Co-op Corner: From the St. Clair County Co-op

CO-OP REPLICA CREATED BY STUDENT WINS PRIZE

BY JESSIE SHOOK

(L to R) Kadence’s father, Time Alsup; Kadence Alsup; Kadence’s mother, Jennifer Alsup standing in front of the Co-op with Kadence’s project.

Kadence Alsup, a nine-year-old, Coosa Valley Elementary student, completed a history project on the St. Clair County Co-op in Pell City. Every year, fourth graders from around the county participate in this project that is put on by the St. Clair Historical Society. If the student wins at the school-level, they participate in the history fair competing against other schools. There were 465 students that participated from 11 schools. Kadence won first place at Coosa Valley Elementary and second overall in the county. Kadence received $15 for her second-place win in the county, and she donated that money back to the museum.

By growing up on a farm, where the Alsup family raise cattle, Kadence knew the importance of the Co-op – not only to her family but to agriculture. “I wanted to do my project on the Co-op because it is where my family shops for supplies for the farm,” Kadence said.

She made a replica of the Co-op from natural materials and wrote an essay. “I used things like cardboard and modeling clay, and even some Co-op dirt to build my replica,” Kadence said.

Kadence was able to learn a lot about the Co-op and its history. Everyone was eager to share stories of their memories at the Co-op downtown before it moved to its current locations. “It just shows how our community has developed and grown over the years,” said Tim Alsup, Kadence’s father.

Joseph Taylor, Store Manager of the St. Clair County Co-op, said that it was very flattering that Kadence wanted to do her project on the Co-op. “I think we have lost the focus of agriculture and we are finally seeing it more,” Taylor added. “To see a young lady put a feed store in the spotlight is telling of her view on agriculture.”

Kadence Alsup and her replica of the St. Clair County Co-op.