June 2024 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

Trinity’s 3rd graders celebrated Market Day. Over the past semester, students have invented products and advertised them in preparation to sell, all while learning about supply and demand. On Market Day, they sell their products to classmates using money they earned in class. This is a 3rd grade tradition that everyone looks forward to every year!

Trinity’s Lydia Woods and Avery Griggs were given named national recognition in the 89th annual Le Grand Concours, a national competition organized by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). Students were assessed on their written, oral, and listening skills in French. Lydia placed 8thnationally and 2nd in Alabama division of AATF. Avery also participated and received a Merite award. Both students have shown outstanding performances in their French studies and deserve high praise.

Chief Master Sergeant Mataya C. Williams is a Native of Montgomery, Alabama and the ninth Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama. Chief Williams serves as the senior enlisted leader for the wing and its three geographically separated units. She advised the commander on readiness, mission effectiveness, professional development, training, utilization, health, morale, and welfare of the wing’s enlisted force.
Chief Master Sergeant Williams stopped by TEA Christian Academy to share the good news
of her acquisition at the 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama. The students were excited to learn that The Tuskegee Airmen was a group of African American military pilots
(fighter and bomber) who fought in World War II.
Chief Williams is also a published author, and shared her books “Wounded Warriors with
Invisible Scars,” which is a dramatic account of her military service, and “Girl Pals: An
Anthology” about a sisterhood bonded in love, solidarity, transparency, and empowerment.
Thank you Chief Master Sergeant Mataya C. Williams for your service,
and thank you for sharing your journey through life with us.
The TEA Academy young ladies have now formed a saferoom, to be led by Chief Williams for the “Girl Pals” club.

On Tuesday, May 21, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrated its 149th graduating class of 2024! Principal Eileen Aaron, President Justin Castanza, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Chad Barwick, and the Rev. Thomas J. Rodi Archbishop of Mobile addressed the class of 2024 on this great milestone. Valedictorian Bernard Byrd Jr. urged his fellow classmates to continue pursuing relationships with God while maintaining the standard of excellence Montgomery Catholic has instilled in them.
Celebrations of this class began on Monday, May 13 with the Montgomery Catholic Academic and Athletic Awards Night. Over 100 high school students were recognized for their achievements and accolades in both academics and athletics. Included in these prominent achievements were Leader of the Year award winner Theresa Robertson, Ideal Montgomery Catholic Graduate award winner Cooper Davis, and Sister Martha Belke Servant Leader award winner Grace Owens. The highest athletic achievement, Knights of the Round Table, is awarded to one boy and one girl of the senior class who demonstrate the highest standard of sportsmanship and integrity in their sports achievements. This year’s recipients were Caleb McCreary and Mally Barranco. Congratulations to all those who received individual awards in all subjects and sports!
Senior Day took place on Thursday, May 16, where we recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of all seniors. College representatives were on hand to award scholarships to seniors to multiple Colleges and Universities throughout the United States. The Class of 2024 by the numbers: 63% of the class was awarded scholarships valuing $7.1 million; 5 collegiate athletes in 3 unique sports; 1600 combined community service hours; 27 National Honor Society members; 3 students playing in collegiate bands; 22 unique colleges in 7 states; 13 seniors attended MCPS from 1st-12th grade. This celebration is always a fun time for parents and family members to show their love and support for their graduating seniors, as the school is also so proud of them all.
On Monday, May 20, Montgomery Catholic held its 2024 Baccalaureate Mass at St. Peter Catholic Parish. This was the final Mass the senior class celebrated together and was a beautiful way to end their high school careers centered on faith. Fr. Connor Plessala, the school chaplain over the last four years, emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s providence and to never forget they are loved by God and others as they enter into the next stage of life.
Congratulations to the 149th Graduating Class of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School!

History came alive at Trinity’s 4th grade wax museum! From Helen Keller to Hank Williams, the 4thgrade showcased Alabama’s finest. Such a fun way to explore our great State’s heritage!

The science class students of TEA Christian Academy enjoyed experimenting with different types of matter, distilled vinegar and baking soda. They learned how to Inflate balloons and the importance of following directions, proper measurements, and step-by-step mixing ingredients. Mrs. Warren, the Science Instructor, says. . . “The smiles on their faces makes teaching a true joy!”

George Washington Carver High School students went to visit all three sites of the EJI to learn about leadership and enhance their knowledge of critical history.

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School welcomed former Ambassador of the United States to Afghanistan, Ronald E. Neumann, to address some of the High School students and faculty. Montgomery Catholic was honored to welcome Mr. Neumann, as he presented and discussed Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Mr. Neumann first told his personal story of how he came to work in foreign services for the U.S. and then opened the floor for students to ask questions. He answered various questions regarding US involvement in Afghanistan, his own personal experiences as Ambassador, and what it meant to him to serve in such an impactful position for our country.
“Ambassador Neumann discussed several fascinating topics, such as the conflict and challenges in Afghanistan and working as a Foreign Service Officer,” MCPS Junior Peter Riello said. “I enjoyed the backstory he gave on his own life and I learned about the balance between fighting terrorism and nation-building when dealing with foreign countries.”
Mr. Neumann served three times as Ambassador: to Algeria (1994-1997), Bahrain (2001-2004), and Afghanistan (July 2005 – April 2007). Before Afghanistan, Mr. Neumann served in Baghdad with the Coalition Provisional Authority and then as Embassy Baghdad’s liaison with the Multinational Command, where he was deeply involved in political actions taken by the military.
Mr. Neumann is the author of a memoir and book: Three Embassies, Four Wars: a Personal Memoir (2017) and The Other War: Winning and Losing in Afghanistan (2009). He is the author of several monographs, articles, and editorials focusing on Afghanistan. At The American Academy of Diplomacy, Mr. Neumann currently focuses on maintaining adequate State and USAID budgets and staffing and upgrading professional formation for these institutions to fulfill their responsibilities. Mr. Neumann is on the board of the Middle East Policy Council, the Advisory Boards of the non-profit school for Afghan girls, the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), Spirit of America, the Friends of the American University of Afghanistan, and a member of the Combat Infantryman’s Association.
Mr. Neumann has received several awards, including the State Department Superior Honor Awards in 1990 and 1993, the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal while in Baghdad, and the American Foreign Service Association’s award for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy. Mr. Neumann is a Vietnam veteran who served as an Army infantry officer and holds a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. He earned a B.A. in history and an M.A. in political science from the University of California at Riverside. He is a graduate of the National War College.

Evangel Christian Academy’s Girls’ Track team just celebrated their fourth championship in a row. The girls recently competed in the AISA State Track Meet and brought home the championship trophy for the 1A division. The event took place in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The ECA team coaches were Coach Joseph Proctor and Coach Sherell Lewis.

Trinity inducted over 110 students into multiple honor societies: the Dance Honor Society, the Tri M Honor Society, the French Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta, and the National Honor Society.

The Middle and Upper School choruses, conducted by Elizabeth Kimbrough and Dr. Damion Womack, finished their seasons with a return to First United Methodist Church on April 29 for their Spring Concert. Both groups sang through a selection of choral works that made appearances earlier in the year, along with a selection of new pieces prepared for this final concert of the season. On May 3, the Eagleaires, MA’s Lower School Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Beverly Fain, presented their Spring Concert at the Perry Hill Rd. Campus which included a variety of songs including “Cantamos! (We Sing!),” “Simple Gifts,” “Splash Splash,” and “A Million Dreams.” Congratulations to all members of our choral groups on a fantastic year!

On May 7, Seniors Will Hardin and Isabella Johnson received the 2024 Jimmy Hitchcock Award, a prestigious honor presented annually to a male and female Montgomery County student who demonstrates Christian leadership in athletics. A total of thirty-five high school seniors were nominated at the 65th annual awards banquet held at Frazer Church. Both Will and Isabella are multi-sport athletes. Hardin is a captain of the football team and excels in baseball and basketball. Isabella is a captain of the varsity volleyball, track & field, and swim teams. Both students excel in the classroom and exhibit exemplary leadership. Will and Isabella represent MA’s 17th and 18th Jimmy Hitchcock award winners. The Montgomery Academy is incredibly proud of both of these aMAzing student-athletes!

George Washington Carver High School student Zander Frazier signed with Tyler Junior College located in Tyler, Texas on a basketball scholarship.

Evangel Christian Academy recently named the school’s 2024 Mr. and Miss ECA during the High School Awards Day ceremony. Kaleb Jackson and Madesti Powell were chosen for this distinguished honor. The two seniors were chosen by the faculty and student body. Kaleb and Madesti were chosen because of their Christian testimonies as well as their academic and leadership skills.

During March 25 – 28, the Saint James Art Department held a school-wide art show. Celebrating art at all division levels, this show was held in the Performing Arts Building.
Mrs. Beth Fuhrman, Mrs. Aimee Bentley, and Mrs. Evelyn Shoults collaborated to create a show featuring art from elementary grades 3-5, middle, and high school art classes. All teachers and students were encouraged to participate in this amazing show to determine the winners! Students and teachers used QR Codes to place votes for their favorite pieces.
Teachers, parents, and students were invited for the announcement of winners at the closing reception on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. At the reception, there was a special vote for “The People’s Choice Award.”
In the Saint James Elementary Art Division, the “Best of Elementary” was awarded to Bethany Stanton. First place went to Arin Oh. Earl Hodge won 2nd place, and Frances Thomas was awarded 3rd place. Honorable Mentions were awarded to Minseo Song and Karsten Yang. The People’s Choice Award went to Isaac Shoults.
In the Middle School Art Division, “Best of Middle School” was awarded to Sara Johnston. Dylan Fukushima won 1st place, and Jia Kim placed 2nd. Karley Owens won 3rd place. Honorable Mentions were awarded to Yeriel Kim and Zoe Cortell. The People’s Choice Award was given to Sophia Griffin.
In the High School Division, Bridget Shaffer won “Best of High School.” Chloe Song was awarded 1st place. Rawdha Albalushi placed 2nd, and Emilee Alexander won 3rd place. Honorable Mentions were awarded to Cole Williams and Zane Harris. Lillian Archer was the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.
Saint James School has art classes at all division levels. Mrs. Beth Fuhrman teaches elementary art classes. Mrs. Aimee Bentley conducts middle school art classes, and Mrs. Evelyn Shoults teaches high school art classes.

Montgomery Catholic senior, Wilson Samuels, was announced as the winner of the Exchange Club’s Youth of the Year Essay Contest and the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama’s Holocaust Essay Contest.
Samuels’ Youth of the Year winning essay, “Breaking the Cycle”, details the increased emphasis on diversity impacting American youths.
“Accepting what is, is the attitude that leads to stereotypes, prejudices, and racism,” Samuels said as she emphasized Martin Luther King Jr.’s pursuit of respect for all human persons. She continued by providing three concrete areas in which we can grow as people and follow the footsteps of King Jr.: creating dialogue, reflecting inward, and learning from the past.
She won this essay contest on the local level and is moving on as a finalist to be selected to go to Mobile for a chance to win $1,000.
Samuels also won the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama’s Holocaust Essay Contest. In her essay, “The Influence of Toxicity”, she recalls the factors that led to the Holocaust and how we can prevent such catastrophic events from happening again.
“Instead of dwelling, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn and what we can do to change our future,” Samuels said in her essay. “The simplest thing I can say to that is to change our hearts,” she continued.
Writing has always been an important part of Samuels’ life, and she loves the opportunity to share her passion with others. She had this to say when asked about why she entered these contests.
“I find writing as one of my outlets to express myself, especially on topics that we need to think more about as a society. For both of these, I will admit, I did not have to do much research because I find the issues incredibly pertinent in our world today. I entered these essay competitions because I knew I could highlight the topics well and hopefully open someone else’s eyes through my words.”
Samuels hopes to continue impacting people through her written words as she moves on to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering at Tuskegee University.

Trinity’s Mary Massey McCulloch was awarded in five categories at The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers for her outstanding poetry. Her poems were reviewed and recognized by a panel of creative professionals for their originality, skill, and her personal voice and vision.
Since 1923, the Awards have celebrated some of America’s most distinguished artists and writers during their teenage years, including Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, Amanda Gorman, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol.
Three of Mary Massey’s poetry pieces received Gold Key awards and have automatically advanced to national level of judging in New York City this summer.

Bear Exploration Center had a STEM Field Day! Students rotated to different stations that incorporated physical activity and STEM activities. The Alien Sponge Races, Human Circuits, Spacesuit Races, and Astronaut Hockey were some of the students’ favorites. Montgomery Whitewater set up a hands-on station showing students how water currents are created. The Alabama STEM Council donated sling packs, water bottles, and pencils to each student. It was a fun day full of STEM education and outdoor physical activity.

Montgomery Academy students are committed to living a life of service and to motivating and uniting others to do the same. During the 2023-24 school year, MA’s students collected and prepared more than 500 bags over a 31-week period for Montgomery Food For Kids Backpack Program. Thank you to all students and families who participated throughout this school year!

In a recent ceremony, Reese Hatcher and Ann Welch Hilyer were honored with two of the most prestigious titles at Alabama Christian Academy (ACA) — The Wade Black Norton Award and Mr. and Mrs. Citizenship. These accolades are awarded to seniors who have exemplified outstanding character, leadership, and academic excellence throughout their high school careers.
Reese Hatcher, who will be attending Freed-Hardeman University in the fall, has been a prominent figure at ACA, known for his dedication both in and out of the classroom. His peers and teachers describe him as a natural leader who consistently strives to uplift and support those around him. Hatcher’s involvement in various school activities and his commitment to academic excellence have earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Ann Welch Hilyer, who is set to join Auburn University, has equally distinguished herself at ACA. Her exceptional academic record, coupled with her active participation in extracurricular activities, has made her a role model for fellow students. Hilyer’s warm personality and unwavering dedication to community service have left a lasting impact on the ACA community.
In addition to being named Citizenship award winners, both Hatcher and Hilyer were also recipients of the prestigious Wade Black Norton Award. This award is presented to students who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, character, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their school and community. The dual recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Citizenship and the Wade Black Norton Award underscores the significant contributions both Hatcher and Hilyer have made to their school.
As they prepare to embark on their college journeys, Hatcher and Hilyer leave behind a legacy of excellence and service at ACA. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and community spirit.

TEA Academy middle and high schoolers celebrated the end of Spanish Class with a sampling of salsas, chips and a delicious a Spanish dessert called Flan. This second semester was a culture experience, although, some Spanish traditions are only possible to admire and experience if you take a trip to Spain. The breathtaking architecture, delicious food, the kind and warm people, and the astonishing celebrations are all worth honoring. We toured by videos, enjoying the Spanish culture, traditions, and many languages. Thus, we had many virtual trips of the region, all while in the comfort of our classroom. The students really enjoyed learning how Spanish culture has influenced Latin American countries and the world with its rich history, culture, and traditions.

On April 30, Adam Rex visited Montgomery Academy’s Lower School campus to talk with students about his work as an author-illustrator. Mr. Rex is the author of beloved books such as, Oh No, the Aunts Are Here, Nothing Rhymes with Orange, and Are You Scared, Darth Vader? His message encouraged everyone to start now and continue pursuing creative passions as we grow older. Adding to the fun of the day, PE time featured a fun relay game based on Mr. Rex’s book, On Account of the Gum. This annual event is an incredible learning opportunity for students and a highlight of the Lower School year.

The Upper School’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night was a resounding success. With its constant movement of characters and shuffling of set dressing, the cast and crew of the show were busy from the word go, and the hard work they displayed for audiences paid off in spades. A standing ovation is in order for everyone who worked on the show for its three-night run in early May!

The Senior Class of 2024 at River Region Academy graduated on May 7th.
Message to our graduates: Congratulations on your graduation! We are all very proud of you! Each of you has been given many gifts and talents. Always use these to make our world a better place! Have fun on your next adventure in this journey called life. The best is yet to come!

There’s a fun new option for two-year old’s in our area! Eastmont Christian Kindergarten is adding a Baby & Me option just for two’s. You’ll enjoy music, craft, and playtime mixed in with lots of learning opportunities all planned by the teacher. The class will meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:00 am beginning in August. It will operate like a typical preschool class, but with a big benefit that makes it anything but ordinary. These little learners will have the support of a familiar adult (mom, dad, grandparent or sitter) with them to enjoy a structured day with a teacher who has made all of the plans for a fun, enriching experience for toddler and adult to enjoy. These young students will feel more comfortable and confident as they master new skills and make new friends. Adults get the advantage of watching their child blossom in their new school environment while helping them adjust as they conquer each new milestone. Eastmont is proud to be the first in our area to offer this unique opportunity to our community.

In a celebration of excellence both on the field and in the classroom, Marcy Gregory and Mariner Smith were honored with the prestigious Scholar Athlete Award at the annual Senior Awards Day ceremony. This award recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic success while also excelling in their respective sports.
Marcy Gregory, a standout soccer player, has been a vital member of the varsity team for the past four years. Her dedication on the field is matched by her commitment to her studies, maintaining a near-perfect GPA throughout her high school career. Marcy’s ability to balance rigorous academic coursework with the demands of competitive sports is a testament to her work ethic and time management skills. She plans to attend Auburn University in the fall.
Mariner Smith, an exceptional track and field athlete, has consistently been one of the top performers in his events, breaking several school records during his tenure. His athletic achievements are complemented by his academic pursuits, where he has excelled in advanced placement courses, particularly in the sciences and mathematics. Mariner’s dedication to his dual passions of athletics and academics has earned him a scholarship to Auburn University.
The Scholar Athlete Award is given to students who embody the highest standards of academic and athletic achievement, demonstrating that excellence in one area does not preclude excellence in another. Both Marcy and Mariner have shown that with determination, hard work, and passion, it is possible to succeed at the highest levels in multiple arenas.

Dalraida Elementary School students celebrated reaching all of their gifted unit goals for this school year by duct taping their teacher ( Mrs. Trussell ). They were very successful with their task! What a celebration!

On Saturday, April 13, Montgomery Catholic held its 4th Annual Knights FanFare! Since our Elementary campuses are located on different campuses from our Middle and High school, we use this event to show our younger students some of the amazing things they can be a part of once they get to 7th – 12th grade.
Families were able to check out nine different stations throughout campus before heading outside to watch our high school soccer and baseball teams in their Saturday morning games. In the gym, families experienced a workout session in our state-of-the-art Weight room, and children were able to dress up in a Knights jersey from their favorite sport to take photos in our photo booth. Then families spent some time in the band room learning what it takes to be on our award-winning Marching Knights drumline, and they stopped by the Chapel to pick up a free rosary and Saint coloring book. Students also traveled across campus to our Broadcasting Room, played a quick trivia game against their parents in our library, drove VEX robots in our Robotics room, and played Flag Football outside with our State Runner Up Flag Football team! To top it off, they even spent some time playing Cornhole and racing through an inflatable obstacle course.
Our Annual Knights FanFare is always such a fun event that allows families to get a sneak peek at the incredible things Montgomery Catholic has to offer. If you would like more information about what Montgomery Catholic has to offer your child, please visit our website at montgomerycatholic.org to schedule your family’s tour today!

In a celebration of excellence and school spirit, William Milner and Marcy Gregory have been named Mr. and Mrs. ACA, an honor bestowed upon standout students at Alabama Christian Academy (ACA). This prestigious title is awarded to students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their school community.
William Milner has made a name for himself not only at ACA but also as he continues his academic and athletic journey at Huntingdon College. As a member of the Huntingdon Hawks football team, William brings the same determination and discipline to the field that earned him accolades during his high school years. His role on the team is a testament to his hard work and dedication, both qualities that contributed to his recognition as Mr. ACA.
Marcy Gregory, who plans to attend Auburn University, has distinguished herself through her academic pursuits and involvement in various student activities. Known for her leadership and positive influence, Marcy continues to embody the values that led to her being named Mrs. ACA.
The titles of Mr. and Mrs. ACA reflect not only individual accomplishments but also the supportive environment fostered at Alabama Christian Academy. The school takes pride in its students’ successes, both past and present, and looks forward to the future achievements of William and Marcy. Their journeys at Huntingdon College and Auburn University, respectively, are just beginning, and they carry with them the spirit and values of ACA.
Congratulations to William Milner and Marcy Gregory on this well-deserved honor. Their achievements inspire current and future students of ACA, showcasing the heights that can be reached with dedication, hard work, and a strong community foundation.

Macon East Academy Senior, Sara Cochran, has recently secured a volleyball scholarship to compete at Huntingdon College! Her hard work and commitment have made us incredibly proud, and we can’t wait to see her continue to excel on the court as she embarks on this new chapter in her athletic journey.

The Macon East Academy varsity softball team showcased their prowess on the field by securing their 11th state championship at the AISA AAA state tournament, held at the Lagoon Park Softball Complex. Their victory over Clarke Prep School not only added another championship trophy to their collection but also highlighted the exceptional talent within the team. Senior pitcher Casey Stengell’s performance was particularly outstanding, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Additionally, Lathan Johnson, Jamya Powell, Miya Tatum, and Casey Stengell were honored by making the all-tournament team.

Aubrey Graeub has been named the ACA overall AR school-wide winner, an impressive achievement for accumulating over 1000 points this year alone. This recognition highlights her dedication and exceptional performance in the Accelerated Reader program. Aubrey’s accomplishment not only showcases her passion for reading but also sets a high standard for her peers. Congratulations to Aubrey on this outstanding milestone!

Students in second grade at Forest Avenue participated in a Vocabulary Parade! Students used their creativity to showcase their word.

Congratulations to the FAAM students who were caught being good the month of April. They are Efe Cangirili, Annalise Grant, Sha’Laya Edwards, Jannie Kwon, Jackson Evans, and Webb Baker (not pictured)

Bear Exploration Center recently had their annual Art Show. Each student had a masterpiece on display. Students and their families enjoyed the art and collaborated to create a special banner. There was a “Compliment an Artist” station and a fun “Photo Booth”. The 5th grade Stop Motion Animation movies were a big hit!

On Friday, April 5, in a first of its kind ceremony, two Saint James Seniors signed letters of intent to attend Faulkner University and perform as part of the Faulkner University Chorus. This Choral Scholarship Signing was held in the campus’s Performing Arts Building.
Seniors Ava McIlwain and TJ Vance will be joining the university’s large mixed choral ensemble, which is under the direction of Dr. Allen Clements, Director of Choral Activities. Dr. Clements was on hand to speak to the student body about his excitement about these two students after hearing their auditions. Also on hand to speak were Dr. Larry McLemore, head of school, and Dr. Sallye York, high school choral director.
The high school student body attended the ceremony and were treated to a performance by the high school chorus after the signings. The Saint James chorus and band will be attending the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in mid-April. The chorus gave the students a preview of one of the numbers they plan to perform at the festival. A reception was held after the signing ceremony in honor of the signees.

Saint James School announced the hiring of 30-year coaching veteran Larry Ware as its next Athletic Director, effective May 1, 2024. Ware is a familiar face at Saint James, having served as an assistant coach on the Trojan football team for more than 10 years.
In his new role, Ware will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the Saint James School athletic department, promoting the school’s core values, fostering a positive and supportive student-focused culture, integrating athletics into all levels of the school, and developing student-athletes into the best version of themselves. In addition, he will continue to serve as an assistant coach on the football team.
“I love being part of the Saint James School family, and my ‘why’ is aligned with the school’s vision and focus on character, commitment, courage, and community. I believe character is the
first quality anyone will recognize about you, and when we ask for it, God grants us opportunities to become courageous. To do anything you believe in, you must be committed to seeing it through, and community is the vessel that makes anything worthwhile,” Ware said.
Ware will succeed Katie Barton, who has served as the athletic director since December 2020.
Barton recently requested to return full-time to her passion of coaching and teaching at Saint James School. She will continue as the head girls basketball coach, while also serving as both head volleyball coach and chair of the physical education department.
Ware earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, where he was also a member of the football team. He and his wife, Pamela, are parents to two adult children, son Jarvis who resides in Atlanta and daughter Lauryn who resides in Nashville.

Saint James School is proud to announce that on Saturday, April 6, the Saint James School Math Team won the Alabama Statewide Mathematics Contest for the third year in a row. The contest was held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. They competed against ten other schools from across the state in Division Two. The math team members who competed are Chloe Choi, Steve Chung, Woochan Kim, and Jacob Shin.
In the first-round Comprehensive exam, held on February 24, the Saint James team won the competition for Division Two, beating out 19 other teams from around the state. The second round was by invitation only based on the results of the first round. The second round of the tournament was “ciphering.” According to the University of North Alabama website about the tournament, “The ciphering tournament consists of four rounds of 10 questions each, completed by a team of four students. Each student is sent up to answer two individual questions in a predetermined category (Geometry, Algebra II, Comprehensive I and Comprehensive II) and then the final two questions are worked on by the entire team.”
The Saint James team earned the winning score of 214 points. The next highest score was Homewood High School with a score of 158. Other schools from Division Two who were invited to compete were Arab High School, Douglas High School, Helena High School, Hillcrest High School, Mountain Brook High School, Montgomery Academy, West Point High School, and Westminster Christian Academy.

Macon East Academy was represented in the AISA All-Star softball and baseball games by seniors Barrett Spaeth, Gunner Justice, Lathan Johnson, Kaiden Byrom, and Casey Stengell and juniors, Thad McKinney, Bryant Morrison, and Miya Tatum. This triumph reaffirms Macon East Academy’s dominance in sports and their unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Faulkner University Volleyball and Men’s Soccer teams sent notes of encouragement to the 2nd grade students to do their best on ACAP! 2nd grade is the first year students take ACAP, so to have these encouragement cards from these athletes motivated students and calmed nerves!

Congratulations to Forest Avenue Fourth Grader Grace Lee for earning first place for her artwork in the Governor’s Mansion Statewide Art Contest. Currently, her artwork is framed and hanging in the mansion for all visitors to see!

For approximately 30 years, Saint James School 5th grade students have spent several days at Camp ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults) for an annual environmental science camp. This annual field trip creates memories that last a lifetime and is a favorite among students.
On April 9-11, Saint James campers enjoyed fishing, ziplining, canoeing, karaoke, and much more during their three days at Camp ASCCA. According to the camp’s website, “Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility.”
On the first day, students were divided into groups and attended three programs: canoeing, ziplining, and team building. During the second day, students participated in four program rotations. The groups had activities in bungee trampoline, forestry, fishing, and living streams. Evening activities included a scavenger hunt, karaoke, snacks, and arcade games.
This year, Saint James School students and staff presented a check to the Camp administrators as a special element of the visit. Funds were raised as part of the Saint James Trojan Day Color Run and Fun Run. Fundraising efforts began weeks in advance of Trojan Day with 10% of all funds raised being earmarked for Camp ASCCA. A check for $3,850.00 was presented to Matt Rickman, Director of Camp ASCCA by Dr. Larry McLemore, elementary principal Andrea Harris, and former elementary principal Jim Terry.

Congratulations to the FAAM PALS poster contest winners. These posters will go on to compete at the state level. In the K-3 division, the winners were Chaemin Jannie Kwon, Dauen Kim, and Audrey Lee. The school winners for the 4th and 5th grade division are Eden Choi, Serim Kim, and Yunji Kim. All of the posters were wonderful! Thank you to everyone who participated!