The Greene County Democrat

Tag: GCHS

  • Greene County principals report a great start to the school year

    Greene County principals report a great start to the school year

    By Maya Quinn, editor

    The Greene County Board of Education met this past Thursday to discuss attendance records, professional development, and upcoming testing after Labor Day. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman welcomed the principals of each Greene County School to provide status reports to the board and attendees. Each principal reported an exciting start to the school year and said they are eager to continue cultivating an environment where students feel loved and teachers are appreciated. 

    The meeting began with the school board’s financial report. Marquita Lennon, CSFO, reported all accounts as reconciled with no fraudulent activity. As of August 27, 2026, the school board’s combined ending funding balance was reported as $9,034,805.25. Local revenue brought in $329,079.18. Mrs. Lennon extended thanks to the Greene County Racing Commission for a quarterly donation of $195,000 to the board’s general fund.

    Superintendent Dr. Thurman began his report by inviting the principals from each school and the career tech center to address the board and attendees. Testing days from the previous school year are already being used to provide academic intervention for the county’s students. Administrators have begun professional development sessions to analyze the student data for after-school enrichment, with talks of providing a Saturday school session. 

    Principal Andrea Perry from Robert Brown Middle School reported that 305 students are currently enrolled. She stated that all students are being given a fresh start with the school’s theme “Level Up: Unlocking our Potential.” She announced that the main office is giving birthday shout-outs to every student, and congratulated the boys football team on their most recent win.

    Eutaw Primary’s Principal Dr. Brittany Harris reported that 286 students are currently enrolled with an average of 270 students per day and only 2 no shows. Third grade teachers are analyzing ACAP data and participating in professional development for i-Ready reading data. Teachers are using the data for their after school enrichment program that already has 85 sign-ups. 

    Career Tech Center Principal Joann Smoot Bryant reported that 37 students are currently enrolled in welding, cosmetology, and health science access programs. Twelve students will begin CNA clinicals at Greene County Hospital in January. The JAG Program has also begun to provide career readiness support by educating students on how to remain focused and make positive decisions. She also stated that Troy and Miles College will be visiting next month.

    Principal Alphonzo Morton III of Greene County High reported “positive energy and strong collaboration” throughout the school. On Fridays, students are given shout-outs for supporting their classmates and taking pride in their school environment. Principal Morton also told attendees that the GEAR UP program is returning for the 10th grade students. The high school’s  after school program begins September 8th from 3:15-5:15 Monday-Thursday. Students will receive academic support, enrichment activities, and explore post graduate career paths. Snacks will be provided.

    The board entered an executive session before voting on the Superintendent’s recommended action and personnel items. No decisions were made and no votes were cast. 

    The board approved the following action items:

    1. Updated Additional Service Salary Schedule FY 2026
    2. Service contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to develop and provide a Dual Enrichment (Welding Level I Lab) program for students at a rate of $250 every other Friday at Greene County Career Center, for the 2026 – 2027 school year
    3. Quote in the amount of $14,987 from Divot Assets for district-wide inventory services and software renewal
    4. Quote in the amount of $30,310 from RTI for the purchase of Chromebooks for GCHS
    5. Quote in the amount of $16,990 from PowerUP EDU for ActiveFloor Mobile Max Laser: Power Edition 1 to be installed at RBMS
    6. Implementation of two Saturday School sessions per month at Robert Brown Middle School from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    7. Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    8. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO  

    The board approved the following personnel items:

    Retirement

      1. Dr. Aslean Jones, English Teacher at GCHS, effective September 1, 2026

    Employment for the 2026 – 2027 school term:

        1. LaQuita Hunter, Long term substitute – Greene County Learning Academy, effective August 19, 2026; Dancy opposed and Hunter abstained
        2. Gwendolyn Webb, Long term substitute – Greene County Learning Academy; Dancy opposed
        3. Kayla Thomas, Long term substitute (First Grade) – EPS, effective August 5, 2026; Dancy opposed
        4. Chatia Lewis, Long term substitute (Second Grade) – EPS, effective August 17, 2026; Dancy opposed
        5. Dorthea Smith, Long term substitute (ACCESS) – GCCC, effective August 12, 2026; Dancy opposed
        6. Jordan Henley, Maintenance Helper – District 
        7. Daniel Mark Posey – Fifth grade teacher – RBMS
        8. Cassandra Kelly – Long term substitute (self-contained) – EPS, effective August 12, 2026; Dancy opposed
        9. Tiera Harris – Pre-K Auxiliary teacher – EPS, effective August 17, 2026
        10. Stanley Lucious, Full-time Bus Driver – District
        11. Dr. Leanita Hunt, English teacher – GCHS 
        12. Bernice Burton – Long-term substitute (Paraprofessional); Dancy opposed
    • Authorization of the following employees to work Concessions and Ticket Booths for the 2026-2027 school year at the Greene County High School:
      1. La Tanya Cockrell
      2. Tracey Hunter; Hunter abstained
      3. Sarah Brewer
      4. Twelia Morris
      5. Sharon Washington 
      6. Mary Henderson
      7. Wanda Gaitor
      8. Makane Morrow
      9. Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services

    Personnel for Saturday School sessions at Robert Brown Middle School

      1. Garry Rice- Assistant Principal
      2. Felecia Smith- Teacher
      3. Raven Bryant- Teacher
      4. Vanessa Bryant-Teacher
      5. Jennifer Smith- Teacher
      6. Daniel Posey- Teacher 
      7. Talicia Williams- Teacher
      8. Akia Williams- Teacher
      9. Nashondra Ruffin-Brown
      10. Kathryn Soule – ACCESS 

    Personnel for After-School Tutorial Program and the 21st CCLC at Greene County High School

    Eutaw Primary 

    1. Carla Durett
    2. Pamela Pasteur
    3. Angela Hill
    4. Keisha Williams
    5. LaShaun Henley
    6. LaShonna Thurman
    7. Mary Hobson, Paraprofessional
    8. Shalanda Collins, Nurse
    9. Sheila Tillman

    Robert Brown Middle School

    1. Vanessa Bryant
    2. Glenara Faust
    3. Jennifer Smith
    4. Talicia Williams
    5. Raven Bryant
    6. Felecia Smith
    7. Dorthea Childs, Paraprofessional

    21st CCLC – Greene County High School 

    Educators

    1. Barbara H Martin-Program Coordinator
    2. Drenda Morton-Site Coordinator
    3. Angela Harkness
    4. Dr. Dutchess Jones
    5. Tameshia Porter

    Rescind Employment

      1. Betty McCollum, Pre-K Auxiliary teacher – EPS
      2. Alton James – Fifth grade teacher – RBMS

    Reassign

    1. Tomora Morris-Hill from Business/Marketing teacher at GCCC to JAG Instructor (10 month) at GCCC

    When the floor was opened for public comments, Greene County Park and Recreation (PARA) Director Tyesha Weeks also expressed excitement for the changes to the school system. “I can see the change all the way across the board,” she stated. PARA plans to regularly donate to the student athlete’s hydration station and offer additional support to athletics and other extracurriculars.

    Coach Wesley and Coach Crawford brought concerns to the board regarding the athletic department. They explained that to truly have success and growth on each team, more coaches are necessary. The few coaches the district has are stretched thin and competing against teams that have upwards of seven coaches. A parent of a student-athlete at Robert Brown also raised a concern with feeding students before and after games. 

    The board encourages parents, staff, and supporters to attend all public meetings. The next regular session is scheduled for September 21st. There will be two budget hearings for the 2027 fiscal year on September 8th and September 10th at 4:00 pm. 

    Featured Image: Greene County School District’s principals for the 2026-2027 school year: Perry, Smoot Bryant, Dr. Harris, and Morton

  • Tigers rally past Choctaw, 22–14, in season opener (1-0)

    Tigers rally past Choctaw, 22–14, in season opener (1-0)

    By Joe L. Powell and Ke’Undra Cox

    BUTLER, Ala. — Greene County High School opened its season with a statement Friday night, overcoming an early two-touchdown deficit to defeat Choctaw High School, 22–14, on the road.

    Choctaw controlled the opening quarter and appeared poised to run away with the game early. With 6:12 remaining in the first, quarterback Roderick Crawford connected with Miles Ray on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, giving Choctaw a 6–0 advantage.

    The home team struck again with 1:39 left in the quarter when Tracey Poke broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run. Crawford followed with a successful two-point conversion, extending Choctaw’s lead to 14–0.

    But Greene County refused to fold.

    The Tigers’ comeback began on special teams with 9:30 remaining in the second quarter. Eric Williams blocked a Choctaw punt, resulting in a safety and putting Greene County on the board. Greene County’s offense then found its rhythm.

    With 7:10 remaining before halftime, quarterback Prentice Taylor Jr. kept the ball and raced eight yards for the Tigers’ first touchdown. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Greene County had cut the deficit to 14–8.

    Less than a minute later, Taylor struck again—this time through the air. With 6:51 remaining, he connected with Cornelius Hunter for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Another unsuccessful two-point attempt left the game tied at 14.


    The Tigers continued to apply pressure as the quarter progressed. With 4:20 remaining on the clock, Taylor broke loose on a 28-yard quarterback keeper, helping set up a one-yard scoring opportunity as Greene County completed its turnaround.

    After surrendering 14 unanswered points in the opening quarter, Greene County’s defense shut Choctaw out the rest of the way as the Tigers secured the 22–14 victory.

    Taylor Leads Greene County Offense
    Taylor turned in a strong performance under center, completing 14 of 23 passes for 174 yards while also making an impact with his legs.

    Chance Richardson accounted for 92 receiving yards, Javeon Carpenter added 50 yards and Quentin Walton finished with 28. On the ground, Rodney Banks carried the ball six times for 49 yards, while Walton added 30 yards on two carries.

    Greene County also made several game-changing plays defensively and on special teams. Cornelius Hunter returned an interception 35 yards, while Roderick Bulock recorded one solo tackle and seven assists. Lathuren Peebles contributed one solo tackle, six assists and a sack, and Javeon Carpenter added five assists along with a blocked punt.

    The victory gives Greene County an impressive start to the season, not simply because of the final score, but because of how the Tigers responded after falling behind 14–0.

    Greene County will return to the road for its next matchup against Dallas County High School, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

    Featured Image: Greene County High School Tigers at their opening season game vs Choctaw High School’s Yellowjackets (Joe Powell and Ke’Undra Cox)

  • A renewed Greene County Health System…Part 2

    By Mynecia D. Steele

    GCHSjpg

    Greene County Residential Care Center residents socialize as they enjoy a balanced meal prepared by the cafeteria staff.

    The Greene County Health System (GCHS) believes in reaching out to the community, says CEO, Elmore Patterson. “We are encouraging people to come to the Greene County Health System through campaigns, billboards, posters and our website,” Patterson stated.
    GCHS hosts free semi-annual health fairs. These fairs are held with the intention of educating the public on health information, benefits and services that are available to them. These events are open to all, Greene County and surrounding communities alike.

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    Monthly health screenings are also provided throughout the county along with diabetes classes. Many Greene County residents suffer with high blood pressure and diabetes.
    Town Hall meetings are held on a quarterly bases sponsored by the Greene County Health System. These meetings allow the community to voice their opinions and bring any concerns or thoughts to the attention of the GCHS.
    Patterson shared that the Greene County Health System also started the “I am Greene because . . .” campaign to give the community a chance to show their support for the health system.  One poster features Thom Smith, who says, “I am Greene because GCH saved me from a massive stroke.”
    Last year, the GCHS hosted A Day of Service in Branch Heights. As a result of this service project, every child in the Branch Heights community received eye checks and general physicals before the start of the school term.
    GCHS also provides meals to the elderly every November.
    The Greene County Health System hopes to make its mark on Greene County.  It strives to continue working with the community and informing them about health care and health disparities affecting African Americans in most rural areas.
    GCHS provides the only hospital in Greene County, therefore, it becomes the safety net hospital, said Patterson. This means that the GCHS must provide care for people who have no money, or limited resources.  Many Greene County citizens do not have healthcare. The GCHS must provide for them with no profit in return.
    “The county’s health status is lacking because the state of Alabama did not expand Medicaid,” Patterson said. “We care for about 1.2 million dollars of uncompensated healthcare.  The community must work together to help with those uncompensated people,” said Patterson.
    He expressed appreciation to Greenetrack, Inc. and the sheriff’s department for the help they have provided recently.
    The Greene County Health System is directing more people into its primary care. By visiting a primary care center, patients have the opportunity to build a relationship with a care provider whom they can follow up with regularly.
    Patients who visit primary care are also more likely to take their medication, and less likely to come into the emergency room for non-emergency services.
    The Greene County Health System plans to expand by setting up a primary care clinic in Boligee.
    Many people don’t realize that the Greene County Hospital is the closest emergency room in the West corridor of Alabama on I-20, which leads into Mississippi.  Therefore, the Greene County Health System cares for many motor vehicle accident victims.
    If outside people are willing to put their lives in the hands of the Greene County Health System, GCHS team hopes that the citizens of Greene County will also give them a chance.
    “The only way you’re going to know if its good or bad, is trying it.” Patterson said. “Trying it for yourself; not going off of a rumor. We have to get past that.  GCHS is ours. We should use the facilities and support them as well,” he emphasized.

  • GCHS Chapter of National Honor Society inducts 14 students

    National Honor Society

    The Eunice R. Outland Chapter of the National Honor Society of Greene County High School inducted 14 students at its ceremony held Friday, March 11, 2016 in the GCHS gymnasium. The 2015-2016 Inductees included Yasmeen Amerson, Delorine Brown, Zakia Coleman, Tukiya Cunningham, Keyonna Dixon, Sabrina French, Jameria Hood, Victoria Hood, Leterria Hutton, Anthony McGee, Lauren Smith, Christopher Stepney, Kwanza Watkins and Jasmine Williams.
    GCHS Principal Gary Rice opened the program and invited Interim Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter to bring greetings.
    Ollivara Hutton, current President of the GCHS Chapter of NHS, served as Mistress of Ceremony.  Other program participants included Greene County High School choir and band and Posting of Colors by the JROTC.  Amber French gave the mediation and the welcome and history of NHS were presented by Amber Woods and Michael Winn respectively.  Tyra Hutton and Destini Jackson gave the history of the chapter’s name.  N’Khala Richardson presented the student speakers.  Words of Encouragement were shared by Ashley Taylor, Denzel Davis, and Chelsey Davis. Lighting of the Candles representing the Principles of the NHS were presented as follows:  Lauren Smith, Knowledge of Honor; Christopher Stepney, Character; Delorine Brown, Scholarship; Zakia Coleman, Leadership; and Tukiya Cunningham, Service.  Mr. Alphonzo Morton, III led the inductees in the recitation of the pledge.
    School Board President, Mr. Leo Branch, gave congratulatory comments before the close of the program.
    Current officers of the GCHS Chapter of NHS are: President, Ollivara Hutton; Vice President, Ashley Taylor; Secretary, Tyra Hutton; Treasurer, Denzel Davis; Parliamentarian Michael Winn; and Historian, Destini Jackson. Other members include Nnambi Coleman, Chelsey Davis, Brittany Deloatch, Amber French, Raven Gilliam, Sara Hawkins, Jeremy Mobley, N’khala Richardson and Amber Woods.
    The Faculty Council include Lillian Lewis, Advisor; Alphonzo Morton, III, Co-Advisor; Ruby Bell, Halven Carodine, Angela Harkness, Tonia Sparks and Tamika Thompson.

  • GCHS Greene Team honors volunteers at luncheon

    GCHS Greene Team honors volunteers at luncheon

    Greene Coats

     

    The Greene Team, local volunteers who devote time and treasure to the Greene County Health System, recognized their members’ contributions at an Annual Volunteers Luncheon held Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Ruby’s in Eutaw. The luncheon featured presentations on Domestic Violence Awareness by Sheriff Jonathan Benison and Deputy Sheriff Lt. Jeremy Rancher.
    The Greene Team was organized in 2010 and currently has 39 active members who contributed 2,766.5 volunteer hours to the GCHS from October 2015 to date.In addition to serving as receptionists and advocates for positive community relations, the Greene Team also raises funds for special projects to benefit the Greene County Health Systems, including purchasing visitors’ sleeping cots and TV’s for hospital rooms, personal items for residents of the nursing home and more. The Greene Team volunteers are local individuals, mainly retirees, who choose to give more to their community through the GCHS.
    Mrs. Jeanetta Hall serves as president and Mrs. Melruth Carter as secretary. Mrs. Geraldine Walton was mistress of ceremony at the luncheon