By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Family, friends, teachers and coaches gathered together Thursday, March 17, in the Luverne High School auditorium to celebrate and witness the official college signing ceremony for Kee-Shaun Glanton (K.G.) who will continue his football career and academic journey at Jacksonville State University.

Glanton is the son of Sheila Johnson and the late Keefer Glanton. Johnson is eager to see what the future holds for her youngest son.

“Today really makes all of this feel real now and we are very excited,” Johnson said. Kee-Shaun has played ball all his life, starting with t-ball at 3. He’s a humble kid that works hard at everything and his character speaks for itself.”.

Glanton’s great-uncle, Joshua Folmar, attended the signing and said he hopes that other students witnessing the day’s events realize that great success can materialize in small town places like Luverne, Alabama. Folmar graduated from Brantley High School in 1979 and then attended Enterprise State Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Folmar went on to have a 33-year military career and retired from the Alabama State Department of Corrections after working many years as a corrections officer.

“Kee-Shaun’s hard work and dedication has paid off,” Folmar said. “This accomplishment is very deserving and is going to land him a great position in life. I am proud of him, and I congratulate him. I hope that other students here today, seeing this take place, will have instilled into them the desire to work hard and continue their education after high school. Big things can happen right here in Luverne, and in Crenshaw County. You don’t have to be from a big school to be successful in life.

Principal Michael Kilpatrick expressed the school’s excitement for Glanton and his family and thanked him for being a leader on campus.

“This is a great opportunity for K.G., his family, Luverne School, and our community because he is going to be an ambassador. What a blessing K.G. is to his family, school, and his community. He has put in all the hard work and all the extra work to be able to get the college education that he will receive. He has made good choices and K.G., we thank you for that,” Kilpatrick said.

Coach Jason Rowell told the audience that Glanton is a great role model because of his exemplary qualities when it comes to academics, sports, and content of character.

“This is a glorious occasion that should be celebrated. No. one, to have the chance at a college education, and No. two, to continue playing the game you love,” Rowell said “Often in our program, we talk about how the decisions we make affect our future, how they affect our content of character and our family and teammates. If good decisions are made, they can lead to days like today. We want to have more celebrations of our young people here at Luverne and K.G., we are very proud that we can celebrate you today.”

Glanton also had a scholarship offer to the University of West Alabama, offers from UNA as a walk-on and was offered opportunities at the University of South Alabama.

Before Glanton signed on the dotted line with Jacksonville State, he shared a few words.

Glanton signs on the dotten line.

“Thank you all for taking the time to be here to support me. This community, this school, and my friends and family have poured into me what has created the person I am and for that I will always be grateful. I have been cheered on by you all since Saturday morning mini-mite games all the way to Friday night lights.

Thanks to all that have believed in me along the way and thank you for the life lessons and skills that have been instilled in me. I have always loved my teachers and administrators, but as I face the reality that my time here at LHS is winding down quickly, I have realized that you all are not just teachers and administrators, but you are family. I have found the perfect college fit for me at Jacksonville State University and thank you Luverne for making me who I am today,” Glanton said.