Shymiriya Broadnax
SGA President
Alabama School for the Blind

My name is Shymiriya Broadnax, and I am honored to serve as the Student Government Association (SGA) President at the Alabama School for the Blind (ASB). I am thrilled to share some of the highlights from this school year and our upcoming events with you.

At ASB, we offer a wide range of activities for every student. Whether through academics, extracurriculars or community involvement, there is something for everyone. Personally, my time here has been transformative and I am excited to share the great things happening at our school.

This year, we have elected our new SGA officers, and we are already working on ideas to make positive changes at ASB. As SGA President, my top priority is advocating for the needs and voices of our student body. One initiative I am particularly passionate about is encouraging our SGA members to participate in community service. Giving back not only strengthens the community but also builds character and teaches valuable life skills. We have already taken part in a couple of service events and we have many more planned for the year ahead.

Some of our other exciting accomplishments include:

• Our Dairy Quiz Bowl team recently won the State 4-H Competition and earned a spot in the National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Three of our 12th-grade students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a memorable Close-Up experience. From all accounts, it was a trip they will never forget.
• Our wrestling team continues to win in their competitions and be a great ambassador for our school.
• The competition cheer team qualified for the state competition thanks to their dedication and hard work.

ASB offers many extracurricular activities including cheerleading, track, wrestling, swimming, band, 4-H, horseback riding and more. Some of our students even have after-school jobs while others enjoy spending time with friends and participating in other activities.

This year, we also introduced our new school mascot: the Red Wolves. In addition, our campus is undergoing some exciting improvements including a new security gate and a new playground for students to enjoy.

There are also plenty of fun, school-related trips ahead. In addition to those, dorm students will have the opportunity to participate in non-school-related outings. Some high school students have recently received laptops, which we are all excited and thankful for. We also have students in dual-enrollment programs, allowing them to take college-level courses. With the arrival of new students and teachers, ASB continues to grow and we feel lucky to be part of such a supportive community.

Our school is dedicated to helping students succeed both academically and personally. Our teachers and staff provide the guidance we need to thrive in the real world. They emphasize hard work, determination and confidence, teaching us that we are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.

Personally, I am extremely grateful for my time at ASB. I have learned so much and feel supported every step of the way. ASB offers a nurturing environment where I can continue to grow and pursue my goals.

George Meyer
SGA President
Helen Keller School

As we move through the school year at Helen Keller School of Alabama (HKS), there is so much to celebrate and look forward to! From special events to exciting opportunities, it has been a memorable time for all of us and we are thrilled to share some highlights that have made this school year so incredible.

Since the first day of school, there have been so many fun and memorable moments. I have enjoyed walking around campus, sometimes by myself, just taking in the beauty of our school and reflecting on all the wonderful experiences. I have also had the privilege of helping Mrs. Hope in the gift shop and working with Mrs. Mikita at the coffee shop, which has been both fun and rewarding.

One of the standout events this year has to be the volleyball state tournament—our team played their hearts out and made us all so proud! And who could forget the Tailgate? The spirit, the food and the fun all made it an event to remember. Another special memory was when Tierece and I had the chance to take food to the local fire department. It was a small gesture, but one that brought our school community closer together.

It is not just the fun moments that have kept us excited; there have been some truly incredible milestones and new additions to our school. We kicked off the year with something we have all been waiting for—student badges! They are a symbol of our growing school spirit.

The school picnic was another highlight, bringing us all together for a day of games, laughter and connection. And of course, the Christmas program was a shining moment for our community—there is nothing quite like seeing our school come together to celebrate the season with music and cheer.

What I love most about HKS is the sense of belonging and the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. It has been great to make new friendships while continuing to grow the ones I have had for years. The relationships I have built with students, teachers, and staff are what truly make this school special to me.

If there is one thing I want everyone to know about HKS, it is how much fun we have here! From field trips to sports events, from the exciting tailgate to the unforgettable Christmas program, there is always something happening that brings us all together. HKS is a place where you can make memories that last a lifetime.

A huge shoutout to Mrs. Mikita for going above and beyond this year. Not only does she teach us so much with her unique approach to learning, but she also made my birthday extra special by surprising me with a cake and singing “Happy Birthday.” Moments like that remind me of the warmth and care that our teachers put into making HKS feel like a family.

As we continue through the year, there is so much I am looking forward to. Of course, I can not wait to see my friends, teachers and the entire staff every day. And I’m especially excited about the off-campus work at the Alabama Industries for the Blind, where we get real-world experience that prepares us for the future.

But above all, what excites me the most is basketball season! It is such a fun time of year, filled with school spirit and thrilling games. And of course, I am counting down the days to my graduation—there is a sense of accomplishment and excitement in the air as we approach that milestone.

There is no doubt that the second half of the year is just as full of joy and excitement as the first. With all of the amazing events and opportunities coming up, I know we will continue to make the most of our time together at HKS.

Here is to finishing the year strong, making more memories and celebrating the unique spirit that makes HKS a place like no other.