Recently, more than 400 Etowah County residents assembled on the grounds of Etowah County Courthouse to celebrate life, laugh, dance and play with new and old friends and learn more about the academic, faith-based, health care and support services available in Etowah County. The 11th Annual H.O.P.E (Honor, Opportunity, Pride, Excellence) Celebration was made possible by the efforts of the planning committee, sponsors and vendors. There were many supporters who spoke to the community about safety, interacting with others, being prepared for school and being a productive and contributing member to society. The message was delivered by several political and community leaders; i.e., Mayor Sherman Guyton, Mr. Wayne Rowe, CEO of Quality of Life Health Services, and Dr. Ed Miller, Gadsden City Schools Superintendent, just to name a few. The organizers of the event expressed their appreciation to our Job Corps students and staff, who assisted with serving refreshments and painting children’s faces at the event.