This column and every column from now on will be in memory of my momma, Margaret Vaughan. Until her death on March 2, 2025, she had written or participated in writing this column for more than 30 years. When she first began, she would take a handwritten article up to the News-Aegis office in Pell City. Later, she asked if I would type it up for her, and I have done so for years. Later, as she got older, she pretty much turned it over to me, but she always wanted to be sure we got an article in, as often as possible. She would ask me most every week if I got her article into the paper. It is an honor to carry this tradition on for her.

Thought for today:  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Birthdays: Birthday wishes to Evan Watson, Melinda Graham, Nancy Jordan, Joan Phillips, Ernie Gauld, Jeremy Deal, Benjamin Gissendaner, Cannon Harmon, Sarah Rhodes, Byron Vance, Margaret Todd, Joyce Pollard, Brenda Wyatt, Daniel Scoggins, Mike Carr, Janice Smith, Walker Cain, Matt Black, April Abel and Bailey Pouncey.

Anniversaries: Congratulations to Tamara and Desmond Groce who celebrated their first wedding anniversary March 23.

Deaths: Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the families of Jimmy Bell, Ruth Bush, Robert Turner, Tena Eads-Laughter, Ila Henderson, Kathryn Isbell, Ellen Meads and Ron Hyche.

Schools: Pell City High School and Victory Christian School held their Proms this past weekend. There were lots of beautiful young ladies and handsome young men attending. I am sure everyone had a wonderful time.

Pell City Key Club had an incredible showing at this year’s Key Club Convention, bringing home multiple awards and making our school and community proud.

Club Awards: 1st Place – Social Media, Traditional Scrapbook, Single Service Project (volunteering with Another Chance Family Center), Major Emphasis Project (annual special needs prom). All 1st place qualify for Key Club International this summer in Orlando. Second Place – Digital Poster, Outstanding Club for Division 7. Distinguished Diamond Club Award – The Top 3 clubs to achieve Centennial Challenge recognition, special VIP seating and private reception with WB Sims. Individual Honors: Casen Cambron – Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lt. Governor (will be recognized at International Convention this summer for this prestigious award); Keylin Mendez-Torres – Distinguished Key Club President (1 selected from entire state!), Division 7 Outstanding President, and $1,000 Key Club Scholarship Recipient; and Dana Jacks – Hoyt Lee Outstanding Kiwanian (from our own Pell City Kiwanis Club).  Leadership News: Valentina was elected Lieutenant Governor for Division 7. The Key Club also raised $727.11 for Children’s Hospital. (Key Club info compliments of PCHS).

Sports: Pell City High School welcomes the new boys head basketball coach, Russ Wallace. Coach brings with him 28 years of coaching, 2 state championships, 6 Final Fours, 13 Elite Eights, 13 Sweet Sixteens, and 21 area championships.

The PCHS Track Team made the school proud at the Chelsea meet. The team came in second overall.

PCHS volleyball tryouts are coming soon. Current 6-11 grade girls who are interested in trying out for volleyball must complete a Google form online at https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeD4JPkJHYG8j…/viewform  April 12 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., current 8–11 graders. April 19 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., current 6–7 graders. All athletes must have a current physical in order to try-out. You must bring a copy of your physical with you.

CEPA: CEPA has an amazing lineup of plans and productions beginning April 4. You don’t want to miss any of this.

CEPA is planning another unforgettable summer with CEPA’s Spotlight Kids Summer Drama Camp. Designed for aspiring performers ages 7-17, this full-day, two-week camp gives students the opportunity to create a full musical from start to finish. With guidance from experienced camp staff, campers will prepare auditions, rehearse their roles and even help design sets and costumes to bring their show to life. Spotlight Kids Summer Drama Camp runs from July 7-18, with performances July 18 and 19. The camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $365 per student or $315 for additional siblings, which includes a daily snack, a camp t-shirt and two showcase vouchers. Campers must bring a cold lunch, as no refrigeration or cooking supplies will be available. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience. Register now before spots fill up. https://www.pellcitycepa.com/

Get ready for a spooktacular adventure as Saints in the Spotlight proudly presents Beetlejuice Jr. This high-energy musical brings the beloved ghost-with-the-most to life in a hilarious and heartwarming tale filled with supernatural shenanigans. When Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager, discovers the recently deceased Maitlands haunting her new home, she unwittingly summons the mischievous and outrageous Beetlejuice.

With stunning performances, lively choreography and a thrilling set design, Beetlejuice Jr. is a must-see for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this production by Saints in the Spotlight April 4 and April 5 at 7 p.m.

Then, buckle up for a whirlwind ride through all 39 of Shakespeare’s plays — performed in just 97 minutes. The Jefferson State Community College Pioneer Players and Spotlight Core proudly present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] (Again) a fast-paced, side-splitting comedy that transforms the Bard’s greatest works into a hysterical theatrical spectacle. Five actors take on dozens of roles, racing through tragedies, comedies and histories with outrageous energy, modern twists and plenty of audience interaction.

Don’t miss this hilarious and high-energy production April 11-12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m.

Get ready to dance, jive and have the time of your life as Pell City High School proudly presents Mamma Mia! This electrifying musical, set to the iconic songs of ABBA, tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of love, family and self-discovery on a sun-soaked Greek island. As her wedding day approaches, Sophie Sheridan sets out to uncover the identity of her father, inviting three of her mother Donna’s former flames to the island—without her knowledge. Don’t miss this spectacular production April 24-27, tickets can soon be purchased on GoFan or you can buy them at the door.

Follow the yellow brick road to a world of adventure as Moody High School proudly presents The Wizard of Oz. This timeless classic brings to life the beloved story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Don’t miss this classic production May 2-3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available soon.

Remember:  He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to Him who for their sakes died and rose again — 2nd Corinthians 5:15

God bless you. I pray that this year will bring good health, peace, and joy. If you have information for my column, please call 205-338-5590 or email information to annette_snow@yahoo.com.