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February 2025 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

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Student & School Spotlights feb RRP (Montgomery)

Every month we compile a list of students doing great things across our community.  We have so many talented students in our area.  River Region Parents joins with their families and schools to celebrate their achievements!

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Saint James Students Learn Healthy Habits with Dietitian Visit

Saint James Students Learn Healthy Habits with Dietitian Visit

Saint James School is dedicated to fostering healthy from an early age. Recently, elementary school students had the opportunity to learn about healthy eating during a special visit from a registered dietitian from Flik, Saint James’s dining services partner.
During this engaging lesson, the dietitian taught students about the importance of balanced meals and how colorful fruits and vegetables contribute to growing strong and healthy bodies. The lesson emphasized the benefits of making thoughtful food choices and highlighted the role of nutrition in overall well-being.
To reinforce the lesson, students enjoyed a delicious and vibrant fruit and yogurt parfait made with a variety of colorful, healthy ingredients. The bite-sized lessons offered valuable insights into healthy eating habits, helping students to make informed decisions about the foods they eat.
At Saint James School, we remain committed to instilling lifelong habits that contribute to the well-being of our students, both in and outside the classroom. Initiatives like these align with our mission to prepare students for life, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to lead healthy lives.
For more information about Saint James School and our commitment to student development, please visit www.stjmontgomery.org.

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Saint James Math Teams Take 1st Place at AISA District Math Competition

Saint James School is proud to congratulate its high school and middle school math teams! On Tuesday, January 7, the teams participated in the AISA Mathematics Competition for Division V.
The high school team placed first at the competition. The students that participated are Stella Kim, Steve Chung, Siwoo Kim, Woochan Kim, and Jacob Shin. Further, senior Jacob Shin earned the most points of any individual in the competition.
The middle school team also placed first in the district. The Middle School students that represented Saint James were. Sophia Kim, Yeriel Kim, Mason Han, Leah Jeong, and Jiyu Shin.
The high school team advances to the AISA State Mathematics Competition later this month at Faulkner University. The high school students are sponsored by Mrs. Rhonda Jones. The middle school students are sponsored by Mrs. Debbie Moncrief.

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Talent Education & Art Christian Academy Students Learn About Dr. George Washington Carver

Talent Education & Art Christian Academy Students Learn About Dr

January 5 was a national holiday for George Washington Carver, born into slavery and renowned for his groundbreaking work in agriculture, especially peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver played a crucial role in establishing the Tuskegee Institute’s agricultural department, where he educated and inspired countless students. Carver’s experiments with peanuts led to the development of over 300 products, including peanut butter, oils, and cosmetics. The students at TEA Academy learned about the life of Dr. Carver, and the significant impact that he made in the world. As we celebrate and remember Dr. Carver, let us strive to emulate his spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and commitment to positive change. Thank you Dr. Carver.
To learn more about Dr. Carter, or schedule a tour:
https://www.tuskegee.edu/support-tu/george-washington-carver

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Lunchtime Fun at Resurrection Catholic School

Lunchtime Fun at Resurrection Catholic School

It’s lunchtime at Resurrection Catholic School and as you can see we’re all smiles!

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BTW Student’s Passion for Photography Earns Accolades, Awards and Scholarships

Meet Ja’Mez Williams, stellar student, passionate photographer and Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) graduating senior. Williams exemplifies the pay-off of persistence, hard-work and setting stretch goals at an early age. Keep an eye out for this name; he’s going places and will be recognized in the world of art.
Williams graduates from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in May and hopes to continue his studies at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA, although he’s also been accepted to the Parsons School of Design in New York. On full scholarship, he attended an intense five-week summer program at SCAD in the summer 2024 through which he earned 10 college credit hours. “The program was both challenging and rewarding” remarked Williams, upon his return to Montgomery. “I met some truly talented students from around the country and worked with some truly inspiring teachers. I am grateful for this opportunity, and loved Savannah,” he continued.
Williams originally planned to attend a summer program in Philadelphia, which abruptly closed, after – of course – accepting tuition and fees from prospective students. The disappointment was palpable, but didn’t deter Williams from seeking other summer learning opportunities. With personal tenacity and assistance from several adult mentors Williams was granted late admission to the longer, more intense program and SCAD. “Things happen for a reason, I guess” mused Willams. “SCAD would probably not have been on my college application list, and now it’s at the top; it’s my dream school,” he concluded.
Quick to give credit to his high school teachers at BTW, Williams acknowledges and appreciates the support he’s received from his photography magnet teacher and all of his academic teachers. Originally in the Law Magnet at BTW, Williams transferred to the Photography Magnet in his junior year to pursue his true passion. At the 2024 Kentuck Festival of the Arts, he ventured successfully into the realm of “commercial art,” selling one of his original pieces! He has entered and won competitions and was a winner in the prestigious YoungArts Competition, a national program of 15 – 18 year-old visual, performing and literary artists. https://youngarts.org/winners-directory/#/?discipline=photography

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MLK Honored at Resurrection Catholic School

MLK Honored at Resurrection Catholic School

Resurrection Catholic School, Pre-K 2 students make birthday cards for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in honor of MLK Day.

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RCS Serves the Community

RCS Serves the Community

Resurrection Catholic School prepared and delivered hot food and cleaning supplies to the Warming Center at the Cramton Multiplex. Our mission is to serve!

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G. W. Carver Speech and Debate Speaker Wins

G W

Azariah Gibson on won “Top Speaker Medal” for Big Questions Debate in the Tim Averill Debate Tournament in Beverly, MA.

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Mac Moorer Breaks ACA’s Boys’ 3-Point Record

Mac Moorer Breaks ACA’s Boys’ Point Record

Alabama Christian Academy’s basketball program has a new sharpshooting legend. Senior guard Mac Moorer has officially etched his name in ACA history by breaking the boys’ 3-point record with an incredible 199 career 3-pointers. The milestone solidifies his place as one of the school’s most prolific long-range shooters. Mac’s consistency, work ethic, and clutch performances have made him a leader on and off the court.
As Mac’s high school career approaches its conclusion, his record-breaking performance serves as a reminder of the dedication and heart he’s poured into ACA basketball. While his legacy as a 3-point marksman is now cemented, the season isn’t over yet, and fans can look forward to more memorable moments from this outstanding athlete.
Congratulations to Mac Moorer on this incredible achievement! The ACA community is proud of his accomplishments and excited to see what’s next for this talented young man.

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Saint James PreK Students Warm Hearts with Annual “Love is All You Need” Performance

Saint James PreK Students Warm Hearts with Annual “Love is All You Need” Performance

Pre-K4 students at Saint James School took the stage for their annual performance of Love is All You Need. Through a heartwarming selection of songs, these young performers shared the powerful message of love and kindness, reminding the audience of the importance of spreading joy to others.
The stage was beautifully decorated with festive Valentine’s Day décor, featuring red and pink accents, and cheerful heart artwork created by students. Under the direction of music teacher Mr. Will Reese, students from Pre-K3 through 5th grade participate in on-stage performances throughout the year, showcasing their talents and love for the arts.
Performing arts build confidence and community in its students. Saint James School takes pride in providing a well-rounded education that encourages self expression and character development. Stage programs like Love is All You Need highlight the school’s dedication to nurturing young voices and instilling lifelong values of love, kindness, and confidence.

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MCS Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament

MCS Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament

Montgomery Christian School hosted its inaugural pickleball tournament, Deck the Halls with Pickleballs. It was hosted at Wynlakes Tennis Club with MCS board members, staff, and families cheering on the teams. We had 18 sponsors and 30 players, and were so blessed to raise funds for TWO scholarships. The teams included a mother and son, several married couples, college roommates, a first date, and an MCS alumni student played as The Grinch! It was a fun day filled with fierce competition and laughter.

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MCS Students Light Capitol Christmas Tree

MCS Students Light Capitol Christmas Tree

Governor Kay Ivey invited MCS to help welcome a crowd and light her Capitol Christmas Tree. The official state Christmas tree was a 38-foot Eastern Red Cedar from Bullock County. Throughout the holidays, the tree was adorned with approximately 40,000 lights and an assortment of ornaments. (Photo by: Governor’s Office /Hal Yeager). MCS third graders were proud to help Governor Ivey flip the switch after hearing from Auburn University’s Acca Pella Singers, the Maxwell Jazz Band, and others.

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Resurrection Catholic School Donation

Resurrection Catholic School Donation

Junior Daughters Gabriella and Erika Jackson presented school supplies and a check for $50 from the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #345 to Resurrection School Principal Dr. Teisha Pessoa.

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Forest Avenue Spelling Bee Winners

Forest Avenue Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to our school Spelling Bee winner, 5th grader Lynn Kim. Fifth grader Elijah Yang was our runner up. A special thank you to Dr. Porcia Love and Commissioner Isaih Sankey for giving of their time and judging our bee for us!

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Log Cabin Fun at Forest Avenue

Log Cabin Fun at Forest Avenue

4th graders at Forest Avenue worked to build log cabins the way Matt did in the novel The Sign of the Beaver.

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Saint James Key Club Cultivates Community Through Service

Saint James Key Club Cultivates Community Through Service

The Key Club at Saint James School put their green thumbs to work to serve the community. As part of a continuing initiative, students have dedicated a portion of their community garden plot to growing fresh collard greens for the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. This impactful project underscores the club’s commitment to service and reflects the school’s Trojan Core Value of Community.
Collard greens, a nutrient-rich staple in many Southern kitchens, are at the heart of this project. By growing and donating this fresh produce, the Key Club is addressing food insecurity while offering comfort and nourishment to local families in need. The project aligns with the Heart of Alabama Food Bank’s mission to distribute nutritious food to those facing hunger across the region.
The initiative has also brought together the broader Saint James School community. Students from all grade levels have participated in the project, contributing to every step of the gardening process—from preparing the soil to planting, watering, and tending to the collard greens. Beyond the physical labor, the garden has sparked meaningful conversations about food security, sustainability, and the role young people can play in building stronger communities.
Key Club President ,STJ senior Virginia Driver, expressed her pride in the project, saying,
“I couldn’t be prouder of how everyone came together to bring this garden project to life. It was a hands-on experience that not only taught us about sustainability, but also the power of teamwork. From planning to planting, each step was a reminder that when we work together, we can create a meaningful impact on our community.”
The Saint James School Key Club, led by faculty sponsor Ms. Libby Conner, is a student-led organization focused on developing leadership skills through service. By engaging in projects like the community garden, students are learning to collaborate effectively, act responsibly, and become thoughtful citizens.Partnerships like these not only address immediate needs of the community, but also demonstrate how collective efforts can create lasting, positive change. Through their work, the Key Club members exemplify the school’s Trojan Core Values, especially the value of Community, by making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them.

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Trinity’s All-Time Leading Scorer: Maddie Smith

Trinity’s All Time Leading Scorer Maddie Smith

Congratulations to Maddie Smith on making history as Trinity Basketball’s all-time leading scorer with an incredible 2,277 career points! Maddie’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have been nothing short of inspiring.
We’re also thrilled to share that Maddie has committed to play basketball at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where she’ll continue to shine on and off the court.

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Montgomery Academy Teacher Maddy Ethington Named Teacher of Excellence

Montgomery Academy Teacher Maddy Ethington Named Teacher of Excellence

Montgomery Academy Upper School French teacher Maddy Ethington has been named a Teacher of Excellence by the Alabama World Languages Association (AWLA). She will receive the award at AWLA’s annual conference in February.

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ACA Coming Home King Crowned at Basketball Game

ACA Coming Home King Crowned at Basketball Game

The excitement in the gymnasium was electric as Alabama Christian Academy celebrated its annual Coming Home festivities during Friday night’s basketball game. A highlight of the evening was the crowning of the 2025 Coming Home King.
Broderick Williams was crowned Coming Home King and received a round of applause that echoed through the gym. “It’s such an honor to be recognized by my peers,” he said. “I’m thankful for this incredible community and the support everyone gives.” Jaydon McElrath and Logan Foster were crowned the middle and upper school princes.
The celebration added a memorable touch to a thrilling basketball game, where the girls varsity team secured a victory, further igniting school spirit. The Coming Home event proved once again why ACA is a school filled with pride, camaraderie, and tradition.

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Discover the World with Trinity’s Winterim

Discover the World with Trinity’s Winterim

Trinity’s Winterim was an unforgettable experience! High school students explored the world’s wonders, from the historic streets of Europe and the vibrant culture of New York City to college campuses across Florida. Closer to home, students delved into aviation in Pensacola, deepened their faith in Birmingham, and uncovered exciting opportunities in Montgomery.
Our middle schoolers embraced hands-on learning, developing life skills and serving their community with purpose and joy.
Winterim at Trinity inspires curiosity, fosters personal growth, and nurtures a heart for service. It’s more than a journey—it’s a foundation for life.

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Kirk Johnson Accepts Position at Benjamin Russell High School

Kirk Johnson Accepts Position at Benjamin Russell High School

Montgomery Catholic head football coach Kirk Johnson has resigned his position at Montgomery Catholic and has accepted the position as head coach at Benjamin Russell High School. We are happy for Coach Johnson and his family as he takes this next step in his career. Montgomery Catholic is thankful for the 11 years of service and the impact he has had on our students, our players, and our greater community.
Coach Johnson began his time at Montgomery Catholic as assistant head football coach and Defensive Coordinator in 2014. In his tenure as head coach with MCPS, he has a record of 55 wins and 2 losses in four seasons, including back-to-back State Championship titles in both 4A and 5A, and he leaves as the winningest coach in Montgomery Catholic football history.
“We would like to thank Coach Johnson and his wife Meghan for their years of unwavering support for Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.” Justin Castanza, Montgomery Catholic President, shared, “I am so pleased for Kirk to have this opportunity to take the next step in his career after spending the majority of his coaching career learning and growing at MCPS. I am thankful for the years of dedication and service to the players, coaches, and families at Montgomery Catholic and wish him the absolute best in his new position.”
On news of the coaching change, Montgomery Catholic Athletic Director Daniel Veres remarked, “I would like to thank Coach Johnson for all of his blood, sweat, and tears over the last 11 years here at Montgomery Catholic. His dedication and commitment to elevating our program to heights before unimagined is astonishing. To leave here the winningest coach in our program’s history after only 4 years as head coach is a staggering thought. He is an elite coach, a great friend, and I will miss seeing him on a daily basis. I wish Coach J, Meghan, and Knox nothing but the best–Go be great, young man!”
To our current students and families, please know that the search for the next head football coach and coaching staff begins immediately. The program that has been built at Montgomery Catholic will continue to grow and flourish and remains an attractive destination for high caliber coaches. We remain committed to building a program grounded in faith that will allow for student athletes to be the person God has called them to be both on and off the field of play.

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New Pre-K 2 Teacher at RCS

New Pre K Teacher at RCS

RCS is proud to announce that we have a new Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher! Her name is Mrs. Landers and we are excited to have here here. She has over 10 years of experience in education. She strives to create a space for students to become successful in the classroom and beyond.

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Experience History with Trinity’s Pioneer Days

Experience History with Trinity’s Pioneer Days

Our 4th graders stepped back in time during Pioneer Days, bringing history to life in an unforgettable way! Dressed in bonnets, flannel shirts, and boots, they embraced the 1800s through hands-on activities like making butter, washing socks on a washboard, playing old-fashioned games, and mastering square dancing.
From crafting pioneer projects to shopping at the general store for penny stick candy, every moment connected students to the past in a meaningful and fun way.
Pioneer Days are a cherished Trinity tradition, creating memories and lessons our 4th graders treasure for years to come!

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Explore and Learn in Trinity’s “National Forest”

Explore and Learn in Trinity’s “National Forest”

Second grade students at Trinity brought their study of animals and habitats to life by creating their own “Trinity National Forest” in the common room! This woodland wonderland set the stage for an unforgettable visit from Valerie Castanza of Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education, who introduced students to owls, a black vulture, and a red-tailed hawk. Through up-close observation and engaging lessons, students discovered how these raptors thrive in their habitats and learned practical ways to protect wildlife.
The adventure continued as students transformed their desks into tents for a fun-filled Friday at “Camp Read-A-Lot.” With flashlights in hand, they enjoyed reading by the “campfire” and working through activities in their camp booklets.
From wildlife education to camp-inspired fun, Trinity’s second graders experienced a week of hands-on learning they’ll never forget!

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Montgomery Academy Students Support Brantwood Children’s Home

Montgomery Academy Students Support Brantwood Children’s Home

For the sixteenth year, H.E.A.R.T. MA’s student service organization, adopted twenty residents of Brantwood Children’s Home for Christmas. Each advisory and homeroom worked together to purchase gifts on each child’s wish lists to help make their holiday extra special.

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Montgomery Academy Third Grade Meets K9 Heroes

Montgomery Academy Third Grade Meets K Heroes

MA’s third grade students read the book Aero and Officer Mike, by Joan Plummer Russell. To cap off their studies, students were visited by members of MPD’s K9 unit and enjoyed demonstrations of the dogs’ skills and abilities in the field.

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Montgomery Academy Head Volleyball Coach Julie Gordon Named Coach of the Year

Montgomery Academy Head Volleyball Coach Julie Gordon Named Coach of the Year

Coach Gordon was recently named a 2023-24 National Coach of the Year by the NFHS Coaches Association. She is one of only 24 high school coaches from across the country selected for this honor. Coach Gordon has been coaching volleyball at Montgomery Academy for 46 years, compiling an aMAzing 1,624-436 record, ranking second nationally among active coaches. She has led her teams to eight AHSAA state volleyball championships and 10 runner-up finishes.

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Montgomery Academy Senior DJ Vinson Plays in AHSAA North-South All-Star Game

Montgomery Academy Senior DJ Vinson Plays in AHSAA North South All Star Game

In December, MA Senior DJ Vinson was invited to play in the 2024 AHSAA North-South All-Star Game at Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile. DJ holds every single receiving record in the MA stat book, including receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and number of receptions.

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Fifth Graders Excel at MCS

Fifth Graders Excel at MCS

HAPPY 2025 from MCS fifth graders! These students are excelling in all aspects of their studies. They are currently scoring 150% above the national average. They especially love science lab, playing the handbells in music, and learning math. In art, they are enjoying our Meet the Masters curriculum and have learned Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, and Vincent VanGogh.
They are especially enjoying a new challenge with The Read Bowl. Created by Super Bowl champion, Malcolm Mitchell, who is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. He developed a love of reading while playing football in college at the University of Georgia. After graduating from UGA with a degree in Communication Studies in 2015, Malcolm was drafted by the New England Patriots, becoming a Super Bowl Champion in 2017. Malcolm created a youth literacy initiative called Read with Malcolm and established the Share the Magic Foundation to transform lives through literacy and teamwork. K-12 Read Bowl teams compete around the globe in January and February to read for the most minutes. MCS fifth graders are committed to winning so they win a signed copy of his book and a chance to meet Malcolm!

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Bear Exploration Enters Christmas Tree Competition

Bear Exploration Enters Christmas Tree Competition

Bear Exploration Center designed a Christmas tree for the first annual Montgomery Regional Airport’s Community of Christmas Trees competition. Bear swept the awards categories for Most Creative, Best Holiday Spirit, and Community Favorite. Their tree was designed by students in second through fifth grades who created ornaments based on a S.T.E.A.M. theme. Each ornament represented one of the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, or math. Pictured are Principal Dr. Nina Williams, Visual Arts Teacher Mary Bonikowski, and 4th grade students showing off their ornaments.

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Montgomery Catholic Hosts 4th Annual Epiphany Party

Montgomery Catholic Hosts th Annual Epiphany Party

Montgomery Catholic celebrated the end of the Christmas season by hosting its 4th Annual Epiphany party for its Holy Spirit and St. Bede Elementary Campuses on Monday, January 6. The event began on social media on Christmas day with a 12 days of Christmas countdown. Each day included an explanation of how the day connects to our Catholic faith. The 12 days ended with the Feast of the Epiphany which celebrated the day that the Magi arrived at the Nativity to worship the infant Jesus.
At the Epiphany parties, students were able to meet nativity animals such as Travis the camel, a donkey, llamas, and goats while also making Nativity star ornaments at the craft station, smelling the aromatic gifts of the magi, tasting foods from Jesus time, and enjoying a sweet treat.

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ACA Snow Days: A Time to Pause and Reflect

ACA Snow Days A Time to Pause and Reflect

In the heart of winter, Alabama Christian Academy (ACA) experienced a rare and special treat—snow days! As the South came to a temporary halt to embrace the unexpected blanket of white, ACA took the opportunity to encourage students to make the most of this precious pause.
Josh Roberts, ACA’s head of school, shared a heartfelt challenge with the upper school students. He encouraged them to spend their snow days not only enjoying the beauty of the season but also serving their families and nurturing their spiritual growth. Roberts suggested that students help their parents around the house and take time to read their Bible. As part of this reflective exercise, he invited them to email him with details about the chores they accomplished and the lessons they learned from the Bible chapter they chose to study.
The snow days offered students a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with their families, and focus on personal growth. From shoveling driveways to assisting with household tasks, students rose to the occasion, embodying the school’s values of service and community. Many shared meaningful reflections with Roberts about how their contributions at home brought smiles to their parents’ faces and how their Bible readings inspired them to live out their faith more fully.
This break from the usual routine served as a gentle reminder of the importance of family time and reflection. In a fast-paced world, the snow days allowed ACA students, staff, and families to pause, bond, and find joy in the simple, quiet moments of life.
ACA’s thoughtful approach to the snow days is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also strong character and spiritual growth. These snowy moments will surely be cherished as a time when the community came together to slow down, reflect, and embrace the blessings of family and faith.

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Robotics at Montgomery Catholic Elementary

Robotics at Montgomery Catholic Elementary

Montgomery Catholic’s Elementary Robotics teams made a strong showing at Auburn’s VEX IQ Robotics Tournament, competing against 34 teams from across Alabama. Out of six participating teams, three advanced to the final 10 matches, achieving impressive overall finishes in 5th, 6th, and 7th place. Congratulations to all our teams for their outstanding performance!

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Evangel’s Behavior Was Sweet!

Evangel's Behavior Was Sweet Pic

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students on the conduct honor roll got to enjoy an ice cream party in celebration of their good behavior this year. Students got to prepare an ice cream sundae with all the yummy toppings they wanted. Our photo booth was a hit, with lots of fun props and silly poses with friends.

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