E ven though First Lady Michelle Obama didn’t personally congratulate AES Thursday on its gold award in her HealthierUS School Challenge, it was still a pretty big day for students as they welcomed Perry Fulton from the state education department and Steve Hortin with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Obama was invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, but was unable to attend. Hortin congratulated AES lunchroom staff and told students Mrs. Obama had sent a personal request – to thank the “lunch ladies – and gentlemen – every day for the healthy food they cook.” He said AES’s win means that Alabama holds 50 percent of the 58 schools nationwide with the gold distinction. These girls in Mrs. Cotton’s first grade class, along with all other first graders, entertained guests with a song. Fourth grade students sing the “Food Train” song. These budding chefs in Mrs. Pouncey’s class were all about some green vegetables. | Stephanie Nelson/Star-News