State Superintendent Dr. Mackey keynote speaker at luncheon

HALEYVILLE - Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey was keynote speaker at a special State of Schools luncheon Friday, March 1, at the fellowship hall of Ninth Avenue Church of Christ.

Dr. Mackey was joined in his visit to Haleyville and his tour of Haleyville City Schools by Dr. Jeff Langham, chief of staff for the state department of education, and Ryan Hollingsworth, executive director of school superintendents of Alabama.

Following a tour of the elementary and middle schools, Dr. Mackey joined HCS Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, members of the Haleyville Board of Education, as well as administrators, teachers, students, businesses, civic and community organizations for a special luncheon at the church building fellowship hall.

After Dr Sutherland gave a state of Haleyville schools address, Dr. Mackey took the stand to deliver is message of pride for schools in rural areas and his desire to visit schools throughout the state with his message of pushing schools not just pushing down rules. 

After Dr. Mackey's address, certain students from the center of technology, high school, middle school and elementary gave special gifts to the visitors including artwork and a wooden seal developed at the center of technology to commemorate Alabama's Bicentennial this year. One of the highlights of the presentations was a framed and matted print of Dr. Mackey drawn by Middle School student Ping Church.  
After the luncheon, the state visitors toured campuses of the high school and center of technology.