Badin family moves into Habitat house built on Alcoa land

Layota Tillman and her two daughters will be celebrating Christmas this year in a new house built by Stanly County Habitat for Humanity. The house, built in West Badin on two lots donated by Alcoa, was formally presented to the Tillmans at a dedication ceremony on December 7.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this home a reality. Alcoa donated the land and a hard-working team of volunteers worked together to make the Tillmans’ dream of home ownership come true,” said Cemita Gibbs, Executive Director of Stanly County Habitat for Humanity. “It is a true blessing.”

This is the 43rd home built by Stanly County Habitat for Humanity.

“It has been so rewarding to work with Habitat for Humanity on creating a new home in West Badin,” said Nicole Wright, who coordinates Alcoa Foundation grants in Stanly County. “Habitat for Humanity does great work in our community and Alcoa employees were proud to contribute to the success of this project.”

Alcoa Foundation donates $20,000 to Stanly County Schools

Alcoa Foundation announced today that it has awarded a $20,000 grant to Stanly County Schools. The grant will support efforts to improve student achievement in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among middle and high school students.  

 
“Stanly County Schools is thankful to Alcoa for the funding to provide our students with online STEM course opportunities,” said Sandra Carter, assistant superintendent of Stanly County Schools. “The funds will be utilized to develop courses in STEM areas that would otherwise not be available. We appreciate the support Alcoa provides to our students.”

The Alcoa Foundation grant will focus on personalizing STEM online courses for more than 4,500 students at 10 Stanly County schools. The program – called “STEM Education: It’s An Online Opportunity” – is designed to better prepare students for college by helping them become independent learners and analytical thinkers.

“Alcoa Foundation is committed to improve the environment and educate tomorrow’s leaders,” said Nicole Wright, Alcoa Foundation’s local representative. “We’re excited about helping train Stanly County students to become the scientists, mathematicians, and engineers who will be important to tomorrow’s economy.” 

In addition, the grant will support additional STEM enrichment opportunities and training for Stanly County teachers.  

Court rules in favor of Alcoa

Judge Terrence Boyle on Wednesday denied the State of North Carolina’s motion to remand its lawsuit against Alcoa back to state court. With that ruling, the lawsuit shall remain in federal court.

Alcoa has maintained that the suit belongs in federal court because the case revolves around the question of navigability as defined by Federal law. Judge Boyle agreed, noting that "questions of navigability for determining state riverbed title are governed by federal law."

See here for the complete filing.