Montgomery Student Spotlights – October ’22

Congratulations to Luke Harrison and Sara Grace Merrill from Trinity School for being named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Luke and Sara Grace placed in the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the PSAT last year.

Montgomery Academy seniors Katie Brown and Claire Gary have been named Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors will continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. To qualify as a Semifinalist, a student must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

The McKee Middle School band has received a more than $36,000 grant that will help buy more instruments for students.

The grant from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation will allow the school to buy four euphoniums, two tubas, five flutes, eight trumpets, and five snare drum and bell kits. The foundation provides new music instruments to underfunded music programs nationwide. McKee is the first school in the area to receive this grant, according to the foundation website.

Band Director Jammie Phillips said the grant is a huge boost for the school’s growing band program.

“Instruments are expensive, and we want to be sure as many students as possible are able to receive the many benefits of music education,” she said.

LAMP High has 17 students who have been named National Merit Semifinalists. They will have a chance to compete for about 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth about $28 million that will be offered next spring.

About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist status, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.

LAMP’s semifinalists are, front row from left, Kathleen Doyle, Yejin Han, Pia Jung, Kangyou Park, Kathleen Druhan, Annabel Baker, Lily Poling, and Anmol Guard. From left in the back row are Wyatt Hartzog, Bokeum Jung, Hyun Min Choi, Jordan Lee, Landon Perdue, Jim Cha, Youngju Chae, Yechan Kim, and Jeff Kwon, and they are joined at the end by Principal Matthew Monson.

Haely McBeal, a Sophomore, Honor student and President’s List Recipient at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School of Montgomery, Alabama is a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, MA on June 21-23, 2023.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Haely’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to represent Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Haely McBeal will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

Montgomery Academy is proud to announce that the 2021-22 Speech & Debate team recently received special recognition from the National Speech & Debate Association. Our team earned membership into the Association’s prestigious Society de 300, based on points & degrees earned in competition, leadership, and service activities. This recognition exemplifies MA’s commitment to teaching our students essential life skills, including communication, research, listening, writing, and organization.

Montgomery Catholic Senior, Cade Corbin was selected as a National Merit Semi-Finalist for 2022. Each year, approximately 1.5 million high school students apply for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Of these applicants, 50,000 students qualify for recognition in the program, and more than 16,000 are eventually named Semi-Finalists in honor of their outstanding academic achievements. These students must meet very high academic standards in their high school coursework and PSAT testing.

The College Board has recognized 15 students from LAMP High as part of its National Recognition Programs for underrepresented students. The students earned the awards through academic achievements at school and their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP exams.

The winners of the African American Recognition Award from LAMP are Erin Robinson, Kennedi Hawkins, Morgan Washington, Doris Davis, Jazlyn Samples, Logan Boone, Danielle Williams, Latalya Bryant, Ethan Farrior, Lauryn Tubbs, Nafissatou Ndoye, Maia Mckinney, and Cidni Mcclain.

The winners of the Hispanic Recognition Award are Agustin Lemuz and Brandon Henriquez.

Students can use these National Recognition Programs on college and scholarship applications, and they will help the students stand out in the college application process.

Montgomery Christian School is pleased to announce that all fourteen of its 2021-2022 5th grade students made successful transitions to local magnet and private schools. MCS had students matriculate to Alabama Christian Academy, Baldwin Middle Magnet School, Eastwood Christian School, Floyd Middle Magnet School, Montgomery Academy, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (Holy Spirit Campus), Success Unlimited, Trinity Presbyterian School and Valiant Cross Academy. Montgomery Christian School’s mission is to provide an academically challenging education in a Christian environment to families with a limited school choice. This rigorous education has led to our students’ recruitment, admissions and success at wonderful middle and high schools throughout the area. Congratulations to the MCS Class of 2022!

Montgomery Academy seniors Charles Norris, Katherine Sinco and Carson Springer have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among 34,000 students throughout the nation who are being recognized for placing among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Congratulations to these students!

On September 16th, Montgomery Catholic was honored to serve the community at Chappy’s Deli’s Breakfast for Babies event supporting the Baptist Health NICUs. After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid-19, Breakfast for Babies returned for its 15th Annual event.

Our 45 students and 7 administrators volunteered to serve food, organize deliveries, and help with cleanup. After a busy 4 hours, we successfully served over 5,000 breakfasts and helped raise $62,000 for the Baptist Health NICUs. Breakfast for Babies is an event that Montgomery Catholic is proud to support, and we are already looking forward to next year.

Happy Birthday, Montgomery Christian School! MCS opened its doors to ten kindergartners in the fall of 2007. As the years progressed, students and grades were purposefully added to complete our K-5 elementary school. Now serving 99 students at 3265 McGehee Road, MCS has been partnering with parents to educate students with rigorous, Christ-centered academics for 15 years. Today MCS is thriving because of the Lord’s provision, the students and staff’s diligence, the Board’s dedication and our partners’ generosity.

To commemorate our birthday (and successes), the school held a cupcake party and pep rally on September 15th . Join us all year as we thank God for Montgomery Christian School and donate now to help us continue to provide an academically challenging education in a Christian environment to families with limited school choice. (www.montgomerychristianschool.org)

Coached and led by Stephanie Hill, a team of five Upper School students spent the first week of August in Minneapolis, MN, participating in a mock trial competition at St. Paul’s beautiful Capitol Complex. The group placed fourth in the nation. The YMCA’s National Judicial Conference attendees placed first in the regional competition and third in the state competition last fall and received a bid to attend NJC at the conclusion of Alabama YMCA’s Youth Judicial statewide mock trial event. Seniors Holden Habermacher, Charlie Hill, Claire Moore, and Laura Stanton Strickler traveled with sophomore John Alford. The group was tasked with learning both the plaintiff and defense sides of a fictional case where a high-performing high school track athlete died after illegal steroid use. Alford and Moore were witnesses on each side of the case. Habermacher initially prepared to be an attorney in the event but stepped into the third witness role at the last minute when team member Katie Brown was delayed during travel. Strickler and Hill were attorneys and absorbed Habermacher’s attorney role. The team intends to compete together again and MA looks forward to hosting Alabama YMCA’s Youth Judicial regional competition this fall.

Summer Math Competition
The top winners were Audrey Ensminger and Madeline Abell.

Summer Olympic Reading Program
Grammar School Top Reader – Lottie Smith

First Grade Winners
First Place – Rosie Jones
Second Place – Emmylou Gaines
Third Place – Eben Rowell

Second Grade Winners
First Place – Audrey Ensminger
Second Place – Mary Jewel Bius
Third Place – Scarlett Patrick

Third Grade Winners
First Place – Carter Echols
Second Place – James Freeman
Third Place – Charlotte MacLeod

Fourth Grade Winners
First Place – Caleb Shuemake
Second Place – Eliza MacLeod
Third Place – Sadler McClure

Fifth Grade Winners
First Place – Lottie Smith
Second Place – Wesley Anne Preston
Third Place – Phillip Thomas

The flash floods on Saturday, August 27th caused Montgomery Christian School to sustain severe water damage. Every classroom, except fourth grade, and some offices had extensive damage. The school was forced to close for one week while staff and teachers gathered to pray, plan and prepare for time away from the school building. Trinity Presbyterian Church graciously hosted our 99 students for a week so that we could continue providing excellent education while the building was being restored. Because of the hard work of restoration and carpet companies, countless volunteers and generous donors, we were able to return to our school building the following week.
The flooding of the building caused numerous challenges. Teachers lost several years of teaching materials, personal items and classroom décor. First grade alone lost over 200 books. A couple of teachers lost all of their handwritten lesson planning notebooks. Bookshelves and adult desks were destroyed. But God and generous community members were gracious and kind to MCS throughout this ordeal. Remarkably, MCS was able to return to 3265 McGehee Road within two weeks of the storm damage. Community and board members, teachers and staff, students and families beautifully served and gave in order for our students to be able to return. MCS still has items to replace and parts of the building to be mended, but thankfully intentional education is occurring.
God is good all the time. All the time, God is good was the theme for this trial. Our school has experienced the goodness of God-our students have seen the beauty of our Montgomery community; our families have been incredibly supportive, and our teachers have demonstrated perseverance and dedication. We are indeed grateful! MCS thanks everyone that had even a small part in the restoration process.
If you are interested in helping provide financial relief or items for our classrooms, please visit our website at www. MontgomeryChristianSchool.org or call (334)386-1749.

Booker T. Washington Magnet High School senior Lauren Rudolph has received an offer to train as a future company dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Lauren auditioned for and was accepted to attend the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Summer Intensive on a full merit scholarship and afterward receive the offer to train with the theatre. She chose to complete her senior year as a BTW Dance Magnet member and company dancer at Montgomery’s Symphony Q Academy of Dance (SQAD). Her BTW dance instructors are Joy Ohme and LaQuangela Littleton.

George Washington Carver High School students were recently recognized by Commissioner Daniel Harris, Jr. and received a resolution for the sacrifices made that are required to perform at such a high level. The team had some groundbreaking experiences and have inspired many of their pupils.

The Eastwood Christian School yearbook staff was honored with the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence Award for their 2021/2022 Yearbook, “Persevere”. The yearbook will be highlighted at regional, state, and national conventions for its quality in scholastic journalism.

Ann Aman has been named as a Remarkable Coach of the Year for Girls on the Run for South Central Alabama. Ann has worked with program since its beginnings and is an alum of Saint James School, graduating in 2001. She has coached girls at Saint James School grades 3 – 5. The girls meet and practice on the Saint James campus in the afternoons.
When asked what this program and this award mean to her, Ann stated, “Being a Girls on the Run coach is one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done. It is a bright spot in my week to be able to meet with the girls, watch them learn, gain confidence and get stronger. The lessons learned and connections made have impacted me over the years. I am truly honored to be recognized by such an outstanding organization. However, this award doesn’t belong to just me. It belongs to the many hands and hearts that have helped me coach each season! Girls on the Run is so much FUN!”
The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using running as part of an experience-based curriculum.

Under the direction of Jordan Berry, Head Coach of LAMP Speech and Debate, LAMP Speech and Debate novices recently competed in the Ria Shah Tournament at Hoover High School. LAMP took 21 novices to the tournament and seven varsity judges. (The tournament had 165 entries from 16 schools.) All of the students involved had a great time delivering speeches, winning rounds, and filling out ballots on Tabroom. It was a great learning experience for everyone.

Every debater who competed earned at least two victories. Debaters who finished the day with no more than one loss include Iman Malik (LD) and Connor Owens (LD).

Samantha Brandt was the Champion in Informative Speaking. Namita Pradeep, Sophia Holmes, and Grace Liu placed 5th, 3rd, and 2nd in Original Oratory, respectively. Irene Park finished as the OO Champion.

Congratulations to these and all on the LAMP Speech and Debate Team!

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students enjoy weekly art classes. Mrs. LaDonna LeMaster, ECA’s art teacher, makes each class fun and exciting. The students who range from the Kindergarten 4-year-old class to fifth graders, look forward each week to expressing their artistic talent. Mrs. LeMaster has introduced the students to the various elements of art and different art mediums. The students also look forward to studying various artists and creating art pieces in their styles.

Saint James School is so proud of four members of the Marching Trojans who represented Saint James at Auburn University’s Marching Honor Band. Ari’Yah Brown, James Ezra Brown, Rose Statam, and Davis Taylor were selected to perform with the Auburn University Marching Band during their halftime performance on Saturday, September 10 at Auburn’s game against San Jose State.
The students applied for this honor on the Auburn University Marching Band website and were selected to perform.

The Montgomery County Commission recognized the Carver High School Speech & Debate Team for a successful first season. The team was invited to and competed at Nationals in Louisville, Ken., despite being a brand-new team.

Team coach and English Language Arts teacher Cassie Rockette-Rogers also was the recipient of the National Speech and Debate Mockingbird District “New Coach of the Year” Award.

The Commission presented a resolution celebrating the team and its coach during a meeting.

On September 9th, over 20+ students from ACA’s WeServe program served lunch to over 300 first responders at the Salvation Army and at Montgomery Fire & Rescue Station 5. These students were able to thank and serve each of these first responders who inspire us all and serve our city so well! As we were approaching the anniversary of 9/11, we were proud to teach and show our students how deeply grateful we are for the men and women who willingly risk their lives to keep us all safe. We also got to give back to one of our own, Michael Northcutt, alumnus, class of 2002.

Our 8th grade students had the opportunity to sort clothes and prepare buckets full of supplies to send to families in need in Ukraine. The warehouse that houses these supplies was overflowing with donations. Our students genuinely love the WeServe program and the opportunity it provides for them to give back while in school at ACA.

The Class of 1992 from Trinity School celebrated their 30 year high school reunion. It was a wonderful evening reminiscing about the good ole days!

Camilla Barber ’21, a graduate of Trinity School is on the Auburn University flagline this year and just enjoyed performing in her first game! War Eagle Camilla!!

We celebrated Lower School Night at our football game on September 16th. We had over 250 kids attend, and they had a blast. We had the afterschool and flag cheerleaders perform and all our youth sports run through the helmet with all our varsity players. They all topped off the night with a half time fun run and pizza served afterwards! The excitement of the night was thoroughly enjoyed by both kids and
parents.

Saint James School is proud to announce that six members of its senior class have been awarded the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist for 2023. Seniors Alexander An, Justin Kang, Matthew Ohliger, Kelsey Shaffer, Selina Sun, and Kendal Wright have been honored as Semifinalists, a prestigious honor awarded to approximately 16,000 students nationwide, from over a million entrants. This honor is well-deserved for all six students.

National Merit Semifinalists are recognized for the exceptional academic promise shown by their outstanding performance on the 2021 PSAT tests, as well as their academic record, leadership abilities, honors received, and participation in school and community activities. Identifying these academically talented high school seniors across the nation provides them the opportunity to continue in the scholarship competition vying for one of 7,250 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title Merit Scholar.

Alexander An is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Thang An. Alex feels that “Saint James has given me an opportunity to focus on classes in mathematics, science, and technology that support my academic pursuits and has provided resources for me to search for the right colleges and careers for me.” Alex plans to apply to Georgia Tech, UAB, University of Texas at Austin, and Auburn.

Justin Kang, son of Mr. and Mrs. DJ Kang, shared, “I have been attending Saint James since the start of my junior year. Still, Saint James has supported me very much in terms of my academic goals. The opportunities that the school provides regarding competitions, volunteering, and school subjects, is much more substantial than any other I’ve attended. Thanks to the variety of opportunities, my life experience has been significantly bolstered socially and academically. The counselors are also very welcoming and supportive, which is crucial to approaching the college application process. I feel confident in progressing towards college, thanks to this school.” Justin plans to apply to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of Michigan.

Matthew Ohliger, son of Col. and Mrs. Charlie Ohliger, has big plans for his future. With the supportive teachers and peers that he has at Saint James, Mathew has excelled in his pursuit of his academic goals. He especially credits classes such as Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, and U.S. History with helping him pursue these goals. He has also been involved with the Saint James Marching Trojans for several years which is something he greatly enjoys. He plans to apply to Stanford; University of Washington; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of California, Berkeley; Seattle University; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.

Kelsey Shaffer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Shaffer. Kelsey expressed that “Saint James has done a great job of supporting me and my academic goals. The classes I’ve taken have challenged me and prepared me for my academic life in college, and my teachers have been very supportive and helpful throughout my high school experience.” She plans to apply to Northwestern, Georgia Tech, the University of Washington, and Auburn.

Selina Sun, the daughter of Mrs. Zhiyun Bo and Mr. Fajie Sun, said that “Saint James School’s college preparatory curriculum in all of its classes has provided me with the skills and knowledge I need to excel on assessments and in academic competitions, such as the Alabama Statewide Math Contest and the ACTE State Tech Fair.” Selina plans to apply to Emory University, Vanderbilt University, and Georgia Tech.

Kendal Wright is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Wright. Kendal expresses her gratitude for Saint James School as she shared, “Saint James has provided a learning environment where I feel both challenged and well prepared. The classes I have taken have been rigorous, but the teachers and faculty have done everything they can to prepare me and to help me succeed. The education and assistance I have received have been instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals. I am undecided on the college I plan to attend after graduation, but my top schools are currently the University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, and Auburn University.”

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

Saint James School celebrates the hard work and dedication shown by these six students which have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Caption: Seniors (L to R) Matthew Ohliger, Alexander An, Selina Sun, Kelsey Shaffer, Justin Kang, and Kendal Wright have been awarded the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist.

K4 students from Trinity School were excited to have their very own K4 Construction site to play, build and explore on! It was a super FUN day!

Allie Thompson in 1st grade at Trinity School is working in her writing journal. Each day students use their imagination and writing skills to fill these journals.

Saint James Senior Anna Brooke Bender, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cleg Bender, was crowned Saint James School’s 2022 Homecoming Queen in halftime ceremonies during STJ’s September 16th match-up against Southside.

Queen Brooke’s court included Freshman Attendant Kiyah Hyman, Sophomore Attendant Ayah Mahmoud, Junior Attendant Erin Waggoner, and Senior Attendant Courtney Huynh. Queen’s Attendants were Senior Kaitlyn Castleberry, Senior Kassidy Thompson, and Senior Kendal Wright. The crown bearers were Saint James kindergarten girls whose parents are Saint James alumni. The 2022 crown bearers were Miss Carrie Walker Kennington, daughter of Mr. Jared Noel and Mrs. Carrie Lindsay (Lanier) ‘03 Kennington; Miss Madison Sue Paxton, daughter of Mr. Roman Daniel and Mrs. Carrie (Cabaniss) ‘06 Paxton; and Miss Ansley Grace Robertson, daughter of Dr. Julian Lacey ‘97 and Mrs. Jennifer Campbell Robertson.

After a school-wide homecoming parade, the queen was announced during the afternoon pep rally. Queen Brooke and her court were presented during halftime ceremonies at the homecoming football game that evening. Saint James Board of Trustees Chair, Lt. Col. Dex McCain, Retired, presented Queen Brooke with a silver bowl per school tradition, and Head of School, Dr. Larry McLemore, crowned the 2022 Queen with the assistance of the three crown bearers. The Trojans won the night’s game against the Panthers, 56-14.

Caption 1: L-R: Saint James School Homecoming Court included Freshman Attendant Kiyah Hyman; Junior Attendant Erin Waggoner; Queen’s Attendant Kassidy Thompson; Queen’s Attendant Kendal Wright; Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore; 2022 Queen Brooke Bender; Queen’s Attendant Kaitlyn Castleberry; Senior Attendant Courtney Huynh; and Sophomore Attendant Ayah Mahmoud.

Caption 3: Saint James 2022 crown bearers L-R: Miss Walker Kennington, Miss Ansley Robertson, Miss Madison Paxton.

Several classes at Macon East Academy have been enjoying many exciting activities with their beginning of the year camping theme. Kindergarten students constructed camping scenes incorporating their names, read camping themed literature, and created characters from the stories, made smores using a solar oven, made campfire snacks using grapes, pretzels, and cheese curls, and learned camping themed songs and fingerplays. Our fourth-grade class made s’mores using skewers to roast marshmallows over a hot plate that they borrowed from the science lab. Macon East Mother’s Day Out students even participated in activities connected to the camping theme. Q-tip painting, camp stamps, molding play dough to make a letter “C” for camping and playing outside on the playground and in the gym are some of the fun these 3 and 4 years experienced. It was a great start to a fun-filled school year of learning at Macon East Academy.

Macon East Academy held its fourth annual Back to School Bash and Silent Auction on August 21, 2022. Hosted by the PTO, this event brings families from the school and community together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship for all ages. Kids enjoyed carnival games and prizes, inflatables, face painting, and more. This year the Pike Road Fire Department set up their truck and allowed kids to work the water hose (with help). A new addition this year was Laurel Hill Farms that brought various farm animals for the kids to pet, hold, and learn about. Our high school kids were a great help in running the games and we appreciate all our great volunteers. The day was topped off with a silent auction, featuring a wide variety of items up for the bidding. The Bash was a wonderful success thanks to a great turnout, generous local sponsors, and many hardworking volunteers. The PTO is already planning for even more fun for next year!

First graders at Trinity School read Iggy Peck Architect and used their imagination and creativity to construct objects in the STEAM Lab. Look at these engineers!