Some people think media outlets only look for the bad. At the Franklin County Times, we’ll cover the bad news that needs to be covered – but we love to look for the good. 

There was plenty of good news in this past week’s FCT, and we’d like to congratulate two groups that made headlines: the Belgreen High School Scholars Bowl team and the Russellville High School tennis program.

If you picked up a copy of the April 26 newspaper, you know the BHS senior Scholars Bowl team is the Class 1A state champion for the second year after a winning performance at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham April 14. The 2022 state title was a first for Belgreen – and here those Bulldogs are again, just a year later, achieving the same remarkable feat. 

We’d like to join their sponsor, Mary Motes, along with well-wishers throughout the community in congratulating these standout students. We know there is a high value placed on education across Franklin County, but these students took their studying and intellect beyond the classroom to accomplish something even more than good grades or test scores. They put forth an effort toward academic achievement to satisfy a hunger for learning that will serve them well throughout life. Well done!

We are also proud of the RHS girls’ and boys’ tennis teams, each of which took first place in the AHSAA Class 4A-5A Section 8 tournament to advance to the state tournament in Mobile. With this feat, the teams accomplished a first in school history: The first-place sectional finishes by both RHS squads were accomplished in the same year for the first time.

RCS prides itself on a tradition of excellence, as well it should. The tennis program is adding to that tradition; maybe next year will make two in a row for this tennis triumph. 

On the editorial pages of this paper, we must seek to be unbiased, sharing the facts as they stand as well as the stated opinions of others. On this page, however, we have the freedom to share our feelings about the stories we report. We have the opportunity to praise that which deserves to be praised.

These two student groups certainly fall in that category, and we’re glad to devote this week’s editorial in their honor. Congratulations to all involved in these wonderful success stories!