In the annual rotation of officers for the Brookhaven SchoolDistrict Board of Trustees, Karen Braden was named chairwoman forthe next year.

Braden, beginning her fifth year as a trustee, said “academics,academics, academics” will continue to be the board’s focus.

“I’m looking forward to another great year,” Braden said. “We’veaccomplished a lot of great things and we need to keep moving inthat positive direction.”

Braden succeeded Carl Aycock, who was recently elected to athird term on the board. Braden is one of three board members whohave been appointed by the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen.

In other officer moves, Carl Holloway was named vice-chairmanand Stan Patrick was chosen as secretary.

In district business matters, the board accepted a bid fromMonticello Forest Products to thin trees on several hundred acresof the district’s 16th Section property.

Versie Rushing, 16th Section land manager, said some of thetrees were planted in 1985 and it was time for a thinning.

“Katrina taught us a lesson to harvest when we need to harvest,”Rushing said.

He said about 75 percent of the tree harvest would be used aspulpwood.

Also last night, members of the Brookhaven High School LadyPanthers basketball team was congratulated on their success duringthe recent season.

Team accomplishments included a 32-6 record, a Division 6-4Atitle, a South State 4A championship and runners-up in the 4A statetournament. Also, the team and several individual members wererecognized for their academic achievements.

Carl Aycock, before turning the chairman’s gavel over to Braden,said the team’s record speaks for itself. He added the girls’conduct both on and off the court was “phenomenal.”

“We really applaud you for that,” Aycock said.