Pike Road Student Spotlights – September 2025

Pike Road School teachers, faculty, and staff gathered for Institute Day to kick off the 2025-2026 school year! The meeting began with Dr. Lankford sharing the great academic achievements at each school for the past year. He spoke about the importance of being a part of a team, what it means to put on that uniform every day, or every week. He announced our theme for the year, One Team, One Goal, as the Pike Road Patriot Marching Band and Varsity Cheerleaders filed into the room, bringing with them a pep rally atmosphere! Teachers from each school clapped as they practiced some of our favorite band chants and watched the cheerleaders perform. Dr. Lankford called each of the new recruits (recently hired teachers) on stage to receive their own PRS Jersey! The pep rally and day concluded by announcing that all of the PRS teachers and staff were receiving jerseys!

This year our high school counselors and 9th grade assistant principal, Mrs. Artis planned a Freshman Orientation Day to help welcome students to high school. The day was set up with four stations or centers. At one center, kids were outside participating in team-building activities such as the human knot. Another center focused on the student handbook. Students were given the opportunity to play a quiz-type of game to see how much they knew about the PRS rules. Another room allowed students to hear from upperclassmen. Four juniors and seniors created a panel for students to ask questions about high school, covering everything from lunches, to grading policies. It was a great way to welcome new students to PRS and to remind returning students that, while they may be on a familiar campus, they are now part of a new school.

This year’s Summer Stampede was another outstanding success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of PRS students! In the week leading up to the event, Agriculture students and FFA members spent many evenings at the Ag Center preparing. They built the bleachers, worked alongside the stock contractor to set up cattle chutes and holding pens, and even designed and created the event’s signs and photo booth.
When the rodeo began, FFA members could be seen all over the grounds, welcoming guests at the front gate, serving in the concession stand, keeping the grounds clean, and pitching in wherever they were needed. Even after the event ended, students stayed late to help break down equipment and clean up, ensuring that everything was wrapped up just as smoothly as it began.

Macon East Academy is proud to welcome back Coach Cole Faucheaux to the school community he once called home. A former Macon East student from K5 through seventh grade, Coach Faucheaux says, “I’m just happy to be back at the place I called home for eight years.”
Faucheaux will be teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies, 7th grade science, and physical education, while also serving as Assistant Coach for the Varsity and JV football teams.
A native of Shorter, Alabama, he graduated from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School before continuing his education at Huntingdon College, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in History. He later completed a master’s degree in History Education at the University of West Alabama.
When he’s not in the classroom or on the field, Faucheaux enjoys spending time with his dog, watching sports, and reading. His return to Macon East brings his journey full circle, and the school community is excited to welcome him back in this new role.

Recent Macon East Academy graduate Jadah Powell has taken her athletic career to the next level, signing to play both volleyball and softball at Talladega College. A standout on the court and the field, Powell has been recognized for her dedication, leadership, and competitive spirit throughout her time at Macon East.
As she begins her college journey, the Knights community celebrates her achievements and looks forward to following her success with the Talladega College Tornadoes.