Montgomery Student Spotlights – January ’23

𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 (𝟰𝘁𝗵), 𝗝𝗮𝘇𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 (𝟱𝘁𝗵), 𝗦𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸 (𝟲𝘁𝗵), 𝗞𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗿𝗼𝗻 (𝟳𝘁𝗵), 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 (𝟴𝘁𝗵) recently represented their grades in the AISA District Spelling Bee competition. Alternates who attended in support of their classmates were: 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗲𝗿 (𝟰𝘁𝗵), 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗻 (𝟱𝘁𝗵), 𝗞𝘄𝗲𝘀𝗶 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 (𝟲𝘁𝗵), 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘆 (𝟳𝘁𝗵), 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿 (𝟴𝘁𝗵). 𝗞𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗿𝗼𝗺 was the winner for 7th grade at district and competed at the state spelling bee at Troy University of Montgomery, Rosa Parks Auditorium.

Montgomery Academy eighth grade scientists in Mrs. Stefos’s chemistry class recently started a new unit learning concepts related to chemical reactions and energy. For this particular experiment and observation, students asked questions that arose from careful observation of a flameless heater in an MRE (meal ready to eat), identifying design flaws and brainstorming ideas to design a solution for a flameless heater that heats food through a chemical process that transfers energy… but first, they needed to try out the MREs themselves! Student reactions to the final food products predictably varied wildly!

Trinity Kindergarten students perform The Joy of Christmas play to parents, students and faculty. This is a highlight of the Christmas season at Trinity School.

Trinity School Arts Department put on a spectacular performance of ‘Twas the Night to a packed house at the MPAC in December. The Fine Arts Department at Trinity is unique in that it includes Dance, Band, Choir, Show Choir and Visual Arts. Trinity is the only independent school in the River Region to offer all 5 of these electives to their students.

To disciple more children for Christ and to fulfill parents’ desire to be involved in their children’s education, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy announces the launch of a new 2-day-a-week collaborative program to start in Fall 2023.
“Since the 2020-2021 school year, parents in the River Region, and all across the country, have determined to take a more active role in their children’s education. Parents want their children to have a quality education that aligns with their values. Ideally, they seek an education that permits flexibility and extended family time during those precious childhood years,” said Cornerstone Head of School John Bradley.
Students enrolled in the new collaborative model will receive instruction in all courses while on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At least one parent will deliver the balance of the required classroom hours at home. In this way, the family that desires to have their children at home more will not have to partner with multiple organizations to construct an education for their child. Students who enroll in Cornerstone’s collaborative program will be Cornerstone students. Cornerstone will provide report cards, transcripts, and diplomas to those who meet graduation requirements. Students can participate in athletics, House activities, school field trips, fine arts classes, and our drama and performing arts classes. Cornerstone partners with parents to prioritize faith, character formation, and educational growth.
Grades with collaborative options for 2023-2024 include grades 3K-4K and 7-12. Cornerstone will offer a collaborative option in grades K-6 with sufficient interest. Cornerstone will continue to offer its classical and Christ-centered education 5 days a week for grades 3K-12.
Cornerstone will host monthly informational sessions regarding the new collaborative model on January 5 at 7:30 am, January 12 at 12:00 pm, January 19 at 3:00 pm, and January 27 at 7:30 am. Cornerstone is located at 125 Calhoun Rd in Morningview Baptist Church.
To register for an informational session or receive more information, contact the school at info@ccamontgomery.org, at (334) 356-7788, or visit our website at www.ccamontgomery.org.
Cornerstone has also announced that it will begin offering a 5-day-a-week and 2-day-a-week 3K program beginning August 2023.
Designed to instill a love of learning, a sense of wonder at God’s creation, and to begin critical habit training, Cornerstone’s 3K program will offer parents of the River Region a unique approach to early childhood education.
Should you have questions or desire more information, please contact the school at info@ccamontgomery.org, at (334) 356-7788, or visit our website at www.ccamontgomery.org.

Christmas on the Boulevard at Trinity School featured something for everyone with food, fun, fellowship, shopping, and performances. Christmas snow globes were a big hit with these two cuties!

Macon East’s Mother’s Day Out students counted down the days until Christmas and were busy with many Christmas activities. From reviewing our academic skills using Christmas themes to making ornaments and surprises for our families, the classroom was buzzing. They also learned that giving is just as important as receiving. The students collected can goods for the Dixie Electric Food Drive and donated toys for the Heart to Heart Foster Care Ministry. They took their first off-campus field trip to Choctafaula Farms where they participated in Christmas games, took a trail ride to see camels, goats, horses, cows, wildebeests, ostriches, and zebras, and topped off the day with a visit from Santa.

Local artist Milton Madison led The Montgomery Academy Upper School’s Contemporary Drawing and AP Studio classes in figure drawing exercises. Mr. Madison first demonstrated how to capture a foundational likeness by sketching quickly & loosely while observing the whole form of the subject, and then leading students in timed drawing exercises, observing and rendering figures from live models–thanks to freshman Miila Chapman and Ms. Bocquin!

Mr. Madison is originally from Birmingham and has resided in the River Region area since graduating from Alabama State University with his BA in graphic design. In addition to his work creating vibrant, contemporary portraits, he is also known locally for his public art, having completed and contributed to several murals around and in downtown Montgomery and in Millbrook.

5th graders at Trinity School held a choral and band concert for parents and students, including a special visit from their kindergarten buddies. It was a fun assembly for all in attendance and certainly got everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Montgomery Academy fourth graders took a field trip to Fort Toulouse to take part in their annual Alabama Frontier Days celebration & exhibition! Students enjoyed a first-hand experience of what life was like in the period from 1700 to 1820, with real blacksmiths at work, traditional indigenous dances, period musicians, firing of the cannon & wall-gun, and much, much more!

Trinity School had the BEST time at the Grand Story Hour! Our guests made gingerbread houses, heard a story from Ms. Hastey, and Santa joined in on the fun!

Montgomery Academy senior Charlie Hill has received Premier Distinction, the highest degree in the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Honor Society. Fewer than 3% of NSDA members earn Premier Distinction prior to graduation. This milestone is a celebration of the hundreds of hours Charlie has spent preparing, practicing, and competing to hone his communication and leadership skills. Congratulations to Charlie on this accomplishment!

Macon East Academy hosted wildlife educator, Vicky Smith, for her “Batty About Bats” presentation for grades PreK-6th grade. The students enjoyed meeting her live bat friends and learning all about how important bats are plus many interesting facts about them.

During the month of November, the Saint James Elementary School collected items for the annual holiday community service project. This yearly event is geared to show younger students the value of giving back to the community. This year the students brought in and collected requested items for a food drive benefiting Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA). MACOA requested Instant oatmeal, instant grits, and hot chocolate Students in grades K5-5th also decorated bags in counseling class that the food will be delivered to homes in. Lessons centered around giving to others and gratitude. Students in K3-5th grade collected boxes full of food.
Fifth grade students helped load the Meals on Wheels van. These items are packed in the grocery bags that the students decorated and will be given to senior citizens in their program over the week of Christmas to ensure that they have plenty to eat. Saint James School is so honored to work with MACOA as a part of its commitment to community service.

Cornerstone Logic & Rhetoric students awed an audience of faculty, staff, parents, friends, and family Thursday, November 17 during the school’s annual Evening of Excellence. Displaying the student’s labor and talents and the school’s classical and Christ-centered mission, a trio of young men showcased their musical talents, Logic school students recited portions of Horatius at the Bridge, Juniors and Seniors recited the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount, and 9th and 10th graders dramatically recited selections from Augustine’s City of God, Shakespeare’s Henry V, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. The evening began with a presentation of Cornerstone’s new Strategic Plan by Head of School John Bradley and culminated with a Logic & Rhetoric School Chorus performance, fellowship dinner, and annual dessert auction benefiting the Cornerstone Annual Fund.

During the weekend of November 4-6, sixteen Saint James School students participated in the 2022 Fall YMCA Judicial State Competition. Two teams of students participated as a part of the competition. Saint James seniors Brooke Bender and Anna Dickey served as justices for the event. Sean Duong served as Deputy and Sophie Caradori served as Bailiff.
The students received their case in late September/early October, then studied and practiced in order to compete against approximately 50 other teams from all over the state. They participated in four trials (as Prosecution or Defense in three trials and as a jury in one trial). The Saint James teams won several of their cases. Special recognition went to GeorgeAnn Killough and Will Alexander for winning Top Attorney.
The first team of Saint James participants consisted of Austin Oh (Captain), Mary Ann Coon, GeorgeAnn Killough (Top Attorney Award), Ayah Mahmoud, Amolika Mishra, Kaitlyn Smith, Elaine Vo, and Bailey Woods.
The additional team of Saint James students were Will Alexander (Captain and Top Attorney Award), Ava Donaldson, Michael Phan, Emmett Rasmussen, Jaden Rossell, Jordan Rossell, and Logan Winter.
These teams were coached and taught by Mrs. Michelle Studdard.

Margaret Roby (SGA Missions chair) and Lallie Rogers from Trinity Presbyterian School presented a check to the Joy for Life Foundation with a donation of $4,000!

During the 50th year of Trojan football, the Saint James Trojans won the 3A State Championship at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Thursday, December 1 against the Piedmont Bulldogs with a score of 45-28. This is the first state championship title in school history, and the first for coach Jimmy Perry.
This championship season also saw other firsts. This season set a school record with 13 wins and only 2 losses. Quarterback KJ Jackson was named MVP for the championship game with his record-setting performance. His 93-yard touchdown pass to senior Ethan Beard during the championship game was the longest touchdown pass in school history. KJ had 42 touchdown passes in 2022 which added to his 87 career touchdown passes – both set new school records.
Jackson had several teammates who scored during the championship win. Seniors Ethan Beard and Cosner Harrison, along with juniors Ziggy Holloway and Clint Houser were all instrumental in helping get the ball across the goal line.
After the game, Jimmy Perry said, “It only took me 43 years to get a championship! I’ve been blessed and it’s been a great journey with this program. This moment was the sweetest of them all.”
Photos by Preston Phillips

ACA welcome University of Kentucky coaches to campus to check in on a couple student athletes they have been recruiting. It was nice having Coach Stoops and his staff on campus and being able to visit with them. We are excited about the opportunities these student athletes are receiving and cannot wait to see where this leads them in the future!

The past few months have been busy around ACA and our WeServe program has been in overdrive. Our students have been putting up Christmas lights, delivering presents, cutting down trees, and anything extra any of the resident’s needs. These students love being able to give back and visiting with these residents and listening to their stories. We love serving at ACA and being able to make a difference in the lives of these people in our community.

Sarah Paterson, a senior at Evangel Christian Academy, recently had the honor of performing the lead role of The Sugarplum Fairy in two performances of the Alabama River Region Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. I addition to the leading role, Sarah also performed the principal role of Dew Drop during the other two performances. Sarah is part of Alabama River Region Ballet’s Senior Youth Company and has been dancing for 14 years. Over the years, she has also performed other leading roles such as Clara in The Nutcracker and Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty.

The ACA 2nd graders host a Pajama Drive each year during the month of December. These pajamas are donated to the Family Sunshine Center. This year we collected 48 pairs of pajamas. Our students are learning the importance of serving others by providing a pair of pajamas for women and children during their time of need.

ACA hosted its first ever dinner theater type Country Christmas. We had over 50 kindergarteners through 12th grade participate and had several faculty, staff and parents participate in it. They performed your traditional Christmas songs and had several solos, group performances, and stand-up acts. We are so lucky to have such talent at ACA and so many people willing to support our students, faculty, and staff.

Most elementary students only dream of growing up, owning their own business, and helping their community. However, for Zuri Yu, her dream is already a reality. Zuri, also called Zizi, and her father, Sam Yu, are partners in Zizi’s Bee Company LLC. Sam developed an interest in bees a few years ago. He shared his passion with his daughter and Zizi’s Bee Company was born. The company’s logo was modeled after Zuri. The company harvests local honey from its hives located in Montgomery, Al. Zuri helps her father take care of the bees and even has her own bee keeper’s outfit. Her father is very cautious and Zuri has never been stung. ZiZi’s Bees also focuses on helping the community. Zizi’s Bees partners with Help a Brother Out Foundation which helps feed poverty stricken areas in Montgomery, Alabama. Zizi’s Bees encourages communities to turn vacant lots into honeybee colonies and beautiful pollinated gardens. The fruits and vegetables produced are given to the elderly and the community. Zizi’s Bee Company sells honey and honey related products and also specializes in bee removal services. Some of the products include various size jars of raw honey, snack sized honey straws, cinnamon creamed honey, and beeswax melts. You can find Zizi’s Bee products in Montgomery at Renfroes’s on Atlanta Highway, IKARE Pharmacy, and Food Outlet in Eastbrook. They also sell products at Sweet Creek Farm Market in Pike Road and Beulah Mae’s Sothern Kitchen in Alabaster.

Lamine Sougou is an eighth-grade student at T.E.A. Christian Academy, Inc. Lamine is the Arts and Craft student of the month, he is a great student; with a quiet spirit- he is kind and loving. His love for drawing is why he enrolled in the Arts and Craft class; his drawings often depict how he feels. Lamine enjoys the process of creating his art and loves to see what he can make from just a blank canvas. We are so proud of you, Lamine!

Congratulations to Montgomery Catholic students, Frances Ann Rogers (8th grade), Cate Noell (6th grade), Mo Drescher (6th grade), Isabella Acosta Iruegas (3rd grade) and Ava Ike (3rd grade) on their beautiful performances at the Alabama River Region Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker.

TEA Christian Academy, Inc. begins and ends each 9-weeks of school by taking a preventative approach with their school’s Therapeutic Behavioral Counselors who provides the staff with Professional Development training on theory, and evidence based strategies in an effort to help students succeed in the classroom, and with their peers. According to Dr. Mariel Moore, who specializes in Therapeutic Behavioral Counseling, she indicated according to research, numerous studies have suggested that success in school is related to students’ degree of emotional adjustment (Cybele, 2003; Dang, 2008). Many students have a hard time adjusting depending on various environments, classroom sizes, surroundings as well as expectations. Additionally, negative relationships also play a factor between classroom management efficacy, beliefs and irrational beliefs central to authoritarian attitudes toward students can come off as demanding or aggressive, and in return can result in conflicts.
It is without a doubt, the Professional Development training Dr. Moore has provided our students, and staff with is an evidence-based approach which has enhanced our teachers’ performance, and is continuing to foster positive teacher-student relationships, and is enhancing our student academic success. Dr. Moore, we are blessed to have you on our TEAM.

TEA Christian Academy, Inc. held its year-end holiday program. It was a time to celebrate the Reason for the Season, as well as the end of the second 9-weeks grading period. The students, on-campus and virtual, did an amazing job singing several holiday classics and performing a skit, Tree Ornaments, written by their Performing Arts teacher, Mrs. Bonnie Robinson.
TEA’s newest staff member, music teacher Daniel Barlow, did an outstanding job leading and directing the choir. The students have wholeheartedly welcomed his instruction, motivation, and encouragement. TEA looks forward to a great remainder of the 2022-2023 school term.

Mrs. Trussell’s QUEST students from Dalraida Elementary School had several winners in the ALFA Farm-City Poster Contest. The theme for this year’s poster contest was, “Sustaining For The Future.” They all won for the school level and county level! Way to go to all of these Amazing students!
Pictured are: Left to Right (Front Row- Melody Jackson, Leah Napier, Kassidy Milledge, Alexis Smith and Jeannie Smith) (Back Row- Mrs. Misty Trussell ( Dalraida QUEST teacher), Antonio Webster, Carina Ocampo, Iris Escobar, Margot Perez, Liliyana Causey, Joycelan Bailey, Natalie Martinez and Dr. Bryan Cutter ( Principal at Dalraida Elementary School)

Lower school kids gave Christmas toys for children who shelter with Family Promise of Montgomery, a program for homeless families with children. Jayme Teague, the director of Family Promise came to ACA Friday December 5 t vb o speak to the students about the program and we presented her with many, many toys for the children. This project aligned with our 4th graders literature study of the book, The Family Under the Bridge. It is a story of a homeless family and the struggles they encounter at Christmas.

Dalraida Elementary School 5th QUEST student Carina Ocampo (Mrs. Trussell’s 5th grade QUEST class) was chosen as a winner in the Montgomery Humane Society’s “Howl-i-day” picture contest. The theme for her picture was how a pet finds their forever loving family when adopted. We are so proud of her!

All eight MPS high schools took part in the first Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence (H.I.R.E.) High School Robotics Competition.

The district’s partnership with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Auburn University’s Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (S.C.O.R.E.) made this competition possible. In January 2022, Hyundai gave MPS a $78,800 grant to expand robotics to every high school in the district. Educators from S.C.O.R.E. provided training for MPS teachers to implement robotics programs at each school.

“This partnership with Hyundai and Auburn University provides enormous benefits for our students. Through robotics, they are learning about everything from coding and engineering to teamwork and leadership. I can’t wait to see students put that learning into action,” said Dr. Melvin J. Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools.

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High teams won both Tournament Champion Awards and the Judges Award, a Park Crossing High team won the Excellence Award, and a Booker T. Washington Magnet High team won the Design Award.

Montgomery Christian School was invited to participate in Montgomery’s Capitol Christmas Tree lighting event. Governor Ivey honored us by asking three of our students to help her light the Christmas tree. Throughout the evening, the students were in awe of the beautiful music, the wonderful decorations, and, of course, the beautiful Christmas tree! It was an honor for Montgomery Christian to participate in this long standing tradition.

Montgomery Christian School’s purpose is like no other in Montgomery. It is an elementary, non-profit (501c3) where every student receives a scholarship in order to experience a quality private Christian education. We believe rigorous curriculum, dedicated educators, involved parents, and Biblical worldview are vital to the success of our students.

Montgomery Christian School admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.

Montgomery Christian School will begin to accept applications on January 3, 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year. Admission requires completion of our application and student assessment. Please refer to our website: www.montgomerychristianschool.org for admission specifics or call the school at 334.386.1749.

The Eastwood Christian School Junior Players performed their 2nd annual Winter Musical. The cast, composed of students from the 2nd-7th grades, brought Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella to the Eastwood stage. This was a magical beginning to the 2022-2023 theater season at Eastwood. The Upper School (6th-12th grades) Eastwood Players look forward to performing Beauty and the Beast this coming March.

On December 8th, Montgomery Christian School welcomed over 25 Alumni back for the first ever Christmas Cookie decorating party. The alumni enjoyed seeing one another and visiting with former teachers and administrators. As students entered the MCS building on McGehee, smiles, high-fives, and hugs were given as so many were thrilled to see one another again. Many of the MCS alumni attend local private or magnet schools, so gatherings such as this are key to continue the community built so well during their elementary days at MCS. The next event is scheduled for February 23, 2023. MCS alumni, if we do not have your updated contact information, please give us a call at 334.386.1749. We would like to keep in touch.

Montgomery Academy fourth grader Evie Townsend was recently recognized for a whimsical piece of art she created, making her work the official holiday card for the Montgomery Humane Society. Mary Hughes from the Humane Society presented Evie with her award, along with $100 for winning top prize in this year’s contest!

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet students Johanna and Elijah Yang and Baldwin Middle Magnet student Abraham Yang participated in their second VEX IQ tournament at Bumpus Middle School in Hoover.
This sibling team, called Penguin Robotics, pictured at left, won the Teamwork Champion Award and qualified for the Alabama State Championship in 2023. They are currently ranked second among the 111 teams in Alabama whose scores are officially recorded!

A storied tradition has returned to Booker T. Washington Magnet High with the resurrection of the student-created magazine “The Washingtonian.”

Young authors, storytellers and journalists worked together to create the first edition of ‘The Washingtonian’ since the early 2000s.
Creative Writing magnet instructor Ken Spear teamed up with the Visual Arts and Photography magnet instructors, Mark Dauber and Virginia Olson, to help guide the project.
The first edition of the new ‘Washingtonian’ includes features on students, teachers and BTW’s new home; opinion pieces; and student art, photography and creative writing.

Artists in Mary Bonikowski’s art class at Bear Exploration Center had their art chosen to be on display at the Montgomery Museum Fine Arts Artworks Corridor Exhibit. The art was inspired by installation artists Jamele Wright, Jr. and Lillian Blades. Students were excited to meet both artists at a special reception. The art will be on display through January.

Students in Brewbaker Technology Magnet High’s Medical Academy had a busy semester.
Seniors have been working at medical facilities in the area as a part of their Health Science Internships. Many of them also attended the Joint Leadership Development Conference and met U.S. Olympian Dee Dee Trotter. They celebrated National HOSA Week and kicked off the festivities by participating in spirit dress days, then ended the week by presenting donations to the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless.

MPS third grader, Tereko Moore, recently won the Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self” Essay contest. He had the top essay out of all MPS third graders and was awarded $50 for the achievement at a recent Rotary Club luncheon. His class also received $250 and a pizza party.
Tereko’s grandfather and step-grandmother live in the Flatwood community and their home sustained quite a bit of damage from the tornado. When Tereko found out he won, he said he wanted to donate his prize money to the Flatwood community. The Rotary Club decided to make a sizeable donation to the Flatwood community in Tereko’s honor for his selflessness. Commissioner Isaiah Sankey, who represents the Flatwood community, was invited to be in attendance to receive the donation from Tereko and the Rotary Club on behalf of the Flatwood community. Tereko’s winning essay is below:

Growing Into Leadership
My name is Terecko (teh-ree-koh) Moore, I am 8 years old, I attend G.W. Carver Elementary arts and magnet school. I can be shy a lot of times, but I continue to make efforts to overcome this obstacle, for example I took a chance and ran for student council this year… I did not win, but I am going to show my perseverance (a word I learned from my older sister) and try again next year. The reasons I chose to run for student council was because it’s a service above self, the service of teaching my peers about community service, the use positive problem solving skills and chance to speak up for others who maybe having a hard time finding their voice, like myself. As I continue to grow into a young man, I would love to flourish into a positive leadership role, take in and gain from the characteristics of these examples alone. Now, as the future student council of CEAMS, I dare you to embrace servicing above self by making a difference, taking challenges head on and in turn winning the awards of strengthening your relationship with love ones and people within your home, community and school life along with a boost of your overall confidence that’ll knock and awaken the little leader that lives inside all of us.