The Community Wind Band will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 2, at 3 PM at Guntersville High School. Admission is free.
The Community Wind Band will present its Fall Concert on Sunday, November 22, at 3 PM at Guntersville High School. Admission is free.
Snead State Community College takes immense pride in celebrating the achievements of students who embody academic excellence, determination, and the rich traditions that define our institution. Few stories capture these values as beautifully as that of Christen Marie Amos—a student whose success is both a personal triumph and a continuation of a multigenerational legacy.
Christen graduated from Albertville High School in May 2024, ranking 8th in her class. Her commitment to excellence was evident early, as she began dual-enrollment courses at Snead State in the fall of her senior year in 2023. Through discipline, resilience, and a passion for learning, she successfully balanced high school and college-level coursework—laying the foundation for an extraordinary academic journey.
While enrolled full-time at Snead State, Christen quickly distinguished herself as a top-performing student. She earned a place on the President’s List, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and dedication. On December 12, 2025, Christen reached a significant milestone, graduating with an Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education. She achieved this honor summa cum laude, maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout her studies.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Christen’s story is one of deep-rooted connection and enduring legacy. She represents the fourth generation of her family to attend Snead State Community College—a remarkable testament to the lasting impact of education and community. Her great-grandmother, Mary Ruth Perry Williams; her grandmother, Kathy Williams Amos; her parents, Jason Amos and Melissa Dixon Amos; and now Christen herself have all proudly called Snead State their alma mater. This extraordinary lineage reflects a family tradition grounded in the value of education and the opportunities it creates.
The Amos family’s connection to Snead State extends far beyond enrollment. Their legacy includes meaningful contributions to the college community through teaching and mentorship. Christen’s grandmother, Kathy Amos, and great-aunt, Susan Williams Brown, both contributed their expertise by teaching math at Snead State. These contributions exemplify a family deeply intertwined with the mission of fostering learning and growth.
Christen’s accomplishments—and the legacy she continues—serve as a powerful reminder of what makes Snead State so special: a community where generations are shaped, supported, and inspired. Her academic success and family heritage highlight the transformative power of education and the enduring bonds that unite our students, alumni, and supporters.
As Christen prepares for the next chapter in her journey toward a career in elementary education, we celebrate not only her exceptional achievements but also the inspiring story of a family whose dedication to Snead State spans generations. Her success stands as a beacon of encouragement for current and future students and as a proud moment for all who support and believe in the mission of Snead State Community College.
Snead State Community College will host its third annual Summer Songwriting Workshop June 15–18 in the Maze Music Building on the Boaz campus.
The four-day workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and is open to participants age 14 and up. The cost to enroll is $50 per person.
Participants will study with Nashville songwriter Jack McKeon alongside Snead State’s music faculty. The workshop is designed to guide students through the process of writing songs, developing lyrics and melodies, and gaining insight into the music industry.
McKeon returns for his second appearance at the annual workshop, where he will share his songwriting process and industry experience while assisting students in developing their own work. A Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from Chatham, New York, McKeon is known for his honest, plainspoken vocal style and eclectic roots sound.
Influenced by artists such as Hank Williams, Guy Clark, Tom T. Hall and John Hartford, McKeon focuses on timeless, message-driven lyricism. Since relocating to Nashville in 2021, he has built a reputation for storytelling through song, showcased in his 2024 debut album, Talking to Strangers.
As part of the event, the College will host two free public concerts in Fielder Auditorium. McKeon will perform at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, offering attendees a chance to hear his original music. The workshop will conclude with a free concert and recording session at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, featuring songs written by participants during the program.
The deadline to register is Friday, June 12. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Dr. Monica Baker at monica.baker@snead.edu.
The familiar strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” fill the gymnasium, signaling the procession of graduates, dressed in their brilliant blue caps and gowns, ready to receive the long-awaited fruits of their labor.
Snead State Community College honored the largest group of graduates participating in the Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, in the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium. The bleachers were filled with friends and family of the 280 participants and the College, joining together for the momentous celebration. Another 55 graduates participated in a separate Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 5, for student-athletes.
Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore addressed the graduates on their special evening, reminding of something important that wasn’t their education.
“I want to talk to you about something even more important than the education you’ve just earned. Something that will matter more than your degree, your job title, or the size of your paycheck…This is a skill that, when paired with your degree, will definitely make you stand out above others. I want to talk to you about kindness.
“Your education is valuable. It opens doors. It creates opportunities. It gives you the tools to build a future. But it is not what will define your life. Kindness will. Education can teach you how to make a living, but kindness, combined with your faith, will teach you how to live,” Dr. Whitmore said.
He encouraged the graduates to exhibit kindness with their careers and their lives. “In our world today, kindness stands out. Kindness makes people notice you. But kindness isn’t always easy. Real kindness – the kind that changes lives – shows up when it’s hard, when someone treats you unfairly, when you’re overlooked, when you are criticized or ridiculed for your opinions, when you’re tired, stressed, or discouraged. You have to make the conscious decision that you will be kind anyways regardless of your circumstances. And that’s also where your faith comes in. Because faith gives you the strength to choose kindness when your instincts tell you not to. Kindness isn’t separate from faith. It is the evidence of it.
“Graduates, your education will give you knowledge. Your faith will give you direction. But it will be your kindness that will determine your impact.”
The impact of the graduates during their time at Snead State was a focal point of the Commencement ceremony. In addition to students receiving their diplomas, graduates were also recognized for their achievements.
Jennifer Wiley of Albertville received the Civitan Best All-Around Student Award. The Civitan Award is presented annually to the Best All-Around Student of the graduating class. To be eligible for this award, the student must have attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters and attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. In addition, the student should have participated in extracurricular and community activities. The student is elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates who are participating in the graduation ceremonies.
Ely Bonilla of Albertville was awarded the James B. Allen Award. The award is presented annually to the Outstanding Student of the graduating class, but this year both students were chosen. This award is a gift of the late James B. Allen, United States Senator from Alabama. To be eligible for this award, the student must have exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership and service, attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.5, and attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters. Recipients are elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates participating in the Spring ceremony.
Snead State has 13 Dual Enrollment students earning short-term certificates as well as their high school diplomas. From Douglas High School, Krish Nitesh Patel, Angeline Martinez Colin, and Maddigrace Y. Murray participated in the Snead State Commencement. Joining them were Bricia Coronado Saenz and Jimena Hernandez from Appalachian High School. Valeria Espinoza, Jessika Soto Elizarraraz, and Keira N. Victorio represented Cleveland High School during the ceremony. From Locust Fork High School, Jacie Pettigrew and Emma G. White participated. Isabelle Cornelius and Zoey M. Trombley from Oneonta High School and Karla Chacon from Susan Moore High School were also among the Dual Enrollment graduates.
Student recognitions continued when Snead State Executive Project Director of Workforce Enhancement Dr. Greg Randall recognized students in the Apprenticeship Program who graduated – Darlene Chamblee of Leesburg, Asheanna Crowe of Rainbow City, Liza Kate Franklin of Guntersville, Stephanie Gonzales-Perez of Albertville, Samantha Hollingsworth of Boaz, Kaitlyn Krabill of Albertville, Tina Collins of Crossville, Celine Roberson of Boaz, Makeisha Davis of Gadsden, Kailee Garner of Dawson, Logan Carmichael of Albertville, Domingo Pablo-Alonzo of Boaz, Jakob Myrick of Albertville, and Landon Holland of Boaz. The students earn while they learn by completing their training with industry partners such as Marshall Medical Center South, Riverview Regional Medical Center, Diversicare of Boaz, Highline Warren, Atrion Medical, and Southern Metal Fabricators.
Samantha Mechelle Gomez of Albertville, who also served as the secretary for the Student Government Association, gave the invocation, and Valerio Jacinto Garcia of Boaz, a Snead State Ambassador, gave a benediction before the graduates exited the gym in a recessional, ending this year’s Commencement Ceremony. The Jazz Band and the College Street Singers also performed during the ceremony.
An atmosphere of triumph and celebration filled the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium on Tuesday, May 5, as 47 Snead State Community College students received their pins for completing the Registered Nursing Program.
“You have earned every bit of this achievement,” Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore told the nursing graduates. “You’ve studied when you were tired, persevered when it was difficult, and showed up again and again when the expectations were high. You’ve balanced coursework, clinicals, jobs, and life. And somewhere along the way, you learned that nursing is not just something you do – it’s something you become.”
Dr. Whitmore continued to remind the graduates of the importance of the career they’ve chosen.
“Nursing is one of the most trusted and essential professions in our society. When people are at their most vulnerable – when they are afraid, in pain, or uncertain – you will be there. Not just with knowledge, not just with education, but with compassion. Not just with skill, but with presence. You will be the calm in someone’s storm.
“Graduates, tonight we celebrate you – but tomorrow, the world needs you. It needs your compassion. It needs your skill. It needs your courage. And based on everything you’ve demonstrated to get here, I have no doubt – you will deliver.”
The nursing graduates also heard remarks from their Class President Micah Nixon, and they were led in the Nightingale Pledge by Class Secretary Stephanie Gonzales-Perez. Other class officers included Vice President Lisa Kate Franklin and Treasurer Isaiah Goodwin.
Graduates of the Snead State RN Class of 2026 include:
Albertville
• Janeth Calderon
• Yazmin Delacruz
• Jessica Edmondson
• Stephanie Gonzales-Perez
• Natasha Kelley
• Emma Knight
• Kaitlyn Krabill
• Casey Lopez
• McKinzee Lucero
• Timothy Nixon
• McKenna Ponder
• Elizabeth Slaton
Attalla
• Jasmine Blake
Birmingham
• Alayna Yarbrough
Boaz
• Alexyss Chambers
• Kelsi Craft
• Ventura Domingo
• Samantha Hollingsworth
• Samantha Morrow
• Celine Roberson
• Chloe Tidwell
Crossville
• Tina Collins
• Edgar Lopez Chavez
• Logan Neeley
Dawson
• Kailee Garner
Fyffe
• Amber Young
Gadsden
• Makeisha Davis
• Jaylin Ezekial
• Crismary Terrero
Gallant
• Michelle Mason
Grove Oak
• Emma Samples
Guntersville
• Liza Kate Franklin
• Callie Tucker
• Brooke Ward
Hanceville
• Isaiah Goodwin
Hartselle
• Jessica Henderson
Helena
• Christina Tatum
Hokes Bluff
• Talia Mayhall
Horton
• Charlee Fulenwider
Leesburg
• Darlene Chamblee
Oneonta
• Tina Dunn
• Kendall King
Rainbow City
• Asheanna Crowe
• Madison Reaves
Southside
• Raeleigh McBurnett
Summerville, Ga.
• Beth McAlister
Tallassee
• Julia Patel
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
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.
Snead State Community College welcomes Senior Counsel Tom Manganello with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a special presentation on Thursday, April 9.
Manganello will present “Build Wealth Over Time Through Saving and Investing” beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday in Fielder Auditorium, located in the Story Administration Building at 220 North Walnut Street in Boaz. The community is invited to attend Thursday’s presentation.
Topics to be covered include learning a three-step roadmap to building wealth, making tax-advantaged accounts like 401ks and IRAs your building blocks, learning smart use of credit and how an emergency fund can keep you out of debt, understanding the power of compounding and how diversification can reduce the risk of investing, and learning about scams and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Manganello is with the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance. In that role, he helps to coordinate investor education throughout the SEC’s headquarters and 10 regional offices. He researches, writes and disseminates an extensive library of plain language investor education tools and resources on the SEC’s website, www.Investor.gov.
A subject matter expert on saving, investing and avoiding scams, Manganello has been a featured lecturer, panelist, moderator, and social media communicator for more than 10 years. He regularly guest lectures on “Building Wealth Through Saving and Investing” to high school, college and military audiences, and gives presentations on how older investors can protect their money at libraries, senior centers and communities.
Manganello is an attorney who spent 10 years in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, where he investigated violations of the federal securities laws, including insider trading, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, and accounting and broker fraud. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and earned a BS in journalism from Ohio University.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) protects investors, maintains fair, orderly and efficient markets, and facilitates capital formation. Visit the SEC’s website, www.Investor.gov/students for free tools and resources. Paid for by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.