GDW Analysis:
Local senator Garlan Gudger Jr continues to make an impact in seeing projects through the Cullman County school system get carried out after requests have been made.
Senator Gudger coordinated state funding of $20,000 for Vinemont High School to build an indoor baseball practice facility.
That moment for Vinemont was witnessed by the administration getting this from Gudger on July 31.
On Wednesday, the senator was back at it with a $1 million dollar check going to the Cullman County Schools. This was accepted by Superintendent Shane Barnette.
"Dr. Gudger's timing was good as I had just received some discretionary community grant funds for schools, so $20,000 of state funding was available fairly quickly for Vinemont School for that purpose," Vinemont Principal Robin Netherton said.
“This was the seed money we needed to make the project happen."
The indoor facility will allow Vinemont to continue to raise its level of performing on the diamond during the AHSAA baseball season.
In 2025, the Eagles reached the Elite 8 for the first time, compiled 26 victories under coach Hunter Cornelius, getting to the quarterfinals by winning tiebreaking series against Randolph County in the first round and Phil Campbell in the 2nd.
Gudger thanked the efforts of the school and the community along with the school board to see this project become reality.
“The first day of school is always special across Cullman County, and it is made even more special this year with an additional $1 million in education funding that we brought home from Montgomery,” Gudger said. “Our goal is to make Cullman County schools among the very best you will find anywhere in Alabama and to provide our children with a learning environment that allows them to excel and reach their fullest potential.”
Back in June, Gudger went to Holly Pond High School and gave them a check valued at $100,000 to upgrade the facility.
The senator recently appeared at a ribbon cutting ceremony for Hanceville Elementary and a ground breaking ceremony to build at Good Hope Elementary School.
“I am working every day to maximize the public education dollars and other resources that we can bring to schools, teachers and students throughout Senate District 4,” Gudger said. “In order to guarantee bright futures for our children and prosperity for our area, we must prepare students for the long-lasting, high-paying, 21st century jobs of tomorrow.”
Photo of the new baseball indoor practice facility at Vinemont High School, located near Mike Cupp Field.
Photo courtesy of Vinemont High School.
