Board honors RHS players

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
Two groups of people were honored for their achievements and contributions to the Russellville city schools at Thursday afternoon's board meeting.
Several members of the 2004 Russellville High School football team were honored for being selected to the All-State team after leading the Golden Tigers to a third straight appearance in the state championship game in December.
Quarterback Jeremy Helms, offensive lineman Torey Groce, running backs Maurice McCulloch and Mike Abernathy, receiver Jarrell Nesmith and defensive back Tone Suggs were all given certificates honoring their selection to the team.
Head Coach Perry Swindall was commended for his selection as the area's 4A-5A Coach of the Year once again.
The 2005 senior class tied the 2004 seniors for the most wins in program history after finishing their careers with a 41-4 record.
After commending the student-athletes for their efforts, the board members received a little recognition of their own.
The month of January is "School Board Member Recognition Month." Students and faculty from the system's schools gave each member of the board a gift and thanked them for their support.
Students and faculty from the middle school and high school presented each board member with a blanket embroidered with the school logo, while West Elementary placed a book in the library in their honor.
In other business, the board voted:
-to allow the stadium to be used for the "Relay for Life" on May 6
-to allow Southeastern Athletics to use the football practice fields for a junior college try-out day in February
-to allow the RMS gym to be used for girls 12-and-under basketball games and tournaments
-to allow the RHS show choir to attend the All-State Show Choir in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 20-22
-to allow the RHS tennis team to attend a camp in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 13-14
The board also made the following personnel recommendations:
-approved maternity leave for Jennifer Bishop from Jan. 18 through April 1 due to the adoption of her daughter
-hired Rebecca Pride to fill the vacancy left by Bishop's absence
-hired Ronnie Boutwell as golf coach
-approved Greg Trapp, Bobby Wright and John Tyler Keelon as volunteers for the 2005 baseball season
-approved Cam DeArman as a volunteer for the 2005 golf season
-approved Tim Alford as a volunteer for the 2005 middle school softball season
-approved Jennifer Mitchell as a volunteer for the 12-and-under girls basketball team