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7 May 2026
college athletes in their graduation caps and gowns standing with coaches and college administrators

Snead State Community College recognized student-athletes Monday evening, May 4, in a special Commencement ceremony highlighting their achievements in both academics and athletics.

Held at Plunkett Wallace Gymnasium, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, coaches, and college officials to celebrate a class that balanced competition schedules with coursework while representing the college across multiple sports.

Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore addressed the graduates, emphasizing the discipline required of student-athletes.

“Tonight is a special kind of celebration. We gather to honor a group of graduates who didn’t just complete assignments and pass exams—you competed, you represented this college with pride, and you carried the responsibility of being both a student and an athlete. That takes discipline. That takes sacrifice. That takes resilience.”

Dr. Whitmore challenged the graduates with a message about humility and accountability as they enter the next stage of life.

“Receiving your degree is a big deal, but it does not entitle you to anything. Your degree is an accomplishment. It is not a guarantee. It provides an opportunity. It is not a reward for the rest of your life, and it certainly does not entitle you to success.”

He noted that millions of students graduate each year, urging the class to distinguish themselves through their actions rather than through their credentials alone.

“What will set you apart is not the fact that you have a degree—but how you live, how you work, and how you respond when life gets hard,” Dr. Whitmore said. “Nothing is given. You didn’t win just because you showed up. Some of your greatest growth came when things didn’t go your way.”

Dr. Whitmore also highlighted the importance of faith and humility, encouraging graduates to remain grounded as they pursue careers or further education.

“Faith replaces entitlement with gratitude. Instead of saying, ‘I deserve this,’ faith says, ‘I’m thankful for the opportunity.’”

Participating in the Athletic Commencement Ceremony were:

Baseball
• Gabe Benton of Alexander City
• Forrest Heacock of Oxford
• JT Johnson of Madison
• Cameron Palahach of Hartselle
• Jack Rupe of Huntsville
• Mason Busch of Madison
• Andy Howard of Albertville
• Layton Sanford of Silver Creek, Ga.
• Mac Anderson of Gulf Shores
• Lawson Collier of Hazel Green
• Caid Finn of Hoover
• Blaze Gerhart of Sardis
• Coleman Gray of Birmingham
• McClane Mohon of Piedmont
• Brooks Parkerson of Midland, Ga.
• Bryce Persell of Fayetteville, Tenn.

Women’s Basketball
• Lauren Jimmerson of Plainview
• Laylah Davis of Southside
• Skylar Lassiter of Pleasant Grove
• Omaya Nelson of Pleasant Grove
• Deacon Turner (Manager) of

Women’s Golf
• Marlee Hedgepeth of Alexandria

Men’s Basketball
• Ansar Osman of Atlanta, Ga.
• Raymond Rolley of Trussville
• Jaylen Spain of Douglas

Men’s Golf
• Landon Bethune of Albertville
• Eli Edge of Gadsden
• Brayden Cochran of Riverside
• Jack Kilgo of Rainbow City
• John Linley of Tuscumbia

Softball
• Josie Bunch of Boaz
• Kailey Hyatt of Hazel Green
• Makayla Owen of Henagar
• Kylie Stracener of Cullman
• Macayla Wilkins of Vinemont
• Lola Wood of Altoona
• Brooke Mathewson of Tuscaloosa
• Brinlee Phillips of Falkville
• Amber Newman of Trussville
• Brynlee Silletti of Huntsville
• Kendra Fay of Fyffe
• Jalyn Hannah of Boaz
• Ivey Marsh of Guntersville
• Keilei Pearson of New Hope

Tennis
• Libby Kate Talton of Sardis
• Kailyn Boman of Albertville
• Emma Greer of Albertville
• Katy Morrison of Albertville
• Aubree Sipsy of Centre

Volleyball
• Shaquondra Holcombe of Chatom
• Tazlya Harris of Guntersville
• Layla Kirby of Fort Payne
• Jazira Roberts of Boaz
• Liberty Shadix of Cullman

6 May 2026
students standing behind a brick sign holding math awards
Members of the Snead State Community College Math Team include, from left, Kit Slaton of Sardis, Velvie Smith of Boaz, Jaxon Dendy of Albertville, Jerry Priego Almazon of Douglas, Ana Reyes of Guntersville, Xander Hance of Horton, and Jacob Turner of Guntersville.

The Snead State Community College Math Team posted multiple top-three finishes at the Alabama Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AlaMATYC) Mathematics Tournament on Friday, April 10.

The annual AlaMATYC tournament, held this year at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, brings together students from two-year colleges across Alabama to compete in individual and team events in pre-calculus and calculus.

Under the guidance of Snead State Math Instructor Celeste Hallenbeck, the Snead State math team delivered standout results across the board.

Jerry Priego Almazon of Douglas placed third in the individual pre-calculus division, while Jaxon Dendy of Albertville earned third place in the individual calculus division. The Snead State team also finished third overall in the pre-calculus division.

“These competitions are challenging and demand both speed and depth,” Hallenbeck said. “I am really proud of how our students stayed focused and represented Snead State so well.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs Vann Scott said, “We’re really proud of the work Mrs. Hallenbeck and the students have put in to prepare and the way they represented Snead State at this event. Their performance reflects the quality of instruction and the commitment our students have to academic excellence.”

The AlaMATYC Mathematics Tournament is affiliated with the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and is designed to promote excellence in mathematics education during the first two years of college. Students compete against peers from across the state in rigorous problem-solving sessions that emphasize analytical reasoning and applied mathematical skills.

1 April 2026

For the fourth year, the Mountain Valley Arts Council and Snead State Community College partner to showcase the artwork from students of Snead State Art Instructor Michael Merry.

The art exhibit will be on display at MVAC from April 1-May 1. The public is invited to the artists’ reception on Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 – 7 PM at the MVAC Gallery at 440 Gunter Avenue in Guntersville.

The Snead State students who are participating include Anay Virbes, Ariana Martinez, Jadasa Pecina, Kayla Harwell, and Liliana Lopez, all of Albertville, Bre Lacks and Lily Joyner, both of Boaz, Crystal Free of Steele, Emily Bryant of Horton, and Lona Perkins of Guntersville.

Michael Merry is the full-time Art Instructor at Snead State Community College. Besides teaching art studio classes, for this exhibit, Mr. Merry incorporates the exhibiting process that professional artists need to know when exhibiting in galleries such as the art inventory, the contracts, pricing, art labeling, as well as meeting with the public and discussing their art.

This exhibit is free to the public, but donations to support the arts are gladly accepted. The free exhibits are possible through donations from gallery visitors, MVAC members, and a grant from the City of Guntersville.

25 March 2026

The Snead State Community College Fishing Team continues to make waves on the national stage, as two of its anglers have climbed to the top of the country in collegiate competition.

Two fishing anglers holding up their winning fish at a college tournament
The Snead State Community College Fishing Team duo of Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings after finishing sixth overall in the Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament at Lake Martin.

The duo of Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings, placing them ahead of competitors from colleges and universities across the United States.

The top ranking follows a strong performance at the recent Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament held March 13 on Lake Martin, where George and Griffith finished sixth overall in a highly competitive field. Teammates Caron Floyd and Jarred Bodine, both of Guntersville, also contributed to the team’s success with an 11th-place finish in the same tournament.

Collegiate bass fishing has grown to include more than 600 teams participating across multiple major tournament circuits. Rankings such as Angler of the Year standings are considered a key benchmark in the sport, rewarding consistent high finishes against large fields and helping determine the nation’s most successful anglers over the course of a season.

“This ranking is a big deal because it reflects consistency at a national level,” said team sponsor Dr. Tom Warren. “These anglers are competing against some of the best collegiate fishermen in the country, and to be No. 1 shows the level of dedication and skill they bring to every tournament.”

George credited preparation and teamwork for the pair’s success. “We’ve put in a lot of time on the water, and it’s paying off. Being ranked No. 1 is exciting, but we’re focused on keeping that momentum going.”

“It means a lot to see our hard work recognized,” Griffith said. “We’re proud to represent Snead State and compete at this level.”

two college anglers holding their fish during a fishing tournament
Snead State Community College Fishing Team members Caron Floyd and Jarred Bodine finished 11th place in the Southern Collegiate Bass Open Series tournament at Lake Martin.

23 February 2026

Snead State Community College is pleased to announce its President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. To be eligible for the President’s List, a student must maintain a perfect grade point average of a 4.0 (all A’s) and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours of regular college-level courses. Congratulations to the students on the Fall 2025 President’s List:

Albertville
Eriberto Ramirez Andrade, Mariano Andres, Osvaldo Benitez-Vasquez, Landon Cole Bethune, Ely Soadit Bonilla Alvarado, Macie Louise Cagle, Madalyn Grace Campbell, Logan Blake Carmichael, Oswaldo Cerrillo, Ana Cesilia Chacaj Gutierres, Jaxon Stone Dendy, Kimberly Garcia, Samantha Mechelle Gomez, Ellen Christine Hogan, William Max Howell, Angel Joaquin Jose, Aimee Juarez, Thomas Reed Kitchens, Wesley Knight, Madalyn Reese Lankford, Justin Lopez Antonio, Hannah Mae Mastin, Latavia Moment, Juan Patino, Adison Claire Pierce, Estrella Adamaris Salazar, Jon Wesley Seay, Jonna Morgan Shell, Noah Lewis Sims, Owen Anthony Thibodaux, Katie Allison Tuck, Franchesca I. Vega, and Anay Isabel Virbes.

Altoona
Kari Christina Broom, David Kane Denham, and Isaac Kolby Pounds.

Arab
Josie Grace Duquette, Erin Kay Eck, Wesley Edward McCann, and Andrew Phillip Puccio.

Ashville
Walker Griffith.

Athens
Kaylee Mae Carter.

Attalla
Jeremy Ryan Davis, Bradley Nathaniel Gray, and Tyler Reed Newsome.

Birmingham
Ethan David Bucher, Alaysha Madelene Lee Crews, Emmanuel J. Edwards, Anderson Reece Howard, and Sara Frances Lowery.

Blountsville
Rebekah Leah Brown and Summer Nichole Hawkins.

Boaz
Wilma Andrea Beard, Colton Wayne Brooks, Josie Dawn Bunch, Cyra Burks, Marisol Victoria Cruz, Alexandra Montes Esquivel, Bryan Alexander Gramajo, Jackson Cade Holcomb, Joshua Samuel Hopper, Lillian Jones, Lily Marie Joyner, Ava Jordyn Knight, David Lara-Torres, Dhyan Rohitkumar Patel, Jatziri B. Perez, Thomas G. Rowe, Ethan Seiola, Elizabeth Kate Talton, Dawson Erwin Wright, and Emily Zavala.

Centre
Taylor Ann Bonn.

Cleveland
Bailey Rece Marsh.

Collinsville
Priscilla Miguel Felipe.

Crossville
Sophie Leigh Cortez, Maria Juan Francisco, Issac Gonzalez, Aaron Carter Keith, Velvie Meda Smith, and Kenneth David Woodrow.

Columbus, GA
Sydney James.

Falkville
Liberty Grace Shadix.

Florence
Chloe Katherine May.

Fort Payne
Ayden Cole Green.

Gaylesville
Caiden Blake Bullard.

Grant
Francis Joseph Langlois and Jacob Sallustio.

Greenville
Mackenzie Nicole Turner.

Guntersville
Mindi Haley Coker, Knox Alexander Flora, Lona Mae Perkins, Eric Schmitz, and Skyler Marie Southllen.

Horton
Mallory Carsyn Ackles, Belinda Aragon, Alexander Bean, Brianna Nicole Brogden, Micaela Clara Juan Diego, Regan Danielle Kliewer, and Jackson Miller.

Huntsville
Anthony Rice and Brynlee Rae Silletti.

Jacksonville
Zachery N. Thomas.

Leeds
Marley G. Miller.

New Market
Braden Scott Abernathy and Caroline McKenna Sticker.

Odenville
Josie Michelle Kelley.

Oneonta
Valentina Shania Piceno.

Oxford
Forrest Shands Heacock.

Piedmont
Russell Paige Givens.

Rainbow City
Laylah Renae Davis and Jack Stephen Kilgo.

Riverside
Brayden Cochran.

Sardis City
Alfred Thomson Grimm.

Silver Creek, GA
Layton Nolen Sanford.

Wellington
Merissa Jade Hill.

11 February 2026

Marshall DeKalb Electric Cooperative had six high school juniors to participate in the 2026 Youth Tour program. The group visited Snead State Community College on Friday, Jan. 30, to be interviewed for an opportunity to receive scholarships to SSCC and a trip to Washington D.C.

The six students already qualify to attend the Alabama Youth Tour in Montgomery in March, where they will participate in leadership activities, educational sessions, and opportunities to engage with students from across the state. The students are Evelyn Rocio Cuc Tajiboy of Douglas High School; Braden Phillips of Boaz High School; Bryson Cook of Geraldine High School; Sophie Bearden of Geraldine High School; Daisy Guzman of Crossville High School; and Fernanda Vega of Crossville High School.

The students were evaluated through a three-part selection process conducted by Marshall DeKalb Electric Cooperative in partnership with Snead State Community College. The process includes the submission of an essay titled “Why Should I Be Chosen to Attend the Youth Tour,” a formal interview, and each student’s interaction and participation during the Montgomery Youth Tour.

Following the essay and interview process, four were given a one-year tuition scholarship to Snead State Community College, presented by President Dr. Joe Whitmore. The four scholarship recipients are Braden Phillips, Daisy Guzman, Evelyn Cuc, and Fernanda Vega.

The participants in the National Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., will be selected following the Montgomery Youth Tour trip. The Youth Tour program provides students with a firsthand look at government in action while helping them develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.

group of students standing with a college administrator
Snead State Community College President Dr. Joe Whitmore congratulated the high school juniors participating in the 2026 Marshall DeKalb Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Pictured from left are Bryson Cook, Fernanda Vega, Sophie Bearden, Dr. Whitmore, Daisy Guzman, Evelyn Cuc, and Braden Phillips.
11 February 2026

Snead State Community College’s men’s golf team turned in a strong showing at the Lady Hawk Men’s Invitational, finishing second overall at Green Valley Country Club on Jan. 26–27 and placing four golfers inside the top 10.

Brayden Cochran of Riverside led the Parsons with a third-place finish, followed by Eli Edge of Gadsden in seventh. Kaman Rouse of Homewood and Jake Duquette of Albertville rounded out the top performers, tying for 10th place in the competitive field.

“This is the kind of performance that shows the depth and consistency of our program,” Snead State Athletic Director Casey Underwood said. “Anytime you put multiple players in the top 10 at a quality tournament, it speaks volumes about the work these student-athletes and coaches are putting in.”

Head coach Sam Holcomb praised his team’s composure and steady play over the two-day event.

“I’m really proud of how our guys competed from start to finish,” Holcomb said. “Green Valley is a challenging course, and they stayed focused, trusted their swings, and played smart golf. Seeing four in the top 10 is a great indicator of where we’re headed this season.”

Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore also commended the team for representing the college at a high level.

“Our men’s golf team continues to exemplify excellence both on and off the course,” Whitmore said. “Their success reflects the commitment, discipline, and teamwork we strive to instill in all of our Parsons, and we are proud of the way they represent Snead State.”