July 2024 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

Saint James School is proud of its high school students who participated in YMCA’s Youth in City Program on Wednesday, April 10.
Students who served in office were Austin Oh, Mayor; Ava Donaldson, Councilwoman; Charlotte Brown, Councilwoman; and Mia Moran, Bailiff. Other participants included Kevin Hwang, Lucy Hwang, Lucas Kang, Aashvi Patel, Chloe Song, Kaleigh Soto, and Madison Walton. Several students presented ordinances as a part of their experience.
As stated by the YMCA’s website, “The goal of Alabama Youth in Government is to develop young people who will be better citizens by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy.” The Saint James Youth in Government program is sponsored by Mrs. Michelle Studdard.

The Saint James School Jazz Band, Concert Band, and High School Choir competed at the national band and choir competition at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival on April 12 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Saint James groups placed first in their divisions.
Several students were also awarded Certificates of Excellence for outstanding solos: Zach Rains (trumpet and flugelhorn), Nathaniel Sherbine (trombone and djembe), Benjamin Baker (drums), Braylon Frazier (shaker), Hampton Johnson (alto saxophone), Ruthie Blakeney (alto saxophone), Lily Jenkins (alto saxophone), Mary Ann Coon (vocal solo), TJ Vance (vocal solo), Rain Johnson (vocal solo), and Austin Oh (vocal solo).
Students not only spent time competing but also exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Activities included The Island at Pigeon Forge, Pirate Voyage Dinner, SkyPark in Gatlinburg, and Dollywood.
The students are led by high school choral director Dr. Sallye York, and band director Mr. Andy Martin. Saint James School offers choral/music classes at all division levels and band classes at middle school and high school levels.

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is excited to welcome home local high school students, John Alford from the Montgomery Academy and Yash Param from LAMP, who participated in the 2024 YMCA Changemakers Summit June 12-14 in Washington, D.C.
Alford and Param were two out of 80 students across the country who participated in the event. Now in its third year, the YMCA Changemakers Summit offers rising 9th–12th graders the opportunity to propose a project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. Finalists receive $5,000 to implement their project in their community.
Alford’s and Param’s proposal was for Establishing Youth in Government in Public Schools, a project focused on establishing a Youth In Government (YIG) Club in Montgomery Public Schools, which would provide individuals opportunities to participate in programs such as: Youth Judicial/Legislature, Model United Nations, Speech and Debate, etc.
Although Alford’s and Param’s project was not a finalist, the YMCA of greater Montgomery is very proud of their hard work and dedication to creating impact in the River Region.
“Through programs like YMCA Changemakers, the Y empowers young people to reach their full potential as thoughtful, caring and dedicated community leaders,” said Corey Calcote, Executive Director, Britton YMCA. “I am so incredibly proud of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery’s own emerging leaders, John and Yash, for their participation in the summit and encourage them to continue their work on their project, which is sure to create lasting impact in the River Region for many years to come.”
The Changemakers Summit is informed by the YMCA’s Changemaker Strategy, which aims to prepare young people to be active contributors and stakeholders in decision-making within their communities. The Changemaker Strategy is guided by 3 principles: beliefs and values, meaningful experiences, and intentional settings.

This summer, Kaylee Rudolph from Montgomery, AL will join outstanding students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career-oriented development experience, Intensive Law and Trail Program, Stanford, CA.
Intensive Law and Trial Program is one of the Envision by World Strides family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.
Kaylee was nominated to attend the forum by an administrator at Alabama Christian Academy. In addition to participating in key club and being a member of the National Honors Society. Kaylee is very passionate about sports and plays varsity volleyball and club volleyball at Capitol City Juniors Volleyball Club, Montgomery, Al. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, Kaylee is looking forward to gaining the hands-on law and trial experience that the forum provides.
“I am excited for Kaylee to meet, work, and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools,” said Dr. Jan Sikorsky, Vice President, Education for Envision. “Intensive Law and Trial Program is a wonderful opportunity for ambitious young students to explore their interests outside the classroom and discover how to innovate and think creatively through hands-on immersive learning. Our students are challenged with real-world simulations and problems, working together to develop unique solutions and projects to bring life to their studies and career interests.”
For over 35 years, Envision by World Strides has empowered extraordinary students to become their best selves through programs that enable them to discover their passion, explore a career, and positively impact their world. In 2018, Envision became part of the World Strides family. The largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, World Strides works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world—and themselves—in new ways.

For those passionate about the arts and committed to shaping the future of River Region students, Art Splash proved to be another extraordinary occasion as the premiere fundraiser for Montgomery Christian School. On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, the picturesque home and gardens of Amy and Tom Methvin once again set the stage for Art Splash. Celebrating its twelfth year, Art Splash has only grown in its success, remaining a highly anticipated event which brings together the most talented artists of the River Region alongside corporate and individual sponsors to honor and celebrate the arts. MCS students’ art is also included in the exhibit. Jenny Thiessen and Natalie Stanley co-chaired the event with a host of dedicated volunteers. The exquisite home and gardens were the perfect backdrop to showcase the art and encourage online auction bigging. What distinguishes Art Splash is its profound impact: every single dollar raised supports growth and scholarships for students at MCS. We recognize that behind every student’s journey to success lies a community that believes in their potential. MCS’s purpose is like no other in Montgomery. It is an elementary school (K-5) and non-profit 501(c)(3) where every student receives a scholarship to experience a quality private Christian education. MCS believes rigorous curriculum, dedicated educators, involved parents, and Biblical worldview are vital to the success of its students. “What can be better than helping our children?” host Tom Methvin said. “Because many children at this school, through no fault of their own, do not have the same chance in life as others do. We are glad to help them lift themselves and their families out of poverty for generations to come, by filling an opportunity gap. MCS provides an opportunity to shine.”

Three Saint James High School students placed at the ACTE State Tech Fair during the weekend of April 13-14. ACTE, the Alabama Consortium for Technology in Education, holds a state fair each spring at Jacksonville State University. The Middle School division was held at the University of Montevallo.
At the high school level, Liam Seo and Stella Kim won 1st place for their 3D Design Project; additionally, Stella won 2nd Place for her digital game design. Aidan Saldana won 1st Place for his video production project. The students are led by high school technology teacher Mrs. Deborah Otis.
At the middle school level, Sean Woessner received 1st place in Digital Game Design Level 3. Middle School technology classes are taught by Ms. Martha Cavanaugh.

On Tuesday, April 2, Saint James School Art students who qualified at the district level had their art judged at the AISA State Art Competition at Faulkner University. Saint James is proud to have four elementary students, five middle school students, and eight high school students who competed at AISA State. Among those students, four students received awards.
The middle school winners are Emily Trock and Sara Johnston. Emily won 1st place in Mixed Media, and Sara won 2nd place in 3D/Crafts.
In the high school division, winners are Wendy Stombaugh and Cole Williams. Wendy won 1st place and Best in Show in Mixed Media. Cole placed 2nd in Drawing Color.
Saint James offers art classes at all division levels. Mrs. Aimee Bentley teaches middle school art classes. High school art classes are taught by Mrs. Evelyn Shoults.

Thanks to God! The sun was shining and the rain stayed at bay as Talent Education & Art Christian (TEA) Academy, Inc. celebrated another milestone of touching the lives of students by celebrating their 12th Graduation Ceremony on the lawn of the school’s campus. The commencement speaker was the Honorable Frank Lee from Tuskegee, Alabama. Lee encouraged the graduates to always do their best and never settle for less as he reminded them of the school’s motto, which is “Taking an Extra Step Towards Educational Excellence.” Lee asked the graduates to always go the extra step in order to obtain their goals in life.”
The Honorable Frank Lee is a strong pillar in his community and is committed to social services; he is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Master’s in Education, Personnel Administration and Education Management. He is also the voice you hear when attending any of the Golden Tigers Games. As the announcer, he is certified as an Emergency Management Expert, a Mitigation Analyst, Post Disaster Coordinator, and he is a Federal and State Liaison. Lee is a former elected Commissioner for Macon County, Alabama, and is presently employed as the Director of Emergency Management with the Department of Homeland Security. Lee is the chairman of the board of trustees for TEA Christian Academy. He’s married to Attorney Tamara Lee and is the father of two children, Frank Christopher Lee and Alphonso Walker Young Lee. Thank you so much for helping to leave our graduates with lasting memories.

On May 23, The Montgomery Academy Class of 2024 took to the stage on a perfect spring evening on McLemore Field for Commencement. Since joining the Upper School in the fall of 2020, The Montgomery Academy Class of 2024 has made significant contributions in the classroom, in the arts, in athletics, and in our community. Composed of 55 students with acceptances to 72 different colleges and universities, they will attend 23 institutions of higher learning this fall. Ninety-three percent of the class received at least one merit scholarship offer, and the group earned merit-based scholarships totaling $6,372,556.00.

Students are engaging in test prep and getting some rigorous tutoring, gearing up for the next school year. The program was offered to all middle/high schools in MPS.

Rhea Wynn, a seasoned educator with a passion for inspiring young minds, has been named ACA’s Upper School Teacher of the Year. Known for her innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to her students, Mrs. Wynn has significantly impacted the Upper School community. Her ability to make complex subjects accessible and engaging has not only improved academic performance but also instilled a love for learning in her students.
Colleagues and students alike praise Mrs. Wynn for her empathetic approach and dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment. She always goes the extra mile to ensure that every student feels valued and understood. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in extracurricular activities and mentorship programs, further demonstrating her commitment to student success.

Macon East Academy students 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐨𝐧 attended the 2024 HOBY Alabama Leadership Seminar at Troy University. At HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership), high school students explore their leadership potential through inspiring leadership development programs. It allows students to build a network of positive community change-makers and a more comprehensive network of HOBY Alumni. After the seminar, HOBY alumni are challenged to complete 100 hours of community service within the next year as a way to put their passion and newly built leadership skills into action. Anna went through the interview process and was chosen as a counselor for the ambassadors this year!

When Percy Julian High School (formerly Robert E Lee) brought back their long dormant bowling team for the 2023-2024 year, Lee High School alumnus and current Percy Julian science teacher John E Smith volunteered to serve as coach.
Smith bowled as a youth on various Air Force bases when his father was serving, and then with his church youth group after his father retired in Montgomery. Although he teaches Biology, Anatomy, and Environmental Science, he has always wanted to be a coach also.
The team worked together during their first year, but coach Smith had a desire for his returning players to continue to practice during the summer. As a member of Andrew Jackson lodge 173 F&AM (www.facebook.com/AndrewJackson173) he asked his lodge brothers to supplement the program. The lodge voted to make a donation for the bowling program allowing the team members to not only bowl during their summer break, but to have refreshments while doing so.

At the end of April, Montgomery Academy French students traveled to Tuscaloosa to participate in the Alabama French Convention. Students got to compete in a number of events – interpersonal speaking, dictation, scholar’s bowl. They also had fun in the Waiter’s Relay, the artists’ workshop, fencing demonstrations, and dance battles. Special shout out to Ellery Link for taking the French Oath to speak only French the whole day!
A number of our students also came home with recognitions for their proficiency in French!
• Ellery Link, Sophia Link, and Sarah Keita won awards for Interpersonal Speaking
• Ellery and Sarah were also recognized for their written test scores
• Abigail Applegate and Ayla Chastain were awarded for high scores in Oral Comprehension in Dictation
Félicitations, les élèves! MA, on y va!

This group of kindergarteners had a great day touring WSFA. Thanks to Amanda Curren for encouraging these growing minds. Thanks to the support from the community, MCS will have two first grade classes this fall. In 2023-24, we added a second kindergarten class. Each year MCS grows in its mission and capacity and will continue to double its classes, one by one, all the way through fifth grade. However, MCS is at maximum capacity in space and is blessed to be moving to its new location next fall.

Lindsey Donaldson has been recognized as the Lower School Teacher of the Year for her exceptional contributions to early childhood education. Mrs. Donaldson’s classroom is a place where curiosity is encouraged, and young learners are given the tools to explore and grow. Her creative lesson plans and interactive teaching style have made learning an exciting adventure for her students.
Parents and fellow educators commend Mrs. Donaldson for her ability to connect with each child on a personal level, understanding their unique needs and helping them thrive. “Her enthusiasm and warmth create a nurturing environment where children feel safe and motivated to learn,” said a parent of one of her students. Mrs. Donaldson’s dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture has left a lasting impression on the Lower School community.

MCS has new wheels! This big gift was made possible by Trinity Presbyterian Church and Jeff Holland, vice-chair of the board. The bus is increasing capacity and students’ horizons, and it arrived just in time for spring fieldtrips. On the back you’ll read the MCS motto, “DO GOOD & AVOID EVIL!” These fifth graders were hitting the road to Maxwell Airforce Base to participate in STARBASE. The program is a unique and innovative Dept. of Defense STEM awareness and outreach program to provide students with the DOD’s wealth of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Our third annual VEXGO Elementary Robotics Fair Competition was a great success! Students showcased the coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as they participated in a series of robotic challenges that tested their skills in design and programming.
The VEXGO Robotics Fair competition is just one of the many ways Montgomery Public Schools is committed to providing students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences that prepare them for success in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated in this year’s competition.
Congratulations to Morningview Elementary (1st Place), Dozier Elementary (2nd Place), Dannelly Elementary, (3rd Place), Highland Avenue Elementary (4th Place), and Forest Avenue Elementary (5th Place)!
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, and judges who made this event possible.
To our students, keep coding, keep building, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You are the future, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!

Montgomery Academy’s summer camps kicked off in June. Our camps offer a wide variety of opportunities to explore new activities, strengthen academic and athletic skills, and build lasting relationships. It’s not too late to sign up! Camps run through July and are open to the public for any student entering grades 1 to 12. Learn more at montgomeryacademy.org.

On the morning of May 22, MA’s Kindergarten students ended the year with an aMAzing performance of “I Like School!”, an annual tradition that got more than a few memories stirred up in an audience packed with family, fellow Lower School students, and Senior Buddies!

Traveling Librarians are taking students from various schools in MPS on college tours. Rising seniors from Percy Julian, LAMP, JAG, BrewTech, BTW, and Carver have joined forces to explore different colleges. Pictured below are the students at Clark Atlanta and Spelman College. Also, students have visited Alabama State University, AUM, and Trenholm.

Forest Avenue fourth grader Eden Choi and third grader Jannie Kwon won 1st and 2nd places respectively in the PALS Poster Contest. To get to this state level, they had to first be finalists at the school level. Congratulations to them both!

In honor of Earth Day, Forest Avenue fourth graders donned some gloves to pick up litter around our beautiful campus.

In May, the Lower School held a fundraiser raffle supporting Common Ground Montgomery’s Camp Onawa. The prize? A chance to play in a campus-wide game of kickball! The event was the idea of students in the Lower School Eagle Assembly, a leadership club. Congratulations to both the Talons and the Wings on their performance in the Kick It for Kids fundraiser. The Lower School raised a grand total of $1,680 across all grade levels! Though the Wings Team ultimately prevailed on the kickball field, we are all on the winning team when we serve others.

Forest Avenue fourth grader Grace Lee, with her family and our art teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Lee, was recently invited to an MPS Board meeting and the Governor’s Mansion in honor of Grace winning the Governor’s Mansion Art Contest. Grace’s artwork is currently framed and hanging in the Mansion.

FAAM Kindergarten students studied the life cycle of a butterfly. At the end of the year, they released the butterflies into the garden.

Taylor University (Upland, Indiana) solicited TEA Academy to partner with them and serve as the host school as they ventured on their Annual Intercultural Tour. The tour included a stop in the historic capital city of Montgomery, Alabama. The 50-member ensemble performed a free concert on April 12th, on the grounds of TEA Christian Academy. We are so grateful and honored to have been chosen to host Taylor University on their journey. The concert was absolutely phenomenal! Taylor University’s students and the students of TEA Academy socialized, ate, and the performance continued inside. Thank you, Taylor University, we were truly blessed by your performance.

The Class of 2024 at River Region Academy had a great year! Class President and Salutatorian Paris Howard may have said it best: “We were the class that became a family from Day 1. No matter what, we stuck together.” To Brittny, Casey, Coleman, Collin, David, Dawson, Devin, Isabella, Jadarius, Jalen, Kendall, Makennzie, and Paris: Thanks for the memories!