2018 Fall Magazine

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY 420 Rice Valley Rd, N Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

2018 fall magazine

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!

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

CALENDAR 2018 - 2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES AUGUST 1

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION

AUGUST 6

BACK TO SCHOOL KNIGHT - ALL STUDENTS

CHAIRMAN

AUGUST 8

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Robert Kuhn

AUGUST 21

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY

SEPTEMBER 3

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

OCTOBER 1

ANNUAL FUND KICK-OFF

OCTOBER 5

HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 8

PARENT CONFERENCES/NO SCHOOL

OCTOBER 21

PUNKIN’ KNIGHT

NOVEMBER 12

VETERAN’S DAY ASSEMBLY & EXPERIENCE TA DAY

NOVEMBER 19-23

THANKSGIVING BREAK

DECEMBER 18-20

EXAMS/HALF DAYS

DECEMBER 21-JAN 8

CHRISTMAS BREAK

JANUARY 8

TEACHER IN-SERVICE

JANUARY 9

CLASSES RESUME

JANUARY 21

MLK HOLIDAY

FEBRUARY 18

PARENT CONFERENCES/NO SCHOOL

MARCH 11-15

SPRING BREAK

APRIL 18

BAKE SALE

Noel Amason

APRIL 19

GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY

Reese Brooks

MAY 20-22

EXAMS/HALF DAYS

MAY 23

GRADUATION

VICE PRESIDENT Jimmy Duncan

TREASURER Grant McAllister

SECRETARY Kelly Verzino

HEAD OF SCHOOL Bryan Oliver

Tyler Davis Lee Henderson

SOCIAL MEDIA STAY CONNECTED AND KEEP IN TOUCH

Josh Johnson John Marshall Chris McGee Amy Mullin

@tuscaloosaacademy @taparentsassociation

@taknightsfan @talowerschool @tamiddleschool

@taknights Tuscaloosa Academy @talowerschool @tamiddleschool @taparentsassociation

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

Chelsea McKenna, Dir ector of Mar keting and Communications Paige Lancaster, Dir ector of Development and Alumni Relations Niccole Poole, Dir ector of Admissions

Emily Norris Hal Piper Julie Smith Bud Standeffer Michael Warr

Lyle & Loventrices Jones In Honor of Jaelon Cheatum & Mikenzie Craig Becky Karnes Mike & Rea Kelley In Honor of Aiden & Lawson Kelley Scott & Laurie Kemp In Honor of Scott Jr. & Jack Kemp Lisa Koontz Phil & Meg Lancaster In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster Adam & Melissa Lang Robert & Kay Lightsey In Honor of Brody & Austin Lightsey Eliza Lopez Rolando McClain Susan McCorquodale Marsha McDonald Megan McGiffert (c/o ‘97) 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) Kim McLey Gene & Cindy Mims In Honor of Sally, Brother & Whitt Poole Byron & Shirley Morris Trey & Kathy Moseley Patricia Muscolino In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster Windy Nelson Brian and Beth Oliver Julie Fowler Otts (c/o ‘96) Kim Ouderkirk Cecil & Christie Ozment Marc Patzig Jill Pernell Brooke Peterson Robert Poellnitz Sr. Ken Ponder (c/o ‘82) Lesley Price Henry & Elizabeth (c/o ‘82) Pruett Marcia Quarles In Honor of Jackson & Anderson Mercurio JB & Ebbie Ramey In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey Judy Ransom Abbie Reed (c/o ‘79) In Honor of Meghan (‘04), Tyler (‘07), Charlie (‘09) & Mary Grace (‘15) Janice Reynolds In Honor of Reynolds & Russell Cole Joan Robards

GIVE ONLINE!

William & Ashley Roe Jeff Sartor In Honor of The Students I teach Julia Schanz (c/o ‘17) Tammy Scheiring Anonymous Mary Ann Schroeter In Honor of Annmarie, Isaac & Ethan Henderson Holly Shipley Philip & Kay Speir In Honor of Anna Katelyn Kuhn Ronald & Sidonnie Stell In Honor of Landon, Libby, Peyton & Patrick Stell Carl & Cindy Stephenson Margaret Stran James Styres Hannah Sullivan Chris & Rene Sullivan Liz Tanner Kayla Terry (c/o ‘07) In Memory of Andrew Skelton (c/o ‘07) Ulf Westheide Alan & Charlotte Whitman In Honor of Ian Whitman Caroline Willingham Lars & Svenja Witte Jon & Stacy Woods Doug (c/o ‘80) & Jill Woods Nick & Jennifer (c/o ‘03) Wright Molly Young ILCT Anonymous Friends of Jack Standeffer In Memory of Mr. Wayne Wilson

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN MAKING A DONATION Contact PAIGE LANCASTER Director of Development and Alumni Relations plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org 205.758.4462

www.tuscaloosaacademy.org

From the Chairman 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 Agee Wolfgang & Franka Alm Fred Andrus & Deborah Keene In Honor of Benjamin Andrus Anonymous Ann Arnold Ralf Becher Kory Berry Tom & Judy Bonhaus In Honor of a Great School!

Abby Brindley Angelica Brown

YOUR LEGACY THEIR FUTURE

Phonzie & Nezalee Brown In Honor of In Honor of Taylor Wright Sara Margaret Cates Janet Chambers Debbie Chartrand Mr. & Mrs. Harold Cole In Honor of Reynolds & Russell Cole Margaret Conger Jaclyn Cook Philip Cooper (c/o ‘86) Melissa Copeland Steven & Mary Gin Coppock Norman & Keeshan Crow Edgar Daly Billy Wayne & Rhonda Davis Debbie Dunkling Carole Faucett Damon Ferguson (c/o ‘93) Michael Ford Lee Anne Ford Annette Freeman 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 Rick & Linda Gibson Harris & Kendall (c/o ‘05) Hagood Everett Hale Peter & Shannon Hanf Joel Harden Heatherly Hardin In Memory of Terria Plott Chris & Pam Harding In Honor of Anna Cobern Linda Harris Rebecca Henderson Denny & Patsy Hickman 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 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

DEAR TA FAMILY AND FRIENDS, 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 guidance.

I look forward to serving the TA community this coming year.

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

A FAMILY AFFAIR

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!

bryan oliver, ph.d. head of school tuscaloosa academy

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 Thompson Stan & Beth Westjohn Charles & Munter Wyatt In Honor of Mims & Walker McKee

SQUIRES - ($500 - $999) Anne-Marie Abney In Memory of Harold & Teodelinda Becklin Kennedy (c/o ‘99) & Dabbs (c/o ‘03) Anderson In Honor of Dr. Barry Peterson and In Memory of Allison Harbin Anonymous Chris & Jennifer Barnette In Honor of Eve and Reagan Barnette William (c/o ‘03) & Kristin Blakeney Catherine Boone (c/o ‘10) Breeland Booth Septic Richard & Heather Brock Jim & Karen Brooks Jim & Kim Buford Mrs. John Cade Ed Carraway Brian & Julie Claytor Robert & Mary Cobb Jim & Janet Corder Mary Madge Crawford Josh & Maria Denney Jim & Dianna Flemming Wesley & Ansley Gilpin Mark & Tori Glaze In Honor of Aiden & Lawson Kelley Jim & Jennifer Hamner Wes & Leesa Hollowell Brad & Krista Johnson Erik & Sarah Johnson Richard & Karri Holley Kim

Jim & Suzy Link Patsy Lowery Charles & Claire Major George & Michelle McKee Jason & Christine Neff In Honor of Brayden & Gates Neff Pat Patton In Honor of Patton Steele Al & Charlotte Porter In Honor of Cooper Warbington Scott & Michelle Richmond Dr. & Mrs. Randy Ross In Honor of Taylor & Connor Rayburn Andrew & Heather Scharfenberg Jack & Anne (c/o ‘79) Smalley Sid & Leslie Smith Luke (c/o ‘85) & Teia Standeffer Curtis & Amber Stell Greg & Amanda Thompson Stan & Ellen Turnipseed In Honor of Chandler, Patton, Mills & Stanton Turnipseed Gerry Wade In Honor of Andrew, Will & Mary Wade Taylor & Marilyn Whitman Jason & Amy Williams Howard Winfield In Honor of Matthew & Benjamin Winfield Bill & Valerie Wright

SWORD AND SHIELD - ($250 - $499) Byron & Nikki Abston Mary Adams In Honor of Mary Peyton, Millie & William Mullin Tammy Atkins Inge & Elizabeth Beeker Tom & Beth Bonhaus Jo & Janee Bonner In Honor of Robins Bonner, Class of 2016 Jake & Olivia Bradford Paul & Sandi Diaz John and Jamey Duffy Tamer Elsayed Jeff & Beth English Norman & Yvonne Fischer Scott & Kathy Fulgham Alex & Carol Gatewood Gregg (c/o ‘82) & Elizabeth (c/o ‘84) Hahn Doug & Brooke Hamiter Doug & Coley Hanley Daniel & Nina Schroeter Henderson In Honor of The Henderson Children Bernd & Birgit Klink Wolfgang & Karen Kneer Micky Kovar Ulf & Sylke Krentzel In Honor of Leo Maxim & Lionard Woody & Melissa Krueger Mark & Paige Lancaster Willie Lang Ricky & Pat Miller Wayne Moore Stephanie Murphree

LEGACY - ($100,000 +)

2017 2018

Anonymous

FOUNDERS CIRCLE - ($25,000 +) Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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)

ANNUAL FUND

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) Anonymous Robert & 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)

EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS

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.

2013-2014      

New security system; electronic door locks with cameras Exterior painting and clean up Upper School roof repair Upper School restrooms repair Completion of the new concession stand at the football field A Maintenance Reserve Account was created

2014-2015

ACADEMY AMBASSADORS Tuscaloosa Academy Ambassadors is a leadership training opportunity for students in grades five through twelve.

Academy Ambassadors serve as hosts and hostesses at several TA events including New Parent Orientation, Back to School Knight, and Experience TA Day. Junior and Senior (11th and 12th grade) Academy Ambassadors assist with informational meetings and tours with prospective families and students, providing invaluable insight about the TA student body and what a typical day is like. Through actions and words in the classroom and athletic arenas, they are called to be the standard bearer of TA student excellence.

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2018-19 ACADEMY AMBASSADORS 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 ’23, Mikenzie Craig ’23, Walker McKee ’23, Harley McNeal ’24, Boots Plott ’24, Sarah Miller ’25, Jack Smith ’25, Molly Corder ’26, Evers Sikes ’26

      

iPad carts for the Lower School New Library (The Candy N. Hocutt Reading Center) New Upper School Media Center Renovation of basketball and PE locker rooms Purchase of new desks for the Upper School Purchase of portable computers and carts for Fifth and Sixth Grade New fencing around both playgrounds

2015-2016          

iPad one to one distribution ratio in the Lower School Lunchroom renovation and a computerized point of sale system 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

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. 

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.



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.



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.



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.

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.

DID YOU KNOW… all of our admissions information can be found online. Everything from tuition and fees, financial aid, and how to apply. The process is fast and easy!

Just click “Admissions” on the Menu and you will find helpful links located on the left-hand side of the screen!

30 + CLUB 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. Byron Morris Mrs. Rosa Morrow Ms. Patricia Muscolino The Honorable & Mrs. Liam O’Grady Mr. & Mrs. David Pass Mr. & Mrs. Jim Phifer Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Plott Mr. & Mrs. Farley Poellnitz Mr. & Mrs. Robert Poellnitz, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Prince Mr. & Mrs. Henry Pruett Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Ramey Mrs. Beth Ransom Mr. & Mrs. Robert Reynolds Mr. & Mrs. Scott Sanders Mrs. Joanne Sims Dr. & Mrs. Jack Smalley Dr. & Mrs. Bud Standeffer Ms. Debbie Stewart Mrs. Deanie Strength Mr. Matthew Terry Ms. Mollie Beth Wallace

50TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK TIE GALA IN-KIND DONATIONS Adams Beverages Beauty Counter BloGo Blow Dry Bar Canterbury Clothiers Cherry Bar Duke’s Effie’s Evangeline’s Fincher & Ozment Jewelers GLAM Glen Cowan Orthodontics Golf Discount Store Jerry’s Cleaners Kara Strope Designs Krush The Locker Room Matt Clinton Designs Nick’s Kids Paige Albright Orientals Part Two RIVER Season’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 Cowan Angela Fernandez Alan Franco Lee & Misty Garrison Suzy Gatewood Mary Katherine Gibson Fuller Goldsmith Gregg & Elizabeth Hahn Holly Hillard Jimmy & Favor Hinton Kim Hudson Julie Jamison Al Lancaster Caroline Lasseter Elizabeth McGiffert Mike & Danielle McInerney Chelsea McKenna Noelle Mercurio Adam Perkinson Margie Phelps Blair Plott Pam Poellnitz Niccole Poole Elizabeth Pruett Holly Ramey Anne Smalley

THANK YOU! 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.

50TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK TIE GALA CONTRIBUTORS Hosts Jimmy & Favor Hinton

2017 - 2018 50TH COMMITTEE Spencer Burchfield Suzy Gatewood Mary Katherine Gibson Elizabeth Hahn Holly Hillard Favor Hinton Jimmy Hinton Kim Hudson Paige Lancaster Elizabeth McGiffert Chelsea McKenna Blair Plott Pam Poellnitz Niccole Poole

Elizabeth Pruett Anne Smalley

All proceeds from the black tie celebration benefit Tuscaloosa Academy’s Annual Fund.

Dr. Anne-Marie Abney Mr. & Mrs. Robert Almon Ms. Caroline Amason Mr. & Mrs. Robert Amason, Jr. Mr. Robert Amason III Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Anderson Mr. & Mrs. William Blakeney Mr. & Mrs. James Boone Ms. Catherine Boone Dr. & Mrs. Chet Boston Mr. & Mrs. Richard Brock Mr. & Mrs. Frank Buffington Mrs. John Cade Mr. & Mrs. Bill Carter Dr. & Mrs. Jim Corder Mr. & Mrs. Bob Crutchfield Mrs. Josephine Davis Mr. & Mrs. Ronald H. Davis Ms. Kathryn Drew In Memory of Dr. Everett Hale Mr. & Mrs. Jim Flemming Mr. & Mrs. Charles Freeman Mr. & Mrs. Alex Gatewood Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Golding Mr. & Mrs. Harris Hagood Mr. & Mrs. Gregg Hahn Mrs. Jimmy Hinton Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hoffman Mrs. Alex Johnson 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 Mr. & Mrs. Price McGiffert Mr. & Mrs. George McKee Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mercurio Mr. & Mrs. Alan Miller Mr. & Mrs. Gene Mims Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Moman, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Moody Mr. Wilson Moore

FOUNDER ROBERT POELLNITZ, SR. & FAMILY

THE FAMILY OF FOUNDER JIMMY HINTON, SR.

Susan McCorquodale

30 Years of Service

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

LIVE MUSIC

BY MATT JONES THE TA TREE WAS SKETCHED IN HONOR OF THE FOUNDERS

by brooke peterson, middle school dean 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.

FOUNDER EVERETT HALE’S FAMILY

GREGG ‘82 & ELIZABETH ’84 HAHN

MARY KATHERINE GIBSON ‘79, KRISTIN BLAKENEY, KATHERINE PUGH, ELIZABETH PRUETT ‘82 & ANNE SMALLEY ‘79

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.

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.

BRYAN & BETH OLIVER

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.

SILENT AUCTION

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.

JOE & AMY SHIRLEY WITH BOBBY & BLAIR PLOTT

WILL & JENNIFER HOBSON

TAPA

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

DEAR TA FAMILY, As the 2018-2019 Tuscaloosa Academy Parent Association (TAPA) President, I am so excited to be here as we start our journey towards the next 50 years. What an exciting time to be a part of the Tuscaloosa Academy (TA) family. As Tuscaloosa Academy enters its 51st year, it will strive to continue its pursuit of academic excellence for the next half a century.

Tuscaloosa Academy’s Black Tie Gala was held Friday, April 20th, at the home of Favor and Jimmy Hinton, Jr. The night started off with a champagne toast honoring TA’s founders and their families. Once the rest of the party arrived at 7pm, guests had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and enter a raffle drawing. This truly was a night to remember!

HOSTS JIMMY ‘78 & FAVOR HINTON ROBERT KUHN & FOUNDER, ROBERT POELLNITZ, SR.

The role of TAPA is to assist and support the faculty and students of TA. It is through our parent volunteers that TAPA is able to host events such as Punkin’ Night in the Fall and Bake Sale in the Spring, assist with Book Fairs and Field Day, host teacher luncheons, and Dine with the Dean for our academic honor roll students, provide duty-free lunch for our teachers, and snacks for our faculty/staff in the teacher’s workroom. TAPA also provides Parent Education Seminars in the Fall and Spring, operates the “Round Table” School Store, and contributes funds for school improvement projects each year to the Annual Fund.

BLAIR PLOTT, TAPA PAST PRESIDENT TAPA is starting its third year at TA and every year we strive to grow and & CURRENT PRESIDENT, improve. Our goal for this year is to improve communication and participation for our LEIGH HOLLYHAND many events we have going on throughout the school year. Please consider signing up for a committee or participating in our events...this is a great opportunity to get involved in your child’s school as well as meet some wonderful parents during the process. Opportunities to volunteer range from events that are once a year, to one week, or monthly; anything you do will be appreciated not only by TAPA, but your child will delight in the fact that you are at their school helping out.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Also, if you see or hear great ideas other schools are doing through their Parent Associations, pass that information along, too. You can reach me at (205) 799-2428 or leighhollyhand@gmail.com. Looking forward to a wonderful year…and the beginning of the next half century at TA.

Best Regards,

Dr. Leigh Hollyhand, Ed.D. 2018-2019 TAPA President THE TA STRING GROUP PLAYED AS GUESTS ARRIVED

FORMER HEADMASTER BILL CAMPBELL

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!

Tuscaloosa Academy’s class of 2018 was accepted to a total of 49 different colleges and universities across the nation. class of 2018 college selections Avery Anderson - University of Alabama

Don DeVenney - Auburn University

Trevor Benoit - Clemson University

Holly Dunn - University of North Alabama

Caroline Bonhaus - University of Alabama

Maciah Flournoy - University of West Alabama

Brook Brannon - Jacksonville State University

Adam Fuller - Brigham Young University

Ethan Brindley - University of Alabama

Titus Gardner - Samford University

Chase Buford - University of Alabama

Lele Goldsmith - University of Mississippi

Kalin Burt - University of Alabama

Trace Greene - Mississippi State University

Jae Cheatum - University of Alabama

Jack Horton - University of Alabama

Sam Daly - University of Alabama

Harrison Howell - University of Alabama

Ja'Marques Darien - Faulkner University

Ella Huffaker - University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY

HOMECOMING CAROLINE BONHAUS, VALEDICTORIAN

ALI MARSHALL, SALUTATORIAN

class of 2018 accomplishments Seventeen seniors were members of the ACT 30+ Club; eleven of those earned the Presidential designation.

Two seniors were elected to the AISA All State Academic Team.

Three seniors served on the AISA District Championship Math Team that also placed 2 nd at AISA State Competition.

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

Eight seniors received state-level awards in Foreign Language.

One senior has received four AISA District VII art awards as well as four AISA State Art Awards.

One senior is a National Merit Scholar.

Seven seniors have received state-level theatre awards and three seniors earned AISA State Drama awards.

Four seniors are members of the State Championship Cyber Security Team and one is the state winner of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award.

Eleven 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.

Twenty-six seniors have received honors in their respective TA sports.

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.

Thirty-eight seniors completed 4,970 hours of community service.

Thirty-eight seniors have an average ACT of 27.3.

The Senior Class has scholarship offerings in excess of $5,135,784.

class of 2018 college selections

AMERICA

TOGA

WAY BACK

JERSEY

BLUE & GOLD

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Ali Marshall - Texas Christian University

Jon Evan Smalley - Southern Methodist University

Lawson McAllister - University of Alabama

JaColby Smith - Jacksonville State University

Jackson Mecurio - Auburn University

Sarah Stipe - University of Alabama

McLean Moore - University of Alabama

Anderson Sullivan - University of Alabama

Sam Z Morris - University of Alabama - Huntsville

Jenna-Claire Teesdale - Auburn University

Sam Morrow - University of Alabama

Elizabeth Vann - University of Alabama

Grace Pelphrey - University of Alabama

Andrew Wade - Berry College

Rachel Sansing - University of Alabama

Ford Westjohn - University of Alabama

Jonas Schanz - Munich

Max Westjohn - University of Alabama

A TA DISTINCTION THE

COLLEGE T UR

Happy Birthday TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY KARA & MICHAEL WARR ‘29

CHARLOTTE FISCHER & ISABELLE REINHARD ‘28

by dr. barry a. peterson ph.d., upper school dean/associate head of school

TUGRA ALICI & KATELYN KIM ‘29

WELLESLEY MATTHEWS ‘26

Students celebrated TA’s 50th anniversary with birthday cake during DUKE 1996 TOUR

B

their lunch period

ack 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’s twelve 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 – Duke, Vandy, UNC, Georgetown, 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,

HINTON HOWELL & BRODY LIGHTSEY ‘27 LIZZIE SCHWAEBLE, LILLIAN JOHNSON & BAYLIE HOLMAN ‘30

PEE WEE CHEERLEADERS

2000 TOUR

2001 TOUR

T UR

CLEMSON 2007 TOUR

FURMAN 2018 TOUR

UNC 2012 TOUR

GEORGETOWN 2010 TOUR

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 university.

One of the personal 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.

2012 TOUR DUKE 2017 TOUR

FURMAN 2015 TOUR

TCU 2016 TOUR

Each fall the sophomores and juniors are gathered together to see which direction they would like to travel. In past tours, it has been either an “SEC”, or an “ACC” school 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 travel.

15.

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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.

2009 William (Garrett) McGiffert: (13.)

Laurin Watts was named head softball coach at Prattville High School.

Melissa Scheiring Martin and husband are expecting their second baby boy (14.)

Click, click, click, ding, zip!

These sounds are

familiar to students who took a typing class at TA. But for today’s students, a typewriter may exist only in the movies. Tuscaloosa Academy’s students are surrounded by technology both in and out of the classroom. They have never experienced our school without it! However, TA has not always had anywhere, anytime technology. Let’s look at how far the TA educational experience has evolved.

Catherine Boone now lives in Kentucky's capital city where she continues her work with Boone Newspapers as General Manager of Frankfort Newsmedia, LLC.

2013

It was a great day in class when the teacher wheeled in a cart containing a projector. You knew it was movie day! Some movies were accompanied by an audio cassette that would tell you when to advance the filmstrip. Then it was on to actual movie projectors that used reels containing filmstrips that would often break or melt if exposed to the lamp too long. And the smell of a freshly mimeographed worksheet! Sometimes created by a teacher using carbon stencils. If you completed your worksheet early, you could use the language lab station with headphones to listen to audio tapes that read a book, reviewed material, or reinforced the day’s concepts.

But what about computers? Former computer teacher, Rosalind Cain Holloman was able to offer some background information about the introduction of computers to TA. According to Mrs. Holloman, in the Fall of 1979 her son Robert Apodaca ‘81 and his friend Clay Christian ‘80 wrote IBM and asked for a donation. They wanted an IBM chip that they could use to

2011

In the early 1980’s, Tuscaloosa Academy received a grant from the Phifer Foundation. This grant was used to purchase some Apple competitor computers called Franklins. Franklin Ace 1000’s and Ace 1200’s remained in use at TA until the early 1990’s. The computers were located in the library and Mrs. Star Bloom began an after-school class using software such as Gertrude’s Secrets and Rocky’s Boots. Mrs. Holloman volunteered as a helper and was eventually offered a job teaching computer classes.

According to Mrs. Holloman, “In my first or second year of teaching, we purchased a Microsoft HP PC. I certainly didn't know how to operate it but one of our students was very smart and had been at a lab in California during the summer. He was all about partitioning the hard drive. The yearbook people were able to input data for the yearbook on it and had spent a good amount of time typing in data. When this student came in and reformatted the hard drive, they lost all their data. Needless to say, we had to restrict the use of that computer.” TA added computers and setup a computer lab. Mrs. Holloman taught the lower school students and introduced them to the programming language, Logo. Mrs. Bloom taught the upper school students and taught the computer language BASIC.

2012

2010

Hyeokpil Kwon is now working at Defense Agency for Technology and Quality as a technology forecasting analyst learn coding. Using this chip, they learned machine language and wrote some basic programs. Robert and Clay were able to convince then Headmaster, Mr. Bill Garrison; to purchase an Apple 2E. They were given a hallway closet to house the computer.

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.)

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.

by tammi schiering, director of technology

16.

Emily Lancaster is working as a Personal/Family assistant in NYC and loving it! (15.)

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.)

Gregory Taylor is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Illinois at Chicago

2015 Price McGiffert (20.)

Mary Katelyn Price currently interns for the country music association (CMA) in the communication department. Will be working with the CMA awards this year

2016 Grant McAllister (21.)

Sydney Rumsey Atchison is married to Taylor Atchison (Mobile, AL). (17.)

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ALUMNI UPDATES

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1996 Billy Godoy: (6.)

1997

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.

Nicole Barker Richardson: (7.)

1998

1980

Elizabeth O’Brian Williams: (8.)

Doug Woods: (1.)

2000

1982

Nina Anger is married with two kids. (9.)

Suzy Wright Gatewood: (2.)

2004

Tara Bloom: (3.)

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.)

Sarah Springle Moon is living in North Carolina with her husband Chris, a US Marine, and son Joshua, 8. (10.)

1983

2005

Kimberle Cannon Barton is opening branches for the Bank, currently in the Florida Panhandle.

Matthew Crawford and wife Hannah, welcomed a baby boy, Easton Davis Crawford on April 13, 2017.

1984

Riley Crutchfield O’Rear had a baby boy, Charles Isbell O'Rear, “Charlie”, was born August 28, 2017! 7 lbs, 10 ozs.

Carmella DelGuadio Teague is a new Empty Nester.

1986

2007

David Morrow: (5.)

Tyler Reed recently enrolled in Arkansas Tech University to earn his Educational Specialist Degree for Superintendents (11.)

1992

2008

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.

Tyler Barton now lives in New York City and works for the NFL league office. (12.)

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By the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, TA had both an upper school and a lower school computer lab.

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 Trail!

In 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 interface.

In the late 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!

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!

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 printers.

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.

The 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.

Our students compete in a variety of technologybased 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.

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.

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.

BOYS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPS

GIRLS TRACK STATE RUNNER-UP

JA’MARQUES DARIEN SIGNED WITH FAULKNER UNIVERSITY

AISA CHAIRMAN’S AWARD make learning

GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPS BROOK BRANNON SIGNED WITH JACKSONVILLE STATE

FOOTBALL SEMI-FINALS

GRANT VERZINO & SAM MORROW BOYS DOUBLES

GOLF STATE TOURNAMENT

BY MARY MADGE CRAWFORD, LOWER SCHOOL DEAN

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-thescenes 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!

CHEERLEADING STATE CHAMPS BOYS TENNIS STATE RUNNER-UP GIRLS TENNIS 3RD PLACE

TITUS GARDNER SIGNED WITH SAMFORD BOYS SOCCER STATE RUNNER-UP GIRLS SOCCER SEMI-FINALS

KALIN BURT MVP WON STATE TITLE IN THE HIGH JUMP

AISA CHAIRMAN’S AWARD The AISA is pleased to recognize Tuscaloosa Academy as the Class AAA recipient of the AISA CHAIRMAN'S AWARD for the 2017-2018 school year. The criteria for winning the AISA Chairman's Award includes achievement in all areas of the school’s athletic programs: state champions in all sports, All-Star Selection, scholarship, participation in different sports, finishing in the top four in State Play-offs, sportsmanship, student-athlete award, and no eligibility problems.

AISA named Tuscaloosa Academy’s Athletic Director, Robert Johnson, as a Coach of the Year!

Disney Youth Education Series let theme parks serve as a learning laboratory!

Providing students—and their teachers—a hands-on educational adventure.

The TA Players present

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 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.

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY

MUSIC

BY DR. JUDY L. RANSOM

Young Singers

serve as an ambassador choir for Tuscaloosa Academy, accepting invitations to sing at school functions, football games, and other community events in Tuscaloosa. Singers are challenged with high quality repertoire that is otherwise unavailable in general music classes. This spring they earned a Superior rating for the second year in a row at the AISA Choral Music Festival. It is hoped that these young musicians will help grow the music program in middle and upper school.

adaptation of the classic Nutcracker story that focused on the importance of Christmas through songs, movement and orchestration.

This year was a special treat for our Singers. They were one of the first groups to perform the National Anthem for the Men’s Wheelchair Basketball game at the new Stran-Hardin Adapted Athletics building on UA campus.

Our singers were also invited to give a cameo performance at a Madrigal Dinner hosted by the Cultural Arts Committee at Christ Episcopal Church.

They were billed as the Court Singers to the King, and provided entertainment during the meal. They dressed in Renaissance outfits and delighted the entire audience, including the king!

The 50th Anniversary celebration continued in March with a very special Grandparents’ Day program. In recognition of 50 years, a 50’s theme was selected, and all the music was from that era. Everyone had fun twisting their way down memory lane with these favorites: “Getting to Know You”, from The King and I, “I Bought Me a Cat” (PK/K/M), “Rag Mop” (grade 1), “The Foolish Frog” (grade 2), “Splish Splash” (grade 3), and an Elvis Medley (grade 4) “Jailhouse Rock”, “Hound Dog”, and “Blue Suede Shoes”. In the end everyone sang and danced to Chubby Checker’s “The Twist”, and a good time was had by all.

Music students were Lower School busy with activities all

The TA Christmas Program featured the Violin Classes and Young Singers. There were festive holiday songs and special guest performances by Ellen Grant, Judy Ransom, and Upper School student MG Hudson ‘21.

Our Preschool classes also performed their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas programs to the delight of their parents and teachers.

year. In September, the third grade students performed their program “A Quaker Family and the Cherokee: A Story of Friendship”. This is a story about two families that meet and become friends. When they are faced with drought the Cherokee perform a rain dance, bringing much needed rain for their crops. The Quaker family and Cherokee celebrate, ending the program with a song of friendship that includes sign language.

In late April, the fourth grade presented their original production “Lost Sailors at Sea”, about a whaling family out for adventure. Students contributed their ideas that resulted in this story, illustrated by the songs they sang.

The family of adventurers manage to survive a storm at sea, travel back in time and become captured by pirates. Then, with help from a mysterious uncle they escape and are rescued by a narwhal. In the end they travel back through time and return to America.

In December, the second grade class presented “The Nutcracker, the Mouse, and the Shepherd” about a girl named Clara who gets a nutcracker for Christmas. Her brother breaks it, and everyone goes home. That night the Prince (aka Clara’s brother) defeats the Mouse King and goes to search for her brother. The play was an

Finally, it was the first grade class’s turn to perform “Neighborhood of the Travelling Shoes”, a series of songs that took them on a musical journey from Alabama to other states, including Hawaii. The journey continued overseas to France, Norway, Africa, Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, and finally back to Canada.

Spring Program

and premier of a Choral Commission: A Final Salute to 50 Years of Academic Excellence at TA featured several choir favorites and the premier of a commissioned choral work representing more than a year of collaboration between composer Dr. James W. Kosnik and myself. The music was set to a poem by Emily Bronte: "Shall Earth No More Inspire Thee", and composed specifically for our singers, featuring Ellen Grant on violin.

The journey began with choosing a poem. Last spring, choir members perused five different texts and selected two for consideration: a poem by E.E. Cummings, and the Bronte. After much deliberation, Dr. Kosnik selected the Bronte and set about creating the music. We exchanged emails throughout the spring, and in July of 2017 we met in his studio to brainstorm our ideas. I had many to contribute, and it was an extremely productive session. The final added piece was a violin obbligato, giving the music its lovely whimsical quality that proved to be well-suited for young voices.

After many handwritten versions, the music was printed and ready to rehearse. One of the most challenging parts for the singers to learn was an a cappella section in the middle, which included a canonic treatment of the verse. We rehearsed until the last minute, with Kosnik playing the piano accompaniment. When we were finally able to hear the violin obbligato it was pure magic. The resulting performance was a most memorable one, and requests for future performances have already started coming in. The Tuscaloosa Academy Music Department has indeed achieved something truly extraordinary, a final celebration of its 50th year anniversary.

TA ART STUDENTS WINNERS IN CRAYOLA NATIONAL ART EXHIBITION

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY

ART 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

TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY HOSTS AISA DISTRICT 7 ART SHOW

Art at Tuscaloosa Academy is an enrichment class for all students in Pre-K 3 through 12th grade. Preschool and Lower School art classes explore art from all over the world. Plans for the upcoming school year include the theme “where can art take you?” It is an emphasis on how inspiration and creativity is worldwide.

Students will work on art concepts including: line, shape, space, form, texture, value and color. They will have many collaborative art projects coming up. It’s going to be a very creative year!

Students in 5th through 12th grade study sequential levels of art subjects with an emphasis on realism. Areas of artistic investigation include drawing, painting, sculpture and photography.

The TA art department as a whole is very active in art competitions, winning numerous awards locally and nationally.

NATALIE NELSON ‘25 & AVERY CROWE ‘25 AT TA’S ANNUAL LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SALE

TA hosted the AISA District 7 Art Show April 18. We received 25 awards in grades 3-12, including ten 1st place awards. Taylor Rayburn ’27 had two 1st place, Dakota McAbee ’21 had five winning pieces that included four 1st place, Brooke Bassett ’20 had five winning pieces including two 1st place awards. Ellen Norris ’25 and Joy Becher ’19 each had one 1st place piece.

Chelsea Lampert, Harrison Palmer ‘21 and Gloria Wimberly ‘21 were selected as finalists in the 2017-2018 Art Energizes STEAM Art Exhibition, sponsored by Crayola. The theme of student's artwork was about Architecture. Students were to design a work space for the future that displayed an interaction with the environmental ecosystem and then write a review of the building.

The other theme was Biomimicry: The students were to sketch the announcement of a new college degree program based on created everyday products based on bio-mimicry (nature based) and then also write a description that will be used to interest students in this new program.

Crayola will have the student’s artwork professionally framed and delivered to the U.S. Department of Education! In addition, each student will receive a customized plaque with a replica of their artwork. To honor Mr. Styres and each student artist, they will receive a selection of Crayola products.

In addition, 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 were chosen to have their artwork included in the Crayola education resources and will receive Crayola thank you gift packs. There were 1,600 artworks submitted in this national show.

GLORIA WIMBERLY’S ARTWORK

CHELSEA LAMPERT’S ARTWORK

HARRISON PALMER’S ARTWORK

At the AISA State Art Show, held Friday April 27 in Montgomery, TA won nine awards including five 1st place, three 2nd place, one 3rd place. The most awards by one school! Dakota McAbee ’21 won four awards including one 1st, Taylor Rayburn ’27 and Brooke Bassett ’20 each won two 1st place awards.