Two Chilton County High School students were successful in their efforts recently to secure funding for new technology in the classrooms at their school.

Blake Hudson, a 16-year-old junior, and Mason Easterling, a 17-year-old senior, contacted state Sen. Cam Ward via email and phone about wanting to help their school purchase more classroom computer equipment for students.

“This is the first time ever in my career that I’ve seen students take the initiative on it,” Ward said. “That’s impressive right there.”

Before reaching out to Ward, the students talked to CCHS Principal Cynthia Stewart, about their goals concerning the school.

“We had talked to Dr. Stewart about different projects like the parking lot and other needs here,” Easterling said.

On Sept. 27, Ward presented a $2,000 check to Hudson and Easterling for technology additions in classrooms at CCHS.

“We’re very thankful,” Hudson said.

The money, part of the state education budget, came from Ward’s discretionary funds—taxpayers’ money allotted to government officials each fiscal year to be used in the officials’ individual districts at their discretion—that are earmarked for school technology and infrastructure.

Ward lauded the students for contacting him as they worked to improve their school, and Stewart said she was pleased with their efforts, too.

“That’s the kind of culture we want to inspire here,” Stewart said.

Both students are involved in the Student Government Association at school.

Easterling is SGA president this year, and Hudson is an SGA Cabinet member.

Hudson and Easterling have also met with Ward, Rep. Kurt Wallace, Chilton County Schools Superintendent Dave Hayden and other local leaders and presented a spreadsheet detailing other projects they hope to accomplish at CCHS, primarily the parking lot in front of the school.

“Our main project right now is to get the front parking lot repaved,” Hudson said. “It’s been something that a lot of people have wanted to do for years, but we just decided to jump on it. It’s something the whole student body wants also.”

Hudson and Easterling are in the process of organizing a Christmas event similar to the annual Blast from the Past program at CCHS to raise money for future projects.

The event would be sponsored by the SGA at CCHS, and Hudson said they would release more information about the event as plans are solidified.