Celebrating Black History programs in Coosa
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Special to the News
Submitted by Mamie Ellis
On February 9, the alumni attended a program at Central High School sponsored by the Student Government Association.
The program guest speaker, a 1989 Central High graduate and native of Goodwater, Sheldon Lauderdale, is employed at NASA as a management and program analyst. Some responsibilities include financial risk management for the $1.3 million Launch Services program, data management and the execution of budgetary resources.
Lauderdale holds a B.S. degree from Florida A&M and a master’s degree from UAB in Birmingham. He shared childhood, college and career stories, and left students with these words “Be a kid or kid like as long as you can; listen to your parents” and also “Believe in yourself, stay focused, and don’t let anyone else shame you into doing something you don’t want to do.”
The program also recognized former students who graduated from Central High and Coosa County high schools.
The students were Mr. DeJarvis Leonard, 1977 graduate of Coosa County High, who graduated from Alabama A&M and Auburn University and is the regional engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation. Mrs. Shonovia “Joy” Scott, graduated in 2001 from Central High and 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. Mrs. Sharon Richardson graduated from Central High in 1996 and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Alabama State and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Alabama. Mrs. Richardson is a trustee for the Middle District of Alabama Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Quincy Leonard graduated from Central High and is a graduate of A&M University. Mr. Leonard is the program manager and founder of LEO Golf Academy, and in 2023 he was inducted to the African American Golfer Hall of Fame, West Palm Beach, Florida.
To SGA President Rebekah Burton, team member and everyone that played a role in the program, great job.
On February 22, at 6:30 p.m., J. D. Thompson Alumni members visited Goodwater for the Black History Program at the Goodwater Auditorium. The community, friends and family really turned out for this history making program.
There was something for all age groups, including music from the Traveling Harrells, performances by the children, fashion shows: natural hair styles and beautiful African attire, the Silver Steppers (these ladies could step; don’t let the hair fool you), and important messages for speakers sharing our history. If you were not there you missed a great program.
The J. D. Thompson High School Alumni Association members enjoyed both events; thank you for inviting us. J. D. Thompson alumni president JoEtta Maxwell was a Silver Stepper, and alumni member Spencer Hardy spoke on the history of Coosa County and its trail blazers.
