Montgomery Student Spotlights – September 2025

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Theology teacher, Mrs. Lauren Hoyer, recently brought each of her classes into the school chapel for a special time of prayer and reflection. Students were given the opportunity to sit quietly in prayer while Mrs. Hoyer played the guitar and sang beautiful meditation songs.
Faith is the root of everything we do at Montgomery Catholic, guiding our students in their learning, shaping their character, and leading them toward success. Having a chapel on campus is a blessing that allows students to step away from their busy schedules and spend time with God throughout the day. The chapel also provides opportunities to attend Mass before school and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when priests are on campus.
Through moments like this, our students are reminded that faith is not just something we learn in the classroom—it is something we live each day.

The adage says, “Dress for Success”. I do believe this is what our TEA students are doing this 2025-2026 school year. This is a New year and a New look with New uniforms, Yes!
The school motto states: “Taking an Extra Step towards Education Excellence*”, Because Our Students Matters!” This extra step means going above and beyond to reach our goals. It means doing right when it is not popular among their peers. It means having a Godly attitude in ALL situations. TEA’s students are challenged daily to uphold educational excellence. They look good as they walk the steps of excellence.
We are proud and applaud them for rising above and striving to be their best. In the words of Tim Duncan, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is your better and your better is best.”

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School students Faith Brown, Kaylin Snerling, and Ziliyah Williams proudly served as interns in the Jackson Hospital Summer Internship Program. Through this opportunity, they participated in the Jackson Hospital Volunteer Program, which allows students to give back to their community while gaining meaningful experience in a healthcare setting.
As summer interns, they played a vital role in supporting the hospital’s mission to deliver high-quality care to its patients. Interns and volunteers are placed in a variety of areas, including patient care, administrative support, the surgical center, and customer service. This experience provides valuable insight into the healthcare field and helps students build essential professional skills.
Faith, Kaylin, and Ziliyah are also active members of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School. Notably, Faith Brown currently serves as the chapter President, demonstrating leadership and a deep commitment to her future in healthcare.
This internship and volunteer experience not only prepares them for future careers in the medical field but also reflects their dedication to making a positive impact in their community.
Picture Position: Left to Right: Ziliyah Williams, Faith Brown and Kaylin Snerling

Saint James School middle and high school students came together for the annual Trojan Character Assembly, the first of the core values assemblies scheduled each quarter. This tradition highlights the school’s commitment to fostering integrity, resilience, and purpose in its students.
The featured speaker was Saint James Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore, Class of 2000, who shared with students that character acts as a “roadmap,” pointing us in the direction of where we want to go. “There may be a detour or two along the way,” McLemore said, “but character is our guide and will ultimately bring us toward the path we need to take.”
Dr. McLemore emphasized that when students focus on people and values, they “energize their mindset and stay on track to building strong habits.” His message underscored the school’s theme for the year, Trojans on Purpose, which calls students, faculty, and families to live intentionally and align daily choices with core values.
Core Values assemblies are held each quarter, focusing on the four core values of character, commitment, courage, and community. These values are the foundation of the school’s mission and shape everything from student programming to curriculum, to leadership initiatives. Saint James School prepares students not only for academic success but also for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement.

Saint James School kicked off the school year with its annual Meet the Trojans celebration on Friday, August 15. The evening began with a family-friendly Back to School Bash at 5:00 p.m. on the Practice Field, where Trojans of all ages enjoyed inflatables, face tattoos, and even a graffiti wall designed for middle and high school students. Families gathered in a casual, festive atmosphere to celebrate the start of the school year together.
At 6:00 p.m., the community made its way to Carlisle Field for the main event: Meet the Trojans. The program introduced and celebrated the Marching Trojans, color guard, Trojanettes Dance Team, and all fall student-athletes, showcasing the excitement and energy of the new season. Youth sports were also featured with flag and tackle football, youth cheer, and mini cheer announced at the event. The evening wrapped up with a football showcase, giving fans a first look at the 2025 Trojans in action.
“This event is one of our favorite traditions,” said Athletic Director Larry Ware. “It brings the whole Saint James community together to cheer on our students and set the tone for the year ahead.”
Meet the Trojans has become a favorite tradition of the back-to-school season at Saint James, blending school spirit and family fun.

Montgomery Christian Middle School is excited to launch a new initiative that fosters creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning through our Friday Clubs program. Current offerings include Service Leadership, Baking Lab, Innovation Club, and Board Game Club, each designed to spark curiosity and build community among our students. We look forward to expanding these opportunities with additional clubs this winter.

At Montgomery Christian Preschool, even our youngest learners begin each day with joy and purpose. From infants as young as six weeks to our K4 students, mornings are filled with energy and praise as we gather for chapel and worship together. This daily tradition fosters a strong foundation of faith, community, and love for God in the hearts of our children.

Macon East Academy is proud to welcome Coach Buzz Phillips, a legend in Alabama athletics, to its faculty and coaching staff. With an extraordinary 52 years of coaching experience, Phillips brings a legacy of excellence, leadership, and passion for the game to the Knights community.
A graduate of Lanier High School, Troy State University, Auburn, and Montevallo University, Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science degree and was a standout member of Troy State’s 1968 National Championship Basketball Team. His accomplishments have earned him a place in both the AISA Hall of Fame and the Huntingdon College Hall of Fame, as well as national recognition as Small College Coach of the Year, Basketball Champion, and Troy University Alumni of the Year.
Beyond the court, Coach Phillips will share his expertise in the classroom, teaching a new Law & Society course, broadening Macon East’s academic opportunities.
He and his wife, Nancy, are proud parents of Scott Phillips and the late Kerriy Ashley. In his free time, he enjoys reading and, unsurprisingly, staying connected to the world of sports.
With his unmatched experience and dedication, Coach Phillips is sure to leave a lasting impact at Macon East Academy.

Macon East Academy is pleased to welcome Coach William Cowan to its faculty and coaching staff this school year.
A native of Hazel Green, Alabama, and graduate of Hazel Green High School, Cowan went on to attend Huntingdon College, where he earned his degree in History and Secondary Education while also competing as a member of the Huntingdon Hawks baseball team.
At Macon East, he will teach Computer, History, and Health courses, while also serving as an assistant coach for both football and baseball.
Coach Cowan brings a strong blend of academic knowledge and athletic experience, and the Knights community is excited to have him on board for the year ahead.

Montgomery Christian School joyfully opened its doors on August 11th, welcoming students into a brand-new building for the first day of school. Excitement filled the halls—especially in first grade, where students kicked off the year with “jitter juice” to calm first-day nerves and set the tone for a fun and fruitful year of learning and growth. This year also marks several exciting milestones: we launched our new middle school with a sixth-grade class, added a new second-grade classroom, and officially joined with Aldersgate Preschool to form Montgomery Christian School Preschool.

Montgomery Academy Kindergartners recently met their Fourth Grade buddies for the first time, kicking off the year with some fun on the playground. This special pairing connects the youngest and oldest students in the Lower School, building friendships and a sense of community. Along with their Senior buddies, Kindergartners will meet with their Fourth Grade buddies throughout the year for shared activities and meaningful connections.

Macon East Academy’s annual Softball Camp brought plenty of energy, smiles, and fun to the field as young athletes joined the Lady Knights for a day of learning and play. Campers spent time building their skills, growing their love for the game, and creating lasting memories with the team.
The Lady Knights look forward to welcoming campers back next year—and invite everyone to come cheer them on during the upcoming spring season. Go Knights!

The Montgomery Academy is pleased to announce its 2025-26 Montgomery Academy theater season! All of the traditional favorites are back at the Hill Campus while our Middle & Upper School productions bring a fresh lineup of sure-to-be smash hits to the James W. Wilson, Jr. Theater! MA’s Drama Director, Evan Price, has unified this year’s Middle and Upper School productions under the theme of “Justice & Authority,” with each play thoughtfully exploring aspects of these ideas.
Middle and Upper School:
• Middle School Fall Play, October 22-24, “Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit” by Jonathan Rand
• Upper School Winter Play, February 19-21, “Antigone” by Sophocles, translated by Don Taylor
• Upper School Spring Musical, April 30-May 2, “Little Women” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and book by Allan Knee
Lower School:
• 2nd Grade Play, November 21, “A Fall Celebration”
• 1st Grade Play and Eagleaires Chorus, December 19, Annual Christmas Pageant
• 4th Grade Play, February 13, “American Voices”
• 3rd Grade Play, March 12, “Harmony High”
• Kindergarten Play, May 20, “I Like School”

Trinity is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students in the Distinguished Young Women of Montgomery County program.
• Lauren Babcock – 1st Runner-Up, plus Fitness, Talent, and Interview Awards; University of Mobile scholarship recipient
• Maggie Stephens – Overall Top 10; University of Mobile scholarship recipient
• Hart Johnston – Overall Top 10; University of Mobile scholarship recipient
• Ann-Stallings Gardner – Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman, plus Fitness, Self-Expression, and Interview Awards; University of Mobile scholarship recipient
We are so proud of these young women for representing Trinity with grace, talent, and excellence!

Trinity is proud to celebrate 5th grader Wills Rudder, who helped lead his team to victory as the 10U All-Stars Minors World Series Champions at the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series in Lexington, South Carolina! With an incredible 17–1 record, Wills and his teammates showcased the same determination, teamwork, and spirit we value at Trinity. Congratulations, Wills—we’re so proud of you!

Butterflies, excitement, fist bumps, and reunions—it’s what the first days of back to school are all about! From first morning dropoffs to the first walks across the bridge and into the Middle School classrooms and courtyard, Montgomery Academy has been buzzing with excitement in every corner. We are so excited for an aMAzing 2025-2026 school year!

To celebrate the start of a new school year, WINGS rolled out a special treat for our amazing faculty and staff—a fully stocked Coffee, Energy Drink, and Doughnut Bar! Teachers started their day with the perfect pick-me-up, enjoying fresh coffee, iced coffee, energy drinks, and a delicious assortment of doughnuts.
WINGS loves showing support for our teachers and staff, and this sweet surprise was just one of the many ways we hope to keep spirits high and energy flowing throughout the year. Here’s to a great start and an even greater school year ahead!

Alabama Christian Academy recently gathered as a school family for a special Hour of Prayer, bringing faculty, staff, parents, and students together to cover the campus in prayer. Throughout the hour, participants walked the halls and visited classrooms, lifting up heartfelt prayers for our school, its mission, and every individual who steps through our doors.
This meaningful time served as a reminder of the power of faith and community, uniting us in our shared commitment to nurture hearts, minds, and spirits. It was a beautiful expression of ACA’s dedication to keeping Christ at the center of everything we do.

Alabama Christian Academy kicked off the season with a fun-filled Meet the Eagles event, bringing our school community together to celebrate all things ACA! Families, students, and fans gathered to meet our fall sports teams, club cheerleaders, and flag football teams, giving everyone a chance to cheer on our Eagles before the season officially begins.
The evening was packed with excitement, featuring bouncy houses for the kids, delicious food trucks, and plenty of school spirit. Laughter, cheering, and fellowship filled the air as we celebrated the dedication and hard work of our athletes and coaches.
It was the perfect way to start another incredible season at ACA!

On Friday, August 9, Saint James School joyfully welcomed approximately 850 students in grades Pre-K2 through 12th grade for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Excitement filled the campus as students reunited with friends, connected with teachers, and stepped into a year with purpose at the center.
With three divisions, Elementary, Middle, and High School, Saint James has embraced the theme “Trojans on Purpose” for the year ahead. The charge calls the school community to live and lead with intentionality, put core values first, and align every action with the school’s mission.
“We’ve been working hard all summer to prepare for a new year built on purpose,” said Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore. “Our purpose is to build up every child from the inside out, to encourage each heart, to build character, and to elevate potential. At Saint James, purpose drives our decisions, shapes our relationships, and reflects our values and what is in our hearts. We are teaching, mentoring, coaching, and leading on purpose because we believe what our children learn today can change the direction of their lives.”
From the youngest Preschool students taking their first steps into the classroom, to the seniors beginning their final year of high school, the first day was a celebration of new beginnings. Parents gathered for the annual BooHoo Yahoo Breakfast, a tradition that blends laughter, a few tears, and plenty of community spirit. Teachers greeted students at the door, hallways buzzed with energy, and every corner of campus reflected the optimism of a new year.
Saint James School looks forward to a year of learning, growth, and shared purpose.

Fourth graders at Forest Avenue are recreating the Frindle photo from the novel Frindle by Andrew Clements.

As we wrapped up our first week of school, our students have settled in beautifully, and enjoying some cool treats to beat the heat during snack time! It’s been a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the start of a new year while helping everyone stay comfortable in the warm weather.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to share these joyful moments with our school community.

The Montgomery Academy’s newest and oldest Eagles began the 2025-26 school year with an Opening Convocation ceremony, beginning with a procession of our new Kindergarten and Senior Buddies. Jackson Brown (Senior Class President) gave the student welcome and Rob Ashworth (SGA President) shared his own unique perspective of the MA Journey. Capping the event off, Edward Williams closed with a special message from the Class of 2038 to the Class of 2026. Soar, Eagle, Soar!

We kicked off the new year with so much excitement, and we were overwhelmed by the love and support from our community! We had many special guests and visitors stop by to wish us well, it was truly unbelievable! Your presence meant the world to us and reminded us just how loved and blessed we are to be part of this amazing community!
Even more exciting, our enrollment has increased this year! We have so many new students joining us, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome them into our school family!
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, laughter, and new beginnings!

On behalf of Resurrection Catholic School, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Rosalind Pijeaux Hale and the Montgomery Education Retirees Association, MERA for donating school supplies. Your generosity has truly been a blessing, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude!
Because of your kindness, our school community continues to grow stronger in faith, learning, and love. We are so grateful for your support! We can’t thank you enough!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…well, our little Pre-K artists just proved that and more!
This week, we worked on a fun and meaningful “Picture Puzzle Project!” Each student received a puzzle made from a photo of themselves, and with lots of focus, giggles, and teamwork, they pieced themselves back together.
It was a picture-perfect moment full of pride, self-recognition, and joy. Watching their faces light up as their own image came together piece by piece was truly priceless!

Resurrection Catholic School kindergarten students are exploring and using manipulatives. They made a teddy bear using a counter.