The one-two punch of Hyden and Pack had an exceptional year for the Eagles and caused fits for their opponents. Both sluggers were just recently named First Team All-Conference by the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC), as well.

Cody Hyden

Third baseman Hyden led the team in batting average at .418. He also led the club with over 40 RBIs and amassed a team-leading number of extra base hits.

Shane Pack

Outfielder Pack was just behind his buddy as he batted .412 and also recorded over 40 RBIs. (This marked the first time two ALC players finished with over 40 RBIs in the same season.) Pack was also just behind Hyden in extra base hits.

Bobby Caldwell

In addition, sophomore Bobby Caldwell, by virtue of his outstanding 3.7 cumulative GPA, was named Academic All-American.

All three young men return next season, and they are expected to lead the club toward bigger and better things.

To see a copy of the official USCAA All-American and All-Academic Team lists, go here.

The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles closed out the 2012 season in KIAC Tournament action. The tournament, which was held in Frankfort, was a double elimination format. Below are recaps of each contest.

MAY 4

GAME 1

ALC 1

BRESCIA 7

The Lady Eagles battled Brescia, a team coming off of a 25-win season, in the opener. From the opening pitch, Coach John Mill’s team gave the favorites all they could handle.

ALC struck first, as they took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second on a Kayla Gooslin RBI single. The Eagles played relaxed like a team that had nothing to lose, and they continued to hold the Bearcats scoreless with a fine display of pitching and fielding.

Just when it appeared that a major upset was in the making, Brescia’s Stefani Smith came to her club’s rescue in the bottom of the fifth inning. With one runner on base, she cracked a critical 2-run homerun, which completely shifted the momentum of the game. Her blast helped propel BU to a 7-run inning, and they rode that surge to pick up the win.

On the day, Brescia outhit ALC 8-3. In addition to Gooslin’s 1 hit and 1 RBI, teammates Caitlin Case, Nikki Durman, Shelby Barnett, Lacinda Hack, Megan Boswell, and Simbree Sizemore each added 1 hit apiece.

GAME 2

ALC 4

MIDWAY 9

The Lady Eagles battled Midway in the night match-up. The Eagles played with new-found confidence, and for the second consecutive game, they made a team sweat over the outcome until the final out.

Alice Lloyd struck first, courtesy of a powerful Caitlin Case 2-run homer (her first of the year). They tacked on one more run and took a 3-0 lead after the top of the second.

MC fought back with a 5-run inning and vaulted ahead 5-3. The Lady Eagles, however, refused to fold, as they continued to claw away at their opponent. They registered another run in the top of the sixth inning to keep the game tight. Unfortunately, a comeback was not meant to be, as Midway finally managed to subdue the scrappy guests.

On the night, ALC batted well, being outhit by only 9-7. Simbree Sizemore and Chelsea Brown each had 2 hits, while Shelby Barnett and Lacinda Hack each added 1.

Reverend Noe will deliver the baccalaureate address to the graduating class of 2012.  A native of Kentucky, Reverend Noe graduated from Dilce Combs High School in Jeff, Kentucky, and then continued his education at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. His calling to serve God and his fellow man led him to pursue a master’s degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is married to Sheila Everage Noe, a retired administrator of the Hazard Nursing Home. Together, the Noes have served the mountain people for over 30 years. During the course of his career, Reverend Noe has served several pastorates within eastern Kentucky and helped to establish three new churches at Maytown, Colson, and Myra.  He and his wife currently reside in Red Fox, Kentucky and have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren.

The commencement speech will be given by Dr. R. Bruce Bickel, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Private Foundation Management Services Group of PNC Wealth Management and President of Transformational Leadership Group, a character-based leadership consulting firm. After being in the non-profit sector for over 15 years, Dr. Bickel joined the bank in 1988 as Vice President and began managing the newly formed Charitable Trust Department of the Investment Management and Trust Division. His appointment marked the establishment of the Charitable Trust area as a separate department and line of business within the Trust Division. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from non-profits to his position as Department Manager. In mid-year 2000, he designed and implemented the newly established Private Foundation Management Services Group, which is now offered on a national basis.

Dr. Bickel is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. In 1966, he received The Midshipman of the Year Award given by the Annapolis, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Thompson Trophy, given to the graduating senior who has done the most to promote intercollegiate athletics at the Naval Academy. After the completion of his service obligation, Dr. Bickel served as Vice President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Kansas City, Missouri. He also holds the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology degrees from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Subsequently, he served as senior pastor of churches in Kansas and Illinois. Dr. Bickel is also the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Waynesburg University for his work with charities in the western Pennsylvania area.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1. Baccalaureate Services will be held in the GNAC Gym at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12^th, 2012. The graduating class should gather in the Auxiliary Gym at 10:00 a.m. to prepare for the processional.

2. Commencement exercises will be held at 12:15 p.m. in the GNAC Gym on Saturday, May 12^th, 2012. The graduating class needs to gather in the Auxiliary Gym at 11:45 a.m. to prepare for the processional.

3. Candidates for graduation should wear professional dress for Baccalaureate and Academic Regalia for Commencement. Note: Male graduates will need to remove their caps prior to the invocation and keep them off until just before the conferring of degrees.

4. Members of the graduating class are required to attend both Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises, as well as the rehearsal for these exercises, unless they have been exempted.

5. During the break between the baccalaureate and commencement services, a reception will be held on the porch of the Grady Nutt Athletic Center. Everyone is invited to help themselves to refreshments.

6. The ALC Bookstore will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on graduation day. The bookstore will be giving a 10% discount to all graduating seniors and their parents (excludes textbooks and food items).

The faculty and staff at Alice Lloyd College congratulate the graduating class of 2012! Please join us in wishing them all the best for the future.

Directions to campus: http://www.alc.edu/about/about_driving_map.php.

Mrs. Lloyd and her mother, Ella Geddes, moved to Kentucky in 1916 from Boston, Massachusetts. In 1917, they relocated to Caney Creek at the request of Abisha Johnson, a local man who wanted Mrs. Lloyd to teach his children. He graciously offered the land for the school to be built upon, and provided a cabin for Mrs. Lloyd and her mother. Thus began the Caney Creek Community Center, which provided not only educational services, but also information and assistance in the areas of health care, hygiene, and agricultural improvements.

Mrs. Lloyd began writing appeal letters to her friends “back East” on her Oliver No. 9 typewriter. She was soon joined by June Buchanan, and the two would go on to charter Caney Junior College in 1923; this institution would become Alice Lloyd College upon the death of Mrs. Lloyd in 1962 and began offering four-year degrees in 1980.

June Buchanan

The campus itself is a living testament to the work of Alice Lloyd, June Buchanan, and Ella Geddes. Buildings across campus—even the city of Pippa Passes itself—are named for the poetry that these women loved so much. Additionally, the road signs on the campus reflect the ideology of the Purpose Road Philosophy, which continues to be taught to this day at Alice Lloyd College. Roads named Action, Duty, Courage, and Service all serve as a daily reminder to students that their actions shape who they are and, in turn, their influence upon the world.

It is impossible to measure the impact that Alice Lloyd and the Caney Creek Community Center have had on this area of Appalachia. Our graduates serve as doctors, lawyers, educators, and much more throughout Kentucky and its surrounding states. Many return to their home communities to improve the quality of life in those areas. However, everyone who has been a part of the Caney Creek Community Center shares a common bond: service to others. As espoused by the Purpose Road Philosophy, world service should be a focus of all great leaders. As Alice Lloyd said, “The leaders are here!” Her words have certainly rung true these past 95 years, and will undoubtedly continue to do so well into the future.

ALC’s Director of Athletics and Cross Country Coach Gary D. Stepp traveled to Belfry on May 4th, and he happily returned with the fresh signature of Belfry multi-sport performer, senior Jonathan Aldana.

In response as to what influenced him to pick Alice Lloyd, the confident Pirate replied, “I picked ALC because one of my teachers asked me to go for a visit. After talking with Coach Stepp and understanding their rules, I thought that it would be the best fit for me.” Aldana added, “The things about college I most look forward to are meeting new people and learning life lessons while getting my education. I hope one day to become a teacher and coach.”

After the signings, an elated Coach Stepp said, “I am thrilled to sign Jonathan Aldana to a letter of intent for many reasons. First, I know what a quality young man he is. Jonathan is a tremendously hard worker in both the classroom and the athletic arena. Second, he has demonstrated he is a dedicated competitor with an outstanding work ethic. I also see his appreciation for an opportunity to run on the collegiate level. Third, Jonathan is part of an elite program at Belfry. He has had an excellent athletic career, and I like the fact that he has been successful in numerous sports. I know the high caliber of coaches that he has been involved with, and I also like the fact that he is used to being part of championship teams. I feel fortunate to sign him.”

Stepp would also add, “I am striving to build a competitive program at Alice Lloyd. ALC recruits exclusively from the Appalachia area and does not travel the country in search of athletes. Therefore, it is critical for me to get the best student-athletes in the mountains who will embrace the philosophy of our school and become the future leaders in our area. The number one priority for me is that each of our athletes works hard academically and that they each earn their degree.  I know that Jonathan Aldana has outstanding potential, and he is a perfect fit for us. I am extremely happy to welcome him into the Eagles family.”

The June Buchanan School had the opportunity to have as a guest Mr. Brady Slone, a Vietnam veteran, who spoke to instructor Larry Hayes’s history class this past week. Brady Slone was a former principal and art instructor in Knott County. Students in grades 8-12 had the privilege of hearing Slone recount his experiences as a medic during the 1968 Tet Offensive in which he served three months. A head wound ended Slone’s tour of duty.

Students listened intently to his story. While talking with the class, Slone said, “The average age of a Vietnam soldier was just under nineteen years old. Instead of worrying about whom to ask to the prom, we had to worry about surviving until we could return to ‘the world.’” Afterwards, Larry Hayes said, “The turbulent period of the sixties and seventies must be studied and understood so we can appreciate how our nation achieved the constitutional rights we enjoy today. The students at JBS and I want to thank Mr. Slone for sharing his information with us and for the service he performed for our country.”

The June Buchanan Crusaders are pleased to welcome a new athletic director, JR Hammond, and a new volleyball coach, Tara Reynolds. JBS is delighted about the many opportunities the school is able to offer its students in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Hammond will take on the role of coordinating all sporting events, which includes making sure home events run smoothly, and will oversee coaches and athletes throughout the year. He brings a plethora of experiences with him to JBS. Hammond has served as head and assistant coach at Sheldon Clark High School, worked as ALC’s Assistant Athletic Director, and is currently ALC Men’s Basketball Head Coach, bringing in 15 years of experience. Recently, Hammond made his first statement as JBS Athletic Director saying, “First, I’d like to thank Dean Clark for this opportunity to work at JBS as the AD. JBS is a wonderful academic school. I would like to provide an opportunity for students to compete in any sport in which they show an interest. Any kid deserves that. We’re off to a great start by hiring Jerry Manns as our Boys Basketball coach. Our girls have expressed an interest in volleyball, so we have hired JBS alum Tara Reynolds to meet the need for a volleyball coach.”

Reynolds has experience working with students and coaching in both volleyball and softball. She has also served as an instructor at both Alice Lloyd College and The June Buchanan School, and is certified as a lifeguard and to perform CPR. She is the current JBS Guidance Counselor and brings 15 years of experience to JBS, as well. Reynolds made her first statement as Volleyball coach saying, “I look forward to developing a formidable program focused on character, perseverance, and team work. I am extremely excited and honored for this opportunity to work with the students.”

The mission of the school supports the fact that some of life’s most important lessons and habits can be learned through participation in extracurricular activities. Coaches across the board, including Hammond and Reynolds, hope to continue building a strong work ethic, self-motivation, self-discipline, and commitment among student-athletes at the school. Study after study shows that being involved in extracurricular activities positively affects the academic success of students who are involved. Reflecting on the subject, Dean Amanda Clark said, “Looking forward, students will benefit from the ability to work with two experienced individuals who bring a wealth of skill to the program. JR Hammonds and Tara Reynolds will serve as mentors for the students and school, and will instill the sense of excellence that we nurture and expect of our students at JBS.” Clark went on to say that she is excited for what the new school year and season will bring.

Open gym for sports began at June Buchanan in mid-March and will continue. The June Buchanan School has open enrollment for the 2012-13 school year and invites students who are interested in a well-rounded college preparatory education to call ahead for an appointment to tour the school. To schedule your visit, please call 606-368-6108.

On Friday, April 27th, The June Buchanan School’s 8th grade class visited the State Capitol. On the trip students toured the Capitol, viewing not only the intricate architecture of the facilities but learning more about how our state government works. Students were able to visit the Supreme Court, The House of Representatives, the Senate, the Rotunda (where Abraham Lincoln’s Statue stands), and the State Reception Room.

Representative John Short, representing Knott, Letcher, and Magoffin counties, accompanied the students on the tour, and a State Capitol tour guide imparted information to them regarding the details about day-to-day operations occurring within the Capitol. Remarking on the day’s activities, JBS instructor Karen Bailey said, “It’s important for students to see how their votes, their needs, and rights are voiced through the Senate and House. I think this is an important trip for every student in grade school, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have taken our students.”

*In the lead photo, students are pictured with Representative John Short.

The Alice Lloyd College Softball team closed out the regular season over the weekend with two conference road doubleheaders. The ladies played at Berea on Friday, followed by a twin bill at Indiana University Southeast the next day. Following are recaps of each game played.

April 27

Game 1

ALC 0

BC 11

The Lady Eagles fell behind early, as they were outhit 14-4. Nikki Durman, Caitlyn Case, Kayla Gooslin, and Lacinda Hack each had 1 hit apiece. Hack’s hit was a double.

Game 2

ALC 0

BC 11

The Lady Eagles battled hard, but an 8-run fourth inning proved to be too much to overcome. ALC had just 1 hit in the game compared to BU’s 10. Lacinda Hack had the lone hit.

April 28

Game 1

ALC 0

IUS 19

The Lady Eagles fell behind early, as they were shutout from the plate by the pitching staff from IU Southeast.

Game 2

ALC 2

IUS 13

The Lady Eagles battled hard and trailed by only two (4-2) before the hosts had one big inning to put the game out of reach. ALC was outhit 18-3 in the contest. Lacinda Hack, Shelby Barnett, and Simbree Sizemore recorded the hits for ALC.

The Alice Lloyd College Eagles Cross Country program is pleased to announce the signing of one of the mountains’ elite female runners to an athletic letter of intent for the upcoming 2012-13 school year.

ALC’s Director of Athletics and Cross Country Coach Gary D. Stepp traveled to Hyden on April 25th, and he happily returned with the fresh signature of Leslie County senior Allison Holbrook.

In response as to what influenced her to pick Alice Lloyd, the excited Eagles star replied, “I picked Alice Lloyd because it was close to home and had the program I was looking for. Everyone really made me feel wanted.” Holbrook added, “I also wanted a college where I could become part of a family with my team. I feel that I have found this at ALC.”

When asked about her expectations after announcing her college decision, Holbrook responded, “My expectations are to make new friends and to have both a very successful running and academic career. I am most looking forward to my new team and to having new experiences on the college level!”

After the signing, an elated Coach Stepp said, “I am thrilled to sign Allison Holbrook to a letter of intent for many reasons. First, I know what a quality young lady she is. Allison is not only a good person, but she is a talented and dedicated student-athlete in both the classroom and the athletic arena. Second, I love her work ethic, and also see her appreciation for an opportunity to run on the collegiate level. Third, Allison was a major force at Leslie County. She has had an excellent career during high school, and I easily consider her one of the top senior runners in our entire recruiting area. Her parents, principals, teachers, and coaches have done an excellent job in guiding Allison to work hard and use her God-given talents to achieve her dreams. I feel fortunate to have signed her to attend our college.”

Stepp would also add, “I am striving to build a competitive program at Alice Lloyd. ALC recruits exclusively from the Appalachia area and does not travel the country in search of athletes. Therefore, it is critical for me to get the best student-athletes in the mountains who will embrace the philosophy of our school and become the future leaders in our area. The number one priority for me is that each of our athletes works hard academically and that they each earn their degree.  I know that Allison has outstanding potential, and she is a perfect fit for us. I am extremely happy to welcome her into the Eagles family.”

*Pictured in the lead photo are: front row (l-r) Allison’s mother Alecia Holbrook, Allison Holbrook, and Allison’s dad Richie Hamrick; back row (l-r) Leslie County Head Coach Joel Brashear, Elizabeth Stepp, ALC Coach and Director of Athletics Gary D. Stepp, and Leslie County Assistant Coach Gary Douglas.