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| GSCC News MOM Squad Makes First Appearance in Alabama Gadsden, Ala. - The mothers of a number professional athletes and entertainers will be in Gadsden next month as the national MOM Squad makes its first appearance in Alabama. Approximately 30 mothers are expected to arrive in Gadsden on May 1 for the visit, which is being co-sponsored by Gadsden State Community College and the Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. The MOM Squad benefits at-risk youth with a specific focus on education, nutrition and health, with a goal of insuring a high level of success for the underprivileged youths and young adults. Bobby Welch, director of the Center for Cultural Arts, says that the idea of coming to Gadsden was introduced by Sherry Williams, a member of the group and mother of former Auburn football star and current Tampa Bay running back Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. "The group had never been in a small city or visited in Alabama and she felt Gadsden would be a great opportunity," he added. When Welch heard about the idea, he contacted State Rep. Jack Page (D-Gadsden). Page talked it over with Gadsden State President Renée Culverhouse, who was familiar with the organization and Gadsden State became involved. Page was able to get a $5000 grant from the State Department of Tourism to help pay for the delegation's stay. Other businesses are also contributing. In addition to Mrs. Williams, others who will be in Gadsden include the mothers of actor Will Smith, NFL Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who also played at Auburn, Mark Clayton of the Baltimore Ravens and rapper Mos Def. Welch and Page said approximately 30 mothers from the group will be in Gadsden from Thursday until Sunday. President Culverhouse will speak to the group at the welcoming banquet scheduled for Thursday night at the Alabama Teacher's Credit Union building. Friday will be the big day as the moms travel to Litchfield Middle School, where they will talk with students from Adams Elementary and Gadsden Middle School. Students from Striplin Elementary will also be included in that meeting. In addition they will visit Etowah High School. Friday night, Welch has arranged for a small parade down Broad Street to be a part of the traditional First Friday activities. The members will then attend a Sponsor's Dinner at the Courtyard before they return to Broad Street to celebrate First Friday. Kay Moore, Director of Downtown Gadsden Incorporated, will conduct a walking tour of the downtown area for those who are interested on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon, the moms will be at Imagination Place where they will meet in small groups with students and parents from other schools and the children who attend the 21st Century Learning Center in Gadsden. Other children and their parents are also invited. All of the meetings deal with what it takes to succeed in life and the most important part of that is staying in school, according to Welch. During the afternoon, Carnell Williams will be on hand to sign autographs. Saturday night there will be a banquet and dance featuring the group Daybreak. There are a limited number of tickets available for the public. They are $40 each and are available at the Center for Cultural Arts. “Literacy is the key that unlocks every person’s potential and determines whether or not that person will succeed. Gadsden State Community College is proud to be a co-sponsor of the visit by the MOM Squad, as we continue to promote literacy through our Adult Education Program. We look forward to participating in the activities associated with the visit, and we will assist these dedicated MOM’s in their efforts to promote literacy and reading among children,” President Culverhouse stated. For more information contact Bobby Welch at (256) 543-2787. |