March 2025 Student Spotlights – Montgomery

On February 14, Montgomery Academy Fourth Graders took us on a musical journey through our country’s history in the program, American Voices. The show takes a look at the voices of our country’s past while reminding us of the opportunity our students have to be the voices who write America’s future. Bravo to all the 4th-grade students and teachers!

On February 7, Montgomery Academy was beyond proud to host a signing ceremony for siblings Addi & DJ Vinson in Sidhu Gym. These two aMAzing athletes have spent their high school athletic careers smashing school & state records left and right and will carry on their athletic and scholarly careers to Jacksonville State where DJ will play football and AUM where Addi will play volleyball. Soar Eagles, soar! (Pictured with their parents Derrick and LJ Vinson)

The Saint James eighth grade class recently made its annual visit to the nation’s capital as part of their American History curriculum, taught by Mrs. Venna Everett. This highly anticipated trip provides students with the opportunity to experience the rich history and cultural significance of Washington, D.C., firsthand.\
During their visit, students toured many of the city’s most notable landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, the People’s House, the International Spy Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, among others. The visit to the Holocaust Museum was especially poignant, offering students a powerful and reflective experience.
A highlight of the trip was the special honor bestowed upon several Saint James students who participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The students selected for this distinguished role were Molly Philliips, Joseph Light, Sean Woessner, and Grace Wykes, all children of active duty servicemembers. Their classmates observed the ceremony, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.
The trip also provided a unique opportunity to strengthen the Saint James community. The alumni office hosted a dinner., inviting Saint James alumni living in the area to join the current eighth grade class. This gathering fostered meaningful connections between past and present members of the school family.
In addition to the educational aspects of the trip, students enjoyed some fun activities, including attending a Washington Wizards basketball game and dining at Fogo de Chão. The annual D.C. trip remains a favorite tradition, creating lasting memories and enriching the students’ understanding of our country’s history.

Thanks to the Alabama Power Classroom grants, two teachers from Bear Exploration Center, Ms. Keisha Graves (3rd grade) and Mrs. Maria Ball (1st grade), are receiving $1,000 each. Ms. Graves will use her grant for The Great Outdoor Classroom project, which includes building a sensory garden and weather station in the school’s Certified Alabama Outdoor Classroom. This hands-on project will inspire curiosity and creativity while deepening students’ understanding of science and nature. Mrs. Ball’s Mindful Minds, Mindful Hands project will enhance learning experiences by providing resources to create a more engaging classroom environment, fostering academic growth for her first-grade students.

It is with great pleasure that we announce Jonathan Chandler as the new Head Football Coach at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Coach Chandler is an Opelika native and a former Troy University football player. He served as a Graduate Assistant at Troy for 2 years before continuing his coaching career at Opelika High School, Wetumpka High School, and most recently as Offensive Coordinator for Pike Road High School.
“I am pleased to announce Jonathan Chandler as the new head football coach at Montgomery Catholic. Jonathan and his wife, Tiffany, bring a family-oriented approach to the game of football that will only continue to build on the firm foundation established in our championship program. Jonathan brings a character-building mindset and offensive strategy from competing at the highest levels. Knight nation, the future is bright!” explained Montgomery Catholic President, Justin Castanza.
In this time of coaching transition, Athletic Director Daniel Veres was proud to share, ” I am tremendously excited to be able to bring Coach Chandler and his family into our Montgomery Catholic family. The interest in this job was almost overwhelming. This is a direct testament to the hard work of those who laid our foundation, as well as the resilience of our kids. We are very proud of where we are as a program, and extremely excited to see where Coach Chandler can take us.”
Coach Chandler, Tiffany, and their daughters Stallings and Spivey Rose will be wonderful additions to our Montgomery Catholic family. We look forward to his leadership for our athletes and his involvement in our greater school community. “My family and I are honored and excited to join this community as the new head football coach at Montgomery Catholic. We look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, dedicated faculty and staff, and supportive parents to create a program that embodies hard work and respect. Together we will strive for success and use the momentum of the past to develop a product that all stakeholders in the Catholic Family will be proud of. Let’s get ready for Friday Knight Lights!” stated Coach Chandler.

Mrs. Palmer’s and Mrs. Thomas’s 1st graders celebrated being “101 Days Smarter” by dressing up as dalmations! The students participated in a fun “101 Day” and dalmatian activities all day!

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet is SO PROUD of 5th grader Lynn Kim for going to ROUND 50 in the county spelling bee and WINNING! She will represent Montgomery County in the State of Alabama Spelling Bee.

Montgomery Catholic has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students in their communities.
During the 2023-24 school year, 1,153 institutions achieved an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for CSA, CSP or both courses. Award contenders must either have reached 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Montgomery Catholic was one of only 847 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSP.
“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward equal representation in computer science education,” said School President, Justin Castanza. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success in computer science education and careers.”
“Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program. “In the seven years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Montgomery Catholic welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”

February is Black History Month, and yes, TEA Christian Academy took full advantage of this opportunity to join in the celebration. This was a big deal, and the students were assigned to report on a Black History Maker every school day in the month of February. Their reports included information on the person’s life, the contribution they made in the world, and share how they viewed them in general.
A Black History program is held at TEA Academy every year the last Thursday in the month of February. The students gained a better understanding as to why Black History Month is important, but most importantly, they learn that history is made every day and there is room for them to take on their roles to help make a difference as well. The students at TEA Academy are being equipped with the attributes necessary to help make a difference. What are you doing to help change the world?

Forest Avenue 4th graders enjoyed touring Montgomery recently. They got to tour the Capitol, see Dr. King’s Church, tour the Archives, Old Alabama Town, and they got to see some bills passed in the House at the State House!

George Washington Carver High School seniors engage in conversation with Mrs. Cargill about the Civil Rights Movement and the “merge” of Carver and Lanier; as they discuss the history of both schools and recap on the progress. Seniors are practicing the skill of interviewing to prepare for life after high school.

With much prayer, planning, and faith, Montgomery Christian Middle School (MCMS) is set to open its doors for the 2025-2026 school year. MCMS will include a new sixth grade class along with existing fifth grade. Thank you for your support and prayers during this time of growth. Our school will continue to emphasize providing an academically challenging education in a Christian environment while nurturing a focus on the arts, service, and leadership development in our students. This will include classes that highlight different types of leadership, the importance of service in our community and beyond, and fine arts. These are the bright and precious faces of our current fifth graders.

Rosa Parks is best known for her role as a civil rights activist. The Alabama native also worked as a seamstress at the Montgomery Fair department store. Parks was also the secretary of the Montgomery, Alabama chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1943 to 1956. Parks was on her way home from work on Dec. 1, 1955, when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger.
Bridget Biddy Mason was born into slavery. Mason fought for freedom for herself and her three daughters and demonstrated courage, charity, and positivity. Thank you, Biddy Mason for your contribution to making a difference.

Resurrection Catholic School celebrated School Counselors Week by honoring our favorite Counselor, Mrs. Latoka Gibbs! We Love YOU Mrs. Gibbs!

MA Upper School French and AP Studio Art students recently had the unique opportunity to engage with visiting French artists Louis Boidron and Edouard Egéa, the duo known as MonkeyBird Crew, during their recent mural installation in downtown Montgomery. Students observed the creative process behind the large-scale stencil artwork and came prepared with questions to ask in French, allowing them to learn more about the artists’ inspiration and techniques. They also had the opportunity to speak with Yannick Boesso, founder of the Urban Art Fair in Paris, and artist-in-residence, and R.C. Hagans, who shared his own story of growing up in Opelika and developing a passion for stencil art. Students walked away having a deeper appreciation for the power of art to transform public spaces and the dedication and vision necessary to build community through art.

George Washington Carver”s High School’s senior, Nasheed Benjamin recited poetry by Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou at the “Songs From The Soul” concert in Troy, Alabama at the Holman & Ethel Johnson Center for The Arts.

Alabama Christian Academy’s Lower School recently marked a special milestone—101 Magical Days of School! This fun-filled celebration turned an ordinary school day into an enchanting experience for students and teachers alike.
The day was packed with magic-themed activities that kept students engaged and excited. From hands-on crafts and interactive games to spellbinding tricks, every moment was designed to spark creativity and joy. A highlight of the celebration was a live magic show, where students were amazed by mind-boggling illusions and interactive performances that brought the magic of learning to life.
Dressed in magical attire, students and teachers embraced the theme with wands, capes, and even Dalmatian-spotted outfits in honor of the number 101. The event not only celebrated academic progress but also encouraged a love for learning in a unique and exciting way. ACA Lower School’s 101 Magical Days was a truly spellbinding experience, reminding everyone that learning is an adventure full of wonder and surprises!

The WINGS PTA at Alabama Christian Academy recently organized a heartfelt initiative to show appreciation for our dedicated teachers. Through the “Baskets of Love” program, parents had the opportunity to adopt a teacher and fulfill items from their classroom supply wishlists.
Each basket was thoughtfully curated with supplies the teachers needed, ensuring they had the tools to continue fostering a dynamic learning environment for our students. From markers and paper to organizational tools and classroom essentials, these baskets were a tangible way for parents to express gratitude and support.
In addition to the supplies, parents also included handwritten notes of encouragement, expressing appreciation for the teachers’ hard work and dedication. These personal messages added a special touch, reminding our educators how valued and supported they are by the ACA community.
The response from our ACA families was overwhelming, with each teacher receiving their requested items and more. Seeing the joy and appreciation on the teachers’ faces as they received their baskets was a rewarding moment for all involved. WINGS—Working and Investing to Nurture Growth and Success—continues to find meaningful ways to uplift our teachers and staff throughout the year. Thank you to all the parents who participated in this initiative and helped make a difference in the classrooms of ACA!

Success Unlimited Academy’s art students enjoyed a fun field trip to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in February. Their art teacher, Mrs Barbara Grimes, and the StudioART members were thrilled to visit the student corridor where their artwork was displayed for the “You, Me and Us” exhibit.

Bear Exploration Center students celebrated Valentine’s Day with fun activities and special treats. The third grade students enjoyed a 50’s style Sock Hop which included hula hoop contests, ice cream floats, and dressing in their coolest 50’s outfits.

George Washington Carver High School Ambassadors shadowed Alabama State University Golden Ambassadors at ASU’s 125th Founder’s Day Convocation. Students received hands-on mentorship and words of wisdom enriched with history.

Alabama Christian Academy recently received a special visit from the First Assembly Youth program, which came to campus with a mission of encouragement and gratitude. The group brought an assortment of delicious treats for the faculty and staff, serving as a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
This thoughtful gesture was more than just a simple snack break—it was a heartfelt effort to uplift ACA’s educators and remind them of the positive impact they have on students every day. The First Assembly Youth, known for their commitment to serving others, took time to connect with teachers and staff, spreading kindness and joy throughout the school.
ACA is grateful for this meaningful visit and looks forward to future opportunities for partnership with First Assembly. Moments like these highlight the power of community support and encouragement, reinforcing the school’s mission to create a nurturing and faith-driven environment for both students and staff.

On January 30, MA senior Elle McBride officially signed her declaration to continue her athletic pursuits at Emory University (and continue to be an Eagle)! Elle’s volleyball career at MA has been packed to the brim with local, state, and national accolades, and her pursuit of academic excellence is nothing short of extraordinary, maintaining an overall 4.8 GPA and placements in a number of academic honor societies. And she’s not done yet, as she’s elected to take on one final sport here at MA, starting with Indoor Track this winter and finishing with Outdoor Track this spring! Congratulations on your accomplishments, Elle. MA is proud of you and your aMAzing achievements, and we cannot wait to see what comes next! Soar Eagle, soar! (Pictured with parents Rick and Jordan McBride)

Macon East Academy senior, Regan Frazer, has officially signed to play softball at LaGrange College. As an outfielder, Regan has exceptional skills on the field, and she will continue to showcase her talents as a Panther. LaGrange College, a proud member of NCAA Division III, offers an excellent platform for her to grow both academically and athletically. Congratulations to Regan on this exciting next step in her softball career! We look forward to seeing her succeed at the collegiate level.

Macon East Academy is proud to announce the following students who were selected as representatives for the 2025 Dixie Electric Cooperative Youth Tour: Livi Robinson, Patrick Ernest, and Sam Wallace! These outstanding students have earned the opportunity to attend the Dixie Electric Montgomery Youth Tour in March 2025.
During the tour, they will explore significant sites, engage in leadership and team-building sessions, and gain valuable insights into the workings of electric cooperatives. We look forward to hearing about their experiences and the leadership skills they will take away from this incredible opportunity!

Trinity’s 8th-grade students recently returned from an unforgettable journey to Washington, D.C., where they explored the rich history and leadership of our nation’s capital.
Their adventure began at the Museum of the Bible, followed by immersive tours of the Naval Academy, the U.S. Capitol, Ford’s Theatre, and the Holocaust Museum. Guided by expert D.C. historians, students gained a deeper understanding of our nation’s monuments and memorials. A highlight of the trip was an exclusive visit to the U.S. Senate chamber, where students listened to live floor discussions, thanks to gallery passes provided by Senator Katie Britt.
This remarkable experience blended history, government, and faith-based learning—showcasing how Trinity students engage with the world beyond the classroom.

At Trinity, we encourage young minds to explore, create, and innovate! This year, we launched our first-ever Lower School Robotics Club, giving students the opportunity to dive into the exciting world of STEM.
Right now, these future scientists and engineers are hard at work building and programming a Code Base robot, developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills along the way.
We can’t wait to see where their creativity and curiosity take them! At Trinity, the future is being built today.

Forest Avenue 2nd graders are exploring how quickly the earth can change through natural disasters. We simulated a volcanic eruption today!

Trinity is proud to announce that senior John Morris has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist, a prestigious honor awarded to the nation’s top scholars.
John ranks among the top 0.5% of PSAT scorers nationwide and was selected based on his academic achievements, leadership, and extracurricular excellence. As SGA President, a School Ambassador, and a multi-sport athlete, John exemplifies the well-rounded excellence Trinity instills in its students.
“John embodies what it means to be a Trinity Wildcat,” said Head of School Suzanne Satcher. “His dedication to academics, leadership, and character makes him a role model for his peers.”
As a National Merit Finalist, John is now eligible for prestigious scholarships. Congratulations, John, on this incredible achievement!

Saint James Kindergarten students marked the major milestone of 100 days of school with a day filled with fun and learning!
To celebrate, students participated in hands-on activities centered around the number 100, including counting collections, building structures with 100 stacking cups, and creating self portraits showcasing what they would look like at 100 years old. Each student also wore their own shirts decorated with 100 items. These engaging activities reinforced early math and literacy skills while fostering excitement for learning.
“Our 100th-day celebration was a wonderful way for students to reflect on how much they’ve grown,” said Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Anne Auston Morrison. “It’s amazing to see how much they have learned in just 100 days!”
This fun day highlighted the students’ enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of community.

On the morning of February 13th, the Alabama Christian Academy Upper School faculty traded their lesson plans for spatulas as they hosted a special pancake breakfast for their students. This heartwarming tradition was a sweet outpouring of love, demonstrating the teachers’ dedication to not only educating but also nurturing their students in a meaningful way.
As students arrived, they were greeted with warm smiles and the delicious aroma of fresh pancakes. Faculty members joyfully flipped flapjacks, and poured syrup creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere before the start of the school day. More than just a meal, the event was a reminder of the strong bond between ACA’s teachers and students—one built on care, encouragement, and a shared sense of community.
The pancake breakfast was a perfect way to start the day, filling both hearts and stomachs. It reflected the ACA spirit of servant leadership and the school’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections. A big thank you to the Upper School faculty for making this event possible and for continuously pouring love into the lives of their students—one pancake at a time!

For the third year in a row, the Saint James High School Math Team won the AISA State High School Math Competition. Members of the team are Siwoo Kim, Stella Kim, Jacob Shin, & Woochan Kim.
The Saint James Middle School Math Team tied for first place at the state competition. Members of the middle school team are Yeriel Kim, Mason Han, Jiyu Shin, Leah Jeong, & Sophia Kim.
The competition was held January 31 on the Montgomery campus of Troy University. Teams from all over the state competed for the title. The Saint James High School Math Team is sponsored by Mrs. Rhonda Jones and the Middle School Math Team is sponsored by Mrs. Debbie Moncrief.

Resurrection Catholic School students celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Sneaker Ball. They had so much fun!❤️

Montgomery Academy’s seventh grade class, led by teachers Kim Jordan, Jeff McIntyre, Stephanie Hill, Leslie Robertson, and Sarah Bryan, recently attended the Alabama YMCA’s Junior Youth Legislature program at the Alabama State House. Students spent the day learning about writing bills pertinent to the state of Alabama and how to debate those bills using proper parliamentary procedure. Congratulations to Lucy Hubbard, who was elected Assistant Floor Leader during the conference!

Resurrection Catholic School Pre K students did an awesome job on their Valentine’s Day project. They made mailboxes for their valentine cards.

MCS kindergartener and her mother are karate athletes! Herleiny is an Olympian and is an owner/instructor at Budokan Alabama Karate-Do. This MCS SUPERMOM also represented Alabama in a National Meet and WON 1st place! She represented Venezuela in the Olympics. Her dojo is hosting a national competition soon, bringing karate enthusiasts from all over the United States to Montgomery! She and her staff taught basic karate principals to MCS kindergarteners and staff.

At Montgomery Christian School, Mrs. Williams’ third graders are eager gardeners and love growing their own fruit, veggies, and herbs! MCS is growing cabbage in a national competition. “Learning how to grow healthy food at an early age teaches kids to value the fun and hard work that goes into gardening. We’re always thrilled to share the appreciation and excitement of a bountiful harvest with our students and believe the joy of gardening is something you never outgrow.”-Mike Sutterer, Bonnie Plants President & CEO.

At Trinity, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also a heart for service. Through our student-led Change 4 Change initiative, Trinity students have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community—one coin at a time.
Each month, our Student Government Association (SGA) rallies students to bring in spare change, collectively supporting local nonprofits and ministries. Recently, we were honored to present Dr. Phillips with Life on Wheels a donation from the funds raised through this initiative. Over the years, Change 4 Change has empowered students to support a variety of organizations, instilling the values of generosity, compassion, and service.
This semester, we are proud to partner with the Cancer Wellness Foundation, providing financial assistance and resources to cancer patients in need. At Trinity, we don’t just talk about making a difference—we put our faith into action.

5th and 6th grade students work on wind power project at Resurrection Catholic School.

Friday is Show and Tell Day at Resurrection Catholic School for our Pre K students.

Evangel Christian Academy’s Kindergarteners just finished a unit on manners. To celebrate, students got to attend a super fun Manners of the Heart Party and even got to dress up in their fanciest clothes! Smiling faces were all around as students used their best manners while enjoying themselves with Valentine’s themed treats.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named Montgomery Catholic senior Peter Riello as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He will compete with the other 15,000 finalists across the country for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million.
The selection process involves evaluating information about Finalists obtained from both students and their high schools. Included are the Finalist’s academic record (course load and difficulty level, depth and breadth of subjects studied, and grades earned); PSAT/NMSQT® scores; the student’s essay; demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities; and the school official’s written recommendation and characterization of the Finalist. Approximately half of the Finalists will be awarded National Merit Scholarships.
Peter is currently a senior and has attended Montgomery Catholic for 9 years. He is a Section Leader and has been a member of the Marching Band for 5 years. He has won numerous band awards including Solo and Ensemble Festival awards, has been selected to the District Honor band all 6 years of middle and high school, and he was selected to the All-State Concert Band. He received National Hispanic Recognition from the College Board as a Junior and is a member of the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the National Math Honor Society. Peter is an active member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish Youth Group.