SPORTS: Local high school athletes shine bright at recent sectional track meet - Page 1B
M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY May 8, 2024
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Jets vs Patriots winner goes to state title series Both Madison teams will face each other today in a Final 4 double-header
Principal of the Year
Dr. Kerry Donaldson, Principal at James Clemens High School, has received a statewide honor with his selection as “Alabama PTA Principal of the Year.” Page 3A
By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - The stage has been set for a baseball playoff showdown between Bob Jones and James Clemens with the winner going to the state championship series. The James Clemens Jets (31-
11) locked themselves into the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs with a 2-game road sweep of Hoover last Thursday. A JC club that was ousted by Spain Park in the first round of the postseason a year ago is suddenly in the third round this year and facing a familiar nemesis in Bob Jones (40-7). These bitter rivals square off today at Bob Jones High School with a double-header at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. If the schools split the games, there will be a third deciding game on Thursday at 5:30 See BASEBALL Page 8A
Bob Jones Patriots celebrate their win Friday over Thompson to advance to the Final 4. Photo courtesy of Madison City Schools
Madison teacher named a state finalist for “Teacher of the Year”
Best in Business
The Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 Best in Business Awards last month at the Space Camp Operations Center with fourteen area businesses coming away with high honors and recognition. Page 3A
Awards
Sparkman High School’s The Crimson Crier and Senator Yearbook recently traveled to the Alabama Media Professionals Award Banquet. Page 4A
By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com
NATIONAL CHAMPS! It was a big weekend for the Mill Creek Greenpower team! The team’s three cars competed in the Goblin Games at Talladega Superspeedway. All three cars placed in the top 15 with Car 700 coming in first place. With this win, Car 700 clenched its second consecutive title as Greenpower Goblin National Champion! This was the race that their beloved late coach, Jackie Smith, was so excited about and the kids gave it their all in her honor. She passed away earlier this year, and the team has dedicated their season to her. Bob Jones High School also had a big weekend. Patriot Racing captured the 2024 Greenpower USA national title. The Red Team was named the F24 Advanced Modified Division National Champions; the White Team was named the F24 Advanced Custom Division National Champions, and the Blue Team was named the F24 Advanced Modified Division Runner-Up National Champions. Congratulations! Look for more about these teams online at www.themadisonrecord.com and in the next issue of The Madison Record.
Trash Pandas prepped to welcome one millionth fan at Toyota Field Gold Star families
At its annual Memorial Day celebration this year, Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families. Page 6A
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By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com
MADISON - The Rocket City Trash Pandas will reach a major milestone during the upcoming homestand against the Mississippi Braves that began Tuesday at Toyota Field in Madison. During the third homestand of just the team’s third full season, the organization will welcome its one millionth fan to the ballpark. The one millionth fan is anticipated to walk through the gates on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday’s game. Heading into the homestand, the Trash Pandas are 22,324 fans away from reaching the milestone. The lucky fan will etch their name See TRASH PANDAS Page 8A
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MADISON – A Madison teacher is one of four finalists for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced today. Coordinated by the Alabama State Department of Education a panel of accomplished educators selected the finalists. “I am humbled and honored to have been nominated for the State Teacher of the Year award and to represent Madison City Schools and District 8,” Brown said. “None of this would have been possible without the collaboration and support of everyone involved.” “Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact on the lives of our students, and, for that, I’m truly grateful,” Brown said. “I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I’ve received throughout my journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my husband, Dawson Brown, whose belief in me has been pivotal throughout this process, and our children, who have shown such compassion and understanding, always willing to help out in any way they can,” Brown said. Brown launched ACES for shortterm academic support to struggling students. “Students regain momentum in their studies and develop effective strategies for assignment management,” she said. “ACES has evolved into a fully-funded initiative.” Her most important acknowledgement is to students, parents and guardians who entrusted Brown with their stories and children’s education. “Each student has a unique story and purpose, and together, we’re making a difference,” Brown said. At Liberty, Brown teaches sevSee BROWN Page 8A