Montgomery Student Spotlights July 2022

Trinity’s football program hosted their 3rd annual “Moms Camp!” All moms
of middle school, junior varsity and varsity football players were invited to come watch film, participate in drills and work out in the new weight room. It was a fun morning for everyone!

We are so proud to honor our Jimmy Hitchcock Award nominees and ACA’s 8th Grade Jimmy Hitchcock certificate winners for 2022.   This year’s nominees were Bailee Johnson, Lynleigh Stephen, and Carson Horn. Our 8th Grade Jimmy Hitchcock certificate winners are Jake Hunt, Julie Waldo, Campbell Hammett and Olivia Mays.  We are so proud of these student athlete’s hard work.

Congratulations to Macon East Academy HOBY delegates: Kaiden Byrom and Anna Watson. They recently attended the annual Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership conference at Troy University. Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools an opportunity to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community. We look forward to witnessing the leadership skills of both Kaiden and Anna!

Our students were given the opportunity to step up and help collect supplies to send over to the Ukraine through Dalraida church of Christ.  We had buckets and supply lists available to give our students the opportunity to play a big part in this service project.  We had a full week dedicated to prayer over the Ukraine; each morning we would have a devotional and pray for specific people involved in the war.  After the whole week of prayer ended, we had every bucket filled and more bags to send over for anything extra they may need. We even had a class who wrote scripture in Ukrainian. It has been amazing to watch these students get so involved in helping others.  This has opened the eyes of many just how blessed we truly are.

ACA is excited to announce the return of ACA legend Tim Perry.  Tim has been part of ACA’s story in several powerful ways over the last 35 years. He previously served as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach from 1985 -1988 and then returned as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach again from 1991 – 2000.  Tim will come home to ACA beginning July 1st, 2022, to lead ACA’s efforts in athletic advancement, coach mentoring, and leveraging over 40 years in coaching to achieve excellence in enhancing ACA’s community partnerships.  Tim comes to ACA with extremely strong connections in the River Region community.  He is widely known and respected in our community and his legacy of Christian leadership has impacted generations of our ACA alumni family.
Tim and his loving wife, Gayle, of 21 years, and his two stepdaughters, Ashley Coker Heim and Amanda Coker Alford, (both ACA graduates) have each left their mark on ACA.  Earlier this year, Tim completed his 41st year in his coaching career.  Most recently, he served as the athletic director and head football coach at Wetumpka High School from 2011-2021.  Additionally, he served as the Offensive Coordinator at Harding University from 2008-2009 and from 2001-2008 he served as the Head Football Coach at Central Arkansas Christian School. The CAC Mustangs won the 3-A State Championship in 2004, the first in the school’s history, and returned to the 3-A State Championship in 2005.
ACA’s Head of School, Mr. Greg Glenn, had this to say about Mr. Perry, “His name is synonymous with excellence.  In athletics and in spiritual development, he has tirelessly worked to build students into the adults that our world needs – humble, achievement-oriented, team-minded, confident, and Christ-like. His heart and his passion to serve are going to be well received on this campus.  Tim also comes to us with a rich spiritual maturity and depth of insight well equipped to train our young people to be spiritual warriors.  He, alongside Aaron Greenwood, (Athletic Director) will be speaking directly into our coaches, who in turn will speak into our players.  We are excited about his connections with alumni and the entire Montgomery and Elmore County area.  We look forward to seeing how he can help ACA continue to grow.  Please join us in welcoming Mr. Tim Perry!”

This year’s Senior class is amazingly talented academically. They collectively earned four million, eight hundred thirteen thousand, six hundred and ninety-five dollars in scholarships.  SIXTEEN seniors earned over one hundred thousand dollars each in scholarships. 81% of the class have a GPA that is 3.0 or higher and 36% have a GPA that is a 4.0 or higher.  Because of these extraordinary accomplishments, we would like to recognize 10 students who hold the top places academically in the class of 2022.

Congratulations to 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 for being selected as a delegate at the Eighty-Fifth American Legion Alabama Boys State. This is an incredible honor and experience for rising Senior young men from across the State of Alabama. He was a credit to his community and to Macon East Academy.
Jack was elected by his Alabama Boys State peers to the position of House of Representatives. During his week, he served as an active citizen and official while learning about the responsibilities and benefits of citizenship in the State of Alabama and the United States.
Jack received scholarships from The University of Alabama, The University of West Alabama, Hampden Sidney College in Virginia, The University of Montevallo, Troy University, and South Alabama.
Nearly 470 rising high school seniors from across the state participated in the week-long program hosted by Troy University to learn about Alabama, civics, and issues facing Alabama. Way to go Jack!

Trinity Softball program hosted a summer camp for elementary girls. The girls worked on fundamentals, skill drills and ended the camp with a massive water slide!

Congratulations to the following Macon East Knights baseball players for being named All-State by the ASWA for the AISA:
FIRST TEAM:   Matthew Kitchens, Jabe Boroff, and Bryant Rascoll
SECOND TEAM: Dalton Nickles
HONORABLE MENTION: Luke Noffsinger
COACH OF THE YEAR: Coach Bob Pickett
Congratulations to Kylee Smith and Jamya Powell for being selected to the ASWA AISA Second-Team All-State team! We are so proud of you!!

Madison May recently attended the Eightieth American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls State as Macon East’s appointed representative.  Madison participated in many activities including field trials, a skit night, led a Girls State devotional to her fellow delegates, and served as a county commissioner for her Nationalist party. Madison’s favorite part of Girls State was meeting new friends and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Governor Kay Ivey, a former Girls State Lieutenant Governor, spoke to the delegates about patriotism and the responsibility we all must be good citizens, but also about how Girls State will continually impact their lives.
Madison received numerous scholarships from The University of Alabama, Troy University, Huntingdon College, The University of West Alabama, and South Alabama.
Nearly 350 rising high school seniors from across the state participated in the week-long program hosted by Troy University to learn about Alabama, civics, and issues facing Alabama. We are very proud of Madison for representing Macon East Academy and sharing her wonderful experience.

Montgomery Academy Fourth Graders recently participated in the annual Creek Week event as part of their study of Alabama History! Creek Week is a long standing MA tradition which began more than 35 years ago. It’s a full week of immersive experiences in which students learn more about the lives and activities of members of the Muscogee Nation indigenous to the Southeastern Woodlands of Alabama. Butch Fuller led students through exciting and authentic Creek experiences such as making fire and target practice with blow darts. After 27 years of leading our students, Butch & Ginger Fuller are retiring, and we are forever grateful for the time & work they’ve put into teaching us all they know.

Montgomery Academy third-graders wrapped up their study of the United States with a living museum project. Each student dressed up as a person, landmark, animal, or thing that represented their assigned state. Students took turns being in the “museum,” where they shared information about their states with other students through their costumes and brochures, and visiting the “museum” and learning from other students.

PHOTO: 3rd grade living states

Montgomery Academy Lower School students were excited to meet bestselling author Carmen Agra Deedy! Ms. Deedy is a professional storyteller as well as a beloved author, and her performance enthralled all ages (including the grownups!) The author visit, which is the culmination of a weeks-long author study, is always a highlight of the Spring semester.

PHOTO: Carmen Agra Deedy

Adrianne Lin has become the first Montgomery Academy student to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award. In recognition of her achievement, she received a gold medal, a pin, and a letter from President Biden. In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers. Congratulations, Adrianne; MA is proud of you and your work!

PHOTO: Adrianne Lin

Evangel Christian Academy’s graduation ceremony was held on Saturday,
May 21, 2022. Parents, faculty and friends gathered together to mark this milestone in the students’ lives. Pastor Michael Rippy, senior pastor of Evangel Church and president of ECA, addressed the students and their guests. The Valedictorian for the graduating class was Aaron McNeil, Jr. (pictured) and the Salutatorian was Kennedy Holland. During the ceremony a video presentation was shown highlighting each graduate’s life. After the video, the graduates presented roses to their parents.

Since joining the Upper School in the fall of 2018, the Class of 2022 has made significant contributions in the classroom, in the arts, in the sports arena, and in the community. Composed of 62 students, with acceptances to 74 different institutions of higher learning, they will be attending 25 different colleges and universities this fall. One hundred percent of the class received at least one merit scholarship offer, and the class as a whole has been offered over $10,058,874 in merit-based scholarships.

We celebrate the recognition of one student who was named a National Merit Semifinalist, and 21 students who were named College Board Advanced Placement Scholars. Members of the class have played vital roles in interscholastic athletics, capturing nine state championships while at the same time contributing to the Visual and Performing Arts with local, state, and national recognition. This includes multiple artists with works displayed in museums and regional and state exhibitions including the nationally recognized Visual Arts Achievement Program. They have participated in the State Theater Festival and All-State and national choral music competitions. The 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 program in the State of Alabama. Fourteen students qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

They are active in school and community organizations, contributing thousands of hours of service to dozens of organizations throughout the River Region. The Class of 2022 spearheaded the HEART Club fundraising, raising nearly $45,000 to benefit the Adullam House.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Girls from T.S. Morris and Martin Luther King elementary schools were treated to a wonderful morning of fun and empowerment featuring Montgomery first lady Tamika Reed, Montgomery County District Court Judge Tiffany B. McCord, and other prominent local women.
Reed sat down with Montgomery County Circuit Clerk Gina Ishman for a “fireside chat” during which she talked about her career, being married to Mayor Steven Reed, and her health and wellness initiative. After the chat, girls in the audience had an opportunity to stand up and ask questions.
McCord held a doll giveaway for the girls, which was part of her “Just Like You” empowerment program in partnership with the Alabama Institute for Social Justice. A number of other notable women made appearances to deliver inspiring messages to the girls about what they are capable of achieving.
Pictured here, Reed and Ishman engage in a fireside chat, and McCord hands dolls to students.

Students from 14 MPS elementary schools gathered at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High for the Spring Elementary VEX Go Robotics Competition.
Parents showed up to cheer for the students and their school teams. The judges for the contest were BrewTech students who had competed in the VEX Worlds Competition in Dallas, Texas. Teachers had to keep coaching to a minimum for this student-led event.
Below are the overall winners of the competition:
Highland Avenue Elementary – 1st Place
MacMillan International Academy – 2nd Place
Wilson Elementary – 3rd Place
Garrett Elementary – 4th Place
Dalraida Elementary – 5th place
Coding Skills Competition winners:
Halcyon Elementary – Bria West – 1st Place
Halcyon Elementary – Noah Foo – 2nd Place
Highland Avenue – Heidi Casterol – 3rd Place

Six Bear Exploration Center fourth- and fifth-graders had a high-flying adventure with the Alabama Wing of the Civil Air Patrol at Montgomery Aviation.
The students earned their flights after completing an essay contest following their May 13th Aerospace Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base. They were joined by their teachers and Principal Elizabeth Hill.
The students heard from some U.S. Space Force speakers in December and had been conducting Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program during the year. The purpose of the program is to introduce students to various STEM careers and the CAP cadet program for youth ages 12 and above.
Pictured here are fifth-grader Khloe Moffett and teacher Susan Pharr.

Montgomery Academy’s Varsity & Middle School Cheer squads headed east to Auburn University for UCA Cheer Camp and came away with the experience of a lifetime as both squads came home with accolades, awards, and a lot more experience as they continue to prep and train for the 2022/23 season! Additionally, Josie Aronov and Frannie Brazil were two of only five girls selected out of the over five hundred girls in the camp to try out for UCA Staff! Additionally, the whole program received the Banana, which is awarded to the squad with Overall Most Spirit!
The varsity squad earned 1st place in sideline; 2nd place in cheer; 1st place in overall game day; 2nd place in camp dance; Superior for receiving a blue ribbon on cheer and camp dance evaluations. Four girls were named All-American Cheerleaders: Katie Brown, Frannie Brazil, Isabella Hill and Kathryn Parsons.

The varsity squad earned 1st place in sideline; 2nd place in cheer; 1st place in overall game day; 2nd place in camp dance; Superior for receiving a blue ribbon on cheer and camp dance evaluations. Four girls were named All-American Cheerleaders: Katie Brown, Frannie Brazil, Isabella Hill and Kathryn Parsons.

The Middle School squad earned Superior for receiving blue and gold ribbons on cheer and camp dance evaluations and two girls were named All-American Cheerleaders: Harper Thomas and Avery Williford.

PHOTOS: middle school cheer camp 2022 and varsity cheer camp 2022

LAMP High art teacher Rachel Dudley and her students set out to make the LAMP lunchroom a bright and welcoming place, and they have succeeded with flying colors.
The planning of the lunchroom mural project began last summer and continued with research and sketches produced by Level II and III art students. After the sketches were complete, the school community voted for its favorite designs.
Students started painting in late February and finished in mid-May, which was the busiest time of the year between athletics and AP test season.
Shown with the painting of the tiger with food on its head are Atiana Carbajal, Patrick Cain and designer Kolbi Bates. With the space-themed painting are designer Julia Ahn and painters Grace Lim, Kennedi Hawkins and Peyton Shuffitt. Shown with the tiger in sunglasses are designer Megan Gallops and painter Lexi Heacock.

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High student Nia Taylor has received a $2,000 scholarship after winning a Gold Medal Award in Advertising Design at the 2022 SkillsUSA Competition.
The Alabama Community College System and its Workforce and Economic Development Division awarded the scholarship, which she can use for tuition, fees, books or course-related supplies at any college within the system.

The Floyd Middle Magnet cheer squad had a stellar visit to Auburn University Cheer Camp.
The squad took first place in all divisions, bringing home four first-place trophies. They are coached by Torquoria Abner.

Students in the Building Science Program at Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technology (MPACT) and instructor Ab Argent have built “little libraries” to increase accessibility to books and encourage reading throughout the city.
MPACT students designed and built structures to house the books, giving the students hands-on experience with functional design.
This project is a partnership with Montgomery Education Foundation, Montgomery Capital Rotary and Jeremy Kelly of Kelly Realty.

Congratulations are extended to Ro’Kayi F.T. Bailey for being the proud recipient of the Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) Ambassador Scholarship. This prestigious leadership scholarship is awarded to high school graduates, and the selection committee awards these scholarships on a competitive basis. Bailey served as a Leadership student at T.E.A. Christian Academy, Inc., students will be equipped with valuable real-life experience through leadership, volunteerism, public speaking, conferences, and workshops. The TSCC ambassadors will serve as college representatives for various on and off campus activities.
For more information, please visit the TSCC website at: https://www.trenholmstate.edu/future-students/financial-aid/scholarships/.
www.trenholmstate.edu/futurestudents/financial-aid/scholarships/.

Congratulations are extended to Jasmine S. Rogers for being the proud recipient of the first Alabama State University (ASU) President’s Promise Scholarship. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Quinton Ross, Jr., ASU’s president, implemented the President’s Promise Scholarship to make the college a more affordable option for out-of-state new and/or returning undergrad students.
Upon meeting the required qualifying criteria, the selection committee awarded this prestigious scholarship to Miss Rogers, an out of state hybrid student enrolled in T.E.A. Christian Academy, Inc. For more information, please visit the ASU website at: https://www.alasu.edu.

In May, Charlene McCall-Jackson (consultant and retired educator) mentored T.E.A. Christian Academy students on the importance of positive perspectives. Students can become overwhelmed when trying to meet the demands of school requirements, along with being exposed to negative and positive viewpoints. How can they make wholesome decisions? If more emphasis is placed on positive thinking, students can develop a more structured and balanced approach to learning.
Mrs. Jackson used five words to discuss positive perspectives:
1. Accountability – Everyone is accountable for his or her actions.
2. Process – Assessment: Weekly tests (formative) and final tests (summative) are necessary to ensure students are meeting the benchmarks.
3. Strategy – Use the S.M.A.R.T. Chart to help students achieve goals for meeting assessments, lesson plans, and life goals.
4. Goals – What you aim for. Have a plan of action and use strategies.
5. Confidence – Self-assurance. Feel good about yourself and be self-motivated. Develop your “reason why”. Students must understand their role and what is necessary to keep them on track to meet the requirements for their grade level. Jackson’s final words to the students, included “Compete against yourself, and work hard towards being better every day.”

A number of Saint James basketball players for the boys and girls varsity teams received recognition through the Capital City Conference.
Saint James Girls Varsity coach Katie Barton received Coach of the Year. Sophomore Ava Card was named as Player of the Year. Junior KK Hall made 1st Team, while senior Danielle Greene made 2nd Team. Sophomore Katie Brightwell received an Honorable Mention. The team made it to the State Finals this season.
For the Boys Varsity team, Coach Nigel Card was named Coach of the Year, and senior Bradley Thomas was named Player of the Year. Junior Ethan Beard was named to 1st Team, and junior Matt Middleton was named to 2nd Team. Senior Jake Yohn received an Honorable Mention. The team made a historic journey to the Final Four of the state tournament.

Saint James School is proud to congratulate its high school students who placed at the AISA District 5 Art Competition on Thursday, April 21st. Saint James had 15 high school students compete. Among those high school students 10 received awards. In the High School Division, First and Second place will move on to the AISA State Competition on Tuesday, May 10th at Faulkner University.

In Printmaking, Phu Lam received 1st Place. In Photography, Matthew Ohliger received 1st Place as well. Natalie Magee placed 1st in Watercolor and Drawing Non-Color. In Drawing Color, 1st Place was awarded to Mae Puckett.
Sierra Boles received the 2nd Place award in Mixed Media. In Acrylic Painting, Aroa Jung placed 2nd. Luke Beasley also placed 2nd in the Watercolor category.
Kate Rees received 3rd Place in Mixed Media. Steven Na received 3rd Place in Acrylic Painting, and Wendy Stombaugh received 3rd Place in Drawing Non-Color.
All of these students are a part of the high school art classes taught by Mrs. Evelyn Shoults.

Saint James School had nine high school students who attended the 74th YMCA Youth Legislature. These students were well-prepared and had a wonderful weekend of participating in the legislative process.
Many of the Saint James participants served in key roles in this year’s weekend events. Junior Georgeann Killough served on the Supreme Court. Senior Jake Yohn was in the Senate and served on the Governor’s Cabinet. Senior Kendall Hardaway was in the House and served on the Governor’s Cabinet. Juniors Preston Phillips and AJ Kavllick were in the Senate.
Juniors Anna Dickey and Brooke Bender were in the House. Brooke’s bill passed in the House but did not have time to go to the Senate. Sophomores Ava Donaldson and Elaine Vo were in the First Year Chamber. Their bill passed and was signed into law.
Anna Dickey was selected for the Conference On National Affairs to be held this summer, and Jake Yohn was chosen as an alternate.
These students worked hard to participate this year and were advised by Mrs. Kiki Hughes.

Saint James School Track and Field had nine athletes qualify for the State Meet in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This was held on May 5-7, 2022. Qualifying athletes were Marley Beard, Hannah Richardson, Carson Beck, Lucas Huckabee, Connor Owens, Preston Phillips, Dylan Holt, Dylan Stokes, and Ariel July.
From this group, the Trojans had a number of athletes who received medals or were a finalist in his/her event. Connor Owens placed first is Discus. Lucas Huckabee placed 2nd in Discus and Shotput. Marley Beard was a state finalist in the Girls 100-meter Dash. Hannah Richardson was a finalist in the 400 and 800-meter Run events. The team of Dylan Holt, Dylan Stokes, Ariel July, and Preston Phillips were finalists in the Boys 4×800 event.
These student-athletes are coached by Corey Jackson.

Both the Saint James Boys and Girls Tennis Teams qualified to play in the AHSAA 4A/5A State Tennis Tournament held in Mobile, Alabama. Both teams played well and had team members make it to the finals.
For the girls, 8th grader Karly Bailey won the #5 line singles and is the state champion! 10th grader Ryan Jeong was state runner-up in the boys #5 singles. The boys team placed 3rd overall as a team. In doubles, the boys #1 team of Toba Rios and Josh Harvey made it to the state finals, as well as #3 team of Danny Trock and Grayson Eaves.
The Saint James varsity boys tennis team is coached by Ben Bradshaw, and the girls team is coached by Geoff Waring.

On Saturday, April 30, the Saint James Middle School Choir attended and competed in the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags over Georgia. They scored Excellent ratings.  Also, seventh grader Jacob McNally won Outstanding Student Accompanist for the entire competition over all divisions and categories.  They also had fun riding the roller coasters!

Evangel Christian Academy’s Girls’ Track Team won first place in the AISA 1A division. This is ECA’s second state win in a row. The team’s coaches, Sherell Lewis and Joseph Proctor were very proud of the team’s hard work and dedication. The relay team also won 3rd in 4x400M relay, 2nd in 4x200M relay, and 5th in the 4x100M relay. Several girls also placed in various competitions. In the 100M Dash Kennedy Softley placed 5th and in the 200M Dash she placed 4th. Destiny Betton also placed 8th in the 200M Dash. In the 400M Dash Loreal Lewis won 6th place. Audrey Davis placed 8th in the 800M and she also finished 8th in the 1600M. In the Shot Put competition Zaria Johnson won 2nd place and in the Discus she also placed 5th.

Teron Wright is headed to Clark Atlanta to join their football program. A signing ceremony was held to celebrate Teron and his accomplishments on and off the football field. Teron was selected for the AISA All-Star Football game, All-Metro First Team, and All-State First team for football.