Montgomery, Ala. — A group of K-12 educators, administrators and support personnel are among the finalists for the 2013 Marbury Technology Innovation Award.

The award, sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education, honors Chiquita Marbury's invaluable years of service as a technology innovator in Alabama by recognizing educators who are exemplary models of technology teachers and leaders.

Transforming learning one child at a time was Marbury’s daily pursuit. After 10 years, this passion is continued through the Marbury Technology Award program. Finalists who reflect the Marbury standard of excellence in six award categories are:

Elementary Teacher

The Southern States Athletic Conference held its postseason baseball awards banquet Monday evening to kick off its 2013 SSAC Tournament and 10 Auburn Montgomery student-athletes were honored by the league for their accomplishments this season.

Senior Chad Mansmann was named a first-team all-conference selection, while junior Blake Bearden earned second-team honors. Freshman Brandon Pooler was selected to the league’s All-Freshman team. Mansmann was chosen AUM’s Musco Lighting Champions of Character recipient.

In addition, the Warhawks matched a league-high with seven players named to the All-Academic team. Seniors Eran Franks, Will Ruffin and Branden Kelley, juniors Hayden Hillyer and Josh Thompson, sophomore Bryan Young and redshirt freshman Shelby Nobles were each recognized for their academic success. To qualify, individuals must have a 3.25 cumulative grade point average and have completed at least 24 semester hours of college level work.

Auburn Montgomery senior Eran Franks was selected the ninth recipient of the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award for the 2012-13 school year on Wednesday, for his efforts both on and off the baseball field.

Criteria for the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award includes being certified for eligibility and involved in participation of a varsity sport; performance on the field or court during the previous two weeks; contributions to the team's success through their individual leadership skills, their commitment to teamwork, their extra effort during practice and their demonstration of sportsmanship; and performance off the field of play, including academic success, character and exemplary community outreach.

During the two weeks of his nomination, Franks helped the Warhawks to a 5-1 mark, with all six games counting toward the Southern States Athletic Conference standings.