February 2021 | Volume 8 | Issue 10
VESTAVIAVOICE.COM
VESTAVIA HILLS’ COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE
‘Watching Jake shine’ VHHS, Clemson alumnus finds joy in working while making big plans for future Dawn Norris, the school counselor at Vestavia Hills Elementary West, speaks with a group of fifth grade students about what they are looking forward to over winter break. Photo by Erin Nelson.
By NEAL EMBRY
W
hen Jake Pratt was born, a doctor told his mother he would never achieve anything, and he might need to be institutionalized because he was born with Down syndrome. But over the past 22 years, Pratt has proven that doctor wrong. Pratt has graduated from both Vestavia Hills High School and Clemson University, and he recently finished a seasonal job with UPS. Pratt also works at a golf course, and between the two jobs, he worked about 12 hours each day. While the seasonal job ended in December, Pratt has recently begun a permanent position with UPS, unloading items at a warehouse. His success hasn’t surprised his family. “We were going to let Jake decide what Jake could do,” his sister, Amy Hyde, said. “Jake has always been so good at making his dreams come true, so nothing he does is ever a surprise.”
Schools strive to keep attention on mental health during pandemic By NEAL EMBRY While school and growing up brings enough anxiety and stress for many students, Vestavia Hills City Schools leaders said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made addressing mental health even tougher. “In the world today, anxiety is heightened for everyone,” said Alicia Hunsberger, principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights. “Leading a school through a pandemic has brought out fear. It’s been a major emphasis for all of us.” Hunsberger said students thrive on routine, something that has, for both students and adults alike, been disrupted due to the pandemic. Students, especially younger ones, may get worried when their friend or teacher is out sick, worrying what’s going to happen to them, and if they themselves will get sick as a result. “It’s an increased sense of worry,” Hunsberger said. “Teachers are reassuring kids that we will be OK.” Anna Gaston, the school district’s student support counselor, said COVID-19 has made it tougher to keep the connections
See SHINE | page A30
Jake Pratt rests his hand on a model UPS truck while sitting inside his home. The UPS staff gifted Pratt with a model truck on Dec. 24 after Pratt finished his holiday job with the company. Photo by Erin Nelson.
See MENTAL HEALTH | page A31
INSIDE
Sponsors............... A4 News....................... A6
Chamber............... A11 Business............... A12
Community..........A15 Events...................A15
Schoolhouse........ A17 Sports..................A20
Metro Roundup.... A26 Medical Guide........B1 facebook.com/vestaviavoice
A Storied Career
Taking the Plunge
Mayor Ashley Curry spends time during quarantine to begin working on a book about his decades-long career with FBI.
After overcoming a back injury, Vestavia Hills gymnast Calyie Basselin shifts to swimming and wins state diving championship.
See page A9
See page A20