In a show of appreciation, R.L. Austin staff members and teachers invited community members that have played an integral part in supporting the elementary school to a cookout at the school’s campus.

Attendees included members of the Board of Education and its various departments, employees from the city of Georgiana and Butler County, and, in the words of R.L. Austin principal Alton Abrams, &uot;anyone else who has ever supported and contributed to the success of this school and its students.&uot;

The bountiful fare consisted of pork and beef steaks, boiled shrimp, fried mullet and snapper and barbeque chicken and brisket. Side dishes of corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw and cake also were offered.

Chef Pete Peterson of Pace, Fla., and his helpers Marshall Brown, Jeff Ross and John Peters prepared the feast for the nearly 100 people who attended.

&uot;This is such a great idea,&uot; Mike Caulk, a Southern Company employee who is installing energy-efficient lights at the school. &uot;The food is great, and it’s a lot of fun.&uot;

Abrams said the event has been held every year on the last day of school at 12 p.m. for the past five years.

&uot;Traditionally, the teachers and school staff would have a lunch together on the last day of school,&uot; he said. &uot;But five years ago, we started talking about wanting to do something to show our appreciation for everyone who helps us throughout the year. This is what we came up with. We wanted to show them how much we appreciated their support.&uot;

R.L. Austin’s Parent Teacher Organization provided the funds for the annual cookout.