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By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

In honor of the beginning of the school year, all three school systems in Shelby County—as well as three libraries—were presented with Educational Community Services Grants checks totaling a combined $110,000.

State Rep. Kenneth Paschal presented these checks as he toured educational institutions throughout House District 73. According to Paschal, these visits underscored a profound dedication to bolstering local education.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to engage with educators and staff at numerous schools and libraries within House District 73,” Paschal said. “It was truly inspiring to discover the exciting initiatives unfolding in these institutions and the ambitious visions they hold for the future.”

Recipients of the grants included Alabaster City Schools, Pelham City Schools and Shelby County Schools, as well as the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster, the Jane B. Holmes Public Library in Helena and the Pelham Public Library.

Paschal shared that the money from the grant is designed to reinforce academic programs for students and enrich the educational environment within local communities.

“Delivering these Community Grant checks is always a privilege, as they play a vital role in enhancing the resources and services our schools and libraries provide,” Paschal said. “This funding highlights my unwavering commitment to fostering education both at the state level and specifically in our district.”

For Paschal, his tour of the educational institutions across Shelby County represented an opportunity to give back to his district.

“It is a true privilege to represent the residents of Alabama House District 73, and returning taxpayer dollars to support local initiatives is one of my highest priorities,” Paschal said. “By presenting the Educational Community Services Grant checks to our schools and libraries, we are making a meaningful investment in the academic achievements of our youth.”