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VALLEY — Rising Valley High junior Hazel Floyd is the 2020 Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassador of the Year. To win the award, she attended enough meetings and put in the volunteer hours to accumulate the highest number of points for any junior ambassador.

“I was really surprised when they told me,” she told The Valley Times-News. “I have other after-school activities, such as being in the Valley High Band, that keep me from going to all meetings. This award means a lot to me. I’m thankful to have gotten it.”

In addition to the Junior Ambassador of the Year award, Hazel on Monday also received a certificate on having completed the 2019-20 Junior Ambassador program and a laptop computer.

“I’m so excited,” Hazel said. “It’s my dream to get a college education. This will let me get an early start on that. I can take dual enrollment courses and advanced courses that will allow me to do college work while still in high school.”

Hazel plays trombone in the Pride of the Valley Marching Band. She is one of 33 local high school students to have successfully completed this year’s Junior Ambassador program. The others include Hannah Beasley, Garrison Brown, Shelby DeLoach, Camryn Downs,  Macy McElvy, Hunter Stanfield and Alyric Wright of Valley High; Madisyn Ford, Maci Harmon, Kaylyn Keebler, Gregory Kinsley, Peyton Lamb, Kamdyn Oliver, Brandalon Rombokas and Alyssa Sorrells of Chambers Academy; Michelle Chen, Grace Foster, Ashlea Fuller, Emma Jennings, Olivia Johnson, Jesilyn Mabrey, Mallorie McCoy, Sofia Shrewsbury, Anna Smith, Sarah Smith, Meghan Tranqui and Hannah Yeager of Springwood School; and Marcus Curry Jr., Jalan Drummond, MaKenzie Finley, Anquavion Presley and Tamarins Scott of LaFayette High.

The sign-up period is underway for the 2020-21 Junior Ambassador program. To apply, go to www.greatervalleyarea.com. The deadline to apply is August 14.

“The Junior Ambassador program is a first step in lifelong volunteerism and community service,” said Carrie Royster, GVACC executive director. “Having served as a junior ambassador looks good on a college application and as a reference for jobs and scholarships.”

Junior Ambassadors are students in grades 9-12 in Chambers County schools. Junior Ambassadors make their own significant contributions while learning the personal benefits of volunteerism. They take part in such events as industry tours, the annual Education Awards Dinner, the annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, Don’t Drop It on Alabama, the Valentine’s Day card delivery and CPR training. For information, contact Royster at (334) 642-1411 or croyster@greatervalleyarea.com.