo and Kassadi Bobo, both of Crossville. Snead State Community College recently presented three one-year full tuition scholarships to the winners of the Alabama Youth Tour Competition, sponsored by Marshall-DeKalb Electric Cooperative. This year’s winners are Cody Carroll of Boaz High School; Jaycie Bobo of Crossville High School; and Kassadi Bobo of Crossville High School. Snead State Vice President of Student Services Jason Cannon presented the scholarships to the winners during a luncheon held on the Boaz campus on Jan. 25. Other students participating in the competition included Bailey Berrey of Douglas High School and Angel Ramsey of Douglas High School. Students must be juniors in high school to participate in the program. The winners will travel with winners from other cooperative areas in the state to Washington, D.C. read more...

Snead State offers help to students in filing for financial aid Snead State Community College offers free assistance to students wanting help in filing for financial aid to pay for their college education. Snead State has signed on as an official College Goal Sunday site. College Goal Sunday is a free program designed to help Alabama students seeking undergraduate admission to a college or technical school in 2013 in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Interested students can come to the McCain Student Success Center on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, loans and scholarships at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. Students are encouraged to apply early and follow up with the Financial Aid Office of the school they plan to attend. Completing this required form correctly is sometimes perceived to be complicated and time consuming. In one morning at College Goal Sunday, students and their families can get free help filing the form and get many of their financial aid questions answered. Students under the age of 24 should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s) and their parents’ completed 2012 IRS tax returns, W-2 forms and other 2012 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information and 2012 federal tax returns. Students age 24 years or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2012 IRS tax return, W-2 Form or other 2012 income and benefits information. Students and parents should apply for their U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) at www.pin.ed.gov before coming to the event. Now in its 25th year overall and its third in Alabama, College Goal Sunday has helped thousands of students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time, opening the door to financial aid for college. More information is available at www.collegegoalalabama.org or www.facebook.com/bamacollegegoal. read more...