Merry and bright
By EMILY REED
HOLIDAY | page 24
By KELLI S. HEWETT
At just 19 years old, Katherine Grigsby is a dedicated leader, an empathetic community servant and (according to her family) a “unicorn” — their loving nickname inspired by her fearless dedication to her dreams. Crowned in September as Miss Vestavia Hills 2026, Katherine’s journey is a testament to perseverance, family ties and the impact one young woman can have on a community. Her 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.
Ed and Amy Monroe have continued the Christmas tradition of illuminating the large pine tree behind their home, a ritual that has lit up Vestavia Hills since the 1980s. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
Every year, just after Thanksgiving, Ed Monroe climbs the hill behind his Tanglewood Brook home to light a 120-foot pine tree — a tradition that has brightened Vestavia Hills for more than 40 years.
Katherine Grigsby waves after being crowned Miss Vestavia Hills 2026 in September. Photo by Willie Moore, courtesy of Katherine Grigsby.
Dr. Edgar Luna announces
the opening of
Dr. Edgar Luna
Dr. Edgar Luna is an award-winning dentist and visionary in cosmetic and implant dentistry. A recipient of the Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, he has been recognized among America’s Top Dentists and honored as Best of Birmingham and Most Caring of Birmingham.
Founder of Divine Smiles Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Luna blends clinical excellence with artistic precision and faith-driven compassion. Trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he has served patients from local families to Fortune 500 executives, earning a reputation for creating radiant, natural-looking smiles that transform confidence and lives alike.
Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ — and for many, it’s also a time full of family traditions as they do it together.
That’s the case for the Monroe family, who live off Rocky Ridge Road in the Tanglewood Brook neighborhood. Each year, the Monroe family lights up a 120-foot-tall pine tree with Christmas lights that can be seen from miles away.
Emily Reed, one of our contributing writers, took time to dig into the story behind the tree and the details of the family tradition that has become a blessing not only for the Monroes but the surrounding community. I hope you enjoy reading that cover story this month.
Also, in this edition, you’ll find a
rundown of other holiday events that have become a tradition for many in Vestavia Hills, such as the city’s annual holiday parade in Liberty Park, gingerbread house competition, breakfast with Santa, menorah lighting and Reindeer Dash 5K.
Wishing all of you a merry Christmas!
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November
CITY
New City Council ready to serve next 4 years
By JON ANDERSON
A new group of city leaders took office in November, with a Nov. 3 swearing-in ceremony for the City Council at Vestavia Hills City Hall.
Newly elected council members Ali Pilcher and Michael Vercher joined returning Mayor Ashley Curry and council members Rusty Weaver and Kimberly Cook in taking their oaths of office to serve the next four years.
Under Vestavia’s city manager form of government, the mayor serves as president of the City Council, and the council on Monday re-elected Weaver as mayor pro tempore, meaning he will lead meetings in the mayor’s absence.
The council also named people to numerous other positions, including:
► Rebecca Leavings as city clerk
► Melvin Turner III as city treasurer
► Patrick Boone as city attorney
► James Sturdivant as municipal judge
► Nicholas Waddell as municipal prosecutor
► Melissa Doggett and Brian Pace as indigent defenders for the Municipal Court
The council also decided to change its regular meeting dates from the second and fourth Mondays of each month to the first and third Mondays of each month. The time of those meetings also was changed from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cook was the only council member voting against moving the time of the meetings, saying she believed more members of the general public could attend at 6 p.m.
Curry said moving the meeting time up to 5:30 p.m. keeps city employees from having to hang around City Hall as long before going home and said the public now can attend meetings and comment virtually if they are unable to make it to meetings in person at 5:30 due to work schedules or some other reason.
The new meeting dates and times won’t take effect until January because notices already had been sent out about meetings in November and December, Leavings said.
Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Greg Cook swears in Ali Pilcher, above left, and Michael Vercher, above right, as new members of the Vestavia Hills City Council. Photos by Jon Anderson.
A new group of Vestavia Hills City Council members gather for their swearing-in ceremony and first official meeting at Vestavia Hills City Hall on Nov. 3. From left are Ali Pilcher, Rusty Weaver, Ashley Curry and Kimberly Cook. New Councilman Michael Vercher had to leave City Hall immediately after the swearing-in ceremony to catch an airplane flight but participated in the meeting by phone.
On Nov. 7, we celebrated Veterans Day at the New Merkel House in Cahaba Heights. This annual event honors veterans in attendance and presents certificates for family members of deceased veterans.
Mayor’s Minute
By Ashley Curry
On Nov. 10, we held our annual Salute to Veterans event at the new Civic Center. I would like to thank our sponsors, our city personnel and our speaker, Commissioner Jeff Newton of the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs, for another outstanding event.
As President Ronald Reagan reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
May we never forget the veterans and the sacrifices they made to keep our nation free. I hope you were able to attend our annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 20. This tradition kicks off our season of gratitude and giving.
I hope that you had a joyous Thanksgiving. As a community, we have so much for which we should be thankful.
As we move into the Christmas holidays, let’s remember that while we may celebrate different traditions, we share common values like love, hope and peace. May we all embrace the universal message of goodwill, compassion and gratitude that the holidays inspire across faiths. We can honor the season by celebrating these shared qualities and the joy of coming together as a community.
I will close with this blessing: “May we all find peace and joy in our own traditions.” Happy holidays to all!
Top Producer
SCHOOLHOUSE
Alabama’s FOCUS Act in effect
Statewide law aims to curb classroom distractions
By APRIL COFFEY
At Vestavia Hills High School, senior Cade Smith says the new phone ban has been both helpful and frustrating.
“We have a lot of free time, especially as seniors, and it would be nice to have our phones during that time,” he said. “My phone was a valuable resource with apps I could use in the classroom to help with assignments.”
Cade’s experience captures what many students across Vestavia Hills are feeling this fall. With the start of the school year came a major statewide change: Alabama’s new Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act, which bans phones, earbuds and smartwatches during the school day in all public K-12 schools.
Signed into law in May, the FOCUS Act aims to reduce distractions, improve focus and help students reconnect with in-person learning. In Vestavia Hills, where classrooms have long emphasized collaboration and engagement, students and teachers say the changes were visible almost immediately.
WHAT THE ACT REQUIRES
The law prohibits the use, display or operation of wireless communication devices during the school day, except in emergencies, under accommodations or for teacher-directed instruction. Local school systems must also implement digital citizenship and internet safety education.
Vestavia Hills City Schools already had a longstanding Acceptable Technology Use Agreement stating that technology use is “a privilege, not a right,” outlining guidelines on social media, internet safety and email.
Classroom distraction was a driving concern behind the law. In a 2024 Pew Research survey, 72% of U.S. high school teachers said cellphone use was a major problem in their classrooms. Academic research has echoed those concerns — a Rutgers University study found that students in device-friendly classrooms scored an average of 5% lower on final exams than students in phone-free classes. The FOCUS Act’s supporters believe limiting phone use will improve student engagement and outcomes, though some experts caution that device bans alone aren’t a cure-all.
CLASSROOMS FEEL CALMER
Many Vestavia teachers and students say they can already feel a difference. Liberty Park Middle School French teacher Courtney Capocci said one student told her the law “really has helped me focus,” because “I am thinking about doing my work, rather than how I can sneak my phone to play a game.”
Capocci said the change is noticeable in the classroom.
“Banning cellphones during school creates a calmer, more focused learning environment by removing constant distractions from texts and social media,” she said. “Students stay
has taken effect, banning the
more engaged and participate more in class.”
Capocci said she’s also seeing a change in how students interact with one another. “Students are building stronger interpersonal relationships,” she said. “The students are talking more with peers and teachers.”
SOME SKEPTICISM REMAINS
Not every student is on board with the new restrictions. Smith said he understands the intent behind the law but wishes seniors had more flexibility.
Elementary teacher Shea Smith noted that younger students have long operated under similar rules. “It is really no different for me,” she said. “Elementary and middle school students have never been permitted to have their cellular phones during the school day, and the students are used to it.”
COMMUNICATION SHIFTS
What to know about the FOCUS Act
► Full name: Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act (FOCUS Act)
► Applies to: All public K-12 schools in Alabama, effective 2025-26 school year
► What’s banned: Use, operation or display of phones, earbuds, smartwatches and other wireless devices during the school day
► Exceptions: Medical needs, emergencies, IEP/504 accommodation and teacher-directed instructional use
What research says about phones and learning
► 72% of U.S. high school teachers say phones are a major distraction in class
► A Rutgers University study concluded allowing devices in class led to ~5% lower final exam scores compared to phone-free classrooms
► A meta-analysis of 39 studies found consistent negative links between smartphone use and academic performance
For parents, the biggest change has been communication. “When I was a classroom teacher, I would get so frustrated with students responding to parent texts during class,” said former educator Briana Morton, vice president of education for Alabama Public Television. “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 help, Vestavia Hills City Schools encourages families to use ParentSquare and StudentSquare to handle non-emergency messages during the day.
As students adjust to life without their devices, some are finding the absence more stressful than expected. Birmingham-based
► Local responsibility: Every school board must adopt compliant wireless device and internet safety policies
► Required curriculum: Students must complete a state-approved course on social media risks and online safety before eighth grade
► Legislative support: Passed Alabama House 79-15; supported by Alabama Department of Education
SOURCES: ALABAMA LEGISLATURE (HB166), ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (FOCUS ACT MEMO, JULY 2025), GOVTECH REPORTING
nonprofit College Admissions Made Possible is working to help schools across the region address that transition. “Our Brains and Screens curriculum,” Executive Director Michelle Hayes said, “uses social-emotional learning time to
► Over half of school leaders report cellphones negatively impact learning outcomes
► Some research cautions that bans alone may not improve grades or well-being — other supports are often needed
SOURCES: PEW RESEARCH CENTER (2024), RUTGERS UNIVERSITY (2018), EDUCATION SCIENCES META-ANALYSIS (2024), NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS (2025), UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (2025)
retrain the brain for focus, calm and connection in a screen-saturated world.” CAMP’s Alabama Virtual Institute reaches about 3,000 Alabama students daily with academic and wellness programming.
While there’s still debate over how far the FOCUS Act should go, supporters say it’s already achieving its core goal.
“Vestavia students really seem to obey the rules at school,” Cade said. “I really have not seen anyone disrespecting it.”
Briana Morton
Courtney Capocci
Teachers and students report fewer distractions and increased social interactions since the FOCUS Act
use of smart phones, earbuds and other wireless devices in the classroom. Others say limited device access is stressful and inconvenient. Stock photo.
and Ruthie Jolly load up in the back of the
A Jolly Good Time Down on the Farm
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The Sierra 1500 AT4X is anything but your conventional truck. A combo not offered on any competitor in its class1, the AT4X’s front and rear electronic locking differentials give new meaning to gripping the road. The AT4X also comes from the factory with a 2” lift, off-road suspension, and Rancho® monotube shocks, making almost nowhere off limits. Test drive your new AT4X at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia. More about the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
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SCHOOLHOUSE
Vestavia Hills students bridge worlds through German
Sustainability Project Art, language, climate
By APRIL COFFEY
At Vestavia Hills High School, creativity and global citizenship are coming together in a way that transcends the traditional classroom.
Through a unique partnership with the German embassy and an international environmental project called POCACITO (Post-Carbon Cities of Tomorrow), students are exploring sustainability, art and language in a collaborative project that unites communities across continents.
The initiative, titled “Art for Nature – Ideas for Our Future,” brings together students in Levels 3 and 5 German, teachers Tracey Patterson and Timarie Fisk, and Atlanta-based artist Brian Hebert for an interdisciplinary experience blending environmental science, linguistic study and artistic expression.
Students engaged in German-language instruction centered on climate change and sustainability, subsequently demonstrating their understanding through the creation of 2D artworks, including paintings, drawings and collages. Supported by a grant from the German embassy, the project is one of only four of its kind in the United States. It culminated in a public exhibition Oct. 30 at Vestavia Hills High School, attended by Consul General Moltmann and members of the Alabama Germany Partnership.
FROM GERMANY TO ALABAMA: A GLOBAL CLASSROOM
The idea for the project originated through international cooperation.
The German embassy in the United States first suggested it to Max Grünig of POCACITO, which is a project to facilitate the transition of European cities to a sustainable or “post-carbon” economic model. The German Embassy then reached out to its consulates to identify partner schools, Patterson said.
“The Alabama Germany Partnership recommended Vestavia,” she said. “It sounded like a great opportunity for our students.”
Grünig led two days of German-language instruction focused on climate change and sustainability.
“The content was challenging, especially for our Level 3 students,” Patterson said. “But the visuals and local examples made it easier for them to connect.”
For Patterson, the project showed how language learning extends beyond grammar.
“Students used what they learned during the lessons to create projects they could share publicly — speaking about them in both German and English,” she said. “They even discussed their work with Consul General Moltmann and AGP members.”
ART AS ENVIRONMENTAL STORYTELLING
Students Tina Lou and Avery Brooks, both seniors, focused their artwork on Alabama’s endangered species to connect local and global concerns.
“Having lived in several countries, I’ve seen how every culture handles sustainability differently,” Lou said. “When Herr Grünig taught in German about climate change affecting our local
region, it just showed how interconnected our world is.”
Brooks added that the lessons revealed new perspectives. “Learning about how Germany and other German-speaking countries address climate issues really showed me what was lacking in the U.S.,” she said. “It made me want the U.S. to try to implement these more efficient solutions.”
Their collaborative art — using pencil, charcoal and watercolor — reflected both fragility and hope. “Our message is about the life and wonder around us,” Lou said. “We just need to see and feel it before we can truly act to protect it.”
“We did the background in bright watercolors and acrylics to represent an idyllic paradise,” Brooks said. “But we drew the animals in black and white to show their impermanence — they stick out in paradise, clearly not designed to be there.”
CREATIVE CONFIDENCE AND COLLABORATION
Working with artist Brian Hebert added a new dimension to the students’ creative process.
“Several of the students have rich art experiences, but most do not make art regularly,” Patterson said. “When Mr. Hebert joined us, each
group already had a vision. He helped them make those visions come true — suggesting techniques and encouraging them to trust their instincts.”
Lou recalled Hebert’s mentorship fondly. “I was nervous to outline the bird I drew in pen because I was afraid to ruin it, but he helped me start,” she said. “He showed me some of his own work and encouraged me to experiment more. I honestly just gained so much confidence.”
Brooks said Hebert’s guidance was both practical and inspiring: “He helped us decide which techniques and mediums to use — especially ones we hadn’t tried before. He was so helpful in letting us implement our vision.”
Patterson said one of the most rewarding moments was watching students collaborate across boundaries.
“Groups of students who normally wouldn’t choose to work together were able to collaborate meaningfully under time constraints,” Patterson said. “It wasn’t just about art or language — it was about teamwork and problem solving.”
EMPATHY, LANGUAGE AND LASTING IMPACT
Both students found the blend of German and art transformative.
“Using German and art showed me how
learning is so interconnected — when ideas blend, they naturally become more creative,” Lou said.
Brooks, who speaks English, German and Spanish, said the literalness of German words describing environmental concepts was very interesting. “It made me think differently about how language shapes understanding,” she said.
Asked to summarize their work in a single German word, Lou chose “gefühle,” which means emotions. “Empathy is one of the most valuable things we have,” she said. “I want people to feel something when they see our art.”
Brooks chose “lebensraum,” which means habitat. “It represents the world these animals should have — a perfect home where they belong.”
Both said they hope their work inspires action.
“I hope Alabama natives who see the art will feel called to learn more about endangered animals here and see how they can help,” Brooks said.
A FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE GLOBAL LEARNING
Coordinating the project required flexibility and teamwork across departments.
“As the classroom teacher, I had to restructure lessons and units to make time,” Patterson said. “I worked with Dr. Fisk to gather materials and with administrators for outreach and support. Everyone pitched in.”
The collaboration also expanded the school’s global network.
“Working with POCACITO and the German consulate means we now have contacts to share our experiences with others,” Patterson said.
“The funding allowed Mr. Hebert to travel and bring materials, which made all the difference.”
She hopes to carry what students learned into future German courses.
“I plan to include the vocabulary and themes in our AP and Honors German units,” she said. “What was missing before was a collaborative project where students could apply what they’d learned. I’d love to offer something like this every year.”
For Patterson, the project’s legacy is broader than art or language.
“Our visitors remarked that students found it meaningful when a guest speaker talked about issues that are both local and global,” she said. “They realized we have more in common with people far away than they thought. I hope this inspires others to reach out, learn from others and bring those lessons home.”
Students at Vestavia Hills High School collaborate on climate-themed art pieces, combining German language skills and environmental science lessons as part of the international “Art for Nature – Ideas for Our Future” project. Photos courtesy of Vestavia Hills High School.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Cole Walker of College Admissions Made Possible
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.
A: I’m Cole Walker, and I serve as the College, Career and Community Specialist for College Admissions Made Possible. I’m passionate about helping students see their potential and giving them the tools and confidence to reach it. I’m originally from Alabama and have always had a heart for mentorship, leadership and service.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Vestavia Hills?
A: The sense of community. People here take pride in their city and genuinely care about one another. It’s a great place to build relationships and invest in the next generation.
Q: Where did you go to college and what did you major in? Did you enjoy your experience in college there?
A: I attended Auburn University and earned my degree in Marketing. My college experience was an incredible time of growth — academically, personally and professionally. I enjoyed being involved on campus, meeting
new people and learning how to communicate and lead effectively. My time at Auburn really taught me the value of building connections and finding purpose in everything you do.
Q: What are your primary hobbies outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants and catching up on sports. I also love listening to music and staying active — anything that helps me recharge and stay balanced.
Q: Where do you work now? What are some of your job responsibilities?
A: I currently work for CAMP. In my role, I help students navigate their college and career pathways by providing guidance, resources and motivation. I also coordinate programs, lead workshops and build partnerships within the community to create opportunities for student growth.
Q: Why did you decide to work in education and in a nonprofit?
A: Education has always been personal to me — it’s the key that opens doors and changes lives. Working in a nonprofit allows me to make a direct
impact every day, helping students who may not always see their own potential realize that they can achieve anything with the right support.
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of working at CAMP?
A: The most rewarding part is seeing the transformation in our students — from uncertainty to confidence. Watching them open that college acceptance letter or step into their first career opportunity reminds me why this work matters.
Q: What is something that most people may not know about you?
A: Most people don’t know that I’m actually a big music lover — I have a playlist for just about every mood. Music has always been a creative outlet for me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I see myself continuing to grow within education and leadership — still finding ways to make an impact on students’ lives, whether through program development, mentoring or expanding opportunities through CAMP and beyond.
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
The Trellis Nursery has opened as a boutique garden center at 3128 Blue Lake Drive, with T.J. Douglas as operations lead. 205-593-4149, trellisnursery.com
Zachary Janczak recently relocated from New York and opened Vestavia Web Design at 3090 U.S. 280. The business offers digital marketing and website services. 205-236-2239, vestaviawebdesign.com
The Dean Building held a ribbon cutting for its coworking space at 4553 Pine Tree Circle in early November. Amenities include coworking space, more than 26 meeting rooms, a golf simulator, putting green, green space, dedicated fiber, 24/7 access and security, business addresses, free coffee, printing services and member events. 205-400-9644, thedeanbldg.com
The Neptune Society, a cremation services provider, held a ribbon cutting in early November for its new office at 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 500. 205-858-5954, neptunesociety.com
COMING SOON
Mason Music plans to open its seventh location at 1018 Montgomery Highway on Jan. 5. The new studio will share space with the Birmingham School of Photography. The new location will include two lesson rooms and a shared lobby space. Lessons will be offered Monday through Friday 1-8 p.m. and
Saturdays by appointment. A no-obligation waiting list has already been established. It will be the company’s second location in Vestavia Hills, joining the original studio at 3187 Cahaba Heights Road. Owner and CEO Will Mason has been a resident of Vestavia Hills for 16 years. Founded in 2012, Mason Music provides private lessons on guitar, piano, voice and drums for all ages, as well as summer music camps, recitals and its youth performance program called Rock Band League. masonmusic.com/vestavia-hills
America’s Thrift Stores plans to open a new donation center at 1457 Montgomery Highway, in the former Benjamin Moore Preserve Paints space next to Pep Boys Auto Service & Tires. americasthrift.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Regions Bank, which operates Vestavia Hills branches at 3172 Heights Village and 529 Montgomery Highway, was named one of the 100 most trusted brands for ethics by MarketBeat. The financial media company surveyed 3,012 respondents nationwide, and Regions Bank ranked 53rd on the most trusted list. “Through its ‘Next Step’ programs and small business outreach, it invests directly in local resilience rather than Wall Street trends,” MarketBeat said. “Alabamians tend to value dependability and integrity — and Regions has built its reputation by practicing both in plain sight.” Milo’s Tea Co., based in Bessemer, ranked No. 20. Red Land Cotton, based in Moulton, ranked No. 82. 205-766-8700 and 205-766-8510, regions.com
The Vestavia Hills City Council recently approved the transfer of a license to sell alcoholic beverages
Do you have news to share about a business in Vestavia Hills or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Vestavia Voice is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
at 633 Montgomery Highway to Spice Zen Vestavia, which is doing business as The Local restaurant and bar. The listed executives are Pallavia Sunkavalli and Kanti Kiran Sunkavalli
PERSONNEL
Realtor Tish Tillis has joined the RealtySouth Over the Mountain office at 2409 Acton Road, Suite 137. tishtillis.realtysouth.com, 205-910-7567
ANNIVERSARIES
November marked the first anniversary of UAB Medicine’s acquisition of the St. Vincent’s Health System. The $450 million acquisition was the largest in the history of the University of Alabama System and brought five hospitals and more than 5,200 associates into the UAB Medicine family. The integration made UAB Medicine the largest health system in Alabama, with an additional 872 licensed beds across UAB St. Vincent’s five campuses. In Vestavia Hills, UAB St. Vincent’s operates an urgent care center at 3140 Cahaba Heights Road, primary care clinics at 3140 Cahaba Heights Road and 200 Montgomery Highway, Suite 100, and a cardiothoracic surgery center at 3056 Healthy Way, Suite 100. Since the acquisition, UAB Medicine has invested heavily in technology, facilities and infrastructure across UAB St. Vincent’s campuses. Improvements include upgraded imaging equipment such as new CT and MRI machines, cosmetic enhancements to patient and physician spaces, and continuing to plan for an ambulatory surgery center over the next 12 months.
Baptist Health recently marked its first anniversary as part of the Orlando Health system. The company’s operations in or near Vestavia Hills include primary care, orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiovascular clinics at 200 Montgomery Highway, Suite 225, primary care and cardiovascular clinics at 3980 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 102, and Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital at 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive. baptisthealthal.com, 205-725-6800
BUSINESS
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming offers spa days for your pup
By JORDYN DAVIS
Picture your favorite pup having the best day of their life — eating warm, delectable treats while getting pampered with a bath and trimming.
That’s the goal for the newly opened Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming at Patchwork Farms in Vestavia Hills. The shop offers personalized grooming, all-natural treats and nutritious pet food for all types of dogs.
Owners Lakeisha and H Phillips opened the business in August and said they are excited to bring their passion for caring for furry friends to Vestavia Hills.
For Lakeisha, being a dog mom wasn’t enough. When given the chance to demonstrate her love of caring for animals by bringing high-quality service and treats to Vestavia Hills, she didn’t hesitate.
“While Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Vestavia is our first location, we have been dog lovers all of our lives and dog parents many times over,” Phillips said. “We decided to open Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Vestavia because we wanted to bring something special to the community.
“We wanted a place that combined high-quality pet care and a fun shopping experience that held that warm, personal touch,” she said. “When we learned about Woof Gang and their focus on both grooming excellence and healthy, all-natural treats, we knew it was perfect and exactly what
I wanted to do and share with others. I wanted to create a space where pets could feel happy and loved and their owners would feel completely comfortable and confident in the care
their fur babies receive. I get to wake up every morning and do what I love to do and call it work.”
Phillips carefully curates their dog treats by selecting them from
full-style haircuts, luxury baths with shampoo and conditioner, full-body brushing, and styling and other sanitary trims.
Phillips was extremely grateful for the opportunity to open up shop in the tight-knit community of Vestavia Hills. Over the past month, she has personally connected with various other dog owners and looks forward to seeing returning customers.
“Without a doubt, it’s the people. Vestavia has such a wonderful, close-knit community, and getting to know our customers and their pups has been the highlight of our time here,” she said. “Seeing the dogs run up to the door, excited about their grooming appointments or coming back for their favorite treats, just makes our day. We love being part of our customers’ routines and their pets’ lives. It brings us so much joy. Their joy and excitement remind us why we do what we do.”
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is at 3056 Healthy Way and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
small “mom and pop” bakeries from around the world, but she also creates her own recipes. Woof Gang also offers one-on-one personal pampering with selections such as
“We are so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from the Vestavia community,” Phillips said. “It has truly meant the world to us. Whether you’re stopping by for grooming, a birthday treat or just to say hi, we are always excited to see you and your pups. We have one simple goal, and that is to make tails wag and hearts happy every single day.”
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, which opened in the Patchwork Farms development in Vestavia HIlls in August, offers personalized grooming services, natural treats and nutritious pet food. Photos courtesy of Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming.
THURSDAY; DEC 4th
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► BED/BATH: 3/3.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,489 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Cahaba Heights
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► BED/BATH: 5/3
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► ADDRESS: 1512 Linda Vista Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,412 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Regent Forest
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► ADDRESS: 1312 Roundhill Road
► BED/BATH: 4/2.5
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► NEIGHBORHOOD: Near VH Library in the Forest
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EVENTS
Save the Date
ALL IS BRIGHT
► Where: Vestavia Hills City Center, 700 Montgomery Highway
► When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m.
► Details: The shopping center will be showing the movie “The Grinch” on an outdoor movie screen at 6:30 p.m. on the green space near Taco Mama, with complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be on site for photo opportunities, and there will be a photo booth and free activities for kids, including balloon twisting, a bounce house and more. Businesses will have giveaways that night, as well.
► Cost: Free
► More info: shopvestaviacitycenter. com
GINGERBREAD JAM
► Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway
► When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 8-11 a.m.
► Details: Individuals or teams can buy pre-made kits, use graham crackers or make their own gingerbread, then decorate their houses at home and drop them off for judging at the Civic Center on Friday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. Divisions are for ages 5 and younger, 6-12, and 13 and older. There is also a professional division in which competitors must use homemade gingerbread. Entries must be 10-18 inches to qualify for judging. The public will judge houses on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.
► Cost: $5 to enter
► More info: gingerbreadjam.swell. gives
VESTAVIA HILLS CHAMBER LUNCHEON
► Where: Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive
► When: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
► Details: The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce is having its monthly networking luncheon at the Vestavia Country Club. The program for the luncheon will be a holiday performance by the Birmingham Boys Choir. Networking and a buffet line will start at 11:30 a.m., and the program is set to begin around noon.
► Cost: $25 through 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4; $30 for late reservations
► More info: vhal.org/community/ city-events
REINDEER DASH 5K & FUN RUN
► Where: Pure Fitness, 100 Old Town Road, Suite 100
► When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 a.m.
► Details: Both races will start at the same time. Strollers are welcome. Coffee will be provided by Daysol Coffee Co., and restrooms will be provided. Race packet pickup will be Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 a.m. to noon at Pure Fitness. Parking the day of the race will be in the Vestavia Bowl parking lot. Medals will be presented to all participants.
► Cost: $40 for the 5K; $30 for the 1-mile fun run
► More info: runsignup.com/Race/AL/ VestaviaHills/TheReindeerDash2018
► For more events news, connect with the Vestavia Voice online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Jon Anderson at janderson@starnesmedia.com.
FAMILY NIGHT — THE SANTA SHOW
► Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway
► When: Thursday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
► Details: A meal at 6 p.m. will be followed by the Santa Show in the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Community Room at 6:30 p.m. There will be opportunities for photos with Santa Claus.
► Cost: Free ► More info: vestavialibrary.org
MENORAH LIGHTING
► Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall, 1032 Montgomery Highway
► When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m.
► Details: The event will include music, kids’ activities, a gelt drop, latkes, doughnuts and more. A car menorah parade will precede the menorah lighting, starting at Chabad of Alabama at 5 p.m. and ending at Vestavia Hills City Hall in time for the lighting. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, will begin this year on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14, and will conclude on the evening of Monday, Dec. 22.
► Cost: Free ► More info: chabadofalabama.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
► Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway
► When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30 a.m.
► Details: The whole family is invited to a free pancake breakfast with Santa Claus. No reservations are necessary.
► Cost: Free
► More info: vhal.org/community/cityevents
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills Design Review board meeting, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Dec. 8: Vestavia Hills City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Dec. 11: Vestavia Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Dec. 15: Vestavia Hills Board of Education, 4 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Schools central office
Dec. 16: Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board, 7:30 a.m., Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Dec. 18: Vestavia Hills Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Dec. 22: Vestavia Hills City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Holiday in the Hills parade gets new route for 2025
By JON ANDERSON
The city’s annual Holiday in the Hills Parade will be in Liberty Park again this year, but it has a new route tied to the opening of a new city park.
Liberty Park Joint Venture has completed its Grand Lawn park in The Bray sector of Liberty Park, and the parade route will now end there, said Cinnamon McCulley, the assistant city manager who leads the Holiday in the Hills planning committee.
This year’s parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, with a backup rain date of Sunday, Dec. 14.
Participants will stage at The Church at Liberty Park, and the parade will proceed west on Liberty Parkway, go a little past the Publix grocery store, then turn around and proceed through The Bray Town Center before ending at the Grand Lawn park in front of the Livano and The Filmont apartment complexes.
The annual Party in the Park will take place in the Grand Lawn park immediately after the parade and include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new park, McCulley said.
“I think it’s going to be better, quite honestly, because it’s flatter right there,” she said. “We’re not going through a neighborhood anymore. There’ll be great viewing. There’s better parking. … We don’t want the residents in the neighborhood to have people parked in their yard. … We think it will be a much better location for it.”
There is ample parking in the areas around the Grand Lawn and some smaller lots in and around the town center, she said. But city officials don’t want to interfere with parking for people who live in the apartments or for the businesses in the town center.
More than a decade ago, the city’s Christmas parade was held on U.S. 31 but was moved to Liberty Park in 2011, McCulley said. Every year, some residents ask that it be brought back to U.S. 31, but she said that was problematic.
“We have a lot of problems with shutting down a state highway.”
The Alabama Department of Transportation required one lane remain open, so the city would shut down half of the four-laned U.S. 31 for the parade and allow one lane of traffic to go each direction on the other side, she said.
“But with the sheer amount of traffic on 31 now, we don’t want to have a parade that is a
you a
danger to onlookers and visitors to our city,” McCulley said. “That’s why it moved out to Liberty Park.”
Planning for the parade typically begins in July but was delayed until October this year to see if the Grand Lawn was going to be completed in time, she said.
Groups began signing up in mid-October.
The parade usually draws an array of businesses and organizations, including scouting groups, city officials, the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Vestavia Belles, Vestavia Hills High School band, color guard, majorettes, dance teams, beauty pageant winners,
classic cars, fire trucks, classic fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus.
Last year’s parade included more than 30 floats and golf carts, numerous vintage cars and about 280 walkers in the parade, said Melanie Perry, the director of the New Merkel Senior Center, who helps coordinate it. People can apply to be in the parade through a form on the city’s website or by contacting Perry at 205-967-5977.
The parade usually lasts about 45 minutes, McCulley said. After the parade, the Party in the Park typically includes inflatables, games, some food vendors and opportunities for children to visit with Santa and take photos.
Above: A group from the Iron City Dance Factory particpate in the 2024 Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade in Liberty Park. Right: Representatives from ARC Realty and the Vestavia Hills High School color guard spread holiday cheer. Photos by Jon Anderson.
SPORTS
Lady Rebels look to continue winning ways
By KYLE PARMLEY
Vestavia Hills High School’s girls basketball program enters a new season with a new head coach, but the standard around the program remains the same.
Head coach Crosby Morrison, who took over the Rebels after a successful stint at Pelham, inherits a team that has won at a high level and expects to keep doing so. Her first two allies in the transition have been seniors Marley Cowan and Caroline Leyden.
“They welcomed me this summer and I’m really excited for their senior year,” Morrison said. “They're going to leave a legacy of great leadership, being great teammates and I’m excited what they can do on the court as well.”
The roster alone reflects significant change. The Rebels graduated six seniors off last year’s team, a group Cowan called “arguably six of the best players to go through Vestavia.” Add in a coaching change, and everyone knew the offseason would look a little different.
“I think going into the season, we all kind of knew that it was going to be a change,” Cowan said. “Honestly, I think we're almost starting over, we're starting fresh, and we're able to discover our own talents.”
Leyden agreed, but pointed back to the foundation already in place.
“We still know the standard,” she said. “We're always holding ourselves to higher standards. I don't think that will change.”
Morrison said that idea of “standard” became the theme of the year. Early on, she had players fill out questionnaires about what they wanted the program to be about and what Vestavia has been known for in the past.
“The standard of excellence is working hard every day, being great teammates and just
bringing heart and everything that we do,” she said.
On the floor, Morrison has been impressed by the group’s basketball background and willingness to grow into a slightly different look.
“I think that Vestavia is extremely blessed with high-IQ, talented basketball players,” she said. “What we're able to do X-and-O wise will not change from what they've done in the past. Obviously, play styles will change, but we'll play fast, we'll shoot the ball and we'll play aggressive defense.”
The seniors pointed to teammates who have
impressed them. Cowan highlighted junior Hayden Perry, and Leyden mentioned Ella Grace Strickland. Other juniors include Evie Black, Alexis Rubin and Olivia Hunsberger. Ella Kate Miller, Ellie Faulkner and Lilly Ferguson are sophomores, with Emory Beard, Olivia Adkins and Lila Kelley starting the season as freshmen on varsity.
Vestavia Hills has been on an impressive run, making it to at least the regional tournament six straight years under John David Smelser, who is now an assistant with the boys program at Homewood. The Lady Rebels won a ton of
games under his leadership and will aim to do so again under Morrison.
The Lady Rebels compete in Class 7A, Area 6, against five-time defending state champion Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville and Oak Mountain. In December, Vestavia will play Minor, Park Crossing, Hillcrest, Pelham and Homewood before wrapping the calendar year at the Big Orange Classic and the Gulf Shores Beach Bash.
In January, Vestavia Hills will play its area foes twice, along with Hueytown, Mountain Brook, Mortimer Jordan and Thompson to conclude the regular season.
Evie Black (10) goes in for a lay up in the Oak Mountain basketball game at Vestavia Hills High School on January 14. Photo by Lindsay Handey.
Rebels seek steady improvement
By KYLE PARMLEY
Vestavia Hills High School boys basketball has grown accustomed to having a clear “next guy up” in recent seasons — a go-to scorer who steps into the spotlight as the Rebels reload.
This winter, the picture is less defined, but head coach Patrick Davis sees that as a strength, rather than a problem.
Davis brought two seniors to the inaugural Under the Lights Basketball Media Day — Emory Bear and Jon Allen Harper — part of a small but influential four-man senior class tasked with guiding a roster that blends experience and untapped potential.
Bear has the longest varsity track record, having contributed as a sophomore before becoming a key guard last season. If Vestavia is searching for someone to take hold of the go-to role, Davis believes Bear is positioned for it.
But the Rebels’ offense may look different than recent years, thanks to a legitimate interior presence. Junior post player Johnny Towry returns after a strong sophomore season and gives Vestavia a dimension it hasn’t consistently had.
“That kind of gives us something that you’ve got to guard at the rim. That opens up some different things,” Davis said.
Around Towry is a roster of shooters that is deep, balanced and capable of stretching defenses every night.
“I think this is one of our best shooting teams that I've ever been a part of,” Bear said. “We've been shooting at a high clip all preseason, so I'm excited to see us put the ball in the bucket from 3[-point range] this year.”
Harper agreed, adding that it’s the closest team he’s been around, and not just on the court.
“We’re always bonding and having fun, and then that equates to on the court,” Harper said. “I think we've got good chemistry. I'm excited.”
That chemistry is strengthened by significant sophomore contributions from last season. Towry, Adrian Peterson and Luke Stubbs all played major varsity minutes.
With 11 players on the roster — and senior Zac Cunningham sidelined for the year with an injury — depth will be a critical storyline early on. Davis said that finding a surprise or late-developing contributor, as Harper became last season, may be the detail that shapes the Rebels’ ceiling.
Still, the program’s identity remains steady: figure out the best version of this team, not force a system onto a roster.
“We don't go in and sit down and say, ‘Hey, the goals are, win 25, win a state championship,’ whatever,” Davis said. “At the end of the day, we're trying to get every guy to play as good as he can play by the end of [the season], so that our team's playing as good as our team can play.”
Brett Brown is the team’s other senior, with Collier Floyd, Henry McKinnon and Austin Nelson in the junior class. Jake Cesnick is the lone sophomore on the varsity roster
at the season’s outset.
Vestavia Hills competes with HewittTrussville, Hoover and Oak Mountain in Class 7A, Area 6, looking to return to the postseason for the second straight year.
In December, the Rebels take on Minor, Park Crossing, Hillcrest, Leeds, Pelham and Homewood before a three-game swing in Kentucky. The Rebels return home to play in the Metro Tournament to wrap up the calendar year.
The Rebels face their area opponents in addition to Hueytown, Mountain Brook, Prattville, Clay-Chalkville and Huffman in the final month of the season.
Left: Emory Bear (2). Right: Johnny Towry (22). Staff photos.
Life in Vestavia Hills
Maurine Batson, board member for Leadership Vestavia Hills
By JORDYN DAVIS
Q: What is Leadership Vestavia Hills?
A: Leadership Vestavia Hills is an organization here in Vestavia, and our goal is to raise and train engaging leaders and kind of have them engage more in our city and do more in the community.
Q: What all does your job entail?
A: So my partner, Emily Irwood, and I organize classes to bring in different speakers — to help teach our class about leadership and teach some more about our city. We have economics day [and] education day. They get to learn about how our fire department and our police department work and just all about our great city.
Rebels rise to 1998 state title
By TIM STEPHENS
In 1998, Vestavia Hills capped a perfect 15-0 season with its first state championship in nearly two decades.
The Rebels defeated Vigor 10-7 at Legion Field, their first state crown since 1980, thanks to a late drive powered by senior running back John Holloway. After a Vigor punt, Holloway carried four times for 37 yards, including the winning 8-yard touchdown run with 4:58 left.
Q: What is one of your favorite projects in which you have participated?
A: Well, Faith Lenhart and I with the arts council — our project was to develop murals throughout the city. And so we did that down [U.S.] 31. There’s one on the Drew Carter State Farm building. And we started that project. But this year, one project that we
are promoting is the Vestavia Hills birthday baskets. Our goal was to get families into businesses and to teach kids more about our city’s history. So these [flyers] have been all over town, and families can scan the QR code. They can learn a little fact about our city and then enter to win one of these awesome baskets. We’ve had over 25 businesses in our community donate over $1,000 worth of prizes. So our community is so responsive and supportive, and we’re hoping we get a lot of people to sign up.
“We had been throwing the ball a lot and we felt we could run the draw because they were dropping off,” Coach Buddy Anderson said. “John made a great run to score.”
The headline in the Dec. 5, 1998, edition of the now-defunct Birmingham Post-Herald when the Vestavia Hills Rebels completed a perfect season with a state championship. Image retrieved from archives via Newspapers.com
Vigor threatened late, but senior free safety Robert Evans broke up a pass in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining to preserve the victory.
“I’m just so proud of our kids I don’t know what to do,” Anderson said. “They worked hard to get to No. 1 and it was very important to them not to let go. They were going to keep that No. 1 ranking.”
The championship marked the second state title for Anderson and stood as the crowning achievement of his career — a perfect season in the middle of what became a 43-year run at Vestavia Hills. Anderson retired in 2020 as Alabama’s all-time winningest high school coach with a record of 342-154. And in a twist of history, Evans — whose defensive play sealed the 1998 title — now leads the Rebels as head coach.
Batson
HOLIDAY CONTINUED from page 1
But this isn’t just any Christmas tree. When lit, the tree is visible for miles and has illuminated Vestavia Hills since the 1980s. Monroe, who says he has always loved the Christmas season, has carried on a tradition started by his father, Harry Monroe, who first decorated the tree more than four decades ago.
“My dad loved Christmas and decorated the tree to spread the Christmas spirit,” Ed Monroe said. “When he died, we just kept the tradition going.”
The family business, Monroe Electric, helped in the early years by providing a bucket truck so the Monroes could string lights on the tall pine.
At first, the tree had incandescent lights. About seven years ago, Ed Monroe updated them to clear LEDs. Today, eight 100-foot strands cover the tree.
Drivers traveling along Rocky Ridge Road can see the tree lighting up the wooded roadside.
“We have heard from people throughout the years who tell us seeing the tree as they drive around during Christmastime means a lot to them,” said Amy Monroe, Ed’s wife. “It has really tickled us to hear from so many people that appreciate that we decorate it. We have even heard that some people call it the Rockefeller Tree of Vestavia Hills, which we just love.”
Ed Monroe described his father as someone who embraced the Christmas spirit in every way he could. Decorating the tree was something Harry Monroe looked forward to each year. When Ed and Amy moved into the home after Harry’s death, Ed said he knew he had to keep the family’s tradition alive.
“We have just always had the tree lit up, and it has been fun for us to carry on the tradition,” Amy Monroe said. “There was only one year in the 17 we have lived in this house that we didn't light up the tree. We heard from so many people wondering if we had moved, or why the tree wasn’t lit up that year.”
After squirrels chewed through the wiring, Ed Monroe replaced the entire lighting setup with the current LED system.
Now, he spends the weekend after Thanksgiving checking all the lights to make sure the tree is ready for the season.
“We have a big family tradition where it is just for our immediate family,” Amy Monroe said. “We all huddle outside and play the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ as Ed lights the tree. Once the tree is lit up, our kids will take videos and pictures and then we all get in the car and head down the hill so we can see the tree all lit up. Then we stop for ice cream at Bruster’s afterward.”
Amy said it has become a favorite tradition for their kids.
“I think for us it has meant a lot to hear from people in the community that they enjoy seeing the tree lit up every year,” Monroe said. “It makes people happy and helps them get into the Christmas spirit, and hearing that has been such a blessing for us.
“We didn’t realize so many people in the community loved seeing the tree until someone last year posted about it on Facebook. We heard from so many people that commented they loved seeing our tree or that our tree was a big part of their Christmas, and that just made our day. We loved hearing that.”
The tree will remain lit until New Year’s Day.
The Monroes say the best way to view the tree is by driving along Rocky Ridge Road or through the Tanglewood Brook neighborhood.
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Ed and Amy Monroe have lit up the tree every year but one in the 17 years they have lived in the their house in Tanglewood Brook. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
CONTINUED from page 1
“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 would spark a surprise rebound — she became a high school wrestler.
“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. Katherine said her brother has been a big influence over a lot of big decisions in her life, including her decision to wrestle. As a wrestler himself, his friendly jabs urged her to join. “Sibling feuds are always like, ‘I can do that better than you,’” she said.
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.
She remembers an interaction with a 14-year-old boy who, after receiving a bed she had made, thanked her and informed her it was the first bed he had ever had. “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 the University of Alabama at Birmingham and specialize in pediatric physical therapy. She is also a member of Alabama’s Million
“From my very first year competing in the Miss America organization to now, I’m a completely different person. 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.
KATHERINE GRIGSBY
”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 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.”
They have been committed to cellphone-free family dinners — even during the busiest weeks. All four Grigsbys said this has been very impactful.
“Regardless of what was going on, we [were] going to have supper together, even if
it was at 9 p.m.,” Kevin said.
Katherine agreed. “One of the things that definitely binds my family and makes us as close as we are is nightly dinner times together,” said Katherine, whose favorite is steak and potatoes with her mom’s Oreo pie.
“It brings us closer as a family.”
Central to the parents’ approach has been an environment in which, at those cellphone-free dinners, the children are always encouraged to ask questions — challenging or otherwise.
Kevin described a moment when an 8-yearold Stephen sparked a very frank discussion about the meaning of a certain four-letter word. Kevin and Angela believe their calm, straightforward (though initially startled) response cemented the standard for family communication.
“If we had responded differently, how would that have changed things when he was 13 years old?” Kevin asked. “That was the pivotal moment — maybe for Katherine, too, who was sitting right there. We’re all going to do these things together.”
From then on, the Grigsby dinner table has always been a place to come together, discuss, exchange and work things out as a family.
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.”
Katherine Grigsby is crowned Miss Vestavia Hills 2026 in September. Photos courtesy of Katherine Grigsby.
Katherine plays the clarinet as a member of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band.
Katherine has built more than 1,000 beds for children in need through her community service work with a nonprofit called Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
As a wrestler with Hewitt-Trussville High School, Katherine won the 114-pound girls state wrestling championship in 2023.
Tifway
TifTurf Bermuda
Emerald Zoysia Zeon Zoysia
Meyer Zoysia
Centipede St. Augustine
