Tuscaloosa Academy 2017 Fall Magazine

Tuscaloosa Academy 2017 fall magazine

S

oaring to New Heights

Peter Pan Inside Feature - Page 12-13

C A L E N DA R

August 1 New Parent Orientation August 3 New Faculty Orientation August 4, 7, 8 All Faculty In-service August 7 Back to School Knight – All Students August 9 First Day of School August 22 School Picture Day September 4 Labor Day Holiday September 6-8 Middle School Trips September 8 Mid-point 1st Quarter September 19 Makeup Pictures October 1 Annual Fund Campaign Kick Off October 6 Homecoming October 6 End 1st Quarter October 9 Parent Conferences - All Day October 22 Punkin’ Knight November 10 Mid-point 2nd Quarter November 10 Veteran’s Day Assembly/Experience TA Day November 20-24 Thanksgiving Holidays December 18-20 Exams January 9 January 10 January 15 February 12 February 19 March 9 March 12-16 March 30 April 11 April 20 May 21-23 May 24

In-Service Classes Resume MLK Holiday Mid-point 3rd Quarter Parent Conferences/Preschool Observation Day End of 3rd Quarter Spring Break Good Friday Holiday LS Class Pictures/K Graduation Pictures Mid-point 4th Quarter Exams Graduation

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-2018

Look for our new videos 50th Anniversary

TA AT A GLANCE

The Tuscaloosa Academy Magazine is published by the Office of Admissions, Communications, and Development.

Chelsea McKenna, Director of Marketing and Communications Niccole Poole, Director of Admissions Paige Lancaster, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Robert Kuhn - Chairman Jimmy Duncan – Vice President Grant McAllister - Treasurer Kelly Verzino - Secretary Larry Howell – Past Chairman Noel Amason Reese Brooks Tyler Davis Josh Johnson John Marshall Chris McGee Amy Mullin Emily Norris Hal Piper Bud Standeffer Michael Warr

From the Chairman

Dear TA Family and Friends, I am honored to serve as the 2017-2018 Chairman of the Board of Trustees as we commemorate 50 years of being the premiere college preparatory institution in West Alabama. During the course of this coming year, there will be several opportunities to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of our Founders and Alumni. These events are listed in the magazine and I encourage you to join in the 50th year celebration!

This past year brought about many opportunities to grow and continue our pursuit to be the school of choice in our community. When I look at Tuscaloosa Academy today, I see a faculty challenging and cultivating our students at the highest academic level possible to prepare them for college and life; an administration that works together as a team to accomplish excellence from an operating standpoint; and leadership that starts with the Head of School providing a clear educational direction, setting life examples, and motivating all to achieve at their greatest potential. Tuscaloosa Academy also stands for excellence in athletics, the arts, and technology. Every TA student has the opportunity to win championships, the opportunity to display and foster talents in the arts, and the opportunity to display skills in robotics and technology.

Our partnership with Mercedes and our German curriculum is most unique and rewarding. This partnership keeps our German students on track to re-enter their educational system. It also provides the opportunity to form life-long relationships between different cultures and customs; the opportunity for students and families to learn from one another and to blend our cultures into a common goal of support and friendships.

I am so proud of our Deans who are working closely with Dr. Peterson, as Interim Head of School, to provide strong leadership ensuring a smooth transition into the new school year. Our administration team is poised in the best fashion ever to guide us financially and operationally.

I am very encouraged at this writing with our enrollment population for 2017-2018 and thrilled to see the progress we are making with our Pre-K and Kindergarten facility renovations and improvements. Pre-K and Kindergarten capacity is approaching 90% with expectations to be full capacity by the first day of school. Our continued efforts in capital improvements would not be possible without the support of our Annual Fund and Gala.

These capital improvements are so important to enhance the learning experiences of our students and to attract the best and brightest to TA. Thank you!

Our search for a new Head of School is progressing as planned. Our search partners are in the process of gathering prospective candidates to gauge their potential and fit for the TA position. Expectations are to select approximately eight semifinal candidates for interviews in August/ September. The final phase will include the selection of three individuals, each of whom will visit our campus for two weekdays in the September/ October timeframe. We expect to select the best candidate in October 2017. The new Head of School will begin when the 2017/2018 school year is complete. We look forward to keeping everyone informed of our progress.

The Board of Trustees welcomes three new Trustees for the 2017-2018 school year; Noel Amason, Amy Mullin and Hal Piper. Each bring a unique array of talents to our existing board, enhancing our ability to support the efforts of our faculty and administration.Congratulations to the Senior Class of 2017. What an incredible group of students who set a record with $4.6 million in scholarships and accomplishments too many to list.

Thank you to our out-going Chairman, Larry Howell, for his diligent work and positioning TA to meet the challenges of the future!

I look forward to serving the TA community.

Robert W. Kuhn, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Celebrating TA's

Save the Date and Join Us For These 50 Year Events August 7 September 5 October 6

November January

February

March

April

May 15

Red Carpet Welcome “Back to School Knight” TA Birthday Party Homecoming Tailgate and Field Festivities Thanksgiving Reunion Recognizing Past Athletes, Coaches, and Cheerleaders During Home Basketball Games Founders Recognition Social TA Theatre will present the spring play/Theatre alumni reunion 50 Year Anniversary Black Tie Celebration Spring Concert

Founded in 1967, Tuscaloosa Academy’s mission has been to provide an elite college preparatory education within an inclusive environment that supports intellectual and personal freedom for all. Tuscaloosa Academy facilitates the cultivation of learning through innovative thought by maximizing every student’s full potential for academic achievement, character development and readiness for life. TA is proud to have graduated over 2,000 high performing students during its 50 years and continues to be the pinnacle of college preparatory education in Alabama.

The 2017 - 2018 school year is already shaping up to be another exceptional chapter in Tuscaloosa Academy’s illustrious history. Tuscaloosa Academy is making it a priority to reunite and celebrate our alumni, friends, and family with multiple events scheduled throughout our 50 year anniversary of excellence.

We invite you to please join us in honoring the school we all know and love!

50th Anniversary Homecoming 2017

Welcome All Alumni

October 6th

6:00 Alumni Tailgate with a band by the field 7:00 TA vs. Springwood School

—Recognition of Past Homecoming Queens and Mr. and Miss TA —Class of 2007 will be recognized for their 10 year reunion

T e c h nology

Technology can become the wings that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we will allow it.

Jenny Arledge

 This is exactly what is happening at Tuscaloosa Academy! Since the beginning of a 1:1 laptop program in 2006-2007, our students and faculty have embraced the use of technology in learning. The 2016-2017 school year was no exception. Our iPad program now encompasses grades K – 4, our laptop program has been in place for grades 7 – 12 and is being expanded to include grades 5 – 6. SMART Boards are routinely used in the Lower School as well as in some Middle School and Upper School classrooms. Technology is used to enhance learning, allow access to a broader range of materials, and it can make learning fun and engaging for our students.

Bee-Bots, Dash & Dots, and NXT Mindstorms may not mean much to you, but ask our students and they can tell you about the addition of robotics across all grade levels. Our kindergarten students learn about sequencing, planning, and giving directions while working cooperatively to program a Bee-Bot to follow a path. Grades 1 – 4 use their iPads to program Dash & Dot robots to solve problems and challenges. The Middle School and Upper School students use Lego© NXT robotic kits to build as well as program robots to use sensors to react to the world around them.

During the 2016 winter break, the TA wireless network received an upgrade. This allowed us to offer a more reliable network, maintain better connectivity for our devices, and obtain faster speeds. In addition, our internet filtering system was upgraded to ensure that we are protecting our students and remaining COPPA compliant.

Academically, our students are using their skills outside of the classroom as well. A group of Upper School students competed in the Integrated Marketing Communications Competition held at The University of West Alabama. This competition integrates students’ writing, speech, and technology talents in areas such as Graphic Design, News and Sports Anchoring, News Writing, Photography, Public Relations, and Video Editing. TA students brought home numerous awards and scholarships. Students also competed in the AISA State Technology

Fair and used their expertise in programming, video editing, and animation to bring home more awards. A team from TA competed in the UAB Blazer42 Capture the Flag Cyber Security Competition. This was a full day of focusing on a task and working together as a team to solve problems involving areas such as encryption, hacking, identity theft and more. The TA team finished second in the state!

Two senior girls, Emery Geyer and Harper Blount, were state winners in the National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing competition. They were required to complete a lengthy online application outlining their interest in technology and its importance to their lives.

A new AP course was introduced last school year. The AP Computer Science Principles was one of the largest rollouts of an AP course ever offered by College Board. In addition to the standard AP multiple choice exam, students were required to submit a research task about a technology innovation and create a computer program. Sixteen TA students decided they were up to the challenge.

The 2017-2018 school year will also bring some changes to TA. The 5th and 6th graders will have their own laptops and will be introduced to proper laptop care, appropriate use of the internet, and various software programs. Two new electives are being offered in the Upper School.

Students can choose to take a Digital Design class that will use Adobe tools to create computational artifacts such as graphics and desktop publications.

There is also a Cyber Security class that will introduce students to topics such as digital forensics, data encryption, and social engineering.

Our students need to be aware of the opportunities afforded to them if they are comfortable using technology. As our mission statement says, “life in a global environment” is an important part of preparing our students for the future.



Imm e rs i v e Learning

Learning is multifaceted at Tuscaloosa Academy: plays, SMART Boards, Bee-Bots and iPads, poetry books, and Mr. Swann’s lab reports. However, often piling into buses provides equally important educational opportunities. We are fortunate that all students in grades Pre-K through 8 leave TA grounds each year for immersive learning adventures.

The early grades head to the Bama Theater, CHOM, the McWane Center, the Georgia Aquarium, DeSoto Caverns, and Camp McDowell. Our middle school students venture forth on multi-night trips. This year, the 4th through 8th grade students will explore Disney World, Camp Cosby, Camp McDowell, and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. While these destinations have changed from year to year, the heart of immersive learning experiences and class bonding has not changed.

6th Grade 4th Grade

February 2018 will mark TA’s third annual Disney Youth Educational Series (YES) trip, where 4th grade students and parents discover the scientific “underground” workings of a world-class amusement park. One can easily see how this trip has quickly become a staple to the TA experience. One highlight of this trip is when students get to design their own marble run roller coasters. They learn about inertia, gravity, and force while working to get their marble to stay on the track around a loop and over the hills. Afterwards they get to ride Space Mountain, first with the lights on and then with them off, exploring how light impacts their sense of speed and distance. After each morning of YES class, students are free to explore the park with their parents and friends. Students who opt to remain at TA for this trip have their own immersive experiences around town.

5th Grade

The current 6th grade students will head to the beloved Camp McDowell for an environmental learning program, closely tied to their science classes.

Complete with exploratory canoe trips, nature walks, and programs that teach students about the value of a tree (both economically and environmentally), this high energy camp packs group bonding and environmental education into each day. Alumni likely remember the zero waste meal challenge, where the camp collectively weighs food waste each meal, slowly gaining mindfulness of their impact on the planet. TA students will likely revisit this gem in the Bankhead National Forest each year.

The 5th grade has long attended Project American Life (PAL), located next to a pristine lake encircled with hiking trails, a climbing cliff, and luscious camp grounds in Chelsea, Alabama. Upon arriving at camp, students are greeted by the “king” of their feudal system, who promptly establishes a caste system among the campers. Many of our alumni will remember the injustice students deeply feel when slighted by a more privileged group on the way to the climbing rock or when hiking through the woods, and how bit-by-bit, this group of students works their way through various forms of government, until finally settling on a new democratic constitution. And of course, the most memorable part of this trip is the last night, the details about which campers are sworn to secrecy. This year students will have a unique living history experience at Camp Cosby. Following in a spirit similar to PAL, students will learn about early American history through group bonding activities and reenactments. This trip promises to leave its own mark.

7th & 8th Grade

The 8th grade has long journeyed past Mobile to explore the wonders of sea life in the Gulf, and this year the 7th grade will join them. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an active research facility, working with stranded marine mammals, tracking manatees, and hosting the Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience. Here, students participate in sessions on Oceanography and Hurricanes, a Touch Lab with Squid Dissection, ROVing in the Gulf, Boat Excursion on the Research Vessel, and a Tour of the Estuarium.

At night, the students swim and explore the area through night hikes. The highlight of the trip is when students collaborate to build a remotely operated vehicle and launch it in the Sea Lab pool.

Faculty spotlight

Louise Gambrell Louise Gambrell has been a familiar sight at Tuscaloosa Academy since 1979, when she came here as a second year teacher. The 2017-2018 school year marks her 39th year of teaching, and she is still going strong. When asked what motivates her to continue after all these years, she says, “I love to learn and I love children. I’ve considered other careers along the way, but I think I was supposed to be a teacher from the very beginning.”

Louise well remembers her first year here. She and her husband Jack had just become permanent residents of Tuscaloosa when she applied for the job. She laughingly says she was hired to replace a college friend of hers who gave up a teaching position because her husband had been drafted into the NFL; then Headmaster Bill Garrison even asked Louise during her interview if Jack had plans to be drafted. “I was hired three days before classes started, so I worked in my classroom all weekend getting ready for 25 third graders in one room,” says Louise. Through the years, she has mainly taught 3rd grade, though she has also taught 2nd grade and was preschool and extended day director for four years.

In some ways, Louise feels that teaching has not changed because children still need guidance in academic, developmental, and social areas. But the tools she uses in the classroom have changed, and she appreciates how technology has made information readily available in the classroom for students and teachers. “We can discuss a topic, whether planned or random, and then research it if we want to,” she says. “When we are tired of a textbook, or an exercise with a pencil, I’ll pull up a link for a game related to the skill we are learning.” On a daily basis, Louise uses a computer, iPad, SMART Board, cell phone, and document camera in addition to the old standbys of a cassette player, DVD player, VCR, and paper and pencil. “Yes,” she laughs, “I still have a VCR! I have some great old movies that I occasionally use.”

Over the years, Louise has enjoyed watching her former 3rd graders progress through the various grades, graduate, and go on to college and their careers.

She keeps up with some former students on Facebook, and sees others in the community and in her neighborhood, The Townes. Asked to name some of the highlights of her career at TA, Louise mentions having opportunities to learn, working with some great people, getting to know some fabulous families, and travelling. She has attended an NAIS conference in New York City, traveled with 6th graders to Canada, and helped to chaperone a school trip to Austria and Italy. Her two sons, Russ and Vaughn, are both TA graduates, and she loved having them attend the school where she was teaching.

As for the future of TA, Louise has high hopes. “I want Tuscaloosa Academy to continue to offer great teachers, curriculum, facilities, and opportunities for students in academics, the arts, and sports, in an environment conducive to learning within small classes.” She feels strongly about meeting the needs of each student, noting that “every child is special, has talents, and deserves the opportunity to succeed.”

Louise’s dedication to teaching and her passion for children are easily seen. Tuscaloosa Academy is fortunate to have had such a loyal and devoted teacher as Louise Gambrell. And her enthusiasm for her profession remains strong.

Teaching today is an exercise in multi-tasking and flexibility. There are many choices, and teachers have to choose the tools that will keep the students engaged and interested in the topics.

TA ON TO THE The Tuscaloosa Academy class of 2017 continues the school tradition of sending its athletes into collegiate play. This year almost one-third of the senior athletes are continuing their athletic careers in college. These seven individuals have been rewarded just as much for their accomplishments in the classroom as they are in their efforts on the field.

Carlie CochrAn | Marion MiLITARY INSTITUTE | SOFTBALL

Carlie Cochran has attended Tuscaloosa Academy since the 8th grade. She was a member of the 2016 girls basketball state championship team, and has been a member of the TA softball, volleyball, and basketball teams for five years. She was Vice President of the fishing club, as well as a member of Key Club and the National Beta Club. She plans on fulfilling her dream of playing softball in college and is committed to Marion Military Institute where she hopes to study pre-veterinary medicine.Â

ANNA KATHERINE LOFTIN | SEWANEE | TRACK

Anna Katherine Loftin attended Tuscaloosa Academy for 15 years. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Civinettes, Tuscaloosa Belles, and was the Senior Class Treasurer along with Vice President of Key Club. Anna Katherine cheered for three years and has been a member of the TA track team for seven years. While she was on the track team for Tuscaloosa Academy she earned a total of three state runner-up and one state championship trophies. Anna Katherine has committed to Sewanee to run track. She made this decision based on wanting a smaller school with a tight knit student body so Sewanee was the perfect fit. She will major in Economics with a pre-med track.

JAcK MCKENZIE | TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY | SWIMMING

Jack McKenzie attended Tuscaloosa Academy for 14 years. He is a member of the National Junior Beta Club, chess club, and a volunteer at the Humane Society of West Alabama. He ran cross country for eight years during his time at TA and earned a state championship trophy. Jack has been swimming competitively for 15 years and is ranked 13th in Alabama. He is a member of Birmingham Swim League, a USA Swimming Bronze Medal Club offering the highest quality full service competitive swim program in the Greater Birmingham Area. Jack will be swimming for Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.Jack will swim butterfly and sprint freestyle for the team. He plans to major in computer science, minoring in Jazz Studies (percussion) and Astronomy.

NEXT LEVEL GARRETT NOLAND | HIRAM COLLEGE | FOOTBALL Garrett Noland attended Tuscaloosa Academy for two years. He played football and basketball for TA last year and placed 1st in the 2016 powerlifting meet in his weight class. He was also a captain of the football team. Garrett will continue his career in football for Hiram College in Ohio in the fall.

He was recruited by the Terriers as a half-back and stated that he chose Hiram College based on how the team and staff made him feel ‘at home’.

CONRAD SMALLEY | SEWANEE | BASEBALL Conrad Smalley attended Tuscaloosa Academy for 15 years. Conrad played baseball at Tuscaloosa Academy for the past seven years and was a member of the TA 2013 AISA State Tournament Championship team. He was a member of the Cross Country team for two years and played and played TA football for four years. Academically, he is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Key Club, and was the Student Government Association’s secretary. Conrad’s grandfather, Conrad Wesselhoeft, was one of Tuscaloosa Academy’s original Founders in 1967. Conrad has committed to play baseball in the incoming class of 2021 at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He plans on playing right field and is considering either Psychology or Marine Biology for his major.

MATTHEW REID | BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE | BASEBALL

Matthew Reid attended Tuscaloosa Academy for two years. Matthew has been a member of the football, baseball and basketball teams during his time at TA. He played all three sports throughout his high school career. He was a captain of the football, baseball, and state runner up basketball teams. Off the field, Matt is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and the National German Honor Society. He received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and was given the award for best pitcher of the 2016 TA baseball team. Matt will continue his academic and athletic career at Birmingham-Southern College this fall to play baseball. He said that the academics at BSC played just as big a role in his recruitment as the athletic programs.

He will pitch for the BSC Panthers, where he hopes to throw more perfect games and no-hitters.

KATHERINE TUCKER | BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE | SOCCER

Katherine Tucker attended Tuscaloosa Academy for nine years. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, Civinettes, Key Club, Tuscaloosa Belles and was on the homecoming court her freshman and senior years. Katherine was a four-sport athlete at TA, participating in cheerleading, basketball, track, and soccer. She has a total of five state runner-up and two state championship trophies as a starter for those teams and captain of the cheer and basketball teams. Katherine played soccer for two years and is committed to the 2017 Birmingham-Southern Women’s soccer team where she plans to study Pre-Health focusing in physical therapy. “It just seemed like the perfect fit, both athletically and academically,” said Tucker.

What better way to connect with the students than where it matters most?

Rock Band The sky is truly the limit.

TA Style

The idea started in the spring of 2016 when music teacher, Judy Ransom, casually mentioned starting a rock band to 6th grade recorder students. “I knew that some of them played rock and roll with their friends, and even some of their parents did as well. The idea took hold, and by the fall semester we had 15 students enrolled, about half of whom had never played a band instrument before in their life.” Fortunately for these students, Dr. Ransom had significant rock/dance band experience, and already knew most of the repertoire. As keyboardist and vocalist, she had learned a lot about the band circuit and was eager to put her experience to use as an educator.

The challenge was to meet the needs of these students on a variety of levels while giving them something productive and fun to learn. She scheduled a series of clinics for drums, bass, and guitar, which provided some of the rudiments. Soon, the more experienced players began to act as mentors for the newer ones, and, says Dr. Ransom, “we were able to accomplish some remarkable things.”

Classic Rock and Roll repertoire is rich and varied: The Stones, Lynard Skynard, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Creedence Clearwater Revival-- the list goes on. But at the heart of it all is the blues. This is where the class began before branching out to learn other band repertoire, and this is where the class plans to return.

One of the most anticipated activities that fall was a trip to Muscle Shoals in November. Equally surprising was the fact that almost all the parents wanted to go along. The class visited Fame Recording Studio, home of the famous studio band the Swampers, run by the legendary Rick Hall. Fame is still a working studio, and the only place where recording artists can still achieve the classic Southern Rock and Roll sound. Later they visited the Alabama Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where musicians who were either born in Alabama or worked here were recognized and their legacies preserved. A highlight for the students was exploring the tour bus for the group “Alabama.” This field trip could become an annual pilgrimage in the fall, even for those who have been before. There is always something new to learn in Muscle Shoals.

A rousing version of “Jingle Bell Rock” was performed for the Christmas program complete with requisite jingles, which was a hit with the audience. It was decided that next semester would have to be even better. And so, nine brave students returned in the spring to further establish Rock Band 7-8. Now, instead of dividing 15 students into three groups, it became one band with a single purpose: learn and perform classic rock and roll.

The spring event was a Coffeehouse evening with casual seating, tasty hors d’oevres, a chance to view the best of Knight Vision submissions throughout the year, and the highly anticipated debut of Rock Band 7-8. With help from Dr. Ransom, the band created two sets of their favorite rock-n-roll tunes and made sure each set had at least one slow song, or power ballad. Two of the band’s favorites were “Desperado” and “Hotel California”. A third, “Tears in Heaven” featured a solo guitar and vocal in the beginning. The band was excited; they knew they were making TA history. The audience clapped, sang along and applauded loudly after each song, and the evening was declared a major success.

Where do they go from here? Many 8th grade rockers going into 9th grade want to continue with the band, so it will now become the TA Rock Band. There is a rich repertoire of material to learn and enjoy, and room to help these young musicians develop their improvisational skills. As the band progresses, there may be new opportunities, such as playing for school musical theater productions, or exploring new musical styles such as jazz.

Peter Pan

The Tuscaloosa Academy Players take flight!

THE ARTS

In August of 2016, students in grades 5-12 auditioned for the fall production of Peter Pan. The classic tale of the Boy who never grows up and his many adventures has been told and retold many times on stage and screen. This adaptation captured all the magic of the original story - from magical fairies to roguish pirates and left audiences cheering for more.

T

he story follows the Darling children - Wendy, John, and Michael - as they dash off to Neverland with Peter. Along the way, they meet the Lost Boys, save the Indian Princess Tiger Lily, and battle a group of scallywags lead by the incomparable Captain Hook - all while avoiding the ominous ticking crocodile.

Held at the historic Bama Theatre, this production was a delight for the eyes, with colorful sets and beautiful costumes. One special addition to this performance was the use of flight technology. Thanks to the work of our crew and the Bama Theatre’s technicians, both Peter Pan and Wendy actually flew across the stage at various moments in the show. This was a treat for both audiences and actors alike! Senior Kelli Sandras (who portrayed Wendy) said, “Flying was magical. I mean, how many people can say they legitimately flew? This show has been bittersweet for me; sweet because I got to play the lead in such a fun show and make great new friends, bitter because it was my very last show at the Bama Theatre with my closest friends.”

The TA Players’ production featured 40 students in the cast and crew ranging from veterans of the stage to brand new faces. The production also boasted a large population of our German program students, making up one-fourth of our cast and crew. Overall, this production was a tremendous experience for everyone involved. The TA Theatre Department opens a world of opportunity to all interested students, providing creative and real-world applications, and combining learning with fun and imagination.

In addition to a successful fall play, the TA Players had a banner year.

Our spring show, By Candlelight wowed audiences with poignant depth and emotion, highlighting the value of friendships and celebrating every moment we are given. TAd Mad was another raucous good time, with laughter echoing through the halls.

Not only were the TA Players wonderful on stage, many of them participated in competitions around the state with incredible results. In our first appearance at the Walter J. Trumbauer Theatre Festival, all students medaled, bringing home superior and excellent ratings. AISA Drama competition in January provided more opportunities for competition and awards, and the TA Players brought even more bling home. Finally, at the IMC3 competition at UWA, our theatre students earned thousands of dollars in college scholarships, channeling their theatre skills into real-world applications, such as News Anchoring, Reporting, and Radio Advertising.

The 2016-17 year was a remarkable one for the TA Theatre Department, and next year promises to be even better, producing a new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, as well as two other shows, participating in Trumbauer, and IMC4 while hosting AISA Regional Drama Competition. Our International Thespian Society Troupe will be hosting a citywide service project to benefit the Tuscaloosa community, and we hope to include a special theatre reunion in honor of TA’s 50th Anniversary.

These students have truly lived their dreams this year, and they continue to dream big. In the immortal words of J.M. Barrie - the author of Peter Pan: “Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.”

A BIG YEAR FOR TA ATHLETICS: Football 1st round state Playoffs Varsity Cheerleading State Runner-Up JV Girls Cross-Country State Champions Varsity Boys Basketball State Runner-up Varsity Girls Basketball Final Four JV Boys Basketball State Semi-finals Baseball 2nd round state playoffs Girls Tennis State Champions Boys Tennis State Runner-Up Girls Track and Field State Runner-Up Boys Soccer State Runner-Up Girls Soccer State Runner-Up

TA Our student section, The

SPoRTS

TA Navy,

shows school spirit at a varsity basketball game.

For more information on how to join TAKS, obtain all athletic team schedules, or team rosters, visit our Athletics page at www.tuscaloosaacademy.org.

11

TA College Tours

Every year Tuscaloosa Academy sophomore and junior classes venture off campus for college tours. This year, twenty students joined the tour that traveled by bus up the East Coast.

This adventure is key to our students experiencing and learning the culture of different universities and where they may see a fit for themselves. Students concluded that not only is the tour educational, but the long bus rides and hotel stays call for an opportunity to bond with each other.

colleges we visited

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Washington & Lee

Wake Forest University

Elon University Duke University William & Mary

Virginia Military Institute University of Virginia

Seniors say Goodbye

Class of 2017 College Selections Virginia Adair - University of Georgia Catherine Anguiano - Ole Miss (The University of Mississippi) Charlotte Anguiano - University of Georgia Maria Apfelback - Germany Max Bassett - University of Alabama Kelsey Biggs - Shelton State Community College Harper Blount - University of Alabama Lizzie Bonhaus - University of Alabama Tanner Bunch - Rhodes College Carlie Cochran - Marion Military Institute

Tayler Daugherty - Ole Miss (The University of Mississippi) Edward Demonbreun - Vanderbilt University Anna Claire Diaz - University of Alabama Belle Fulmer - Shelton State Community College Emery Geyer - Duke University Stephen Golding - University of Alabama Emily Grace Grier - University of Alabama Ethan Haines - University of Alabama Lorianna Holder - Auburn University Trey Hudson - Texas Christian University

“We bring with us fond memories of team sports, where together, we achieved more than we ever could have alone. Where, even in defeat, despite our disappointment, we can look back fondly on the time we spent together in practices and games, proud of the way we played. We carry with us the memories of theater, long rehearsals and backstage laughs, the panic of trying to learn lines and finish sets the night before the show, and the pride of a successful performance after all that hard work has paid off. As we leave this stage of our life, we bring these memories with us and know that we have left our mark in the TA history book and in the hearts and lives of those with us.” – Emery Geyer, Valedictorian

“After 12 years we are finally the class graduating. This is our year, 2017. So I want to take some time to thank the people that have supported us during our time here: Faculty and administration…you have helped us reach this milestone and prepared us for stepping out into the wild world. You shared your knowledge, pushed us, and gave us confidence when we wanted to quit.

Parents and families… you helped us keep on going and believed in us, even when we didn’t. So thank you parents for putting our needs before some of your dreams, always being proud no matter the situation, and never letting us lose sight of our goals.”

– Julia Schanz, Salutatorian

Class of 2017 Accomplishments Thirty-nine seniors have been accepted to a total of forty-eight different post-secondary colleges & universities.

Fourteen seniors are members of the ACT 30+ Club.

One senior is a National Merit Scholar.

Three seniors are National Merit Commended Scholars.

Four seniors were members of the AISA State Championship Math Team.

Four seniors were members of the AISA District Championship Scholars Bowl Team.

Nine seniors received awards for excellence in the study of foreign languages at the Alabama Foreign Language Conventions.

Twenty-four seniors have received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Twenty-four seniors have been a member of a state championship team or state runner-up team in their respective sport.

Three seniors have received the AISA All Student Athlete Award; five seniors are AISA All-Stars.

Two seniors are five-time State Tennis Champions.

Three seniors have won Visual Arts awards.

Three seniors have won AISA Regional Drama awards and one senior was selected to the AISA All-State Cast for theatre.

One senior won Most Outstanding Choral Student and was elected to the AISA Honor Choir.

Eleven students have served Tuscaloosa Academy’s Student Government Association.

Two seniors attended Governor’s School.

Two senior girls attended Girls State; two senior boys attended Boys State.

Five seniors participated in Model UN. One senior was the AISA Oratorical District winner.

Four seniors won Integrated Marketing Communications awards.

One senior has been published in a professional journal.

One senior won the National Academy of Future Scientists & Technologists Award of Excellence & belongs to UA Creative Writing Club.

One senior was a University of Alabama Early College Ambassador.

Thirty-nine seniors have completed 7,232.5 service hours and one senior has earned over 1,256 service hours.

The Senior Class has scholarship offerings in excess of $4,523,483.

Class of 2017 College Selections Anna Katherine Loftin - Sewanee: University of the South Jack McKenzie - Truman State University Jack Mittenthal - University of Alabama Garrett Noland - Hiram College Mac Ozment - University of Alabama Victoria Plott - Southern Methodist University Matthew Reid - Birmingham-Southern College Frances Richardson - University of Alabama Caroline Robinson - University of South Alabama Kelli Sandras - University of Alabama

Julia Schanz - University of Alabama Conrad Smalley - Sewanee: University of the South Alex Smith - University of Alabama Beck Standeffer - University of Alabama Kaleigh Stearman - Clemson University Elizabeth Tucker - Rhodes College Katherine Tucker - Birmingham-Southern College Blake Wright - University of Alabama David Yi - Samford University

P

re-K INITIATIVE

This year the Tuscaloosa Academy Preschool is undergoing an impressive facelift! Working together, teachers and administrators researched ways to improve the facilities and the curriculum, designing a state-of-the-art program to support creative thinking and spaces that not only look beautiful but also invite children to engage in 21st Century skills. The Pre-K and Kindergarten classes will retain the academic focus while simultaneously engaging students in the 4Cs of creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking through an emphasis on art, innovation, projects, and problem solving.

Before and after

New observation windows in the Preschool hallway.

Located near the classrooms, a brand new Preschool Commons room will provide these youngsters with space to explore and learn through play and project creation.

Highlights of this innovative renovation include a makerspace area, a Lego wall, a STEM and construction center, centers for dress-up and dramatic play, and a reading loft. Students will have ample time in these centers each week, as well as have time daily to use the central play space for gross motor skills development through the use of Pogo sticks, exercise balls, and Spooner boards.

When students are not exploring in the new Commons, they will be learning in their completely renovated classroom. These beautiful classrooms are warm, nurturing, and conducive to learning – both a school and a home away from home.

Since 1971, Tuscaloosa Academy has admitted children as young as three and four into our thriving Preschool program. While these youngest students’ experience is quite distinct from our older students (They still have naptime!), they are very much integrated into the family life of TA. As one of four local Preschools accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NEAYC) and licensed by the State of Alabama DHR, we pride ourselves in the quality of our educational experience, which includes weekly enrichments in music, Spanish, art, computer, and library. These improvements to our space and program, along with certified teachers, an academic curriculum, and a teacher/student ratio of 1:9 for individualized attention, will certainly make TA the place you want your three to five year old to be!

Preschool rooms

TAPA The 2017-2018 school year is going to be filled with excitement at Tuscaloosa Academy as we celebrate 50 years of academic excellence. As the incoming President of the Tuscaloosa Academy Parents’ Association (TAPA), I would like to welcome you back to school and tell you a little about us.

We are a relatively new organization, formerly known as The Women’s Auxiliary. Our objective is to support students and parents while also assisting our wonderful faculty and staff at TA. TAPA does this both by disseminating information and by fundraising. We want to help ensure our school is equipped with the essential tools needed to foster a lifelong love of learning for all of our children.

Whether you are new to TA or have been here for years, we hope you will lend us your time and talents by taking an active role in TAPA. There are many ways to volunteer and we need everyone!

Each year, TAPA hosts two big fundraisers: Punkin’ Knight on Sunday, October 22, 2017 and the annual spring Bake Sale. Both events are beloved traditions and are a highlight of the school year for many. The fundraising side of these events help us provide additional resources and assists with improvements to the school. These events are also an excellent way for the community to get a brief peek in to the special environment cultivated at TA. We also assist with two Book Fairs, Field Day, Mother Son Knight, and a variety of other activities that make TA a wonderful place for the entire family.

TAPA is behind the scenes as well, coordinating Student Appreciation activities, Teacher Appreciation events, Parent Education seminars, and the TA Welcome Ambassadors. To help with communication, our Parent Class Representatives and our Marketing Committee work hard to keep everyone informed of school events.

TAPA is excited about its future and appreciative of the many parents that have laid the groundwork for its success. We hope you will join us this year as we strive to offer each of our children robust opportunities for growth and achievement.

Blair Plott TAPA President

A lumni Class Notes 1.

2.

3

5.

4.

CLASS OF 1984

CLASS OF 2010

Marc (‘82) & Susie (‘84) Mullins with Elizabeth (‘84) & Gregg (‘82) Hahn attending Marc’s sister Julie Harris (‘85) son Egerton’s wedding. (1.)

Catherine Boone recently moved to Frankfort, Kentucky where she serves as General Manager of Frankfort Newsmedia LLC, publisher of The State-Journal, Frank the Magazine and affiliated websites.

CLASS OF 1987 Paul Crook, Professor of Directing and Acting at Louisiana Tech University, published his first book, “The Art and Practice of Directing for Theatre.” The directing textbook was published by Routledge Press, in October 2016. Paul and his wife, Mary Fran, live in Ruston, LA. They have four children: George, CeCe, Bryant Ford, and Mary Ellis. (2.)

CLASS OF 2005 Matt Crawford and his wife Hannah, welcomed a baby boy “Easton” Davis Crawford on April 13, 2017. Matt has also started his own business, Matt Crawford Design, mattcrawforddesign.com. It is a web building and graphic design company. (3.)

Katie Pridgen McLeod and her husband Scott, welcomed a baby girl “Ann Louise” McLeod on May 22, 2017. (4.)

Beau Griess married Stephanie Stephens Griess on November 19, 2016. (5.)

Kendall McGiffert Hagood married Harris Hagood from Mobile, Alabama on November 19, 2016 in New Orleans. Kendall and Harris reside in Birmingham where Kendall is the Director of Market Operations for Contessa Health, a healthcare company that provides hospital-level care for patients in their homes, and Harris is an attorney with Campbell Guin.

Jessica Wilson Sheehy married Patrick Sheehy on October 1, 2016. (6.)

Will Smith is engaged to Alison Massey. They have planned their wedding for June 23, 2018. (7.)

Rachel Fitts is engaged.

Riley Crutchfield O’Rear and her husband George are expecting a baby boy on September 5, 2017.

Allison Burchfield is currently living in Charleston, SC, and is the staff accountant for Patrick Properties Hospitality Group. She recently adopted a cat named “Grits.”

Adam Burton owns a boot camp and nutrition facility in Hoover, AL. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his 4-year-old son!

Joe Will Field and wife Lee welcomed a baby girl in early 2017. Joe Will also operates his own photography business, Depth of Field Photography.

René Gromotka graduated from The University of Alabama in May 2016. After graduation the United State Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gave him 60 days to find a full-time job in his field of study (Engineering) so that he would be able to stay in the U.S. After applying for jobs all around the country he received a job offer from Mercedes-Benz USA in Jacksonville, FL. There he works at the Quality Engineering Center as a Quality Engineer in charge of Electric, Electronic, and Telematic components. One of the perks of his job is that it requires a lot of international travel where he visits family and friends back home. November 26, 2016 was a special day for him since it marked his 10-year anniversary of moving to the States. Also, he is not only Joe Will’s Best Man, but also his daughter’s Godfather!

Hyeokpil Kwon graduated from Seoul National University with a Master’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering. He currently lives in South Korea. (8.)

Cameron Mitchell is currently travel nursing with his girlfriend, Lacey. They have plans to travel to California and Alaska this year. (9.)

Grace Prince recently graduated from University of Alabama School of Law and after she takes the bar she will be working for Turner Law Group.

Mary Ruth Pruitt graduated from the Memphis College of Art in May 2017 with her Masters of Fine Arts in Illustration. In the spring of 2017 she also worked in collaboration with the Le Bonheur children’s Hospital in Memphis to create a zine focused on the topic of asthma. This zine, or comic book, will be given to teenage patients as a part of their treatment through Le Bonheur’s asthma specific program, CHAMP. Mary Ruth will be teaching a class this fall for the Memphis College of Art that will be on “Zines”. She proposed the class and will be designing it over the summer for its maiden voyage this fall. She also has adopted a retired racing greyhound. His name is Little John. (10.)

Ann Elise Winters is currently in physical therapy school at Samford University.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

CLASS OF 2011 Lindsey Atkins is currently in PT school in St. Augustine, FL. In July she started her first round of clinicals in Birmingham.

Renita Daniels recently graduated from UAB as valedictorian of her class with a Masters in Biomedical and Health Sciences.

This year has taught her that persistent hard work and faith can bring you through anything life throws at you! Next stop is med school! (11.)

Sydney Rumsey got engaged to Taylor Atchison, from Mobile, AL. They plan to get married in the Summer of 2018. She is currently working in New Orleans for a graphic design internship with a PR firm. (12.)

Ashley Shamblin recently got engaged to Jamie Nettles. (13.)

CLASS OF 2012 Claire Boston lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is starting her second year working for J.P. Morgan Private Bank as an analyst.

Samantha Jacobi lives in Minnesota. She works for United Health Group in Human Resources.

13.

Cora McKenzie graduated from Rice University in 2016 and has been working as a research and administrative assistant for a microsurgical robotics startup in Houston, TX. This fall she will be attending Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD for graduate school in graphic design.

Alden Phillips lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a dance instructor at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance.

Harriett Poellnitz lives in New York City. She is working for a high-end residential interior design firm, Bilbhuber & Associates.

Randa Simpson works for the state of Alabama under Florence and the Shoals area Tourism Board. She is the media relations manager.

CLASS OF 2013 John Davis Diaz graduated from UA and will be attending UAB for dental school. (14.)

Send updates and address changes to alumni@tuscaloosaacademy.org.

14.

Annual Report

We are grateful to the following donors for their generosity in helping us reach our goals for the 2016-2017 Annual Fund Campaign. The report period for the Annual Fund is October 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness of this list. We sincerely regret if we have made an error and ask that you contact Paige Lancaster at 205-758-4462 or by email at plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org to report any corrections.

Excalibur ($5,000 +)

Reese (c/o ‘92) & Mary Louise Brooks Steven & Mary Coppock In Honor of Garrison, Zane & Emerson Jimmy & Libby Hamner In Honor of Campbell Hamner Jimmy (c/o ‘78) & Favor Hinton Wayne & Candy Hocutt Hinton (c/o ‘92) & Tara Howell Larry (c/o ‘88) & Kristen (c/o ’86) Howell Mary George Howell In Honor of Wood (c/o ‘16), Harrison, Hinton & Arey David & Kim Hudson Grant (c/o ‘86) & Laura McAllister Chris & Adrienne McGee Mike & Danielle McInerney Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. Miers- Pass Philanthropies Rosa Morrow Anonymous Philip & Amy Mullin Charles & Debra Sealy David & Kelly Verzino In Honor of Grant & Sarah Verzino Michael & Kara Warr

Round Table ($2,500-$4,999)

Robert & Noel Amason Chris & Peggy Ball Michael & Leisa DeVenny Charlotte Fulmer In Honor of Belle C. Fulmer Anonymous Josh & Lindsey Johnson Leroy McAbee, Sr. In Honor of Dakota, Jordan & Leroy McAbee III Scott & Gina McClanahan Josh & Emily (c/0 ‘96) Norris Carl & Kathy Price Scott & Heather (c/o ‘89) Sanders In Memory of Terria W. Plott

Knights ($1,000- $2,499)

Charlie & Preston Adair Bill & Charlye Adams Robert (c/o ‘81) & Christy Apodaca In Honor of Rosalind Holloman Tosh & Missy Atkins In Honor of Bennett & Matthew Atkins In Memory of Isabella Grace Norris Tim & Kyle Bassett Craig & Sheila Benoit In Honor of Trevor & Kenleigh Benoit Frank & Michele Buffington Ross & Cheryl Bunch Spencer (c/o ‘78) & Beth Burchfield Kyle & Robie Burt Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Cawood Ray & Johanna Cole In Honor of Reynolds & Russell Cole Radu & Anna Constantine Jimmy & Suzie Duncan Lewis & Carrie Fitts Jeff & Laura Fuller

Jason & Kelly Greene Lee & Leigh Hudson Brian & Leigh Hollyhand Je B. & Kyung Kim Robert & Lynda Kuhn John & Rhonda Marshall Quinton & Amy Matthews In Honor of Wellesley & William Matthews Price & Elizabeth (c/o ‘81) McGiffert Charles & Jamie Mentel In Honor of Kathryn Grace Mentel Alan & Jennifer Miller Lin & Sharon Moore In Honor of McLean Moore Bobby & Blair Plott Cliff & Allison Rayburn In Honor of Taylor & Connor Rayburn Randy & Brenda Ross In Honor of Taylor & Connor Rayburn Jim & Staci Skinner In Honor of Anthony Parker The Stearman Family In Honor of Kaleigh (c/o ‘17) & Tristan (c/o ‘15) Stearman Kris & Rene Sullivan Dan & Allyson Sutter Kevin & Adrianne Thompson Bill & Valerie Wright Nick & Jennifer Wright Charles & Munter Wyatt In Honor of Mims & Walker McKee Barry & Cheryl Peterson Alan & Louise Steele Jack & Anne Smalley Tony & Angela Smelley

Squires ($500-$999)

Jim & Carolyn Boone Breland Booth Septic Tank, Inc. Jim & Karen Brooks Jim & Kim Buford Brian & Julie Claytor Jim & Janet Corder In Honor of Lucy, Molly & Mason Corder Mary Madge Crawford Josh & Maria Denney John & Lisa Edwards In Honor of Will & Luke Kilgore Scott & Kathy Fulgham Jim & Jennifer Hamner In Honor of Campbell Hamner Richard Kim & Karri Holley Paan & Pimporn Jindapon Brad & Krista Johnson In Honor of Madilyn & Crawford Johnson Anonymous Jim & Suzi Link Patsy Lowery Ted & Claire Major Jerry & Pat Plott In Honor of Boots & Thomas Plott In Memory of Terria Plott Anonymous Luther & Adrienne Richardson

Leon (c/o ‘87) & Liz Sadler Syd & Leslie Smith Walt & Julie Smith In Honor of Trey & Jack Smith Bud (c/o ‘82) & Susan Standeffer Luke (c/o ‘85) & Teia Standeffer Tom & Sharon Stipe The Madden/ Tanner Family John & Shelley (c/o ‘93) Thetford Andrew & Gerry Wade In Honor of Andrew, Will & Mary Wade Stan & Beth Westjohn Taylor & Marilyn Whitman Jason & Amy Williams In Honor of Ella Williams Howard Winfield In Honor of Matthew & Benjamin Winfield Doug & Jill Woods Cecil & Christie Ozment In Honor of Mac Ozment (c/o ‘17)

Sword & Shield ($250-$499)

Mary Adams In Honor of Mary Peyton, Millie & William Mullin Anonymous Chris & Jennifer Barnette Tom & Beth Bonhaus Jo & Janee Bonner In Honor of Robins Bonner (c/o ‘16) Ann Carmichael In Honor of Trey, Speed & Hicks Finison Stephen & Anna Daly Andrew & Elizabeth Fisher Alex & Carol Gatewood In Honor of Luke Gatewood Mark & Tori Glaze In Honor of Aiden & Lawson Kelley Wes & Ansley Gilpin Scott & Melissa Goldsmith Doug & Brooke Hamiter Daniel & Nina Schroeter Henderson In Honor of Annmarie, Isaac & Ethan Henderson Denny & Patricia Hickman In Honor of Anthony Parker The Hillard Family In Memory of Dr. Edward D. Hillard Thomas & Ninnette Hiller Jennifer Hudmon In Honor of Weston (c/o ‘16), Anne Douglas & William Hamiter Lyle & Loventrices Jones In Honor of Jaelon Cheatum Wolfgang & Karen Kneer Micky Kovar Woody & Melissa Krueger Margaret Kynard In Honor of Jon Evan Smelley Mark & Paige Lancaster Willie Lang Rickey & Pat Miller In Honor of Patton & Sarah Miller John & Kim Mittenthal In Honor of Jack (c/o ‘17) & Max Mittenthal Stephanie Murphree

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pate In Honor of Andrew, Will & Mary Wade Ron & Margie Phelps Hal & Holly Piper Bill & Niccole Poole In Honor of Sally & Brother Poole Ben & Holly Ramey Anonymous In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey Jim & Mary Roberts William & Ashley Roe Adrian & Jill Rowley Dana Sadler In Honor of Ellen, Leon & Margaret Sadler Klaus & Gabriele Schanz Andrew & Heather Scharfenberg In Honor of Drew Scharfenberg Steve & Lucy Sikes Mark & Gina Simpson David & Sharon Smith Jiemei Sun Greg Swann Scott (c/o ‘89) & Kristie Taylor Peter & Caroline Teesdale Choi & Mandy Tran James & Erin Tucker Kimberly Moore Vann Drew & Ashley Wade Heatherly Whiteside Council & Patricia Wooten

Blue & Gold ($5-$249)

Stephen & Suzanne Abernathy Anonymous Fletcher & Patricia Adamson In Honor of Anna Katelyn Kuhn Caroline Amason (c/o ‘12) In Memory of Dillon Anderson (c/o ‘13) Robert Amason, Jr. (c/o ‘10) In Honor of Mrs. Becky Mark & Heather Ammons Aymee Anderson Ann Arnold Tammy Atkins Inge & Elizabeth Beeker Tahnya Bell In Honor of Joseph Northington Kory Berry Tom & Judy Bonhaus William & Abbey Brindley Angelica Brown Mrs. John D. Cade Jamila Cammon Frank & Christy Cater Sara- Margaret Cates In Honor of Theatre Students Janet Chambers Harold & Martha Cole In Honor of Reynolds & Russell Cole Lynda Collins In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey Jaclyn Cook Claud Cooper (c/o ‘78) In Honor of Dr. George Cooper

Philip A. Cooper (c/o ‘86) Melissa Copeland Mario & Jessica Cristobal Norman & Keeshan Crow John & Jeanne Duffy In Honor of Kennedy & John William Duffy’s Great Grandparents Debbie Dunkling Marcus & Sarah Eidson Damon Ferguson (c/o ‘93) Bryan & Lee Finison Kristine Fitts Lee Anne Ford In Honor of Alex Ford Michael Ford Shannon & Melanie Formby (both c/o ‘92) Meagan Fryer Louise Gambrell Mark (c/o ‘81) & Suzy (c/o ‘82) Gatewood Olivia Gibson (c/o ‘08) Rick & Linda Gibson Rejeana GvIllo Anonymous Everett Hale Rod & Lisa Haley Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hamiter In Honor of Anne Douglas, William & Weston (c/o ‘16) Hamiter Joel Harden Chris & Pam Harding In Honor of Anna Cobern John & Gloria Harper Linda Harris ILCT Michael & Laurie Johns Mrs. Alex M. Johnson In Honor of Alex & Chloe Johnson Robert & Elizabeth Johnson Terri Jones Becky Karnes Fred Andrus & Deborah Keene In Honor of Benjamin Andrus Scott & Laurie Kemp In Honor of Scott & Jack Kemp Thomas & Sabine Kirchberg In Honor of Silvan Staiger Lisa Koontz In Honor of Jonathan Koontz Ulf & Sylke Krentzel Phil & Meg Lancaster In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster Adam & Melissa Lang Raphael & Maren Lohse Larry & Wanda Martin In Honor of Scott & Jack Kemp Riley Matheson Ethan McBride Ronald & Mary McCoy In Honor of Alexander Cawood Ford Susan McCorquodale Marsha McDonald George & Michelle McKee J. William McFarland, Jr. (c/o ‘98) In Honor of Ward M. McFarland Kendall McGiffert Hagood (c/o ‘05) Megan McGiffert Chelsea McKenna (c/o ‘07) Rene McNeal Byron & Shirley Morris In Honor of Sam Zito Trey & Kathy Moseley Patricia Muscolino In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster John & Pam Nairemore In Honor of Marion, Ellen & Mark Norris The Nelleson Family Windy Nelson Stuart Norton Bill & Gene Olafsen

T

In Honor of Edward Demenbreun (c/o ‘17) Kim Ouderkirk Joe & Jan Dunn Pass In Honor of Steven Pass Bill & Pat Patton Marc Patzig Brooke Peterson Lesley Price Henry & Elizabeth (c/o ‘82) Pruett Paul & Juliet Pruitt In Honor of Juliet & Mary Ruth Pruitt Marcia Quarles In Honor of Jackson & Anderson Mercurio Sharon Radigan Beth Pilgrim Ransom (c/o ‘92) Judy Ransom Abbie Reed (c/o ‘79) Caroline Rockefeller (c/o ‘06) Tammi Scheiring Anonymous Richard & Lori Shamblin In Memory of Nell Clark Lewis Holly Shipley John David Smelser Cita Smith Heroshi & Shonna Smith Denise Bonner-Smith Robert & Ruby Jean Smith In Honor of Edward Demonbreun (c/o ‘17) Philip & Kay Speir In Honor of Anna Katelyn Kuhn Carl & Cindy Stephenson Debbie Stewart In Honor of Cooper Andrew Warbington Margaret Stran Deanie Walburn Strength (c/o ‘89) In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. James H. Walburn James Styres Hannah Sullivan Ainsley Cardinal Warmuth (c/o ‘84) In Memory of Bob & Pat Cardinal Richard & Pamela White In Honor of Mario Mateo & Rocco Alexander Cristobal Kay Williams In Honor of Ella Williams Caroline Willingham Jon & Stacy Woods Molly Young

“A Fool’s Knight Out at the Casino” Spring Gala Sponsors Presenting Sponsor- $3,500 John Plott Company, Inc. Food & Beverage Sponsor- $1,500 Dunn’s Wholesale Auto Sales Table Sponsors- $500 ABH Enterprises Incorporated -Mid State Asphalt Adams Beverages Amason and Associates, Inc. AutoMax USA, Inc. (Chris & Peggy Ball) Cardiology Consultants, PC Harrison Construction Co., Inc. Marshall, Shofner and Phan Dentistry Morris & Smith, LLP (Dan Sutter, Barry Burns & Alan Hartley) North River Dental Associates Northport Pharmacy & Gift Gallery Royal Fine Cleaners Steele & Associates “A Fool’s Knight Out at the Casino” Donations Joey & Sherry Ammons William & Kristen Blakeney Richard & Heather Brock

Reese & Mary Louise Brooks Matthew Holt & Susan Chen Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cobb Ronald & Barbara Davis Michael & Leisa DeVenny Norman Estes Mr. & Mrs. James T. Green Harris & Kendall Hagood Everett Hale Jimmy & Favor Hinton Larry & Kristen Howell David & Kim Hudson Nelda Hughes Josh & Lindsey Johnson Betty Jones Mike & Rea Kelley Evelyn Kimbrough Ulf & Sylke Krentzel Leroy McAbee, Sr. Susan McCorquodale Chris & Adrienne McGee Megan McGiffert Rickey & Patricia Miller Gene & Cynthia Mims Guy & Anne Moman Byron & Shirley Morris David & Amy Morrow Philip & Amy Mullin Rob & Lenka Nolan Josh & Emily Norris Ron & Margie Phelps Carl & Kathy Price Mr. & Mrs. Robert Prince Jerry & Ebbie Ramey Judy Ransom Randy & Brenda Ross Norma Sikes Bud & Susan Standeffer Debbie Stewart Dan & Allyson Sutter David & Kelly Verzino Michael & Kara Warr

Blair Plott Hunter (c/o ‘86) & Tracy Plott Niccole Poole RIVER Season’s Fire Pits Julie Smith Dr. Walter H. Smith, Jr. DMD-PC Spa Belle La Vie Susan Standeffer Designs Teia Standeffer TAKS TAPA Adrianne Thompson Tree House Farm & Nursery Kelly Verzino Kara Warr Katherine Wilkin

“A Fool’s Knight Out at the Casino” & Annual Fund Campaign In Kind Donations Bama Bed & Breakfast Kristen Blakeney Beth Bonhaus Canterbury Clothiers Cobb Theatres Johanna Cole Cowan Orthodontics Glen Cowan Duke’s Effie’s Angela Fernandez Fincher & Ozment Jewelers Kathryn Gage Melissa Goldsmith Brooke Hamiter Holly Ramey Interiors Kristen Howell Kim Hudson Jerry’s Cleaners KDS Jewelry by Kara Warr Krush Boutique Rhonda Marshall Laura McAllister Gina McClanahan Danielle McInerney Mike & Danielle McInerney Noelle Mercurio Jennifer Miller Mobley & Sons Amy Mullin Lenka Nolan Shannon Palmer Part Two Holly Piper

hank you for your support!

The Annual Fund

Donate Today!

To donate contact Paige Lancaster at 205-758-4462 or by email at plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org. You can also donate online using the “Donate� button on our website, www.tuscaloosaacademy.org.

Keeping TA Great 2017-2018 Goal =

$300,000

Tuscaloosa Academy 420 Rice Valley Road North Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Tuscaloosa Academy

Individual Attention, Maxium Opportunity. www.tuscaloosaacademy.org

Standing Ovation!