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The City Council and Mayor Alton Craft issued a proclamation declaring November 19, 2024, as “Jane Hamric Batey Day” in the city of Oxford. The proclamation was read and presented during the regular city council meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Batey, daughter of the late Oxford Mayor Alvis A. Hamric, was honored for her many years of service to the community as an educator, founding member of the Oxford Arts Council, founding member of the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation, a long-serving musician in her church, and an instrumental part in forming the Oxford Community Chorus.

The date coincides with the Chorus’ annual Christmas Concert to be held at the Oxford Performing Arts Center that evening beginning at 7 p.m. with free admission.

“I don’t know how anybody could have done all of this,” Batey said, holding her plaque. “Nobody could have done this without the help of volunteers. There are so many volunteers here who do it just because they love Oxford. That’s the only reason for them and the only reason for me, too.”

“We are so proud to have you as a citizen,” Craft said.

Proclamation Naming November 19, 2024, as “Jane Hamric Batey Day” in the City of Oxford, Alabama

WHEREAS, Jane Hamric Batey has been a pillar of the community as a lifelong supporter and advocate for the arts and culture in the City of Oxford, enriching the lives of residents and enhancing the cultural fabric of our community; and

WHEREAS, Jane Batey, a founding member of the Oxford Arts Council, has served in all officer roles during her tenure, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to fostering and promoting the arts in Oxford, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Jane Batey is a retired educator and former principal, whose commitment to education has had a lasting impact on countless students and families in our community; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, Jane Batey was a founding member of the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation and continues to serve today as its secretary, contributing to the growth and development of education in Oxford; and

WHEREAS, Jane Batey, along with other key players, was instrumental in the initial creation of the Oxford Community Chorus and later in its relaunch, helping to create a lasting platform for musical expression and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Jane Batey is an accomplished musician who has served her church families for decades as a gifted pianist and organist, sharing her musical talents and enriching the worship experience for generations of congregants; and

WHEREAS, the City of Oxford, its Mayor, and the City Council wish to acknowledge and express their deepest appreciation for Jane Batey’s decades of service and her enduring legacy in our city;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Oxford, Alabama, does hereby proclaim November 19, 2024, as “Jane Hamric Batey Day” in the City of Oxford, Alabama, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, education, and the community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Oxford encourages all residents to join in celebrating the extraordinary service and efforts of Jane Hamric Batey on this special day.”