The second annual “Helping Our Children Excel” Banquet, sponsored by the Hartselle Morgan County Community Task Force (HMCCTF), was held at Hartselle Fire Arts Center Sat., March 7, with education, business and community leaders in attendance.

“This event is an area-wide project to provide resource support for the afternoon tutoring program and the Summer Program Utilizing and Developing Skills (SPUDS) initiative,” said Cleo Stubbs in his message from the president.  “Since 1995, the HMCCTF has provided services to the residents of Hartselle such as an active substance abuse and lifestyle change assistance program for individual who desire to ‘come clean’ so that they can live a drug free, productive life. Additionally, this organization is involved in other civic activities that include assisting the elderly and providing beneficial information related to local services.

“The HMCCTF realizes the need for quality education and training of our youth. It functions on the premise that education is the responsibility of individuals who have the capacity, desire and will to engage our youth, which are our future

“Although we have faced numerous challenges over the years, we have accomplished much through community support, persistence and hard work. We stand proud of the successes and accomplishments of the HMCCTF. Former attendees and assistants are now leaders and productive members in society. They are outstanding husbands, wives and parents who benefit their community as doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, welders and carpenters. We’re proud to announce that currently the tutoring program is improving the academic performance, confidence, self-esteem and discipline of its attendees. The task is unfinished and will hopefully be unending. We must set conditions that will promote continued success in mathematics, written and oral communication.”

The program featured Dr. Vic Wilson, superintendent of Hartselle City Schools as keynote speaker. Other program participants were: Van Stisher & Company, Amazing Grace; Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Linda Chapman, opening remarks; Pastor Billy Ray Young, Hartselle First Missionary Baptist Church, invocation; Pastor Brett Wherry, Ebenezer Independent Christian Church, welcome and blessing of food; Mayor Don Hall, Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Ed Henry, greetings; Felecia Dailey Wilson, introduction of keynote speaker; Mr. Johnny Jones, assistant treasurer of HMCCTF, recognitions; Cleo Stubbs, president and George Hearring, vice president of HMCCTF, remarks; Glenda Green and Johnny Jones, announcements; and Pastor Joe Batts, Break Through Ministry, closing prayer.