Military news
By Staff
Jones among training grads
Army National Guard Pvt. Robert R. Jones III has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and practice in drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, physical fitness, basic first aid, and
Army history, tradition and core values, and special training in human relations.
Jones is a 2001 graduate of Speake High School, Danville.
People briefs
Local girl among finalists
April Dukeminier, daughter of Sarita Tapscott of Hartselle, has been selected as a state finalist in the Miss Alabama Cheerleader of America competition. The event will be held Dec. 26 and 27 in Gulf Shores.
Dukeminier is a 12th grader at Hartselle High School. As a state finalist, she will be competing for cash scholarships and awards.
Craft earns UAB scholarship
Jacob Craft of Hartselle is the recipient of a four-year University of Alabama at Birmingham Scholars Award, valued at $16,000. He is the son of Leigh Anne Craft of Hartselle.
Craft is a senior at Hartselle High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Scholar's Bowl and the band.
School news
Duncan is top teacher
Wanda Duncan, speech/language pathologist and preschool teacher, has been chosen Danville-Neel Elementary School's Teacher of the Year.
She was previously named the Early Intervention/Preschool Provider Teacher of the Year for the state of Alabama.
She has been employed with the Morgan County School System for 21 years.
Events
Holiday tree lighting set
The 12th annual Lights of Love tree-lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Medical Plaza lobby at Decatur General. The ceremony will include carols sung by individuals from the community, Decatur High School Chamber Chorus, Somerville Road Chorus and Signs of Courage from Hartselle High School.
The ceremony and reception are open free to the public.
