At the April 26 Russellville City Schools Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Heath Grimes and President Bret Gist took the time to recognize Russellville rocketry teams for qualifying for national competition and art students who placed in a Design an Ad competition.

Three teams from RCS are advancing to the national level of the Team America Rocketry Challenge, and Grimes thanked them for “bringing honor to the school system.” Sponsor Mark Keeton said that he is proud of the program’s growth and the students’ growth.

“I have seen them mature individually in their problem-solving and team work,” Keeton said.

RCS students competed against 500 students from 16 other schools for The TimesDaily’s Design an Ad competition. Daniela Barrientos placed second in the seventh- through ninth-grade level in Window World. Kacie Fleming placed second in the 10^th through 12^th grade level for Smoking on the Boulevard. Kalyn Suggs placed third in the 10^th through 12^th grade level for Anchor Tours and received a $1,000 scholarship to Northwest-Shoals Community College. Sydney Bowling placed first in the 10^th through 12^th grade level and was the overall winner.

“They have performed at a high level and have worked hard. They are blessed with the gift of creating,” art teacher Melissa Grissom said.

Other actions taken at the meeting included, among others:

• Approving the financial report, which included the RMS classroom addition project, bus repairs, student data analysis software, monthly bond payment to city of Russellville, monthly payment to city of Russellville for school resource officers, repairs at RHS gym and baseball field and TES timekeeping and attendance software.
• Employing Whitney Glover as RHS head volleyball coach.