Snead State Community College congratulates the following students who received their degrees and/or, Certificates during the Spring 2026 term.

Albertville

• Jakob Nicholas Acosta, Associate in Science in Telecomm, Film, and Broadcast
• Eriberto Ramirez Andrade, Certificate Program in Welding Technologist
• Thennie Grace Ballentine, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Jasmin Sofia Basilio, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Bailee Battles, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Devin Beard, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Sarah Katelyn Bearden, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Montana Skylah Benefield, Associate in Science in Business
• Dexter A. Brewer, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Aiden Matthew Brooks, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Nevaeh Faith Buchanan, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Michele Cerrillo, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Ethan Vik tor Currier, Associate in Science in Psychology
• Isaiah Jaylon Dobbs, Associate in Science in General Education
• Analilia Franco Rosas, Associate in Applied Science in Applied Business
• Marco Garcia, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist
• Mason Andrew George, Associate in Science in General Education
• Debora Godinez Portillo, Associate in Science in Business
• Oscar Michael Hernandez, Associate in Science in Business
• Jacob Hubbard, Associate in Science in Business
• Ashlynn Faith Kelley, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Ella Elizabeth Kirkland, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Hong Qing Liu, Certificate Program in Power Plant Technology, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology
• Casey L. Lopez, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Izrael Jesus Lopez, Associate in Science in Biology
• Adriana Renata Lugo Hernandez, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Caiden Paul Maddox, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines
• Ronal Matias Martin, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology
• Angeline Martinez Colin, Associate in Science in Pre-Nursing
• Brittany LeAnn Murdock, Associate in Science in General Science
• Leecia Marie Oliver, Associate in Science in General Education
• Saray Ortiz, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Dezirae Sheree Overby, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
• Aaron Pappas, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Krish Nitesh Patel, Associate in Science General Education
• AnnaKathryn Leigh Price, Associate in Science in Psychology
• Robert Bailey Rogers, Associate in Science in General Education
• Owen Riley Saint, Associate in Science in General Education
• Anna Tomas Sebastian, Associate in Science in Animal Science
• Sergio Sebastian, Associate in Science in Business, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Yoselina Sebastian, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Evan Joseph Shields, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Isabella Maria Soto, Associate in Science in General Education
• Katie Renae Stanley, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Natalie Grace Tarvin, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Owen Anthony Thibodaux, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology
• Noah Cayden Thomas, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Saily Vasquez, Associate in Science in Biology
• Franchesca Vega, Associate in Science in History Education
• Annah Kate Waldrep, Associate in Science in General Education
• Samuel Augustus Wright, Associate in Science in Social Studies Education

Altoona

• Kari Christina Broom, Associate in Science in Social Work
• Kirsten Lindsay Ingram, Associate in Science in Elementary Education
• Savanna D. Stancil, Short-Term certificate in General Business/ Entrepreneur
• Skylar Mason Yancey, Associate in Science in General Education

Arab

• Paris Victoria Clark, Associate in Science in General Education
• Shannon Allen Gentry, Certificate Program in Industrial Systems Tech, Short-Term Certificate in Automation
• Heath W. Isom, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Finlee Klair Kirkland, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Hamil C. Miller, Certificate Program in Machine Tool Technologist
• Makensey Elizabeth Stanfield, Associate in Science in Elementary Education
• Elisha Jay Wesolek, Certificate Program in Aircraft Structures

Ardmore

• Delano Ugene Stewart, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Ashville

• Quinton Morrison, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Athens

• Holden M. Harbin, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Attalla

• Adison Elizabeth Carnes, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Kerigan Elise Rice, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Auburn

• Juliann Claire Dailor, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Peyton Rex Etheredge, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Natasha Brielle Jura, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Huzaifa Khan, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Cory A. Matthews, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines
• Bart Alan Rumsey, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Zoe Faith Walker, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Chasen Webster, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Birmingham

• Jamya Nicole Davis, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Mason Teal DuBose, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Ashley A. Hatcher, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Sydney Jane Johnson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Tristin Malone, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Blountsville

• Rebekah Leah Brown, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology, Certificate Program in Power Plant
• Braxton Jake Johnston, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation
• Ellie Bryce Posey, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• David Ezekiel Vice, Associate in Applied Science in Computer Science Tech
• Anna Claire Whittington, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Boaz

• Jacob L. Baker, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Taylor Madison Benefield, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Joshua Matthew Boley, Certificate Program in Welding Technologist
• Jacob Andrew Bozarth, Associate in Science in Social Work
• Daniel Brown, Associate in Science in General Education
• Cyra Breanna Burks, Associate in Science in General Education
• Alexandra Montes Esquivel, Associate in Science in General Education
• Juana Franco, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Lizbeth Triana Garcia, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Mayrin Gijon, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• David Keith Goble, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• McKane Greer Goggans, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Shaylee Gonzalez, Associate in Science in General Education
• William C. Green, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist
• Mandy Jenkins, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Lillian Jones, Associate in Science in General Education
• Kayla Kalk, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Breanna Lacks, Associate in Science in Art Studio
• David Lara-Torres, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist
• Loren Martinez, Associate in Science in General Education
• Emily McDuffie, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Canyon McGee, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Jakob Myrick Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology
• Adnita Ordaz Sanchez, Short-Term Certificate in General Business/ Entrepreneur
• Joceline Odalys Ortiz-Franco, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Tyler Benjamin Osborn, Associate in Science in Math Education
• Ashley Breanna Pankey, Short-Term Certificate in General Business/ Entrepreneur
• Jobani Pedro-Bautista, Associate in Science in General Education
• Lucas Ryan Peppers, Associate in Applied Science in Heating Vent AC and Refrigeration
• Tyler Weathers Pierce, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Emma Grace Portschell, Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology
• Ava Katherine Rains, Sort-Term Certificate in General Education
• Abbey Leeann Self, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Victoria Danielle Self, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Taylor Makenzi Simpson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Hunter Sims, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Tyler Sims, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines
• Nicole Ann Smith, Associate in Science in General Education
• Madalyn Brooke Tims, Associate in General Education
• Louise Elizabeth Upton, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Kali Marie Watson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Bremen

• Matthew Kraus, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Brownsboro

• Brooke Elisabeth Pittson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Chelsea

• Brooke Alane Jones, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Clanton

• Lily Rose Newton, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Collinsville

• Gavin Lamar Barkley, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Jacob Ray Dutton, Short-Term Certificate in General Education, Associate in Science in General Education
• Kaylee Elizabeth Godshall, Associates in Science in General Education
• Priscilla Miguel Felipe, Associate in Speech Pathology

Crossville

• Megan Lorraine Couillard, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Omar Gonzalez, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology, Associate in Applied Science in Airframe Technology, Certificate Program in Aircraft Structures, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Certificate Program in Airframe Technology, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines
• Isaac Gonzalez, Associate in Science in Pre-Nursing
• Cameron Jacob Hand, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Minerva Jean Jaramillo Marquez, Associate in Science in General Education
• Aaron Carter Keith, Short-Term Certificate in Machine Tool Technician
• Esmeralda Garcia Sanchez, Associate in Science in General Education

Cullman

• Ava Ray, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Decatur

• Cassidy Elizabeth Maximo-Priest, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Dothan

• Jacob Lee Bowers, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Fairhope

• Jacob Dorst, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Fort Payne

• Ayden Cole Green, Associate in Science in General Education

Gadsden

• Jackie Burns, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Joann R. Hampton, Associate in Science in General Education
• Brionna Morris, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Gallant

• Zachery Lee Davis, Associate in Applied Science in Office Administration

Gardendale

• Malcom Evan Harper, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Geraldine

• Cole Ashton Rathbun, Certificate Program in Aircraft Structures

Grant

• Landon Black, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology
• Emma Grace Hardin, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Francis Joseph Langlois, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist
• Spencer B. Loback, Short-Term Certificate in Computer Software Fund
• Jacob Sallustio, Certificate Program in Aircraft Structures
• Angelina Wadsworth, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Grayson

• Ansar Osman, Associate in Science in General Education

Greenpond

• Alyssa J. Lawley, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Gulf Shores

• John McPhail Anderson, Associate in Science in Business, Certificate Program in General Business/Entrepreneur

Guntersville

• Jarred Greyson Bodine, Associate in Science in Engineering-Civil
• Kane Preston Cornelius, Short-Term Certificate in Basic Electricity
• Tyler R. Daniel, Associate in Science in General Education
• Stephen Lee Edmondson, Associate in Science in Business, Short-Term Certificate in General Business/Entrepreneur, Certificate Program in General Business/Entrepreneur
• Carson Jimmy Floyd, Associate in Science in Engineering
• Jeremiah Calvin Gaines, Associate in Science in General Education
• James M. Harkins, Associate in Science in Political Science
• Jenny L. Harkins, Associate in Science in English, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Carolina Justice, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Julianna Claire Meadows, Associate in Science in General Education
• Lona Mae Perkins, Associate in Science in Engineering
• Carlos I. Plascencia, Certificate Program in Accountancy
• Marissa Danielle Pope, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
• Heather Segers, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Evan Montgomery Taylor, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Haleyville

• Brandon Frank Teece, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Hanceville

• Sydnee Maurene Hill, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Helena 

• Mallory Paige Ware, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Hoover

• Rachel Holly Bland, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Samuel Coley, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Hope Hull

• David Dewayne Colston, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Horton

• Alexander Bean, Certificate Program in Welding Technologist
• Miguel Angel Martinez Hernandez, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist
• Bryar Drew Mashburn, Certificate Program in HVAC/R Technologist

Hueytown

• Brandon M. Cochran, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Huntsville

• Lane Allen Carter, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation
• Matthew Gordon, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation
• Tyler M. Reyes, Associate in Applied Science in Airframe Technology, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology

Jacksonville

• Marissa Briley, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Jemison

• Jaylen Lynn, Associate in Science in Journalism

Kennesaw

• Samuel Grayson Rose, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Madison

• William Kade Kirkpatrick, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation
• Melanie Parker Robinson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Millbrook

• Amari Duster, Associate in Science in General Education

Mobile

• Teri Ashley French, Short-Term Certificate in Early Childhood Development, Short-Term Certificate in Preschool/Pre-K, Short-Term Certificate in Child Development, Short-Term Certificate in Infant/Toddler Child Development
• Mariah Denise Godfrey, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Michelle L. Godfrey, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education

Montgomery

• Jaylene Al-Badani, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Sebastian Jamal Antone, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Moulton

• Levi Benjamin Sanderson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

New Hope

• Alaina Denise Bedard, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Northport

• Allison Mashay DuBose, Associate in Science in General Education
• Nyla Gabrielle Williams, Shot-Term Certificate in General Education, Associate in Science in Health Science

Oneonta

• Priscilla Hope Beason, Associate in Science in General Education

Opelika

• Jacob Kevin Cummings, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Tshegofatso Thabo Moeng, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Owens Cross Roads

• Logan Scoot Herceg, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Pelham

• Gabrielle Alexandra Williams, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Pell City

• Alexis Grace Bynum, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education

Phenix City

• Caleb Joshua Milner, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Pike Road

• Brock Anthony Patterson, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Pinson

• Nathan Abram Thomas, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Pleasant Grove

• Omaya Simone Nelson, Associate in Science in General Education

Rainsville

• Mireya Cheyenne Juan, Short-Term Certificate in General Business/Entrepreneur

Scottsboro

• Damian M. Reams, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation
• William Garrett Swearengin, Associate in Science in Exercise Science and Wellness, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Somerville

• William Shane Hudson, Short-Term Certificate in General Aviation

Southside

• Brian Tyler Hughes, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Spanish Fort

• Franklin Anthony Defelippo, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

St. Louis

• Sarah Schloss, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Stevenson

• James Evan King, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Suwanee

• Charlotte Brown, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Trussville

• Kerri Michelle Mabry, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Gabriel Bryce Richards, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Tuscaloosa

• Georgia G. Giles, Associate in Science in General Education
• Peuntria Roscoe, Associate in Science in General Education

Union Grove

• Lola Grace Davis, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Vestavia Hills

• Zipporah Marie Tiana Pettaway, Short-Term Certificate in General Education

Warrior

• Nathaniel Douglas Parker, Associate in Applied Science in Airframe Technology, Associate in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology, Certificate Program in Aircraft Structures, Certificate Program in Power Plant, Certificate Program in Airframe Technology, Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines

Wetumpka

• Tyler Banks, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• John Patrick Barfoot, Short-Term Certificate in General Education
• Christopher Holt, Associate in Science in Engineering
• Christopher Allen Stephenson Johnson Duncan, Short-Term Certificate in Web Technology
• DeVaughn Marquis Terrell, Associate in Science in Exercise Science and Wellness

A commitment to agriculture, education and student success led Snead State Community College Instructor Dr. Tom Warren and his family to establish a new endowed scholarship, creating a source of financial support for students pursuing careers in horticulture and related fields.

The Dr. Tom and Katie Warren Endowment Scholarship was established through the Snead State Foundation with an initial endowment of $25,000. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be horticulture majors or, if no horticulture major is available, biology majors, with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

“For several years, our family has had a goal of establishing an endowment scholarship at Snead State when the opportunity presented itself,” said Dr. Warren, who teaches biology and horticulture courses for the College. “We have family endowment scholarships at Auburn University and Georgia Tech, and we wanted to create one at Snead State because this institution has blessed us. We have always believed in investing in the future of higher education.”

Warren said the scholarship represents the culmination of a long-term vision that began with the establishment of the horticulture program and the construction of the college’s first greenhouse.

“When the first greenhouse was built in 2019, one of my long-term goals was to take a portion of the revenue generated from the operation and invest it into assets that would compound over time,” Warren said. “In return, those investments would perpetually provide students with scholarships to help them get through school.”
Since its establishment, Snead State’s horticulture program has continued to grow through community partnerships, hands-on learning opportunities and greenhouse operations that expanded from one greenhouse in 2019 to include a second greenhouse.

Warren noted that the scholarship will help address workforce needs in agriculture and horticulture while encouraging students to pursue degrees in those fields.

“It is important for local FFA chapters and prospective students to know there are additional funds available at Snead State for students interested in pursuing this degree path,” he said. “The goal moving forward is for a portion of greenhouse revenue to continue supporting the scholarship fund, while also seeking external contributions and funding opportunities as they become available.”

Warren also expressed appreciation for those who helped bring the endowment to fruition.

“I am grateful to (Snead State President) Dr. Joe Whitmore and (Development Coordinator) Kelli Conley for their assistance throughout this process,” he said. “I met with Dr. Whitmore several times to work through the details of establishing the scholarship, and he was fantastic to work with. Their support and commitment to student success helped make this vision a reality.”

“Dr. Warren has built a program that provides meaningful educational experiences for students while also creating opportunities that extend far into the future. His commitment to community engagement has helped grow the horticulture program through valuable partnerships, including the program’s ongoing collaboration with the City of Boaz,” said Dr. Whitmore.

“Through his leadership, students gain hands-on learning experiences that benefit both their education and the communities they serve,” he continued. “This scholarship will benefit generations of students and stands as a testament to his dedication to Snead State, the horticulture profession, and his enduring belief in investing in education and student success.”

Snead State Community College and other schools within the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will offer artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and literacy training across the state throughout September. Alabama’s community colleges will host the AI Community Caravan, a series of free, beginner-friendly workshops open to the public.

The caravan is designed to increase AI literacy and empower individuals, businesses and communities across Alabama to better understand and use emerging technology. Attendees will learn what AI is, how it is already being used in everyday life, and some of the ways it can be used to support work, learning and daily activities. The workshops will also address common misconceptions and help dispel myths associated with AI.

Participants will explore real-world AI tools through hands-on activities designed to provide practical knowledge they can begin using immediately. No prior experience with AI is required, but participants should bring their own devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones).

Lead by Snead State Computer Science Instructor Dack Phillips, Snead State’s workshop will be Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6-7:30 PM at the Workforce and Career Institute located at 12228 US Highway 431, Guntersville.

Seating is limited, so participants must preregister for Snead State’s AI Community Caravan at www.snead.edu/AICaravan.

Snead State Community College anglers Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville recently capped a remarkable collegiate fishing season by competing in the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota.

George and Griffith finished 64th out of 134 teams in the national championship tournament. The Aug. 20-22 championship featured the nation’s top collegiate fishing teams that qualified through Bassmaster’s Legends and Lunkers divisions.

The championship appearance marked a milestone for Snead State, as George and Griffith became the first anglers in program’s history to qualify for the national tournament. They earned the opportunity after a standout season that included being named Southern Collegiate Open Anglers of the Year and finishing No. 1 in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings. The duo also claimed first place at the Southern Collegiate Open on Logan Martin Lake earlier this year.

“We are incredibly proud of Mason and Walker,” said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore. “Qualifying for a national championship is a tremendous accomplishment, and they represented Snead State with class and determination throughout the season and at the championship tournament.”

Team sponsor Dr. Tom Warren said the anglers’ success reflects their dedication and hard work.

“Mason and Walker have elevated the profile of our fishing program and demonstrated what student-athletes from Snead State can accomplish,” Warren said. “Their season has been one of the most successful in program history.”

The tournament was won by a team representing the University of Montevallo but with a Snead State connection. The team of Brody Robison and Peyton Sorrow captured the national championship with a three-day total of 61 pounds, 3 ounces. Robison, a Dawson native, has attended Snead State Community College as a transient student while attending the University of Montevallo. He is also the son of Tammy Robison, Career Tech Specialist at Snead State.

Snead State Community College honors Hispanic Heritage Month with two special performances.

The Music Department will present concerts on Thursday, Oct. 22, featuring college and community performers. Admission is free to both performances, and the community is invited.

At 1:30 p.m., the Snead State Mas Que Mariachi will be joined by the Pinson Velley High School Mariachi Ensemble and students from Northeast Alabama Community College’s Music Department for a performance at the Boaz Legacy Museum. The Museum is located at 114 North Broad Street, Boaz.

Then later that day at 7 p.m., Mas Que Mariachi and the Snead State Jazz Band will perform on Snead State’s campus. The concert will be held in Fielder Auditorium, located in the Story Administration Building on 220 North Walnut Street in Boaz.

For more information, contact Snead State Music Department Chair Dr. Kathleen Ruhleder at kathleen.ruhleder@snead.edu.

Snead State Community College student, Grayce Walker of Boaz, has reached a significant milestone in her FFA journey by earning the prestigious FFA American Degree.

The American FFA degree is the highest honor in the National FFA Organization. It recognizes members who show outstanding leadership, academic success, community service, and hard work through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Less than one percent of all members earn this unique award.

To qualify for the award, a student must hold a State FFA Degree and be an active member for the past three years. They must have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention where the degree is awarded.

The student must also complete at least 540 hours of secondary agricultural education (or 360 hours plus postsecondary study). Walker’s SAE was in Animal Systems – Specialty Animals, where she focuses on raising and working with non-traditional animals. To earn the American FFA degree, she had to maintain detailed records, showing significant financial investment, planning, and management.

She will receive her American FFA Degree at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo on October 24, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She will receive a gold charm and a certificate during the National FFA Convention and Expo in October. A few of the top recipients are chosen for the elite American Star Awards in production, agriscience, or placement.

Grayce is currently a sophomore at Snead State Community College, where she is majoring in General Education and participating in the Additive Manufacturing program. She plans to attend Auburn University next fall.

Two Snead State Community College students took to the road this week, towing behind them a boat proudly sporting the Snead State Community College logo. The anglers traveled over 1,200 miles to compete in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for what many collegiate fishermen consider the ultimate stage in college bass fishing.

Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville will represent Snead State Community College at the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, scheduled for Aug. 20-22 on Minnesota’s legendary Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. The championship will mark the first time students from Snead State will participate in the prestigious competition.

George and Griffith have earned national recognition this season, culminating in being named Southern Collegiate Open Anglers of the Year. The duo finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings, outperforming teams from colleges and universities from across the country.

Earlier this year, George and Griffith captured first place at the Southern Collegiate Open on Logan Martin Lake, competing against collegiate teams from throughout the region. Team sponsor Dr. Tom Warren praised their preparation, confidence and sportsmanship following the victory.

“I have no doubt that Mason and Walker will be very successful in whatever they do. They are one of the best groups we’ve had here at Snead. I wish them the best of luck,” said Dr. Warren.

George has consistently posted impressive tournament results throughout his collegiate career. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded top finishes in several major events, including a third place finish at the Auburn Bass Tournament on Lake Guntersville, a sixth place showing at the Southern Collegiate event on Lake Martin and a seventh place finish among 500 anglers at the Collegiate Bass Open on Kentucky Lake.

Griffith has also been instrumental in the program’s success, earning multiple top tournament finishes and helping lead Snead State to national prominence. Together, George and Griffith helped the Parsons claim the No. 1 junior college ranking in the nation during the 2025 season. The duo also placed fourth out of 82 boats at a Southern Collegiate event on Lake Eufaula.

“This is a very big deal,” said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore. “We appreciate them and are proud of them. We’re proud they’re representing Snead State in Minnesota.”

George and Griffith were recognized during a special send-off reception in July. During the reception, Dr. Whitmore presented them each with $250 from the Snead State Foundation to offset the costs of participating in the championship.

Now, the two anglers take their talents to Leech Lake, one of the Upper Midwest’s premier fisheries. Located in north-central Minnesota, Leech Lake spans more than 112,000 acres and features approximately 195 miles of shoreline. Known for its expansive weed beds, rocky points, sand flats and large bays, the fishery is home to thriving largemouth and smallmouth bass populations.

The championship will feature the top collegiate teams from across the nation that earned championship berths through qualifying events in the Legends and Lunkers divisions, with a national title and an opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket on the line.

Fans can follow tournament coverage, daily weigh-ins and updates through Bassmaster.com as some of the nation’s best collegiate anglers compete for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.

The Snead State Community College Fine Arts Department announces the rehearsal schedule for the Community Wind Band this fall.

The Community Wind Band is a concert band comprised of Snead State students, adults within the Snead State area, and local high school students who have demonstrated excellence in All-State tryouts. College credit is available for students who would like to participate with the Community Wind Band as a credit course.

The rehearsal and performance schedule for the Fall 2026 season is listed below.

• Monday, Sept. 14: Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze Music Building
• Monday, Sept. 28: Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze, Music Building
• Monday, Oct. 5: Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze Music Building
• Monday, Oct. 19: Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze Music Building
• Monday, Nov. 2: Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze Music Building
• Monday, Nov. 16: Dress Rehearsal, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Room 107, Maze Music Building
• Monday, Nov. 22: Concert, TBD, Guntersville High School Auditorium

For more information or to participate in the Community Wind Band, contact Director Nathan Haskew at nathaniel.haskew@snead.edu or (205) 401-4067.