Congratulations

Dedrick L. Harris recently celebrated his retirement of 20 years service in the U.S. Navy. He is a 1988 graduate of Anniston High School and is the son of Pearline Harris of Anniston.

Adam MacNeill, son of Paul and Yvonne MacNeill, graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio on May 10 with a major in business finance. He is the grandson of John and Neria Nelson of Jacksonville and Roy MacNeill of Anniston.

Tia Swingen, daughter of Douglas and Judi Swingen, graduated from the James River High School in Midlothian,Va., on June 10. She has plans to attend Lindonwood University in Missouri. She is the granddaughter of John and Neria Nelson of Jacksonville and Elsworth and Marg Swingen of Wisconsin.

Jorli Swingen, daughter of Douglas and Judi Swingen, graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., on May 16 with a double major in international business and human resource management. She is employed at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. She is the granddaughter of John and Neria Nelson of Jacksonville and Elsworth and Marg Swingen of Wisconsin.

Haley Elders was chosen to represent Walter Wellborn High School at the 2008 session of Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of Troy University in Troy in June. For one week, she became a citizen in an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state officials. She is the daughter of Mark and Gina Elders and granddaughter of Becky Haynes and the late Doug Haynes of Eastaboga, Betty Elders of Munford and Jesse and Vivian Elders of Woodland. She is a varsity cheerleader, a member of Hill Crest Baptist Church youth and drama, Senior High Honor Society chaplain, student council chaplain, class officer, Abundant Life president, was selected as youth leader for Calhoun County, homecoming maid, Miss WHS 2007, editor of the school yearbook, she received an academic award in chemistry, Spanish, algebra and English and is on the 'A' honor roll.

Josie Connell recently received her second Emmy for her work in television news. The prestigious honor recognizes her as one of the top television anchors in the Midwest. Connell works at the CBS-affiliate in Flint, Mich. She graduated from Jacksonville State University with a 4.0 GPA in 2002 where she was news director for the campus radio station and president of the Society of Professional Journalists. Connell is the daughter of Nathan and Wendy Connell of Anniston and the granddaughter of Martha Connell and the late Ed Connell of Golden Springs and Vaughn and Betty Gaddis of Carrollton, Ga.