VICKY IS RETIRING AFTER 32 YEARS

The Athens News Courier has a great article featuring our Vicky Dowd.  Follow the LINK or buy a hardcopy today for the complete writeup. 

It was Monday, March 25, 1985, and Vicky Dowd was a 24-year-old Elkmont native. She had applied to work as a customer service representative for Athens Utilities on Jefferson Street and was one of five finalists. She remembers talking with her father about the job, which he encouraged her to take.

“He said, 'Vicky, they've got great retirement,'” she recalled Thursday. “Retirement just seemed like 100 years away, but here I am.”

At a well-attended reception at City Hall Thursday, Dowd said goodbye to her job as administrative assistant and a career with the city that spanned 32 years. Mayor Ronnie Marks said she's been “the voice” of the city of Athens since she's been answering the mayor's office phone for more than 12 years. He also ribbed her about her self-appointed “kitchen police” duties at City Hall. He said employees would occasionally receive emails that said, “Okay, grown people. Whoever it is who has left the trashy dishes in the sink in the kitchen, this is not a hotel and we don't put up with that stuff so get in there and clean up your dishes.”

When asked what she would miss about working for the city, she was quick to say “being in the know.” She doesn't plan on disappearing, however, and will continue to visit her friends at City Hall.
Dowd plans to spend more time with her husband, David, and their children and a new grandchild. She is also teaming up with a friend on what she called a “gourd adventure.” She will also plant pumpkins for the grandchild.

“We live on a farm and have cows and horses,” she said. “I'm afraid my husband might put me to work.”

When asked about longevity, she said a good work ethic and the ability to let drama and negativity roll off her back have served her well. She added the good days have far exceeded the bad.

“The best part of the job was being able to help people who appreciated my help. My mother always said, 'As long as you do your job, you won't have anything to worry about,'” she said. “I feel like I've accomplished enough. … Life is short and I want to stop and enjoy life.”

MEET TWO MORE OF THE KICKIN' DEVILS

Several players have already been introduced but two more are in the limelight today. 

 

ANOTHER WIN FOR THE KICKIN' RED DEVILS

In an important area game, every Red Devil on the varsity roster enjoyed playing time in an 8-1 victory over Athens Bible School. 

Danny Valencia led Elkmont with three goals and one assist. Mark Pena added two goals, while Santiago Altamirano, Juan Mendoza, and Nick Grigsby also put goals on the scoreboard. 

 
Luis Valencia registered three assists, while Alex Alvarado and Benton McNatt each had an assist.

Despite a slick, wet field, Tee Boyd registered five saves. The JV Red Devils play at Monrovia on Thursday. 

The Varsity team's next game is a 5:30 matchup on April 3 against Lawrence County, TN.

LEAH SEIBERT - REGIONAL BRYANT-JORDAN WINNER

Elkmont's Leah Seibert is among the 104 regional winners in the 2017 Bryant-Jordan scholarship program in the Achievement category. This category honors students who have overcome personal hardship to excel academically and athletically. 

Bryant Jordan members  interviewing Leah Seibert, coaches and administration as one of the overall finalists in the Bryant Jordan Award. Good Luck Leah!!!

Regional winners receive a $2,500 scholarship and can earn more at the statewide Bryant-Jordan banquet on April 10 in Birmingham. The winners for the seven classifications as well as two overall winners will be announced at the banquet.


Seibert has battled cancer throughout high school at Elkmont. As a freshman, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the connective tissues. Since then, the Elkmont cheerleader has spent as much time in the hospital for treatment as on the sideline cheering.

“She's been doing it on and off as much as possible. During football season, sometimes she would come in on Friday straight from the hospital,” said Elkmont cheerleader sponsor Cindy Wales. “She would cheer as much as she could. Everything she could possibly do, she did. And the whole time, she has done it with a smile on her face.”

Seibert travels to St. Jude in Memphis for treatment and will stay anywhere from a few days to a week. And that doesn't include the treatment she undergoes in Huntsville.

 
“I've never seen her through this whole process without a smile on her face,” said Wales. “From the day she was diagnosed. That's just how she is. She's tried to keep her schedule and activities as normal as she can.”

To read the complete article: Athens News Courier

Another great article about Leah: 
Live Live to the Fullest 

DANNY (DAN) RAY EAVES - OBITUARY

Danny (Dan) Ray Eaves, age 58, of Trinity, formerly of Athens, passed away peacefully at his home on March 26, 2017.
Mr. Eaves was born on January 17, 1959 to Ollie (Buddy) and Barbara Morell Eaves. 

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at McConnell Memorial Chapel with Pastor Brent Gillespie officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 28, 2017, from 6-9 P.M. at McConnell Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bottoms Cemetery. 

Danny Ray is survived by: companion Glenda Dutton, Dan Dan's Girls: Kelly Dutton, Rachel Jenkins (Richard), Chloe Jenkins, Ivee Jenkins of Trinity, sister: Debra Dugger (Bobby) of Athens, Karen Brewer (Harley) of Athens, Nieces: Lisa Brewer Stovall (Brian) of Lester, Casey Anne Dugger of Athens, Nephew: Jeremy Brewer (Kallie) of Athens, Great Niece: Rayne Brewer of Athens, and Great Nephew: River Brewer of Athens.
Pallbearers will be Richard Jenkins, Danny Gillespie, Craig Autrey, Wesley Auen, Troy Wilkerson, and Jeremy Brewer. 

The family and friends would like to give a special thank you to Southern Care Hospice and UAB for their care. In lieu of flowers make memorials to Southern Care Hospice or New Life Church Building Fund P.O. Box 70 Moulton, AL 35650

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT......

The North Alabama Mule Train made their annual visit on Monday as they traveled north to Columbia, Tennessee for Mule Day.  You may have missed seeing them this year but Susan Pylant has some terrific pictures for us all to enjoy. 

SENIOR SCHOLAR BOWL - LIMESTONE COUNTY TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

We have so many athlete events from football to golf; each team has a full schedule with lots of games to report.  However, we have another team that doesn't get as much attention but always represents Elkmont well, the high school scholar bowl team.  This year's team of high achievers is:

Captain: Luke Campbell

Coleman Cook, Riley Cook, Christina Stacy, Benton Ferguson, Rachel Hammond, Lauren Simpson, Melisha Snoddy, Camille Turner,  Walton Ferguson, Brantley Hammock, James Walts, Meadow Guth and Jordan Fielding

Our scholar bowl team has had a fantastic season.  They ran the table at the Limestone County Tournament wiping out the other county schools, 5-0.  

Luke Campbell
earned the most points throughout the five rounds placing him in the individual Championship Round with his teammate Coleman Cook. For this round, ten students completed for top honors.  

Coleman Cook took first place.  Luke Campbell placed third.

They competed in the Small High School Tournament at Wallace State, January 13.  In pool play, they came in second with 325 points beating West Limestone, Vinemont , Lexington and Pickens County. East Lawrence nudged them out for first place but Elkmont was awarded a wildcard slot for the state tournament. 

Stats

Site	State Qualifiers
Enterprise State Community College Enterprise	T. R. Miller High School
University of Alabama Gadsden	Ashville High School
Wallace State Community College Hanceville	East Lawrence High School Holly Pond High School Lamar County High School
Wildcard Teams	Elkmont High School Good Hope High School Woodland High School

They placed third out of the eight schools in the Alabama Small School Championship held at Hoover High School on Saturday, February 25.  

The Final Four

	Winners
1st Place	East Lawrence High School Jay Vick, Coach
2nd Place	Ashville High School Heather Warren, Coach
3rd Place	Elkmont High School Linda Schmidt, Coach
4th Place	T. R. Miller High School Julia Clements, Coach

*At Large High School District, Elkmont advanced to Regionals.

CROSS COUNTRY AND INDOOR TRACK AWARDS RECOGNIZED

The Cross Country/Track Awards were held at Elkmont High School on March 26.  It was a fantastic event that celebrated our Cross County and Track program and what it has become. Special guests and former runners in both XC and track programs were there to participate in the the fun. Coach Pugh shared some wonderful stories that only he can tell between the presentations. 

Our current Cross County and Track team members were recognized for their efforts as well as the 2016/2017 All State honorees

Chance Bailey
*All State Cross Country

Noah Sharp
*All State Indoor Track - Hurdles

Chase Prater
*All State Cross County *All State Indoor Track

Chase, Elkmont's first State Champion, won first place finish in the state 1600 meter indoor race.
 

The 2013 All State honoree, Tyler Helms, was also recognized for his achievements.


COACH'S CORNER:

Thanks to all who came to the XC/Track awards today! It was great to see some of my kids and parents I haven't seen in a while. Thanks Bill Tribble for the kind words, and thank you to my "parent brigade" and my wife who always get the job done! So proud of all of my past and present teams! Proud of the four young men who were honored today! Great day for EHS!

Kids did a great job last week at Cold Springs meet. When we started the track program this was one of the first meets we attended. Ever since that time Cold Springs (even though it is a good 80 miles drive one way) has been a favorite and we make the annual drive at at least two times a year with the XC and track teams. Coach Morrow pointed out that this would be the last time our seniors would attend the meet. I have six on my team this year...most I have ever "lost" in one year. 

Reflecting on their time with me brought a little somberness to the meet last night. Being involved with these kids for years develops a bond of trust, respect and love for each one of them. Teaching and coaching can never make you rich, not at the high school level anyway. Monetarily speaking that is. The memories I have deposited in my "account" all of these years is worth so much more! I can see still see my own running on that track and running that trail. Brings back great memories. 

Thankful for the opportunity to be a part of so many young lives. It is always in our mind how different the next year will be when our seniors leave. Inevitably a new "normal" takes over and new memories are made!

I wish all of them success and the accomplishment of happiness and contentment in their lives. I also hope they can look back, think about Coach Pugh and their time representing EHS and smile. Just part of life! Have a good one!

JORDAN HAGGERMAKER FUNDRAISER

FOURTH GRADE AND THE WATER FESTIVAL

On March 24, Elkmont fourth grade students were able to attend the 18th annual Ground Water Festival on the Athens State University Campus. 

The event featured an ecological-friendly show by magician Steve Trash. The festival is designed to educate students about groundwater as a natural resource; what it is, how it works, and its environmental benefits. 

Students were involved in hands-on activities to learn about the water cycle, the water filtration process, and the function of wells in supplying water. Some of these activities included stringing water cycle bracelets and making edible aquifers. 

Mr. Hobbs Class

Mrs. Bates Class

Mrs. Adams Class

KICKIN' RED DEVILS WIN COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Down 1-0 at halftime, the Varsity Red Devils scored four unanswered goals in the second half.  

This resulted in a 4-1 victory over West Limestone in the championship game of the Limestone County Tournament on Saturday. 

Ronaldo Aguilar's perfectly placed goal through the legs of West's goalie set the tone for the second half. Danny Valencia added two goals, one amazingly from a corner kick. Mark Pena's goal completed Elkmont's scoring. Valencia and Juan Mendoza each registered an assist.

Goalie Tee Boyd continued his consistent play with six saves. Valencia, Mendoza, and Aguilar were joined by Santiago Altamirano on the all-tournament team. 

Danny Valencia was named tournament MVP.

The Elkmont Soccer program is going to be very busy this week.  Remember all homes games are being played at the Ardmore City Park field (TN side). If you would like to watch a match, the schedule is:

March 28
*Varsity Girls vs Athens Bible; 4:30 PM

*Varsity Boys vs Athens Bible; 6:30 PM

March 30
*JV Girls @ Monrovia; 4:15 PM
*JV Boys @ Monrovia; 5:30 PM

April 3
*Boys Varsity vs Lawrence County, TN @ 5:30 PM

April 4 
*Girls Varsity vs Ardmore @ 4:30 PM
*Boys Varsity vs Ardmore @ 6:30 PM