April 2025 Student Spotlights – Pike Road

Pike Road Schools is proud to announce that seniors Lauryn Leonard (golf) and Runner Stripling (baseball) have been selected as nominees for the esteemed Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award. Since 1959, this award has celebrated Christian leadership in sports, exceptional academic performance, and community engagement among seniors in the Montgomery area. Congratulations, Lauryn and Runner!

February is one of Macon East Academy’s Preschool’s favorite months, as they celebrate and learn about “Community Helpers.” Throughout the month, our K3 and K4 classes dive into the various jobs people do in our community and explore their importance. From firefighters and doctors to teachers and mail carriers, the children discover how each profession helps make our world a better place.
To make the learning experience even more meaningful, some of our very own preschool parents volunteered their time to share firsthand knowledge about their jobs: Major Crystal White – Critical Care Nurse in the United States Air Force, Dr. Daisy Henn – Pediatrician, Cooper Nichols – Soil Scientist, and Dr. Lynlee Nichols – Veterinarian. This hands-on involvement brought the lesson to life and allowed the children to connect with real-life heroes in their own community. It was a fun and educational month that fostered a sense of gratitude and respect for the people who work hard to support our daily lives!

Pike Road High School senior Annabelle Lipscomb has been named a 2025 National Merit Finalist. Throughout high school, Annabelle has been actively involved in various clubs and activities, including the Student Government Association (SGA), Cross Country, and multiple honor societies. This prestigious honor places Annabelle among the top 1% of high school students nationwide. “I am so excited to be named a National Merit Finalist! I hope this accomplishment inspires my siblings and younger classmates to always do their best in school and beyond. I want them to see that anything is attainable with hard work!” Pike Road High School Principal Mrs. Andrea Maness is not surprised by Annabelle’s success. “We are so proud of Annabelle. Not only is she incredibly intelligent, but she also embodies the true qualities of a Patriot. She is respectful, has a strong moral character, and is always willing to contribute to the well-being of others in our community. No one is more deserving of this honor.”As a finalist, Annabelle now has the opportunity to compete for one of 6,870 National Merit Scholarships. Next year, she plans to attend Auburn University to study Chemical Engineering with a Pre- Med pathway. She also hopes to get involved with Auburn Community Church and continue strengthening her faith in the years to come. We are incredibly proud of Annabelle and all that she has accomplished. Her dedication and success are sure to inspire Pike Road students to strive for academic excellence!

Pike Road Schools recently held its first Preparing Our Patriots (POP) Day, an event designed to equip senior students with essential life skills as they prepare to graduate. The day was filled with hands-on sessions and interactive experiences to help students navigate real-world challenges beyond high school.
Students participated in auto maintenance workshops, where they learned practical skills such as how to change a tire, check their oil, and locate important vehicle information. Panel discussions covered critical topics, including nutrition, finance, personal wellness, safety, communication skills, and etiquette—all aimed at fostering independence and preparedness.
A highlight of the day was the financial reality fair, where students were assigned careers with specific salaries and tasked with budgeting for real-life expenses. Some students managed finances for a family, while others budgeted as individuals, making decisions on housing, transportation, groceries, entertainment, and more. The experience, much like the game of LIFE, provided a hands-on understanding of financial responsibility.
The event concluded with an inspiring keynote address from KD Hill, former Ole Miss Defensive Lineman and author of The Uphill Climb: The KD Hill Story. Hill shared his message on resilience, encouraging students to persevere and rise above life’s challenges.
POP Day was a meaningful and engaging experience, empowering our seniors with the knowledge and skills they need for the road ahead.

Pike Road sent seven qualifying wrestlers to the AHSAA 6A State Tournament and all seven wrestlers came home as a state placer! Pike Road Wrestling also boasts the 2025 State Runner-Up as a team.
State Champions
113 lbs – Dylan Yarema | Freshman
190 lbs – Cody Kirk | Senior
State Runner-Ups
138 lbs – Myers Duncan | Senior
175 lbs – Mason Hussey | Senior
3rd Place
126 lbs – Luke Dickinson | Senior
5th Place
215 lbs – Ethan Holloway | Senior
6th Place
132 lbs – Jack Posey | Sophomore
This history-making team has set the bar high for the future of Pike Road Wrestling! Congratulations to our wrestlers, coaches, their families, and supporters for an incredible season!

Pike Road Schools is also proud to recognize eighth graders, Stratton Hanel (Football), Peyton Hornbuckle (Baseball, Basketball), Hayleigh Morris (Softball), and Eden Thompson (Softball) as honorees for the esteemed Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award. Congratulations Stratton, Peyton, Hayleigh, and Eden!

US History II students recently took a deep dive into the Civil Rights Movement by planning a cross-country road trip. After watching videos on key moments in the movement, students reflected on their significance and impact. They then mapped out a detailed itinerary, selecting historical monuments and landmarks to visit. As part of the project, students also calculated travel expenses, including transportation and admission costs, to bring their learning to life in a real-world context. This hands-on activity allowed students to explore history beyond the classroom and gain a deeper appreciation for the movement’s legacy.

The Pike Road Intermediate School Student Council Association (SCA) had an incredible field trip to the Capitol! The group of almost 25 students toured the Capitol building with State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, met with Lt. Governor Ainsworth, and watched the Senate in action. They had the chance to speak with various elected officials, ask questions, and learn more about the type of work they do. The day ended with a tour of the judicial building and a meeting with Justice Kelli Wise.