Black History program honors Coosa Countians who are leaders in their respective fields
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There was much to be proud of as the Student Government Association (SGA) presented their Black History Month educational program. The mistress of ceremonies for the program, SGA president Rebekah Burton, first recognized the Coosa Countians who are being highlighted during our Black History Month spotlights on our morning Cougar Broadcasting Network (CBN) newscast.
One Spotlight focuses on DeJarvis Leonard who is a 1977 graduate of Coosa County High School. Mr. Leonard holds civil engineering degrees from both Alabama A & M and Auburn University and is the regional engineer for the East Central Region for the Alabama Department of Transportation. Most people are familiar with Mr. Leonard’s recent overseeing of the reconstruction of the bridges and interchanges of I-59 and I-20 through downtown Birmingham, as well as the public space project under the bridges since he has been featured on many local newscasts.
Another Spotlight segment focused on Dr. Joy Scott who is a 2001 graduate of Central High School. Dr. Scott holds a doctorate degree in adult education from Auburn University. Dr. Scott is the 4-H Leadership and Citizenship Specialist for the state of Alabama.
A third Spotlight focused on Shavon Richardson. Mrs. Richardson is a 1996 graduate of Central High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Alabama State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Alabama. Mrs. Richardson is a trustee for the Middle District of Alabama Bankruptcy Court.
The last Spotlight featured Quincy Leonard. Mr. Leonard is a graduate of Central High School and Alabama A&M University. Mr Leonard is the senior program manager and founder of LEO Golf Academy. The students were impressed that people from their small county have accomplished so much.
The guest speaker for the program was Mr. Sheldon Lauderdale who was in the first graduating class of Central High School in 1989. Mr. Lauderdale holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Florida A & M University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. Lauderdale is employed as a program analyst with NASA who is responsible for the formulation and execution of budgetary resources, data management, financial control, and financial risk management for the 1.3 million Launch Services program. In his role he aims to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and in doing so has been named an employee of the year at NASA.
Mr. Lauderdale gave an inspiring speech and shared with the students how he was an introverted student who was passionate about finances. He challenged the students to step out of their comfort zone and encouraged them to consider NASA as a career, where all skills are needed from graphic designers to medical doctors. In their personal lives, he encouraged the students to listen to their parents and to make a positive difference in the world. The students were inspired by Mr. Lauderdale’s words and were thankful for the goody bags of NASA patches, stickers and pins Mr. Lauderdale brought for each of our students.
The next segment of the program featured representatives from the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities. Each group shared the mission of their respective organizations. A common theme the students heard from the representatives was a bond based on service.
Students really got pumped up when Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi performed a Step Show for the student body.
It was a bit of a homecoming celebration, as well; it was hard not to smile seeing all these successful Coosa Countians who may have not seen each other in years embrace each other and collectively recognize how far they have come from our small county to being leaders in their respective fields.
The Black History Month education program is a labor of love from our SGA president Rebekah Burton who works tirelessly each year with support from her family and fellow SGA members to educate the student body during Black History Month. This year’s Black History Month activities would not have been possible without the help of our media specialist Mrs. Hughes who coordinated with Rebekah to create the feature video presentation at the program, as well as the Spotlight videos featured on CBN throughout the month. We would also like to thank our band director Mr. Ingram who directed our choir in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” But most of all, thank you to all the presenters and speakers who came back to share and serve as a positive inspiration to our students. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar!
