CENTRE- State Rep. Ginny Shaver announced Thursday that $10,000 is available to help Cherokee County students attend programs at the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama.

The announcement came during the monthly Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism breakfast at Gadsden State Cherokee. The Women’s Club of Weiss Lake sponsored and prepared the breakfast.

The civic organization also announced additional community support as it marked its 80th year.

$10,000 Available for Challenger Center Visits

Shaver described the center’s hands-on programs and simulated space missions. She said the experience could introduce more young people to careers in science and technology.

Meanwhile, Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Mike Welsh said the district has just over 280 students in the grades served by the center.

The Rainbow City facility opened May 8 as Alabama’s first Challenger Learning Center. It serves students in grades five through eight across 12 counties, including Cherokee County.

During space-themed simulations, students take roles in Mission Control, solve problems and apply classroom lessons. The programs also emphasize communication, teamwork and critical thinking.

In addition, Jacksonville State University supports the facility through the Jax State STEAM Institute. The partnership connects middle school students with university faculty, students and possible career paths.

State legislation directed $8.5 million in supplemental Education Trust Fund money to the project. Federal funding records list another $2.4 million for the simulator.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama also manages a special project fund for the center. Local governments, community partners and private donors have provided additional support.

Women’s Club Marks 80 Years of Service

Club President Thereasa Hulgan announced a recurring $500 contribution to support the Challenger Center initiative. She presented the club’s contribution to the Cherokee County school system during the breakfast.

The organization began in 1946 as the Cedar Bluff Woman’s Club. Early projects included lighting and park improvements in Cedar Bluff, along with support for school libraries.

Later, membership expanded across Cherokee County, and the organization moved its meetings to Centre. Hulgan said the club joined the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, now known as GFWC Alabama, in 1950.

Members also helped revitalize Cornwall Furnace before it became a county park.

Meanwhile, the club’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes has operated since the late 1980s. The event takes place on the first Sunday in December.

Hulgan said this year’s tour will feature four homes in the Leesburg area. Organizers plan to serve refreshments at Dry Creek Chapel. The club is also seeking sponsors for the fundraiser.

Hulgan said the organization raised about $10,000 last year and returned those proceeds to the community.

For example, the club gave $400 to each of Cherokee County’s five school libraries. Those gifts help children who cannot afford purchases during school book fairs.

Hulgan said the club also provides a $1,500 scholarship for a nontraditional female student at Gadsden State. In addition, members support other educational and community programs throughout the county.

During Thursday’s breakfast, the club presented a separate check to Laura Browder, a Cherokee County Schools mental-health professional, for local mental-health work.

Hulgan said the club currently has 25 active members. The organization meets on the second Tuesday of each month from August through May. Members also maintain two free book exchanges for children and adults.

“Our kids are our future, and we have to pull together and support them financially,” Hulgan said.

Chamber Announces Events and Television Exposure

Finally, Chamber Member Manager Leann Lockridge closed the breakfast with community announcements. She also recognized new Chamber members representing retail and hospice services.

Lockridge listed several upcoming events, including the Field-to-Fork community program, Leesburg Day and a local Sept. 11 anniversary ceremony.

She also noted continuing efforts to recognize Cherokee County sites connected to the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

In another regional development, Lockridge said Outdoor Channel’s “Renovation Hunters” is filming a renovation project in Gaylesville.

She said the production will also highlight tourist destinations across Cherokee County. According to Lockridge, the episode is expected to air in April 2027.

The Chamber hosts its breakfast at 8 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Meetings usually take place in the Chamber Meeting Room at Gadsden State Cherokee or at a local business.

Local organizations sponsor the gatherings, which allow Chamber members and community residents to network and hear local updates.