September 2024 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

The 7th Annual First Friday at ACA was an unforgettable day, brimming with laughter, moments of worship and reflection, and deep bonding among classmates. This cherished tradition kicked off the school year with enthusiasm as students spent the day with their homeroom teachers, engaging in team-building activities, learning about one another, and setting goals for the months ahead.
A significant focus of the day was the discussion around this year’s theme, “SHINE.” Developed by our Student Leadership, this theme encourages students to Shine their Light within our school, community, and the world. Throughout the day, homerooms delved into what it means to shine and how they can embody this spirit throughout the year.
Hearing students recap the day is a testament to the excitement and positivity that filled the air. With such a strong start, it’s clear that this is going to be a remarkable year at ACA!

As the new school year begins, Alabama Christian Academy (ACA) set a powerful tone by hosting an Hour of Prayer, uniting ACA families, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The gathering, held on campus, brought together a diverse group of individuals, all focused on one purpose: to pray over each student enrolled at ACA and the year ahead.
The event was a touching reminder of the importance of faith in the ACA community, as participants prayed for the students’ academic success, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. Faculty and staff were also lifted in prayer, as the community asked for guidance, wisdom, and strength for the educators and administrators who play such vital roles in shaping the lives of the students.
Parents and community members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to come together in prayer, emphasizing the unique bond that ACA fosters among its members. The gathering was a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing not just the minds, but also the hearts of its students.
As the school year unfolds, the ACA community is confident that this powerful start will pave the way for a year filled with learning, growth, and blessings.

As an introduction to prepositions, students in Mrs. Pears’ sixth grade class at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus got creative with a fun paper airplane activity during the first week of school. Each student crafted a paper airplane that they then sailed down the hallway 10 times. Following each flight, students described how and where the plane landed using a different prepositional phrase. Some examples of the phrases were “into Jayden’s back”, “above the locker”, and “it did a loopy loop over their heads.” The lesson really took flight and will surely be remembered for the next sixth grade writing assessment!
Pictured: Montgomery Catholic sixth grade students Jackson Butler and Coleman Beale create preposition planes in Mrs. Pears’ class. Photo by Mary Pears.

First day of school excitement was in full swing at River Region Academy, and we had a special guest to kick things off! Big Mo from the Montgomery Biscuits stopped by to make the day extra memorable for our students. There is nothing quite like starting the school year with some hometown spirit and big smiles!

The annual “Meet the Eagles” event brought together the community for an exciting day of sports, activities, and fun. The event, eagerly anticipated by local families, marked the official announcement of all fall sports, as well as the various youth sports programs. The atmosphere was electric as athletes, coaches, and fans gathered to kick off the new season with enthusiasm.
The event featured a variety of attractions for attendees of all ages. Bouncy houses were a hit among the younger crowd, providing endless entertainment and laughter. The concession stand was open, offering a range of snacks and refreshments, ensuring everyone was well-fed throughout the afternoon.
Local vendors added to the festive atmosphere, with Bama Chill serving up their popular ice-cold treats, perfect for cooling down on a warm day. MGM Nutrition also had a booth, providing healthy and delicious options for those looking to fuel up before the activities.
“Meet the Eagles” was not just about sports; it was about bringing the community together to celebrate and support the athletes who represent the spirit of the Eagles. The event was a success, setting the stage for a thrilling fall sports season and a promising year for youth sports programs.

Evangel Christian Academy’s student body has grown to a larger size than ever before as more and more parents choose ECA as the place to be for a quality education in Montgomery. ECA added staff members to keep our student-to-teacher ratio low and stay true to our promise of small class sizes. To accommodate our growing size, ECA has even added an upstairs classroom in addition to many other renovations around the school, all done to ensure we are giving students a comfortable and effective learning environment. One of the many benefits to having new members of staff is the new opportunities students have for electives taught by exemplary teachers. ECA is now offering an ACT prep course for high school students as well as a videography class. The ECA family is looking forward to a fantastic year!

Saint James School students participated in the YMCA’s National Judicial Competition in St. Paul, Minnesota, July 29-August 1.
Saint James competed in a multi-day competition against programs from around the country. Students participated in arguments, each witness testimonies, and strategy sessions.
Eight students participated in the competition: Jaden Rossell, Jordan Rossell, Alex Ruona, Carter Miller, Will Alexander, Michael Phan, Ava Donaldson, and Charlotte Brown.
As stated by the YMCA’s website, “the YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC) is an annual competition for high school student participants in the model judicial components – Appellate Court and Mock Trial – of the YMCA Youth and Government program. YMCA Youth and Government is a national movement of over 55,000 students participating in YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country. Each year, representatives or delegations from each state program has the opportunity to attend national programs and conferences.”

Saint James School senior Lily Everett recently participated in the sessions of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls program.
During Lily’s week serving as the school’s delegate, she learned about all levels of state government, attended workshops and sessions, and was inspired by female leaders in our community. Lily stated, “The program teaches us about being good citizens, role-models, encouragers, and about how to be involved in our local and state governments. It was truly a week of us all building each other up through compelling speakers, team time, Olympic trial games, a “Red, White, and Boots” dance, and even a formal inaugural dinner!”
Girls State is held on the campus of Troy University. The week-long, hands-on learning experience is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Alabama Girls State is a premier youth leadership program which offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its delegates.
Saint James School sends representatives to Girls State and Boys State each summer. These students enjoy the experience and learn lessons which will often impact their futures.

We’re thrilled to welcome our Wildcats back to campus for Trinity’s exciting new school year. With a focus on growth, learning, and serving God in mind, body, and spirit, we’re dedicated to nurturing every student’s potential. This year promises to be one of the unforgettable experiences where students thrive in a supportive and faith-centered community.

On Friday, August 16, the Saint James School ninth grade class headed to Camp Butter & Egg outside of Troy, Alabama for a day of team building and community bonding. The Saint James School Advisory Program, led by the High School Guidance Office, works to create lasting friendships and a sense of community among the newest high school students. The 9th grade advisories are assisted by a team of seniors who serve as Peer Leaders. The Peer Leaders meet weekly with the 9th grade students to help them transition to high school.
At Camp Butter & Egg, the 9th grade advisory groups and their Peer Leaders participated in several activities meant to build trust and encourage positive communication among the students. Many of the activities included challenges that require the group to problem-solve to achieve the goal. These group activities encourage communication and listening skills as the group works together. They also had lots of fun! Ziplining is always a favorite activity, along with canoeing, hiking, and volleyball.
Saint James School sets the tone for the new high school students with this fun-filled and team-building field trip each year. The Peer Leader program is a valued part of the Saint James high school experience.

We are excited to welcome Christian Coston as the new head baseball coach at Macon East Academy. A proud graduate of Verbena High School and Faulkner University, Christian holds a BS in Physical Education and Drivers Education. With 8 years of coaching experience in baseball, football, and basketball, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for athletics to our program.
Family is at the heart of Christian’s life. He is engaged to Ashley McLean and is a loving father to Karlee Mae and future stepdaughter Emersyn. Outside of sports, Christian enjoys traveling, cheering on Alabama athletics, and spending quality time with his loved ones.
At Macon East, where academic excellence meets championship tradition, Christian is eager to embark on this new journey. We look forward to his leadership and expertise as we strive for another successful baseball season.

School is in session and we are in the groove at River Region Academy! Our River Otters are diving into learning and making waves. Our teachers don’t just teach—they support, uplift, and create a community with good vibes and teamwork where everyone wins. Who said school can’t be fun?

The Evangel Christian Academy senior class enjoyed special recognition on their first day back to school. The class of 2025 was all smiles as the whole student body gathered to welcome them to their last first day, allowing the seniors the privilege of being the first students in the building. Some seniors chose to decorate graduation caps to celebrate the occasion. The Senior Walk is an annual first day of school tradition at ECA given some extra flair by this year’s class.

Students, parents, and staff came together for River Region Academy’s Meet the Teacher Night so we could gear up for an exciting school year. Our River Otters came ready to dive in and make a splash!

Hooray for the 17th annual back to school! Montgomery Christian School (MCS) had such a fantastic first week of school celebrating with Nancy’s Ice on Friday. A sweet treat on a hot day was a great reward and MCS is grateful to Nancy’s Ice for their generosity. Last year, MCS added a second kindergarten class. This year, we welcome an additional first grade class. MCS will continue to grow each year, adding one grade level at a time.
Montgomery Christian School (MCS) 5th grade leaders are off to a successful year! They are so blessed with fantastic teachers Mrs. Allison Jackson and Dr. Joy Darley. They are currently reading Wonder by RJ Palacio. The fifth grade students serve the school by hosting tours, playing with the younger students, cleaning, and being examples to all who enter the MCS community. When MCS students continue their education in 6th grade and beyond, MCS staff and families are confident in their readiness and ability.
Montgomery Christian School loves weekly visits from DOGS ON CALL. Weekly, kindergarteners got to enjoy double the love from Winston and his polka-dot pal, Hank. Volunteers read Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp. These precious pups received many hugs from their beloved fans.

In the opening hours of the new school year, Montgomery Academy Middle and Upper School students review and pledge to uphold the tenets of the Honor Code, adding their signature to a list with their classmates. The Montgomery Academy Honor Code fosters the development of a school community of trust, mutual respect, integrity, and academic honesty. All members of the community are expected to support the ideals of the Honor Code, to conduct themselves ethically, and to encourage others to do the same. These principles, set forth starting in our Lower School, serve to further our school’s fundamental mission: to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service, and the pursuit of excellence.

At Trinity, the Senior and Kindergarten buddy program is a cherished tradition that begins on the very first day of school when Seniors and Kindergartners are matched as buddies. This special connection is nurtured throughout the year as they see each other daily in the halls, fostering a unique bond. Each month, they participate in special events together, creating memories and relationships that last well beyond their time at Trinity. This program beautifully reflects the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of our school community.

Trinity seniors kicked off the school year by joining together for a beautiful sunrise breakfast, celebrating the strong sense of community that defines Trinity. It’s the perfect way to begin their final chapter, surrounded by friends and supported by a school that values unity and lasting memories.

Third grade students at Forest Avenue participated in a fun STEM activity called, Save Fred! This back to school activity encouraged the students to work together cooperatively, problem solve and communicate! A fun way to start the year and get to know your classmates better!

On Friday night of opening week at MA, over 1000 members of the MA community came together at our Back to School Bash sponsored by the Parents of the Academy (POA). Dinner was served and members of our fall sports teams were introduced. Our Lower School students were treated with bounce houses and had a chance to show their MA spirit with the first Eagle Walk of the season. MA would like to offer a special thank you to Tracy Williford who organized the event.

Dr. Matthew Phillips recently led chapel at Trinity School, delivering an impactful message to our Middle and Upper School students about the importance God creating life. Trinity’s first-semester charity, Change for Change, will be Life on Wheels—a traveling ultrasound bus with a mission to serve women, save babies, and share Jesus. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to make a meaningful impact, embodying the spirit of service and compassion at our community’s heart.

Congratulations to MA Juniors Sullivan Murphy and Drew Phenix on their selection to represent MA in the inaugural LINC MGM class! LINC (Lead, Innovate, Network, and Change) MGM is a new program with the goal of developing leaders, making connections, and providing students an opportunity for growth. Drew and Sullivan are now part of a group of 17 students from around the Montgomery area, from both public and independent schools, chosen by Mayor Steven Reed, the Montgomery School Board, and Montgomery-area faculty and staff as top leaders. MA is proud of you both as you embark on this exciting opportunity!

Montgomery Academy’s newest and oldest Eagles kicked off the school year during our annual Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, August 13. The ceremony begins with a procession of all our new K/12 Buddies. Ethan Yi (Senior Class President) gave the invocation, John Alford (SGA President) shared his own unique perspective of the MA Journey, and Head of School John McWilliams challenged all in attendance to truly focus on what matters in life, both in & out of the classroom. To cap things off, Millie Arrington closed with a special message from the Class of 2037 to the Class of 2025. Soar, Eagle, Soar!

Introducing the 2024-2025 Forest Avenue Peer Helpers! These friends had to fill out an application, be approved by previous year’s and this year’s teachers, give a speech to their classes, and then go onto a committee to be chosen. We are proud of these students, and ALL of the students who had the courage to apply! We look forward to seeing more from this group! This group is let by Mrs. Melissa Friesen and Mrs. Laura Daniel.

Ms. Ausley’s kindergarten friends at Forest Avenue have adopted puppies to take home to read to for 20 minutes each night! Happy Reading! Happy Puppies!

Saint James School’s Cross Country Team is hosting a 5k and 1 mile fun run for the community on September 21, 2024. The annual Trojan Trot will be held at the Shakespeare Festival Theater and will generate excitement around health and wellness in our community. The 5k ($30) will start at 8am and the 1-mile fun run ($20) will start at 9:15 am. All levels of runners and walkers are encouraged to participate! There will be music, face painting, and an inflatable bounce house during both races. Medals will be presented to first, second, and third place runners in each age group for boys and girls of the 5k and 1-mile fun run.
Packet pickup is recommended and will be the night before the race from 5-6pm. To guarantee a race t-shirt, please register by September 6th.Register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/81818 to join the fun!

Kindergarten friends in Ms. O’s class at Forest Avenue enjoyed a fun first few days of school!

Forest Avenue fifth graders have started their micro economy study with the election of mayors for each fifth grade “city.” Each mayor is holding a campaign sign. All candidates delivered a speech, and all “citizens” voted. Our mayors are Elijah Yang for Hall’s Hacienda, Weston Adams for Bruner’s Beach, Lynn Kim for Rodo Ridge, and Mashal Habib for Dyer’s Dugout.