10 • Thursday, September 6, 2012
people
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Vestavia Hills Student Named Hess Fellow Alex Hunsucker, a junior biology major and Harrison Honors Scholar from Vestavia Hills, is one of 14 Birmingham-Southern College students in the 2012 class of Hess Fellows. Hess Fellows dedicate an academic year to exploring advocacy in a threephased internship program that trains students to become advocates. Hunsucker worked with Collaborative Solutions, Inc. in Birmingham this summer as part of the program. As a Hess fellow, he will tackle a broad range of issues, including coordinating lobbying events on Capitol Hill, researching innovative ways to make downtown Birmingham more “green,” tracking the crosscurrents between political campaigns and advocacy initiatives, assisting with grant allocations and building a comprehensive database of education policies in Alabama. In addition to the summer advocacy internships, Hess Fellows participated in five seminars this spring to prepare them for their summer work. Upon returning to Birmingham-Southern in August, each Fellow will design and implement an advocacy project on campus. New agencies participating this year include the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham, Alabama Partnership for Children and Human Rights First. Bread for the World and the YWCA of Central Alabama will host BSC Hess Fellows for the seventh year. Hess Fellowships are supported by the Dixon Foundation, Ronne and Donald Hess, the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation and several private donors.
Nutcracker Auditions
The 2012 Hess Fellows are, from left, front: Ian Diament, Nino Yu Tiamco, Alex Lupo, Alex Hunsucker, Terri Ray, Kimber Reeves, Gabriela Sherrod and James Randolph, coordinator of Leadership Studies. Back: Coty Lovelady, Rachel Morgan, Maulin Shah, Kent Andersen, director of the Hess Center for Leadership and Service, Jacquelyn Cox, Grace Elliott and Nikki Wright. Not Photo special to the Journal pictured is Melanie Robinson. the foundation. As part of Turner’s Girl Scout requirements, she organized a Cornelia de Lange Syndrome family gathering for Alabama. Emily, 19, was born with the syndrome but does not let it hinder her activities and goals. The award was presented at the foundation’s national family conference June 23 in Lincolnshire, Ill. Founded in 1981, the foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome and help people make informed decisions throughout their lifetimes. For more information, call 800-7532357 or visit www.cdlsusa.org.
9-16. Whitacre also was elected president of his city council for the city of Jeffrey, named for past Vestavia school board administrator Jim Jeffrey and selected Outstanding Band Member for the Boys State Band. As president of the Jeffrey City Council, he helped develop a plan to restructure his city in the event of a bankruptcy. The project placed first among the eight Boys State cities. The city of Jeffrey also won first place as Best City. Whitacre is the son of Ron and Millie Whitacre. Alabama Boys State is a leadership program for young men who have completed their junior year of high school and are expected to be campus leaders during their senior year. It provides delegates with a working knowledge of how government functions on the city, county and state levels. Delegates are selected by their school faculty and community leaders. This year, 534 young men were invited to participate in Boys State, hosted by the University of Alabama. ❖
TWO BIG SEPTEMBER EVEN
Saturday, September 15 5K 9:30 - 10:15 6-9 yr. 2:30 - 4:00 10-12 yr. 10:30 -12:00 13 & up 12:15 - 2:15
Turner Earns National Honor
Auditions are open to everyone in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Boys are encouraged to audition.
The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation recently honored Emily Turner of Hoover with its Special Recognition Award. The award recognizes an individual for his or her extraordinary efforts to raise awareness for the syndrome and
Roles are available for beginner thru advanced dancers. Arrive 15 minutes early to register. The audition consists of classwork and choreography from the production. Students that currently dance en pointe should bring their pointe shoes. The Nutcracker appears December 7 - 9 at the BJCC Concert Hall. Community Cast rehearsals are primarily on Saturdays at Birmingham Ballet Academy. Audition Fee: $20. Questions? Call 9799492 or visit www.birminghamballet.com
Whitacre Wins Boys State Honors
Alex Whitacre, senior at Vestavia Hills High School, received the $12,000 Charles B. Hayes Leadership Scholarship to the University of Alabama at the 75th annual American Legion Alabama Boys State June
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Birmingham Ballet Academy
2 Days Only
The Ofcial School of Birmingham Ballet
Mon. & Tues., Sept 17 - 18
Ballet Pre-Ballet Jazz & Tap
for Beginner - Advanced 3 years old - Adult Our experienced instructors provide premium instruction in an inspiring atmosphere to give your child a rewarding dance experience.
Call 979-9492
or visit www.birminghamballet.com 2198 Columbiana Road in Vestavia near Charter Network.
It takes only 5 minutes Call today for an appointment
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