A group of students leads “The Pledge of Allegiance” during Morgan County’s in-service day as the color guard presents flags from the nation, state and county. | Clif Knight

The 2012 Morgan County Schools Institute, “Tomorrow’s Leaders Leading Today,” gave teachers and administrators a pat on the back for their service and painted a brighter future for education.

The annual event was conducted at the new Somerville Baptist Church on Friday with more than 500 school administrators, teachers, elected officials and guests in attendance.

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Students stole the spotlight during the first hour of the program.

The state champion FFA String Band entertained at a breakfast, Brewer’s JROTC Color Guard posted the colors, and a group of elementary students from West Morgan led in The Pledge of Allegiance.

Greetings were given by Carolyn Wallace, chairperson of the Morgan County Board of Education; Ray Long, chairman of the Morgan County Commission; State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville.