Jose Campos, Robertsdale High's drum major, was recently recognized by the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Community Awards committee for his volunteer work within the Central Baldwin community.

           "Although Jose didn't win the top prize within the state he did receive the recognition that he is due," said RHS Principal Theresa Bryant. "Jose didn't just do a lot of volunteer work for the chance at an award. That's just the way he is."

           The Mellow Mushroom, Robertsdale High's newest ‘Partner in Education,' recently provided the faculty and staff with a lunch of pizza and salad.

           "This was very nice of the management to provide this for our teachers and support staff," said Bryant. "They told us they wanted to get involved with our school, and they've certainly got off on the right track. We really look forward to working with them over the coming months."

           Although the school enjoys the support of its Partners in Education, the school really depends on its share holders. This is basically the community as a whole, as it will be the share holders who will decide whether the one cent sales tax passes or not.

           "The shareholders who have children or grand-children in the Baldwin County School System have a vested interest in the direction the system will take over the next few years," said Bryant. "Should the tax fail, you can bet that home and land values will decline accordingly, as such values are tied closely to the assets of the community with the school system being a primary attraction for both economic and residential growth."

           Considering the state of the economy growth the school system is an important aspect in terms of the future of Baldwin County.

           Tomorrow will be the last day that students will be able to purchase prom tickets for $30, as they go up to $40 a pop on Monday.

           Those who have put off getting a date will be paying almost double the original offering from several weeks ago. That is if they wait until next week to purchase their tickets.

           Throughout this week 700-plus students have been taking the Alabama High School Graduation Exam throughout the school. Due to the new ruling from the State Department of Education, if a senior hasn't passed this test by graduation they don't get to participate in commencement exercises.

           Counselors were doing remedial work with those students who would attend these sessions last week, but as the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." Not everyone who needed remedial attention showed up for the sessions.

           Robertsdale High took two first place trophies and a second in the Faulkner State Community College Language Arts Tournament, held February 23 at the Bay Minette campus.

           Those who competed in the Creative Writing category wrote a story that described a dynamic character. The American Literature competitor took a test that covered the writers and poets this country has produced.

           Nikki Scozzafava took first place in Creative Writing while Alicia Ryan took second place. Kristian Brannan took first place in American Literature.

           Brannan, who is a graduating senior, was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to FSCC for the upcoming fall semester.

           Last week a number of students were going around school clad in placards and dunce hats. These students are far cry from being dunces, however, as the hats and placards are a traditional part of Mu Alpha Theta's initiation process. Mu Alpha Theta is RHS's math society, and only those students who have a proven track record with numbers and theories are invited to join.

           It's always great to hear about an RHS graduate who has gone on to do well at the collegiate level. One such alumna is Anna Shartzer, the only freshman on the University of West Alabama softball team. Shartzer has been leading the Tigers in the batting average category, as well as stolen bases. Another RHS grad, Casey Byrne has been a starter on the UWA volleyball team, and word has it she's trying to talk Shartzer into joining the volleyball team as well.

           Students who will have attained sophomore through senior status, and who are interested in exploring the career field of medicine this summer may register on-line for the Summer Scrubs Program at http://www.summerscrubs.com/.

           "The program, which is sponsored by the Bay Area Health Coalition and the Workforce Development of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, is an excellent way for a student to gain hands-on experience in the medical field," said Marsha Flint, a counselor at RHS.

           Flint said the counselors would be glad to advise the students about the Summer Scrubs Program, which will be held July 26-30, but that application would have to be made on-line.