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Across Alabama, communities are gearing up for spring. As churches plan Easter sunrise events, high schools prepare for commencement ceremonies and host pageants, while state and local organizations coordinate events around raising awareness of issues facing citizens.

Greenville is observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness in March, with a health fair and other events aimed at helping citizens schedule cancer screening.

In Crenshaw County, every school is hosting pageants and recognizing the winners who shined brightly in their age group.

Several area schools have selected their top two students, naming a valedictorian and salutatorian. In Marengo County, Sweet Water High School named students to its annual Top 5 list, congratulating and celebrating high-achieving students.

In Lowndes County, one church has announced its annual sunrise Easter service event. Many other community churches are planning the same and others are hosting egg hunts, breakfasts and other special services to celebrate Easter.

Community news organizations are ramping up efforts also, with plans to celebrate what is important to their readers. Our publications are saving space on color pages for all the beautiful children selected as pageant winners, planning graduation specials to highlight every graduating senior, running Easter coloring contests for local children and promoting top-achieving athletes who have or will soon represent their communities in all-state tournaments.

As nature awakens, communities celebrate all that is good in the area. Our staff is excited to welcome all the season brings and to celebrate every winner, every emphasis and every ceremony or service alongside our readers.