For the fourth straight year, the Chilton County Auburn Club sponsored the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University to perform its educational program for third graders throughout Chilton County.

The event was held at the Clanton Middle School gym, and the origins of the program began as a way for the club to give back to the community.

“The club covers the cost of the program,” Chilton County Auburn Club President Cassi Bolding said. “The board wanted to provide a service project for our local county and its students. We’ve received nothing but positive remarks, and the children really seem to enjoy it.”

Seven birds of prey were shown one-by-one to the 612 students in attendance, which included classes from every school in the county as well as an invitation to those who are homeschooled.

The birds that were showcased included a vulture, falcon, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle and three different types of owls.

As each bird was paraded around the gym, facts and information was shared to the students that pertained to each bird.

The Southeastern Raptor Center helps take care of birds that have been injured and are unable to survive if placed back into the wild.

The final bird that was introduced was “Nova,” a golden eagle that is known for its famous flights to midfield prior to kickoff of Auburn football games.

According to Chilton County Auburn Club Secretary Glenda Mims, the students were definitely in anticipation before “Nova” was even taken out of its cage.

“That was definitely the biggest moment, especially for the Auburn fans,” Clanton Intermediate School third grade teacher Nicole Bolton said.

After all the birds had been introduced, the opportunity to ask questions was presented to students.

According to Bolton, many hands were raised, and they asked some attentive questions that had not been covered during the length of the presentation.

According to Mims, the staff that came up to put on the program was very complimentary of the students that were present.

“One of the things that we try to teach is to be respectful when others are talking,” Bolton said. “The ‘listening ears’ were definitely on.”

Fundraisers are held throughout the year by the club, so that money can be raised and future events such as the raptor program are made possible.

“We feel that the program is so beneficial to the students,” Mims said. “It is worth the extra effort that we have to go through in order to raise the money.”

The program is something that the Chilton County Auburn Club looks to maintain for years to come.

“The teachers have thanked us and look forward to it every year,” Mims said.