Governor Kay Ivey paid a visit to Gaylesville School on Friday morning – to congratulate the school on their outstanding efforts in honor of the Alabama 200 Bicentennial Celebration.  The project which attracted the Governor’s attention was a cookbook created by Gaylesville students and overseen by Merri Blankenship, which, as the Governor said, “celebrates our culinary culture,”

Upon arriving at the school, the Governor and Alabama frontman Randy Owen – made their way to the Family & Consumer Science Building – where they sampled an array of delicious items made from recipes’ taken from the Alabama Bicentennial Cookbook.

Afterwards, Governor Ivey entered a packed gymnasium, made up of students, faculty, local and state dignitaries, law enforcement officials, and many others – and as a special surprise for those in attendance she was introduced by Randy Owen.

She spoke on the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration and her pleasure at meeting all of the students – and she praised the students and Ms. Blankenship for creating the cookbook.

She brought her comments to a close by saying, “I hope to see everyone in Montgomery on December 14th at the State Capitol, as we officially celebrate all day, and into the night, Alabama’s 200th anniversary.  May God continue to bless each of you and the great state of Alabama!”

Afterwards WEIS Radio News spoke with State Representative Ginny Shaver about the visit

WEIS Radio’s Jerry Baker also talked to Principal Scott Hays about the Governor’s visit, and the surprise appearance of Randy Owen, who picked up a guitar and played with members of the FFA Band:

Also as a special reminder of the day, each student received a Bicentennial Commemorative coin embossed with Governor Kay Ivey’s name and the State Seal of Alabama.

You can also listen to the entire presentation by clicking the link below: