CTS ALUMNI - Key Persons
Alfred Gilmore "AG" Adams, Sr., a native of Linden, Alabama, received his elementary and secondary education at Linden Academy. He earned his B.S. and M.Ed. degrees at Alabama State University and did further study at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. He began his career as a teacher at Muddywood in Marengo County. He then became a teacher and coach at Industrial High School, which later became Druid High School. Before accepting the principalship of Councill Training School in 1959, he taught at Lakeside High School in Decatur, and served as principal of Moulton High School in Moulton, Alabama and Ralph Bunche High School in Andalusia, Alabama.
Following Mr. Joseph Richards, he became the third principal of Councill Training School. His leadership skills produced a high caliber of teachers and students, many of whom have excelled in their pursuits. He, like Mr. Richards, continued the school's winning tradition in academics, athletics and extra curricular activities. He was a perfectionist.
Mr. Adams gave broad community service and consequently brought recognition to Councill Training School. He was active at the local and conference levels of the United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer of Lakeside United Methodist Church for 24 years. He was also active in such organizations as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the AARP, NAACP, the Coleman Grand Lodge of Alabama Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, and the Kiwanis Club of North Huntsville. He participated in the National Conference on International Affairs in Washington, D.C. and was included in a group that spent 21 days on a European Educational Study Mission.
Due to integration of public schools, Councill Training School became Councill Senior High School in 1968, limited to grades 10 through 12. The school closed in 1970, but Mr. Adams continued to serve the community. He was named Director of the Northern Area In-Service Project and later became Educational Consultant for the Alabama State Department of Education. Mr. Adams "retired" again after influencing and encouraging even more youth to pursue their dreams when he served as Director of Admissions and Records at Alabama A&M University.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Secretary
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Huntsville Branch of the National Association
- Member of the Lakeside United Methodist Church
Cynthia is a retired Federal sector employee where she last worked as a Senior Budget Analyst for the United States Army Missile and Aviation Command at Redstone Arsenal. She worked in this capacity and other related positions for 30 years of federal service. Her latest job functions included: distribution of funds to subordinate organizations and advised these organizations how to manage and execute their finances; conducted program evaluations and prepared reports for higher headquarters of program execution; assessed higher headquarters policies and disseminated these policies to subordinate organizations. She served as a team leader of nine budget analysts.
Cynthia is a native of Atmore and Andalusia, Alabama and currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama after living in Aberdeen, Maryland for eight years. She attended elementary school at Covington County Training School in Andalusia and at Councill Training School after moving to Huntsville in 1960. She later graduated from Councill Training School in 1968. She went on to attend Alabama A&M University and in 1972 received a Bachelor's Degree majoring in Business Education with a minor in Mathematics. She later achieved a Master's Degree in Business Management from Alabama A & M University in 1977. Cynthia subsequently did post graduate work at Florida Institute of Technology.
Cynthia received several Performance Awards as a Budget Analyst during her career. She was recognized as a participant in the Army Mentor Program at Redstone Arsenal and ranked third in the Planning, Programming and Budgeting course at the Army's Finance School, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. She was recognized as founder and facilitator of project "Give Away" at Lakeside United Methodist Church.
Cynthia is a member of the Huntsville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, member of the Alfred G. Adams, Jr. Optimist Club of Perry County, and member of the Huntsville Spiritual Chorale. She is also a member of the CTS Alumni Association, serving as Financial Secretary. She was the Treasurer for the initial School-Wide Reunion Planning Committee for CTS in 2004.
Cynthia is a member of the Lakeside United Methodist Church, Huntsville, AL where she has served for approximately 60 years. She has held the following leadership positions at Lakeside: President, Junior Usher Board; Chairperson, Children's Ministry; Chairperson, Methodist Children's Home; Chairperson, Evangelism Committee; Chairperson, Social Justice Committee and Secretary for the Administrative Board.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary
Job Titles:
- 2nd Vice President
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
In the historically significant year of 1948, the zeal and determination of a diverse group of community activists changed the direction of education in the predominantly agricultural Huntsville-Madison County, Alabama community, forever. At that time, racism and segregation were realities, and "separate but equal" accommodations in education for children of color, was nothing short of an unrealized "pipe dream." The racial divide was evident, and disparities in funding and support of education for all children were especially apparent in the Madison County School System. Although black people were tax-paying citizens, the County spent very little of tax payer's money on education for them, beyond the eighth-grade level. No provisions existed, and no responsibility taken for the education of black students beyond that level. Many young people left home to live with relatives or acquaintances in the city or out-of-state to complete their education. It was in this environment that the dream of a high school for black students was born.
It was the added results of unwavering faith, prayers, and perseverance of the people of Madison County communities that a high school came into being. In June 1948, Councill Training School (CTS) was established and destined to become the first to offer secondary education for all black students in Madison County. It was named for William Hooper Councill, a former slave and the illustrious founder of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. The glorious day arrived, the opening of the doors of Councill Training High School to all black children in Madison County realized. They finally acquired the opportunity for high school education. This historical accomplishment marked the beginning of an enhanced quality of life for all people of color in Huntsville-Madison County, Alabama.
So, again, in the traditional progressive spirit of Councill Training School, the CTS Alumni Association and the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute have united to provide continuing education for all senior citizens in Huntsville-Madison County. The rich legacy of our revered alma mater continues as we recognize, celebrate, and commit to the truism that Councill Training School was destined by God to educate all! I am incredibly proud of the destiny and legacy of our school. I am proud of the support from everyone, whether it's your time, your work, or your financial donations. However, while appreciation for past contributions is great, current and continued support are necessary to enable us to meet new goals. We know that we can depend on you! Thank you so much for being loyal and dedicated "Bulldogs!"
Job Titles:
- 1st Vice President
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Financial Secretary
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member / Treasurer, CTSAA
Joseph Hendrix Richards attended Alabama A&M institute Laboratory School as a teenager and receive the high school diploma. He completed two years of college at A&M before transferring to Talladega College and then to Alabama State University from which he graduated with a B.S degree. He later earn the M.S degree and secondary education ( science) in Secondary Administration from Columbia University.
He succeeded Dr. Charles Orr and became the second principle of Councill Training School in 1953. During his six year tenure, Councill set outstanding an impressive records in athletics. Special activities flourish, and student enrollment and faculty increase. J.H Richards assume many roles - educator, Christian brother, lodge and fraternity brother, coach, businessman, soldier, scoutmaster, devoted husband (Mrs. Ethel Garner Richards) and friend. He won much honor and acclaim from his participation in the life of Madison County.
The influence of this great man on the lives of people and institutions will long be remembered, for he was indeed a life which demonstrated loyalty to duty, the power to be useful, the sensitivity to appreciate and heart to love.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus Director ( Non - Voting )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Councill Training School Class
Ola is a member of the Councill Training School Class of ‘65'. Following graduation, she attended North Alabama College of Commerce, earning an Associate Degree. She later became employed at Alabama A&M as an administrative Assistant. Her demonstrable experience in fast-paced office settings and her stellar work as a team-player enables her to perform effectively in independent or team environments.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Emeritus Director ( Non - Voting )