I was born and raised in the Wellborn Community.  I attended the elementary as well as the high school.  I loved everything Wellborn had to offer.  It was truly a place I was proud to call home.  I was a part of the amazing “Walter Wellborn Marching HIGHLANDER band” under Jeff Leonard (what can I say about such a wonderful man)  I was very disapointed to hear that the “HIGHLANDER” name was rumored to be removed.  This disappoints me as well as several others that have told me.

To some of us “band geeks” to be a HIGHLANDER meant something.  I just hope that this is only a rumor and the talk is just talk.  I can’t speak for others but for myself I was no athelete and all I had was the band, but to be part of that was amazing and I believe it has impacted my life today.

 

My husband and I relocated our family from Alexandria to Wellborn four years ago. We fell in love with the location (short drive to Anniston/Oxford and quick access to I-20) and the beautiful view of Coldwater Mountain. I realize that most Wellborn families have at least one adult that is “from” Wellborn, but this family of former “Valley Cubs” was welcomed with open arms.

I would recommend Wellborn to any family looking to relocate. The location is great, home prices are even more reasonable than the rest of the county and the spirit in this community makes a wonderful place to raise a family. I think being land-locked by other cities/districts makes it a special place. A place where everyone knows everyone.

Come to Wellborn, join a community church, attend a PTA meeting, and sign your kids up for little league. You will be a Panther in no time!

 

I love Wellborn, it is without a doubt, home. It is so hard to describe the community of Wellborn to an outsider. I would venture to say that we are a different breed of people. And unless you are raised here, you wouldn’t understand. We are tough, proud, competitive, and most of all family. We love our school, and it’s the epicenter of our community. We love our kids and we love our sports. We don’t like to lose, not even in t-ball. Most of us(99%) worked for everything we have. Our teens don’t drive brand new cars and they don’t wear $300 jeans to school. But believe me, they’re alot more appreciative of what they do have.
We don’t appreciate the drugs being brought in. We don’t appreciate those that keep trash and run down cars in their yards. Come on people, get a trash bag and clean your yards. It’s not that hard, and you’ll feel great when you’re done! And we sure don’t appreciate being annexed by Oxford. They should have minded their own business.
I am so proud of my community. I am ecstatic that our football team is turning around. Coach Smith has really put the heart back in our team. They played with a drive this year that I haven’t seen in years. We had a community pep rally that was packed, and the first game of the season was standing room only. On Senior night the guys ran into the stands in celebration to thank all of their supporters. It was truly memorable. My husband and I still attend all of the home games. Not because we know any of the kids, but because we’re panthers and that’s what we do.
With that being said, why wouldn’t you want to live in Wellborn? You’re always about 10 minutes from Anniston, Oxford, and Alexandria/Saks. You’re close to the interstate and hospitals. The major employer of Calhoun County is in your backyard. All that, and a small town community feel. Sounds like a winning package to me.
Before too long, contractors will realize the potential Wellborn has to offer. They will start tearing down the delapitated houses, and replace them with new affordable housing. Although we are landlocked, there is plenty of undeveloped land inside our community. New housing communities would be a blessing.
When I try to think where else I would want to live I find myself coming up empty. I know that there will come a time when I may have to move from my community, but it will be with a heavy heart. I just wish that everyone felt the same way about our schools and our community.