Debra Bodley Harvel - 1992 

Debra Bodley Harvel was born and raised in Hartselle, Alabama to Bill and Sue Bodley.  Debra quickly demonstrated her leadership abilities by participating in scouts, cheerleading and becoming secretary-treasurer of the student council in her elementary school.  Debra continued cheerleading and began her gymnastics career at Hartselle Junior High School.  While attending Morgan County High School, Debra continued cheerleading, was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the student government, a member of the Key Club, and the Les Amies, a sorority in which she was responsible for helping the needy and working with the mentally handicapped.  Debra continued her gymnastics career by leading her high school team to a third place finish in the Alabama State high School meet in 1976. 

After graduating from high school in 1976 Debra was awarded a gymnastics scholarship to Jefferson State Junior College.  While at Jefferson State Debra was a vital member of teams that won two Region XXII championships and two National NJCAA championships in 1977 and 1978. 

Debra was named to the 1977 and 1978 All-American teams for the NJCAA.  She was fourth in the All Around Competition in 1977 and sixth in 1978.  In 1977 she was fifth in the Balance Beam and Floor Exercise and third in the Uneven Bars.  In 1978 she was National Uneven Bars champion and set a new National Junior College Athletic Association scoring record on Uneven Bars. 

While at Jefferson State Debra also distinguished herself as an outstanding student.  She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and maintained a 3.31 grade point average.   

Upon graduating fro Jefferson State Debra signed a gymnastics scholarship with the University of Alabama where she competed her junior year. A car wreck ended Debra’s gymnastics career after her junior year. Debra transferred to the University of Alabama Huntsville where she graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology.  In 1984 Debra received her Master’s Degree in education from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas.  While completing her Master’s Degree Debra worked for Techron incorporated in a Marketing Support position.  She received the “Employees of the Year” award for the Houston Division. 

In 1985 Debra returned to Hartselle and was employed at Charter Retreat Hospital in Decatur, Alabama where she served as Psychiatric Technician, Adolescent Coordinator and teacher in the Homebound program. Debra is presently a teacher at Sparkman Elementary School where she works with children who have reading and math deficiencies.  She is also the testing coordinator and chairman of the Building Base Support Team Committee for the school.  She is also a leader in the Girl Scouts. 

Debra has remained active in gymnastics by assisting in coaching and is judge for high school gymnastics in Alabama. 

Debra is married to Buz Harvel and has two daughters, Brittany Nicole and Shelley Lee.  She lives in Hartselle, Alabama.