ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley
I’ll spare you the famous Michael Jordan press release line from his mid1990s return to the NBA. But I am excited to be back in the editor’s seat for the Cahaba Sun as we continue highlighting the people and stories that make Trussville special. I previously served as this paper’s editor from 2019 to 2024.
If you’ve read this paper for any length of time, you’ve likely noticed that my work appears primarily in the sports section. I’ve served as the sports editor at Starnes Media for nearly 10 years. While I will continue in
that role, I also hope to help keep things rolling as our team continues producing high-quality content each month.
If you have any story ideas or feedback, I’m all ears. Feel free to email me at kparmley@starnesmedia. com. Thanks for reading!
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ON
Singer/songwriter Alli Leighann Carruth performs on stage.
Photo courtesy of Alli Leighann Carruth, by Payton Costa.
CITY
Young mayor, bold vision
Ben Short becomes city’s youngest mayor, promising sustainable growth and community-first leadership
By DIANE POOLE
At 37, Ben Short was recently sworn in as Trussville’s youngest-ever mayor. A former police officer, Jefferson County District Attorney’s office investigator and small business owner, Short leaned into his diverse background and strong community ties for a surprising outright win in a three-person race.
Supporters say Short tapped into a growing group of 30- and 40-year-olds with kids, while also connecting with longtime residents. That ability to bridge generations is part of what makes him effective.
Short said he’s ready for the job.
“I think I’m a pretty even-keel kind of guy, but when the reality hit, it was like, ‘Now there’s some pressure here. We’ve got to perform and put results out there for the community.’ But the more you think about it, it’s a lot of what I was already doing as a city employee. It’s just helping our department heads and our employees in a way that allows them to do what they do best and being that support system for them.”
After listening to residents during the campaign, Short said he’s focused on changes he believes voters want.
“I think this election made it clear that Trussville still desires to see growth — just in a different way,” he said.
He is beginning work to update subdivision regulations, improve aesthetics and green space, and implement land banks to ensure tree replanting.
“Sustainable development is what we’re going for now, and getting our subdivision regulations updated,” Short said. “1978, I believe, was the last time they were updated.”
With three candidates in the race, many expected a runoff.
“I expected a runoff, too,” Short said. “I’m just grateful we didn’t have to. It’s made the transition far easier.”
Avoiding a runoff also saved the city an estimated $40,000.
“That’s a lot of sidewalks we can build,” he said.
Instead of more campaigning, Short dove straight into attending meetings and studying city history to understand key issues.
He credits his win to voter support, 10 years working in public roles, time on the city council, and consistent community involvement.
For the campaign, Short focused on the digital space, targeted outreach and one-on-one conversations.
“But it was with folks that we knew voted in municipal elections,” Short said, and making people feel comfortable with his plan.
Sgt. Keith Rosetta of the Trussville Police Department worked with Short and saw leadership potential early. He describes him as methodical, budget-conscious and compassionate.
“His maturity level is greater than his years,” Rosetta said.
When Short was an officer, he once stopped a car carrying
“
I’m
not worried about leaving a legacy.
It’s
more about just leaving Trussville better than it was. And we’ve got a pretty darn good community.
BEN SHORT
”a mother and child without a car seat. He took the mother to Target and bought one for her.
“I think this speaks to his character,” Rosetta said.
Supporter Ian Maddox, a Trussville financial planner, said Short leads by example.
“He elevates his love for the city in what he does every day. There wasn’t an ‘aha’ moment when I knew Ben was the person for the job. It just grew over time. It’s more of an evolution over a revolution. I saw so much in him; it all added up to an easy choice.”
Though not a Trussville native, Short quickly made it home. His family moved to the area after his father retired from the U.S. Air Force. Short graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School and became a police officer at 21.
“My parents always instilled in all of us: public service, public service, public service,” Short said. “So, volunteerism, community service — we were out there doing that from a young age and seeing that firsthand through our parents.”
He met his wife, Amanda Starr, at the University of West Florida. He holds degrees in public relations and criminal justice, and as advanced degrees in forensic psychology and victimology. He joined student government and volunteered for John McCain’s presidential campaign.
Amanda, who married Ben in 2008, describes him as an
Left: Judge Carl Chamblee Jr. swears in Ben Short as the new mayor of Trussville on Nov. 3 Above: Short stands with his wife, Amanda, and their two children, Stella, 10, and Kristofer, 4. Below: Short signs documents during the swearing-in ceremony. Photos by Tosha Gaines.
“introverted extrovert” and admires his calming presence. “He relates to people very well, and I’m so proud of him,” she said.
The Shorts prefer reading to watching TV. Ben is currently reading The Men Who Lost America, and enjoys TV news, college football and comedies like Happy Gilmore. He’s rarely idle.
They attend Faith Community Fellowship and have two children: Stella, 10, and Kristofer, 4. A few years ago, Ben bought Trussville to Go, a local restaurant delivery service, for Amanda to run.
Being small business owners has strengthened their connection to the community.
“While I’m very blessed to have been elected as the mayor of Trussville, I don’t want that to dissuade you from coming and having a conversation with me,” Short said.
His focus isn’t just on the next few months, but on Trussville’s long-term growth.
“I hope you see the evolution of our downtown spread out to other parts of our community,” he said. “The beauty of what we’ve accomplished here, through those design standards — I really hope that as new development continues to come into our community, that you see intentional design as it relates to the beauty of what you see here.”
Despite his vision, Short said his goal is simple.
“I’m not worried about leaving a legacy,” he said. “It’s more about just leaving Trussville better than it was. And we’ve got a pretty darn good community.”
In the classroom
HTHS senior Ava Claire Foster
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Tell our readers about yourself.
A: I consider myself to be an outgoing, friendly and compassionate person who strives to be a leader throughout my community. I have cheered on the Huskies (from youth sports to high school) for 13 years and I have lived here my entire life. I love my family, the color pink, and I have visited New Zealand and held a koala in Australia. I am a passionate learner who is dedicated to school, church, cheer and family.
A: My absolute favorite subject is history, followed very closely by English.
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: Most likely Auburn. I plan to major in political science with a minor in business, on a pre-law track.
Q: What do you think is the best part of Trussville schools and why?
Q: What is your favorite subject?
A: From kindergarten until now, I have never felt a place that has made me feel more loved. I know not many adolescents would say this, but I truly love school because of the people and atmosphere it has provided me with.
Cahaba Elementary School hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day DriveThrough Parade on Monday, Nov. 10. Veterans drove through the loop in front of the school, where students, teachers, and community members dressed in red, white and blue cheered and waved flags. The school’s show choir, SHINE, performed several songs from the front porch during the event led by music teacher Tina Fortenberry. The event was first
SCHOOLHOUSE
FOCUS Act changes classroom culture
By APRIL COFFEY
Across Alabama, students returned to school in August with all the familiar trappings of school supplies and new lunchboxes, but not with their usual electronic devices. The Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act, better known as the FOCUS Act, is a sweeping piece of education legislation that prohibits the use of wireless communication devices including smartphones, earbuds and smartwatches throughout the school day in all Alabama public schools.
Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in May 2025, the FOCUS Act has sparked both hope and controversy, as it seeks to change how classrooms operate across the state. Introduced to modernize curricula, increase school autonomy and enhance the role of technology in the classroom, the FOCUS Act aims to address longstanding issues in Alabama’s education system. While the Act’s proponents believe it will pave the way for more personalized learning and improved student outcomes, its implementation has generated mixed reactions from parents, educators and students.
WHAT IS IT?
The act seeks to minimize distractions, enhance safety and foster a focused learning environment. Ivey asserts that the adoption and implementation of the act is the result of consultation with parents and educators across Alabama asking to ban the disruptive devices from the classroom.
“These often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency,” Ivey said. “The FOCUS Act will enable students to ‘focus’ on learning while in school rather than on their phones.”
Another significant aspect of the FOCUS Act is its emphasis on integrating technology into the classroom. The Act provides funding for schools to implement digital tools, online learning platforms and personalized learning apps, aiming to create a more dynamic and interactive learning experience. By incorporating these technologies, the state hopes to improve educational outcomes and better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.
A further component of the act requires schools to provide students with education in internet safety and proper usage. Therefore, local boards of education must adopt internet safety policies to guide students’ access to the internet on school-owned devices. Trussville City Schools requires students to keep cellphones, smartwatches and earbuds in their lockers for the entirety of the school day.
MIXED PERSPECTIVES AND REACTIONS
Educators, students and parents have had mixed reactions to the FOCUS Act, though all agree that it achieves its primary goal of removing the distractions caused in the classroom.
Longtime educator Briana Morton said the benefits of the FOCUS Act are clear, “ensuring that students are focused on the classroom activities and conversations rather than whatever is on their device.”
Michelle McCaull, a teacher at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, agrees, stating that “the guidelines promote a safe, focused, and productive learning environment.”
Not only are students remaining more engaged during academic and class times, but they are also learning to socially
photo.
“I think the FOCUS Act has forced me to communicate ahead of time with my kids to make sure that we are all on the same page.
BRIANA MORTON
”engage more with one another.
Amber Benson, a teacher at HTMS, said, “Since the FOCUS Act was implemented, my classroom has become louder and more joyful. Yes, students are more engaged in their schoolwork, but more importantly, they’re more engaged with each other. There are more conversations happening, more movement, and overall, communication skills are improving.”
However, some students miss their phones during lunch and free time.
Hewitt-Trussville High School senior Ava Claire Foster said, “It is frustrating at times not being able to access it during free periods such as lunch, but it has not drastically altered my daily life as a student.”
While the majority of stakeholders are encouraged by the positive changes they have observed, concerns still exist.
The FOCUS Act prevents parents and students from communicating during the school day using their wireless devices.
“When I was a classroom teacher, I would get so frustrated with students responding to parent texts during class,” Morton said. “And then I became a parent of a teen, and I caught myself texting my kids more than I should have. If
anything, I think the FOCUS Act has forced me to communicate ahead of time with my kids to make sure that we are all on the same page.”
To remedy these concerns, many school districts, Trussville City Schools included, have addressed this by encouraging parents to communicate with students via Parent and Student Square and other school platforms rather than relying on cellular phones.
WHO IT AFFECTS
Elementary and middle school students and teachers say not much has changed in their classrooms.
“At HTMS, the FOCUS Act has not had much direct bearing on daily life. Our students were already accustomed to keeping their cell phones in their lockers throughout the day, so phone usage has rarely been an issue,” McCaull said. “Our administration has long emphasized clear expectations and consistent consequences, and our students have continually risen above those expectations.”
Even at the high school level, students in Trussville said it has not had a drastic impact on them.
Foster, who will have completed over 20 Advanced Placement classes upon graduation in 2026 said, “When you are taking hard classes, it is crucial to not be on your phone anyways, so in that sense it has not changed much.”
While some against the FOCUS Act argue that enforcement of its guidelines among students may not be consistent, this has not been the experience in Trussville schools.
“Students see the benefit of removing the distractions that come with having cell phones during class time,” said Benson.
McCaull emphasized that students are respectful of the policy and are not violating it.
“In many ways, the FOCUS Act simply reinforced practices that were already part of our school culture,” she said.
Stock
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
Food City opened its new Trussville location on Nov. 6 at 465 Main St., It is one of three former Winn-Dixie stores acquired and converted in Alabama by the Virginia-based company. The supermarket reopened just days after closing for a rapid conversion. The retailer hired the majority of the previous store’s employees, including managers, to preserve years of local experience. While operations will remain mostly the same through the holidays, improvements are planned for 2026. Shoppers can expect the same convenience they are accustomed to, along with expanded variety and selection. The store features in-house butchers, farm-fresh produce, a bakery
and deli. Shoppers can sign up for the free Food City ValuCard to receive discounts, digital coupons, sweepstakes entries and partner offers. Registration is available online or in-store. The ValuCard rewards program includes Fuel Bucks, digital coupons and additional savings. The other newly opened stores in Alabama are in Jasper and Fultondale. foodcity.com, 205-661-0026
ANNIVERSARIES
Eighteen South, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, celebrated its third anniversary at 5457 Patrick Way, Suite 109, in Trussville. The store offers an eclectic mix of upscale everyday brands, including Greyson, bluecaddie, Oliver Cabell, Cuts, Collars
SPOTLIGHT
Ferus adds second private venue with The Reserve
By TIM STEPHENS
Ferus Artisan Ales is opening a new event venue called The Reserve in the Trussville Entertainment District. Located above Umami at 215 Bell Way, the venue was created to meet growing demand for private events in the area.
The Reserve can accommodate 30 to 80 guests and includes a heated private patio overlooking the district stage, a dedicated bar with bartender, private restrooms, wooden tables, metal chairs, and an internal sound system. Weekday rates start at $600 and weekend rentals begin at $1,000, with a three-hour minimum.
GET TO KNOW
By DIANE POOLE
For nearly 13 years, Tula J Boutique has been a fashion staple in Trussville. Owner Ashli Posey says her passion for fashion began early and led to a degree in fashion merchandising.
Cahaba Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration at go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
& Co. and The Normal Brand. The store also carries Hewitt-Trussville spirit gear, corporate-branded apparel and Alabama and Auburn game day wear. eighteen-south.com, 205-508-3025
Taco Mama, located at 2050 Gadsden Highway, Suite 128, recently marked its sixth anniversary in Trussville. The fast-casual Tex-Mex chain, known for its vibrant, kitschy atmosphere, was inspired by holein-the-wall burrito spots founder Will Haver visited in California. The menu includes a build-your-own taco bar, signature margaritas, fresh ingredients and options for a variety of dietary needs. The original location opened in Mountain Brook in 2011. Trussville was the sixth in the Birmingham area. tacomamaonline.com, 205-905-8226
Jiffy Lube is celebrating three years at its location at 1106 North Chalkville Road. Services include oil changes, brake repairs, tire and windshield replacements, inspections and more. jiffylube.com, 659-287-0220
CLOSINGS
Pet Supplies Plus at 1672 Gadsden Highway, in the Colonial Promenade at Tutwiler Farm, was scheduled to permanently close on Nov. 30. Parent company Franchise Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 and is closing some locations as part of financial restructuring under a new entity, Fusion Parent LLC, which will oversee the remaining stores.
through community initiatives like Turn Trussville Pink.
Booking is now open for The Reserve. For availability, email events@ferusales.com or visit ferusales.com.
This is the second event space operated by Ferus. The original space at 101 Beech Street hosts groups of 20 to 200 and includes additional rental options such as linens, chairs and sound equipment. It also offers in-house catering and craft beverages.
Today, Tula J offers inclusive sizes from XS to 3XL, exclusive clothing lines and a personalized shopping experience that feels like having your own stylist. Known for building lasting relationships with customers, the boutique also gives back
“We like to think of ourselves as your personal shopper,” Posey said. “We know many of our customers by name, remember their styles, and carry exclusive lines you won’t find elsewhere. More than that, it’s about relationships — we’ve laughed and cried with our customers here.”
More than just a store, Tula J has become a place where friendships are formed and shopping feels like home.
Owner Ashli Posey, left, visits with a customer at Tula J Boutique in Trussville. Photo by Diane Poole.
Photo courtesy of Ferus Artisan Ales.
Recently sold homes
► ADDRESS: 4228 Cahaba Bend
► BED/BATH: 4/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,540 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville Springs
► LIST PRICE: $485,900
► SALE PRICE: $476,500
► ADDRESS: 120 Dew Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,698 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $425,000
► SALE PRICE: $435,000
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
► ADDRESS: 7676 Wind Song Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,328 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $349,900
► SALE PRICE: $350,000
Save the Date
MAGNOLIA HOLIDAY MARKET
► When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 4-7 p.m.
► Where: Magnolia Elementary, 5400 Hidden Way Drive
► Details: Get into the holiday spirit and support Magnolia Elementary by shopping a curated collection of unique gifts, handmade goods and local treasures from talented makers and retailers. Santa Claus will make a special appearance for Christmas photos.
► Cost: Free
► Contact: 205-228-3500
► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
HOLIDAY STROLL
► When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.
► Where: The Gateway, Trussville Entertainment District, 119 Beech St.
► Details: Get in the holiday spirit and support local businesses. Highlights include photos with Santa, carriage rides, a festive outfit contest, carolers and singalongs.
► Cost: Free
► Contact: ferusales.com/events-1/ trussville-holiday-stroll-1, trussvillechamber. com/events/holiday-stroll
CHRISTMAS PARADE
► When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m.
► Where: The parade lines up on Cherokee Drive, proceeding from Parkway Drive to Main Street, through downtown to Chalkville Road, then north to Oak Street.
► Cost: Free
► Contact: Call the chamber at 205-655-3575 or go online to trussvillechamber.com/events/ trussville-christmas-parade-2025
SPORTS
Huskies impress in long-awaited state return
By KYLE PARMLEY
For the first time since 1989, Hewitt-Trussville High School’s volleyball team walked onto the floor at the state tournament. The Huskies did not look the part of a nervous newcomer.
Hewitt opened its stay at the Birmingham CrossPlex with a sweep of Enterprise in the Class 7A quarterfinals, winning 26-24, 25-17, 25-17. Kayleigh Nguyen steered the offense with 19 assists and 15 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Johnna Cox hammered 11 kills and added six digs. Christiana Callens anchored the back row with 13 digs, and Reese Wolfe chipped in seven kills as the Huskies settled in quickly on the state stage.
“I mean, it was a great ride. I’m really proud of the girls for just playing really strong and together during October,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Andie Freedman said. “I think it was really critical that we hosted the area tournament, and that put us in a good position.”
Hewitt-Trussville started that October run by winning the area tournament, which the school hosted for the first time in 15 years. The Huskies had to rally past Albertville after falling behind by double digits in the opening set, a moment Freedman points to as the night the team grew comfortable in a postseason environment. They then went to the North Super Regional at the Finley Center and punched their ticket to state
with a five-set win over Hoover before knocking off Bob Jones and Austin to claim the top seed from the North.
“You know, I think it was truly the amount of adversity that we had in September,” Freedman said. “It caused us to grow in different areas, and we had different people playing different positions, and it put stress on different areas of our game and really caused a lot of girls to step up.”
Injuries shuffled the lineup at different points, and Freedman herself missed three weeks in the middle of the season while welcoming a new baby. By the time October arrived,
the Huskies were finally whole again, and they looked like a team peaking at the right time.
At state, Hewitt nearly extended the ride one more day. The Huskies fell to Thompson in a five-set semifinal classic, 3-2 (25-21, 26-24, 20-25, 21-25, 15-13), finishing the year with a 30-12 record. Cox was brilliant again, piling up 19 kills and eight digs. Wolfe posted 11 kills, six digs and three blocks, while middle hitter Aleah Taylor turned in five kills, seven blocks and seven digs. Callens handed out 24 assists and fired five aces in the narrow defeat.
The historic run was matched by the way Trussville rallied around the team.
“I mean, honestly, the community has been incredible. The administration at Hewitt has been incredible,” Freedman said.
Recognition is still coming, but Freedman is already thinking about what’s next. Outgoing seniors Reese Jackson, Julia Stalls and Wolfe helped lay a foundation upon which future teams can build.
“Yeah, absolutely — I feel like we’re going to be better next year,” Freedman said.
That belief comes from a roster built to last. Nguyen, the setter who Freedman calls the heart of the team, will return. Cox, who piled up around 460 kills this fall, is only a sophomore. Callens, who surpassed 1,000 career digs, is a rising junior. Several other quality returners and some incoming freshmen will only bolster that promising outlook.
Hewitt-Trussville defeated Enterprise at the state tournament to finish in the Class 7A final four. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
SPORTS
Monceaux, Huskies look to continue steady climb
By JOSHUA GLEASON
In three seasons, Jeremy Monceaux has guided the Hewitt-Trussville High School boys basketball program from struggling to consistent contention.
Now, the Huskies believe they’re ready to take the next step.
The Huskies are coming off a 20-11 campaign last season and have continually improved each year. Hewitt has finished above .500 every year of Monceaux’s tenure, an impressive ascension. But there is still room to grow.
Two challenges remain. One is out of their hands: competing in Class 7A, Area 6, arguably the toughest grouping in Alabama, with perennial powers Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain standing in the way. The other, Monceaux says, is something they can control, and that is offensive balance.
“Coming into this year, we put a lot of emphasis on offense,” Monceaux said at the preseason Under the Lights Basketball Media Day. “Our Achilles heel the last three years is that we’ve had a hard time putting the ball in the hole. We’ve gotten into big games and played really well with good execution and elite defense, but the ball didn’t go in.”
Under Monceaux, Hewitt-Trussville has consistently been among the top defensive units in the state. This season,
the staff is challenging the team to maintain that defensive edge while playing faster and more fluid on offense.
One player expected to help fuel that offensive shift is junior guard Dalton Black, who moves up to the varsity
roster after a strong junior varsity season and a standout summer on the AAU circuit.
“He gives us something as a scoring threat that we haven’t had,” Monceaux said. “He can make tough shots, but 7A varsity basketball is a lot different from JV and AAU.”
Youth will play a big role on this team. Sophomores Casey Sears and Tyler Wilson are expected to be key contributors, with Sears providing a presence in the frontcourt, while Wilson adds to the backcourt.
The Huskies also return a core of experienced upperclassmen, including third-year senior starters Rashad Rolley and Colt Wells, along with Ryan Phelps. The mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy gives Monceaux one of his deepest rosters yet.
“Whether we become really good offensively while still not losing our discipline defensively will ultimately determine our success,” Monceaux said. “We feel like we can go nine or 10 deep. There’s a lot of competition in practice and jockeying for minutes.”
Baylor Strange, Demarion Benson, Luke Stodghill, Declan Black, Cash Langston, Aidan Julbert, Pierce Heinzman, Woogie Crawford, Evan Chandler and Caden Ali are among the players expected to contribute to the Huskies this season as well.
“We think the best is yet to come,” Monceaux said. “We have some pretty high expectations for this season.”
Hewitt-Trussville’s Rashad Rolley (5) is a third-year starter for the Huskies. Staff photo.
New era begins with Lady Huskies basketball
By JOSHUA GLEASON
A new era begins for the Hewitt-Trussville High School girls basketball program, but the expectations remain the same.
After a run that included four straight trips to at least the Class 7A regional finals before last season, the Lady Huskies enter the 2025-26 season with a new voice at the helm in Kayla Alexander.
Alexander takes over after nine seasons on staff at UAB, where she served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. She joined the Blazers in 2016 as director of basketball operations.
She replaces Tonya Hunter, who spent the last 11 years building Hewitt-Trussville into one of the state’s most consistent contenders. Players say the transition has been smooth, while Alexander has embraced the culture of discipline and energy that Hunter established.
“It’s been awesome getting to know this team,” Alexander said at the Under the Lights Basketball Media Day. “One thing that sticks out is how hard they work, on and off the court. They’re relentless competitors. I couldn’t ask for a better group for my first year.”
The Lady Huskies finished 19-12 last season, falling to Vestavia Hills in the Class 7A, Area 6 Tournament. Once again, they will have to battle through a gauntlet within
Hewitt-Trussville junior point guard Ryleigh Martin (4) is a UAB commit and will be one of the Lady Huskies’ leaders this season. Staff photo.
their own area, featuring five-time defending state champion Hoover and Oak Mountain as well.
Alexander has emphasized constant movement and defensive pressure as her team’s foundation.
“I want to play [aggressively],” Alexander said. “We want to play fast, apply relentless pressure and cause havoc on defense so we can get out in transition.”
That style fits the personnel. Hewitt-Trussville returns a great backcourt, led by junior point guard Ryleigh Martin, a UAB commit. The engine of the offense, Martin brings quality court vision and scoring ability to the team.
Alongside her is junior combo guard Lauryn Holley, a versatile scorer and defender. Holley is expected to take a major leap this season with a larger offensive role and continued two-way impact.
Senior forward Ariella Hayden provides leadership and toughness inside.
“We’re a team that focuses on the small things that lead to the bigger picture,” Hayden said. “Every player has to show up and give effort. That’s not coachable, that’s just what our team is.”
Another emerging name is eighth grader Caycee Burton, a dynamic combo guard who already plays beyond her years. Burton can handle the ball when Martin faces double teams and has led the team in steals during preseason practices. While the roster leans guard-heavy, Jaliyah Parker is expected to provide a strong interior presence. The roster also includes Sophie Stodghill, Lila Riggans, Meagan Bell, Amari Evans, Livie Bullington, Kylee Thornburg, Sophie Bullington and Katelyn Hall.
“I have a team that I don’t have to coach effort,” Alexander said. “They are going to show up every single day and do their best.”
Chasing the dream
How Trussville-born country singer
Alli Leighann risked it all for the music
By JORDYN DAVIS
Alli Leighann Carruth’s music career began riding shotgun in her grandfather’s Lincoln. Those endless summers now feel like a fever dream, Carruth said. She began to appreciate her grandfather, Paul Ott Sr., and his taste in music at a very young age. Every summer, she would accompany him to Mississippi, singing along to his own CDs he recorded in his studio.
“I would go visit him in Mississippi and I would drive with him to his studio, which was about an hour away from his house. I remember seeing his CDs and being like, ‘This is what I want to do.’ I remember he always used to tell me, ‘Songwriting is the ticket.’ This was a huge part of my journey, and seeing him sing and do what he loved made me want to pursue songwriting and eventually singing,” Carruth said.
Born and raised in Trussville, 24-year-old Carruth made the decision to pursue her music career by moving to Nashville after her sophomore year in college, when COVID hit. She made the move soon after and enrolled as a songwriting major at Middle Tennessee State University, after transferring from the University of North Alabama.
“It was a weird time to move to Nashville, honestly, and a lot of it was me figuring out how the business side of music works. I already knew how to write a song and I knew I could sing. I was analyzing how other people have made it work and I learned really quickly that nobody’s path is the same. I knew I had to trust God’s plan. I also didn’t know anyone in Nashville but luckily, Nashville isn’t too far away and I was able to have my parents come. It was like being a fish out of water, trying to figure out how it all works,” Carruth said.
Although surrounded by a deep pool of musical talent in Nashville, she learned to stand her ground and gain valuable skills both as an artist and young adult. She recalls those early years of living alone and exploring Nashville on her own.
“Being in the music scene and moving from Trussville to Nashville made me realize that there’s no set timeline.
I feel like when you grow up in a small town, it’s easier to plan. In Nashville, I quickly realized that you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow you could meet someone that’s going to sign you or you could meet Taylor Swift. It’s so crazy how things can change in a day,” Carruth said.
One thing that will always remain in Carruth’s life is her supportive family in Trussville. Her Southern roots run deep and have played a major role in who she is today. Carruth comes from a notable family, with her grandfather, Paul Ott Sr., headlining small country music gigs. Her father, Bert Ott, played football for Ole Miss,
A singer/ songwriter from Trussville, Alli Leighann Carruth started playing guitar and writing songs at 10 years old. All she has ever wanted to be was a country music singer. She was inspired by her granddad, Paul Ott Sr., a singer/songwriter from Summit, Mississippi, to write songs. Photo courtesy of Alli Leighann Carruth, by Payton Costa.
while her uncle, Paul Ott Jr., played for the University of Alabama. Her little brother, Cade Ott is on the Alabama football team.
“What really got my social media going was when my little brother decided to go play football at Alabama, and country artist Connor Smith has a song called ‘I Hate Alabama,’ and so I did a TikTok video and maybe had a few hundred followers on both platforms. I redid the ‘I Hate Alabama’ to ‘I Love Alabama,’ and that was my first semi-viral video that got everyone in Alabama knowing my name and it helped me in Nashville as well because the songwriters of that song had to get my version
“Trussville has had a huge impact on me as a person, as an artist and my family. Trussville really encourages kids and teens to dream big. … There was never a ceiling on how far you can go.
ALLI LEIGHANN CARRUTH
”approved, and that sparked a buzz,” Carruth said.
For Carruth, Trussville will always have a special place in her heart. The city’s music scene and welcoming presence heavily inspired her to follow her dreams and gave her the confidence to take a chance on Nashville.
“Trussville has had a huge impact on me as a person, as an artist and my family. Trussville really encourages kids and teens to dream big. People from Trussville are in the NFL, they’re in the MLB, they’re in Nashville writing songs. There was never a ceiling on how far you can go. There were people from Trussville on Disney Channel and I used to think ‘Ok, if they can do it, then I can do it
too.’ My family and friends have also been a huge support for me, and I used to play at the local pizza place every Tuesday night and people would come and support.”
Carruth continues to grow her career in Nashville
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and is lined up with gigs. She is on her “College Tour,” where she visits local college towns around the states and performs at local venues. You can find her work on Instagram @allileighann.
Carruth started playing shows all across the Birmingham area and driving back and forth to Nashville at 13. Now 22, she is living in Nashville chasing down her dream in the music industry. Photos courtesy of Alli Leighann Carruth, by Trey Bonner and Braden Walker.
COMMUNITY 2025
2025 was a big year for Trussville. Change is happening all around the city from government and education to business and personal achievements. Before we leap into the new year, let’s look back at some of the impactful moments from this year.
With former Mayor Buddy Choat’s announcement that he was not running again, several candidates threw their hats in the ring. In August, Trussville chose Ben Short as its new mayor, and he was sworn in to office in November. Photos by Savannah Schmidt and Tosha Gaines.
Hewitt-Trussville High School’s volleyball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 1989 this fall. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
Magnolia Elementary School utilizes Circool, the new safety app, to check visitors into a choir concert. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Hewitt-Trussville High School hired Kayla Alexander its new girls basketball coach in June. Photo courtesy of UAB Athletics.
Sandra Vernon, left, trains Lori Walker, for Vernon’s current role as administrative assistant to the superintendent of Trussville City Schools in September. Photo by Diane Poole.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Steele Hall won Mr. Baseball and was drafted ninth overall by the Cincinnati Reds in July. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Parker Floyd (0) was a key leader on the Huskies’ football team, which finished with an 8-3 record. Photo
Jeff Davis trains for the Chicago Marathon in January. Davis became an amputee after a motorcycle accident from his childhood caused a disease that spread into his adulthood.
Kelsey Martin, a graduate of HewittTrussville High School and a track athlete at Samford University, completed an internship in 2024 with Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell on Capitol Hill. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Martin.
Kim and Justin McElroy hosted The Insanitarium haunted attraction in October at 8433 Gadsden Highway. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
by Shawn Bowles.
COMMUNITY
Wrestling, crowns and community
Katherine Grigsby’s
surprising journey to Miss Vestavia Hills
By KELLI S. HEWETT
At just 19 years old, Katherine Grigsby of Trussville is a dedicated leader, an empathetic community servant and — according to her family — a “unicorn,” their loving nickname reflecting her tendency to do everything differently. Crowned in September as Miss Vestavia Hills 2026, Katherine’s journey reflects persistence, family ties and the impact one young woman can have on her community.
The Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate’s passion for pageants began early, when she was barely walking. Winning Miss Vestavia Hills — her very first Miss Alabama preliminary competition — marks a distinctive milestone. She will compete for Miss Alabama in June. Preparing for that level of competition isn’t just about appearances; it’s about years of personal growth, Katherine said.
“From my very first year competing in the Miss America organization to now, I’m a completely different person,” she said. “I’m definitely not as socially awkward as I used to be. I was so scared of talking to others. Now it’s just second nature. And I really love that I’ve been able to grow in that way.”
Wildly determined almost since birth, Katherine learned music while also learning to catch football passes with her dad, Kevin, and big brother, Stephen. She competed in pageants, earned top grades and was a dedicated gymnast — until a severe ankle injury dashed those dreams. One of life’s biggest challenges sparked a surprise rebound — she became a high school wrestler for Hewitt-Trussville’s first female wrestling team.
“I was [completely focused on] gymnastics at that time, and having that happen to me might have been the best thing for me because I got to find a different passion,” Katherine said. “My family encouraged that resilient side of me, which is what encouraged me to go into wrestling. And within that first season, my record was 34-1, and I went on to win state champion at the 114 weight class.”
That, her family said, is Katherine.
“She tends to come out of the gate strong every time,” said her mom, Angela. “She does everything with everything she’s got.”
In addition to their faith, the Grigsbys are heavily involved in another kind of Alabama gospel.
“Our children grew up in the era of Nick Saban coaching at Alabama, and … we would talk about resiliency,” Kevin said. “We would talk about determination. We would talk about overcoming adversity in our everyday lives.”
Kevin and Angela knew they wanted to equip their children to think for themselves and face life’s challenges successfully. Along the way, the siblings also began to influence each other.
“[Stephen has] definitely been a big influence over a lot of big decisions in my life, and wrestling would probably be one of those top impacts,” Katherine said of her brother, who wrestled at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School.
Left:
“Obviously sibling feuds are always like, ‘I can do that better than you.’”
How have the brother and sister remained so close?
“Kat and I are just open with each other,” Stephen said. “If we have problems, we tell them to each other rather than going behind our backs or holding it in. We both understand most conflicts just aren’t that important.”
Volunteering and giving back to the community have always been important to the Grigsby family. Since childhood, the kids have seen their parents living this out.
“I think by our parents [being] high-functioning members of the community, we naturally gravitated toward being like them — wanting to imitate that,” Stephen said.
Katherine agreed. “Being able to see my mom and my
dad be a role model for life has had significant influence over my brother and [me],” she said.
Katherine has raised over $200,000 and built over 1,000 beds for children in need through her community service work with a nonprofit called Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Starting at age 14 with her mom, she was so impacted by the group that she eventually co-founded the Birmingham South chapter of SHP.
“After we got done building that bed, it was a 14-yearold boy who said, ‘Thank you. This is my first bed,’ and he was crying about it,” Katherine said. “That kind of put in perspective to me, after my 14 years of life, that he never got the opportunity to come home to a bed after a long day at school or practices. That really kick-started my passion for working within SHP.”
Angela said they have always intentionally stayed active and involved, individually and as a family. “I’m just scared if we sit back too much, we’ll miss opportunities,” she said.
Katherine balances a rigorous academic life as a kinesiology major at the University of Alabama. Looking forward, she plans to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy at UAB and specialize in pediatric physical therapy. She is also a member of the UA Million Dollar Band, where she plays clarinet. She took up the instrument only recently, inspired by Stephen’s trumpet playing at UA. Now they march together on football Saturdays and their parents cheer them on.
The family members encourage and celebrate each other through tests, birthdays, extracurriculars and personal goals. Music is a family affair. Kevin plays piano every Sunday for First Baptist Church Trussville, and both kids play, as well. The family shares an active family text chat, and the walls of their home are lined with group photos. Family cruises are their favorite.
When it comes to raising exceptional young adults, Kevin and Angela’s approach shines as much for its togetherness as for the successes it has produced in their two children. The Grigsby parents, modest about their methods, credit open communication and family unity rather than systems or strict rules, believing in investing time and resources into their two children.
“We are living at the speed of life right now, and I guess I don’t yet have time to look backwards,” Kevin said. “I know that time will come, but I’m living in the present and pushing toward the future. I think we have tried to equip them to think for themselves.”
The Grigsby parents said their own parenting teamwork is part of the family formula. “We’ve always made a great team,” Kevin said of he and his wife. “Angela handled meal and laundry services [and] community services, and I handled academics and extracurriculars. It was my responsibility to get the children to and from gymnastics. I picked [Katherine] up at 8 [p.m.] a lot of nights. But [Angela] had supper on the table when we got Katherine home.”
Despite her packed schedule, Katherine finds joy in family vacations — particularly cruises — and cherishes the humorous, supportive environment her family creates. Her father’s words capture it best. “He tells me at least once a week that I’m the one exception, or I am the unicorn because I do things differently, or I’m constantly pushing myself to work on myself and not sitting on the couch and playing a video game or watching TV,” Katherine said. “I’m always trying to find a way to work on myself.”
For more on Sleep in Heavenly Peace, visit shpbeds.org.
Above: Katherine Grigsby of Trussville, waves after being crowned Miss Vestavia Hills 2026 in September 2025. Photo courtesy of Katherine Grigsby.
Grigsby was a state champion wrestler for HewittTrussville High School. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
