Hawk-Houston Youth Enrichment Center

09/02/2026

Attention high school juniors and seniors scholarship essays are essential to securing a strong financial aid packet. Let Mr. Delbert Bradley take you through the steps. Remember, class limited to 15 and as I am posting this, we have 10 slots left.
334-792-4618 or email me at [email protected].

09/01/2026

Congratulations to the students who were selected to serve on this impressive Superintendent Student Advisory Council.
A special acknowledgement and congratulations to Hawk-Houston Youth Enrichment Center's very own Keirsten Saulsberry. She's 2nd on 2nd row (right). Of course with the bright and infectious smile.
I'm sure the students will do an outstanding job "advising". It is an investment in developing leadership skills. We wish them well.

👏 Welcome to the Inaugural Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council!

Monday, we officially welcomed our inaugural cohort of student leaders to the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, in partnership with Fearless Leadership Academy.

Congratulations to the following students selected to participate on the 2026-2027 SSAC:
• Ja’Haydon Franklin, Dothan Preparatory Academy, Grade 8
• Emily Kate Hutto, Dothan Preparatory Academy, Grade 8
• Crimson McClendon, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9 (not pictured)
• Ruchit Patel, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9
• Kaleb Lawson, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9
• Alani Cole, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9
• A’Sahtu Sanders, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9 (not pictured)
• Eden Powers, Dothan City Virtual School, Grade 9
• MaKenzie Goolsby, Dothan City Virtual School, Grade 9
• Keirsten Saulsberry, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9
• Alli Cole, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Kameron Jackson, Dothan High School, Grade 10 (not pictured)
• Kamila Watford, Dothan High School, Grade 10
• Chad Snell, Dothan High School, Grade 10
• Brody Apida, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Zaniya Davis, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Sydney McDonald, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Haleigh Copeland, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Keely Weber, Dothan High School, Grade 11
• Jorgia Armstrong, Dothan High School, Grade 12
• Fernanda Vazquez, Dothan High School, Grade 12
• Jamauri Hart, Dothan High School, Grade 12
• Olivia Steward, Dothan High School, Grade 12

Throughout the coming year, these students will engage in monthly leadership experiences designed to strengthen their confidence, develop their leadership skills, elevate student voice, and connect them with leaders from across the Wiregrass.

We are excited to invest in this exceptional group of young leaders and look forward to celebrating their growth throughout the school year!🐺💙

09/01/2026

This is Amare Harris. He is a 14 year old 9th grader. He has joined the Dothan High School Cross Country running team. In order to meet the many needs of the team, a campaign goal of $5,000 has been set.
Amare wants to do his part to help the team reach its goal.
Therefore, his personal goal is $500. He needs our help in one of two ways. You can donate to him at 1) casp app $Mareharristhebest; or 2) dhsxc26.groupfund.us.
The deadline is September 16th.
Amare is one of the most intelligent, smartest, kindhearted, humble, shy, sensitive, focused , determined, and compassionate young men you will ever meet. He's been a Hawk-Houston member since the age of six. His intellectual abilities were always a challenge and reinforced our belief that great things will come from within.
His academic accomplishments are many and he excels in whatever he puts his mind too.
However, this summer I learned of his interest in sports---soccer, golf, and cross country running. He is also a referee.
However, I had to learn more about cross country running. It involves running outdoors over grass, dirt, mud, hills, fields, sand, swamps, and in the woods. Now, as a child that grew up in the country and on a farm, that's what I/we did as children. We didn't know our daily play activities had an official name (LOL).
Please, show support to this young man and his commitment and dedication to continue to explore the many positive places he can go. He is the son of his proud mother Tiffany Harris.

Remember! Cashapp $Mareharristhebest or
dhsxc26 groupfund.us

08/30/2026

ATTENTION high school seniors don't miss out on this great opportunity. Let us know if you need help...334-792-4618 [email protected]

08/28/2026

Hawk-Houston Youth Enrichment Center was honored to host the UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama " community meeting on August 27th. It was well attended and those present heard about the future plans for Kenney Park and the Baptist Bottom neighborhood. There was a great Q&A session that hopefully answered some concerns and perhaps rumors.
I have attended some of their community meetings the past few months and have been impressed with UABs team of professionals and their commitment, dedication, knowledge, track record from around other Alabama cities showing how a community can be transformed when we come together and put "unity" in comm-unity, and "neighbor" in neighbor-hood.
We know many of the guests had never been to or inside Hawk-Houston. To that, we say, thank you for coming and we hope to see you again. We need your support.
Thank you Anita Dawkins Weatherington for reaching out to us, your hardwork and commitment to this project to make it a success and have a positive impact. Mission accomplished.
Again, on behalf of our board of directors-- Denise Newby, president, Dr. Walter H. Sims, Rev. Norris Danzey, Thomas Groomes, Dr. Jesse L. Nelson, Arthur Bell II, L. Gail Grimsley, and Patricia Holloway, thank you for coming, and in the words of our late founder, Alveta Houston Hawk, "Great things will come from it" when Hawk-Houston was established in 1964 in the Baptist Bottom neighborhood.

08/24/2026

A great and beneficial community resource event. It has something for everyone.

08/22/2026

Congratulations! Please join us in extending congratulations to PFC (private first class) Jaylon Ward. He graduated on August 21st from Basic training at Ft. Sill, OK.
Jaylon has accomplished alot in 2026. He graduated from Dothan High in May. He was in the Jr. ROTC where he achieved the rank as Master Sergeant.
He completed 10 weeks of basic training in August. His next stop is AIT, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He will complete that this fall. His specialty training will be "horizontal engineering". I asked him what is that and he made it simple for me. He said he will build things. "Oh, I see", said I.
As a Hawk-Houston member, Rev. Danzey, Sue LaRue, and I can attest to the fact that Jaylon was dauntless or fearless as a child. He would take on anything or anybody. However, he channeled that into becoming an accomplished high school wrestler and joining the Jr. ROTC.

In the spring 2027 he will begin classes at Huntington College, Montgomery, AL.
We can honestly say that he always had a viable plan for his life and future.
However, it helps when you have a strong, supportive and God-fearing family. His mother, Tracey Hicks, grandmother Clarice Hicks (who always made it clear that he is the apple of her eye), and his sisters, especially his twin, Kaylon.
His family was very excited and proud to attend his graduation. It was a long and tiring journey with some unexpected challenges, but they made it and wouldn't take nothing "...for the journey" to be present to support him. His mom told me they also served as the surrogate family for one of Jaylon's fellow soldiers whose family could not attend. She said, "We don't mind helping him, Ms. Newman. We proud of him, too."
It really does take a village.
Thank God for His blessings, and please pray his family have a safe return home as they depart today.

PFC Jaylon Ward, your Hawk-Houston family loves you and is proud of your accomplishments. May you continue to be a shining example that "Great things will come from within. "

08/19/2026

We are happy to report that today we delivered the assortment of cat and dog food and treats to the Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption Center.
It was one of three of our (Hawk-Houston) summer community service projects. There was a delay due to some folks, who shall remain anonymous, late bringing their donations. But, it's done now thanks to Rev. Norris Danzey, Adrian Miller, and Willie Mae Smith. I did hear some grunts from some folks that were picking up bags weighing 20lbs and more. Umph, Umph, Umph!
Hopefully, the donations will help ease the dedication and commitment to feed and care for the many animals that need it that are housed in the facility.
We also thank everyone, especially our youth, that donated and designed the donation box for this community service project. And thank you Rachel Smith and staff for welcoming our efforts.

08/17/2026

Saturday, August 15th, was another beautiful and very special great day in the Baptist Bottom neighborhood, and Aunt Katie's Community Garden.
Congressman Shomari Figures was in the city. First, as a speaker at the inaugural Jazz Brunch sponsored by the Wiregrass Tuskegee alumni club. That afternoon he was invited by Michael Jackson, founder of AKCG, to tour this award-winning community garden and learn more about the concept and future of private and community gardens.
Congressman Figures, although my first time meeting him, has a persona that seems genuine, a people person, a good listener, and down-to-earth. He was unassuming.
Mr. Jackson gave a brief but thorough history of his vision--Aunt Katie's Community Garden, followed by a video.

I was asked to speak as the first youth centered community partner with AKCG. our partnership began in 2011. I shared that it is one of the most anticipated programs/activities of the summer . Our youth have learned , hands on, where food, plants, flowers, and honey come from, and "how" they get to the table, etc. Many have since started their own gardens at home. Also, Mackroyce Corbitt III, a Hawk-Houston youth and high school senior, spoke about the life-long impact AKCG has on him. His brother Micah was present but has started a very successful home garden.
Mr. Jackson introduced the staff and other speakers.
Afterwards, cong. Figures was given a tour of the tunnel houses, current produce, and the Aunt Katie's peanut, and the processing center.
I noticed that he never seemed bored or not interested in what was being shared. He asked questions. I think the visit/tour for him may have asked more questions than it answered. That's good.
"If you are thinking one year ahead, sow a seed. If you are thinking 10 years ahead, plant a tree. If you are thinking 100 years ahead, educate the people." Chinese proverb

I believe wholeheartedly that is the vision and concept of Michael Jackson and Aunt Katie's Community Garden for the past 16 years is summed up in that proverb.
And I hope and believe that Congressman Shomari Figures believes that as well, and sees the power of the seed, tree and educating the people.
As I said, it was a great and special day in the Baptist Bottom neighborhood. Thank you congressman Figures for the visit. And thank you Michael Jackson for the vision.

Thank you God for your many blessings.

08/08/2026

Happy birthday (August 6th) to Adrian Miller. He is an invaluable member of the Hawk-Houston family. When you hear "coach, coach" many, many times per day you know without a doubt they mean Coach Miller. He is more than our athletic director, he's a mentor, role model, and friend. He doesn't mind the part of duties and responsibilities of his job description that says "other duties as assigned." He will do what needs to be done without being asked. He is reliable, dependable, kindhearted, and also supports Hawk-Houston by donating monetary and inkind resources. He is at his best when he's leading physical fitness exercises, gym games, tennis (he's a semi-pro), basketball, pickleball (almost a semi-pro), tutoring, playing chess or bingo with the kids. He is the official van driver. He is never, never late for work.
Happy birthday, coach Adrian Miller...you are indeed one of a kind. May God bless you with many more.
Love,
Your Hawk-Houston family