Prattville, Autauga, & Elmore County Student Spotlights August 2022

The ten students in the Automotive Service Technology program at the Elmore County Technical Center who attempted the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Student Certification in Maintenance & Light Repair exam passed on their first attempt!  This credential is widely recognized in the automotive service industry and demonstrates students’ proficiency in this field to potential employers.

The Prattville Junior High School cheerleaders attended UCA cheer camp at The University of Alabama the first week of June. Throughout the week, the cheerleaders learned and practiced skills that will be performed throughout the upcoming football season while also bonding as a squad. PJHS competed in the large middle school division for game day routine, camp dance, band dances, and camp cheer. The PJHS cheerleaders placed top 3 in all categories. Seven girls tried out and made the UCA All American squad and have the opportunity to perform in Disney World during the week of Thanksgiving. PJHS had 2 cheerleaders that were finalists in the jump off competition. After two long years of not being able to participate in a typical UCA cheer camp, the girls were excited as it was the first for all to be able to interact with other squads, learn new material, and also compete. We can’t wait to go back next year!

The Prattville Junior High School football team is currently wrapping up their summer workouts for the upcoming season with approximately 150 7^th and 8^th grade students. Both teams recently went undefeated in 7 on 7 tournaments. PJHS will kick off their anticipated 2022-2023 football season on August 25^th with their home opener against Valley. Home games this year for PJHS include September 1^st vs. Central, September 29^th vs. Millbrook, and October 6^th vs. Auburn. Come out to Stanley Jensen Stadium and help support the PJHS Cats!

The Cultivating Cats Enrichment Program took place during the month of June. The students were able to experience various activities that were taught by staff members. Activities included arts & crafts, chess, graphic design, robotics, money management, baking, sports, architectural design and so much more. Students were encouraged to try activities they had never tried before for exposure. The students in the picture went “Around the World in 5 Days” and created dragon finger puppets as they studied Chin

Andrew Minton represented Prattville Christian Academy at the summer 2022 session of the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Boys State earlier this summer. Boys State is a nearly 100-year-old youth leadership program that offers a one-of-a-kind experience to rising high school senior male students in the state. Students are chosen because of their leadership skills, work ethic, strong moral compass, and motivation to participate in school and community activities.

At Boys State, student delegates become citizens of an imaginary state, taking part in a mock political life through campaigning for and electing officials. In addition to establishing a mock government, delegates learn from elected state officials, business, and civic leaders. All participants acquire a deeper understanding and regard for two of the nation’s benefits: freedom and democracy. Andrew ran for and was elected as a council member for his imaginary city.

“Boys State taught me that it takes a lot of people working together to create solutions to the problems we face from local to national government,” said Andrew Minton. “I enjoyed lots of things about the program, but my favorite was getting to play with guys from all over the state in the Boys State band.

While attending this program on the campus of Troy University, Andrew also had the opportunity to meet a variety of leaders essential to Alabama’s government, including Senator Katie Britt, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon, Mayor Steven Reed, former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, and Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama’s Superintendent of Education.

As a rising senior and influencer on PCA’s campus, Andrew would like to encourage fellow students to get involved on campus, in the community, and in local government processes. “I want to make sure that I’m a part of the solution at my school and in my community so I can leave these places better than when I found them,” said Andrew Minton, PCA’s 2022 Boys State delegate. “Boys State was a great opportunity to learn about politics and government, especially as a soon-to-be voter.”

Ms. Kasey from Autauga County 4-H  came out to Pine Level and introducing YMCA campers to archery. They learned all about the 4-H archery range, safety rules, whistle commands, checked for eye dominance, and walked through the shooting process. Pine Level Elementary is thankful for the partnership with the local YMCA and Autauga County 4-H agency.

Each summer, the Elmore County Technical Center hosts Camp Discovery for students finishing the 8^th grade in the school system.  Participants have a fun-filled week of hands-on exploration the 13 programs of study at ECTC as they prepare to select high school courses during the next year.

Pine Level Elementary School has two new Assistant Principals.  Ms. Katrina Saulsberry is coming to Pine Level with 21 years’ experience in the classroom.  She is ready and excited for her first administration position.  Mr. Dalton Watson is coming to Pine Level with 4 years teaching experience.  He is ready to take on the challenge of administration. Both Assistant Principals are Bulldog Strong and will do great things at Pine Level!

Multiple students from the Elmore County Technical Center’s Welding Technology program received certifications through the American Welding Society following their spring testing this year.  Earning the 3G Stick Vertical welding certification are Brodie, Attason, & Joel from Elmore County High, Copelin & Braylin from Holtville High, and Alex & Chris from Stanhope Elmore High.  Daleton (Holtville High) & Ethan (The EDGE Virtual School) earned the 1G MIG welding certification.

Elmore County teachers spent part of their summer in Decatur, Alabama for A+ training to make sure they are ready for their students in August! Thank you ALL for giving up your time off to give back to our kiddos! You’re the BEST!