From E’lissa Ritchey
Committee Chair for Puttin’ on the Past
Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa
Top Photo: Jake and the Divas, who took first place.
Puttin’ on the Past, the annual lip sync contest sponsored by the Alpha Iota chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa, was Friday night, February 9, 2024, at Wetumpka High School.
The talented students in grades 4 through 8, treated the audience to a variety of hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The group, Jake and the Divas with Ava Brinkley, London Jackson and Aiyanah Provitt took first place honors, performing the 1971 sensational hit “Proud Mary” originally sung by Ike and Tina Turner.
Second place was awarded to the Dedicated Divas, featuring Claire Brisker, Karmen Mulkey and Zailyn Youngblood singing “Got to be Real” by Cheryl Lynn in 1978.
Third place went to Jingle Belles, with Aurora Girdner and Molly Watters, singing Jingle Bell Rock, the 1957 version by Bobby Helms.
Many thanks to all the performers for their enthusiastic contributions! In addition to the talented student contestants, the opening act was a blast from the past. Harry Belafonte’s 1957 hit “Day-O” was performed by three of the original four students who performed it when they were in the fourth grade at Wetumpka Elementary School.
Gracie Hankins, Abby Mullino, Cooper Wheat and Cory Lawrence got the audience in the mood. The exceptionally well-done closing act was performed by students from the Wetumpka High School Theatre Guild cast from their award-winning production of Alice by Heart.
The emcee for the evening was June Carpenter. Judges included Kay Taylor, currently serving as the Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa President, Edwina Aaron, treasurer for Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa and Michael Bryant, the 211 Information Referral Specialist/Outreach Coordinator at Hands on River Region.
Puttin’ on the Past is sponsored by the Alabama Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators united in the ideals of education. Alpha Delta Kappa promotes excellence in education, diversity, altruism, and world understanding. Endeavors encompass the recognition of outstanding women educators, the building of fraternal fellowship, the promotion of educational and charitable projects, the sponsorship of scholarships, including cooperation with worthy community programs relating to education and charities as well as contributions to world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
The proceeds from Puttin’ on the Past fund two $1,000 scholarships at Auburn University Montgomery. The Emily Milner and the Annie May Morriss Memorial Scholarships are named for two charter members of the Wetumpka chapter. The scholarship recipients must be graduates of or teach in the Elmore County Schools. Alpha Delta Kappa members also support the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, Alabama, the Alzheimer’s Association and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Appreciation for support of the annual scholarship is extended to the Wetumpka High School for use of their facilities, Mr. Jeff Glass, Director of the WHS Theatre Guild and WHS Theatre Guild students, Wetumpka Middle School, Wetumpka Elementary School and Redland Middle School Administration and Staff and Winn-Dixie for stage decorations as well as to the community.
