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ACADEMY 2018 fall magazine
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
Tuscaloosa Academy would like to thank everyone who made our 50th anniversary a year to remember! What a special time to honor the school we all know and love. 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 West Alabama. Again thank you all, we couldn't have done it without your love and support!
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY Rice Valley Rd, N AL 35406
Tuscaloosa,
TUSCALOOSA
Caroline Willingham
Ronald & Sidonnie Stell
In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster Adam & Melissa Lang
Jon & Stacy Woods
In Honor of Annmarie, Isaac & Ethan Henderson
Marcia Quarles
Craig Becky Karnes
Carl & Cindy Stephenson
JB & Ebbie Ramey In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey
Margaret Stran
In Honor of The Students I teach Julia Schanz (c/o ‘17) Tammy MaryAnonymousScheiringAnnSchroeter
In Honor of Scott Jr. & Jack Kemp
Windy Nelson Brian and Beth Oliver
Price McGiffert, Jr. (c/o ‘15) Mary Martin McGill (c/o ‘07) In Memory of Andrew Skelton (c/o ‘07) Chelsea McKenna (c/o ‘07)
Byron & Shirley Morris
In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster
Cecil & Christie Ozment Marc Patzig
Kim GeneMcLey&Cindy Mims
James KaylaLizChrisHannahStyresSullivan&ReneSullivanTannerTerry(c/o ‘07) In Memory of Andrew Skelton (c/o ‘07) Ulf AlanWestheide&Charlotte Whitman In Honor of Ian Whitman
In Honor of Brody & Austin Lightsey
Nick & Jennifer (c/o ‘03) Wright Molly Young
FriendsAnonymousILCTofJack Standeffer
Lisa Koontz
Philip & Kay Speir
Robert & Kay Lightsey
Joan Robards
Phil & Meg Lancaster
In Honor of Jackson & Anderson Mercurio
William & Ashley Roe
Lars & Svenja Witte
Patricia Muscolino
Contact
Trey & Kathy Moseley
Julie Fowler Otts (c/o ‘96) Kim Ouderkirk
Lyle & Loventrices Jones
Eliza
Judy AbbieRansomReed(c/o ‘79) In Honor of Meghan (‘04), Tyler (‘07), Charlie (‘09) & Mary Grace (‘15) Janice Reynolds In Honor of Reynolds & Russell Cole
MeganMarshaSusanRolandoLopezMcClainMcCorquodaleMcDonaldMcGiffert(c/o ‘97)
Jill RobertBrookePernellPetersonPoellnitzSr. Ken Ponder (c/o ‘82) Lesley Price Henry & Elizabeth (c/o ‘82) Pruett
In Honor of Anna Katelyn Kuhn
In Honor of Landon, Libby, Peyton & Patrick Stell
In Honor of Jaelon Cheatum & Mikenzie
Doug (c/o ‘80) & Jill Woods
Holly Shipley
Mike & Rea Kelley In Honor of Aiden & Lawson Kelley Scott & Laurie Kemp
In Honor of Sally, Brother & Whitt Poole
Jeff Sartor
In Memory of Mr. Wayne Wilson
In
Our partnership with Mercedes and our German curriculum continues to provide a platform to keep our German students on track to re enter their educational system upon their return to Germany. 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.
Margaret
Philip
Peter & Shannon Hanf Joel Harden Heatherly Hardin In Memory of Terria Plott
A special thank you to Dr. Barry Peterson for his leadership as interim Head of School. We could not have made it through the year without his Iguidance.lookforward to serving the TA community this coming year.
DEAR TAFAMILYAND FRIENDS,
Cole Honor of Russell Cole Conger Cook Cooper (c/o ‘86)
The administration and the Board of Trustees worked closely together the past year to further improve the quality of security at TA. New procedures were installed for entering and exiting the building and a new position for a full time on staff security guard has been created. The security of our children, faculty and administrators is of great significance and will always be at the forefront of our looking forward.
Chris & Pam Harding In Honor of Anna Cobern
Linda DennyRebeccaHarrisHenderson&PatsyHickman In Honor of Anthony Parker Holly Hillard (c/o ‘93) In Honor of Macon & Hill Warr and In Memory of Bo Hillard Scott & Lauren Holmes Chass & Leigh Horton
Steven & Mary Gin Coppock Norman & Keeshan Crow Edgar Daly Billy Wayne & Rhonda Davis
In Honor of Dr. Everett Hale Andreas & Sabine Fruehwald Meagan Fryer Louise Gambrell In Honor of Charles Edward Gambrell II Mark (c/o ‘81) & Suzy (c/o ‘82) Gatewood Olivia Gibson (c/o ‘08) In Memory of Edward Gibson
In May we began renovation of our science and chemistry laboratories to enhance the learning opportunities and experiences for our students. These facilities will be state of the art with completion by the first of August and ready for the 2018 2019 school year. Also in May, we began the renovation of the football, soccer, and softball fields. This renovation includes new drainage, new irrigation, and a newly sprigged field. At this writing the field is growing in with completion prior to the first home football game. Both of these projects were long overdue. They were possible only because of you and your generous support of our annual fund drive. Thank you!
Congratulations to the Senior Class of 2018. These seniors surpassed last year’s graduating class setting a new record for scholarships with $5.1 million awarded. What an impressive accomplishment. Our graduating classes continue to raise the bar each year.
The Board of Trustees welcomes Julie Smith and Lee Henderson as new Trustees. Julie and Lee will begin their 3 year term on the board with the start of the 2018-2019 school year. I am grateful for their desire to lend their talents to TA. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for their diligent work and support this past year.
Robert W. Kuhn, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Rick & Linda Gibson Harris & Kendall (c/o ‘05) Hagood Everett Hale
Frank Pate In Honor of Andrew, Will & Mary Wade Lisa Pawloski Ron & Margie Phelps In Honor of Peter Phelps, Kristen, Wood & Harrison Howell Jerry & Pat Plott Bill & Niccole Poole In Honor of Sally & Brother Poole Bradley & Emily Proctor In Honor of Brooks & Anna Claire Proctor Ben & Holly Ramey Jim & Mary Roberts Adriene & Jill Rowley Klaus & Gabriele Schanz Steve & Suzanne Scharfenberg Andy & Beth Simon Mark & Gina Simpson David & Sharon Smith Pat & Cita Smith In Honor of Dr. William Campbell Jienei Sun In Honor of Jungi Sun Candace Sutton Greg Swann Scott (c/o ‘89) & Kristy Taylor Peter & Caroline Day Teesdale Mandy & Choi Tran Urban Cookhouse In Honor of spirit night Kimberly Vann Drew & Ashley Wade Weixiang Yuan BLUE AND GOLD ($1 $249) Stephen & Suzanne Abernathy Amber WolfgangAgee&Franka Alm Fred Andrus & Deborah Keene In Honor of Benjamin Andrus TomKoryRalfAnnAnonymousArnoldBecherBerry&Judy Bonhaus In Honor of a Great School! Abby AngelicaBrindleyBrown YOUR LEGACY THEIR FUTURE Phonzie & Nezalee Brown In Honor of In Honor of Taylor Wright Sara Margaret Cates
Patsy Howell In Memory of Ralph Howell Trey Hudson (c/o ‘17) Chris & Angie January Thomas Jenkins Knut & Elke Johannssen Michael & Laurie Johns Robert & Elizabeth Johnson Nick & Terri Jones
Reynolds &
I am honored and excited to be serving my second term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Tuscaloosa Academy. The opportunities we have ahead of us to continue to mold and develop TA into the premier college preparatory school in our state are endless.
Melissa Copeland
Lee Anne Ford Annette Freeman
I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Bryan Oliver to TA as our new Head of School. Dr. Oliver is committed to developing each student’s full potential and encouraging an environment of inclusiveness, character and integrity. He believes in a continuous improvement school model where faculty, students, parents and administrators are all accountable to each other and the mission of Tuscaloosa Academy. Dr. Oliver brings a unique educational background to TA with his undergraduate studies in finance and his graduate studies in education. I look forward to his leadership as we advance TA forward.
Debbie Dunkling Carole DamonFaucettFerguson (c/o ‘93) Michael Ford
Janet
Mr.DebbieChambersChartrand&Mrs.Harold
Jaclyn
From the Chairman
&
Elsayed
William
Kim
Paul
Richard & Holley
Mims
Sid & Leslie Smith
George
Alex Carol (c/o ‘82) & (c/o ‘84)
In
When I first had the opportunity to interview for the Head of School position at Tuscaloosa Academy, there were several things I was looking for in a school. The most important one was how would my family fit into the school environment, and how would the school impact my children and help them grow. It was evident after the second visit that Beth and I had no reservations that Tuscaloosa Academy would be a great place to raise our children. There is no better feeling than dropping your children off at school and knowing that they are safe and are going to be nurtured and loved like they are at home. That type of environment is what makes Tuscaloosa Academy a second home for so many people. We have already established a well known reputation for academic achievement, but I want current and potential families to know that we are just as dedicated to the social and emotional growth of our students. My goal is to continue to foster an environment where every student can reach their highest individual potential. I am excited that my family is now a part of the TA family, and that moving forward we can all work together to make TA the school of choice for all families in the area. I look forward to being a part of something special at Tuscaloosa Academy, and I cannot wait to meet you and your family. Go Knights!
Doug Coley Nina Schroeter Honor of The Henderson & Birgit Klink
Major & Michelle McKee
In Honor of Patton Steele
In Honor of Cooper Warbington
Wayne StephanieMooreMurphree
Henderson In
Woody Melissa Krueger & Pat Miller
Kennedy
Breeland
Wolfgang Karen Kneer & Sylke Krentzel Honor of Leo Maxim & Lionard
& Janee
Rob & Jennifer Colburn Ray & Johanna Cole Radu & Ana Constantine Lewis & Carrie Fitts Jeffrey & Laura Fuller GIRLS NIGHT OUT Scott & Melissa Goldsmith Jason & Kelly Greene Brian & Leigh Hollyhand Houston Johnson (c/o ‘07) Kyung Kim Robert & Linda Kuhn John & Rhonda Marshall Quinton & Amy Matthews In Honor of Wellesley & William Matthews Price & Elizabeth (c/o ‘81) McGiffert Charles & Jamie Mentel Alan & Jennifer Miller Lin & Sharon Moore Barry & Cheryl Peterson Hal & Holly Piper Bobby & Blair Plott Joe & Amy Shirley Jim & Staci Skinner Walt & Julie Smith Bud (c/o ‘82) & Susan Standeffer Alan & Louise Steele Dan & Allyson Sutter Kevin & Adrianne
& Nikki
&
Jeff Yvonne
Class
Josh
Luke (c/o ‘85) & Teia Standeffer
& Sandi Diaz
Doug
Jim CharlesLowery&Claire
Anderson In
Gerry Wade
Walker
SQUIRES ($500
Neff Pat
SWORD $499)
Wade
& Suzy Link Patsy
& Brooke Hamiter
In Honor of Brayden & Gates Patton
Jim
AND SHIELD ($250
In Honor of Will & Mary
Jo Bonner Honor of Robins Bonner, of
Ed BrianCarraway&Julie Claytor Robert
and Jamey Duffy
Andrew & Heather Scharfenberg
Mullin Tammy Atkins Inge &
Dianna
Scott Kathy Fulgham
Jason & Christine Neff
Al & Charlotte Porter
Maria
Jack & Anne (c/o ‘79) Smalley
Byron Abston Honor of Mary Peyton, Millie & William Elizabeth Beeker
In Honor of Chandler, Patton, Mills & Stanton Turnipseed
Children Bernd
Fischer
&
&
Bill & Valerie Wright
Anonymous Chris & Jennifer
Mark & Paige Lancaster Willie Lang Ricky
Curtis & Amber Stell
Septic Richard
Gatewood Gregg
Janet
Stan & Ellen Turnipseed
Charles & Munter Wyatt In
Tom Beth Bonhaus
Elizabeth
Micky Kovar Ulf
Stan & Beth
Mary
AFAMILYAFFAIR
Catherine
&
In
Jim
2016 Jake & Olivia Bradford
John
bryan oliver, ph.d. head of tuscaloosaschoolacademy Thompson Westjohn Honor of & McKee $999) Marie Abney Memory of Harold & Teodelinda Becklin (c/o ‘99) & Dabbs (c/o ‘03) Honor of Dr. Barry Peterson and In Memory of Allison Harbin Barnette Honor of Eve and Reagan Barnette (c/o ‘03) & Kristin Blakeney Boone (c/o ‘10) Booth & Heather Brock & Karen Brooks & Kim Buford Cade & Mary Cobb & Corder Madge Crawford & Denney & Flemming & Ansley Gilpin & Tori Glaze Honor of Aiden & Lawson Hamner & Johnson
Andrew,
& Beth English Norman &
Jim
&
Scott & Michelle Richmond
Jason Amy Williams Honor of Matthew & Benjamin Winfield
Dr. & Mrs. Randy Ross Honor of Taylor & Connor Rayburn
Anne
&
In
In
Wes
Kelley Jim & Jennifer
Greg & Amanda Thompson
Taylor Marilyn Whitman
Mark
Leesa Hollowell Brad & Krista Johnson Erik & Sarah
Howard Winfield In
Mary Adams In
Hanley Daniel &
Hahn
Karri
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Tamer
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Mrs. John
Jim
Wesley
ANNUAL FUND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! 2017 2018 LEGACY ($100,000 +) Anonymous FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($25,000 +) Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. PLATINUM - ($10,000 +) Tyler & Leigh Davis Jimmy & Libby Hamner In Honor of Campbell Hamner Jimmy (c/o ‘78) & Favor Hinton Wayne & Candy Hocutt Charlie & Debra Sealy, Jr. EXCALIBUR - ($5,000 - $9,999) Reese (c/o ‘92) & Mary Louise Brooks Jimmy & Suzie Duncan Hinton (c/o ‘92) & Tara Howell Larry (c/o ‘88) & Kristen (c/o ‘86) Howell Mary George Howell In Honor of Harrison, Hinton & Arey David & Kim Hudson Grant (c/o ’86) & Laura McAllister Mike & Danielle McInerney Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. Miers Pass Philanthropy In Honor of Steven & Charlotte Pass Philip & Amy Mullin David & Kelly Verzino Michael & Kara Warr ROUND TABLE ($2,500 $4,999) RobertAnonymous&Noel Amason Michael & Leisa DeVenny Lee & Leigh Henderson Josh & Lindsey Johnson Leroy McAbee, Sr. In Honor of Dakota, Jordan & Leroy McAbee Chris & Adrienne McGee Josh & Emily (c/o ‘96) Norris Hunter (c/o ‘86) & Tracy Plott Scott & Heather (c/o ‘89) Sanders In Memory of Terria Wood Plott Tom & Sharon Stipe KNIGHTS - ($1,000 - $2,499) Tosh & Missy Atkins In Honor of Bennett & Matthew Atkins Chris & Peggy Ball Tim & Kyle Bassett Craig & Sheila Benoit Frank & Michele Buffington In Honor of William Buffington Spencer (c/o ‘78) & Beth Burchfield Joseph & Mimi Cawood (c/o ‘01)
New
New
2013
Upper
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2018-19 ACADEMY AMBASSADORS
Through the support and contributions to the 2017 2018 Annual Fund Campaign, two very ambitious projects were undertaken. Two new Upper School science laboratories and a traditional classroom were constructed as well as improved football/soccer/softball fields. We would like to extend our gratitude to our generous donors over the last 5 years. A list of the projects that we have been able to complete due to your generosity and support of Tuscaloosa Academy is provided below.security system; electronic door locks with cameras painting and clean up School roof repair School restrooms repair of the new concession stand at the football field Maintenance Reserve Account was created 2015 carts for the Lower School New Library (The Candy N. Hocutt Reading Center) Upper School Media Center of basketball and PE locker rooms of new desks for the Upper School of portable computers and carts for Fifth and Sixth Grade fencing around both playgrounds one to one distribution ratio in the Lower School renovation and a computerized point of sale system
2014
iPad
Exterior
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
Upper
Completion
A
TuscaloosaAcademyAmbassadorsisaleadershiptrainingopportunityfor studentsingradesfivethroughtwelve. AcademyAmbassadorsserveashosts and hostessesat severalTA events including New Parent Orientation, Back to School Knight, and Experience TADay.
Purchase
2015 2016 iPad
Junior and Senior (11th and 12th grade) Academy Ambassadors assist with informational meetings and tours with prospective familiesandstudents,providinginvaluableinsightabouttheTAstudentbodyandwhatatypicaldayislike. Throughaction wordsintheclassroomandathleticarenas,theyarecalledtobethestandardbearerofTAstudentexcellence.
Renovation
Kelsey Curry ’19, Abby Fleenor ’19, Hayden Johnson ‘19, Avalon Pernell ’19, JP Sanders ’19, Brooke Bassett ’20, Luke Gatewood ’20, Anna Katelyn Kuhn ’20, Christina Sealy ’20, Anna Mills Fleenor ’21, Mark Gregory Hudson ’21, Autumn Pernell ’21, Carson Claytor ’22, Morgan Smith ’22, Jack Standeffer ’22, Lucy Corder Mikenzie Craig ’23, Walker McKee ’23, Harley McNeal ’24, Boots Plott ’24, Sarah Miller ’25, Jack Smith Molly Corder ’26, Evers Sikes ’26
2014 New
Purchase
Lunchroom
Sewer drainage repair Counselor’s office and reception area New exterior signage and landscaping New Lower School patio Sidewalk enhancements Playground drainage Security camera installation at the athletic fields Maintenance Fund replenishment 2016 – 2017 Creation of a Pre K Commons Room Pre K & Lower School classroom upgrades Upper School classroom upgrades New landscaping and irrigation system added School wide Wi Fi upgrades to support the use of electronic devices New traffic signs campus wide Additional security cameras in the parking lot Maintenance Fund replenishment 2017 2018 Upper school science labs and classroom renovations New Upper School roof Athletic field renovation (new turf, irrigation and subsurface drainage) Drainage ditch stabilization along entrance road Wheelchair lift for access to Upper School area and Drama room
DID YOU KNOW… allofouradmissionsinformation canbefoundonline.Everythingfromtuitionandfees, financialaid,andhowtoapply. Theprocessisfastandeasy!
Applications for the 2019-2020 academic year will be available online at www.tuscaloosaacademy.org on January 9, 2019. A $100 non refundable application fee is assessed to each student application and can be paid online when the application is submitted.
MIDDLE SCHOOL APPLICANTS (GRADES 5 8): Submit the online application, fee, a student recommendation form completed by a current math or language arts teacher, a student recommendation form completed by a principal or school counselor, transcript, complete admissions testing, writing sample, and interview with Middle School Dean Brooke Peterson.
LOWER SCHOOL APPLICANTS (GRADES 1 - 4): Submit the online application, fee, student recommendation form that is completed by a current teacher, transcript/report card, complete admissions testing, writing sample, and meet with Lower School Dean Mary Madge Crawford.
UPPER SCHOOL APPLICANTS (GRADES 9 12): Submit the online application, fee, a student recommendation form completed by a current math or language arts teacher, a student recommendation form completed by a principal or school counselor, transcript including any/all standardized test scores, complete admissions testing, writing sample, and interview with Upper School Dean Dr. Barry Peterson. Student recommendation forms and transcript request forms are available in the online application under “Instructions and Resources.” International students must provide a translated transcript from their former school and pass the TOEFL exam to show English proficiency.
PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN APPLICANTS (PK3, PK4, K5): Submit the online application, fee, student recommendation form that is completed by a current caregiver, and attend teacher observation on February 18, 2019. Students must turn 3 by September 1 and must be toilet trained.
GRADE CAPS: Students that meet admissions standards may be invited to enroll. Please note that TA allows 40 students per grade in Grades 1 through 8 and 50 students per grade in Grades 9 through 12. For further information, please contact Niccole Poole, Director of Admission at npoole@tuscaloosaacademy.org or 205.758.4462.
Justclick“Admissions”ontheMenuandyouwillfindhelpful linkslocatedontheleft handsideofthescreen!
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Reynolds
Mr. & Mrs. David Pass
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Smalley
Mr. & Mrs. Farley Poellnitz
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Prince
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Pruett
Mrs. Deanie Strength Mr. Matthew Terry Ms. Mollie Beth Wallace
Mrs. Rosa Morrow
Dr. & Mrs. Bud Standeffer Ms. Debbie Stewart
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Poellnitz, Jr.
30+ CLUB
The Honorable & Mrs. Liam O’Grady
Ms. Patricia Muscolino
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Plott
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Ramey
For the 2017 18 academic year, Tuscaloosa Academy had 17 seniors, eight juniors, four sophomores, one freshman, and one 8th grader who have achieved a score of 30 or higher on the ACT. Out of these 31 students, 15 were awarded the Presidential Award scoring a 32 or higher.
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Sanders
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Phifer
Mrs. Beth Ransom
50TH
ANNIVERSARY BLACK TIE GALA IN-KIND DONATIONS Adams Beverages Beauty Counter BloGo Blow Dry Bar Canterbury Clothiers Cherry Bar Duke’s Effie’ Evangelines’s Fincher & Ozment Jewelers GlenGLAMCowan Orthodontics Golf Discount Store Jerry’s Cleaners Kara Strope Designs Krush The Locker Room Matt Clinton Designs Nick’s Kids Paige Albright Orientals Part SeasonRIVERTwo ’s Fire Pit Susan Standeffer Designs Tree House Nursery Robert & Noel Amason Inge & Elizabeth Beeker Kristin Blakeney Reese & Mary Louise Brooks Spencer & Beth Burchfield Ray & Johanna Cole Glen MarySuzyLeeAlanAngelaCowanFernandezFranco&MistyGarrisonGatewoodKatherineGibson Fuller Goldsmith Gregg & Elizabeth Hahn Holly JimmyHillard&Favor Hinton Kim Hudson Julie Jamison Al HollyElizabethNiccolePamBlairMargieAdamNoelleChelseaMikeElizabethCarolineLancasterLasseterMcGiffert&DanielleMcInerneyMcKennaMercurioPerkinsonPhelpsPlottPoellnitzPoolePruettRamey Anne Smalley We are grateful to all of our donors for their generosity towards our Annual Fund Campaign. Each dollar raised goes directly into projects needed to update our school and campus. The report period for the Annual Fund is October 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness of our lists. We sincerely regret if we have made an error and ask that you contact Paige Lancaster at 205-758-4462 to report any corrections. THANK YOU!
Mrs. Joanne Sims
Mr. & Mrs. Byron Morris
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Crutchfield Mrs. Josephine Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Carter Dr. & Mrs. Jim Corder
Spencer Burchfield
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Buffington Mrs. John Cade
Mr. & Mrs. Gregg Hahn Mrs. Jimmy Hinton Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hoffman
Dr. Anne Marie Abney
50TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK TIE GALA CONTRIBUTORS
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald H. Davis Ms. Kathryn Drew
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Flemming
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Gatewood
Mary Katherine Gibson
Mr. & Mrs. Ulf Krentzel Mr. & Mrs. Phil Lancaster Dr. & Mrs. John Marshall Mr. Leroy McAbee Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Grant McAllister Dr. & Mrs. Chris McGee Dr. Megan McGiffert
ElizabethPaigeJimmyFavorHillardHintonHintonKimHudsonLancasterMcGiffertChelseaMcKennaBlairPlottPamPoellnitzNiccolePoole
Elizabeth Pruett
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Freeman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Almon
Mr. & Mrs. George McKee
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Amason, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Gene Mims
Suzy Gatewood
In Memory of Dr. Everett Hale
Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Moman, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Moody Mr. Wilson Moore
Ms. Caroline Amason
Elizabeth Hahn
Mr. & Mrs. William Blakeney
Mr. Robert Amason III Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Golding
Mr. & Mrs. Harris Hagood
Anne Smalley
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Brock
Mr. & Mrs. James Boone Ms. Catherine Boone Dr. & Mrs. Chet Boston
Mrs. Alex Johnson
All proceeds from the black tie celebration benefit Tuscaloosa Academy’s Annual Fund. 2017 - 2018 50TH COMMITTEE
JimmyHosts & Favor Hinton
Holly
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mercurio
Mr. & Mrs. Price McGiffert
Susan McCorquodale notes many changes at Tuscaloosa Academy during her ongoing tenure here. Most notably, she has seen technology open a new realm of knowledge and exploration, has relished the more global emphasis, and has appreciated watching students explore a wider variety of elective opportunities. During the 2018-2019 school year she will help lead middle school students in cross-curricular exploration of Tuscaloosa and Alabama history, as both the city and the state celebrate their bicentennials. Students will gain hands on experience through field trips and assemblies and as they work together to craft a 1860 1880 interactive display booth for the April Tuscaloosa Through Time history exposition.
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
During the summer of 1969 Tuscaloosa Academy middle school social studies teacher Susan McCorquodale set out on an adventure throughout thirteen countries in Europe, including then Communist East Berlin. As architecture, cuisine, and language unfolded from one country to the next, she embarked on a deep love affair with culture and history. Today, one conversation with Ms. McCorquodale about Russia and her dream of traveling the Trans Siberian railroad exploring the far reaches of our world comes to life: 5,772 miles of rail connecting hundreds of small towns across multiple continents, Moscow’s Kremlin, Russia’s Sacred Sea, St. Petersburgh’s Hermitage, Olkhon Island, and even the Great Wall of China. As she describes it, her sense of wonder unfolds. This same curiosity in cultures and peoples separated from us by time and space is what she transfers to her students each year. In fifth grade geography class, Ms. McCorquodale’s students hop on board the Trans Siberian express via a virtual tour, exploring Lake Baikal, which holds one fifth of the world’s fresh water, and learning about the marvels and dangers of the now endangered Siberian tiger. In sixth grade American history class, students become fascinated with their own local lore and legacy as they track changes in Tuscaloosa and those throughout our nation's early years.
When not inspiring the minds of TA students, Ms. McCorquodale can be found playing with her four grandsons, reading historical biographies or mysteries, or listening to Baroque music. A little-known fact about her is that she used to be a pipe organist and played the piano, ukulele, and oboe! She knew she wanted to make a career at Tuscaloosa Academy the first day she worked here as a substitute teacher and felt the family environment the very element of life at TA she continues to value even to this day. by brooke peterson, middle school dean
FOUNDER ROBERT POELLNITZ, SR. & FAMILY LIVE MUSIC BYJONESMATT WILL JENNIFER&HOBSON GREGG ‘82 ELIZABETH&’84HAHN FOUNDER EVERETT HALE’S FAMILY THE TA TREE WAS SKETCHED IN HONOR OF THE FOUNDERS BRYAN & OLIVERBETH SILENT AUCTION JOE & AMY SHIRLEY WITH BOBBY & BLAIR PLOTT MARY KATHERINE GIBSON ‘79, KRISTIN BLAKENEY, KATHERINE PUGH, ELIZABETH PRUETT ‘82 & ANNE SMALLEY ‘79
Susan McCorquodale
In her thirty years as a teacher at Tuscaloosa Academy, first as a fourth grade teacher and then as a middle school teacher, Ms. McCorquodale has always profoundly valued class field trips. The fourth-grade trip to Montgomery and the middle school trips to Washington, D.C., PAL, or Camp Cosby provide opportunities for students to have that aha moment, and they scratch her own itch for gaining new knowledge and experiences. Equally important to her is the bonding that takes place with students on these trips: memories made and friendships formed through adventure and learning.
30 Years of Service
Asthe2018 2019TuscaloosaAcademyParentAssociation(TAPA)President, Iamsoexcitedtobehereaswestartourjourneytowardsthenext50years.Whatan excitingtimetobeapartoftheTuscaloosaAcademy(TA)family.AsTuscaloosa Academyentersits51st year,itwillstrivetocontinueitspursuitofacademicexcellence forthenexthalfacentury.
s Black Tie Gala oeuvres with the DEAR TA FAMILY,
TAPAisstartingitsthirdyearatTAandeveryyearwestrivetogrowand improve.Ourgoalforthisyearistoimprovecommunicationandparticipationforour manyeventswehavegoingonthroughouttheschoolyear.Pleaseconsidersigningup foracommitteeorparticipatinginourevents...thisisagreatopportunitytogetinvolved inyourchildsschoolaswellasmeetsomewonderfulparentsduringtheprocess.Opportunitiestovolunteerrangefromevents thatareonceayear,tooneweek,ormonthly;anythingyoudowillbeappreciatednotonlybyTAPA,butyourchildwilldelight inthefactthatyouareattheirschoolhelpingout. Feelfreetocontactmeifyouhaveanyquestions.Also,ifyouseeorhear greatideasotherschoolsaredoing throughtheirParentAssociations,passthatinformationalong,too.Youcanreachmeat(205)799 2428or leighhollyhand@gmail.com Lookingforwardtoawonderfulyear andthebeginningofthenexthalfcenturyatTA.
TAPA
BLAIR PLOTT, TAPA PAST PRESIDENT & CURRENT PRESIDENT, LEIGH HOLLYHAND
BestRegards, Dr.LeighHollyhand,Ed.D. 2018 2019TAPAPresident
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
TheroleofTAPAistoassistandsupportthefacultyandstudentsofTA.Itis throughourparentvolunteersthatTAPAisabletohosteventssuchasPunkin’Night intheFallandBakeSaleintheSpring,assistwithBookFairsandFieldDay,host teacherluncheons,andDinewiththeDeanforouracademichonorrollstudents, provideduty freelunchforourteachers,andsnacksforourfaculty/staffinthe teacher’sworkroom.TAPAalsoprovidesParentEducationSeminarsintheFalland Spring,operatesthe“RoundTable”SchoolStore,andcontributesfundsforschool improvementprojectseachyeartotheAnnualFund.
Ethan Brindley University of Alabama Chase Buford University of Alabama
Don DeVenney Auburn University
Ja'Marques Darien Faulkner University
TuscaloosaAcademy’sclassof2018wasacceptedtoatotalof49different collegesanduniversitiesacrossthenation.
Adam Fuller Brigham Young University Titus Gardner Samford University
Jae Cheatum - University of Alabama Sam Daly - University of Alabama
Lele Goldsmith University of Mississippi Trace Greene Mississippi State University Jack Horton - University of Alabama Harrison Howell - University of Alabama Ella Huffaker University of Alabama
Avery Anderson University of Alabama
Brook Brannon Jacksonville State University
class of 2018 college selections
Holly Dunn University of North Alabama Maciah Flournoy - University of West Alabama
On Friday, October 6, alumni gathered at the TA football pavilion to reunite past Homecoming Queens and Mr. and Miss TA’s. Before the game we recognized the 2012 State Championship Football Team. TA beat Springwood 57 7. A great time was had by all!
Kalin Burt University of Alabama
Trevor Benoit Clemson University
Caroline Bonhaus - University of Alabama
Thirty eight seniors have an average ACT of 27.3. The Senior Class has scholarship offerings in excess of $5,135,784.
Twenty six seniors have received honors in their respective TA sports.
One senior is a National Merit Scholar.
Grace Pelphrey University of Alabama
Seven seniors have received state level theatre awards and three seniors earned AISA State Drama awards.
Lawson McAllister - University of Alabama
CAROLINE BONHAUS, VALEDICTORIAN
Seventeen seniors were members of the ACT 30+ Club; eleven of those earned the Presidential designation.
McLean Moore University of Alabama
Eight seniors received state level awards in Foreign Language.
JaColby Smith - Jacksonville State University Sarah Stipe - University of Alabama Anderson Sullivan University of Alabama Jenna Claire Teesdale Auburn University Elizabeth Vann University of Alabama Andrew Wade Berry College Ford Westjohn - University of Alabama Max Westjohn - University of Alabama
One senior has received four AISA District VII art awards as well as four AISA State Art Awards.
Four seniors are members of the State Championship Cyber Security Team and one is the state winner of the NCWIT Aspirations n Computing
Three seniors served on the AISA District Championship Math Team that also placed 2nd at AISA State Competition.
Twenty four seniors received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Rachel Sansing - University of Alabama Jonas Schanz - Munich
Nine seniors have served Tuscaloosa Academy’s Student Government Association.
One senior girl attended Girls State and two senior boys attended Boys State. One senior serves as Tuscaloosa County’s Distinguished Young Woman.
ALI MARSHALL, SALUTATORIAN class of 2018 accomplishments
Jackson Mecurio - Auburn University
Jon Evan Smalley Southern Methodist University
Two seniors were elected to the AISA All State Academic Team.
Ali Marshall Texas Christian University
Sam Z Morris University of Alabama Huntsville Sam Morrow University of Alabama
ElevenAward.seniors have earned University of Alabama Early College recognition. Seven seniors signed to play college sports. Twelve seniors were selected as AISA All Stars in their respective sports.
HOMECOMING TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY AMERICAMONDAY TUESDAYTOGA WAY WEDNESDAYBACK THURSDAYJERSEY BLUE & FRIDAYGOLD class of 2018 college selections
Thirty eight seniors completed 4,970 hours of community service.
DUKE 1996
Happy Birthday
Students celebrated TA’s 50th anniversary with birthday cake during their lunch period
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY KARA & MICHAEL WARR ‘29 PEE CHEERLEADERSWEE HINTON HOWELL & BRODY LIGHTSEY ‘27 MATTHEWSWELLESLEY ‘26 TUGRA ALICI & KATELYN KIM ‘29 LIZZIE SCHWAEBLE, LILLIAN JOHNSON & BAYLIE HOLMAN ‘30 CHARLOTTE FISCHER & ISABELLE REINHARD ‘28
COLLEGETUR A TA DISTINCTION
Back in 1996, the Headmaster, Dr. Bill Campbell, approved an idea the Upper School Dean (Dr. Barry Peterson) wanted to try a college tour. It was an idea that was successful at The Altamont School, so the green light was given for Mrs. Ann Rowell and Dr. Peterson to plan the first college tour trip. Four boys and four girls piled into the school passenger van with Peterson at the wheel and Rowell doing the navigating. The students returned to the school excited about the variety of schools they had visited Wake Forest, etc. The next year, the popularity of the trip increased so dramatically that a school bus was required to transport all of the students. Today, the College Tour has grown so large, a charter bus is used to transport students to the various cities and schools on this annual tour. By going during the school year, the view of various colleges is more than seeing buildings during a summer trip. Since those early beginnings, the trip has expanded to give our students the opportunity to visit various campuses and gain a feel of what options are available after their time at TA. The belief that a “College Prep School” should take students to a variety of colleges is part of the fabric of our school, THE TOUR by dr. barry a. peterson ph.d., upper school dean/associate head of school
T UR and we are one of the few schools in the state that does this. The college tour includes a variety of schools to show the various possibilities that are available in our educational world. Colleges in larger cities, colleges in the country, colleges with church relationships, single sex colleges, and military colleges are all available to assist students in deciding what environment best fits their plan for the next level of learning.
Our goal is to not only visit each campus, but to visit with the admissions office, see the tone of the school via the activities and the buzz of campus life. Not all schools appeal to every student, but all students become more informed shoppers for schools at the next step of instruction. The students hear the message that grades and school activities do count in the admission process at the various schools. This is not the college counselor stressing this point, but the actual admissions office of the Oneuniversity.ofthepersonal highlights of the tour, is the chance to talk with our TA alumni that are at these schools. This gives the students a connection to how TA students do and enjoy the schools they selected. Each fall the sophomores and juniors are gathered together to see which direction they would like to travel. In past tours, it has or an “ACC” school tour.
FURMAN 2015 TOUR TOUR TOUR2016TCU 2010GEORGETOWNTOUR UNC 2012 TOUR 2000 TOUR 2001 TOUR CLEMSON TOUR2007 2012FURMANTOUR 2018 TOUR
Two years ago we expanded our travels to tour Texas schools. Rice, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, and SMU kept us busy. The goal of the travels is to allow our students an opportunity to visit as many as twenty universities during their sophomore and junior years. It is always interesting to see which direction our students wish to
Leslie Cheek Jones was scouted by a modeling agent in Atlanta which resulted in being placed with a New York agency. In NYC she worked for many different clients including: Nike, Kenneth Cole, Macy's, Adidas, Selena Gomez, Brides Magazine, Vogue, and Teen Vogue. Leslie and her wife got married in April 2016 in Manhattan. After modeling in NYC for 3 years, they have recently relocated to Austin, TX. (16.)
2013 Gregory Taylor is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Samantha Collins Clayton is married to Eric Clayton and a mother of two children Samuel Lucas Clayton (7 yrs old) and Allenah Jaye Clayton (4 yrs old)
Jessie Hocutt is now working at good ole TA teaching her favorite subject, Art.
20. 21.18. 19. 14 16 15. 12 13 17.
2010 Catherine Boone now lives in Kentucky's capital city where she continues her work with Boone Newspapers as General Manager of Frankfort Newsmedia, LLC.
Mary Katelyn Price currently interns for the country music association (CMA) in the communication department. Will be working with the CMA awards this year
Laurin Watts was named head softball coach at Prattville High School. Melissa Scheiring Martin and husband are expecting their second baby boy (14.)
2012 Randa Simpson got married in February 2018 to William Hovater Jr.! She works for the State of Alabama in the tourism department for the city of Florence/the Shoals area. (19.)
George (Adam) Burton has a new Bootcamp and holistic nutrition business in Hoover, Al.
Hyeokpil Kwon is now working at Defense Agency for Technology and Quality as a technology forecasting analyst
2011 Emily Lancaster is working as a Personal/Family assistant in NYC and loving it! (15.)
2015 Price McGiffert (20.)
2016 Grant McAllister (21.)
2009 William (Garrett) McGiffert: (13.)
Sydney Rumsey Atchison is married to Taylor Atchison (Mobile, AL). (17.)
Stuart Terry: After playing on the University of West Alabama baseball team, Stuart transferred to and graduated from The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce with a B.S. in Business Management. Stuart started his career as an IT Headhunter in Nashville, where he enjoyed the city and found his best friend, a fawn pit bull named Heidi. Looking to return to his roots and for a slightly bigger yard for Heidi, Stuart bought a home in Birmingham and joined the corporate team at Alabama Power as a Technical Representative. He loves working downtown, exploring the ever growing Magic City and being close enough to cheer for the Tide at home on Saturdays. (18.)
1984 Carmella DelGuadio Teague is a new Empty Nester.
During the last 10 years, TA has expanded the laptop program to become a “Bring Your Own Device” school for students in grades 5 12. Our iPad program, under the direction of Mrs. Rebecca Henderson, encompasses grades K 4. A Lower School computer lab continues to be used to teach our younger students not only keyboarding skills but also computer literacy, programming and problem solving skills. We have expanded our course offerings. Mrs. Jill Woods teaches STEM and Robotics to our MS and US students. In the US, new course offerings include Cyber Security, Drones, and AP Computer Science Principles. Our students compete in a variety of technology based events. Several of our female students have been state winners in the National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) competition and numerous students have won awards in the Integrated Marketing Communications Competition and the AISA State Technology Fair. Our Cyber Security team won first place in the state at the Blazer42 CTF competition! The first ever TA Technology Showcase was held during CS in Education week last December. This gave our students an opportunity to show parents and the community how they collaborate and create using the technology available at Tuscaloosa Academy. Recent updates include a new wireless network installed in December 2016 and expansion of the Wi Fi to include the outside sports fields. The internet bandwidth was doubled during July 2018. Tuscaloosa Academy is proud of our dedication to offering our students the opportunity to be creative, work collaboratively, and explore the impact of today’s technology. TA understands that technology can develop computational thinking skills that can be applied to everyday life. It can be difficult for schools to meet the challenge, but we want our students to be prepared for the ever growing and changing landscape that affects their lives.
2008 Tyler Barton now lives in New York City and works for the NFL league office. (12.) 6 8. 9. 10. 7. 11.
2007 Tyler Reed recently enrolled in Arkansas Tech University to earn his Educational Specialist Degree for Superintendents (11.)
2005 Matthew Crawford and wife Hannah, welcomed a baby boy, Easton Davis Crawford on April 13, 2017.
1979 Anne Wesselholt Smalley had a son, Conrad, graduate from TA in May 2017 and is attending The University of the South in Sewanee, TN.
By the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, TA had both an upper school and a lower school computer lab.
1983 Kimberle Cannon Barton is opening branches for the Bank, currently in the Florida Panhandle.
1992 Constance Hess Tolbert graduated from UAB with MSN in Nursing and Health System Administration April 2018. Also, is celebrating 7 years of marriage to Bob Tolbert this year.
Sarah Springle Moon is living in North Carolina with her husband Chris, a US Marine, and son Joshua, 8. (10.)
1982 Suzy Wright Gatewood: (2.)
1997 Nicole Barker Richardson 1998 Elizabeth O 2000 Nina Anger 2004 Michael Crawford and wife Caroline, now have a daughter so his mom, Mrs. Crawford, gets 3 grandchildren in 1 year!
Grace McPhearson O’Grady is living in Virginia with her husband and two children. She is almost an empty nester and misses Tuscaloosa! (4.)
Ininterface.thelate 1990’s, the Lower School computer lab was set up with the latest Apple computers: the colorful iMac G3. These computers were released in 1998 and were almost impossible to find because they sold so quickly. TA’s Headmaster at the time, Dr. William Campbell; found a source of iMac G3’s in Tennessee. Dr. Campbell rented a UHaul and travelled to TN, loaded up computers and then brought them back to TA. Mr. Adam Pierce was the LS computer teacher and spent a lot of time not only teaching the students basic computer skills, but also introducing the new technology that was standard on the G3’s USB ports, a round mouse, and a CD drive instead of a floppy disk drive. The LS computer lab was a definite showplace as the translucent, egg shaped computers in flavors such as Grape, Blueberry, and Lime were a hit with our students! About the same time, the decision was made to install a wired network at TA. This would allow computers to be used in classrooms, not just in the labs. Dr. Peterson, Ms. Ouderkirk, and Mrs. Scheiring met with a consultant who helped explain how networks function and designed a basic network outline for TA. This group of faculty spent many evenings and weekends pulling cable, mounting hardware, and punching cables into panels. The result was a wired network that allowed the entire school to access the internet and share resources such as file storage and Theprinters.Middle School building opened in Spring 2000. The most visible room in the building was the new MS computer lab. It was designed with computer tables that helped hide wires, Ethernet and electrical outlets located in the floor, and a server room. A generous donor supplied the lab with Micron desktop PC’s. For the first time, TA now had dedicated computer spaces for LS, MS, and US students. In 2004 2005 it was decided that TA needed to really put some focus on technology and the way it was beginning to change the field of education. Desktops gave way to laptop computers. Interactive SmartBoards began to replace traditional chalkboards and whiteboards. DVD s began replacing CD’s as a video source in the classroom. The wired network gave way to a campus wide wireless environment. Professional development began to have a technology component and faculty visited schools on the forefront of technology. Dr. George Elder, Headmaster; decided that it was time to move to a 1:1 laptop program for our students. All faculty were given Tablet PC’s and training. The 2006 07 school year found students in grades 7 12 participating in a Tablet PC program. The US computer lab desktops were removed so that students could have laptop space. Students could be found using computers anywhere on campus. Of course, increased access to the internet came with its own challenges. Tuscaloosa Academy installed (and maintains) a hardware filtering appliance to help us meet COPPA guidelines. Mr. Matthew von Redlich monitored student access and filtering and was known to take away a student’s computer if they were violating or trying to bypass policies!
1980 Doug Woods: (1.)
In Fall 1988, Mrs. Tammi Scheiring was hired to teach the US classes. She and Mrs. Holloman worked together to maintain the labs and develop lessons that would make the best use of the equipment and software available. Both labs were outfitted with a mix of Franklin and Apple computers. Keyboarding and word processing were introduced as well as a variety of software programs. Software included Reader Rabbit, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Math Blaster, and of course; the ever popular Oregon InTrail!the early 1990’s TA decided to connect to the world and install a dial up internet connection. The only location in the school was in the office in the US computer lab. Students crammed into Mrs. Scheiring s office to hear the handshake of the modem and the soon to be familiar chime of “You’ve Got Mail” as the connection to AOL at School was established. Students could read the news or become key pals (the computer version of pen pals) with students at other schools. Students were not allowed to use the internet without supervision and they were not allowed to enter chat rooms. The mid 1990’s saw the transition of the US lab away from the Apple platform. The Franklin and Apple computers were replaced with PC’s. Now TA students could gain exposure to both operating systems and be comfortable using different types of computers. Due to cost, the entire lab of computers could not be replaced at once. The mix of older and newer computers caused some disagreements as students rushed to the lab to be able to use one of the new computers that had a mouse! The older computers relied on keyboard commands and did not have a graphical user
Tara Bloom: (3.)
Riley Crutchfield O’Rear had a baby boy, Charles Isbell O'Rear, “Charlie”, was born August 28, 2017! 7 lbs, 10 ozs.
1986 David Morrow: (5.)
BY MARY MADGE CRAWFORD, LOWER SCHOOL DEAN
make learning AISA CHAIRMAN’S AWARD BOYS TENNIS STATE RUNNER UP GIRLS TENNIS 3RD PLACE BOYS SOCCER STATE RUNNER UP GIRLS SOCCER SEMI-FINALS GIRLS STATEBASKETBALLCHAMPS BOYS STATEBASKETBALLCHAMPS GIRLS TRACK STATE RUNNER UP TITUS GARDNER SIGNED WITH SAMFORD SIGNEDJA’MARQUESDARIENWITHFAULKNERUNIVERSITY BROOK BRANNON SIGNED WITH JACKSONVILLE STATE BURTKALIN MVP JUMPHIGHTHETITLESTATEWONIN VERZINOGRANT&MORROWBOYSDOUBLES FOOTBALL SEMI FINALS GOLF STATE TOURNAMENT BASEBALL SEMI-FINALS
For the past three years, I have had the privilege of accompanying the fourth grade on the Disney Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Both riveting and inspiring, this educational trip engages students in a behind the scenes look at Disney through 3 hour hands on science workshops each morning. During the first workshop, the Energy and Waves Physics Lab, students learn about types of energy, refraction of light, and types of rays. On the second day, the Properties of Motion Physics Lab: Space Mountain teaches students about velocity, inertia acceleration, and gravity. They create their own roller coasters and work together to determine at what speed balls will need to travel in order to stay on the roller coaster tracks. A highlight of this workshop is when students hop on board the Space Mountain ride with the lights on, and again with the lights off, exploring the interaction velocity and light have on our own perceptions of speed. During the final workshop, Discovering Marine Life Conservation, students create a fishing net that successfully catches fish while simultaneously allowing air breathing mammals to escape. Discussion this day centers around conservation, predators, and current problems for sea turtles. After having their minds filled with knowledge in these morning workshops, students are released to their parents, armed with new curiosity, ready to pack in as many Walt Disney World adventures as possible! At the end of the day, after classes, food, and fun, everyone retires, quite exhausted, to their rooms in the lovely Port of Orleans Resort. Each student, parent, and teacher who attends this five day trip can attest that it is certainly worth it to be off campus with their friends in an awe inspiring educational and fun environment!
Year! Disney Youth Education Series let theme parks serve as a learning laboratory! Providing students—and
Academy’sAthletic Director,RobertJohnson, asaCoachofthe their teachers—a hands on educationaladventure.
The Tuscaloosa Academy Rock Band took their show on the road this semester. On May 11, they travelled to Muscle Shoals, AL to record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, located at 3614 Jackson Highway, the birthplace of Southern Rock. Our students walked in the steps of Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and many others. In addition to the famous artists who recorded there, the studio musicians who made it happen behind the scenes had their own story to tell. They called themselves the Swampers, session musicians who helped develop the sound we know as Southern Rock. Our own Rock Band performed like these Swampers, following in the footsteps of rock and roll history. The plan was to develop a repertoire of songs to honor the memory of the late Rick Hall, who founded the original recording studio FAME (Florence AL Music Enterprises) and created the sound that would make rock and roll history. The band spent more than three hours working with sound engineers at Muscle Shoals Sound and produced recordings of three of their best songs: “Layla” (Eric Clapton), “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (Rolling Stones), and “We Can Work It Out” (Beatles). There were many highlights throughout the day, including the opportunity to play vintage instruments worth thousands of dollars, and being the first to hear the mixed down results of their work. One of the best stories of the day was how Phillip Lancaster ‘22 was invited to play two of the most prized guitars in Southern Rock. As the story goes, the band was on their way to finishing a successful first recording when Phillip’s guitar string broke. Unfortunately, he did not have a spare, but while the technician looked for one and proceeded to replace it, Phillip was invited to choose a guitar to play so the recording could continue. It was the defining moment of the day, and one that he will remember for the rest of his life. The band experienced a steep learning curve when they realized they would record the instruments separately from the vocals. This is something they had never done before, and found it to be quite the challenge. They quickly learned that it was much easier to add the vocal part afterward, and concentrate on doing their best. Too often their best work is compromised in a “live” performance that does not have this luxury. The band (along with their director and their parents) were extremely proud of their accomplishments that day. There is already discussion about making this an annual event and returning spring 2019.
The Jungle Book
An annual event for Tuscaloosa Academy families and the local community, TA’s Fall play, The Jungle Book, was performed at the historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Jungle Book featured 40 students in the cast and crew. It was completely student-run (with the exception of help from Mrs. Sara-Margaret Cates)—from the set design, lights, sound, props, make-up, and choreography.
The TA Players present
ACADEMYART
Chelsea Lampert, Harrison Palmer ‘21 and Gloria Wimberly ‘21 wereselectedasfinalistsinthe2017 2018ArtEnergizes STEAMArtExhibition,sponsoredbyCrayola.Thethemeof student'sartworkwasaboutArchitecture.Studentswereto designaworkspaceforthefuturethatdisplayedaninteraction withtheenvironmentalecosystemandthenwriteareviewofthe Thebuilding.otherthemewasBiomimicry:Thestudentsweretosketchthe announcementofanewcollegedegreeprogrambasedon created everydayproductsbasedonbio mimicry(naturebased)andthen alsowriteadescriptionthatwillbeusedtointerest studentsin thisnewprogram.
TA ART STUDENTS WINNERS IN CRAYOLA NATIONAL ART EXHIBITION
ArtatTuscaloosaAcademyis anenrichmentclassforall studentsinPre K3through 12thgrade.Preschooland LowerSchoolartclasses exploreartfromalloverthe world.Plansfortheupcoming schoolyearincludethetheme “wherecanarttakeyou?”Itis anemphasisonhowinspiration andcreativityisworldwide. Studentswillworkonartconceptsincluding:line,shape,space,form,texture,valueandcolor.Theywillhavemany collaborativeartprojectscomingup.It’sgoingtobeaverycreativeyear!
GLORIA WIMBERLY’S ARTWORK CHELSEA LAMPERT’S ARTWORK AVALON PERNELL ‘19, SILVER KEY - DIGITAL ART (LEFT) AND BROOKE BASSETT ‘20, SILVER KEY DRAWING AND ILLUSTRATION (RIGHT) PICTURED WITH THEIR AWARDS FROM THE 2018 SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING COMPETITION
Studentsin5ththrough12thgrade studysequentiallevelsofartsubjects withanemphasisonrealism.Areasof artisticinvestigationincludedrawing, painting,sculptureandphotography. TheTAartdepartmentasawholeis veryactiveinartcompetitions, winningnumerousawardslocally andnationally.
Inaddition, Logan Harris ‘20, Sidney Becher ‘20, Brenna Ledbetter ‘21, Emma Fulgham ‘21, Emma Price ‘21, Harshita Sharma ‘21, JP Sanders ‘19, Maria Sealy ‘21, Reynolds Ellis ‘21 and Tom Johannssen ’21 werechosentohavetheirartwork includedintheCrayolaeducationresourcesandwillreceive Crayolathankyougiftpacks.Therewere1,600artworks submittedinthisnationalshow.
NATALIE NELSON ‘25 & AVERY CROWE ‘25 AT TA S ANNUAL LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SALE
Crayolawillhavethestudent’sartworkprofessionallyframedand deliveredtotheU.S.DepartmentofEducation!Inaddition,each studentwillreceiveacustomizedplaquewithareplicaoftheir artwork.TohonorMr.Styresandeachstudentartist,theywill receiveaselectionofCrayolaproducts.
HARRISON PALMER S ARTWORK
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY HOSTS AISA DISTRICT 7 ART SHOW TAhostedtheAISADistrict7ArtShowApril18.We received25awardsingrades3 12,includingten1st place awards. Taylor Rayburn ’27 hadtwo1st place, Dakota McAbee ’21 hadfivewinningpiecesthatincludedfour 1st place, Brooke Bassett ’20 hadfivewinningpieces includingtwo1st placeawards. Ellen Norris ’25 and Joy Becher ’19 eachhadone1st placepiece. AttheAISAStateArtShow,heldFridayApril27inMontgomery,TA wonnineawardsincludingfive1st place,three2nd place,one3rd place. The most awards by one school! Dakota McAbee ’21 won fourawardsincludingone1st Taylor Rayburn ’27 and Brooke Bassett ’20 eachwontwo1st placeawards.
TUSCALOOSA
