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FOCUS promotes school and community partnerships for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other adolescent risk behaviors. The program is based on a student led approach and seeks to promote youth involvement in the planning of prevention activities. 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Sue C. Jones, FOCUS Director
May 6, 2019                               (256) 453-0655   
                                                 [email protected]                                      
Congratulations to Charlotte Spurlin
the "2019 Difference Maker"
FOCUS Program's Outstanding Facilitator


 
(Birmingham, AL) FOCUS is pleased to announce Charlotte Spurlin, Andalusia High School, as the winner of the 2019 Difference Maker Award which recognizes the most outstanding educator facilitating FOCUS in Alabama. The Difference Maker Award was created to honor those whose passion, enthusiasm, and leadership have resulted in real successes in the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors in their school and community. As the winner of this award, Mrs. Spurlin will receive $1,000 cash, a trophy, and framed certificate.
 
According to Sue Jones, Executive Director of FOCUS, nominations came from students, parents, and school administrators. The finalists were nominated from middle and high schools currently registered as FOCUS schools. The winner was selected by vote of representatives from statewide community organizations who serve as partners with FOCUS.
 
An individual nominating Mrs. Spurlin stated, " Charlotte is extremely dedicated to her work with Focus. She has a genuine heart for our students at Andalusia High School, and it shows through her organization of programs."

Charlotte Spurlin is the library media specialist and Peer Helper Club sponsor at Andalusia High School in Andalusia, Alabama. She is married to Bill Spurlin, and they have two daughters, Belle and Brynne. She has a BA in English from AUM, a MS in Secondary English Education from Troy University, and a MS in Library Media Science from the University of South Alabama. She has been in education since 1993. 

Charlotte started the Peer Helpers Club at Andalusia High eleven years ago, and the school became a FOCUS school immediately thereafter. She enjoys working with students concerning the issues they face in making safe, healthy choices for life, but she most enjoys facilitating students in making a difference in the lives of their peers. She proclaims her students as the real difference makers.
 
We are honored to recognize Charlotte Spurlin for her outstanding leadership. Congratulations and thank you to Mrs. Spurlin for her work in reducing the incidence of adolescent risk behaviors and truly Making a Difference in the lives of students!   


 

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2019 FOCUS Rally

Tuesday, September 10
in Talladega at the Bryant Conference Center

Wednesday, September 18
in Tucaloosa at the Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center





 
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Congratulations to all 2019 graduates!


Just a reminder: The FOCUS Certificate of Participation and the Certificate for Outstanding Leadership are available on the Facilitator Page of our website. Facilitators can provide them to students who are graduating.
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Help us welcome Brittney Brooks to FOCUS! 



We are pleased to introduce Brittney Brooks as FOCUS' new  Assistant Director of Northern Division!

Brittney attained her Bachelor and Master's degree in Health Studies and from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Brittney holds a professional certification through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). She is currently a doctoral student at UAB in the Health Education and Promotion program. Brittney is also an adjunct instructor for UAB where she teaches an undergraduate level personal health class. Brittney has seven years professional experience as a Health Educator in the field of adolescent sexuality. She has worked with youth ages 12-24, facilitating education session in the classroom and community setting. Her goal is to educate and empower adolescents and young adults to make healthy decisions!

To learn more about Brittney please visit the Staff page on our website. You can also contact Brittney directly at  [email protected].
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Alabama State Department of Education

The Alabama State Department of Education offers an excellent resource for Prevention and Support Services! To learn more of these resources please click here to visit their website
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Welcome to our new FOCUS Schools!

Calera High School
Shelby County 

Calhoun County Career Academy
Calhoun County 

Piedmont High School
Calhoun County

Piedmont Middle School
Calhoun County 

Thank you for updating your FOCUS school registration!

Daphne Middle School
Baldwin County 

Reeltown High School
Tallapoosa County 


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May 
  • Mental Health Month
  • Skin Cancer Prevention Month
  • 5 Hand Hygiene Day
  • 9 Bike to School Day
  • 25 Heat Safety Awareness Day
  • 31 World No Tobacco Day 

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The Facilitator Training Videos are live on our website!! 
You can view these videos on the Facilitator page at www.focusprogram.com.

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Follow FOCUS on social media at /alabamafocus:

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram

Be sure to tag us on all your school's activities 
by using the hashtag #ALABAMAFOCUS!

The FOCUS eNewsletter provides links to articles and websites with information on current events, research, funding opportunities and other items related to theprevention of HIV/AIDS and other adolescent risk behaviors. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by FOCUS and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the official position, policies or views of FOCUS.