State Rep. and House Minority Leader Craig Ford recently donated funds to the Aquaculture Education and Development Center at Gadsden State Community College. Ford noted that despite recent cuts to education budgets, he’d continue his efforts to provide funding for Gadsden State and all Etowah County Schools. Ford added that Gadsden State has deeps roots in the community and provides an opportunity for students to obtain an affordable college education in a local setting. Pictured, kneeling, from left: Auburn University student and aquacenter volunteer Matthew Smith, GSCC student Dylan Houston, GSCC student Lindsey Wissler, Birmingham Southern College graduate and certification student Claire Johnston. Standing, from left: GSCC Dean of Institutional Services Jim Jolly, GSCC Dean of Financial Services Jim Prucnal, State Rep. Craig Ford.