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The community is invited to Snead State Community College on Thursday, Feb. 11, to not only cheer the basketball teams on to victory but to also support the Your Students=Our Students Campaign.
“Hoops for Haiti” will be held in the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium as part of the basketball games against Wallace State-Hanceville. The women play at 5:30 p.m. and the men at 7:30 p.m. People who make a minimum $10 donation will receive a “Hoops for Haiti” T-shirt, and face painting will be available. The admission collected for the games will be donated to the Your Students=Our Students Campaign.
The fundraising campaign is the result of a partnership between Snead State and Miami Dade College in Florida to help Haitian students at MDC whose families have been adversely affected by the recent earthquakes in Haiti.
Miami-Dade has more than 3,000 students of Haitian descent enrolled at the College, which is more than Snead State’s entire enrollment. Many of those students either lost families or have no information as to their families’ well-being following the earthquakes. Many of the students are dependent on their families to fund not only their education but also their living expenses.
The campaign just completed its second week, and already $2,045.65 has been raised through various fundraisers and private donations. Some of the fundraisers included a silent auction hosted by the Snead State Ambassadors and Student Government Association and a day of services offered by the Cosmetology Department, with the money collected for services such as a manicure, pedicure, and hair cut, and the students’ tips going to the campaign.
Cosmetology will offer an afternoon of services again on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 4-8 p.m. All of the money collected from the services, excluding chemical treatments, will be given to the campaign.
Donations were also collected during a special Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in Fielder Auditorium. The ceremony brought emphasis to the situation with students at Miami Dade College. Instead of the traditional candlelight ceremony, attendees used their cell phones or iPods to light up the auditorium in support of the students and all those affected by the earthquakes. During the ceremony, the College Street Singers also performed.
To make a contribution for the campaign, please send donations to Snead State Community College, P.O. Box 734, Boaz, AL 35957. Make checks payable to Snead State and designate in the memo life that the donation is for the Haiti disaster relief fund.
For more information, visit Snead State online at www.snead.edu.
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The Snead State Men’s Basketball Team defeated Marion Military for the second time this year. The game was held at the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium Thursday night, Feb.4, while nearly 100 students from the Albertville Elementary and Primary Schools watched with excitement.
The Snead State Men’s Basketball Team participates in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at Albertville Elementary and Primary Schools where they go every Friday to have lunch with their “little buddies.” Not only were all 17 of the little buddies invited to attend the game for free but so was the whole school, including staff, teachers and parents. Every student in attendance received a free drink and free popcorn as well as free admission.
“Wow is all I can say,” said Beth Sprouse, Parent Involvement Specialist at Albertville School System. “It was so great to see so many of our students with their families at the basketball game. Several of our students said this was the first ‘real’ basketball game they have ever been to.”
The 17 students who have big brothers on the Snead State Men’s Basketball Team received the VIP treatment. They spent time in the locker room with the players, were introduced with the starting line up, received autographed posters and basketballs and got to play on the court during half time.
“Tonight was a great night for our program. Much more important than the conference win was seeing our guys take time to put a smile on a kid’s face and embrace the opportunity to make special moments for someone besides themselves,” said Athletic Director/Men’s Head Coach Rodney Hampton. “Our little brothers and sisters have played no small role in helping our guys and managers mature in areas that are more important than sports. I have been touched by our players’ dedication to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters project.”
Kyle Cooper, who had an impressive 31 points, 14 rebounds, five steals and three blocked shots, said, “It was a great experience just to see the joy I put on my little brother’s face. It was just a mind-blowing experience.”
Marvin Bouie also had a big night on the court with 16 points, four steals and two assists. But he wasn’t interested in stats when he talked to the coaches after the game.
“Tonight was a great experience having my little brother at the game to support the team,” said Bouie. “All I wanted was to see a smile on his face.”
The Snead State Men’s Basketball Team is now 5-2 in conference play with a 15-2 overall record.
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 | | | 'Littles' join the men's basketball huddle. | |
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The Snead State Community College College Bowl Team has recently competed at several tournaments with outstanding results.
At the Bevill State Jasper George "Goober" Lindsey Memorial Tournament held in November, Snead brought home the first place trophy with an undefeated record against 16 teams representing three different states.
In December, the team traveled to Greenville for the Alabama College Bowl League/LBW Community College Invitational Tournament where they placed first. At LBW, Snead again maintained a perfect record in the 14-team field, including a win over defending state champions Northeast Alabama.
On Jan. 22, Snead traveled to Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments Sectional Championship Tournament, which serves as the qualifier for the NAQT 2-year College National Championship Tournament. With a 10-1 record, Snead finished the Sectional Tournament in second place, with their only loss coming against Northeast Alabama in the final match.
Based on the College’s results at the NAQT Sectional Championship Tournament, Snead State has been invited to attend the Community College National Championship as the No. 3 seed in the 24-team field. This year the tournament is being held at Chipola Community College in Marianna, Fla., on Feb. 26 and 27.
At each of the tournaments, Mark Morris was the top individual scorer and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
“I'm very proud of this team and the hard work they have put in which has led to the success they have achieved so far this year. We're very proud to be able to represent Snead State against teams from around the country and I know these players are going to continue to give their best effort in our upcoming competitions. Our goal each year is to win State and qualify for the National Championship Tournament,” said College Bowl Sponsor Vann Scott. “This year's team members are great examples of the quality students we have at Snead and are great representatives for the college. We want to thank Dr. Exley, the rest of the executive team, and the faculty of the college for supporting the team and the team members in our efforts.”
The team will travel to Northwest-Shoals for an invitational tournament on Feb. 12. Opportunities are still available for students interested in the College Bowl team and competitive academics for both this year and next year. For more information, contact College Bowl coach Vann Scott in the Weathers Business Building at ext. 4188 or by email at vscott@snead.edu.
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BOAZ – The Plunkett Wallace Gymnasium was alive with activity on Thursday, Jan. 28, as Snead State Community College held student Homecoming festivities including the crowning of the 2010 Homecoming King and Queen.
The Homecoming Court was presented between the women’s and men’s basketball games against Northwest Shoals. Torre Vann of Boaz was selected as Homecoming King, and Brooke Davidson of Guntersville was crowned Homecoming Queen.
Torre is the son of Tod and Suzanne Vann and is majoring in Agricultural Economics. He is a member of the Snead State Cheerleading Squad and the Dean’s Advisory Council and was also a Parson Preview Experience Leader.
Brooke Davidson is the daughter of Rodney and Karen Davidson and is majoring in Secondary History Education. She is the vice president of the Student Government Association, public relations officer of Rotaract, treasurer of the Snead State Ambassadors, and president of Kaleo. She is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, the President’s Advisory Council, Phi Beta Lambda and SADD. She was a Student Leadership Institute participant. She is also a youth leader at Lifepoint Church.
The King and Queen were selected via student vote from the sophomores. The Homecoming Court was comprised of 10 sophomores and eight freshmen. Other members of the court were sophomores Amanda Cochran of Boaz, Jessica Cooper of Grant, Kyoung Joo Cox of Albertville, Emily Jones of Albertville, James Edward Brown of New Market, Will Brumbeloe of Boaz, Ethan Hodges of Grant, Austin McCullars of Albertville; freshmen Jessica Bailey of Arab, Allison Davis of Albertville, Megan Matthews of Susan Moore, Kim McIntyre of Huntsville, Grant Bearden of Crossville, Caleb Canoles of Blountsville, Dillon Dyer of Susan Moore, and Matt Pendergrass of Boaz.
Thursday night’s Homecoming activities including the unveiling of the College’s first-known College fight song. The fight song was developed through a collaborative effort by Jazz Band Director Mike McGee, Director of Campus Engagement Rian Edwards, and SGA Representative Caleb Canoles. Throughout Snead State’s history, the only recorded existence of a fight song was during the years when Snead was actually a high school.
“A lot of effort went into creating the words so that they reflect the history and essence of Snead State Community College,” said President Dr. Robert Exley. “This is something I believe is a monumental occasion and will forever be a part of the history of Snead State.”
Beginning Monday, Jan. 25, the College planned Homecoming activities for students throughout the week, including a bonfire, the Biscuit Throwdown, and a Homecoming dance. Phi Theta Kappa also sold Homecoming T-shirts with the words to the new fight song printed on the back. During the games Thursday night, special recognition was given to the 1990 men’s and women’s basketball teams, which won the State Championship and competed in the National Tournament.
Homecoming also served as the kick-off to the College’s “Your Students=Our Students” campaign. Snead State is partnering with Miami Dade College in Florida to raise money to aid MDC students who have been adversely affected by the recent earthquakes in Haiti.
“Miami Dade College has over 3,000 students of Haitian descent, and many are now without their families or without knowledge of their families’ well-being. These students depend upon their families to support their pursuit of an education as well as their living expenses in Florida. Their lives are filled with uncertainty, pain and an overwhelming sense of loss. The ‘Your Students=Our Students’ campaign is a way our students and our community can join together and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley.
All proceeds raised through the campaign will be donated to the Miami Dade College Foundation to be disbursed to curren | |
 | | | 2010 Homecoming Court | |
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 | | | King Torre Vann, Queen Brooke Davidson | |
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Snead State men’s basketball team brought home a big win Monday night after beating Gadsden State on the road in overtime 93-88. The women’s basketball team won 77-67. It was Gadsden State’s homecoming.
It was an intense game at Gadsden’s Beck Field House. The Snead State men’s basketball team got in serious foul trouble. Kyle Hunt, Dedrick Heath and Aramis Jester fouled out before the overtime. Ironically, it was foul shots that made the difference in the end.
Marvin Bouie, Chris Beasley and Kyle Cooper were all fouled during the five minute overtime; they hit all but one shot from the line.
“It was an exciting game from start to finish,” said Head Coach Rodney Hampton. “We were down by 14, got in foul trouble and our bench stepped up in overtime to secure the win.”
Snead State’s basketball team never stopped playing. “We had already made up our minds that we were going to win this game as a team,” said Hampton. “This is a team of hard-working athletes who refuse to give up, and I have really enjoyed coaching them.”
The Parsons are now 4-1 in conference play with a 12-1 overall record.
The Snead State women’s basketball team put on a show as well. They started out the game with a ten point lead but were down by five at the half.
Emily Jones came out in the second half hitting a three point shot, and the Lady Parsons played strong from that point on.
“Emily’s shot was on,” said Women’s Head Coach Jarrod Plummer. “Knowing that I can count on my team to make those much-needed shots feels really good.”
Other Lady Parsons contributing to the win were Ashley deVries with 12 points and six rebounds, Kenya Drayton with 16 points and four rebounds and Candance Beverly with eight points, seven assists and four steals. The Lady Parsons are now 3-0 in conference play. | | | |
Snead State Lady Parsons proved that hard work and perseverance pay off in games like the one they played against Wallace State on Tuesday night. The women’s basketball team defeated Wallace 54-46. The Lady Parsons are now 2-0 in conference play (Alabama Community College Conference).
Candance Beverly continues to stand out on the court. Beverly scored 10 points, had six assists, four rebounds and was 4-of-4 at the free throw line. LaKenya Drayton also scored 10 points while Ja’Dasia Williams brought home 12.
“I am very proud of the way our team played,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jarrod Plummer. “Williams, Drayton and Beverly scored 32 of our 56 points. They have been a huge asset to our offense.”
Other Snead State Lady Parsons who contributed to the win were Keri O’Neil with six rebounds and two blocks and Keyoshia Wright with six rebounds.
Snead State led by as much as 13 points in the first half, and only lost the lead for a brief minute in the second half when Wallace led 35-31.
Coach Plummer added, “We spent a lot of time preparing for this game. Wallace beat Lawson State by 39 points. We beat Lawson by 3 points. We showed up mentally and physically prepared for a hard fought game, and it really paid off.”
The Snead State Men’s Basketball Team received its first loss of the season Tuesday night against Wallace State. The Parsons are 2-1 in conference play (ACCC) and an impressive 11-1 for the season.
Kyle Hunt led Snead State with 13 points and Marvin Bouie added 12. Hunt also had 10 rebounds and hit 6-of-7 from the free throw line. Bouie had five rebounds.
“We came out shooting cold, and ended shooting very cold,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rodney Hampton. “We played defense well enough to be in the game; however, we shot the ball atrociously.”
Both teams will play at Gadsden State on Monday, January 25 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The SSCC Caravan will leave from the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium at 3:30 p.m. For more information about traveling with the caravan, contact Rian Edwards at 256.840.4182. | | | |
The Snead State Community College cheerleaders earned a fourth place ranking at the Universal Cheerleading Association’s National Cheerleading Competition in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 16-17.
The competition squad competed against 13 other squads in the Small Co-Ed Division II. The Parsons were one of two junior colleges to compete. The final results for the top eight were Northern Kentucky University, Columbus University, Iowa Western Community College, Snead State Community College, Evangel University, University of Southern Indiana, University of Alabama at Huntsville and Albright College.
“I’m very proud of the cheerleaders’ hard work and accomplishments,” said Cheer Coach Adam Rhoden. “They performed the best I have ever seen them, and they stuck everything in their routine during the final competition.”
Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley said, “We are very proud of the cheerleaders’ accomplishments. They have dealt with their share of difficulties this year including the tragic loss of their teammate, Gabriel Roman. The cheerleaders have definitely triumphed in the midst of a tragedy, and I know they represented Snead State and our community very well.”
Members of the 2009-2010 squad are Raven Baxter of Huntsville, Lindsey Bowen of Geraldine, Janet Boyd of Guntersville, Brooke Chesser of Hazel Green, Jerica Clay of Boaz, Kyle Greeson of Fyffe, Ashley Hughes of Boaz, Chris Johnson of Fyffe, Zena Johnson of Harvest; Bryce McGuire of Harvest; Trey Packard of Rome, GA; Mahalia Patterson of Boaz, Megan Perry of Boaz, Stephanie Phillips of Ider, Ivy Tarrant of Boaz, Talia Thompson of Fyffe and Torre Vann of Boaz.
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 | | | Snead State Cheerleaders at Nationals | |
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GERALDINE — Maura Owens was a three-year starter on the Geraldine varsity volleyball team whose contributions helped the program return to the Elite Eight.
The next stop in Owens’ career will be at Snead State, where she will play for coach Lisa Murray.
Owens made it official during a Tuesday morning signing ceremony at Wendell Nix Gymnasium.
“I was looking at Snead. It’s close by and just easy access, and I’ve always wanted to go,” Owens said.
Murray describes Owens as a “very versatile player” who is capable of playing any of the hitting positions.
“Maura came to a tryout, and I had watched her play in a couple of games,” Murray said.
“Jack (Morris) helps coach at Snead and he coaches here as well, so that’s helped as well.
“She came to a tryout and did a really great job, and we thought she would be a great fit for the program.”
The 2009 season was Murray’s first as Snead State’s head coach. She guided the Lady Parsons to the state volleyball tournament.
“In a two-year situation they’re going to have to contribute right away,” Murray said. “With Maura and the other girls we have coming in, I think we’re going to have a really great chance to go back to state this year and do just as great or even better.”
Snead State will return a setter and libero, or defensive specialist, in 2010.
“All the hitting spots are wide open,” Murray said. “She’s got a great chance to start right away.”
Owens is thrilled about the opportunity to win a starting position.
“I could actually have some playing time. That’s exciting,” she said.
Owens is one of 12 Geraldine players from the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 teams to earn a scholarship.
“It’s a great sense of pride to be able to go to those college games and see former players in college jerseys playing at the next level. It makes me really proud,” said Geraldine head coach Cristie Brothers.
“Maura is such a great team player, and I think that’s got to be the start of any athletic venture.
“She has become a great hitter for us. She was a great middle to only be 5-8.
“She had the second-highest kill percentage on the team, and she’s one of our better blockers. She will be greatly missed.”
Owens finished with 256 kills, 23 aces, 120 blocks and 62 good digs in 2009. She posted a 27 percent kill percentage.
Brothers said Owens’ senior class is a special group.
“It had to be a special group to have come back from a two-game deficit in substate and just refuse to give up and just fight to get back to the state tournament,” she said. “That says a lot about her and her class to be able to fight.”
Geraldine rallied to defeat Hatton 19-25, 21-25, 25-16, 25-10, 16-14 in the substate playoffs.
The victory allowed the Lady Bulldogs to return to the state tourney for the first time since 2006, where they lost to eventual champion Addison in the 2A semifinals. GHS finished 48-16.
“Everybody was so excited (to get back to state), because we had been working ever since we were in 10th grade and we lost that substate to get back to it,” Owens said.
“My favorite memory is from this year, winning substate. It was like 14 to 15 and that last point that we won, and we just all ran on the court and just like dog-piled and it was great. I’ll always remember that.”
Article Published by The Sand Mountain Reporter/Written by Shannon J. Allen | |
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The Marshall County Sports Hall of Fame has selected nine individuals for induction into the class of 2010. Among those nine is Snead State Community College Head Baseball Coach Gerry Ledbetter.
“It’s certainly an honor to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. I enjoy what I do, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great athletes during my career,” said Coach Ledbetter.
Born in Albertville and raised in Boaz, Coach Ledbetter has been coaching the Snead State baseball team for 17 years. During that time, Coach Ledbetter has had over 102 baseball players to sign scholarships with four-year schools. He had over nine former Parsons to sign with professional teams.
Coach Ledbetter is a graduate of Boaz High School, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He earned his degree in Secondary Education from Jacksonville State University in 1969. While a student at JSU, he played centerfield on the baseball team for four years.
His teaching and coaching career began at Sardis High School. He also coached at Cleburne County High School, but most of his tenure as a teacher was spent at Douglas High School, where he coached football, basketball, and baseball.
Coach Ledbetter retired after 27 years in the public school system. He and his wife, Carolyn, have two sons, Stephen and Luke, and one grandson, Dalton.
The 2010 induction banquet is scheduled for June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. Tickets for the prime rib dinner will be $30 each. The class of 2010 is the ninth Marshall County Sports Hall of Fame induction class. With the 2010 class, Hall of Fame membership will increase to 94. The Hall of Fame plaques are now displayed at the Guntersville Museum. | |
 | | | Coach Gerry Ledbetter | |
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Snead State Community College’s Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has been named a recipient of the Pinnacle Award. Phi Theta Kappa is an International Honor Society that concentrates on four areas of importance to PTK – Leadership, Service, Scholarship, and Fellowship.
The Pinnacle Award recognizes Phi Theta Kappa chapters and regions for successfully enhancing their recruitment and orientation strategies, as measured by the number of new members reported to the PTK Headquarters in a given year.
As a recipient of the award, Snead’s PTK has earned five scholarships of $45 each to cover International fees. The award was given based on a 25 percent increase in membership over the last year. Just in the fall 2009, Snead State inducted 39 new members into Phi Theta Kappa.
“The Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has worked very hard over the last year to increase awareness about our club and get more students involved. Phi Theta Kappa offers its members opportunities that teach them the importance of getting involved in the community and an campus, as well as gives them opportunities to travel all around the state and the county for conferences,” said PTK Advisor Rian Edwards. “Our students are learning how to be a leader and how to make a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this group. They are all hard workers and are dedicated to Phi Theta Kappa and Snead State. I am so excited that Snead State has been chosen as a recipient of the Pinnacle Award; they are truly deserving of this honor.”
In the fall 2009 semester alone, Snead State’s PTK Theta Iota Chapter has co-hosted the Regional Conference, attended a Regional Honors Institute, attends Honors in Action Conference, presented a recycling plan to the campus, sponsored a campus clean-up, provided tutoring, orchestrated a Founders Day program, hosted Comedy Night and a Guitar Hero Tournament, and established a leadership speaker series.
For the spring, PTK officers will be visiting area high schools to present a program on PTK and its importance to students. The Snead State PTK will also take part in the Energy Conservation Campaign and Relay for Life and help promote environmental awareness. There will also be another spring induction for PTK, and new officers will be elected. PTK will attend the International Conference held in Orlando, Fla., in April.
For admission into Phi Theta Kappa, a student must have completed at least 12 semester hours and must have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5. Induction is held in the fall and each spring semesters. PTK meets the first and third Wednesday of every month.
The Snead State Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Advisors for the 2009-2010 school year are Director of Campus Engagement Rian Edwards, Child Development Instructor Karen Watts, Computer Science Instructor Dr. Sandra Roberts and Speech/Religion/Philosophy Instructor Dr. Jonathan Watts.
Officers for the 2009-2010 school year include President Suzanne Kornegay of Susan Moore, Vice-President of Service Megan Williams of Albertville, Vice-President of Leadership Tamara Lee of Douglas, Vice-President of Scholarship Kyoung Joo Cox of Douglas, Vice-President of Scholarship Danielle Cornelius of Douglas, Public Relations Officer Jordan Smith of Albertville, and Recording Officer Andrea Walden of Albertville. | | | |
“The Wizard of Oz” has been selected as the fall musical production by Snead State Community College. Snead State instructor and Whole Backstage veteran Johnny Brewer will direct.
The cast of characters and support personnel have had a long involvement with Snead State. Along with Mr. Brewer, Snead alumni are working in various capacities. Jason Lancaster serves as Assistant Director, Timmy Moore as Stage Manager and Steve Holman as Assistant Stage Manager. Jimmy Davis is the Technical Director, and Sonia Gunter volunteers as the Theatre Secretary, the same position she held while a student here at Snead State. Cast members include Snead State dual enrollment students from Boaz and Albertville High Schools; Holly Scott as Dorothy; A.J. Pollard as the Scarecrow, Erik Cederholm as the Tinman; and John Everett Brewer as the Cowardly Lion. Sara Murdock will play the role of Aunt Em. Other Snead Alumni include Matthew Gunter, Amy Mitchell and Jennifer Arthur.
Current Snead students involved in the production include Matthew Rucker, Matthew Beck, Joshua Beck, Meg Biddle, Tiffany Wilson, Jill Jimmerson, Haley Elkins, Hanna Neuffer, Allison Davis, April Burns, Andrew Vaughn, Brandon Greer, Ryan Jones, Sue Bilke, and Adam Upton.
Several of our area high schools have students involved in the production. Many Snead alumni have children participating as munchkins as well. Snead State Cosmetology and Jazz Band are involved with providing service for make-up and hair and orchestra members.
Based on the L. Frank Baum classic book and on the 1939 MGM film musical, “The Wizard of Oz” is a remarkable American fairy tale. Baum's lovable characters, the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodsman, join Dorothy on a journey to meet the great Oz. While on their trek, they battle the Wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy’s journey through a fantasy land of multi-colored splendor, filled with wonderful wizardry, gloriously-costumed Munchkins and a wickedly-willful witch, touches the hearts of both young and old alike.
Tickets are available for purchase one hour prior to each performance only. No advanced tickets are sold. Seating is first come, first serve. All tickets are $10. No student, senior or group tickets are available. Snead students are admitted free with valid student ID.
Performances are scheduled for November 19-22 in the Bevill Center Concert Hall. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m. Sunday is a matinee starting at 2 p.m. For more information, call (256) 840-4199, e-mail Johnny Brewer at jbrewer@snead.edu or check the website at www.snead.edu. | |
 | | | SSCC Presents "The Wizard of Oz" | |
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The Snead State Alumni Association presented the 2009 Alumna of the Year award and the Distinguished Service Award during the Alumni Homecoming festivities held Feb. 20 and 21.
The special awards presentation was held during the Alumni Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 21. Joan Noel of Boaz was the recipient of the Alumna of the Year Award, and Sue Kelley received the Distinguished Service Award.
Mrs. Noel attended Snead College from 1962-1964, and her life has encompassed quite a number of “firsts.” As a student at Boaz High School, she was the president of the first Student Council. Her 1962 high school graduating class was the first to study in and graduate from the current high school building at Boaz.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Bernard College and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama, Mrs. Noel began her teaching career at Boaz Elementary School, where she served as a third grade teacher for 17 years.
She served as principal at Douglas Elementary, Corley Elementary, and Boaz Elementary before becoming the first women elected as Superintendent of the Marshall County School System. After her term in office ended, she worked as the director of the county’s Reading Program and Special Education Program before she retired in 2006.
Mrs. Noel married another Snead alumnus and inspired both of her sons to not only pursue careers in education but to also attend Snead. She is described as someone who encourages students to take advantage of the wonderful things Snead State Community College has to offer just as she did and just as her family did.
“This is truly an honor. I consider the Alumna of the Year award the most prestigious recognition I have received,” said Mrs. Noel.
The Distinguished Service Award recipient graduated from Snead in 1951 and returned to the College as a part-time instructor in 1967. Mrs. Kelley, a resident of Boaz, joined the faculty as a full-time English instructor in 1969. She later accepted the additional responsibilities by serving as the director of the Humanities Division at Snead State.
Mrs. Kelley has supported the Alumni Association by serving as a past officer and supporting alumni events. She is described as a “very vocal supporter of Snead and its programs.”
Mrs. Kelley retired from Snead in 1994. She continues to be an active member of the Boaz community and St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she has organized the active 55-plus club within the church.
A third award was presented during the breakfast on Saturday. Rhonda Springfield was recognized for her service as president of the Alumni Association since 2005. She has been involved in organizing such events as the annual Chili Supper, Homecoming, and the first Dinner and a Show event to be held next month.
The award presentations preceded the annual business meeting of the Alumni Association. During the meeting, changes to the by-laws were approved, and a new slate of officers for 2009-2010 was approved. Those officers are President Jon Harbison of Albertville, Vice President Libby Bates of Boaz, Secretary Morgan Willis of Boaz, and Treasurer Jarrod Shields of Albertville.
Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley updated alumni members on activities going on at the College, including the development of a Campus Master Plan and the renovation of the Norton Museum into a Social Sciences Building.
This year’s Alumni Homecoming also included a reception held at the Elrod Hospitality Center on Friday, Feb. 20.
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 | | | Joan Noel with Rhonda Springfield | |
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 | | | Sue Kelley with Jon Harbison | |
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