Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

600 Dougherty County middle school students crowded the end zone at last night's Albany Panthers game. It's part of the fourth annual "Cats for Kids" program

The United Way, Dougherty County Schools, and the Albany Panthers teamed up to get 600 students free tickets to Saturday's Panthers game against the LaFayette Wildcatters. They were chosen for good behavior, good grades, and good attendance.

“It makes me feel happy because it's like a lot of students and to be one of the ones chosen, I'm just glad,” said Merry Acres 8^th grader Jaetara Claitt.

Dontorius Robinson said, “It's a pleasure to come here because I really enjoy football a lot.”

United Way also treated the students to a meet and greet with Panthers players - an even bigger thrill for many of the students who told FOX 31 News this was their first arena football game.

This is the fourth year the United Way has teamed up with Albany's arena football team to bring students to the game for free

“The main thing is to encourage them to do well in school and be a benefit during the year right before school gets out,” said Dwayne Myles, President and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Georgia.

To find out more about United Way click here.