Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The 12th grade Marbury High School government class hosted a candidate forum for the first ever election of Pine Level last November. Mayor Zachary Bigley and members of the Pine Level committee Larry Deavers, Fred Hoff and Norma Cothran on behalf of the late councilman James (Micky) Cothran presented the class with plaques honoring their commitment and their participation in history last November.
“Our youth, you guys are 50% of our present, but 100% of our future and I just want to say thank you to all of you. Hopefully one day you guys will consider running for office. Regardless of the opinions of politicians and community leaders, I’m hoping that you can step up with perseverance, faith, and courage to lead our communities in the right direction. Thank you on behalf of the town of Pine Level,” Bigley said.
“I’m very proud of the students that participated in this event, and all of their accomplishments, I think they did a phenomenal job,” Marbury High School History and Government teacher Thomas Sowell said.
The panel consisted of a moderator, timekeeper, two greeters, a video recorder that live streamed the event and four panelists. The panelists asked each of the eight candidates running for the Pine Level election questions regarding the candidate’s plans for tax revenue, and how the candidates would advocate for the youth and recreation services in Pine Level, among other questions.
“It’s just one more example of the community stepping up and working with our students to teach them not only that academics are important but civic community and leadership are too. I’m just proud of this community, the students and the stakeholders here at Marbury High School,” Principal of Marbury High School Bill Harrison said.
Also in attendance at the awards ceremony was Autauga County Commissioner and Chairman Jay Thompson, Autauga County Schools Communications Coordinator Rebecca Thomas, on behalf of Superintendent Lyman Woodfin as well as Principal Harrison.
“You all have been a part of history being a part of that forum and we appreciate you all volunteering to do that. My first run in politics was in high school when I was your age, I was just a poor kid down a dirt road near Autaugaville. But getting involved at a young age is huge and this will be something to tell your grandkids about in 50 years and I think that is pretty cool,” Thompson said.
Mayor Bigley passed out each plaque reading off the names of each participant. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the student’s efforts in being such an inaugural part of Pine Level’s history.
