Friday evening's 9th Annual Excellence In Education at the Stones River Country Club raised more than $90,000 for the Murfreesboro City Schools Foundation. There were 265 persons attending the dinner and gala.

by Ben and Maggie Parsley co-hosted the successful evening, however--Maggie was unable to attend. Ben glowed, "We just had our third child two-days ago, and Maggie is at home with our newest bundle of joy."

When making the announcement, Board Chair Doug Young noted, "This was the most successful gala we have had."

Not including Friday night, Murfreesboro City Schools have received over $719,000 from the Foundation.

Murfreesboro Astronauts Dr. Rhea Seddon and her husband Robert "Hoot" Gibson did a photo expose from orbit. The couple casually took the audience on an astrological adventure, and then tied their talk into a tribute to Andrea and Ed Loughry.

The Loughry's were the honorees for the City Schools Foundation event. Andrea was a former teacher and entrepreneur, while Ed was a successful banker. The two continue to use their talents to improve education and enhance cultural benefits of this community.

Black Fox Elementary School was spotlighted for its 25th anniversary. The students were featured in a video and the Principal Joe Thompson shared news of the successes enjoyed at the facility over the past quarter of a century. He introduced Zane Cantrell, the school's founding principal.

Bell Jewelers raffled a beautiful diamond, and the winners were Sarah and Ed Barlow.