The Albany ISD band program presented its annual spring concert Thursday, May 15 in the Albany High School gymnasium, featuring performances from sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands.

Director of bands Jessica Watkins said this year’s format brought all three bands together in a combined performance to close the show. Each group also performed individual pieces during the evening.

Musicianship awards were presented to students from each group.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School sophomore Kylee Bennett represented her school and region Monday at the UIL State Academic Meet, competing in the news writing event on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

Bennett qualified for state after earning a first-place finish in news writing at the Region II Academic Meet last month. Her advancement placed her among the top 12 student journalists in the state across Class 2A, and she joined a field of 72 competitors from all classifications, 1A through 6A.

Albany Golf Club will mark its 100th anniversary next month with the Centennial Classic, a special Father’s Day weekend tournament set for June 14–15. The event will celebrate a century of local golf history with a competitive scramble, Saturday night gathering, and a recreation of a historic club photo.

Ten seniors from Moran High School will turn their tassels Thursday, May 22, marking the end of a memorable school year and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Graduating members of the Class of 2025 are Allen Hebel, Autum Russell, Blake Boykin, Brylee Stautzenberger, Cotten Campbell, Devon Herod, Ellis Hise, Katie Breeden, Sam Stanley, and Skyler Pacheco.

Ellis Hise earned the honor of valedictorian, and Skyler Pacheco was named salutatorian. The graduation ceremony served as the final event in a busy month of celebrations and student recognition at Moran ISD.

On Sunday, May 18, members of First Baptist Church contributed the largest single offering in the history of the church to kickstart the Renovation Fund for the church’s historic sanctuary.

This year, 2025, marks the 100th Anniversary of the church’s historic main building, and needed repairs and renovations to the church’s sanctuary have been projected to cost approximately $200,000. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

The annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 26, at the Aztec Theater.

The service, sponsored by the Albany Lions Club, will begin at 6 p.m.

The program will open with a welcome by Lions Club president John Tate, followed by the invocation by Pastor Brad McBee. Local Boy Scouts will present the American flag. Kristin Hilliard and Sandy Able will perform the National Anthem.

The Albany Academic Booster Club is entering a new chapter in 2025, with a transition in leadership and continued momentum in its mission to support academic success in Albany ISD.

Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Academic Boosters have granted more than $169,000 over the past five and a half years. Funds have gone toward classroom equipment, scholarships, student and teacher recognition, and professional development.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Families are invited to celebrate the vibrant culture of Southeast Asia this weekend as the Old Jail Art Center presents a Family Festival, this month honoring Myanmar Heritage. 

The free event will take place Saturday, May 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., and offers fun for all ages. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon filled with cultural crafts, traditional games, food, and music inspired by the rich heritage of Myanmar.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A crowd of almost 350 students, parents and staff attended the annual Academic Banquet on Monday to honor academic excellence of students in a variety of activities including Academic UIL events, journalism, band, FFA, one-act play and FCCLA.

Students scoring well on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams, along with those maintaining an average of 90 or above in all classes for the year, were also recognized.

A packed crowd filled the Albany City Council meeting Monday night as dozens of residents, pastors, and visitors urged city leaders to pass an ordinance declaring Albany a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” The proposed ordinance would ban abortion within city limits and allow private citizens to file lawsuits against those who help perform or obtain one — including individuals who assist someone traveling through Albany for the purpose of obtaining an abortion elsewhere.