Visions winter 2012

VI S IONS

THE MONTGOMERY ACADEMY

WINTER 2012 Visions - Winter 2012 1

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Give to MA

Annual Giving is a vital source of institutional momentum for The Montgomery Academy, and the primary way for parents, alumni and friends to help sustain the special features that set our school apart. Your gifts make possible a robust environment for learning in and out of the classroom, and are essential to our enduring pursuit of excellence.

A few of the opportunities for leArning And discovery thAt your gifts to AnnuAl giving mAke possible Resource teachers in every Lower School grade

Three theatrical productions each year

Physical Education equipment for grades K-12

20 Advanced Placement courses

27 art electives for Upper School

Two extensive libraries with over 50,000 volumes

Art supplies for grades K-12

32 different athletic teams with 68% of the student body participating on at least one team (grades 7-12)

Lower School culture study

Choral groups in Lower, Middle and Upper Schools

Music theory courses

Award-winning speech and debate program

Game officials and referee expenses Athletic team uniforms Transportation for co-curricular programs

For information about tax-deductible donations, call Carolyn Bryan or Marie Harrington at 334-272-8210 or visit www.montgomeryacademy.org.

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Visions

WINTER 2012 The Montgomery Academy Established 1959

Head of School Dave Farace dave_farace@montgomeryacademy.org

Associate Head of School Vivian Barfoot vivian_barfoot@montgomeryacademy.org

Director of Advancement Carolyn Peddy Bryan ‘75 carolyn_bryan@montgomeryacademy.org

Communications Coordinator Leigh Barganier leigh_barganier@montgomeryacademy.org

Annual Giving & Alumni Programs Coordinator Marie Harrington marie_harrington@montgomeryacademy.org

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EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT

ACADEMICS

NOTES

ATHLETICS

The Montgomery Academy 3240 Vaughn Road Montgomery, Al 36106-2725 (334) 272-8210 • Fac (334) 277-3240 www.montgomeryacademy.org The Montgomery Academy is a member of

Mission

The mission of The Montgomery Academy is the pursuit of excellence within the four major spheres of Academy life: academics, the arts, athletics and activities. Implicit in this is the existence of an environment in which students are simultaneously supported and challenged. The ultimate component of this mission is to assist students in becoming adults of strong moral character who contribute to society in both their professional and community lives.

National Association of Independent Schools The Montgomery Academy admits students of any race, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school.

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SPREAD THE WORD Montgomery Academy Points of Pride The Pursuit of Excellence.

Parents appreciate the quality of the Academy’s academic experience as well as the boundless opportunities in the arts, athletics and service learning. Our program instills confidence and rewards curiosity. Students graduate as independent thinkers with outstanding critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills.

Shortly after arriving in Montgomery, people started recommending churches to Becky and me. The conversations were always friendly, personal and heartfelt. We were touched that people cared enough to invite us to their church. We have since joined a church community that immediately embraced my family and is nurturing our spiritual growth. As a result, I am now an unofficial ambassador of my church.

The experience has been so rich and meaningful for my family that I am eager to share it with others.

My family’s MA experience has been equally gratifying. My three children are thriving in this loving environment and taking advantage of all that MA has to offer. I feel a sense of joy and excitement when I discuss the value of an MA education with prospective families.

In my opinion, the MA experience is too good, too important, too potentially life changing not to share with other families.

My hunch is that we have many families on campus who feel as strongly as I do about the MA difference. Our enrollment grew by nineteen students from last year to this year and we had waitlists in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 9th grades. I attribute this, in large part, to our current families recommending the Academy to other families.

This “word of mouth” or relational marketing is clearly the best way to attract great families and I am thankful for all of the unofficial ambassadors of MA in the River Region.

As we celebrate these healthy enrollment numbers for the Academy, I think this is the right moment to harness the power of word of mouth marketing more intentionally and effectively. Recently, we engaged Educational Consultant John Littleford to help us create and implement an official Parent Ambassador Program. Our goal is to train 75-100 parent volunteers who will actively support our admissions office in telling the MA story to the larger community.

Mr. Littleford conducted a number of parent focus groups to identify our core strengths. His findings are listed below and it is our hope that all MA family members will share these “points of pride” with prospective families.

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Cultivation of Ethical Leaders

Honor, integrity and compassion serve as the core of the MA culture. Since our founding in 1959, our mission has been to educate and inspire leaders of character. Our most treasured tradition is our honor system. This simple code of conduct— lying, cheating and stealing are not tolerated—is something our students take very seriously. The Academy’s high moral expectations profoundly shape the personal growth of every student.

Classic College Preparation

MA provides a time-honored, rigorous college preparatory program. Our graduates continue to be accepted to and excel at the nation’s finest colleges and universities; over 75% of our students have been offered $25 million in merit-based aid in the last five years. Parents recognize that we have superb college advisors who work closely with each family every step of the way.

My guess is that, whether you are an alumnus/a living out of state or a retired Academy teacher or a current parent, the points above sound familiar and ring true. MA has always been a community of learners dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. We face the future with faith and optimism as we continue to build upon our unique mission and core values. Spread the word!

ACADEMY AMBASSADORS

To be an Academy Ambassador is truly an honor – one that involves dedication not only to the Academy, but also to helping others. On top of that, it’s fun! Initiated in 1995 by former Director of Admissions Lynn Beshear, The Montgomery Academy Ambassador Program began as an addition to the admissions office. Now managed by the advancement office, this program is an opportunity for Upper School students to work with current MA families, alumni and prospective students and parents. Ambassadors are chosen in the spring after going through a thorough selection process consisting of applications, teacher recommendations and interviews. They begin serving in the fall and assist with a variety of special events and projects including choral concerts and plays, Admissions Open Houses, MA Family Picnic, alumni phonathons, and Commencement weekend activities. Ambassadors also give tours to prospective families and attend monthly meetings. This year’s group of ambassadors is made up of 23 students, all of whom are enthusiastic about giving back to the Academy.

AMBASSADOR

QUOTES “I love promoting our school.”

– Lilla Bea Granger “I loved being an Ambassador this past year at MA because I got to meet and interact with new students and parents. It was fun leading them around and learning about my future classmates.”

– Brock Hendon “I have really enjoyed being an Ambassador the past two years. I like connecting with parents, alumni, faculty and

students at the school through the different events. Helping with these different events makes me proud to be a part of the MA family.”

– Corrie Tankersley.

“I love giving back to our school.”

– Emmie Chambers “Being able to give tours and meet those involved in MA gives us a better understanding of our great school.”

– Barton Crum

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ALUMNI

WEEKEND 2011 The Classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 2001 were represented well as alumni traveled far and wide to come back to celebrate their class reunions on October 16 and 17.

Over 200 alumni, family, faculty and former faculty attended the Tent Party Friday night before the football game. At the reunion dinners Saturday night, 100 alums mingled with one another and toured campus before enjoying a delicious meal and fellowship with one another.

1971

1976

1981

1986

2001

1991

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MA

ON THE ROAD The Alumni Association has already been very busy taking trips to see our alums! In October, Dave Farace and Marie Harrington hosted a New York area alumni social at The City Winery. Morton’s Steakhouse was the place to be in Nashville for the alumni social held in November. Both events were well attended by alums!

Upcoming MA on the Road events: February 7, 2012 – San Francisco February, 2012 – University of Alabama College age alumni (Tuscaloosa) March, 2012 – Auburn University College age alumni (Auburn) March 22, 2012 – Mobile/Baldwin counties April 12, 2012 – Montgomery area alumni

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COLLEGE AGE

ALUMNI PARTY

Former students gathered at Sahlie Commons on December 16 for the annual College Age Alumni Party. It was a great opportunity for the college-age alumni to catch up with faculty and current seniors.

ALUMNI

BASKETBALL GAME

Fourteen Montgomery Academy alumni returned to Bear Field House on January 3 for the annual Alumni Basketball game held between the varsity girls and varsity boys games. It was an exciting contest and these guys proved they are still light on their feet! After jockeying for the lead through both halves, the blue team prevailed with a score of 73-64.

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TEACHERS STUDYING ABROAD Montgomery Academy students and alumni aren’t the only ones studying abroad. Every summer, some of our Academy teachers participate in Summer Study programs where they learn different techniques to enhance their teaching. This year, three teachers traveled to different countries for this opportunity. Lower School Spanish Teacher, Marilyn Bullard, and Upper School Spanish Teacher, Becky Brooms, both attended two week courses in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mrs. Brooms’ course focused on the Spanish language itself and strategies used for teaching Spanish as a foreign language and Mrs. Bullard’s course focused on basics in grammar and how to better engage young students in the Spanish classroom. “Being completely immersed in a different culture and surrounded daily by the world language I teach was a priceless experience” said Mrs. Bullard. “I was truly inspired by the innovative instruction techniques used in the curriculum”. Both teachers are enjoying utilizing what they learned on their trips in the classroom. Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Townsend also traveled abroad to study over the summer. A recipient of the FulbrightHays Seminars Abroad Scholarship, Ms. Townsend went to India June 27 - August 5 with 15 other teachers from the United States.

The group visited schools, museums, ancient sites, temples, cultural performances and Indian homes. After completing the program, Ms. Townsend created a unit on Indian Art to teach in her classroom for her fifth and sixth grade students. The unit titled “The Art of India: Ancient Traditions and Modern Visions” focuses on studio projects that combine India’s artistic traditions alongside the modern art of India today. The class worked on projects including Mehndi hand designs, painted elephants, clay sculpture, textile design and architectural drawings of the Taj Majal. When her curriculum is complete, it will be submitted to the United States Department of Education and the United States India Education Foundation. What a wonderful opportunity for our teachers and a huge benefit for our students!

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Alumni

Spotlight Philanthropist, translator, organic farmer, teacher and caregiver. What do all of these things have in common? Not a whole lot unless you are exa mining the different things Rachael Snow has been doing since she graduated from MA in 2004. It’s only been eight years since she graduated from the Academy, but in that time, Rachael has done more than many people will do in a lifetime. We took some time to sit down with Rachael to find out exactly what she’s been up to and what she’s planning for the future.

Rachael Snow

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Can you tell us about your experiences in Rwanda?

RS: After graduating from MA, I moved to Rhode Island where I worked on a yacht for eight months to finance my trip to Rwanda. I was there for a year, teaching art and biology in a rural girls’ school. While there, I volunteered with a nonprofit group that did medical outreach. I was doing administrative work, writing reports, that sort of things. I felt like I was just “pushing papers” for a lack of a better term and really wanted to do something more tangible. I felt like I could be more useful having a degree and a specialized skill to offer and that’s where medical school came into the picture.

You have spent some time in Haiti as well. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

RS: When I came back to the states, I began working and taking classes at ASU. I completed my pre-med classes and also worked in nano biotechnology research, making nano particles and doing research on the toxicity of nano particles.

Currently I’m back in Rhode Island doing home care for seniors and working on an organic farm.

Tell us about your degrees.

RS: I have a bachelor’s degree in international and global studies with a concentration in the francophone world from Sewanee. I also took classes at Alabama State University in 2010 and took all the pre-med classes I needed to be able to apply for medical school, which is something I’m in the process of doing now.

Medical school and international studies seem worlds apart. Can you tell us what influenced you to study each of those areas? Why go back to school to get a degree in medicine?

RS: Well, the international studies degree focusing on the francophone world was not a major that I intended to have. I always loved French from my first class with Dr. Linder at the Academy. The more classes I took, the more I fell in love with the language and culture. Then when I got to Sewanee, I was studying abroad in France and this major was created and it just lined up perfectly with what I wanted to do. I didn’t decide I wanted to go back to school and pursue a degree in medicine until after I had lived in Rwanda for a year.

Now you’ve spent some time in Haiti as well. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

RS: I visited Haiti last year over my spring break. I went there to volunteer for a school for handicapped children. There was a group of American doctors there the same time that I was and some spoke Creole and limited French but there was one who spoke none and so I ended up being his translator for the week. It was a great experience.

It sounds like you have had an extremely diverse, productive few years since graduating in 2004.

Looking back at the time you were at MA, can you tell us if there was any particular class or experience that inspired you to make the choices you have made?

RS: I don’t know if I can pinpoint one particular teacher or experience, but I can definitely attribute a lot of my drive to the positive peer pressure that this school really encourages. The teachers are just so passionate and excited about what they’re doing, and they are great role models for the students. The kids are very talented and diverse, and they’re being pushed to excel and it just creates this positive culture of doing interesting, good things.

So what are your plans for the future?

RS: I’ve applied to medical schools all over the country and I hope to start that in the fall of this year. I’m not sure exactly what type of medicine I want to study yet, possibly geriatrics. I know that I want to do something where I will be able to help people and make a difference. That’s what it’s all about!

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Field Trip 8TH GRADE VISITS LANARK ESTATE

by Dexter Hobbs ‘06 Eighth Grade Faculty Member

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O

n October 31, Montgomery Academy eighth grade students received an extra Halloween treat. As part of their Earth Science curriculum, the class traveled to the Alabama Nature Center on the historic Lanark Estate in Millbrook, AL. Just a few miles north of Montgomery, this 350-acre center contains everything from creeks, ponds and swamps, to forests, hills and ridges, with many trails and boardwalks.

We wrapped up the day with nature hikes around the grounds. Our group went on the Turkey Ridge Trail which went into a forest and up along the ridge of a steep hill. The students brought along their nature journals which was a semester long project as part of their science curriculum. Along the way, our guide informed us about different trees, leaves, plants and the basic ecosystems of Alabama forests.

Shortly after arriving, the class was divided into groups to rotate through the different activities. My group’s first activity was building bluebird houses. An employee instructed the students on how to correctly construct the birdhouses, and educated them on native bird habitats in central Alabama. We then moved to one of the ponds for some good old fashion fishing. Some of the students had never casted a rod before and this was a wonderful first experience for them. Regardless of skill level, it was tough fishing! Being cold and the time of day, the fish were not too hungry for the hotdog bits we used as bait. The grand total for our group was one bream and one catfish. Some of the other groups had more success, but what our group lacked in fishing, we made up for with our finds in the creek walk, which was our next activity.

You could tell how much the students enjoyed the trip by their conversations on the ride home. They kept talking about how much fun they had and what they had learned. I heard many of them relate the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to what they experienced on the field trip. It was a great experience for everyone and a perfect way for the students to take their classroom knowledge and apply it in the field.

For creek walking, we were given nets to examine different organisms living in the creek. We found several salamanders and crawfish, including a giant one that we named “The Big Daddy.”

Afterward, one of the Nature Center educators informed us about the nature of Alabama creeks and about creeks as a habitat for many animals.

Next it was on to a field study on water quality. The students had been learning how to give a chemical analysis on a sample of water in class and on this trip were able to take what they learned in the classroom and apply it in the field. We took samples from a shallow pond and looked for certain pollutants, such as nitrates and phosphates. The students really appreciated this aspect of the trip. “I believe we had a great opportunity to test the skills and abilities we learned in class,” said Scotland Kemper.

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montgomery academy

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France

In November

by Ann P. Linder

On November 17, nineteen Upper School students chaperoned by faculty members Ann Linder and Valarie Forster and Middle School Director John McWilliams headed for Paris. In the course of their nine-day trip, the students would experience the glittering city of Paris, but also venture into France’s most remote past.

Beginning in Avignon, we concentrated on the Roman ruins of Provence, including the great aqueduct of the Pont du Gard and the arena and temple in Nîmes. Arles, with its sites painted by van Gogh, delighted the art history students. Then it was on to the medieval city of Carcassonne, with its complete circuit of double walls, where students role-played the besiegers and the besieged.

In the stunning cliff town of Rocamadour, we watched the sunrise illuminate its fortress and seven chapels. At the cave of Font de Gaume, a narrow passageway through the rocks led to a gallery where we stood awestruck by 15,000-year-old paintings of bison and reindeer from the end of the last Ice Age. Leapfrogging into the 16th century, we marveled at the superb châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, and spent an evening at a culinary high school, preparing and eating a three-course meal. Then it was off to Paris, with stops at Chartres and Versailles. Our trip finished with Notre Dame, the Saint Chapelle, the Eiffel Tour (at night!), the Louvre and lots of shopping.

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LOWER SCHOOL

GLOBAL ART Students look forward to the Lower School Culture Study program all year.

Initiated in 1994 by Lower School art teacher Bee Lee Tullos, the program began with Mrs. Tullos’ idea to create an authentic-looking African marketplace for the study of African arts and crafts. Since then, the Lower School Culture Study has expanded exponentially to the massive project it is today. The four week in-depth study teaches lower school students all aspects of the culture of focus from music to geography. The students rotate studying Africa, Germany, South Korea and India. In 2012, the students are studying Australia.

Studying the culture’s artwork is an essential element of the program. From Australian Aboriginal art to African-motifs, the students will create art unique to the country of study. Not only will they make a piece of art, they will learn why it is important to this culture and study its history. Mrs. Tullos travels abroad frequently during the summers in an effort to experience the cultures that the students study. She has visited many locations, including Mexico, India, Turkey, Cambodia, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. Her goal is to visit all the different countries that the Lower School studies (and she has almost reached this goal!). “This is so important because we have a global society now and children need to be aware that there are other cultures out there. After experiencing this program, our students feel like that have a connection to that country,” said Mrs. Tullos.

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Where in the World is The Montgomery Academy?

By Jay Rye

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During the summer of 1992, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Japan with five Montgomery Academy students. We had a blast with the language, the food, and the culture. I remember how the Japanese were enthralled with Kate Wright Salvatori’s (‘94) blonde hair - she really stood out! I remember how much Sunny Swinhart Kalisky (‘95) loved the food and wished Montgomery offered more Asian cuisine! I remember how much Aaron Gubin (‘95) despised the food, especially the traditional breakfast which involved leftover fish from the night before. I also remember how much the Japanese were wary of the red hair of Emlyn Saunders (‘94) - she really stood out as well! I remember how Caroline Crook (‘94) both loved and laughed at some of the “traditions” of the Japanese culture.

I mostly remember thinking how fortunate Montgomery Academy students were to have this opportunity to travel and study abroad while in high school.

Today most, if not all, colleges and universities offer study abroad programs pretty much anywhere in the world and a large percentage of our former students take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, many of our current and former students have been to other countries for mission work through their churches or civic organizations. With the world shrinking due to technology, it comes as no surprise that there is a surge in wanting to see what is outside the walls of MA - and why not? With the Air War College and the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant, there is an international flair to our Cardinal and Navy! Here are just a few examples of what some of our former students have been or are currently doing.

During his senior year at Furman University, David Barrington (‘07) traveled to Swaziland. This landlocked African nation has been ravaged by poverty and disease for years. David and four other students from Furman worked in an orphanage, built an outdoor cooking shelter, and distributed blankets and clothing to the young and elderly in the area.

James Buchanan (‘07) graduated from the University of Georgia a year early and proceeded to pursue his graduate degree at the University of London School of Economics.

Barrett Hails (‘05) graduated from the University of Mississippi and will graduate from the University of Alabama Law School this May. He will be moving to Southampton, England where he will pursue his Master of Laws degree in Maritime Law at the University of Southampton.

Mary Elizabeth Adams (‘07) graduated from the University of Alabama and is now teaching English in Spain.

After graduating from Sewanee, Hank Johnson (‘03) went to Cambridge University to pursue his Doctor of Philosopy degree.

The Montgomery Academy continues to send students on cultural trips to Spain, Italy, and France. In fact, this past year an MA group traveled to France and while touring they just happened to bump into Bill Butler (‘06) who is now teaching English in France. Where in the world Is The Montgomery Academy? The answer - Everywhere!

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Cooper's Chorus =

AWESOME! The Montgomery Academy has always considered the fine arts to be an essential and prestigious part of our students’ curriculum and the Middle School Chorus is just one wonderful facet of the fine arts program. Susan Cooper leads our fifth and sixth grade chorus as well as the seventh and eighth grade chorus. Susan is a Montgomery native and a Huntingdon alumna. She completed her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Alabama in 2010. She has been the Youth Choir Director at First United Methodist Church since 2008.

Susan reports, “I am extremely excited to be teaching at MA and already see growth in the Middle School Chorus. Fall semester we had only five students in the daytime seventh and eighth grade chorus, and this spring we will have 31 on roll. This is outstanding! It is an honor and a privilege to teach in a school where the administration, faculty, staff, and parents value and support the arts the way they do at Montgomery Academy. I hope during my time here at MA the students grow musically and have an appreciation for music,

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Written by Debbie Kranzusch

discover a gift of singing that they did not know they possessed, and are prepared for Upper School Chorus.”

Fifth grader Lee Sahlie agrees. As a member of the Middle School Chorus, Lee is excited about performing in different places. He says that it is “lots of fun with Mrs. Cooper” and knows that he will be prepared to sing with the Upper School Chorus someday.

Maylon Ruth Davis is thrilled with Chorus and Mrs. Cooper; she commented that, “Mrs. Cooper is just awesome! She brings a fun spirit to class!” Maylon enjoyed the variety of songs the Chorus performed during the first semester. “Some were fun and fast; others were slow.

Learning the two-part harmony required a lot of concentration, but gave the songs lots of energy!” Maylon also mentioned playing instruments as another valuable aspect of participating in Chorus.

Maylon, Martha Glen Sease, and Roma Pirnie were the percussionists at the Holiday Concert, and they, too, were outstanding!

Class Notes 1975

1995

Lee Copeland, of Copeland, Franco, Screws and Gill, P.A. was included in the Best Lawyers in America 2011 edition of the Alabama Super Lawyers publication in recognition of his business litigation.

Benjamin Lesesne Hamilton was born on August 23, 2011.

Benjamin is the son of Lesesne Hamilton and his wife Stephanie.

He joins big brother Elliot who is three. The Hamiltons live in Jericho, Vermont.

1984 The National Forensics League (NFL) honored Palo Alto High School debate coach Jennie Savage with the Diamond Award, the highest honor for debate coaches. Jennie and five other coaches around the nation received the award, which “recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity.” She will receive special recognition for the award at the NFL National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., in June.

UAB Medicine Chief of Staff Arthur M. Boudreaux, MD, announces the appointment of Richard S. Rosenthal, MD, as associate chief of staff for ambulatory services. A member of the faculty since 1997, Dr. Rosenthal is the medical director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism services.

1991 Sommerville Hill and his wife Anne proudly announce the birth of their son Robert Sommerville “Adams” Hill on December 9, 2011.

1993 Rachel Billingslea-Richmond recently completed a tour in Afghanistan to assist in the development of an Afghan police corps.

She also deployed for her first time to Iraq (with her husband who has deployed there four times) to help solidify the security gains and freedoms facilitated by former President George W. Bush.

1994 Mike Crouch and Melinda Kay Lanier were married on October 22, 2011.

Nathan Handmacher joined John Toomey and Company in Mobile, Alabama as a full time commercial realtor.

Graves McKee and his wife Anna are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Lucy Graves, on July 5, 2011. She joins big brother Ellis.

Everett “Rhett” Alden Modisett arrived on November 3, 2011 at 7:35pm weighing 9 pounds and 2 ounces and 21 3/4 inches. He is the son of Ashley and Joseph Modisett.

William Robert (Bob) Pringle, Jr. was born on December 14, 2011 in Birmingham to Will and Catherine Pringle.

Cammie Hill Prewitt and her husband Ryan joyfully announce the birth of their son, Thomas Aubrey Hill on June 16, 2011. Aubrey weighed 9 pounds and 10 ounces. They are at home in New Orleans, Louisiana. (pictured)

1996 Erin Tatum Fillers and her husband Mark are thrilled to announce the birth of their third son James! James Tatum was born on August 11, 2011. He joins big brothers David and William and they all live in Mobile.

John McWilliams was named The Montgomery Academy’s Middle School Director and began his new role on July 1, 2011.

Katherine Bear and Gayle Rogers, III were married on October 23, 2010 in Seaside, Florida. They currently live in Birmingham, Alabama. (pictured)

1997 Wesley Crunkleton and his wife Meggan proudly announce the birth of their son Price Stone on July 17, 2011. Wesley, Meggan and Price reside in Huntsville Alabama. where Wesley is with Crunkleton and Associates, L.L.C. Real Estate Investments and Meggan is with the administration unit of Huntsville Hospital.

Katharine Taber Fava was born on September 8, 2011. Taber is the daughter of Anne Hancock Fava and her husband Scott. She joins big brother Hastings. The happy family currently lives in Severna Park, Maryland.

Katie Cumbus Shute and her husband Jessee are excited to announce the birth of their son Benjamin “Walker” born on December 19, 2011.

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Class Notes

Class Notes 1998 Shawn Webster and McCall Mastroianni were married on July 23, 2011. They currently live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Wesley Tyson Westerkom and her husband Robert are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Martha Ann on July 7, 2011.

1999 Leigh Figh Abbott and her husband Henry announce the birth of Henry Fulbrook Abbott, Jr., born on September 26, 2011.

Emily Dauber Flowers and her husband Trey joyfully announce the birth of their daughter Margaret on December 4, 2011.

Georgia Stevenson Holmes gave birth to a little girl, Suzanne Bellingrath Holmes, on Thursday, January 5, 2012. Georgia, her husband, Dustin, and Suzanne currently live in Montgomery.

Katie Brannan Upchurch and her husband David proudly announce the birth of their son Davis, born on November 11, 2011.

2002 Lee Geddie Barcelona and her husband Nick joyfully announce the birth of their daughter Hayford.

Virginia Terry and Steven Nix were married on June 25, 2011.

They are now living in Nashville, Tennessee.

Blake Bryan and his wife Mary Ann are thrilled to announce the birth of their son Tyler on November 13, 2011. Blake is a chemical engineer with Carrier and they live in Collierville, Tennessee. (pictured)

2000

2003

Jenny Alexander received her Medical Degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University. Jenny joins her mother, Dr. Lilly Alexander to provide pediatric care in Montgomery.

Frazier Montiel Pilkterton is now teaching first grade at the Academy.

Joe Hubbard and his wife Ashley proudly announce the birth of their daughter Ava Henrietta Fontaine Hubbard “Hattie” on August 2, 2011.

Sara Colmer and Clink Syvinski were married on July 16, 2011.

2004

Jennifer Howell and her husband Trey are excited to announce the birth of their son Jason on August 2, 2011.

Meagan Vucovich joined Luckie & Company, an advertising agency in Birmingham, as Account Coordinator. She serves on VSA Alabama’s Junior Board and Birmingham Museum of Art’s Junior Patron Board as Marketing Chair.

Mary Charlotte Vann was born on November 11, 2011. Charlotte is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Vann. They are at home in Hoover, Alabama.

2005

Daisy Humphrey Turner and her husband Richard are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Virginia Lovelace on August 10, 2011.

2001 Laurel Brannon and Blake Parham were married on October 1, 2011 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The currently live in Northport, Alabama were Laurel works for J&J Industries.

Matthew Figh and Kelly Causie were married on August 27, 2001.

They currently live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Carrie Tompkins and Rick Blanton were married on October 1, 2011.

Walker Stinson and Haynes Healey were married September 3, 2011 at St. Francis at the Point Episcopal Church in Point Clear, Alabama. Walker and Haynes are living in Dallas, Texas where Walker is an account coordinator at The Marketing Arm. John Ward Weiss and Christine Caddell were married on July 30, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. They currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

On June 11, 2011, Davis Wilder and his fianceé Maddie were married. They currently live in Auburn, Alabama where Davis is the General Manager at The Locker Room.

Class Notes 2006

Aaron Echols

passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011. Preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Marie Turner, and his uncle, David Turner, he is survived by his parents, Michael and Carol Echols; his brother, Nathan Echols; his grandparents, James Turner and Bill and Mae Echols; uncles, Jimmy Turner (Wanda), Billy Echols (Gisele); aunts, Charlotte Browning (Bill), Susie Halse (Steve) and Donna Matthews (Mark); beloved pets, Jesse and Bear; and numerous cousins.

Dexter Hobbs has returned to the Academy as the eighth grade history teacher.

Blake Williams became one of 10 actors selected to perform with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble. The former Alabama Shakespeare Festival intern will be involved in more than 50 performances of two-fully produced, abridged classical works in New Jersey as a part of the summer touring company.

2009 Grace Kennedy is a member of the award winning, old-time country and bluegrass band The South Carolina Broadcasters.

Grace plays banjo, triangle and sings. She and the other members of the band performed at the Capri Theater Benefit on October 1, 2011. (pictured)

2008 Jesse Blount was recently accepted to teach with Teach for America in New Orleans. While at the University of Alabama he was initiated into ODK honor society.

Olivia Hails, a senior at the University of Denver, is the Student Government Vice President and the Panhellenic President.

Hunter Hamrick was selected as the University of Alabama men’s golf team captain for the 2011-2012 year.

Brooks Stinson, an Engineering student at the University of Alabama, was awarded an internship with Walt Disney Studios in Orlando, Florida. Brooks was on the Engineering team at Alabama that came in third place in a robotics competition for NASA.

Ian Locklar was one of several students who worked on a satellite built at Auburn University. The satellite was launched October 27 on a Delta II Rocket from Vandenburg Air Force Base in California.

Construction of the 4-inch, cube-shaped satellite is part of the Auburn University Student Space Program. Auburn officials say it’s the first student-built satellite in Alabama.

Visions - Winter 2012 23

CROSS COUNTRY Girls Win Fourth State Title in Six Years, Boys Finish Strong

24 Visions - Winter 2012

BY Kevin Weatherill

It was another impressive season for the girls and boys cross country teams this fall as both continued to shine. The girls, led by senior Audrey Woika, juniors Krisie Stakely, Erin Budny, Drake McGowin, and sophomore Mazie Chambers, and the boys, led by seniors Will Canary, Sam Walker, and Patrick Weatherly, opened the season at the Capitol City Conference Kick-off Classic with both teams taking first place. The season was a whirlwind of different competitions including the Chickasaw Trails Invitational where the girls came in second and the boys came in third and the Scottsboro Invitational where the girls came in third (losing to eventual 6A champion Mountain Brook and 5A champion Scottsboro) and the boys placing first using their trademark pack running. After many local meets, members of both teams flew to New York to compete in the Manhattan Invitational. Seventeen of the twenty-seven MA runners on the trip earned medals in their respective races, competing against schools from around the Northeast and Canada. The varsity girls team put forth the best team performance, finishing seventh out of twenty-four teams.

At the sectional meet, the girls team placed first over last year’s state runner-up, T.R. Miller, while the boys finished second by a narrow three point margin to Montgomery Catholic. Taylor Gerard, Maggie Chambers, Krisie Stakely, Erin Budny and Drake McGowin earned All-Section honors for the girls, while Jack Barganier and Taylor Dockery garnered the distinction for the boys. The following week, the girls outpaced Rogers High School for the AHSAA State Championship, placing the five All-Section runners on the All-State team and earning the girls their fourth state championship in six years. Gerard (2nd), Chambers (7th), Budny (9th), Stakely (10th) and McGowin (12th) led one of the Academy’s most impressive state meet performances ever. The boys team earned a hard-fought third place finish behind All-State performances from Barganier (13th) and Dockery (15th). The Montgomery Advertiser named Taylor Gerard the Runner of the Year with Maggie Chambers and Erin Budny on the First Team, and Krisie Stakely and Drake McGowin receiving Honorable Mention. Hudson McEntire joined Dockery and Barganier as Honorable Mention selections for the boys team.

Not to be outdone, the Middle School teams provided their own highlights, closing out the season on a winning note. The girls team dominated the field, placing eight runners in the top twelve. Maggie Chambers and Jack Barganier were individual champions and Margaret Canary, Maggie Beasley, Maclou Dillon and Barton Lester earned All-State Honors.

Visions - Winter 2012

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VARSITY

FOOTBALL

The 2011 varsity football team began the season on the heels of a winless season in 2010. Although the team did not enjoy much success the previous year, it entered the year with optimism and enthusiasm.

The team’s roster was comprised of only seven seniors and a host of underclassmen, including 28 freshmen and sophomores. Tenacious and gritty, this team used the aforementioned optimism and enthusiasm to win its first two games of the season. The team played in what was arguably the toughest region in the state’s 3A classification, with the region’s top four teams being ranked in the top ten the majority of the season. Although this young team faced heady competition throughout the season, including three non-region playoff opponents, each game featured a number of highlights which demonstrated growth and maturity from a young and inexperienced team.

The 2011 Eagles had a number of explosive plays from scrimmage. The offense struggled during the middle games on the schedule before coming on strong during the final three. This surge played a significant role in the team’s near upset of rival Trinity Presbyterian School and its season finale victory over Mobile Christian. Not to be outshone, the defense also played at a higher level during the latter part of the season, with one of its biggest highlights being the stoppage of the Mobile Christian offense on a fourth and one play to secure the team’s third victory. With a host of starters returning from a team that progressed throughout the season, expectations will be higher for the 2012 varsity football team.

Coach Anthony McCall

26 Visions - Winter 2012

“Blood, Sweat and Tears”

VARSITY

VOLLEYBALL

This group of fifteen girls demonstrated they would play volleyball through bloody noses, sweaty uniforms and tears of joy. What an amazing story of heart, determination and believing in themselves and their teammates.

Our season began with little respect from the media. After graduating seven seniors, The Montgomery Academy was not supposed to be any good this year. They all believed it would be a “rebuilding” year. Little did they know, it was going to be a “reloading” year. The first day of team camp at Birmingham Southern College these girls showed what they were going to be capable of achieving this season. A great mix of talent from these team members made it possible to meet our two main goals this season. First, we wanted to be the best team in the city; we were. Our next main goal was to play in the finals of the State Tournament; we did. We talked about these two goals every day and we made sure we were working hard in practice to make them possible. One of our team mottos was “every point matters”. These girls fought their hardest on every point, every game and finished each match with pride, win or lose.

Winning the Area Tournament was another highlight of the season.

It gave us the right to host the Region Tournament which was a huge mental factor. The finals of the Region put us up against Bayside Academy. I told the girls to remember this match because we would see them again in the State Tournament Finals... and we did.

The road to the finals was not an easy one. We battled and fought for every point. The quarter-final and semi-final matches both went to five games. In the quarter-finals against Plainview we were down nine to thirteen, then ten to fourteen. These girls played every point as it was the most important and kept believing that we were suppose to win. We won nineteen to seventeen. Once again, tears of joy. The semi-final match was much like the other. We won in the fifth game fifteen to twelve. Now, our second goal was met, we were playing in the State Finals.

We played a very respectable match against Bayside. Our team battled every point and earned the respect from the crowd with their efforts and sportsmanship. Even though we did not win the “Blue” trophy, we were so proud to accept the “Red” trophy because it was earned with blood, sweat and tears.

Coach Julie Sinclair Visions - Winter 2012

27

SAVE THE DATE!

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2012 HOME IS CALLING.

28 Visions - Winter 2012

OCT 19&20

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