July’s River Region Student Spotlights

Resurrection Catholic School kindergarten student Chandler Ross was selected as a Newtopia Champion by his teacher. Along with other champions, he enjoyed an evening of fun, food and recognition.

Resurrection Catholic School’s 7th-grade science class enjoyed more opportunities to experience STEM by dissecting owl pellets.

Macon East Academy second-grade students enjoyed a field trip to Lanark Nature Center with their teache, Kathy Loomis, and parents. It was a beautiful day for them to go hiking through the trails, fish with cane poles, and get a little wet during their creek walk looking for Alabama clay.

Seventeen precious kindergartners were dressed in white robes with royal blue Macon East Academy shawls. Mrs. Lawrence’s class entertained parents, grandparents and students at their commencement ceremony. This amazing class focused on reading, math and essential readiness skills. Students used their iPads for additional enrichment activities this year. Welcome to first grade, little Knights!

Sydney Howard will join the Alabama Christian Academy Upper School counseling team for the 2021-2022 school year. She will lead ACA’s efforts guiding the Upper School students to strategically focus on the way that God has equipped them for vocational calling, career readiness and advanced academic exploration. Howard has a passion for helping upperclassmen identify their best college fits and expand their scholarship/financial aid options. She will also work to guide both students and parents, in collaboration with faculty and administrators, on the necessary steps to achieving each student’s educational goals.

Howard has a Master’s in school counseling from Faulkner University, where she graduated with honors. She is married to Greg Howard, and they have a two-year-old son, Trent. In addition to her background teaching and coaching multiple sports, she has been working with our current Upper School counselor, Beth Camp, for the past two years facilitating internships and assisting in student academic counseling. She can be reached at showard@alabamachristian.org and is available for all Upper School (6-12 grade) students and their families.

Coach Katie Barton and her current and former varsity team helpers were so excited to hold the Saint James annual summer basketball camps. The camp for younger girls (rising grade 2-4) was held June 1-3, with the camp for older girls (rising grades 5-8) held from June 7-10. This year we had our biggest and best camps with a total of 83 ballers from STJ and all over the River Region.

Montgomery Academy cheer squads recently participated in the UCA Resort Cheer Camp at OWA in Foley, Ala. The team brought home many trophies including 1st place Camp Dance – MA Varsity, 1st place Gameday – MA JV, 2nd place Cheer – MA JV, 1st place Camp Dance – MA JV, 1st place Cheer – MA Middle School, and 3rd place Camp Dance – MA Middle School!

The entire program brought home the Top Banana Award given to the team at camp that demonstrates qualities of leadership, spirit and overall ability to work hard while still having fun.

An Wilkes Cavanaugh, Margaret Gowan, Caroline Mastin, Josie Aronov, Frannie Brazil, Sarah-Elizabeth Casey and Emily-Kathryn Casey were all selected as 2021 UCA All-American Cheerleaders. Caroline Mastin, Margaret Gowan and Lucie Parker made the Jump-off Finals. Caroline Waller, Margaret Gowan, Sarah-Elizabeth Casey and Anne Layton Lee received the special “Pin It Forward” honor. All three squads received a spirit stick every night and blue ribbons for Cheer and Camp Dance Evaluations every day throughout the week. The Montgomery Academy cheer program is led by varsity cheer coach Morgan Maxwell.

Montgomery Academy rising juniors Claire Gary, Holden Habermacher, Kareena Singh and Carson Springer were selected by the Upper School Faculty to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership 2021 Alabama Seminar held virtually in June.

For more than five decades, HOBY has inspired young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change in their home, school, workplace and community. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long and impressive history of successfully motivating youth and volunteers to outstanding leadership. HOBY aims to inspire and develop our global community of youth & volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning and motivation-building experiences.

Students at Dannelly Elementary launched into learning with rockets they created during the summer program. Teacher Kellie Lawrence led the enrichment activity, which is part of the MPS Launch into Learning program. More than 12,000 students are taking part in the program.

The students built the rockets by forming a cylinder and a cone with construction paper and other materials. Once the rockets were assembled, the students headed outside for the experiment. They poured water into the tube, added an Alka-Seltzer tablet, and then sealed it with a plastic cap.
The students and Lawrence stepped back as the chemical reaction took place inside the rockets. With a pop, the rockets blasted off into the air, sometimes a few inches, other times several feet.

Other enrichment activities at Dannelly during this one day of summer learning included a combination relay race and Scrabble game and students building and testing catapults.

Montgomery Catholic summer camps began during the first week of June, and have been going strong ever since! Students participated in wrestling, basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, softball, and junior engineers camp throughout the month of June.

In addition to athletic camps, this year we have added Jr. Engineers, Laser Cut Creations, Robotics and MakerSpace Institute Camps to our summer schedule. These camps are all geared toward students who love to learn and create. From learning the inner workings of a computer to creating paper rockets and laser-cut birdhouses, these camps help teach students how to create and innovate.
Montgomery Catholic looks forward to welcoming students to the rest of our summer camps throughout July and early August.

Debate students at Loveless Academic Magnet Program are learning about teamwork and trust as part of the MPS Launch into Learning summer learning program.
Students were tasked with stacking red plastic cups into a pyramid using string, a rubber band, and paper clips. To raise the level of difficulty, they had to do it without touching the cups with their hands. To raise it even further, two of the students in each group of three or four had to do it blindfolded.

The students without blindfolds gave instructions to those wearing the blindfolds and used the paper clips to help guide the cups. Each student held a piece of string tied to the rubber band to wrap it around the cups and then take off the rubber band after the cup was stacked.

This was just one of many activities at LAMP this summer, where students are also studying subjects including chemistry, advanced English language arts, advanced mathematics, and dual enrollment.

April’s ECTC Student of the Month is Anit Sankar from the Aviation Technology program. From left are CTE Director Emilie Johnson, Sankar and Aviation instructor James Stough.

On May 28, a service opportunity was brought before Alabama Christian Academy Coach Summers for ACA athletes. In the Montgomery area, there was a disabled 85-year-old Korean/Vietnam War veteran with a severely mentally handicapped daughter, and they needed a lot of work done at their residence to clean it up and make it more manageable to live in. On June 9, ACA coaches Gilliam, Summers and Howard took the football and baseball teams to help the veteran get his house cleaned up. ACA loves to serve others and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

The Alabama Christian Academy Marching Eagle Band’s new drum major, Garrett Davie, and members of the ACA junior varsity and varsity color guard participated in Troy University’s Sound of the South Music Leadership Camp. The week ended in a grand finale performance of all groups, and ACA’s color guard was awarded Best Overall Guard. Special recognition to Garrett Davie, Kaylee Stenger, Ella Grace Dicks, Selena Tran, Jonae Watts, Isabel Flowers and Jamie Mathews for their hard work and dedication.

Kendall Hardaway, a member of the Saing James Class of 2022, attended the 2021 American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Alabama Girls State Conference held on the University of Alabama campus June 6-11. During the week, the delegates took part in learning parliamentary procedure while also hearing from many speakers all with the common theme of the importance of women serving in leadership roles. While there, Hardaway made the decision to run for office. She had to campaign and give multiple speeches in front of more than 400 girls. She was elected to the office of secretary of state.

According to the ALA Alabama Girls State information, the secretary of state is elected to perform the following duties:

“Secretary of State is the Custodian of the State Seal, and original copies of laws and records of the two houses of the legislature; affixes the State Seal on all official documents; issues certificates concerning records of the office; keeps complete records of all lands of the State and furnishes copies of any portion of these records upon request; issues commissions to every elected and appointed state and county official; registers corporations doing business within the state; registers trademarks used on products within the state; prepares extradition papers and warrants of arrest; acts as agent for the serving of legal summons for a non-resident operator of motor vehicles in the state; keeps records of all deeds filed for record by any department, agency, commission or public corporation created by act of the legislature; keeps a copy of all annual reports filed by all state departments.”

Montgomery Catholic celebrated a third-grader at its Holy Spirit Campus awards assembly May 27. Justin Lee set a national point record for Renaissance Accelerated Reader during the 2020-21 school year.
After breaking the school’s AR point record, Lee set a personal goal to break the National AR record of 2,018 points in an eight-month period. He exceeded that point total and went on to reach a final total of 2,718.6 points within nine months. In honor of this amazing achievement, Montgomery Catholic has created a new AR award for students called the “Justin Lee Top Hat” award.

In addition to being a gifted reader, Lee is a straight-A student, speaks several languages including English and Korean, is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and plays piano, trumpet and guitar.
Shown, Montgomery Catholic President Justin Castanza awards Lee with the inaugural “Justin Lee Top Hat” award for Accelerated Reading.

Julienne Pharrams was elected as the governor of Girls State by her fellow attendees. Alabama Girls State is a leadership program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary that is designed to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while learning about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Pharrams is a rising senior at Montgomery Catholic. She participates in Student Government, National Honor Society, varsity volleyball and basketball teams, and the YMCA’s Youth in Government programs. She was also selected for the Council on National Affairs (CONA).

Four wonderful ladies retired from Dalraida Elementary School this year. From left are Linda Simpson (5th grade), Catherine Ballant (2nd grade), Michelle Harris (principal), and Linda Royal (5th grade). A celebration was given in their honor to recognize their many years of dedication to education!

Nineteen Jr. Police Academy graduates were recognized at Millbrook Middle School after a full week of hands-on experience regarding law enforcement. COVID canceled the academy last year, but this year two sets of camps were scheduled.

During the week, campers learned a lot of information, including crime scene investigation, building clearing, self defense, athleticism, agility, character building, SWAT and much more. They took an oath administered by Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson, promising to be a good citizen. Lt. Stephen Youngblood addressed the graduates, commending all of them for their effort, participation, and above all, not giving up! School Resource Officer Kristen Godwin talked about several aspects of the camp, including interaction with a K-9 officer.

Campers also drove golf carts while wearing “drunk goggles” to see how they did driving through a short course as part of field sobriety training. They even watched a Taser demonstration with Millbrook Middle School Principal Sean Kreauter, who went through the Montgomery Police Academy 11 years ago.

Prattville High School seniors took to the field at Stanley-Jensen Stadium June 3 to graduate after a very unusual school year. PHS Principal Brock Dunn spoke to the students about the challenges they faced this year, and painted a bright picture for each of their futures.

“Obviously this year did not go the way that you envisioned. None of us could have foreseen the things that have happened over the last year and a half,” Dunn said. “However, you have many, many more years to make a mark on society, Autauga County, and the City of Prattville.”

2021 PHS salutatorian Alyson Kroft spoke about the people who positively impacted her life while at Prattville High School, and how all graduates should never underestimate the power of being a good influence.

“Serving as a role model to someone today can open their eyes to a possible future tomorrow,” Kroft said. “Just supporting somebody on a hard day can have everlasting, positive change in their life. Every one of you will have that opportunity in your life to be that person to someone.”

2021 valedictorian Carter Stockman laid out a crucial aspect of life that’s important for graduates to maintain as they make the leap to life after high school.

“With the business of life, we can get caught up in the game and forget what is most important to us,” Stockman said. “To combat this, we must let go of our anxiety and maintain our focus on the critical aspects of life and become the best people we can. We have no purpose without community.”

Saint James School K-5 Readiness Camp, held June 14-16, was a wonderful way for rising kindergarten students to get to know their teachers and each other. This year’s camp was Eric Carle-themed. Students learned about being an author and illustrator and discussed what that means. They read many of his books and the activities were themed around them! The students were engaged in activities to get them familiar with the K-5 teachers and each other—dancing, singing, writing, counting, coloring, cloud watching, making playdough from scratch, eating popsicles and more! No matter what they were doing, each day they became more comfortable with their new environment. The students got to experience all of the kindergarten teachers and explore kindergarten before August!

Macon East Academy senior Kadence Ward signed to play softball with Florida State College at Jacksonville next season. Ward has been a starter for the Lady Knights program for the past three years. She was one of the Lady Knights’ best utility players. Ward finished her senior year with a batting average of .293, with 13 doubles and 40 hits. She was named to the 2018 AISA All-Tournament team and a 2019 All-Metro player.

Shown with Ward are her parents, Tony and Amanda Ward, sister Zola Grace, and teammates Sydney Phelps, Anna Glynn Lott, Georgia Blaze, Ryan Russell, Alyssa Clark, Breann Morrison, Kylee Smith, Austin Gorman, Lathan Johnson, Abby Vinson, Anna Dickson Beck and Kaiden Byrom.

Incredible things continue to happen with the Alabama Christian Academy Fishing Team! ACA will be going to BASS Nationals July 29-31. On June 18, the team had a second-place boat and a third-place team finish in the ASABFA State Jr. Championship on Lake Jordan and a sixth-place boat in the Senior Division.

The previous week, ACA Junior Division Anglers Ethan Gardner and Hayes Boyd had a ninth-place finish in the BASS State Championship and a sixth-place finish for Senior Division Anglers JT Lamberth and Alexander Costanza in the BASS State Senior Championship on Lake Weiss. Lamberth and Costanzar have now qualified to fish in the BASS Nations National Classic on Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tenn., July 29-31. BASS Nation started the season with more than 13,000 teams nationwide to be cut to the Elite 275 teams qualified to fish the Classic.

This is a three-day tournament with only the top 25 teams qualified to fish the last day. This is an incredible feat and the first time in ACA history that the school has ever had a team qualify for a national event. The tournament will be a nationally televised event and carried by the BASS television and magazine coverage. ACA is the only Montgomery school, public or private, to have a fishing team.

Montgomery Academy’s Anna Perry won the statewide InvestWrite essay competition for students in grades 9-12. InvestWrite, an innovative national writing competition, is a program of the SIFMA Foundation offered exclusively to students participating in The Stock Market Game. This teacher-designed writing component and competition, reinforces students’ newfound knowledge and hones critical thinking skills.

Perry’s essay answered this prompt: “Describe something you’ve done to adapt to change or overcome an obstacle. How will this experience guide your future success? Now describe something a publicly traded company has done to adapt to change and explain how that makes it a good long-term investment. What other stocks, bonds or mutual funds would you combine with this company for a successful long-term portfolio and why?”

The Alabama Independent School Association AA State Boys’ Basketball Champions from Macon East Academy received their state champion rings at the All Sports Banquet. The team experienced a coaching change mid-season and were determined to be diligent and claim the state title. These rings are proof that their grit and hard work paid off.

Front row is Maurice Poole. Middle row from left are: Dalton Nickles, Tanner Surles, Stone Yarnell, Carlos Carter, Chase Dumas and Jeremiah Carnegie. Back row: Barrett Spaeth, Gunner Justice, Joshwa Browder, Eric Lawson, Tyler Daniels, Garrison Miller and Aidan Steyer.

Marjorie Johnson’s fourth-grade class at Macon East Academy experienced a very special learning activity. Working as groups, the fourth-graders created five fairy gardens in the lower school Outdoor Classroom. Other lower school classes had fun searching for all the fairy homes tucked away in the garden. It was a fun project that focused on teamwork and creativity.

Prattville Christian Academy announces the pending retirement of Dr. Ron Mitchell after nearly two decades of service, effective May 31, 2022. He has been a champion of Christian education by expanding services to students, leading a team of dedicated faculty and staff members, and growing the school by more than 250% during his tenure.

Mitchell’s leadership includes the first school accreditation in 2005, receiving the coveted National Blue Ribbon School award in 2019, the addition of two industry-specific academies for upper school students to gain real-world experience in engineering and healthcare, leading the transition from AISA to the Alabama High School Athletic Association where PCA competes in 14 sanctioned sports programs, and the construction of PCA’s three-phase secondary building and the suite of rooms that currently serves as the Advancement Office as well as the band and engineering classrooms.

During a recent board meeting, PCA’s board of directors unanimously voted to appoint Katie Furr as Mitchell’s successor, beginning June 1, 2022. Furr has served in teacher, academic director, and high school principal roles. She has also worked closely with Mitchell as a part of PCA’s executive team for the past five years.

Furr holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Troy University and a Master of Science in education specializing in professional development from Walden University. She is skilled in teaching, curriculum development, training and implementation of educational initiatives. She is married to Jason Furr, and their daughter, Shelby, will graduate from PCA in 2022. Furr and her family are active members of Landmark Church of Christ. Her service includes teaching, outreach programs, and small group participation.

The 2021-2022 school year will be a year of transition. While Mitchell will continue to lead the school through May 31, 2022, Furr will work closely with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition for all students, staff and families. Marla Evans, a former assistant principal at Alabama Christian Academy, has been hired to fill the high school principal position.

Since joining the Upper School in the fall of 2017, the Montgomery Academy Class of 2021 has made significant contributions in the classroom, in the arts, in the sports arena, and in the community. Comprised of 58 students, with acceptances to 69 different institutions of higher learning, they will be attending 22 different colleges and universities this fall. Eighty-one percent of the class received at least one merit scholarship offer, and the class as a whole has been offered a total of $5,313,238 in merit-based scholarship money. We celebrate the recognition of two of these students who were named National Merit Finalists, and 14 who were named College Board Advanced Placement Scholars.

Members of the class have played vital roles in interscholastic athletics while at Montgomery Academy, capturing twelve state championships. Within the Class of 2021, there is one Bryant-Jordan regional winner, and a Jimmy Hitchcock Award winner.

The Class of 2021 has contributed to the visual and performing arts achieving local, state, and national recognition. This includes multiple artists with works displayed in museums and in regional and state exhibitions including the nationally recognized Visual Arts Achievement Program. They have participated in the State Theater Festival and in All-State and national choral music competitions. The Montgomery Academy’s Speech & Debate Program which earned another state championship this year, continues to be recognized by the National Speech & Debate Association as being in the top 1% in the nation and as the #1 ranked Speech and Debate program in the State of Alabama. The Class of 2021 boasts eight separate qualifications to the National Speech and Debate Tournament and this year’s Alabama Student of the Year.

Members of the Class of 2021 have participated with distinction in the Science Olympiad, math tournaments, and in world languages competitions. They have earned the opportunity to compete at the highest level in mock trial competition and they have held statewide offices in YMCA Youth Government. They are active in school and community organizations, contributing service to dozens of organizations throughout the River Region and beyond. Despite a particularly challenging senior year, they have continued to personify the Montgomery Academy’s mission to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service, and the pursuit of excellence.

Evangel Christian Academy’s High School graduation was held on May 22. Parents and faculty gathered together to mark this milestone in the students’ lives. Rev. Ken Austin, the executive director of Mercy House, addressed the students and their guests. The valedictorian of the graduating class was Arange Clemons. Joel Yang was the salutatorian. During the ceremony a video presentation showed highlights of each graduate’s life. After the video, the seniors presented roses to their parents. ECA Headmaster Bobby Johnson and ECA President Rev. Michael Rippy presented the graduates with their diplomas. Even though attendance was limited due to Covid 19, the students were excited to be part of a traditional graduation ceremony.

Rachel Major represented Macon East Academy at this year’s Alabama Girls State held on the campus of The University of Alabama. She was elected mayor of her city and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends and had an incredible experience.

Alabama Girls State continues to be the primary youth leadership program for young women in Alabama. The goal is to learn the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government and to help them grasp the meaning of some of the responsibilities they must assume as they become adults. The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program operates through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders to become mayors and county and state officials of their Alabama Girls State.

Redland Elementary’s Robotics teams did excellent at their first robotics tournament in the spring. The 6th-grade team placed 2nd overall in the Skills Competition. The 5th-grade team moved on to finals and ended up in the Top Ten and also received the Judges Award.

Coach Keith Lucky and his team of helpers held the Saint James Baseball Camps June 7-10. The Fundamentals Camps taught the basics of hitting, catching and base running in two sessions. Camp attendees ranged in age from rising first-graders to rising ninth-graders. Pitching Clinic, offered to rising fifth- through 10th-graders, helped fine tune the technique of pitching, as well as showed pitchers ways to prevent injuries.

Resurrection Catholic School pre-K students were excited about reading for their Pre-K Transitional Program to Kindergarten on June 9.

Resurrection Catholic School observed “Students of the Month” for May. These students were selected by their teachers for exemplifying good behavior, good grades and citizenship.

Prattville Christian Academy students, in partnership with Leadership Autauga County, painted whimsical images on a newly constructed fence at the Autauga County Department of Human Resources office as a safe and fun place for families to spend time together during visits to the facility. For more info and pictures, visit https://bit.ly/3qdc2HU.

Pike Road Town Council had a few special guests at a recent meeting. Pike Road Intermediate School SGA President and Vice President, Tristan and Gunner, presented ideas and opportunities for on-campus spaces that would provide accessible outdoor learning and play for special needs learners at PRIS.

Montgomery Academy students Alisha Singh, above, and Chandler Brazil, below, were selected to attend Alabama Girls State held at The University of Alabama in June. While at Girls State, Singh was elected mayor of her city, Randall.
Alabama Girls State is a week-long, fun-filled, hands-on learning opportunity for some of the best and brightest young women in the State of Alabama. 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.

During the Alabama Girls State program, delegates have the opportunity to learn about local and state government through a variety of speakers, workshops and sessions. Delegates become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

Daniel Pratt Elementary sixth-grade teachers planned for a Paint War among the grade level as part of their end of the year activities. The students had a blast.

Daniel Pratt Elementary sixth-grade teachers read the novel The Outsiders and students dressed up as “Greasers” and “Socs” (short for Socials) for a culminating activity.

Alabama Chrisitan Academy announces the opening of a K2 class for the NEST school. The NEST School will house the K2 through kindergarten classes. ACA is in the process of building a new playground for the K2 and K3 classes. Applications are being accepted now! Students must turn 2 by September 1. Please contact Tracy Stiff, director of admissions, at tstiff@alabamachristian.org or (334) 277-1985 ext. 227.

“Catch the K-wave” Korean Language & Culture Program for 6th-12th grade students is open for registration with limited slots available. Dates are July 6-23 and the program is offered both in person at Pike Road Junior High and virtually from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday with an afterschool option from 3-5 p.m. for extra cost. STARTALK is a national project funded by the National Security Agency and accredited by the National Foreign Language Center. Apply at www.akeep.org/catch-the-k-wave.

2021 Wetumpka High School graduate Wade Morgan is the first student in the history of Elmore County Technical Center’s Automotive Service program to attempt and pass all 10 of the ASE Entry-Level certifications. Those certifications are Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Automobile Service Technology, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Heating and Air Conditioning, Maintenance and Light Repair, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Suspension and Steering. These tests confirm that he is ready to enter the automotive service workforce with competency in each area. Morgan is a two-year student who plans to attend Southern Union in the fall and take automotive service and business courses.

Research shows students need social-emotional support now more than ever! Pine Level Elementary’s summer learning campers in grades 4 and 5 are receiving that support. School counselor Mrs. Ellender is using literature and art to improve students’ mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce bullying, and improve academic performance and behavior.

Elmore County Technical Center held a Camp Discovery event the first week of June. The school hosted more than 50 rising 9th-grade (and a handful of upcoming 10th-grade) students at this career and technical education (CTE) exploration experience where each was able to sample activities in all 13 ECTC programs. Students represent all communities in the district including Elmore County’s virtual school EDGE.

With improved reading skills, come motivated learners. The K-3 students at Pine Level Elementary’s Summer Reading Camp are improving their reading skills through engaging multisensory activities in the areas of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Providing students with the tools they need to read and gain knowledge motivates them to become lifelong learners.

Since 1969, The Montgomery Academy has honored academic excellence by awarding membership in Cum Laude Society to its highest-achieving students. The Montgomery Academy Chapter of the Cum Laude Society remains as one of only three chapters in the state of Alabama. The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence (arete), justice (dike), and honor (time). The major objective is to recognize the highest levels of academic excellence based on grade-point average and level of academic courses taken. Student membership cannot exceed the top 20% of the senior class.

This year’s inductees are: Abby Baird, Ann Cobern Chapman, Brystol Habermacher, Virginia Hope, Jordan Hosp, Ellie Kim, Stewart Miller, Anna Perry, Leighton Robertson, Alisha Singh, Garrett Scott and Maddie Sinco.

Alabama History Day is the state affiliate contest of National History Day, a history competition that engages 6th-12th grade students in robust historical research. By participating in AHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights, and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. This year’s theme was “Communication in History.”

Montgomery Academy student Holden Habermacher earned first place with her essay “Saturday Night Live and Politics,” Will Ray earned second place with an essay “The Effects of Music on Anti-War Movements,” and third place went to Forrest Dockery (not pictured) with his essay “Communications Disaster: The Spanish Flu.” Habermacher and Ray’s essays advanced to the national competition in June. These students are members of Dr. Scott Morris’s AP Capstone Seminar.

Prattville Christian Academy’s Coach Cantrell and the Panther volleyball team hosted a community camp at the Prattville YMCA teaching the basics of the sport, teamwork, and friendships!

Stanhope Elmore High School senior Rikki McAdams was recently presented with the 2021 Peyton Elizabeth Cox Memorial Scholarship. Cox was a softball player and honor student from Wetumpka who lost her life in 2016. McAdams is shown here with Cox’s mother, Sandie Free.