IN THIS ISSUE
SOCIAL
4 | Vestavia Hills First Responders
6 | College Choice Foundation Wild West RoundUp 9 | 44th Annual CCA Crawfest
| Homewood High School Class of 1976 Reunion
| General Sumter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
12 | Everything dad always wanted but was afraid his kids would ask him to pay for!
GIVING TREE
14 | Oasis Counseling Center: 30 Years of Healing and Hope ARTS
15 | Local author teaches inclusion through her children’s book.
FATHER’S DAY
16 | Marc Corsini writes his sons a letter on the “Man Game.”
17 | Dean Paugh shares lessons on fatherhood as his sons follow in his footsteps.
COMMUNITY
18 | Alabama Symphony Orchestra dedication ceremony 19 | Girl Scouts create a library for Pathways Women and Children’s Shelter.
WEDDINGS
20 | Homewood siblings—Trey Sims and Kate Sims Mistrot—celebrate 2025 with weddings.
SPORTS
23 | Homewood High School launches its Athletics Hall of Fame.
23 | Mountain Brook varsity boys lacrosse claims back-to-back state championships.
24 | OTM high schools bring home spring championships.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley
Barry Wise Smith
Design Director: Claire Cormany Photographer: Jordan Wald
Contributors: Taylor Bright, Nausicaa Chu, Mary Clare Ingram, Loyd McIntosh Account Executives: Julie Trammell Edwards
We
Mawiage…that bwessed awangement
A
nyone who’s a fan of The Princess Bride like I am knows that the words above are from the Prince Humperdink/Buttercup wedding scene and are delivered by the priest played by English comedian Peter Cook. It is one of my favorite movies (yes, I annoyingly say dialog along with the characters every time I watch it), and the wedding is one of my favorite scenes (frankly they’re all genius). My niece Shelby even had the words printed on koozies that were given out to guests at her wedding.
Several weeks ago, we celebrated the mawiage of my son Thomas and his lovely wife Anne Langford. Despite the stress of planning an event away from home and worrying if the weather was going to be an issue, I tried to follow the advice of friends and just enjoy every minute. What fantastic advice—it is pure joy to see your children in love and happy! Stephanie and Daniel Sims of Homewood experienced that joy times two last year when both their son Trey and daughter Kate got married within months of each other. Read about their beautiful weddings on page 20.
And no matter where you are in your life or what your thoughts on marriage are, I wish that wuv, twoo wuv, would fowow you foweva.
–BARRY WISE SMITH
above: How do you creatively move thousands of books from the soon-to-be remodeled O’Neal Library to City Hall for temporary storage? Answer: A Book Brigade.
right: Thankfully Homewood’s Lily Giffin said, well, look at the picture. She and Tucker Smitha of Vestavia will be married next June.
In the May 14 issue, we misspelled the name of one of our amazing super seniors—Homewood High School graduate Seth Schell. We apologize for the error. We also placed psychiatrist Kyle Echol’s wife Kelly in the wrong college sorority. Kelly was an Alpha Gam at the University of Alabama. That one is Lee’s fault! CORRECTION //
Vestavia Hills First Responders Celebration
ON MAY 2, the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club hosted the 16th Annual First Responders Celebration to recognize and celebrate the police, fire and EMS professionals who serve the Vestavia Hills community. AmFirst sponsored the event where first responders and their families enjoyed food, fun and fellowship on the lawn at City Hall. Kids enjoyed lawn games and inflatables, and everyone enjoyed live music and delicious food. OTMJ
Please call Gus Mayer to reserve your appointment.
Natalie and Randy Gagnon
Erika and Bryan Stewart
Lewis and Donna Harrison
April, Ava Jane and Charlie Peacock
Ryan and Brittney Gackle Wyatt, Mary Beth, Addison and Amy Ferrell
Carl and Lenise Crow Chantel and Grover Burns
LAKESERVINGMARTIN, LAY LAKE, LOGAN MARTIN & SMITH LAKE
COLLEGE CHOICE FOUNDATION WILD WEST ROUNDUP
GUESTS KICKED UP THEIR HEELS at College Choice Foundation’s 11th Annual Wild West RoundUp on May 31 at All Good Beverage Co. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Urban Cookhouse, silent and live auctions, and danced to the sounds of The Entice Band from Nashville. CCF Scholars were on hand to talk about their journeys with the organization. The College Choice Foundation is a local nonprofit that helps high-achieving high school students from underserved backgrounds apply to, enroll in and graduate from college with little to no student debt. OTMJ
Eva Teresa Virciglio and Molly Holmes
Anna and John Mark Boozer
Dylan, Rudy and Andrea Snyder
Amelia Spencer, Ann Hardin and Cindy Bembry
Jamie Small, Dorianni Mendoza, Josephine Lowery, Michael Wicks Jr. and Cathryn Jones
Michael and Christina McGovern, Keith and Laura Stansell and John Hardin
Bianca and Amari Pinkard
Cassandra Joseph, Joshua Gentry and Hassatou Diallo
Better Care in Birmingham
Medical House Calls brings concierge medical care to Birmingham residents
By Elizabeth Fuller, CRNP, Senior Nurse Practitioner at Medical House Calls
In a world of same-day delivery, ride sharing and virtual meetings, people expect efficiency and crave convenience — all with good reason. Whether you’re a parent of four, a busy business executive or both, everyone can agree that life is demanding and schedules are often double-booked, especially in the summer months. Trustworthy services that lessen the burden of everyday tasks create more time for what matters most. So why shouldn’t we expect that same level of quality, accessibility and convenience from our healthcare?
Prioritizing your health is the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Yet for many people, the challenges of traditional healthcare make it difficult to maintain a consistent care routine. Limited appointment availability, crowded waiting rooms and rushed provider visits make even an annual physical feel like another stressful item on an already busy schedule. Fortunately, Medical House Calls is transforming the way residents receive healthcare in Birmingham by bringing personalized, convenient care directly to patients’ doorsteps.
Convenient and Accessible
Medical House Calls delivers a range of concierge healthcare services through trusted providers meeting patients at their homes and offices, bringing care when and where it’s
needed most. Concierge Primary Care is offered for a flat annual fee, with both individual and family plans available. It replaces the traditionally rushed primary care visit with personalized care from expert providers who take the time to get to know each patient’s medical history, lifestyle and goals. When you choose Concierge Primary Care from Medical House Calls, you receive highquality healthcare designed to fit your lifestyle. With unlimited in-home visits and telehealth appointments, plus direct access to healthcare providers by phone or text, our team is available to support you and your family wherever life takes you. Our services are not only convenient, but also feature reli-
“Medical House Calls delivers a range of concierge healthcare services through trusted providers meeting patients at their homes and offices.”
ELIZABETH FULLER
able, thorough medical care.
Our medical staff is with you every step of the way, providing prescription refills and medication management, as well as access to an extensive network of specialists with expedited referrals for continuous, streamlined care. Patients who choose the family plan enjoy added benefits including pediatric care and sports physicals when needed. Physicals include comprehensive biomarker testing, analyzing health indicators related to metabolic, hormonal and cardiovascular health.
Trusted
and Proven
With more than 50,000 house calls already
completed in Middle Tennessee, our promises are backed by proven results. Our providers strive for excellence and accessibility with same-day appointment availability and swift response time. Thousands of positive reviews reflect our patients’ satisfaction, and our team is eager to bring that same level of care to Alabama.
Vicki Moore, MD, serves as Medical Director, and I serve as Lead Provider for the Medical House Calls team in Birmingham. Together, we bring a wealth of medical expertise to the patients we serve. Supported by a dedicated team of providers, patients can rest assured they are in capable hands.
Members also receive discounted rates on additional services offered by Medical House Calls. From urgent care visits to medical weight loss and IV therapy, experience quality concierge medical care in the comfort of your own home. Not only do patients receive an expert medical team, but they also gain a support system for themselves and their families. This summer, get peace of mind with a convenient healthcare plan you can count on so you can get back to relaxing days spent with family and friends, building memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re ready for high-quality, accessible healthcare with an elevated at-home experience, call 205.793.6003 or visit MedicalHouseCalls. com today to get started.
Winter Sale!
Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:00 pm at Wald Park
Presented by:
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce & the City of Vestavia Hills
6:00-8:00 pm
Kids' area sponsored by Vestavia Hills Methodist Church
Sponsor Booths
Music by Pool Hall Special at 6:30 pm
FIREWORKS SHOW at 8:45 pm
Visit the concession stand and food trucks for dinner and snacks. Free shuttles available from nearby parking lots. Visit www.vestaviahills.org for more information.
Many thanks to all our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Alabama Power Company * AmFirst * AmWaste * Autumn Air
Avadian Credit Union * BBB Serving Central & South Alabama
B.L. Harbert * Baptist Health * Big Color * Birmingham Christian Family Birmingham Chimney Services * Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPA
Children’s of Alabama-Vestavia Pediatrics * Elite Skin * FirstBank
First Horizon Bank * First US Bank * Friedman Dazzio & Zulanas, P.C.
The Golffice * Grandview Medical Center * Home Instead Senior Care
homeRN Hoover Vestavia * Jackson Thornton CPAs & Consultants
John Henley State Farm Insurance * KNH Financial Solutions
Leaf & Petal * Liberty Park Joint Venture * Luau * Magnolia Soap & Bath
Mark Yanosky Orthodontics * Medical Properties Trust * Next Level AVL
Norris Orthodontics * Payroll & Benefit Solutions
Primrose School at Liberty Park * Regions Bank * River Bank & Trust
Robins & Morton * The Sabatini Agency-Allstate Insurance Sarver Streeter Orthodontics
Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Generators
Representative Mike Shaw * Sip Social Birmingham * SouthPoint Bank Spire * Stone Building * Taylor Burton Company * TriaVision
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK * UAB St. Vincent’s * Vestavia Dental Vestavia Hills Magazine * Vestavia Voice * Village Dermatology Walmart Neighborhood Market * The Welch Group
Silver Sponsors
Altadena Eye Care * American Family Care * ARC Realty-Megan Kincaid
Birmingham Boys Choir * Fleet Feet Birmingham * Gina Falletta State Farm Jimmie Hale Mission * KidStrong Vestavia Hills
ObjectiveHealth Clinical Research * OsteoStrong & Better Bones Imaging Promotional Creations * TherapySouth * Town Village Vestavia Hills Union Home Mortgage
44 TH ANNUAL CCA CRAWFEST
ON MAY 7, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Alabama hosted the 44th annual Crawfest fundraiser at the Birmingham Zoo. Guests enjoyed boiled crawfish, shrimp jambalaya and more delicious food from Crazy Cajuns along with an open bar, raffles, a silent auction and live music from T.U.B. More than just a party, Crawfest raises critical money for conservation efforts in Alabama. From fighting harmful legislation to releasing redfish fingerlings into Gulf waters, CCA uses every dollar raised at Crawfest to protect the waters, fish and coastal habitats that define Alabama’s Gulf Coast way of life. OTMJ
Mary Pierce and Libby Griffith
Caroline and Wesley Christie
Lou Hill, Nathan Nix and Dray Mack
Brooks Miller, Caroline Gullage and Will Eagerton
Nathan Nix and Emma King
Sam and Lilah Friedman
Chambers Joyce, Hunter and Abby James and Maggie Mills Rose
Darcie and Madeline Plowden
Homewood High School Class of 1976 Reunion
THE HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ‘76 held their 50th Reunion on May 2 at The Valley Hotel in Homewood. On Friday night, the planning committee—Courtney Crowder, Todd Foreman, Sherrlyn Reid Frost, Linda Hallerman Gallagher, Bonnie Wall Lessman, Ben Lord, Mark Robbins, David Vaughn, Mike Wald and Steve Wingo—kicked off the reunion weekend with an Ice Breaker Party at The Grocery Brewpub open to all graduates of HHS. A live band provided entertainment, and a great turnout enjoyed getting together and reminiscing about their high school days. On Saturday, the reunion started with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Valley Hotel bar and balcony. Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner in the hotel ballroom. Classmate David Vaughn did a short comedy routine based on the class’s high school days, and another classmate, Steve Wingo, sang and played his guitar. The highlight of the night was a surprise performance by a group from the current HHS Patriot Marching Band, who marched into the ballroom in full uniform playing the Homewood fight song. OTMJ
Merry Vaughn, Suzanne Wald and Linda Hallerman Gallagher
David Daniel, Billy Allums, Merry and David Vaughn
Janet and Courtney Crowder and Doug and Virginia Ware Walker
Catherine Harris and Dwight Austin
Nena Lavas and Cindy Rosser Taylor Sam and Dale Ramp Foley
Diane Donaldson Azbik, Martha Lewis Ramsey and Bonnie Wall Lessman
Inri Tan Hsu, Loretta Burton Strouss, Cindy Wade, Wendy Williams Johnson, Lynn Calloway O’Neal and Jan Porter Brasher
GENERAL SUMTER CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL SUMTER CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION met on May 6 at the Country Club of Birmingham to announce awards, scholarships and Certificates of Recognition and also conduct the Installation of New Officers for next year.
Cathy Boardman and Regent Judy Anderson presented Belinda Youngblood, a teacher at Briarwood School, with the DAR Thatcher Award, which honors educators who demonstrate strong leadership and dedication to the Junior American Citizens Program that promotes learning in civics, American History, Heritage, Patriotism and Service.
Scholarship Chairman Peggy Thrasher thanked the Scholarship Committee and announced Karlee Rye, a student at the University of Alabama, and Hubert Tatum Taylor IV, a Samford University student, as the recipients of $1,000 scholarships. Ellen Tucker announced that the General Sumter Chapter will support the attendance of Jayden Aaron, a rising senior at Kate Duncan Smith School, with $1,100 in tuition scholarship to the Alabama Governor’s School Honors Program.
Regent Anderson presented the State Application Team Outstanding Service Certificate to Leslie Wright and Jean Vaughan with a Certificate of Appreciation for serving on the State Bylaws Committee.
New officers who were installed are Cathy Boardman, Regent; Amy Houston, 1st Vice Regent; Sheryl Buckner, Chaplain; Becky Keyes, Recording Secretary; Bernadine Estes, Corresponding Secretary; Judy Anderson, Registrar & Bylaws Committee Member; Janeal Shannon, Historian; Ellen Tucker, Librarian and Jean Vaughan, Bylaws Committee Member. Outgoing Regent Judy Anderson presented incoming Regent Cathy Boardman with a pin and the DAR Gavel. OTMJ
Janeal Shannon, Historian and Ellen Tucker, Librarian
Leslie Wright and Regent Judy Anderson
Regent Judy Anderson, Rebekah Taylor and Peggy Thrasher
Cathy Boardman, Regent; Amy Houston, 1st Vice Regent and Sheryl Buckner, Chaplain
Becky Keyes, Recording Secretary; Bernadine Estes, Corresponding Secretary and Judy Anderson, Registrar
In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, these double old fashioned glasses feature intricate cuts of the American stars and stripes. Waterford Glasses, set of 2, $220.
Bromberg’s Mountain Brook
205.871.3276
Bromberg’s The Summit 205.969.1776
This classic Seiko men’s blue and red bezel watch offers timeless style and utility, $575. Steeds Jewelers
205.822.9173
This Antique English Humidor is crafted in refined style to give the look of elegance for any dad. Roman Brantley Art and Antiques
205.460.1224
Bond No. 9 Lafayette Street captures the essence of New York’s vibrant downtown, blending rich, oriental fougere notes for a smooth, sophisticated fragrance, 100ml/$470. Gus Mayer 205.870.3300
Give the gift of style with Crane® personalized stationery for Dad. Village Press
205.871.5498
Dads will enjoy this BirdReel hummingbird feeder equipped with a smart camera to allow bird watching from your own phone. Wild Birds Unlimited
Designed with a nod to the safari campaign chairs of the early 1900s, the Vaquero Chair is a modern expression of rugged luxury. AllSouth Appliance
205.942.0408
This preseasoned 12” Finex cast iron skillet with a lid is perfect for the ideal cooking experience, $300. The Cook Store 205.879.5277
This military-inspired Bulova six-hand chronograph watch is a revamped style from the past and affords functionality and iconic heritage style, $695. Southeastern Jewelers
205.980.9030
The 2023 Cadrans de Lassegue boasts a magnificent, intense and brilliant ruby color, and the graceful Chardonnay features fragrant aromas of ripe mango, honeydew melon and peach along with hints of key lime pie, apple and floral notes. Piggly Wiggly 205.802.9078 The Longines Hydroconquest stuns in stainless steel with a sleek black ceramic bezel, and it’s available in both 39mm and 42mm, $2,200. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers 205.871.7060
205.823.6500
Give Dad the magic of live theater with gift cards to Red Mountain Theatre! Red Mountain Theatre 205.324.2424
Celebrate Father’s Day or America’s 250th with this estate diamond, ruby, sapphire and gold lapel pin. Call John Bromberg to see. JB & CO.
205.478.0455
GIVING TREE
Oasis Counseling Center
Over 30 Years of Healing and Hope
BY NAUSICAA CHU
The woman ascending the steps of the Victorian-style house on 14th Avenue South had an outwardly stable life—married in her 30s with three children. But nightmares had haunted her for years. She experienced night sweats, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
The Victorian-style house belongs to Oasis Counseling for Women and Children. Oasis is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services for women, children, and families who cannot afford therapy.
The Oasis clinical team helped the woman focus on a single traumatic memory: she had
been sexually assaulted in college. The woman had repressed the memory for years. A week later, she reported that her nightmares were gone.
Such transformative impacts are not infrequent at Oasis. The organization has counseled thousands of women and children since its founding in 1995, according to Catherine Pittman Smith, Oasis’ Director of Development and Communications. Oasis charges clients on a sliding-scale, meaning that they pay as little or as much as they can afford. The average fee is $15.
In 1995, Anne Bruno LaRussa founded Oasis in response to America’s mental health
crisis. In the 20th century, many insurance companies did not cover therapy. “She wanted to create a safe haven for people to have access to mental health counseling,” says Smith. LaRussa was small in stature but had an iron will. She cared deeply for women and children from underserved backgrounds, restoring three historic houses in Birmingham’s southside, wanting Oasis to feel safe and welcoming like home.
The Children & Adolescent House contains a wonderland of sand boxes, puppets, and bouncy footballs. These are the play therapy rooms, where children can express their emotions through creative play.
One such child was a young boy who was bullied at school. He came from poverty and struggled to show his feelings. “Through creative play, he was able to experience and own his feelings. And so over time, his sense of safety and confidence and self-worth really began to grow. And Oasis became a place of empowerment for him,” says Smith.
Another child was a little girl playing with a dollhouse. She placed all family figures out of the house while putting police and firefighters inside. “That told you a lot right there,” says Smith. The counselors read
between the lines, recognizing that the girl’s parents caused her pain.
Oasis believes that family support—or the lack of it—can make or break someone’s healing process. “The problems don’t lie with just one person, says Smith. “You can go in and get help and learn how to deal with your trauma, but if family members at home don’t know how to support, respond, or communicate, then things most likely won’t change. We want family members to be aware of ways to support their child,” says Smith.
In 2011, a mother and daughter came to Oasis in a time of financial difficulty. The mother received counseling in one house, while her daughter played in the sandboxes in the neighboring building. The experience benefited them both. “Counselors are well trained and are very responsive to the different needs of adults, teenage girls and children,” says Smith.
Not everyone can get to the Oasis. Some people live outside Birmingham and can’t afford the gas to drive in. That is where teletherapy comes in: Families can receive counseling virtually. Smith estimates that Oasis’ teletherapy sessions reach people from approximately 25 counties in Alabama. In 2025, 38% of the organization’s mental health sessions occurred via teletherapy.
Oasis counselors also travel once a month to Freedom Manor, a subsidized senior citizen housing facility in downtown Birmingham. They host a group of women ages 55 and up as part of the Oasis Wise Women program. “They talk to them about issues of aging—the isolation they feel, the grief they feel. Just to really bring them together and create some community,” says Smith.
In April, the organization hosted its annual Oasis of Hope fundraiser. Lulu Gribbin, a 17-year-old who survived a life-changing shark attack, gave the keynote address. “Her story is inspiring for people to find hope, healing and resilience,” says Smith. The event also honored Kenneth Byrd, an executive with Protective Life for his 14-year service and leadership on Oasis’ board.
Perhaps the best evidence of its impact is this: Smith works next door from an office where, 15 years ago, a mother received counseling while her daughter played in a sandbox next door. That mother was Smith. OTMJ
To support Oasis or learn more, visit oasiscounseling.org
far left: ArtCard is the Oasis Junior Board’s annual fundraising event.
left: Oasis therapy room
below: Lulu Gribbin, a 17-year-old who survived a life-changing shark attack, gave the keynote address at the annual Oasis Luncheon in April.
Photo by Billy Brown
FROM HEARING LOSS TO HELPING OTHERS
Local author teaches inclusion through her children’s book.
BY MARY CLARE INGRAM PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
At two years old, Elizabeth Hubbard was diagnosed with 96 percent hearing loss. Now, she has written a children’s book to teach the value of inclusion of those with disabilities. Her book, Summertime on West Montcrest, uses the lessons she has learned throughout her life to show kids the often-overlooked beauty of disability.
“I’ll be the first one to stand up for others who have disabilities,” Hubbard says. In her book, the main character Lizzie the Lion plays with neighborhood kids, echoing Hubbard’s childhood, and teaches that all kids are valued, regardless of the disabilities and differences they have.
Growing up, Hubbard drank Coke floats, made dandelion crowns and caught lightning bugs. She rode bikes around her neighborhood in Mountain Brook from sunup to sundown, just like any other kid. The only difference was her hearing, just like Lizzie the Lion.
The obstacles she faced because of her disability shaped her into who she is today, and she says they gave her superpowers. Learning to speak with a hearing aid taught her to be skilled at reading lips and to defend herself and others.
Hubbard says that when she was in elementary school, she saw a few kids whispering about her. She marched up to them
and said she could read their lips and explained that she was just like them, she just couldn’t hear, and they apologized. She says she has always been quick to stand up for herself and others when people don’t understand disability.
She recalls being athletic as a kid, running faster than the boys. She won two physical fitness awards, doing exercises until the coaches told her to stop, and everyone else was done. Lizzie the Lion emphasizes bridging the gap between kids and their disabled peers. Hubbard says it’s important for kids to include everyone in their circles. Hubbard’s dad taught her to be self-reliant. She says she looks out for herself, but her closes friends do too. Hubbard sees this in her life now as her friends often act as her ears, relaying conversations she missed. “I have always said if it’s important, let me know, but if it’s gossip, I don’t need to know that,” she says.
Hubbard is not shy about her disability and embraces opportunities to teach others about it without judgment. She
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often has people ask her where she is from and about her accent, which has come from learning to speak with a hearing aid. She says it’s her “hard-of-hearing accent,” and watches them apologize for not knowing. “I just tell them it’s no big deal, it’s just a part of who I am,” she says.
Hubbard hopes her book will relay this sentiment, teaching kids that being unique is a superpower and to care for one another, regardless of differences. She says her main message is that, working together, people can help each other out, with or without disabilities.
Now, she implements this in her own life through art and art education. Hubbard teaches kids classes, adult workshops and art camps in Birmingham, where she lives with her husband. She has two children and five grandchildren, with whom she has shared her book and stories. “No matter where you are or who you are, my wish is that we all truly help each other,” she says. OTMJ
Elizabeth Hubbard with her grandson George on the corner of her titular childhood street in Mountain Brook.
FATHER’S DAY
The Man Game
BY MARC CORSINI
With Father’s Day coming up, I thought I’d share something I once shared with my own boys on Father’s Day. It’s a letter I wrote to them when I was in my 40s. I wanted to communicate some life lessons I had learned, and I wrote this down in case God pulled my lottery number and I became a winner called to heaven before they became adults. The letter contains advice they would need to play “the man game” once they graduated from college and entered the real world. And now, years later, Nicholas, 27, and Matthew still have their letters.
Editors Note: This letter has been condensed slightly for space reasons. For the full letter visit otmj.com.
You are finally an adult. I know you’ve looked forward to this for a long time, and ‘officially’ you are a man with all the privileges
and responsibilities that go along with that. But remember: The ‘man game’ isn’t the easiest thing in the world to play. Just when you think you have it figured out, the game changes in many forms—marriage, children, jobs, new cities, health issues, aging parents, neighbors, money, etc. You’ll have to deal with these changes while navigating the many challenges of daily life, while staying true to yourself, while striving to always do the right thing.
I’ve thought long and hard about 10 things to consider as you move forward. This advice is coming from your dad who only wants the best for you, and it’s coming from a guy with years of ‘man game’ experience. Like all men, I’ve experienced life’s lofty highs and extremely deep lows. I’ve had my fair share of wins and losses and draws in the ‘man game.’
First, know that you can achieve anything you want in life if you are willing to pay the
downright lucky. Life is what you make of it. Remember that life is a gift from God, and each day should be appreciated—no matter how tough it might be sometimes.
Marry for life. I was single for the first 37 years of my life. I always said, ‘I’d rather be single for the right reasons than married for the wrong reasons.’ So, I waited until I found my true-life partner—and until I had enough ‘man game’ experience to understand who I was and what I wanted in life. It took me a lot of years to get to know ‘me.’ Make sure you know ‘you’ before you consider creating an ‘us.’ Enter marriage with a lifelong commitment that you won’t break. Marriage takes a lot of work. But during the inevitable low times, you must believe you have no other option than to work things out. Learn to juggle. Strive to maintain balance in all aspects of your life. The secret to a happy, fulfilling life is learning how to juggle the different ‘balls of life’—work, family, health, integrity and faith. The importance of each ‘ball’ changes as the ‘man game’ progresses. Sometimes it’s work that you need to keep high in the air; other times it’s family. Ultimately for me, it was realizing the importance of God in my life. Learn to keep your eyes on all the balls—they all are simply
price. In my lifetime, I’ve seen our country’s first African American president. I’ve seen the founder of an online shopping company become one of the wealthiest people in the world. I’ve seen average athletes become franchise players. I’ve seen boys from broken homes grow up to become fabulous fathers and loving husbands. You just have to decide what you want to achieve in life and be willing to work like hell over a long period of time to achieve it.
Guard your integrity and reputation with all your might. A friend told me years ago that all you really have in life is your reputation. A man can have an impeccable reputation for 50 years, and it all can come crashing down because of one poor decision. Never, never let down your guard. Never. Life isn’t fair, but it’s good. No, life isn’t fair. Some people are given things without having to work for them. Some people get more breaks than others. Some are
‘What’s the right there is no right When faced with you should ask and answer By taking the time to really think it through and consider all the consequences of your actions, you’ll be more certain to do the right thing. Of course, doing the right thing usually means doing the harder, more complicated thing—as opposed rely upon a small group of friends, mentors, coaches Left to yourself, you’ll be more likely to make mistakes. When I’ve tried to make life’s toughest decisions without a support group, I usually missed the prize. Surround yourself with mentors who are confident enough and strong enough to give you the real truth.
Trust in God. Let God in your life. He is there waiting for you. If you make yourself the center of the universe, your universe will eventually collapse. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Whatever you decide to do in life, do your best. Winning isn’t everything, but doing your best is. My only real regrets in life have come when I didn’t give something my all. If you give it your best and you lose to someone else, see it as a positive, as a learning experience.
“When there’s no wind, row.” success and positive things happen when you do something—not when you are on the sidelines or sitting in the stands during the ‘man game.’ So, when you find yourself out of that game, do something.
I wish you much success, good health and abundant happiness in all you do. May your ‘man game’ bring you much joy, peace, hope, wisdom and humility. OTMJ
Matthew, Marc and Nic Corsini
Vestavia Dad Goes to the Mat for His Sons
Dean Paugh shares lessons on fatherhood as sons follow in his footsteps.
BY TAYLOR BRIGHT PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
There is a moment in Dean Paugh’s life that is baked into his memories. A moment that provided clarity about what his relationship with his father was and what his relationship with his sons would be.
The family—Paugh’s parents, his two sisters and brother—had traveled to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl to watch Alabama play Colorado in 1969. A mix of fans for both teams and locals watched the Crimson Tide lose to the Buffaloes by two touchdowns. (The game was memorable for a Black team captain for Colorado standing alone for the coin toss against a still all-white Alabama team, which had just signed its first Black player four days earlier.) In the stands on that sunny December day, ice began to rain down on the Paugh family.
Paugh’s father, Clarence, had grown up in what Paugh describes as “pretty rough” circumstances in Roanoke, Virginia. He had flown bombers in World War II and attended Alabama on the G.I. Bill, deciding to enroll after listening to the Crimson Tide’s 1946 Rose Bowl victory on the radio. Now, he sat in the stands watching with his family as his team lost and locals were throwing ice down on the Alabama fans from above and striking his wife.
“My dad said, ‘There they are.’ And I’m looking at my brother watching my father barrel up those steps and wade through that mob of Tennessee fans.” The relationship the elder Paugh had with his children was one marked by absence, Paugh said. He was out of town for work. When he was in town, Paugh remembered spending time out of
the house golfing. The rearing and support came from his mother, Virginia, even though Paugh is careful to not diminish his father. “He had a tougher side to him, probably just a product of that generation in general,” Paugh says.
But that day changed how 12-year-old Paugh viewed his “no-nonsense” dad. “He came back down those steps. Didn’t say anything,” Paugh says. “I looked down at him, and his knuckles were bleeding, and I thought, ‘My father is a god.’ And, two things changed. Nobody threw any more ice at my mother, and I forever respected my father. So that kind of defines the person that he was... It did change my view of him. And he adored us all. We all had different interests, and my sister was an artist, and he supported her, and he was good to us, but he had a hard personality, and I think it affected the way I treat my boys.”
If you have heard of Paugh (pronounced like paw) before, it is because the Vestavia Hills resident is a state-champion wrestler who is the father of two state-champion wrestlers, Morgan, 29, and Matthew, 26. Through wrestling, Paugh created a bond with his sons that has extended past their participation and their days on the mat. Both sons started wrestling early with Paugh coaching them, but he was careful not to be the type of parent who is constantly pushing their child or berating them in public. “You have obsessive parents who push too hard, trying to make their kids be something they were unable to be,” Paugh says as he talks about the rigors of being alone in civilized combat on the wrestling mat. “He doesn’t need to see Vince Lombardi stand
above: Matthew, Dean and Morgan Paugh
there on the corner when he gets done.”
Paugh then admits to the one time he made what he believed was an innocuous comment after one of Morgan’s matches in fourth grade. Ten years later, his son reminded him of it. “So I tell parents, if you think jumping on your kid and piling on is the thing to do, I did it one time and my son never forgot it,” Paugh says.
While Morgan may have never forgotten it, he cherishes the relationship his father created and the person he became through his 10 years of wrestling. During conversation, he even mentions the same quote his dad mentioned separately from wrestling legend Dan Gable, “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”
Morgan Paugh says, “Ten years through a sport with him really as a mentor in a lot of ways, that binds you together. A significant aspect of our family is the sport of wrestling. And not to understate it, because it was such a meaningful impact on me. It changed my life forever. Period.”
The relationship Dean Paugh has with his two boys is obvious. That’s not to say they didn’t have their conflicts or disagreements, but there is the throughline of mutual love
and respect. “Time with my boys is not a burden or sacrifice,” Dean Paugh says. “It is a joy. I think about this a lot. Everybody loves their kids. That’s not the same thing as enjoying them, right? And, I think I’ve earned the right to say this. I don’t think anybody has enjoyed their sons more than me.”
Both sons went to the University of Alabama like their father and grandfather. Morgan has already joined his father at the financial services firm Raymond James, and Matthew says he is studying with an eye on doing the same.
“I don’t think a ‘good dad’ justifies it enough. I think he’s the best dad,” Morgan Paugh says. “My dad is the most influential person in a positive way in my life I’ve ever had. He was the perfect role model for me growing up and still is today.”
It’s a sentiment Matthew Paugh echoes with a message to his dad for Father’s Day: “Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for putting up with some shenanigans from time to time. I’m going to implement what you’ve taught me in my family, so that I can hopefully have as good a relationship with my children as I have with you.” OTMJ
COMMUNITY
Alabama Symphony Orchestra Dedication
As the Alabama Symphony Orchestra season drew to a close over Memorial Day Weekend, Resident Conductor Chris Confessore, Associate Conductor Daniel Cho and a gathering of musicians, volunteers, hosts, staff and supporters came together at the home of Liz Saunders in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Highland Park to celebrate the collaborative spirit that defined a memorable season.
The evening honored 12 musician host families, whose hospitality is essential to sustaining visiting artist participation. This season, host families welcomed 33 musicians from 10 states, providing an extraordinary 406 nights of lodging. The impact extended well beyond a warm bed—collectively, the program generated more than $50,000 in estimated savings for both visiting musicians and the orchestra, reducing travel expenses while forging meaningful connections between artists and the Birmingham community. Hosts in attendance included Cathy and Barry DeLozier, Ruth and
Will Varnell and Esther Vegesina.
Liz Saunders has been at the heart of this hospitality tradition—founding the host program eight seasons ago and, more recently, helping launch the orchestra’s volunteer program in the fall of 2024. That program has quickly become an essential part of the concert experience, with volunteers serving as ushers, greeters and community ambassadors who advance the orchestra’s mission of enriching lives through music.
The coordinators who lead these teams at each concert were recognized with special appreciation during the evening.
Also celebrated were Douglas Croker, this year’s recipient of the Elton B. Stephens Board Service Award, and Georgia Miller, recipient of the Dr. Sandra R. Apolinsky Service Award for volunteerism.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a commissioned garden fountain created by western Canadian artist Douglas Walker. Designed as a tribute to music and the orchestra community, the sculptural work weaves together trumpets, trombones,
saxophones, flutes and French horns into a centerpiece that reflects the spirit of the celebration.
The evening was a reminder that great symphonic performances are built not only by the musicians on stage, but by the volunteers, hosts, coordinators, board members, sponsors and staff whose dedication makes it all possible. OTMJ
above: Liz Saunders unveling her new fountain.
right: Douglas Croker, Masa Ohtake, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhodes.
HOMEWOOD GIRL SCOUTS AND PATHWAYS
Girl Scout Troop #26020, made up of Homewood Middle School seventh graders, have been working with Pathways Women and Children’s Shelter to earn their Silver Awards. The troop partnered with organizations, businesses and individuals in Homewood to learn how to create and raise money for Pathways Pages, a little free library inside Pathways specifically for its residents.
The troop learned how to choose books for different ages and reading levels and how to provide readers with books that reflect their lives and provide a window into other people’s lives. To complete the project, the troop had help from Cristina Castor, Head of Children’s Services at Homewood Public Library; Mary Liz Ingram, Director of Trinity UMC’s Outreach Hub; Little Professor Bookshop and Thank You Books. The Scouts raised money with bake sales at Homewood Park and the West Homewood Athletic Complex and received tremendous support from the Homewood community.
Scouts and Pathways residents celebrated the ribbon cutting for Pathways Pages little free library on May 22. Learning why women and children come to Pathways and the challenges they face was an education in grace and humility. OTMJ
below: Members of Troop 26020 in front of their little free library.
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Alabama’s Favorite Wedding Registry Since 1836
For nearly two centuries, Bromberg’s has been part of life’s most meaningful celebrations. As a seventh generation family owned and operated business, we’ve had the honor of serving our community’s couples for 190 years.
While our Mountain Brook store is being renovated, we are excited to welcome brides and grooms to our Bridal Shop at Bromberg Galleries in historic downtown Birmingham. Many of our couples’ parents and even grandparents created their own wedding registries in this very space. Located on the first floor of Bromberg’s former downtown store, our temporary downtown wedding registry is by appointment and offers the same exceptional service and the South’s most extensive selection of fine china, everyday dinnerware, crystal, silver, home décor, and entertaining essentials.
ture Gift Letter program. For each gift purchased, a beautiful letter is mailed to the couple that lists the gift, giver, and personal message. After the wedding, the couple can redeem their gift letters’ value for anything they love in the store, allowing them to take advantage of special offers and seasonal sales while avoiding duplicate gifts and minimizing returns.
Creating your registry at Bromberg’s is a seamless and enjoyable part of the wedding planning process. While our online registry allows couples to curate their wish lists from the comfort of their home, nothing compares to the personalized service of our expert bridal consultants. Registry benefits include 20% off wedding bands, special pricing on hostess and attendant gifts, a complimentary place setting with the purchase of seven, and free local delivery.
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Getting married this year? We invite you to schedule a registry appointment at the Bridal Shop at Bromberg Galleries (123 N. 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203) or at Bromberg’s at The Summit (131 Summit Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35243). You can also register online at www.BrombergsBride.com.
WEDDINGS
SIBLING REVELRY
Homewood siblings—Trey Sims and Kate Sims Mistrot—both celebrate weddings in 2025.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH PHOTOS BY CAROLINE BOBBITT PHOTOGRAPHY
o say that Stephanie and Daniel Sims had a busy 2025 would be a drastic understatement. In the span of a year, with just eight months separating them, both of their children—son Trey and daughter Kate—got married.
“While it was busy and a little challenging at times, it was fun and special for our entire family to celebrate all year long,” Stephanie says with a smile.
TREY & MARY CATE
Trey kicked off the nuptial excitement when he proposed to his now wife Mary Cate Saville on Memorial Day weekend in May 2024.
The couple met as Cupola Engineering Ambassadors when both were engineering students in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn. Mary Cate recalls, “When Trey proposed, I immediately began dreaming of a beautiful spring wedding filled with color, flowers and fun details.”
The couple set their wedding date for April 12, 2025—Mary Cate’s parents’ 28th wedding
anniversary—at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, where Mary Cate grew up going to church. “Having grown up attending VHMC, it was especially meaningful to be married in the place where the foundations of my faith grew,” she says. “Above all, I wanted our wedding weekend to feel joyful and stress-free so we could fully focus on celebrating the beginning of our marriage with our family and friends.”
Mary Cate hired wedding planner Carly Stanback of Elizabeth Carlisle Events and planned her reception for the Vestavia Country Club. Caroline Bobbitt was the wedding photographer, and Kate’s future mother-in-law, Melissa Mistrot, contributed the wished-for flowers with her design group Garden Party Designs. “Our vendors brought every vision to life beautifully, and I can confidently say it was the best weekend of our lives,” Mary Cate says. Minister Robert Sturdivant, Trey and Kate’s youth minister at Trinity United Methodist Church, performed their ceremony.
As parents of the groom, Stephanie and Daniel hosted a fun and festive rehearsal dinner at Dyron’s Lowcountry, where Garden
Mary Cate and Trey Sims on their wedding day surrounded by their wedding party, which included Trey’s sister Kate (standing directly behind Trey), Trey’s father Daniel (behind Mary Cate) and Kate’s now husband Will Mistrot (directly on Daniel’s right).
Kate and Will Mistrot on their wedding day December 20, 2025.
Party Designs also did the flowers, which were then added to arrangements at the couple’s reception the following day. “It all came together perfectly,” Stephanie says. “I can’t say enough nice things about them. It was so lovely.”
Both Kate and her fiancé Will stood up for Trey and Mary Cate on their wedding day, a favor they would return a few short months later. “Experiencing wedding season together made the whole year that much more fun,” Mary Cate says. “It was easily one of the most memorable years of our lives, and I love that we got to experience it together.”
As for her wedding, Mary Cate says it turned out just as she had hoped, “It was the sweetest, most joyful day surrounded by our family and friends. From getting ready with our favorite people to dancing late into the evening, every part of the day felt incredibly special.”
After a Hawaiian honeymoon, Trey and Mary Cate settled in Homewood with their golden retriever, Sandy, and both work as engineers at Southern Company. “Our wedding day was a joyful celebration, but even more importantly, it marked the beginning of the life we look forward to building together,” Mary Cate says.
KATE & WILL
Unlike Trey and Mary Cate, Kate started dating her now husband Will Mistrot while they were both students at Homewood High School. A year older than Kate, Will went to Auburn first as a civil engineering major, and Kate joined him a year later majoring in biomedical sciences with an eye toward medical school. In 2024, after Trey got engaged, Stephanie remembers thinking that Kate, now a medical student at the University of South Alabama, had a very finite window of time where her schedule would allow for a wedding and a honeymoon. “December was her last real break and the chance to have a wedding,” Stephanie says. Kate and Will got engaged at Christmas in 2024 and set their wedding date for the following year on December 20, 2025.
Having just celebrated as the parents of the groom, Stephanie and Daniel quickly switched gears to planning a wedding as parents of the bride. They enlisted wedding planner Megan
clockwise from top left: Trey and Mary Cate leaving the church following their ceremony; Kate enters the Trinity sanctuary on the arm of her dad Daniel; Will and Kate take a dip during their first dance; Trey’s groomsmen give him a lift; proud parents Stephanie and Daniel Sims and guests sing along at the reception.
“We really are so grateful for our parents being willing to take on such huge celebrations within the same year— 2025 was absolutely a year to remember for our family!” –kate sims mistrot
Wyatt of Megan Wyatt Designs to help execute Kate’s vision for the wedding. “We pictured a night of celebration surrounded by candlelight, florals and all of the people who have loved us, influenced us and supported us throughout the years,” Kate says.
The ceremony was held at the Sims’ church, Trinity United Methodist, and Robert Sturdivant, who performed Trey and Mary Cate’s ceremony did the same for Kate and Will. Garden Party Designs did the flowers for the rehearsal dinner at the Clubhouse on Highland and the wedding, and as the two couples shared an officiant and floral designer, Caroline Bobbitt also did photography for Kate and Will’s wedding. The reception was held at The Farrell in Homewood with Tre Luna as the caterer. To expand the intimate space, Wyatt added tents in the courtyard and a floored tent in the parking lot to house a bourbon bar for the groom.
Trey and Mary Cate returned the favor and were included in Kate and Will’s wedding party.
“The four of us had teary eyed conversations on both of our wedding weekends about how incredibly grateful we felt to finally be family,” Kate says. “How lucky are we that we have built-in best friends for life! We cannot wait to grow old with each other, but also with Trey and MC!”
As for the wedding living up to her expectations, Kate is clear that it was a success. “Our wedding was everything we could have imagined and more,” she says. “We had slow mornings getting ready in our childhood homes and a stunning ceremony at the church I grew up in. Because we are both from Homewood and attended Auburn, the night felt like a much-needed reunion of friends from every stage of our lives. It was shockingly beautiful weather for the end of December, and we have never felt so much joy.” After a honeymoon in Saint Lucia, Kate and Will settled into their home in Mobile with their Labrador Retriever puppy Mae as Kate completes medical school and starts her medical residency in pediatrics and Will continues his career with Brasfield and Gorrie. As for the monumental year in their family, Kate says, “We joked about ‘our poor parents’ and ‘at least they got it over with in one fell swoop,’ but we really are so grateful for our parents being willing to take on such huge celebrations within the same year—2025 was absolutely a year to remember for our family!” Stephanie agrees, “It was truly all just perfect. Someone told Daniel and I to just enjoy every minute, and I can say honestly at both weddings, we did just that and had so much fun!” OTMJ
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The newly minted Mistrots show off the proof; Kate’s bridesmaids singing along with the band and Kate tossing her bouquet.
HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
For more than 50 years, Homewood High School has boasted one of the most successful prep sports programs in the state. In 2026, Homewood will celebrate that legacy through the launch of the Homewood High School Athletics Hall of Fame (HHSHOF)—a new initiative that aims to celebrate the athletes, coaches and others who have made significant contributions to Homewood High School Athletics since the school opened its doors 54 years ago in 1972.
The HHSHOF is where great athletes and coaches, inspiring stories and monumental
achievements will be celebrated and preserved for generations. Inductees will span every corner of the Patriots’ athletic program, from studentathletes and coaches to outstanding individuals who have helped establish Homewood High School Athletics standard of excellence.
“This Hall of Fame is about preserving and celebrating the stories, moments and people that helped build Homewood High School into what it is today,” says Homewood Athletic Director Rick Baguley. “For more than 50 years, countless individuals have poured their time, passion and heart into our programs, and this
is an opportunity to honor them in a lasting way.”
The HHSHOF selection committee is made up of individuals with deep ties and knowledge of Homewood High School Athletics and its history, according to a statement issued by Homewood High School. This selection committee will review nominations and help determine each Hall of Fame class.
Nominations for the inaugural class are being accepted now and will remain open through July 1. Community members, alumni, former players, coaches, parents and supporters are encouraged to submit nominations along with a resumé of accomplishments and letters of recommendation outlining why the nominee deserves to be inducted.
Nominees will be evaluated on a range of criteria reflecting both their competitive achievements and broader contributions to Homewood Athletics. Criteria include collegiate and professional experience and individual or team championships at the conference, state, national or international level. Additionally, record-breaking performances, academic
achievements, years of dedicated service and any honors or awards bringing distinction to Homewood athletics will be considered.
Eligibility requirements vary by category. Athletes must be Homewood High School graduates who competed for at least two years and are a minimum of 10 years removed from graduation. Coaches must have served at Homewood for at least five years and been retired from full-time coaching for at least five years. Contributors must demonstrate sustained involvement with Homewood Athletics and a meaningful, lasting impact on the growth and success of its programs.
Homewood High School has produced many athletes who went on to successful collegiate and professional careers in a variety of sports, including recognizable names like Robert Davis, Mr. Football Alabama 1991 and a standout at LSU and UAB; Chris Gray, a 1988 HHS graduate and NFL lineman for Miami, Chicago and Seattle; Ronald Nored, a 2009 graduate, basketball player and recently named head basketball coach for his alma mater Butler University and Katy Freels (née, Frierson), a soccer player for Auburn University and Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The inaugural Hall of Fame class will be announced during an induction ceremony on October 1, at SoHo and will be honored during the Patriots’ home football game against Calera on October 2. To nominate a candidate, visit https://bit.ly/HHSHOF. OTMJ
MOUNTAIN BROOK VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE CLAIMS BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH AN UNDEFEATED 15-0 SEASON
The Mountain Brook Spartans varsity boys lacrosse team capped its 2026 season by defeating Vestavia Hills 13-7 to claim the Alabama State Championship, securing their second consecutive state title. Since the program started, Mountain Brook has been at the forefront of high school lacrosse in the state.
The Spartans captured state titles in 2006 and 2007 and have since built a powerhouse tradition, winning additional championships in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025. This latest victory marks their eighth state title overall.
Led by head coach Mike Catenacci and assistants Evan Lalande, Matt Dumbleton, Harris Jeffords, Robert Marquet, Justin Sherrer and Carson Sterling, the Spartans finished the year a perfect 15-0, dominating both ends of the field all season. “Our coaching staff has been coaching many of these boys since they were six or seven years old, both on travel teams and in recreational lacrosse, and it has been very rewarding to see them play at a high level and have this success,” says Coach Catenacci.
Senior leadership proved decisive throughout the season. Senior attackman Roscoe Bare (First Team All-State and Academic All-American Recipient) led the team with 45 goals and 57 points. Senior face-off specialist Abbotte Browning (Second Team All-State Recipient) was equally dominant, winning 75 percent of his face-offs (148 of 197). Other key senior contributors included midfielders Raynor Brom, Sam Smith and James Henderson; defenders Harrison Baxley, Ayden Pledger and William Keith; and goalie Luke Catenacci, who finished with a 65.43 percentage (53 saves on 81 shots). Additional standout performers included junior attackman Harper Nichols, junior midfielder Archie Andrews (Second Team All-State and All-Star Showcase Recipient), junior defender Skip Stuermann (Second Team All-State and All-Star Showcase Recipient), junior defender Watkins McCollough, sophomore attackman Jack Staples (All-Star Showcase Recipient) and sophomore midfielder Colton Hofstra (All-Star Showcase Recipient). OTMJ
The Mountain Brook High School Varsity Boys Lacrosse team.
SPORTS
Thursday, June 11, 2026
AREA HIGH SCHOOLS BRING HOME SPRING CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
Teams from Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills high schools won multiple state championships this spring, proving, once again, why Over The Mountain schools are among the top athletics programs in the state and beyond.
Mountain Brook was the big winner as the Spartans captured four 6A spring state titles— boys and girls tennis, girls track and field and boys golf.
The Spartans’ tennis program continued its domination, rolling through the competition at the AHSAA tennis championship tournament in Mobile on April 24. The victories bring the school’s all-time title count to 36 for the girls and 30 for the boys since 1972. Additionally, the girls team amassed their ninth consecutive state title, the second-longest active streak by any school in Alabama behind UMS Wright with 11 in a row. The boys extended their own run to four straight championships, dating back to 2023. “It was a team effort on both sides,” says Mountain Brook Head Tennis Coach Carlee Petro Schaper. “We had lots of players who were multiple state champions, whether it was singles or doubles, which is a really big deal.”
Leading the way for the girls were Olivia Roberts (singles semi-finalist, doubles quarterfinalist), Leslie Mitchell (singles finalist, doubles champion), Virginia Puckett (singles champion, doubles quarter-finalist), Leila Malatesta (singles and doubles champion), Sarah Still (singles and doubles champion) and Kathleen
Wilkinson (singles and doubles champion). On the boys’ side, Quint Freeman and Tony Sciara each won singles titles and reached the doubles quarterfinals, while Karna Palaniappan reached the singles semifinals and won the doubles championship alongside Aary Palaniappan, who also captured the singles title. Towns Lassiter, James Burnette and Luke Nagi all claimed doubles championships, with Lassiter and Burnette adding singles titles as well.
The Mountain Brook girls track team won its 15th state championship in Gulf Shores, completing its third triple crown in four years by winning titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track in the same academic year.
“I’m super excited for this group of young ladies. This one wasn’t easy. We were actually behind going into the final event,” says Head Track and Field Coach Michael McGovern. “We had to beat Pelham by at least two places in the four-by-four to make it happen, and they came through and got it done. It was closer than I’d like it to be, but it was exciting.”
The Spartans were led by Francesca DeMarco, who finished second in the 800m (2:16.67), 1600m (5:02.50) and 3200m (10:58.31). Ann Gibson Hamilton added top-three finishes, placing third in the 1600m (5:09.00) and eighth in the 3200m (11:26.41). Sydney Martin took second in the pole vault (11-6), Mary Alice Crull finished third in the high jump (5-2) and the 4x800 relay team won its event with a time of 9:40.62, while the 4x400 relay finished second at 4:03.80.
The Mountain Brook boys golf team also delivered a historic performance at the AHSAA State Championships, capturing the program’s 11th state title—its first since 2022—while tying the all-time 36-hole state scoring record at -32.
The Spartans set the tone in round one with a -25, establishing a new single-day team scoring record, then maintained that dominance through Tuesday’s final round to pull away from the field. The championship total of -32 tied the previous state record, set by Mountain Brook in 2018.
Leading the way was freshman SJ Thomas, who notched a -12 tournament score, tying the 36-hole individual state scoring record. The Spartans also received solid contributions from Denton Brooks, who finished in second place (-11), Fletcher Finch in fourth (-4), Ryan Pugh tied for fifth (-3) and Ford Birchall tied for seventh (-2).
Vestavia Hills captured two spring state championships, taking home titles in boys tennis and boys golf. The boys tennis team won its fifth consecutive title since 2022 and its 11th AHSAA state tennis championship overall in 7A competition at Mobile Tennis Center. The Rebels finished with 35 points, overtaking Hoover and Montgomery Academy, who tied for second place with 29 points.
Leading the way was senior Andrew Pipken who won the No.1 singles championship, putting the cherry on top of an outstanding 38-2 season. He was joined by Austin Hood, who won the No. 2 singles championship.
Additionally, Pipken teamed up with John Brooks Harris to take the No. 2 doubles title. Vestavia Hills won the Class 7A boys’ state golf championship at the RTJ Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, the Rebels’ second consecutive title and seventh overall. Senior Clarke Brown had an outstanding tournament, shooting a 36-hole total of 132, for 12-under par, tying the AHSAA state tournament record for 36 holes set by Spain Park’s Chase Kyes in 2025. “In VHCS, one of our core values is the pursuit of excellence, and it is a joy to watch our teams embody that commitment day in and day out,” said Athletics Director Laura Casey in a written statement. “We are always incredibly proud of how our student-athletes represent our school and community on and off the field, but there is something exciting about seeing their hard work culminate with state championships!”
The Homewood boys track and field team won the 6A spring title at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. The Patriots narrowly missed out on the indoor championship, coming in a close second place to Northridge in the winter. However, Head Coach Logan Cornutt said he felt his team could vie for a state outdoor championship with a full squad of athletes and events. “At one point in the season, I just laid it out for them. I think you have the potential to win state,” says Cornutt. “Ever since we had that team meeting, they just came with it. They were primed and ready.”
In the end, Homewood got its revenge, amassing 76.5 points over second-place Northridge with 68 points, and had three athletes win individual state titles. The Patriots were led by Tomon Felton, who won the long jump competition with a distance of 23-09.25 on his final jump. He was joined by Davis Griffin, who won the javelin competition with a distance of 178-04 and the 8x400 relay team with a time of 7:49.85, edging second-place Mountain Brook by less than a second. OTMJ
Mountain Brook boys and girls swept the state in tennis.
Mountain Brook girls take state in track and field.
Andrew Pipken
PHOTO BY DAVID HOLTSFORD AHSAA
Mountain Brook boys won the state golf title. Homewood boys won the state track title.