By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany band students ended the school year last Thursday with a concert showcasing each band both separately and combined.

The Sixth Grade Band performed first at the high school auditorium, followed by the Fifth Grade band. The seventh graders played a few selections alone, then joined the high school band for a combined concert. This year’s seventh graders will join the high school band in the fall as eighth graders, boosting the high school numbers to just over 50.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany High School students competed last week in the UIL Academic Meet at the University of Texas in Austin.

Junior Sidney Russell and sophomore Avery Everitt both competed in the feature writing event on Wednesday, May 17.

The top 12 Class 2A students in Texas advanced to the state meet in each event, with the top six places receiving medals at the state level.

By Sam Waller

Children’s summer programs at First Baptist Church of Albany get into full swing Wednesday, June 7.

Children’s minister Ginger Bumguardner said there are still a few openings for the Summer SONshine program, while the community children’s choir is seeking more participants.

The Summer SONshine program will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Children’s Big Room.

Space is limited by transportation, so prospective participants are encouraged to sign up soon.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-Hwrapped up its year Sunday, May 21, with officer elections at its final meeting at The Feed Store.

Officers will begin their duties when the 2023-24 school year begins.

“All the candidates gave speeches,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “Each office was uncontested. We had as many candidates as positions available, which worked out great. We followed parliamentary procedure to vote them into office uncontested.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two celebrity judges will be coming to Albany on Saturday, June 17 to the annual Fandangle Parade, as well as staying for the performance of the local production afterwards.

Texas icon Red Steagall, an American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer who focuses on American Western and country music, and Tim Long, president of Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards at Ft. Worth, have both committed to serve as parade judges and attend the Fandangle, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

By Sam Waller

Preregistration is under way for the Albany Community Vacation Bible School, which is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 1.

Organizer Betsy Spraberry urged parents to sign up their children early in hopes of having ample time to plan for the event.

Spraberry said a flyer has been prepared with a QR code that can be scanned to link to a registration website. It appears on page 8A of this edition of The Albany News.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite a last-minute change of presenters, First Baptist Church of Albany was able to host its annual Bible presentation for the Albany senior class.

The event and the traditional Coke float party was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday with almost all graduating seniors and family members attending.

FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas was ill, so Rick Davis addressed the graduates briefly and presented Bibles.

Many stayed for Coke floats, an observance that has been enjoyed by more than 50 years worth of Albany graduates.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The annual Splash Day at the Albany city pool is scheduled for Thursday, June 1.

The facility will be open free of charge to the general public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. to start the beginning of the summer.

Meg Walser is managing the pool this year. She and city workers have already put in quite a few hours getting the facility ready for the opening, cleaning not only the pool but the concession area and restrooms.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Dance Theater Company will present its 73rd Annual Recital on Saturday, June 3.

The free performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Albany High School auditorium.

There are eight featured seniors in this year’s recital, including Presley Green, Leddie Leech, Chloe Daugherty, Brooke Kayga, Briley Tabor, Gracie Price, Melissa Olivarez, and Sierra Sanchez.

More than 100 students from Albany, Moran, and several surrounding towns participate in the local dance program.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After several game cancellations and delays because of conflicts, absences, and occasional bad weather, photos of all spring youth league teams have been completed by the Albany News staff.

All-star and tournament teams might be taken over the next few weeks, but all regular groups of softball, t-ball, coach pitch, intermediate, and Little League teams are completed.

Packages ordered by parents for these players have been processed and are available for pickup.