MOBILE – Cynthia Ellis of Montrose has been named the State Volleyball Official of the Year for Alabama.

She was recognized Aug. 3 during the fourth annual Alabama High School Athletic Association Officials Awards banquet at Montgomery’s Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

A longtime member of the Baldwin County Volleyball Association and a former volleyball coach at Robertsdale High, Ellis has been officiating high-school volleyball for the past 12 years from the area-and-region levels to the elite-eight state tournament in Pelham. She was also recognized for her officiating performance in the 2009 state championship.

"I'm ecstatic," she said. "I've been working hard to improve. I love volleyball, I love the challenge of improving and I love the way the Baldwin County schools have helped to improve our skill level. And I've learned so much from other officials around the state."

For the full story, see our Friday, August 13 edition.