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Gadsden City Schools announce STEM Fest, honor Special Olympics teams at council meeting
Summary
School officials invited the council to STEM Fest on May 3, described scholarship and after-school partnerships, and Gadsden City High School Special Olympics basketball and cheer teams were recognized for state competition results.
Representatives of Gadsden City Schools addressed the Gadsden City Council to invite residents to a STEM Fest event and to recognize the Gadsden City High School Special Olympics teams.
Janie Browning, speaking on behalf of Gadsden City Schools’ after‑school programs, invited residents to the district’s second STEM Fest on May 3 at the East Gadsden Community Center. Browning said the event will offer hands-on activities for families at no cost, that last year’s event drew more than 300 participants, and that the school system is partnering with the National AfterSchool Alliance and the Flying Classroom program for exhibits. She said two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to seniors who register through the after‑school program; that program partner Jerome McQueen and his Acoustemics initiative are contributing the scholarship funding.
When asked to explain the meaning of the acronym, Browning said, “Science, technology, engineering, and math,” and she told council members STEM programming aims to open career pathways that do not always require a four‑year degree.
Council members also recognized Gadsden City High School’s Special Olympics teams. Coach Lowry (34 years in the program) and Emily Day, the school’s special education specialist, described a newly formed unified cheer squad that competed at the state Special Olympics and earned a gold medal. The high school basketball team competed in the state-level competition and won a silver medal in its division; the program also fields athletes in swimming and track and field and will send 15 athletes to the state Special Olympics swim meet in Troy in May.
Principal Joel Gulledge and board representative Sharon Maness thanked city leaders and staff for their support of Special Olympics and the school district. Council members presented challenge coins and city apparel to the athletes and coaches; Mayor Craig Ford was not present at the meeting because he was performing National Guard duties.
School leaders emphasized that Special Olympics participation builds students’ leadership, health and self‑esteem, and noted partnerships with Auburn University’s Eagles program for Gadsden students transitioning to post‑secondary opportunities.
The council heard both the STEM Fest invitation and the Special Olympics recognition during the proclamations and commendations portion of the agenda; no formal council action was required.
