By Donnie A. LucasEducators and staff at Albany ISD will be recognized next week with daily meals and bundles of gifts in appreciation for their efforts to educate the youth of Albany.The week-long celebration is hosted by the Albany PTO, with the help of parents and local businesses.

By Sam WallerStudents at Nancy Smith Elementary School will have a day to run and jump Tuesday, May 23, at the annual track meet and field day.Principal John Gallagher said the events are being combined into one day this year after being held separately in 2022.

By Sam WallerA co-ed Midnight Slow Pitch Softball Tournament to benefit the Albany Softball Association has been scheduled for Friday-Saturday, June 9-10.Organizer Malarie Sutton said the event will be the organization’s main fundraiser for the year.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High tennis program earned five medals, including three gold, at its district tournament played Thursday-Friday, May 4-5 at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.“I was proud of the way our kids competed,” coach M.J. Reneau said.

By Sam WallerMoran High School had almost 100 percent turnout Friday, May 5 for its prom at the Moran events center.Seniors Alyssa Allred and Tyler Waddell were crowned prom queen and king.Moran principal Jo Hise said the event had about 50 attendees, more than Moran’s high school enrollment.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany High School recently announced honor students for the 2023 senior class, with Ella Webb named valedictorian and Presley Green as salutatorian.Six other seniors were named honor students as part of the top 25 percent of the class, which has 32 members.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association (SCYLA) announced a major fundraising effort last week of $160,000 to $200,000 to make what they term as long overdue improvements to the 50-year-old County Show Barn.

By Melinda L.

By Sam WallerThe inaugural Shackelford County Horse Show will offer 4-H and FFA members a chance to display their horsemanship skills in a variety of contests.The show, under the auspices of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association, is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasWith the school year winding down, summer is about to kick off, and registration is now open for ResourceCare’s Day Camp 2023 set July 10-14 and 24-28.Programs assistant Ragan Riley noted that the event is over a period of two weeks, but there is an open week in between.