Photo: Courtesy of West End High School
Matthew Steven McClendon is the son of Steven and Donna McClendon of Gallant and a 2020 graduate of West End High School in Walnut Grove.
McClendon is the recipient of the Dianna B. Williams Scholarship from the Gallant Homemakers and Community Leaders.
McClendon has a real talent for music and a beautiful voice. Throughout high school and junior high, McClendon served as an outstanding band member, brass section leader, band captain and assistant drum major. He received an award for most valuable concert and marching band member, a leadership award, director award for chorus and Alabama All State Choral award for two years.
McClendon is a representative for West End High as part of The Gadsden-Etowah Chamber Youth Leadership Program. He is also a member of the Beta Club and Math Honor Society.
McClendon is an active member of Gallant First Baptist Church, where he is a member of the choir. McClendon serves as a member of the Gallant Volunteer Fire Department.
In the fall, McClendon will attend Gadsden State Community College, where he will major in music and choral.
McClendon is the stepgrandson of Gallant Homemakers and Community Leaders member Melba McClendon. He was awarded the scholarship on July 14, 2020 during the group’s Achievement Day.
There were 17 members and visitors attending the meeing, all wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Honduras was the theme for the year 2020.
President Kathy Sapp welcomed the group and Sharon Lampkin recited the pledge of allegiance. Our devotion was given by Tina Tow, a teacher from Coosa Christian School.
Tow gave each of us a ruler and asked each person to draw a line where her age will be. She said this ruler represents your life, and because of so much turmoil in the news today, she encouraged the members to look at some tumultuous events which they lived through and write them on the back of the ruler.
“So, when you hear someone younger say, ‘is this the end of the world?’ you just smile, get out your ruler and say, ‘no, I’ve lived through worse…and you will too!’” said Tow.
Evening speaker Dilcia Rodrigeus told the members about her life in Honduras, bringing photos of homes, buildings, flowers, trees and markets.
Eulaine Barron was awarded Woman of the Year and Key Member for 2020. The members expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Barron for her dedication and interest.
Show and Tell was displayed and many beautiful things were shown, pictures, baby quilts and blanket items for the Gallant Volunteer Fire Department, Samaritan Purse, Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center, baby packages, cancer caps and other items.
A luncheon with foods from Honduras was enjoyed by the group.
The members will conduct the next meeting August 13 at Bethlehem Baptist Church’s Fellowship Room.
Submitted by Marie McClendon
Gallant Homemakers and Community Leaders
