editor@ChiltonCountyNews.com

Crumpton 

Competes In

Miss Alabama Teen

    Cambree Crumpton will be competing in the Miss Alabama Teen Pageant next month.  A “Send-Off Party” was held in her honor on Sunday afternoon, February 8, where friends and family gathered to shower her with best wishes. She currently holds the title of Miss Iron City Teen.

“Being Miss Iron City’s Teen has opened doors for me and helped shape who I am by allowing me to serve my community, use my voice, and meet people who inspire me,” she said. “This organization represents everything I value. It’s about service that makes a real difference, style that reflects confidence, scholarships, sisterhood, and success that is defined by purpose.”

    Her Community Service Initiative, “Cam’s Cause: A Vision For All” focuses on helping children and families get access to the eye vision care they need. “I’ve raised money for Alabama Lions Sight, partnered with UAB’S Ophthalmology Program, and will continue to spread awareness to help provide free eye screenings and glasses to those in need. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to see clearly, succeed in school, and feel confident in their future. That is why I’m proud to use my voice to advocate for Alabama Lions Sight.”

    Cambree will be Contestant Number 36 on Saturday, March 7. She will be judged on interview, talent, fitness, evening gown, and have an onstage question. The new Miss Alabama Teen will be crowned during the finals which will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 8.

Lions Club

Hears From

Area Coaches

    The Clanton Lions Club met on Friday, February 6. The new design for the 2026 Peach Festival caps was shown and it will tie into the 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the United State of America. I think it looks good,” Glenn McGriff said. “Josh at Home Printing did a great job with the design.” Gray, camouflage and khaki will be the colors available and they would like to have them ready to sell by Spring break. 

    Lions President Jason Calhoun said the peach on the cap will have an American flag inside of the peach. They are working on a design for the T-shirt and will try to tie everything into the anniversary of the country.

    Guest speakers for the meeting were county baseball and softball coaches. Corey Clements, Superintendent of Education, thanked the Lions Club for hosting the coaches who discussed their upcoming seasons. Clements said, “The most important thing to me, as the Superintendent, is that we have good men and good women working with our children. The wins and the losses are secondary compared to the kind of adults we put with our children.” He thanked the coaches for what they do and for the example they set for the young people.

    Thorsby has a brand new softball facility this year. This is the first time ever to have a home campus softball facility. Softball field improvements are either underway, or will be soon, for other county schools.

Chilton County High School

    Justin Veazey, baseball coach at Chilton County High School, said he is super excited about his players this year. He has two seniors, nine juniors, and some new coaches. He said younger players, first through sixth grades, would be allowed to practice with them on Tuesday. After that, they host Tiger Day on Thursday. Dustin Dunn, softball coach, is in his second year. This year he has two seniors and is looking forward to this year. They had a school record of 94 wins last year. All pitchers are returning. 

Isabella High School

    Dustin Green, baseball coach at Isabella High School, said he had a really young and inexperienced varsity. “It is going to be exciting to see them grow,” he said. Last year was good with 15 wins and this will be a rebuilding year. He has guys that he thinks will step up and he is looking forward to working with them. Joey Boatwright, softball coach, is in his first year. He said they are a fun group to coach, they play hard and are competitive. With only one senior, they are a young team. “We are excited about this season,” he said.

Jemison High School

    Gabe Gunter, baseball coach at Jemison High School, said last year was the first time in 10 years the school had made the playoffs. This will give them a good foundation going into this season. He has five seniors and a great group of guys. Elizabeth Cannon, softball coach, is in her first season at JHS. She has been a coach for 25 years prior to coming to Jemison. She had a large number of girls come out and the younger classmates are challenging the upper classmates. Plus, she said she is really challenging the players to make them better.

Maplesville High School

    Jeremy White, baseball coach at Maplesville High School, said this is probably the oldest baseball team the school has had in some time. He has seven seniors and five juniors. “I expect big things out of those guys,” he said. Being a small school, players on the state championship football team also play basketball and baseball. He hopes to build off those wins into carrying baseball into the playoffs and have a good year. Clark Watley, softball coach, is in his tenth year at MHS. He has five seniors and four juniors. “The great thing about them is they have been starting since eighth grade, all of them,” he said. “Our expectations are high always. We have been to state the last four years. We want to see them be successful and we are looking forward to the season.”

Thorsby High School

    Drew Wood, baseball coach at Thorsby High School, is in his eighth year and he thanked Clements and the board members for the new outfield fence. “Last year we had a good season, 26-10, area champs,” he said. “Looking to build on that this year with four seniors. We have some important players coming back. It’s not an older team, but an experienced team, they’ve all played. We want to finish strong this year.” Nathan Hayes, softball coach, is in his first year at THS. Thanked Superintendent Clements and the board members for the brand new facility. “It is a great set-up,” he said. “We’re out there pretty much every day, rain or shine, because we have a covered batting cage. Also have a heated and air conditioned locker room. The girls are very blessed to have this.” He said he has a really good group of talented girls, four seniors, and two juniors. He also has 18 seventh through ninth graders. “They are pushing each other,” he said. “Nothing is guaranteed, they have to go out there and work.”

Verbena High School

    Allen Brothers, baseball coach at Verbena High School, thanked the Lions Club for the Senior Showcase they sponsor each year. Julia Porter, softball coach, was unable to attend and Brothers stated the team was up and coming. She lost her pitchers to graduation, but she is working and they should be good. The baseball field is now lighted and they are looking forward to playing under the lights. He has five seniors and pitching is always an issue being a 1A school. “We have great kids,” he said. “They work hard, do a great job, they love baseball. We play a lot of young guys as well and it is great seeing them grow. I’m excited to see them play this year. Verbena is doing great things.”

TICKETS ON SALE

    It’s that time of year again to prepare to see the annual Blast From The Past performances in the McKee Auditorium of Chilton County High School. Students from all across Chilton County will sing, dance, and perform a variety of hit songs from years past. Performances will be Friday and Saturday nights, February 27 and 28, at 7:00 each evening, and Sunday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m.

    Tickets are $10.00 each and may be purchased online at chiltonblast.booktix.com.