The Governor of the great state of Alabama was in Cherokee County Friday morning, paying a visit to Gaylesville School as part of the Alabama 200 Bicentennial Celebration.

Governor Kay Ivey’s first stop at the school was at the Family & Consumer Science Building, where she sampled a variety of treats made from recipes’ out of the Alabama Bicentennial Cookbook, which was created and compiled at Gayleville School as a special project, headed up by Merri Blankenship.

Afterwards, Governor Ivey entered a packed gymnasium, made up of students, faculty, local and state dignitaries, law enforcement officials, and many others. As a special surprise for those in attendance she was introduced by one of country music’s best known frontmen – Alabama lead singer Randy Owen, who later joined Gaylesville School’s FFA String Band in singing Dixieland Delight.

She spoke on the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, her pleasure at meeting the Gaylesville students – and she praised the students and Ms. Blankenship for creating the cookbook that celebrates southern culture.

Afterwards, WEIS Radio News spoke with Governor Ivy about her visit:

We also talked to Principal Scott Hays about the Governor’s visit:

We’ll have comments from other attendees including State Representative Ginny Shaver as well as Senator Andrew Jones in upcoming newscasts.

You can also listen to the entire presentation by clicking the link below: