May 2025 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

At Montgomery Christian School, our students are excelling daily. In math, our students have increased their grade level achievement by an average of 7.3 months, school-wide, during the first semester. The highest math gains were made in second grade with that class averaging a whole year increase by an average of 7.5 months during the first semester. The highest gains in reading were also made in second grade with an average increase of one year and three months during first semester.

Montgomery Christian School was all fun and games for our March Madness themed Spring Alumni Event. The school hosts our beloved students quarterly to provide them with time to have fellowship with their friends, who now attend a variety of different schools. Admissions Director, Monica Lott, organizes fun and meaningful events for these exceptional students and their teachers. MCS Mom, Brooke Henninger said, this school has given our kids a solid foundation, both academically and spiritually. It’s been a safe place to call home, with teachers and staff who have loved them well and invested in their lives. It’s been a place of support and encouragement. MCS is family!”

On Friday, April 11, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held its Annual Works of Mercy Day and Joint Elementary Field Day. The entire school gathered together at the Middle and High School Campus for a school wide Mass to begin the day. It was a wonderful day of joining together in worship, service to our community, and in fellowship with each other.
“On April 11, we gathered our entire school community together for Mass at the start of our annual Works of Mercy & Elementary Field Day,” says Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School President, Justin Castanza. “We teach our students that they are Called to Sainthood, what better way to lead them on this path to holiness than to come together in prayer and in service to those around us.”
The day began with prayer as we gathered almost 1,000 people, including 730 students in K3 through 12th grade, 100 faculty and staff, and 100 volunteers together to celebrate Mass. Following Mass, Middle and High School students participated in their Annual Works of Mercy Day. High School students went out into the community to volunteer at multiple service locations, and Middle School students spent their morning performing acts of service around the school campus. Service locations for High School students included YMCA Camp Grandview, Lagoon Park, Oak Grove Inn Assisted Living, MANE, Fr. Purcell’s Center for Exceptional Children, Montgomery Cancer Center, Reality and Truth Ministries, Meals on Wheels, Heart of AL Food Bank, Friendship Mission and more!
Elementary students from both St. Bede Campus and Holy Spirit Campus enjoyed their third annual joint field day on the Middle and High School Campus.

Our Evangel Christian Academy first grade class enjoyed a field trip to the pretend hospital. Students got to learn all about the workings of a hospital including what happens on an ambulance, what an operating room looks like, how x-rays are taken, and more. ECA’s first graders will now feel more comfortable if they ever need to visit the hospital and may have developed an interest in medicine as a future career field thanks to this event.

After 20 seasons as Montgomery Catholic’s women’s head basketball coach, Jill Clark is retiring from her coaching position at Montgomery Catholic. Coach Clark, who is completing her 25th year as a coach at Catholic, met with her team Monday afternoon to inform them of her decision.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a great school,” said Clark. “Montgomery Catholic is where I began my career, where Jeff and I raised our children, and now with five grandchildren under the age of five, I feel it is time to enjoy more time at home with our growing family on our farm.”
In addition to being a varsity basketball coach for 36 years, 16 of which with Montgomery Academy, Coach Jill Clark has also coached varsity volleyball, varsity tennis, and varsity softball for numerous years at Montgomery Catholic.
“We are all so appreciative of Coach Clark’s dedication to generations of Montgomery Catholic athletes,” said Daniel Veres, athletic director at Catholic. “The lives she has touched and the positive impact she has had is immeasurable. I have enjoyed our 11 years together and wish her nothing but the best,” Veres said.
“Even though it is hard to leave these young women and sport that I care so much about, I feel I have reached a turning point in my life and with our family that makes this, in my heart, the right time to retire,” said Clark. When asked about her career statistics, Coach Clark said she “was never focused on her personal success; it has always been about the kids.”
“Coach Clark has been an integral part of a very successful athletic program, and we are very grateful for her dedication and selfless service,” said Justin Castanza, school president. Castanza continued, “Personally, I am so happy for the time she will now have to focus on family and enjoy her grandchildren.”
The process for hiring a new head women’s basketball coach begins immediately. Coach Clark will continue with Montgomery Catholic in the Physical Education Department.

Congratulations to Trinity Carter, 1st grader at Resurrection Catholic School on being the 1st place recipient of the American Heart Association KIDS HEART CHALLENGE! Good job Trinity!

Resurrection Catholic School’s Pre K class had an amazing time at the Mcwane Science Museum in Birmingham, AL!

Montgomery Catholic is proud to announce 33 new inductees into the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society and 10 new inductees into Mu Alpha Theta. The new NHS inductees are Lily Abbott, Sara Turner Burt, Kenedee Campbell, Olivia Celka, Jacque Coles, Makayla Corbin, Katie Dean, Cayden Dees, Kamila Diaz, Aidan Fleet, Kyle Frank, Adeline Gadilhe, JaJa Gancayco, Ethan Harbin, Jerodney Hinkle, Kayla Hora, Sophia Lopez, Logan Marshall, Joi McGuire, Caleb Mendiola, Ellis O’Connor, Evan Parker, Davis Perry, Keveen Ramirez, Elly Robinson, Anna Russo, Michael Sheffield, Ellis Thoms, Harrison Vaughn, Peter Walski, Campbell Webb, Rylee Wilcoxson, and Zion Williams. These outstanding students join the 29 current members of the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society. NHS members must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.
The new Mu Alpha Theta inductees are Makayla Corbin, Katie Dean, Cayden Dees, Adeline Gadilhe, Jaja Gancayco, Ellis O’Connor, Evan Parker, Anna Russo, Peter Walski, and Rylee Wilcoxson. The purpose of Mu Alpha Theta is to recognize excellence in math and to stimulate a deeper interest in mathematics. Each inductee and member has maintained a minimum 3.3 unweighted honors math GPA.

The FAAM 2nd grade hosted Market Day. Each student created a business, then produced a product to sell to first graders. They learned about wants and needs and explored being producers and consumers.

Congratulations to the Forest Avenue PALS Poster Contest winners. Their posters will go onto the State PALS poster contest this month.
In the kindergarten-3rd grade category, the winners are: Daniel Choi, Junwoo Hwang, and Eliana Lee. In the 4th-5th grade category, the winners are Allie Lee, Grace Lee, and Johanna Lee.

Saint James School celebrated its annual Trojan Day on Friday, March 14. This spirited, schoolwide tradition is filled with fun and friendly competition. Students from every grade level were divided into Blue and Gold teams, earning points throughout the day in a variety of activities to determine the winning team. This year, the Blue team claimed the victory by one point.
A highlight of the day was the Color Run/Fun Run, which also served as a major fundraiser. Saint James students raised more than $45,000 to support new play structures for both the lower and upper elementary playgrounds. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Family Sunshine Center, continuing the school’s commitment to giving back to the community.
The morning was packed with classic field day games and activities including three-legged races, inflatables, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and water balloon tosses. After lunch, the entire school gathered at the football field to cheer on events like tug of war, cup stacking, and sponge relays. The much-anticipated finale, the senior tug of war, brought the day to a thrilling close.
Trojan Day continues to be a beloved tradition, celebrating the Saint James spirit with a full day of outdoor fun, teamwork, and community.

Saint James School welcomed a distinguished guest to campus this week as Alabama Governor Kay Ivey attended the fourth grade’s annual Alabama history production, City of Dreams. The music-filled performance, led by Elementary Music Teacher Will Reese, brought Alabama’s story to life with songs, state facts, and cameos from students portraying well-known Alabamians.
In a fun twist, fourth grade student Caroline Lindsay portrayed Governor Ivey and delivered one of the Governor’s most memorable quotes from her re-election campaign: “Ain’t no step too high for a high stepper.” The Governor’s presence made the day especially meaningful for the students, who had spent months preparing for the production.
Principal Andrea Harris and Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore offered a warm welcome to Governor Ivey and attendees. The City of Dreams performance is a beloved tradition at Saint James, where each elementary grade level presents its own production each year, combining creativity, collaboration, and history curriculum.
Saint James School is proud to celebrate Alabama’s history with the leaders of its future.

Thank you, Probate Judge JC Love and Rev. Richard Williams, for reading to our little scholars for Read Across America Week! Lots of fun!

Trinity recently gathered for a meaningful Easter Chapel led by our 3rd and 5th-grade students. Through heartfelt readings, joyful songs, and a moving hand mime performance, students brought the Easter story to life in powerful ways. Speaker Coach Blake Smith shared an inspiring message on God’s grace, reminding us of the love and mercy that define this season—and our school community.

Trinity’s Varsity Baseball team has officially been crowned Area Champions, a title that reflects talent, grit, teamwork, and determination. With strong leadership, sharp plays, and an unshakable bond on and off the field, the Wildcats have proven they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Fifth-grade students and teachers from Montgomery Christian School recently embarked on an enriching adventure at the StarBase Maxwell program located at Maxwell Air Force Base. Over the course of five days, students delved into a realm of innovation, exploration, and practical learning, thanks to the Department of Defense’s advanced STEAM awareness and outreach initiative. Guided by the dedicated and caring educators at StarBase, MCS students were exposed to a variety of activities and career fields in science, technology, engineering, and math.
From the excitement of launching rockets to the detailed study of robotics, and from investigating the states of matter to navigating the complexities of the engineering design process, each activity offered a distinct chance for students to connect, explore, and develop. Through teamwork and collective discovery, they not only improved their grasp of STEAM but also cultivated essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. The experiences and memories created at StarBase Maxwell will leave a lasting impact on MCS students.

Forest Avenue Peer Helpers loved helping the kindergarten friends learn about height and measurement!

Trinity senior James Treadwell has officially made school history—shattering records and setting a new standard of excellence in Wildcat athletics. Competing at the 6A level, James completed an undefeated regular season with an astonishing 18-0 singles and 19-0 doubles record. James holds a remarkable 124 career singles wins and 121 career doubles wins, the highest in Trinity’s tennis program history.
He hasn’t lost a regular season match since joining the varsity team in 7th grade. James embodies the drive, discipline, and Wildcat spirit that define a Trinity education—on the court and beyond. Congratulations to James!

Congratulations to Montgomery Academy’s very own Skyler Stovall for bringing home the Alabama Sportswriters Association 3A Player of the Year Award! Another massive honor stacked on top of Skyler’s previous recognitions for this past basketball season. MA is proud of you, Skyler, and your aMAzing accomplishments in your career as an Eagle!

Montgomery Academy’s Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad teams both placed 2nd overall in the Regional Science Olympiad Tournament at the University of Alabama on March 1! This secured them a spot in the State Science Olympiad Competition held at Auburn University at the end of March. Special thanks to coaches Melissa Anderson, Ivy Ashworth, Joy Gleason, Kim Jordan, and Dinah McLemore, and chaperones, Brian Gleason and Scott Morris.

Trinity is proud to celebrate a major academic achievement! Fifteen of our brightest young minds recently traveled to the University of Alabama to compete in the highly respected Science Olympiad—and they did not disappoint. Guided by dedicated faculty members Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Gresham, the Trinity team placed in seven competitive events, showcasing the strength of our STEM programs and the excellence we strive for in and out of the classroom.

2nd grade scholars in Ms. Richardson classroom at Southlawn Elementary are amazing! They recently spent the day watching the Final Four games and analyzing player stats. They collaborated in teams to record their data on line plots and also showed their counting money skills to buy “concession stand” snacks after their hard work.

Spiritual Emphasis Week at ACA was a school-wide event that uplifted and encouraged our entire community. Throughout the week, we welcomed a variety of speakers and held engaging classes centered on the PIES model—addressing the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual aspects of our lives. Each session provided opportunities for students to deepen their faith, build stronger relationships, and apply biblical principles in their daily lives. It was an inspiring time filled with worship, meaningful discussions, and a renewed sense of spiritual growth for all.

Because the past winter has been harsher than most, 2nd grade Students in Ms. India Richardson’s class at Southlawn Elementary get warmed up in new hats and coats in collaboration with Alabama State University’s Alumni Division.

Read Write Academy students enjoyed a day of experiential learning as part of the “Let’s Pretend Hospital” program at Baptist Hospital. This was the perfect way to finish off their intensive unit on the human body. Read Write Academy is a micro-school for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges who need an intensive year or 2 of academic therapy before returning to a traditional educational setting. Hands on and experiential learning is an integral part of the program!

The Forest Avenue Robotics Team has another win under their belts! Way to bring the heat!

George Washington Carver High School football program had six signees to sign with athletic scholarships to the: University of West Alabama, Guardian Community College, Tuskegee University, and Huntingdon College. Congratulations to the student-athletes! Go Wolverines!

Mrs. Daniels’ kindergarten class spent March 14th celebrating Pi Day and math activities.
The fun included a “circle” scavenger hunt and making a “circle” collage to showing off their bowling skills with “Subtraction Bowling” and “Math Sticks,” where they placed the math problem on a popsicle stick into the correct pot. They also made an addition journal with stickers and numbers. They concluded that ” Math Makes Me Happy!”

Saint James School joined schools and communities across the nation in honoring the Month of the Military Child by participating in “Purple Up! Day,” a special day dedicated to recognizing the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected children.
In a show of support, students, faculty, and staff wore purple (the official color of military child recognition) as a visible thank you to the more than 50 military children who are part of the Saint James School family.
“Military children face unique challenges, from frequent moves to having a parent deployed,” said Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore. “At Saint James, we are proud to stand beside these students and their families. We wouldn’t be who we are without our military community.”
Observed each April, the Month of the Military Child serves as a reminder of the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. At Saint James, this recognition is part of a year-round commitment to celebrating and supporting the school’s many military-connected families.

Resurrection Catholic School welcomed celebrated Chef Jamika Pessoa in honor of Women’s History Month! We were so excited to be mini chefs for the day!

On Thursday April 17, MA Senior Kerstin Daniel’s officially signed her letter to continue her athletic and academic pursuits at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI, where she will play soccer for the Panthers!
On April 4, MA Senior Price McLemore officially signed his letter to continue his athletic and academic career at Centre College in Danville, KY this fall, donning the black & gold for the Colonels. Price’s accomplishments in cross country and track are numerous, and his tenacity in pushing towards athletic excellence is matched by his work ethic in the classroom.

The School Choice Education Alliance (SCEA) is a trusted education partnership comprised of area private schools, businesses, education professionals, organizations, and parents. This educational alliance was founded on February 12, 2025, by Maggie McElroy-Washington and Bonnie Montgomery-Robinson for the purpose of strengthening each school body. The alliance shares a commitment to encouraging all children to flourish, grow, become self-sufficient, and take their rightful place in society. SCEA offers a variety of school services to encourage students to excel in school, life, and in the world in general. Additionally, SCEA’s focus is to support individual schools within the alliance by sharing and collaborating on up-to-date education development that will enhance learning and training while strengthening the relationship between education and social progress to include professional development, team-building, and staying in compliance with accreditation requirements.
The School Choice Education Alliance (SCEA) held a community family fun day and discount enrollment on March 29, 2025, on the campus of Talent Education & Art Christian Academy.
SCEA acknowledged 12 women community leaders for Women’s History Month.

A team from Dementia Friendly Alabama visited Rivers Region Academy to educate us on recognizing dementia signs and how to interact with those living with it. They compared caring for a plant to caring for someone with dementia, emphasizing the need for attention, patience, and understanding. Just as plants need care to thrive, people with dementia benefit from supportive interactions, familiar routines, and a nurturing environment. The goal was to learn how to care for our brains and slow dementia’s effects. Interestingly, the same things that help plants grow—good food, water, sleep, nutrients, and sunlight—also support brain health.

Congratulations to Montgomery Academy junior, Zaniya Gilbert-Daniels! Zaniya was recently awarded 2nd Place in the 2025 Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) District 2 competition for her sculpted ceramic bust, “Dormant.” VAAP provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. The program is designed to offer encouragement to young artists, showcase their work and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school.

Macon East Academy is proud to celebrate Summer Kyser, our talented art teacher, who was recently honored as the WSFA Class Act Teacher of the Week! Summer’s recognition is a continuation of the Kyser family’s deep legacy of dedication and service to the school.
Summer, who is beyond excited to be a part of the Macon East team, shared her passion for the school with a heartfelt quote: “It’s not just a school or a job, it’s family.” Her connection to the school runs deep. Her two children are students at Macon East, and her husband, a graduate of the school, was there on opening day. The legacy even extends to her mother-in-law, Vickie Kyser, who served the school’s cafeteria for over two decades.
“There’s a sign outside that says ‘Kyser Cafeteria,’” Summer recalled with pride. “She worked here for years.” Now, Summer is continuing the tradition in a different role as the school’s art teacher and cheer coach.
“I’ve always loved art, I’ve always been good at it,” she said. “So this is very rewarding and very exciting!”
Recently, Summer helped her students showcase their creativity at the annual art show, where they displayed their artwork and had the opportunity to compete. While the competition provides a chance for students to go to state and regional levels, Summer emphasizes that the true reward is the excitement and pride students feel when they see their work on display.
We are thrilled to have Summer Kyser as part of the Macon East family and are grateful for her dedication to nurturing the artistic talents of our students!

Macon East Academy’s 3rd grade class had an exciting field trip to the WSFA studio in downtown Montgomery, where they got a firsthand look at the world of news broadcasting. The students were thrilled to learn about the news business and even had the chance to meet some of the station’s stars.
The day began with a special visit to meteorologist Nick Gunter, who shared his weather forecasting expertise with the young learners. He even demonstrated how to use the green screen! Next, the students were greeted by reporters Sally Pitts and Jasmine Williams, who answered a wide range of curious questions about their roles and the news industry. The kids were eager to learn more, and both Sally and Jasmine made the experience interactive and fun. The field trip ended with a special treat – the students stayed to watch the live 11:00 am news broadcast. It was a memorable experience for all, offering a unique glimpse behind the scenes of a major television station.

April was a Month for Advocacy and Awareness! This April, the Catoma Cardinals recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month and Autism Awareness Month—two vital causes that call us to deepen our compassion, raise our awareness, and take action. We at Catoma Elementary believe every child deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. Let us stand together to prevent abuse by supporting families, educating communities, and being vigilant advocates for the well-being of all children.
Together, let’s nurture a world where every child is safe, every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Congratulations to the Macon East Academy seniors for being ranked #1 in the Spring 2025 Stock Market Game, sponsored by the Alabama Council on Economic Education! The Alabama Stock Market Game is a thrilling 10-week online simulation where students manage a virtual $100,000 portfolio, investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Teams compete to grow their portfolios, and the top-ranking teams in each division are recognized for their financial savvy.
A big shout-out to 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 for guiding and encouraging his students throughout the competition. His support and leadership played a key role in their success.
Well done to these future financial leaders and their outstanding teacher!

Saint James School proudly announces that more than $4,700 was raised for the Family Sunshine Center through its annual Color Run and Fun Run, held during the school’s Trojan Day celebration. The fundraising initiative partnered with the school’s Physical Education Department, which led character lessons and encouragement in preparation for the run.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Family Sunshine Center, a vital nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and supportive services to survivors of family violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Center’s mission is to foster hope and healing, empowering individuals to lead safe, violence-free lives.
As a culminating moment of the event, members of the Saint James third grade class had the honor of presenting a check to Ms. Tay Knight, Executive Director of the Family Sunshine Center. Joining in the presentation were PE teachers Jackson Hammock and Theresa Straughn, as well as Lower School Principal Andrea Harris. A special guest, one of the Center’s beloved service dogs, also made an appearance, much to the delight of students and staff.
Saint James School remains committed to fostering a spirit of service and empathy in its students, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to their community.

The future starts now at River Region Academy! Dr. Darren Harris-Fain, distinguished Research Professor at AUM, asked us something real: “Did anyone dream of growing up to be a failure?” It hit different. At River Region Academy, we’re learning that planning for the future starts now—and it’s up to us to make it count.”

Alabama Christian Academy’s Upper School made Pi Day (3.14) extra special by treating students to their very own personal-sized pies! In honor of the mathematical constant π (pi), students enjoyed a sweet break with a variety of delicious flavors. This fun and tasty tradition brought smiles all around while celebrating the importance of math in a memorable way. ACA continues to find creative ways to make learning engaging—and this Pi Day was certainly a sweet success!

Alabama Christian Academy had the privilege of hosting Faulkner University’s College of Health Sciences for an incredible Health Fair! Students engaged with interactive booths focused on mental, physical, and spiritual health, gaining valuable knowledge on how to care for their mind, body, and soul. A huge thank you to Faulkner Health Sciences for bringing this experience to ACA—we are so grateful for this partnership and the impact it had on our students!

Saint James School is proud to announce that several students have earned the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy, an internationally recognized certification that celebrates proficiency in two or more languages.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy certifies language skills at three levels: functional fluency, working fluency, and professional fluency, providing a consistent and inclusive micro-credential for bilingual individuals from middle school through adulthood. According to the Global Seal’s official website, “In a global society where intercultural communication has become increasingly important, the Global Seal provides a unique and recognizable certification of language skills.”
Spanish instructor Mrs. Rhea Grate commended the recipients for their dedication and discipline. “These students worked incredibly hard to achieve this level of fluency. It’s a reflection not only of their academic commitment but also their passion for global citizenship and communication.”
This year’s honorees include Heesoo Cho (Korean) and Aden Brinkman (German) achieved Working Fluency, signifying their ability to communicate with confidence across a wide range of topics. The following students earned Functional Fluency, reflecting strong conversational skills in everyday situations: Brian Oh (Korean), Woochan Kim (Japanese), Lucy Lim (Korean), Stella Kim (Korean), Michael Phan (Spanish), Izzy Pappas (Spanish), and Chloe Taylor (Spanish). A special shout out to Woochan Kim, who earned his third global seal (Korean, Japanese, and Spanish).
Saint James School applauds these students for their impressive accomplishments and for embracing the value of multilingualism in an increasingly interconnected world.

Mrs. Stinson’s stellar students at River Region Academy constructed diorama models to show how the sun’s energy drives the motion and cycling of water through the hydrosphere. Their discussion included types of weathering and the effects of erosion. Hands-on learning is great fun!

At the Mockingbird District Tournament in March, former Montgomery Academy student and current parent, Will Parker, was honored with the Alumni of the Year Award. Will currently serves as the General Counsel for Governor Kay Ivey and was a judge in the tournament held at MA. In addition, the Communicator of the Year Award for the Mockingbird District was awarded to current MA parent, Senator Katie Britt. Senator Britt sponsored Senate Resolution 88 which designated March 7th as National Speech & Debate Education Day by the United States Senate. MA Senior John Alford also received the highest honor for a student by being named District Student of the Year. With this honor, John is in the running for the National Student of the Year. Finalists for that award will be announced in mid-May
Congratulations to the following members of the MA Speech & Debate Team for their showing at the Mockingbird District Tournament:
• Morgan Springer: 2nd place, United States Extemporaneous Speaking
• Mason Stevens & Mary Beth Arrington: 1st place, Duo Interpretation
• Sid Spear & Austin Shin: 4th place, Duo Interpretation
• Tara Samant: 4th place, Humorous Interpretation
• Owen Jones: 6th place, Humorous Interpretation
• Emon Owen: 4th place, Original Oratory
• John Alford: 6th place, Congressional Debate (Senate)
• Duncan McInnes: 8th place, Congressional Debate (Senate)
• Mason Stevens: 4th place, Congressional Debate (House)
• Price McLemore: 9th place, Congressional Debate (House)

FCA staffer Jameson Stephens, pictured here with visiting outreach coordinator Luke Hall and River Region Academy teacher and advisor Tracy Grove Hendricks, hosts a weekly meeting for high school students to encourage, equip, and empower them in their walk with Christ. The mission is to impact our Christian students by praying and growing together in their knowledge of God through Bible-based messages and fellowship.

Alabama Christian Academy senior Marley Hunt has been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious DAR Good Citizenship Award. Presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this award recognizes students who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism—characteristics that Marley has demonstrated throughout her time at ACA.
Each year, one senior is chosen to represent their school in this distinguished program. The selection process includes a detailed application highlighting school involvement, service activities, academic achievements, and recommendations. Additionally, students must submit a personal statement explaining how they embody the four key qualities of a DAR Good Citizen and how they have contributed to their community.
A major component of the competition is a timed, unassisted essay, written on an unseen prompt. Marley’s essay, along with her outstanding application, was selected to advance to the chapter-level competition, where she emerged as the winner. Her entry will now move on to the state level, where she will compete against other top students across Alabama.
Marley’s dedication to service and leadership has left a lasting impact at ACA and beyond. With her strong commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, she is a deserving recipient of this honor. Congratulations to Marley Hunt on this well-earned recognition!

Each year, the Montgomery Exchange Club invites high school seniors to participate in its prestigious essay competition. This year, five Alabama Christian Academy seniors were selected to submit essays, and Grady’s exceptional work was chosen to represent our school at the local level.
The Exchange Club, a service organization dedicated to fostering leadership and community involvement, selects essay topics that challenge students to reflect on their contributions to society and their vision for future service. Along with their essays, students must submit applications detailing their extracurricular activities, community service, academic achievements, and special honors. Each submission is carefully scored, with points awarded for both the essay and the student’s overall résumé.
Grady’s essay stood out among the entries from local schools and was selected to advance to the state competition in June. If chosen as a state finalist, he will have the opportunity to present his essay at the state convention, competing for the chance to move on to the national level.
We are incredibly proud of Grady’s accomplishment and look forward to seeing him represent ACA at the state competition. Congratulations, Grady!