Here’s another round of applause for individuals and organizations doing great things in the community.

 

Allison Singletary, a Hahira Middle School student, recently won the election for Georgia mid-state level president of Future Business Leaders of America. She is the upcoming president for all of Georgia for middle schools.

 

The Hahira Middle School Technology Students Association chapter recently attended the 56th Annual TSA State Leadership Conference in Athens. Hahira Middle School walked away from the conference with the Overall Most Outstanding Middle School Chapter Award for the second year in a row, according to school officials. The award is earned by the chapter receiving the most team points accumulated from placing in the top 10 in each competitive event. The team won 28 top three trophies with an additional six top 10 awards. The state championship team included Isabel Autrey, Sydney Corbett, Molly Davis, Maggie Davis, Adrian Davis, Gracie Defalice, Catie Deloach, Sam Denly, Dominic Ditomasso, Lauren Folsom, Preston Hart, Braedon Hodges, Drew Kent, Wade Lavender, Jon Liu, Amelia Music, Hank Peagler, Janine Raymond, Zayne Ridge, Cason Roberts, Lyla Ruff. Ruby Ruff, Ford Scott, Trista Simmons, Mason Steel, Wyatt Tedder and Lexie Wright.

 

For 12-year-old Daniel Raleigh, Saturday was a “hoppy” prelude to the upcoming Easter holiday during the Fifth Annual Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt. The two-hour event was hosted by the Valdosta/Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority and featured 3,000 toy and candy-filled eggs for special-needs children ages 2-12. The kids searched for colorful eggs at the VLPRA’s Craig Center, located on West Gordon Street. There were two golden eggs filled with tickets to Wild Adventures Theme Park. Popcorn, temporary tattoos, arts and crafts, a giant Connect Four and photos with the Easter Bunny were available following the hunt. Daniel returns to the egg hunt every year with his mother, Jennifer Raleigh, and his siblings, 14-year-old Lawrence Raleigh and 8-year-old Isabella Raleigh, he said.

 

Many city students in need will be given meals to take home for spring break. The Pinevale Alumni Association partnered with Young Educators in Action to provide 500 meals to students in need. The meals will be split between Pinevale Elementary School and J.L. Lomax Elementary School students. “We’re making sure they have adequate food even during the holidays,” said Dr. Willie Houseal, alumni association chairman. Vivian Terry is the executive director of YEIA, which is a nonprofit located in Atlanta. Terry founded the organization in June 2017 along with her daughter. She said they recognized the need for teachers to get out in the community.

 

Valdosta High School student Chasidy Moore, 16, was chosen to be in the Class of 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy. An AVID and SMILE student, Moore was one of only 100 students from across the United States selected to participate, according to school officials. Moore described herself as “passionate about teaching, culinary arts, business management and community outreach. I dream to open and operate a K-12 school that prepares students for success in all aspects of life.”