Senior Escort, First day of school at SEHS goes Smoothly, even with new Cell Phone rule

BY SARAH STEPHENS

ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS

Editor’s note: If you have not seen the EAN video of the Senior Escort, it can be viewed here – https://www.facebook.com/editorsarah/videos/448578707162940

Connor Russo is a senior at Stanhope Elmore High School this year. However, as he is in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood at the moment, he could not attend the traditional Senior Escort to school Monday.

No problem, though. He was represented, thanks to a “Fat Head Cut Out” on the passenger side of his truck, driven by girlfriend Jasmine Caudle.

It was just one of many stories that could be told of this tradition and the first day of school at the largest high school in Elmore County. Every year, on the first day of school, seniors gather at Village Green Park and line up their vehicles in front of the Civic Center under the direction of the Millbrook Police Department.

Then they gather for the Class Photo at Kid’s Kingdom, have a safety briefing from Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson, and parade from the park, up Main Street, to the entrance of SEHS.

The night prior, students who drive their own vehicle to school were up at the school to decorate their personal parking space.

“I have to give this year’s senior class kudos, because this year was as smooth, or better, than any year before. There were no issues at all. Everyone arrived at school safely. The parents were lined up on Main Street to show their support. We are really happy to help this event every year, and I love the tradition. It can be aggravating to those who are not familiar with the tradition, because we do block traffic for a short time. But thanks to the EAN for posting about it several times to give everyone that is new to the area a warning. In reality, traffic is always heavier at the start of the school year until everyone gets used to the routine. We just remind everyone to be very cautious and drive defensively and carefully. There are a lot of new drivers on the road this time of year.”

Once the seniors joined their other classmates on campus, Principal Ewell Fuller says he was very impressed with how the system worked and the interaction with students and parents, the bus lines and car rider line.

New this year is a rule that requires students to place their cell phones in a magnetized pouch. They are only allowed access to their phones during the FLEX period in a reserved located the old gymnasium. For the rest of the week, Principal Fuller will be meeting with individual classes to explain the process. But so far, at least on the first day, he had no formal complaints from students or parents.

“We are officially implementing the new rule on Monday, but we began the process on the first day of school. Already I am hearing good things about the lack of distractions due to cell phones. So, we are off to a good start,” Fuller said.

He said he is so appreciative of the community support, the Millbrook Police Department, the parents, teachers, students and leadership team.

“We are still finishing up the cafeteria, so we are navigating through that, but when it is complete, it is going to be modern, bigger and wonderful,” Fuller said.

Fuller also wanted to let everyone know the first home football game of the season will be Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.gofan.co for $7. (that is gofan.co, not gofan.com for clarification.)

The Mustangs will play Shades Valley for the home opener. “We hope to have a big crowd to support the team, so please come out and cheer on the Mustangs,” Fuller said. See More Photos Below.