BAY MINETTE, Alabama — 1. Baldwin County High School Principal Johnny Cabaninss, was named the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools 2011 Principal of the Year, back in the spring. Baldwin County Public Schools spokesman Terry Wilhite said the School Board selected Cabaniss when asked by the state council to name a principal who would fit the distinction. It was his improvement to the Bay Minette high school that inspired the selection.

2. BCHS also made the news when the school was chosen to be the launch site of Baldwin County Public School System’s Digital Renaissance program. Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee announced the selection in May, stating that $2 million in federal funding would put laptop computers in the hands of BCHS students and teachers in the coming school year. When the current academic year began, computers were in place that enabled projects and lessons to be accessed online, virtually eliminating the use of textbooks in a number of classes and increasing student interaction.

3. The April tornadoes that ripped through central and north Alabama made national headlines for their destruction and more than 255 fatalities. North Baldwin residents were ready and willing to help in the wake of the disaster. Individuals, businesses and the city of Bay Minette organized assistance by collecting monetary donations, food and various other items. In addition, representatives of the Bay Minette Fire Department were deployed for a two-week, search-and-rescue stint in Rainsville.