Cherokee County residents Al and Ann Shumaker – recently made a $200 donation to the Centre Middle School debate program.  Mr. Shumaker is a local attorney and Mrs. Shumaker is a retired educator from the Cherokee County School System. 

Scott Lloyd, a member of the CMS Debate coaching staff, said that donations like this one from the Shumakers make running the Debate Program possible.  Lloyd said, “Running this Debate Program is expensive.  Our primary cost is transportation.  Every time we travel to Birmingham to compete, it costs about $350 to run the bus.  We ask students to help cover the expense but for some of these families, that’s a challenge; contributions such as this one from the Shumakers will help us defray the expense.”

Lloyd added, “The Shumakers have always been community-minded folks.  We sent an appeal to local attorneys for contributions because some of these kids will be the next generation of local lawyers.  Mr. Shumaker was the first to come forward and help these kids prepare for the future through this Debate Program.”

Donations to the Debate Program are welcome and will be accepted in any amount, no matter how big or small.  Anyone wishing to make a donation to the CMS Debate Program can drop off a check payable to CENTRE MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATE PROGRAM at the CMS office or mail it to:

Centre Middle School Debate Program / 1920 East Main Street / Centre, AL  35960

The Shumakers delivered their contribution to the CMS Debate Program on January 15th.

Pictured are (front row, L-R):  CMS Principal Marcia Sewell, Kayleigh Keith, Magdalen Segura, Maggie Amos, Al Shumaker, Caroline Lloyd, Cydney Adams, Gabriel Dixon, Kaitlyn Rooks, Ann Shumaker; (back row, L-R):  Ashley Holcomb, Brianna Lienhop, Sarah Lloyd, Jezzia Smith, Ariyah Crawford, Maya Mackey, Kaitlyn Meats, Zaria McCain, Jada Whiteside.