During Black History Month recognition in February, children who attended the 21st Century After School Program in Crenshaw county enjoyed a bit of fun along with their  history lessons.

All three public schools in the county participate in the after school program. This year’s event was extra special because veteran teacher and 21st Century volunteer Yvonne Noble helped with the contest and prizes.

“The teachers picked out the best ones, and the ones who got all the answers right,” Noble said.

The children from Luverne, Brantley, and Highland Home schools worked on the crossword puzzle, the best color design, and the matching part from The Luverne Journal’ Feb. 2 edition “Newspaper Fun” section.

The winning students were then presented with a bag of gifts as their prize.

“Two buttons with current slogans written on them, one saying Celebrate Diversity, and a magnet were in the bag,” Noble said. “A small cash donation was also included from the Allen Lily Chapter #700 Order of the Eastern Star. We do not wish to divulge the amount.”

Committee member Betty Dawson said she is always happy to see the look on Noble’s face at these events.

“She doesn’t have any biological children, but she loves and adores all the children in her life,” Dawson said.

Third grader Noelle Dire was the Brantley School winner.

Kyleigh McLeod, a fourth grader from Highland Home School, won the school’s award. She is pictured with Marty Balkcom.

Anglore Scott, a fifth grader from Luverne School, was presented her prize by Regina Thomas, the site coordinator at Luverne.

The gift bags were presented to the winners on Feb. 28, the last day of Black History Month.

According to the program’s website,, the after school programs not only improve the students’ grades, but their standardized test score as well. The instructors focus on impacting a student’s life with improvements in the behavior of the child and their attendance during the school year.

LaFreda Griffin, who is an administrative assistant for the Crenshaw county Board of Education, is the Director of the 21st Century After School Program. She is helped in her duties by Noble, the Worthy Matron of Allen Lily Chapter #700 Order of the Eastern Star.

Committee members for Community Service include Betty Dawson, Martha Thomas, Laura Johnson and Felicia Darby.