July 2023 Student Spotlights (Montgomery)

Mr. Rick Solar and Mr. Howard Todd took thirty-one of the ACA family on a seven-day tour of Europe. Sixteen of those thirty-one were 10th-12th grade students. They toured London, including Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Parliament Square, then traveled by Eurostar Train to Paris. There they had a guided tour of Paris that included, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triumph, Les Invalides, and the Eiffel Tower. The next day they were able to visit the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Seine River Cruise, and then flew to Milan, Italy. There they had a walking tour of Milan castles and churches. They then traveled to Florence, and they visited the San Miniato al Monte Basilica, Guided tour of Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santa Croce, and the Gates of Paradise. The last stop on the trip was Rome. There they visited the Vatican, expert guide for the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and so much more. Each day was met with local and amazing FOODS! From London to Paris to Milan, Florence, and Rome, the foods were amazing. This trip was such an amazing trip for these students to go on and visit these cultures of these amazing cities.

We are excited to announce that Jake Mitchell has been selected as ACA’s Head Basketball Coach! Coach Mitchell has served for 9 years as a collegiate assistant basketball coach. He has helped to lead programs at Faulkner University, Freed-Hardeman University, and Harding University. In addition to basketball coaching responsibilities, Jake has overseen recruiting operations, academic support, scheduling, scouting, strength and conditioning, and player mentoring. Prior to his coaching career, Jake was a star player for Faulkner University and Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, Alabama. We are so excited to welcome Jake, his wife Emma, and their daughter Lily.

Our very own Miss Montala, Ella Grace, was crowned Miss Teen Alabama’s Southern Miss. She was also the recipient of the best interview! Ella Grace is an upcoming Junior at Alabama Christian, and we are so proud of her and the hard work she has put in to achieve this title.

This year’s Senior Challenge was given by Dr. Jack Hawkins. Dr. Hawkins has served as the Chancellor of Troy University since before this year’s graduates were born. Now concluding his 33rd year as Chancellor, he is longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the entire United States. Dr. Hawkins loves the city of Montgomery. His service to our community and to higher education has been the catalyst for population growth, industry recruitment, business development, military advancements, private-public partnerships, and beyond.
He was an amazing speaker and delivered an outstanding speech to our graduates. We are so thankful for the commitment he has for Troy and for ACA.

The K5 class at Evangel Christian Academy concluded the year with a program and graduation ceremony. The students began by sharing Bible verses and songs. The audience then enjoyed a visit from various Bible characters. The children also shared math skills, reading rules, and the process by which they learned to read through songs and skits. There was even an appearance from a super hero, “Super e.” When the students left to change into their caps and gowns, the parents enjoyed a video presentation celebrating the students from birth to graduation. The graduates later returned dressed in traditional caps and gowns and awards were presented to the students.

Based on Dr. Maggie McElroy-Washington’s personal philosophy on reflections and assessments, she says they have always been a vital part of her life.
Closing out the school year with reflection is a matter of moving ahead with an open and positive mindset knowing what’s next, understanding what we did great or not so great, and simply building from there. Reflecting on the big picture with Meeting of the Minds at the end of the year is also a great way to promote growth in our schools and build better relationships with stakeholders.
Making time to have important conversations is essential and should be a valuable part of every school and business at the end of the year. Our 2023 meeting was very positive and meaningful!

What a great Awards and Commencement Ceremony! The keynote speaker for the occasion was the Honorable Omar Neil, former mayor of the city of Tuskegee, Alabama, and the CEO and host of “You Got The Power!” talk show. Honorable Neil is a giant in his own right, having a list of accomplishments that are too membranous to name. The event was held on the school’s grounds. The top students were recognized and presented with the following awards: Eagle Award, Lionel Ballard; Elevated Award, Kaleb Edwards; Student of the Year, Praysha Smith; Bridge Builder Student of the Year Jamari Davis; Volunteer Student of the Year, Keonia Davis; Virtual student of the year, Rokyera Bailey; Information Technology student of year, Savion Ross; Pre-1 grade Student of the year, Ardrey Brown.
TEA is grateful to God for the leadership of Dr. Maggie McElroy-Washington, the staff, and the Board Members. Furthermore, TEA recognizes the undeniable support of parents/guardians and their impact on the success of each student. Congratulations to the graduates and students transitioning to the next grade level!

The Montgomery Academy Class of 2023 has made significant contributions in the classroom, in the arts, in the sports arena, and in the community. Composed of 67 students, with acceptances to 74 different institutions of higher learning, they will be attending 27 different colleges and universities this fall. Seventy-eight percent of the class received at least one merit scholarship offer, and the class as a whole has been offered a total of $6,641,501 in merit-based scholarship money. We celebrate the recognition of two of these students who were named National Merit Finalists, 22 who were named College Board Advanced Placement Scholars, and two who were designated AP Capstone Scholars.
Members of the class have played vital roles in interscholastic athletics while at Montgomery Academy, capturing six state championships. Within the Class of 2023, there are eight student-athletes named Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Stars.
The Class of 2023 has contributed to the visual and performing arts achieving local, state, and national recognition. This includes multiple artists with works displayed in museums and in regional and state exhibitions including the nationally recognized Visual Arts Achievement Program. They have participated in the State Theater Festival and in All-State and national choral music competitions. The Montgomery Academy’s Speech and Debate Program continues to be recognized by the National Speech & Debate Association as being in the top 1% in the nation and as the #1 ranked Speech and Debate program in the State of Alabama. The Class of 2023 boasts nine separate qualifications to the National Speech and Debate Tournament, a two-time Alabama Speech & Debate Student of the Year, and four Academic All-Americans.
Members of the Class of 2023 have participated with distinction in the Science Olympiad, math tournaments, and in world languages competitions. They have excelled in mock trial and moot court competitions and they have held statewide offices in YMCA Youth Government.
They have been active in school and community organizations, contributing thousands of hours of service to dozens of organizations throughout the River Region and beyond. The Class of 2023 has consistently personified The Montgomery Academy’s mission to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service, and the pursuit of excellence.

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Saint James Middle School Choir went to Atlanta to compete at the Music in the Parks Festival. The students enjoyed singing and playing at Six Flags over Georgia. The choir received Superior Ratings, placed 3rd in their division, and 6th Grader Aditi Shyam was selected as the Outstanding Accompanist of the entire Festival!
The middle school choir members include Levi Johnson, Abigail Roark, Nancy Bradford, Jacob McNally, Ruthie Blakeney, Dominic Troccia-Holland, Hailey Shelton, Aditi Shyam, Aerial Hooks, Jackson Clovis, Sean Woessner, Bailey Fife, Adeline Henry, Harison Pappas, George Tran, Carson Crum, Alex McIlwain, Maddy Stuart, Kendall Dunson, Addison Weston, Gabriel Bagg, and Easton Turner.
Saint James School offers music classes at all division levels. The middle school and high choirs are taught and sponsored by Dr. Sallye York.

The Saint James Varsity Tennis Teams competed in the 1A-3A State Tennis Tournament, held in Mobile, Alabama on April 24-25.
The Varsity Boys Tennis Team won the tournament and brought home the State Champion trophy for the first time in school history. The players won individually at every line in singles and doubles, making a sweep of the tournament. The team played a total of 54 sets of tennis during the tournament, not losing a single set! The boys team players at lines 1-6 are #1 Toba Rios, #2 Josh Harvey, #3 Danny Trock, #4 Ryan Jeong, #5 Jason Jeong, #6 Grayson Eaves.
They are coached by Ben Bradshaw.
The Varsity Girls played for the State Championship match and placed as State Runner-Up. Stella Sponseller at the #2 position won as an individual state champion. The Girls Tennis team has been state champion two previous times in school history. The Varsity Girls Tennis team players at positions 1-6 are #1 Reilly Taylor, #2 Stella Sppnseller, #3 Karly Bailey, #4 Bailey Woods, #5 Davis Wilsford, and #6 Addison Seale. The team is coached by Geoff Waring.

The Montgomery County Board of Education celebrated the historic season of the Brewbaker Technology Magnet High’s softball team during its June meeting.
The BrewTech Lady Rams won the 5A state championship, becoming the first school in Montgomery Public Schools history to win a state championship in softball.
This dynamic team also racked up plenty of postseason accolades. Coach Chris Steiner was named 5A Coach of the Year. Pitcher Taniyah Brown was named both Pitcher of the Year and Player of the Year. In addition, Khamiyah Brown, Gabbie York and Grace Hunter were all named to the 5A All-State Team.

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students recently enjoyed a Conduct Honor Roll Party for the second semester. Students who had an E (Excellent) in Conduct for the third and fourth nine weeks were invited to the “Pawty” puppy themed celebration. The students enjoyed special themed snacks, adopted a puppy, and had their pictures made at a photo booth with their new pets.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce the hiring of Chandler Avant as Head Baseball Coach. Chandler, a native of Troy, went to Pike Liberal Arts and played high school baseball for the Patriots. He played in three state championships and was victorious in one. Chandler attended the University of Alabama where he played and started all four years for the Crimson Tide. Following his collegiate career, Chandler was drafted by the New York Mets where he played almost three years of professional baseball. Next he went back to his roots as a volunteer coach for Alabama Baseball in 2021 for one year before beginning his high school coaching career. Chandler served as the head coach at Goshen High School for two years. Chandler shared, “My wife Julia and I, along with our chocolate lab Bo, are excited to begin this new chapter with Montgomery Catholic. We look forward to meeting everyone and becoming a part of the Montgomery Catholic family.”
Daniel Veres, Athletic Director, shared, “We could not be more excited to add such a high caliber coach to our strong roster of coaches at Montgomery Catholic.” School President, Justin Castanza, adds “Chandler will continue to elevate our program and pour his knowledge and passion into our students and families.”

Montgomery Academy’s Director of the Arts and Choral Director, Dr. Damion Womack, has been named a quarterfinalist for the Music Educator Award by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. Dr. Womack is one of a total of 212 music teachers who were named quarterfinalists for the 2024 Award, which recognizes current educators — kindergarten through college across public and private schools — who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. The quarterfinalists, who hail from 197 cities, were selected from more than 2,000 initial submitted nominations. Semifinalists for the 2024 Music Educator Award will be announced this September. The ultimate recipient will be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2024.
Additionally, Dr. Womack was recently elected as President-Elect of Southern Region American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). His term will begin July 1, 2024. As an active member of the American Choral Director’s Association, Dr. Womack has spent the past 17 years serving ACDA in various leadership capacities at the regional and national levels. He is currently serving as the ACDA National Youth Choirs Coordinator.

Macon East Academy is excited to announce our new Head Cheer and Assistant Softball Coach, 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆. Coach Atchley will also teach life science and anatomy.
Coach Atchley graduated from Autauga Academy in 2019. She first attended the University of West Georgia where she played softball for a year and a half and then transferred to Alabama State University to finish her athletic and academic career. She has her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Biology and Coaching. She is very excited to be at Macon East and cannot wait for the year to start! Go Knights!

LAMP High students Kathleen Doyle and Kathleen Druhan found themselves in rare company when they were selected to receive $2,500 National Merit Scholarships.
Scholarship winners were chosen from more than 15,000 finalists nationwide. Only 26 Alabama students received this distinction. LAMP had a total of 17 National Merit semifinalists, 15 of whom went on to be finalists.

E𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 represented Macon East Academy at the 86th annual American Legion Alabama Boys State. Held at Troy University, Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. This program provides opportunities for student delegates to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders, including congressmen, elected officials, and business leaders.
Ethan was originally elected to the House of Representatives and was elected as Clerk to the House of Representatives. He was then appointed by the Governor to be his Chief of Staff. Ethan was elected to be the Activities Director for his city as well. Additionally, Ethan received a medal/award for the most outstanding delegate of the elected and appointed state officials.
The American Legion Boys State provides delegates with an understanding and working knowledge of our democratic society. Selection as a delegate for Alabama Boys State is an honor, and the experiences Ethan had through this prestigious program will shape him as a leader at school and in his future endeavors.

𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀, 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗼𝗻 recently participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference at Troy University. Julia and Addison were selected by Macon East faculty and staff as representatives. Anna was selected by HOBY to return this year as part of their alumni staff. HOBY programs provide students an opportunity to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective ethical leaders in their school, community, workplace and home. We look forward to witnessing their leadership skills they learned at HOBY and continue growing as leaders and role models at Macon East.

Success Unlimited Academy’s elementary students recently participated in the first annual “Great Funfetti Cupcake/Cake Bake Off.” Students were challenged to explore this hands-on experience of baking, with adult supervision, of course! The requirement was to use the Pillsbury Funfetti cake and cupcake mix. Students, ages 5-8, baked cupcakes, and students, ages 9-12, baked a layer cake. The mix could be modified and participants were encouraged to be as creative as they could be, all while video recording the baking experience. The participants each received an official apron and chef’s hat, along with the box mix. The Funfetti bake off was sponsored by Continental Societies, Inc., Birmingham, AL Chapter. Thank you to Ms. Connie Dacus who coordinated this fun project. (Pictured are Talicia McCall, SUA Lower Campus Administrator, and first grader Kace Prim.)

Success Unlimited Academy was pleased to hold graduation for its Class of 2023. Thirty-eight seniors received their diplomas at commencement on May 17, 2023. The ceremony, held at Church of the Highlands, recognized the achievements of the Class of 2023. Seniors received over $1.2 million in college granted scholarships. The Honorable JC Love III, Probate Judge of Montgomery County, was the featured speaker. Two SUA students received recognition as the 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Both of these young men earned this distinction by commitment they have demonstrated in and out of the classroom. The Valedictorian must have the
highest grade point average and have been a student at SUA for at least two years. The Salutatorian must have the second highest grade point average and have been a student at SUA for at least one year.
SUA’s Headmaster, Mrs. Susan Alred, and Mrs. Lauren Morgan, Lead Principal recognized the 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Matthew Kyle Armont, the 2023 Valedictorian, has been an SUA student since ninth grade and plans to attend Troy University in the fall to pursue a major in cyber security. Matthew was a member of the National Honor Society and was voted as “Mr. Success,” a high honor on campus. His fellow classmates voted him as “Friendliest,” and he has served as Senior Class President. His school involvement also included yearbook staff,
media team and was on the varsity basketball team. He was actively involved with Montgomery Kappa League program and accumulated 200 hours of community service. He is respectful, kind, out-going and responsible, and has been actively involved in his church. SUA’s 2023 Salutatorian, Norman Elec Yelder, Jr., came to SUA in the seventh grade and plans to attend Auburn University in the fall to major in computer engineering. He has been a member of the National Honor Society and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” by his classmates. Throughout middle and high school, Norman has been involved with the drama club, and has played on the baseball, basketball and football teams. He has been active in his church, and has been a member of the Distinguished Gentlemen Organization. He has volunteered with the 365 Jamz Radio, “The Talk,” by assisting with tech support, and owns a mobile detailing business “Saints Mobile Detailing,” while also working another part-time job. Norman has earned over $70,000 in scholarship monies from
various colleges and universities for his academic achievement. He is kind, thoughtful and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Congratulations, SUA Class of 2023!

Saint James high school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Rhea Grate has been awarded a fellowship grant through Alabama Public Television’s Fund for Teachers Program. Only eight teachers from around the state were awarded this honor.
Mrs. Grate described her proposed project as follows, ““This fellowship grant is to attend the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) conference at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. I hope to go to the conference to learn new teaching ideas to help my students and immerse myself in the culture and language for professional development.” The conference will be held from June 26-29.
Mrs. Grate is the only teacher in the Montgomery area to receive this honor.

Interim Head of School Suzanne Satcher introduced Brian Seymore as Trinity’s next Head Football Coach and Director of Athletics. Coach Seymore comes to Trinity from Demopolis High School where he has been the director of football operations and head football coach since 2016. In his 17 years as a head football coach, Seymore has amassed 125 wins and 66 losses, with a record of 56-18 during his seven seasons at Demopolis, reaching the playoffs every year. He has more than 25 years of coaching experience from schools across south Alabama, having held head coaching positions at Mary G. Montgomery High School, Andalusia High School, and Pike Liberal Arts School.
“I very much look forward to contributing to an institution that upholds excellence in academics, athletics, and Christian values. My plan is to build lasting relationships with Trinity’s faculty, administration, alumni, and the entire Wildcat student body,” said Coach Seymore. “Building a strong athletic program starts with relationships – from the youngest in the school to the oldest. I am eager to begin forming those important connections beginning with our K3 students all the way up to our seniors, and being on one campus together helps foster that. Our students will see me in the hallways, and I will be an advocate for our teachers in the classrooms as we work together to help our student athletes be all God created them to be.”
Coach Seymore met with players prior to the assembly as well as the coaching staff and other school officials.

Last month, Montgomery Academy First Graders enjoyed Baptist Medical Center’s 40th Anniversary of “Let’s Pretend Hospital.” This event was held at the Institute for Patient Safety and Medical Simulation Center here in Montgomery. Students were introduced to the typical hospital environment in a friendly, educational, and non-threatening manner, helping to dispel many common concerns and fears children have about hospitals. This excursion is always an exciting (and fun) experience for our students!

The Trinity Track team had the best state meet in school history! Chappell Hill, Matthew Blake, JT Mathison and Paul Renner placed 1st place in the 4×800. Matthew Blake won 1st place in the 400 and 800 and the boys also placed 2nd in the 4×4.

Trinity celebrated the academic accomplishments of many of our upper school students as they were inducted into the French Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), and the National Honor Society. Seniors were also corded with the colors of their respective honor society memberships. Congratulations to the students who were tapped and inducted to these distinguished and long standing Trinity honor societies!

Each year, The Montgomery Academy partners with a focus agency to learn more about the specific challenges and needs in our community and to dedicate many of our fundraising efforts around a single organization. This year, the students chose to support the Friendship Mission, which seeks to “demonstrate love through action…a refuge for the homeless and hungry.” During the Public Service Closing Assembly, H.E.A.R.T. officers presented the Friendship Mission with a donation of $39,087 as the result of a yearlong service effort.
Each division of the school, led by H.E.A.R.T., the Middle School Student Public Service and Social Committees, and Eagle Assembly (the Lower School student leadership group), facilitated and organized numerous fundraisers and drives to raise awareness, material goods, and funds in support of this organization. As a core tenet of the school’s mission, MA students understand that service is vital to good leadership. We were honored to partner with the Friendship Mission as well as continue our support of our ongoing partnerships with Montgomery Food for Kids Backpack Program, Brantwood Children’s Home, and Common Ground Montgomery.

Sarah James Morgan, a third grader at Trinity School is showing her artwork to her proud parents at the elementary Art Show!

Upper school students at Trinity School were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, Seniors were also corded with the colors of their respective honor society memberships. Congratulations to these students who were tapped and inducted in these distinguished and long standing Trinity honor societies!

The Montgomery Academy Lower School recently welcomed author and illustrator Laurie Keller. Ms. Keller spoke to the students about her books, how she gets ideas, and even guided them through some illustrating exercises. Librarian Mrs. Frances Smith and Assistant Librarian Mrs. Virginia Farmer along with the Lower School enrichment team for making the most of this exciting learning opportunity by immersing students in Ms. Keller’s work and planning art and design projects modeled after the illustrations in her books. Ms. Keller was blown away with the welcome she received from our school!