2021 Fall Magazine

TUSCALOOSAFallACADEMYMagazine2021 A Look Inside FacultyHomecomingAdventuresEsports

Upper School Dean/Interim Head of School Alan Barr Middleabarr@tuscaloosaacademy.orgSchoolDean Brooke Peterson Lowerbrookepeterson@tuscaloosaacademy.orgSchoolandPreschoolDean Mary Madge Crawford Schoolmmcrawford@tuscaloosaacademy.orgCounselor Cherie Meadows Athleticcmeadows@tuscaloosaacademy.orgDirector Todd Bradford Directortbradford@tuscaloosaacademy.orgofDevelopmentandAlumni Affairs Paige Lancaster plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org Director of Admission Julia Phifer Directorjphifer@tuscaloosaacademy.orgofCommunicationsand Marketing Elizabeth Truelove Fleet Directorefleet@tuscaloosaacademy.orgofTechnologyPrograms Tammy Scheiring Businesstscheiring@tuscaloosaacademy.orgManager Jennifer Barnette Receptionist/Registrarjbarnette@tuscaloosaacademy.org Becky Karnes bkarnes@tuscaloosaacademy.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2021 - 2022 R eese AdrianneHalJenniferDr.Dr.Dr.JoshTaraFavorJoshPastJimmyTreasurerLeeSecretaryJulieViceNoelPresidentBrooksAmasonPresidentSmithHendersonDuncanPresidentDenneyHintonHowellJohnsonChrisMcGeeJohnMarshallQuintonMatthewsMillerPiperThompson 420 Rice Valley Road North Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205)758-4462 TUSCALOOSAACADEMY.ORG Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Tuscaloosa Academy is a member of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA). Front Cover: Kim Ouderkirk in Alaska

MISSION STATEMENT

Table of Contents W elcome from the Interim 2 Head of HomecomingSchool 3 Becoming Global Citizens 4 Commencement 2021 6 Upper School Honors 8 Admissions 11 TA In Review 12 TA Family 18 TA Life 20 TA Athletics 26 The Future of Gaming 28 TAPA 30 TAKS 31 Children of Alumni 34 Alumni News 36 Annual Fund 38

“The mission of Tuscaloosa Academy is to provide a college-preparatory education in a supportive environment of intellectual freedom, to cultivate a love of learning, and to maximize each student’s potential for academic achievement, character development, and readiness for life in a global environment.”

2 2020-2021

fromWelcometheInterimHeadofSchool

The best independent schools offer matchless alternatives to parents who are deciding how they would like to educate their children. Tuscaloosa Academy is a mission driven school where education and relationships are secured in a shared set of community principles. We are more than a place for a child to receive a great education. TA is an extended part of your family where parents, teachers, staff, and administrators all come together to help ensure the success of each child. The open and welcoming atmosphere at TA is a reflection of the small town environment of the city. People sit and chat and really get to know one another. Teachers are supportive and genuinely involved in all aspects of the school. This kind of close-knit community creates a strong bond and allows the “Knight’s” pride to flourish. Tuscaloosa Academy is a caring, fun, warm, and challenging place to be. Learning how to be mindful lies at the heart of the effective curriculum of the school. Tuscaloosa Academy seeks to value and support the uniqueness of each child’s individual growth and genuine expression of who he or she is becoming. We of fer challenging and supportive experiences in academics, arts, and athletics as opportunities to learn skills necessary to care for oneself, to be mindful of each other, and awareness for the community, and the world. At TA, students, faculty and staff live each day to the fullest, in a genuine effort to embody this ideal, knowing that the pursuit will make them better persons and friends, better leaders and supporters, better students, bet ter citizens, actors, artists and athletes. To us, the common pursuit of our ideals, by everyone in the community, makes this one of the best schools to choose.

Alan InterimBarrHead of School

32020-2021

Homecoming is always a special time of the year! In 2020, many TA traditions were celebrated, including the beloved bonfire and powder puff game. Homecoming King and Queen, Sam Rowley and Bebe Huffaker, were crowned and many alumni came home to visit “Old TA”. This year, Homecoming is on October 15 against Clarke Prep Academy. Traditional and new festivities will take place, so please join us! We hope to see you then!

Homecoming

I like how our entire class has a strong desire to learn about the language and culture of Latin America and other Spanish-speaking countries. We all came to class and had a great time. We had an entire class of students who strove to excel in the course and to make it prac tical in the real world and the future. I believe that my understanding in the Spanish language will allow me to step ahead of others in the labor force of the future. I feel that I will be able to con nect with many others during my career (hopefully in the medical field)--which will give me an advantage over others that I will be working with. I believe that TA’s Spanish program is so different and far more advanced than other programs around Tuscaloosa because of the in volvement of speaking. All of my classes implemented the skill of understanding the language by having us listen to and respond in Spanish. Many programs tend to implement the knowledge of vocabulary and basic grammar rather than speaking to others and allowing in teraction through the Spanish language.

Language is the key to unlocking the doors of a global environment. Tuscaloosa Academy knows this and has geared our language program and offerings to reflect a changing global worldview. We want our students to leave our Academy with the skills, knowledge, and language experience, so that when they enter into college and beyond they are able to communicate on a global level.

The language program at TA is beyond amazing! I am currently an AP Spanish student and I have absolutely loved to watch our class become more and more comfortable with the language. Over the past few years, our class has become a really close group. We have formed friendships and made memories that we will never forget and always cherish. This year as AP stu dents, we are required to speak only Spanish during class time. While this can be challenging at times, we know we are all capable and prepared to do it because of the amazing teachers and education TA has provided us. From a very young age at TA, you are exposed to so many different languages and given the freedom to decide which route you want to take. While I chose Spanish, you simply can’t go wrong with any of the choices. They are all exceptional!

- Lucy Bonhaus, 12th Grade

- Carson Claytor, 12th Grade Tuscaloosa Academy has such an amazing language program. I love my Spanish classes because they give me a great oppor tunity to learn a new language. This will help me in the future because I have grown a love for Spanish and want to study it in college. TA’s program is very different from other schools in our area. This is because the teachers really help you be cause they want you to excel in the language you are studying. This is an amazing thing, and I am so thankful for Tuscaloosa Academy’s language programs.

- Mira Fischer, 9th Grade Native German

We currently offer Spanish, German, French, and Manda rin. Our instructors are second to none, some of which are native speakers.

Becoming Global Citizens

- Sarah Davis Roe, 8th Grade I think it’s great that I am able to pursuethe language track at TA, meaning I takeboth Spanish and French. Even thoughI am in the United States, I am able tolearn about different cultures and furthermy intercultural knowledge.

I took Spanish from 3rd to 8th grade at a public school. Because I started Spanish in 3rd grade I was never taught the beginning of Spanish and never understood it at all. When I came to TA I struggled a lot in Spanish because I didn’t know anything. When I told my teacher she would allow me to get tutoring and taught me everything I missed on top of what we were currently learning. TA has really helped me understand Spanish, I don’t quite understand it but I would have failed my Spanish class if I was at another school. But at TA my teacher didn’t give up on me and I am so thankful. Being taught another language is hard however TA took it step by step and has an amazing way of teaching. - Mary Collier Pope, 10th Grade Personally, I find the TA Spanish courses to be challenging, fun, and extremely rewarding. In the time I’ve been at TA, all of the teachers I’ve had genuinely wanted me as a studen to learn and grow. The use of another language opens so many doors that without these courses we wouldn’t be able to reach. Using fun activities and learning methods were key to keeping the class engaged and make them realize that Spanish really is fun! Without these things, it would be a drag to go back into class every day, but thanks to our teachers, we’re able to actually enjoy learning. The resources and skills us students have gained from these experiences will allow us to expand our lives into different cultures, countries, and languages. Compared to other schools, TA’s language programs are much more in-depth and even after school we can find ways to learn. In the Spanish department, we often go out to eat to practice, and learn how to speak the lan guage comfortably and understandably. For this, I am eternally grateful, as just looking at written words does not give the experience needed to hold a conversation with someone. -Jordan McAbee, 11th Grade I chose French because I’ve always dreamt to one day live in Paris. Knowing French, I could speak with local Parisians and have better job opportunities. French is also the fourth most spoken language with over two hundred eighty million speakers. I really enjoy French history as well as the art that comes with it. I look forward to my class each day; my instructor makes the class fun and engaging. - Layton Ball, 10th Grade I chose French because I really liked Mrs. Price’s exploratory French class. She made it look like a lot of fun to speak French and learn about the culture of France and the many other countries where French is spoken. Speaking French could help me in many careers, such as engineering. Speaking French could also help me outside of my career, such as in traveling to the variousFrench-speaking countries in the world. It could even help me with playing games; the international governing body of chess is French. I plan to continue studying French into the college level.- Michael Constantine, 9th Grade

Citizens

The language program at TA is trulyamazing! I have had the honor of beingtaught by some awesome and very talentedteachers while being at TA. I’ve been takingSpanish since fourth grade and i have lovedevery second of it. The language department at Tuscaloosa Academy allows forstudents to start learning as early as possi-ble (pre-k/ kindergarten!) This is a fabulousopportunity and the best time for a personto familiarize their self with a language. I’vebeen able to apply my great knowledge ofSpanish I’ve learned here at TA in the realworld when traveling to Spanish speaking-countries.MeganBonhaus, 12th Grade

Valedictorian Address This year the Valedictorian honor was awarded to Natalie Sand ers. She opened her address by thanking the TA community for tirelessy working on behalf of the senior class to make their high school experience the best it could be. She went on to point out the most heard phrase in Upper School: “Be the captain of your own ship.” and to thank Mr. Swann for his unwavering dedica tion to his students. She expressed her gratefulness for learning how to be the captain of our own ship; however, “while a ship is safe in harbor, that is not what ships are built for. Every day we have spent here at this school has prepared us to set sail and take on our futures. Our journey is just beginning.”

Commencement

6 2020-2021

To conclude, she offered one last piece of advice from Maya An gelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As we grow more independent, and accept new responsibilities, it is so easy to get side tracked, and lose sight of what’s most important to you on the inside.”

Salutatorian, Maria Sealy and Valedictorian, Natalie Sanders

On May 25, 2021 at the 49th Commencement, Interim Head of School Alan Barr delivered a message to the Class of 2021 and their families. He commended them on a successful year despite adversities brought on by Covid-19. He encouraged them as they head on from Tuscaloosa Academy to “remember the laughter, because those memories will get you through any bumps in the road.” He regarded this class as “irreplaceable” and one of “un limited energy.” He spoke of the resilience and poise they pos sess; and how strong a group of young people they have shown themselves to be.

72020-2021 4 AP SCHOLARS Communityhours5,713ofService THE CLASS OF 2021 $2M NEARLY IN MERIT, TALENT, OR ATHLETIC Scholarships Offered 6 Seniors 30++ ACT Score

Honors high school women who are active and interested in computing and technology. The multi-tiered structure includes recognition at the national and local levels.

Awarded by the University of Alabama to seniors who have completed 5 or more credit hours and maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all attempted coursework. Emma Fulgham, Mitch Piper, Natalie Sanders, Maria Sealy, Camryn Whiteside Lincoln-Douglas Debates Recognizes two sophomores who demonstrate a superior ability to debate, through research, preparation, and presentation skills.

Bebe Huffaker 2nd Place, Sales PitchNatalie Sanders was honored by the Alabama State Depart ment of Education for her National Honorable Mention Award.

8 2020-2021 Upper School Honors DayMay 19th, 2021 DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS English MC ElisabethBellaJackLaytonPopeBallBirdieSunStandefferLandonStellIsabellaEllisPattonMillerMelkonyanWeunsche Science Mills Powell Sarah Martin Anna Mills Fleenor Carson MarionBirdieClaytorSunNorris History Carson Claytor Anna Mills Fleenor Art Dakota McAbee Theatre M.G. Hudson Mathematics JalynMariaOliCopelandKneerSealy Sara Chase CarsonHoustonMcMullenEvansClaytor French Carly King Allie JamisonWagnerDuncanDavidZwick Spanish Morgan Smith Computer Science Nick DawsonBrennanNelsonYoungBielsteinOilKneerKadenMcGee Journalism Anna Mills Fleenor Bebe Huffaker JUNIOR CLASS BOOK AWARDS Saint Michael’s Book Award Carson Claytor & Dawson Bielstein Sewanee Book Award Lily Abernathy Washington and Lee Book Award JB McAllister Jefferson Book Award William Beeker Girls State and Boys State A citizenship program that provides training in the practical aspects of government and em phasizes a student’s character, leadership ability and traits of good citizenship. Girls State Representatives: Lucy Bonhaus, Megan Bonhaus Boys State Representatives: Trey Smith, Landon Stell President’s Student Service Award Eighteen Upper School students volunteered 100 community service hours or more within one year. Total number of hours completed by Upper School students: 6,048•• Laura Allison Harbin Writing Award

Presented to a 10th grade writer whose unusual insight and perception demonstrate a unique connection with the world around her.

Birdie Sun National Center for Women in Information Technology

Rising JamisonStar:Duncan, Mary Baxter Hartzell Honorable Mention: Sara Chase McMullen State Winners: Lucy Bonhaus, Lily Abernathy National Honorable Mention: Natalie Sanders UA Early College Scholar Award

Willesha Lang, Forrest Smith Integrated Marketing Communications Competitive Conference (IMC3) Tuscaloosa Academy students competed against nine other schools from Alabama and Mississippi,. Sarah Martin 1st Place, Graphic Design Brennan Young 3rd Place, Graphic Design MG Hudson 1st Place, Podcast Lucy Bonhaus 1st Comm.Place,Photography

Mary Alice Roe

Paul W. Bryant Memorial Award

••

An academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Pro gram by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as an intial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year, and by meeting other entry requirements. The program is in its 63rd year and honors individual students who show exeptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. This year, Tuscaloosa Academy is pleased to announce a senior that has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist: Lane Marshall Ronald Davis Award for Excellence in the Study of American History and Government Presented annually to the student who demon strates the greatest interest and excellence in the study of American Government.

Patricia Dyeann Palmer Memorial Award

George H. Bell Award

Neil P. Satterfield Memorial Award for School Spirit

Established in 1982 by the Tuscaloosa Academy Board of Trustees in honor of Dr. Hale’s 16 years of service to the school as a member of the Board of Trustees. The award is given to the stu dent who has shown the potential of becoming a National Merit Scholar.

Natalie Sanders Eric Rodgers, Ph.D Award Named for Dr. Eric Rodgers, a physics professor at the University of Alabama for many years. Dr. Rodgers retired from the University as Dean of the Graduate School and subsequently taught physics at TA for one year. The award is given for excellence in physics and is presented to the student who has demonstrated the greatest interest and academic achievement in the study of physics.

Emma Grace Sims

••

Outstanding Key Club Member

Established in 1978 in memory of Dyeann Palmer and is presented to a senior girl who is most outstanding in service to the academy.

Claire Roberts & Patton Miller

Albert G. Lewis, Jr. M.D. Memorial Award

National Merit Scholarship Program

Lane Marshall Dr. L. Tennet Lee, Jr. Award for Excellence in Mathematics

Alabama Governor’s School A summer residential program which allows participants interaction with professors and professionals from many disciplines. the 13day program, housed at Samford University, provides academic, creative, and leadership experiences for a limited number of gifted, rising high school seniors in Alabama, who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies.

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership

Trey Smith Sameul Thomas Barnes, IV Memorial Award Established in 1992 to recognize students who exhibit exceptional ability in journalistic and/or creative writing. Houston Evans College Board Distinction Award Tuscaloosa Academy was awarded the 2020 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This award recognized TA as a leader in engaging female students in the field of computer science. Only 4% of all schools offering AP classes earned this distinction.

Lucy Bonhaus

Dr. Louis F. Armstrong Award for Excellence in English Named in honor of former headmaster of Indian Springs School. Dr. Armstrong worked very closely with the founders of Tuscaloosa Academy at the time it was established. This award is presented to the senior who, through independent study, class participation, and research, demonstrates a high level of academic achievement in English.

A group of Upper School students with their awards in hand.

Named for Tuscaloosa Academy’s first head master and is presented annually to the student who best exemplifies the citizenship goals of the school.

Bebe Huffaker

Established in 1972 in memory of one of Tuscaloosa Academy’s original 113 students.

Morgan Smith & William Beeker

Sarah Martin

Everett Hale Award for Academic Excellence

92020-2021

Emma Fulgham

The oldest award presented at Tuscaloosa Academy . It was established in 1967 in honor of Dr. Lewis, husband of Nell C. Lewis, who retired in 1988 after twenty-one years of service to TA. It is presented to the student who demonstrates academic excellence in the study of science.

Faculty••Award for Academic Excellence

Anna Mills Fleenor

Jamison Duncan

Headmaster’s Knight Award for Service Above Self Tuscaloosa Academy’s most prestigious award and is presented annually to the student who best exemplifies service above self. M.G. Hudson

The highest honor given by Tuscaloosa Academy. The faculty selects the student who is most deserving and outstanding on the basis of character, scholarship, citizenship, and loyalty.

Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. Students are selected by their schools to participate in the program.

Maria Sealy

Established as a memorial to the late Coach Paul Bryant and is awarded annually to an outstanding scholar and an exemplary citizen.

Named in honor of Dr. Lee, a professor at the University of Alabama. Dr. Lee worked with TA to develop the original mathematics curriculum. This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement in the study of mathematics.

Recipient is selected on the basis of interest & faithful participation in the TA Key Club Chapter.

10 2020-2021 30 + Club The 30+ Club recognizes students who have scored a minimum of 30 on the ACT. This score qualifies them for elite academic merit scholarships at numerous colleges and universities. Among these scholarships are Presidential Awards, Dean Awards, and University Scholar Awards. The students’ pictures are displayed in the school as an example to younger students and as a testament to the students’ families of the hard work and dedication to academics that their student has achieved. Anna Mills Fleenor Class of 2021 William Beeker Class of 2022 Lane Marshall Class of 2021 Morgan Smith Class of 2022 Camryn Whiteside Class of 2021 Sarah Martin Class of 2021 Natalie Sanders Class of 2021 Maria Sealy Class of 2021 Lucy Bonhaus Class of 2022 Carson Claytor Class of 2022 JB McAllister Class of 2022 Mary Alice Roe Class of 2022 Trey Smith Class of 2022

112020-2021

•

•

MIDDLE SCHOOL APPLICANTS (GRADES 5-8): Submit the online application, fee, student recommendation forms completed by a current math or language arts teacher and by a principal or school counselor, transcript, complete admissions testing, writing sample, and interview with the Middle School Dean. Visitation day required prior to enrollment.

Applications for each academic year are available online at www.tuscaloosaacademy. org in January. A $100 non-refundable application fee is assessed to each student application and can be paid online when the application is submitted.

LOWER SCHOOL APPLICANT (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 the Lower School Dean. Visitation day required prior to enrollment.

Student recommendation forms and transcript request forms are available in the online application under “Instructions and Resources.”

•

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN APPLICANTS (PK3, PK4, K5): Submit the online application, fee, student recommendation form that is completed by a current teacher or caregiver, and participate in an Observation Day. Students must turn 3 by September 1 and be toilet trained.

•

ADMISSIONSATAGLANCE

DID YOU KNOW...all of our admission information can be found online? Everything from tuition and fees, financial aid, and how to apply. The proccess is fast and easy! Just click “Admissions” on the menu and you will find helpful links to guide you.

For more information, please jphifer@tuscaloosaacademy.orgJuliacontactPhifer(205)758-4462

UPPER SCHOOL APPLICANTS (GRADES 9-12): Submit the online application, fee, student recommendation forms completed by a current math or language arts teacher and by a principal or school counselor, transcript including any/all standardized test scores, complete admissions testing, writing sample, and interview with the Upper School Dean. Visitation day required prior to enrollment.

I attended the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) National Virtual Convention. As the original convention was to have been held in New Orleans, Louisiana, many of the seminars were based around the historical and cultural particularities of French Creole and the Cajun people. I hope to be able to use what I learned on the Ursuline Method (used by the nuns of the same name at the convent in New Orleans) to run practice dictations or dictées in my classes, much the same as modern French nationality students do when learning other Ilanguages.alsolearned about the new National Standards for French education set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) which will help with assessment practices and preparation for future AP testing and having our students ready to enter college-level French learning. Learning to use podcasting as a tool in the French classroom was another topic that I hope to use this school year as a means to help improve students' listening comprehension and speaking skills, with a possibility of allowing students to publish their works.

Sarah Meyer von Bremen, Upper School Journalism

Ryan Meyer von Bremen, Upper School French

UPPer School Teachers Going ABOVE ANd BEYOND

Sarah Newton, Upper School Mathematics

Upper School Highlights

Jeremy Hampton, Upper School History andHead Soccer Coach

Finally, one of my favorite sessions was stepping into the AATF President's kitchen and learning how to make La Poutine, Croissants, and Pain au chocolat, and learning more about the cuisines of the Francophone cultures of Martinique and Quebec. I am looking to have my French Club commandeer the school's kitchen later in the year to try out some of the fun recipes I learned!

I took the United Soccer Coaches course for the Sports Performance Diploma to bolster my masters degree in kinesiology specializing in human performance to provide a better training environment for both the boys and girls soccer program at TA. My hope is to continue to develop better training environments to keep us competing at a championship level.

In their own words

12 2020-2021 TA IN REVIEW

Faculty continuing education and professional development is an important component in fulfilling the mission of Tuscaloosa Academy. Our teachers actively seek out opportunities to expand and grow their teaching craft. We practice what we believe in that we are all lifelong learners and instill that in all our students here at ProfessionalTA. development is an umbrella term that covers all areas of teaching. Our faculty are always perfecting their craft whether in content knowledge, differentiated instruction, tech nology use in the classroom, working with adolescences, to the vast range of skills one needs to be an effective teacher, coach, mentor. Just like our students, we are always learning.

The Sport Performance Diploma (SPD) is a 20 hour online and virtual course geared towards coaches of youth, high school, college, and professional players who want to gain and apply knowledge in the area of high performance. The objective of the Sport Performance Diploma is to provide coaches with current performance training methodologies with practical application strategies to incorporate into their respective programs.

I continue to work on improving and widening the scope of my own and my students’ artistic vision. In the year 2020, I had some of my illustrations published in works by Quid Pro Quo, a publisher out of Louisiana. I continue to work alongside Quid Pro Quo for graphic design and illustration commissions. In the fall of 2020, I also took part in a month long drawing challenge

Sarah Meyer von Bremen, Upper School Journalism and Middle School English teacher, earned her Ed. S in Educational Leader ship from Liberty University over the summer. My doctoral jour ney included researching two major changes in middle school culture - the entrepreneurial mindset in maker space programs and the impact of social media on reading cultures. I have cer tainly learned and experienced a great deal in how to lead educa tion through and into these shifts.

Written by: Alan Barr

I have participated in the A-PLUS in Mathematics program as a Master Teaching Fellow at the University of Alabama since summer of 2019. Additionally, I earned my Master of Arts in Secondary Education, Mathematics in July 2021.This program offered on-going professional development for Tuscaloosa area math teachers in mathematics instruction and pedagogy during the school year and intensive summer sessions. By completing this program, I gained valuable experience in teaching mathematics, collaborated with other math teachers from Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area, and upgraded my Alabama teaching certification to a Class-A certificate."

Over the summer, I began a research partnership with the Summersell Center for the Study of the South. The maps I produced will be published in Dr. John Giggie's upcoming book, Bloody Tuesday: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa. I am continuing to work with the Summersell Center to research the history of racial violence in Tuscaloosa County. My work has uncovered forty-seven previously unrecorded lynchings in Tuscaloosa, bringing the total from eleven to fifty-eight. This work will document the identities of dozens of previously unknown victims of racial violence and encourage other historians to reassess the way they research lynching going forward. Callie Outlaw, Upper School History

We are fortunate to have educators like Mrs. Scheiring at Tuscaloosa Academy. Her devotion to her students is second to none. She looks out for the underdogs and strives to make every student feel important, accepted, and loved. Mrs. Scheiring goes above and beyond the call of duty as the school’s information technology coordinator on top of the classes she teaches. She is most deserving of the CS Educator of the Year Award.

Mrs. Tammi Scheiring, Dr. Albert Lily Computer Science Educator of the Year

John Groff, Upper School Science

Tammi Scheiring is the 2021 recipient of the Dr. Albert Lilly CS Educator award! She has 35 years of teaching experience, 33 years teaching computer science classes including computer science applications, AP CSA, AP CS Principles, and cyber security. She is a recipient of the College Board AP CSP Female Diversity Award, a reader and table leader for the AP CSP exam, she established the TA chapter of the CS Honor Society, and started the annual school-wide technology showcase. Her CyberKnights cyber security team placed in the top three teams in two different statewide CTF competitions, and the Girls Go Cyber team made it the championship round in 2020. Her most recent initiative, the Esports team has beaten college teams and placed third in the nation! Above is a piece of artwork from Ms. Pruitt’s collection.

Above: Mrs. Meyer von Bremen proudly holding her Education Specialist De gree. Below Left: Mrs. Newton and her Master of Arts in Secondary Education certificate. Below Right: Mrs. Scheiring holding her CS Educator of the Year Award.

132020-2021 and incorporated this challenge into my art classes. Encouraging the students to draw daily outside of class, reinforces the tenet of my art classes that art work is both for self expression and self improvement. Examples of works from this month long drawing marathon are included in my artist website www.maryruthpruitt. com. Mary Ruth Pruitt, Upper School Art Teacher

My professional activities completed over the summer focused on two areas. The first was related to academics and involved attending a summer institute at Auburn University to prepare for and effectively teach high school AP chemistry. Whereas the second area consisted of publishing research data in a peer-reviewed paper titled: “Fluid evolution during Cretaceous and Tertiary igneous-hydrothermal events in the Getchell trend, Nevada.” This was the fifth paper in a series published by the Journal ‘Ore Geology Reviews’ concerning the genesis of Carlin-type gold deposits. Analytical data were generated for gold deposits of the Getchell and Carlin trends in Nevada, and the Huijiabao trend in China.

Middle School Teachers expanding thier horizons

Kim Ouderkirk, Middle School Science

Written by: Brooke Peterson

In their own words I was selected to go on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions. Every year thousands of educators apply to this prestigious program for a once-in-alifetime opportunity to travel on an expedition ship to a remote location around the world. I was elated to be chosen. This summer we began our training for the expeditions by taking numerous classes taught by National Geographic photographers, explorers, naturalists, and other experts we will be working with in the field. I have always been interested in traveling to new places and learning about different environments and cultures. In the classes I teach at TA, I talk a lot about how humans impact their environment and how those interactions affect the local wildlife and landscapes. The Galapagos Islands is a double World Heritage site as both the land and sea are protected by laws, so this will be a wonderful opportunity to see a natural habitat virtually untouched by humans. Opportunities to travel to unique locations around the world help me as an educator by giving me a new perspective on a place and allowing me to bring those experiences and perspectives back to my students in the classroom. I will be working closely with a variety of National Geographic explorers, photographers, and naturalists during this expedition and will be creating lesson plans and projects based on this experience to be shared with other classrooms around the world.

Every year, Tuscaloosa Academy teachers engage in meaningful professional development, ever finding ways to perfect their craft. The normal fare of PD includes conferences, workshops, and classes. However, sometimes our faculty are afforded opportunities to engage in more academic research and studies.

A group of 4 of us, Dr. Margi Rusmore (Occidental College), Dr. Robinson Cecil (California State University Northridge), Dr. Harold Stowell (UA), and I spent a week doing geological field work in and near Wrangell, Alaska. Wrangell is a town of about 1400 residents in southeast Alaska. It is on one of several islands between the ocean and the Coast Mountains, which separate Alaska from British Columbia, Canada. We worked from small boats along the coastline and along the banks of the Stikine River. We stayed both in town and in a small forest service cabin.

Jaclyn Foster, Middle School History

This week-long trip was part of a large long term project on the Coast Mountains which are the roots of an ancient volcanic arc. The plan was to collect samples to determine the timing, pressure , and temperature of known magma intrusions and the associated metamorphism using existing geological maps as a guide. We had an excellent opportunity to sample previously unseen rocks exposed by recent glacial retreat. I helped with general logistics and data logging via GPS enabled Samsung tablets. I was last in this area in 1995, when we collected garnets to determine the timing of their growth. Some of these garnets are now part of TA’s teaching collection. In addition to sharing science content, I feel it is also important to help students understand the nature of science and scientific research. It is therefore useful to periodically immerse myself in a research experience. The hours of discussion, in addition to getting to look at the rocks, helps remind me of how science actually works. In turn, I can share this increased understanding with my students. It also provided the opportunity to strengthen my field and rock identification skills. Of particular interest was the use of the tablets in data collection especially as we move to using iPads in school. It was a great opportunity to see how they can be used to organize and collect data in real time in the field.

14 2020-2021 TA IN REVIEW

Middle School Highlights

This research project is with the Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science and Information Systems at the University of North Alabama. The focus is on teaching mathematical reasoning through computer programming with the purpose of seeing if this is an effective tool in relation to generalizations made among 7th and 8th grade students in math classrooms. According to UNA, “The goals of the CPR2 grant are to investigate whether computer programming is an effective tool for teaching and learning generalization in 7th and 8th grade math classrooms. The CPR2 Instructional Model (IM) will help students come to understand, interpret, and even generate general or algebraic expressions. The team has developed an explicit method for teaching generalization that is intended for learners with no background in programming or formal mathematical argumentation.”

My interest in this research first peaked with the concept of “generalizations”. Generalizations are important in math and stand above memorizing rules, especially when it comes to algebraic thinking. They help students go beyond formulas so they can see the logic behind the math and build towards higher level math. It’s hard to teach math, but there are ways to learn to teach math differently as we teach towards helping students make generalizations.

Some specificmemories I have from yourclass are getting in touchwith well-known scientists and being able to ask them questions.

As an educator, I believe it is important for students to see the why behind something. If you can understand why it works, you have something to build upon. I’m constantly working to become more precise in questions that I ask in class with the goal of ensuring mathematical success for all of my students. I’m looking forward to heightened algebraic thinking and reasoning success among my students and being able to have more meaningful collaboration among colleagues.

152020-2021

youlessonthatappreciateyoumakeeverysinglefunandcareaboutallofyoursstudents

One specific memory Ihave is whenever we wouldvideo chat with people fromNational Geographic who weretraveling the world and we wouldget to ask them questions abouttheir travel and experiences.

Rene McNeal, Middle School Math

Mrs. Jaclyn Foster, Alabama State History Teacher of the Year

We are fortunate to have educators at TA who excel in their subject area, and who are recognized by world-renown organizations and institutions. This year, Mrs. Jaclyn Foster has been named the 2021 Alabama History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education. In addition to receiving this high distinction, she was also named the 2021 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions! A key principle of Mrs. Foster’s teaching is to meld the real studies and experiments of experts locally and globally in order to more fully engage her students in learning about history and science. Here from some of her students on the impact she has made on their studies.

I think Mrs Foster is one of the best if not the best teachers I’ve ever had! She inspired me to do so many wonderful things and help come up with outstanding ideas!

A special memory I have from your class is getting to learn about American history and the workings of our government because even though I already know so much I still learned a lot of specifics and I really enjoyed it! I will also never forget that the first time that I ever heard about COVID was in your class when you would have us watch those CNN Classroom videos every afternoon! I

I loved the NearPods in your class and all the projects we did. I also loved doing the Zooms with other classrooms and getting to connect across the country and world! She always takes the time to help everyone learn the subject

16 2020-2021 TA IN REVIEW

Lower School Teachers are Lifelong Learners

Windy Nelson, Kindergarten teacher and recipient of the James and Rosalind Cain Fellowship 2021

Suzy Gatewood and Christie Ozment, First Grade Teachers

In their own words In June of 2021 my husband, Jack and I flew to Cody, Wyoming. We rented a vehicle and took day trips from Cody to many sites in the area. One of my favorite places that we visited was the Native American Museum in Cody. Since we study the Earliest Americans and geography in third grade History class, it was ex tremely interesting to me. The Native Americans in the region of Wyoming hunted Bison and used the animal to survive. The museum had original relics from previous centuries displayed. They displayed an original teepee that had been preserved from the 19th century. We were also able to travel into Yellowstone National Park and see herds of bison. Seeing the terrain, ani mals, and relics as well as art depicting Native Americans and the state of Wyoming really helped to enhance my perspective of history. Experiences like the one we had encourage me to bring more descriptive lessons back to the classroom.

I am so excited to be the Montessori teacher at TA this year! To prepare for my transition, I took an online Montessori Fun damentals class this summer. I met, via Zoom, with a group of teachers from all over the country and Canada. We spent nine weeks reading, exploring, and learning all of the ins and outs of the Montessori method and materials. It was a fantastic oppor tunity to not only learn more about Montessori techniques but also connect with other teachers. We were able to share stories and learn from one another. As a teacher I never stop learning!

Written by: Mary Madge Crawford

Gerhard Fischer, director of the Center for Lifelong Learning and Design (L3D) at the University of Colorado, Boulder says “Lifelong learning is an es sential challenge for inventing the future of our societies; it is a necessity rather than a luxury to be considered … It is a mindset and a habit for people to acquire.”

Tuscaloosa Academy ages, which is why continuing the educa tion of all of our faculty is very important to the school. TA of fers opportunities for teachers to attend workshops, conferences, and take special classes, to help them stay up to date on the lat est trends in their field of study. Mrs. Rosalind Holloman, who taught at TA in the 1980’s, and was one of the first computer teachers at the school, sponsors a yearly stipend for continuing faculty education through the James and Rosalind Cain Fellow ship. Rosalind and her late husband James Cain knew the im portance of teachers getting continuing education in their field. In addition, the TA Board of Trustees showed their support of the teachers by purchasing a NewLine Panel for every Lower School homeroom teacher. These giant, state of the art, interac tive panels replaced their outdated SmartBoards. The panels are computers in themselves and are going to allow teachers and stu dents to broaden their horizons like never before! The teachers have had some professional development training on them and will continue to train throughout the year. Many lower school teachers used the summer of 2021 to contin ue their education in a variety of ways.

Kelly Barr, Montessori Teacher

Louise Gambrell, Third Grade Teacher

This summer we went to the Alabama Educational Technology Conference in Mobile. We attended sessions about using tech nology in our classrooms. We learned about choice boards, flip grids, and how to use origami in the classroom. The Minecraft app is a super way to engage kids using problem solving tech niques. We took google earth scavenger hunts and learned how to be “citizen scientists”. We are excited to share what we learned with our students!

This summer I took a professional development course called Responsive Classroom. This was a weeklong course that spe cialized in building relationships with your students in order to have a strong cooperative classroom. The three main things we worked on daily were morning meeting, quiet time, and teach er language. The Responsive Classroom is all about making the students feel welcome, loved, seen, and heard daily. I learned so much in one week and am excited about having my class become a Responsive Classroom.

Lower School Highlights and Preschool

Teaching today looks nothing like it did twenty, or even just ten, years ago. Like technology, the field of education evolves so fast that techniques, skills and technologies become obsolete within a decade. That is why being a lifelong learner plays an important role in the educational process. It helps educators incorporate new tools and strategies into the learning process to boost their students’ learning and development.

172020-2021

Tuscaloosa Academy celebrates a ten year partnership with Mer cedes-Benz and German expatriate families living in West Al abama. Each year, students ranging from age 3 to 18 join our school community, immersed in the daily life of TA academics, sports, and community life. Roughly fifteen percent of our stu dent body is composed of international families who come to Alabama from a myriad of towns throughout Germany, or from expat experiences in South Africa or China or other nations. In many ways, their lives as students here at TA look no different from those of their American friends. However, their experience is quite distinct because many of these students are learning in their second, or third language!

18 2020-2021 TA FAMILY

Family Hieber - From Germany toTuscaloosa

Even more important than the academic experi ence is the cultural exchange that takes place through friend ships that last long beyond their time at TA. Shared cultural events, sports, and the arts are key elements of this rich partner ship. Pictured here is the school-wide celebration of the first day of school through the German sugar cone or Schultüte tradition. Typically a tradition with just the first grade, this year in honor of this important anniversary, we extended the tradition to the entire school. We will continue our celebration throughout the fall semester and we invite the greater TA and Tuscaloosa com munity to join us with many special German heritage events. Be on the lookout for Oktober Fest at the October 8 home football game, the International Tent at Punkin’ Knight, the annual Lan tern Festival in November, and a celebratory Christmas Market before the winter holidays!

Celebrating 10 Years

Spotlight on New German Families

Pauline Ostermann, grade 6, describes her school in South Af rica, as she reflects on the cultural differences than TA. Stirling School in East London, South Africa has 2000 students in it, and the students are required to wear uniforms four days a week. While her learning was mainly in English, the second and third languages taught and spoken there were Afrikaans and Xhosa. She describes the mixing of these cultures in her school each day as very interesting. The school has a strong emphasis on tradi tion, and rugby is the most important sport. South Africa itself is a country rich in tradition, geographical and cul tural diversity, and remarkable wildlife. She is enjoying her time at Tuscaloosa Academy so far!

Family Ostermann - From Germany to South Africa toTuscaloosa

Written by: Brooke Peterson

of partnership with our German Friends at MercedezTBenz USA

Elena Hieber started grade 10 at TA this year. She explains the differences be tween her school in Germany and her experience at TA, in her own words: So far I have had a great experience at TA. However, it’s a big change to what I’m used to. I am used to going to a public school which was a lot larger than TA. Addi tionally, I am not used to being in school till 3:15 everyday. Nevertheless, I like the teachers at TA, and I admire that all of them decorate their rooms all differently the way they want to. It makes the atmosphere comfortable and welcoming. Moreover, teachers want to help students if they struggle and they like to chat with every student. The school spirit at TA is great and it’s always fun to support our sports teams. I have the great opportunity to play in the volleyball team. There are a lot of tournaments, trainings and game days which I really enjoy. I made it to the team and all of the members gave me a warm wel come. A great opportunity for me at TA is that I get to work with a MacBook. I love it! In my opinion, it’s an amazing advantage to improve my computer skills and it helps me study as well as being organized.

In order to be prepared for their return to the Ger man education system, they also receive daily lessons in their mother-tongue from our German native teachers, Mrs. Karen Kneer and Mrs. Alina Hutson. Karen has been an integral part of educating German students in Tuscaloosa since the early days of MBUSI, running the former German supplemental pro gram once a week in the late 1990s. French teacher Mr. Ryan Meyer von Bremen keeps pace with the French lessons in Baden-Wurtemberg, and Mrs. Sarah Riches runs a robust En glish support program. However, this special academic support is just one im portant aspect of this partnership.

192020-2021

While not her first time living abroad, this was her first experi ence studying as a student immersed in the school community. Lena reflects back on her high school journey, saying “To see the differences and more importantly similarities in cultures was fas cinating to me. This was only amplified when I moved to Beijing and attended an international school where the student body was a melting pot of nationalities, backgrounds, and perspectives.”

A stack of sugar cones ready to be handed out on the first day of school.

From Germany to Tuscaloosa to Beijing to Hamilton College in New York

Spotlight on an Alumnae, Lena Klink -

Lena reflects on her years at Tuscaloosa Academy as a founda tional time in her life where she became fascinated with the of ten minor but sometimes massive differences between cultures.

The decision to return to The United States in order to major in International Relations with a potential double major or minor in economics or history was the natural result of Lena’s studies in Tuscaloosa and Beijing. She shares that “I chose Hamilton be cause I wanted the true liberal arts experience: a focus on un dergraduate education, engaging with professors in small classes with a focus on learning rather than getting lost in enormous lec ture halls listening to teacher assistants, and a smaller, tight-knit community. Furthermore, its beautiful campus and upstate NY location and prestige played somewhat of a role in my decision.”

A German native who has now studied in three continents, Lena now finds herself drawn to the global experience. After leaving Tuscaloosa Academy, the Klink family relocated to Beijing, Chi na, where Lena enrolled in an International Baccalaureate diplo ma program. Currently, she attends Hamilton College, a small liberal arts college in upstate New York.

Above Left: Pauline Osterman and a friend at Stirling School in East London, South Africa. Above Right: Elena Hieber visiting the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Kindergarten students at the Lantern Festival. Lena Klink on campus at Hamilton College.

Lena attended Tuscaloosa Academy from 2016 until December of 2018, from the start of grade 8 through the middle of grade 10.

Written by: Sara-Margaret Cates

TA PERFORMINGLIFE ARTS

Mrs. Cates has been elected to serve the Alabama Con ference of Theatre as the District 2 Chair for the Second ary TicketsDivision.forall of our departmental events can be pur chased at taplayers.booktix.com

The award-winning Tuscaloosa Academy Performing Arts department is ready for another exciting school year! COVID-19 has impacted all of us in so many ways, and the performing arts are no exception. With the joyous return to in-person learning, we were still learning what would be the safest practices for going forward with public performances of our theatre and music programs. The arts, however, have always been adaptable. Theatre has survived plagues, persecutions, and natural disasters through out it’s thousands of years, so it comes as no surprise that we fully embraced the saying, “the show must go on!” The TA Players were thrilled to adapt and grow through the pandem ic, taking our fall play, William Shakespeare’s classic, Romeo & Juliet from our traditional location (the historic Bama Theatre) to a much more historically accurate outdoor perfor mance on the TA Football field.

Romeo, Romeo!

With direction by Mrs. Sara-Margaret Cates and fight cho reography by Ms. Mary Ruth Pruitt, our upper school cast brought this beautifully tragic story to life for our audiences. Additionally, our middle school students presented Romeo & Juliet’s Restaurant Wars - a spoof on the classic that brought some much-needed levity to the evening. In a time when we were not sure what would happen, the TA Players rose to many complicated challenges. Three students participated in a vertical version of our regular theatre com petition in the fall. Our middle school class produced it’s own one-act play in the spring, and our TA Players’ spring play, The Complete History of Theatre (Abridged) was a raucous Johnsuccess.Steinbeck

once said “the theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has not succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive.” The students and volunteers of the Tuscaloosa Academy Theatre department have proven their toughness and devotion in this past year, and we are thrilled as we look forward to the 2021-2022 season. We will return to the historic Bama Theatre for our fall play, Alice in Wonderland on October 9 and 10. Additionally, our upper school students return to in-person theatre compe titions in the fall and spring. Theatre classes (yes! Multiple classes!) have record numbers of students, and the ever-popu lar Pancake Breakfast made a comeback this year in Septem ber.

22 2020-2021 TA VISUALLIFE ARTS

This year, we will participate in three art shows : the school-wide TA art show, the AISA district show and the AISA State show. I look forward to having many students work on display at the shows in April. I am looking forward to an amazing year in the TA art depart ment!

Art!

We all know this past year was a doozy. Teachers had to be flexible with how they taught, both digitally and in per son. Students had to balance their social lives, studies and COVID guidelines, all while still trying to have a “normal” school year. I wanted art to be an outlet for them to express how they felt, to learn about artists and to develop their art skills. During the school year, students participated in art classes both digitally and in person. I hosted my first art show at TA, a dis trict wide art show in the TA gym, and went to the AISA art show in Montgomery, AL. Ms. Pruitt’s AP art students partici pated and moved on to the AISA State show. Students in lower school learned about famous artists, we had the “What should Ms. Hocutt be for Halloween?” costume contest, paper mâché projects and more! In middle school, students learned and re viewed the 7 elements of art and how to implement them into their projects. These are important building blocks if they want to continue to study art in high school and beyond. I have enjoyed teaching art at TA for the last 4 years. I believe art is such an important subject because it is a window to the past and a projection of the future. I feel like students need to under stand that they are all artists in their own way. If that is through computer coding, fashion design, architecture, culinary arts or theatre. I am here to help guide them to understand how they can use their creativity in their own lives and in their own way.

Written by: Jessie Hocutt

232020-2021

Upper School A different daily schedule and Covid restrictions did not slow down the successes of students in Upper School computer sci ence and technology classes! Students were busy in class and Rene McNeal utilizing her faculty iPad, New Line Panel, and Zoom to instruct a student virtually.

Below: Middle School Design class with Mrs. Henderson entered the 2021 Tallest Paper Tower Challenge. Pictured here are Kennedy Duffy, Sarah Davis Roe, Brilyn Hollyhand, Sarah Miller, Jack Smith, Sara Borrmann, Kaleb Colgrove, Maggie Warren, Maggie Rose Cobern, Anna Claire Proctor, and Ella Money.

Last year was a special year where some of our extra curricular activities were sacrificed in order to keep everyone healthy and safe so there was an alteration to the usual after school Won der League Robotics team. An abbreviated version of what the team would do during their after school meetings was incorpo rated into the 4th Grade’s Computer Science curriculum during the first quarter of the school year. This coming year, we will be bringing it back in full force and look forward to seeing what they can do and how far they will go with it.

Lower School

Dawn Jolly, MS Technology Instructor, explaining how to build a robot to a middle school student.

24 2020-2021 TA TECHNOLOGYLIFE

The new Edison robots were a crowd favorite; especially when programmed to play soccer and flashlight tag!

John William Duffy and Michael Constantine (8th graders) participated in University of Alabama’s inaugural STEM Showcase and placed first in the engineering category with their Comfort bot! Tus caloosa Academy had three teams that competed in CoderZ’s virtual robotics competition. Each team placed in the top 5 in the Southeast division. 5th and 6th grade students created a va riety of projects in Digital Arts class, some unplugged and some even coincided with art projects completed for Ms. Hocutt! 7th and 8th grade students enjoyed using Microsoft Suite products to create wanted posters for some popular items during Covid. They also participated in virtual tours of Amazon warehous es and programmed Hercules, Amazon’s robot, and help fulfil some of Amazon’s orders in a virtual simulation game! We are looking forward to an exciting 2021-2022 year with new LEGO Spike robots and our first ever team in the First LEGO League competition!

Middle School Covid might have limited many activities, but Middle School still managed to enjoy several activities in and out of the classroom.

Above: Lower School students working with robots, coding, and 3D printing.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Our newly renovated room brought about some changes in our technology curriculum. More STEM activities were incorporat ed and the computer science curriculum was broadened to in clude more activities that were offline and off the devices.

In December, students in all grades were invited to participate in “CS in Education” week. Members of computer science classes and the CS Honor Society prepared coding pathways that were placed outside of the Preschool and LS classrooms. Students were invited to follow the codes to move from the starting point to the ending point. Other students participated in online “Hour of Code” Congratulationsactivities.to the TA_GoldenKnights US programming team for placing 4th in the Team Programming Challenge Ala bama 50 sponsored by the AL Consortium for Technology in Ed ucation. The challenge consisted of 20 computer programming problems that were worth varying numbers of points. Students worked as a team to write and submit programs to earn points.

Twenty two teams of various grade levels competed. TA was rep resented by Dawson Bielstein, Lane Marshall, JB McAllister, and Haven Thompson.

Tammi Schiering using her New Line Board during a computer science class.

were offered additional opportunities to enter competitions and Studentscontests. in the Computer Science I classes used their skills to enter uplifting messages on digital Valentine’s Day cards for children’s hospitals throughout the nation. Students sent over 1,000 cards that would be printed and distributed to children. They also participated in digital research projects on a variety of topics. Students could choose from categories such as science, history, art, literature, and the social sciences. Within each cate gory, students chose an ongoing research project that was asking for help from the public. Some students watched webcams and identified animal species. Some students studied space and iden tified variable stars. Other students helped translate immigration records from German to English. They learned the importance of digital volunteers and got a glimpse into research projects from around the world. The CyberKnights cyberse curity team did not get to participate in the ever-pop ular CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions. However, they did participate in the online cybersecurity training offered by Cyberstart America. There were over 200 cyber questions and scenarios of varying dif ficulty. The TA CyberKnights earned a Bronze badge for their knowledge.

A new contest last year was the Be Entrepreneurial Idea Com petition sponsored by UAH. Teams of students from across the state could submit ideas and business plans for review by professionals and investors.

252020-2021

Sara Chase McMullen and Brennan Young showcased their idea of an innovative, technology-based way of helping to keep kids safe while playing outside. Their team won 3rd place and they re ceived cash and other prizes. Haven Thompson placed 5th with an app idea to improve relationships between renters and land lords. All of the students gained valuable experience in commu nication and interview skills. All of the technology department is excited to see our program grow and adapt to new challenges and new innovations that will ultimately make our students more prepared for a future built around technology.

The AP Computer Science Principles students enjoyed “zoom ing” with TA alumni who shared their experiences at TA and how they now use technology in their careers. Christian Magadan, Class of 2009; works as a virtual effects artist at Crank Yankers. He showed students some of the software used in production and explained how important collaboration has become in the movie industry. Allison Boyd, Class of 2008; shared her work as an actress and writer in Los Angeles. Our zoom with Allison also included Zac Garred, the Australian actor (currently in Oc cupation Rainfall). Zac showed students some behind the scenes views and special effects used in the movies.

Two teams from TA entered and both teams advanced to the final round! Teams presented their plans virtually via Zoom.

Above: Christian Magaden on Zoom. Below: Allison Boyd and Zac Garred discussing the use of technology in the entertainment industry,. Sara Chase McMullen and Brennan Young with their award.

Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Scheiring sporting their Eports Team Shirts.

We had two Varsity state championships in Boys Soccer and Boys Tennis, as well as three JV state championships in Girls Track, Cross Country and Basketball! Not to mention, Varsity Girls Tennis , Varsity Girls Cross Country, and Varsity Boys Basketball were all the state runners-up in their sport, and our Varisty Girls Basketball made it to the Final Four!

26 2020-2021 TA ATHLETICS Winning at the

The Alabama Sports Writer’s Association listed their First Team All-State and Second Team All-State. Phillip Lancaster made the First Team. Whitt Winfield and Jordan Evans made the AISA Boys Tennis State Champions.

The 2020-2021 season saw an incredible amount of success!

Tuscaloosa Academy had 15 students to be named AISA West All-Stars: Lauren Richmond - Basketball; Bo AbstonFootball, Soccer, and Basketball; Mitch Piper - Basketball; Sam Rowley - Basketball and Baseball; Emma Fulgham - Volleyball; Houston Evans, Wilson King, Jordan Evans and Jack Standeffer - Baseball; Carson Claytor, Oli Kneer, Davis Zwick, Lucy Bonhaus, Ava Mills, and Morgan Smith - Soccer. Bo Abston also achieved the AISA’s Most Outstanding Offensive Back of the Year. In addition, the AISA named Patton Miller, Lane Marshall, Maria Sealy and Natalie Sanders as 2020 Student Athletes.

AISA Boys Soccer Champions

AISA JV Girls Track Champions.

Over the course of the year, several of our student athletes were named Player of the Week by the Tuscaloosa News based on votes from the community. Anna Christian Beeker for Golf, Jack Standeffer and Wilson King for Baseball, Ava Mills for Soccer, Taylor Wright for Tennis, and Katelyn Seale for Softball. Oli Kneer was named the Overall Spring Sports MVP. The Tuscaloosa News also announced their All West Alabama Football players. Three TA athletes made the list and three athletes were Honorable Mentions. Jordan Evans, Phillip Lancaser and Whitt Winfield made the top honor, and Bo Abston, Jack Standeffer and Luke Kilgore were Honorable Mentions. In basketball, Willesha Lang and Sam Rowley were selected for the Super 5 All-Area Team and Hill Warr and Walker McKee were named as Second Team Honorable Mentions. Our own Coach Barry Sanderson was named the Basketball Coach of the Year!

Our athletic facilities saw several upgrades last year, thanks to Annual Fund contributions and also TAKS donations!

AISA JV Girls Basketball Champions

Todd Bradford, Preston Lancaster, Tyler McNeal, Alex Pereyda, Ford Hinton, and William Mullin. Sam Rowley scored his 1,000th point during the 2020-21 basketball season

Upgrades include: a refinished gymnasium floor, a new fence and windscreen installation on the baseball fields, Field House renovations, and a long overdue makeover to the weight room.

Bo Abston wins Most Outstanding Offensive Back Award in the AISA AllStar football game.

Second Team. We had one senior, Houston Evans, sign with Florida State University to play baseball.

AISA JV Girls Cross Country Champions.

Overall, TA Athletics had an outstanding year across all sports and this year is looking even brighter. We hope to bring back competitive powerlifting in the Spring, a sport that we have achieved great success with in the past. Our Varsity Volleyball and Football teams are top-ranked in the AISA, our strong coaching staff is dedicated to seeing our student-athletes succeed on the highest level, our parent volunteers tirelessly give of their time and resources, and our students are excited about showing the community who we are as a school.

272020-2021 the highest Level

New coaches: Alex Jackson, Hunter Stockton, Josh Wright, Jonathan Kress, Kyle Fuller, and Mike Rodriguez-Trainer. Not pictured: Todd Jones and Kevin Boswell (softball).

A focus on STEM concepts has become important too. Critical thinking, problem solving, and math skills are important in many games. Working to gether as a team is emphasized. The TA esports team competes as a member of the High School Esports League (HSEL). https:// www.highschoolesportsleague.com. We chose this league because the game choices appeal to a broader group of our students. HSEL runs com petitive esports throughout the year. They also offer opportunities for students to compete to earn scholarships and compete at other competitions. Esports team members are responsible for using their own computer or gaming console. Depend ing on Covid protocols, gaming may occur at school (in the renovated space that is home to our new gaming chairs!) or at home. One of the team’s goals is to get some gaming equipment so that JB McAllister, Birdie Sun, Mary Baxter Hartzell, and Mary Collier Pope gam ing in the new Upper School workroom.

TA Team onstage to play Smash Ultimate at Dreamhack.

Schools are beginning to see positive effects because of offering Esports. Gaming curriculums are being developed and often include material on healthy gaming such as eating right, taking breaks away from a computer or gaming console, getting enough sleep, and getting exercise.

“Esportssportsmanship.isaboutmore than just playing games –it can be used to help students grow their STEM interests and develop valuable life skills. Delane Parnell – Founder and CEO at PlayVS” stemtropolis.com/benefits-of-esports-in-schools/)(https://

If you don’t know much about Esports, you might want to jump on the bandwagon! Esports is short for “electronic sports” and is a form of competitive video gaming. They can be engaging to students who are not interested in, do not wish to play, or in some cases; cannot play a traditional sport. Esports embrace the team concept and require discipline, self-control, communication skills, and good

TA Esports Team preparing for the DreamHack Competition.

Mrs. Scheiring created a video explaining why the team needed gaming chairs. The video was chosen as one of 12 from submissions across the nation. Team members helped unload the truck and assemble the new chairs. These chairs are now in the new esports room and will be enjoyed by team members and other students. Team members participated in a fund-raising tournament for the American Heart Association. This offered a chance for students to create graphic overlays for Twitch, learn to live stream matches, and experience the stress of announcing a game play-by-play during a live stream. An overall amazing opportunity for students to develop lead ership skills and learn and grow as individuals and as a team member. In addition to growing closer as a team, competi tors found mentors in players from The University of Ala bama and formed friendships with players from schools across the nation. Tuscalo osa Academy now has three alumni playing esports at the college Esportslevel!areinclusive and coed. Students in grades 9 – 12 are eligible to join and form teams with their friends. Se niors are captains and are wel coming to everyone and would love to answer any questions! Go Knights!

more students are able to participate.

Mason Friend, Camdyn Cobern, and Haven Thompson being interviewed by the Tuscaloosa News.

Added excitement in the fall semester was the arrival of over a dozen RESPAWN gaming chairs!

The TA Esports teams had an incredible run during the 2020 – 2021 school year! TA sponsored teams in Rainbow Six: Siege, Madden 21, Mine craft: Survival Games, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Several of our teams were nationally ranked most of the year. The biggest success was the Rainbow Six Siege team. This group of skilled players finished 3rd in the nation in the Fall Major and 4th in the nation in the Spring Major! This was against over 200 teams from schools across the nation! A huge accomplishment for any team! This team earned TA our first ever esports trophy!

Opportunities to volunteer range from events that are once a year, to once a quarter, or monthly; anything you do will be appreciated not only by TAPA, but your child will love that you are at their school helping (even the older ones that might not act like it…ha!).

Hello Tuscaloosa Academy Family!

TAPA also provides Parent Education Seminars, operates the Knights Armour School Store, and contributes funds for school improvement projects each year to the Annual Fund.TAPA is in its sixth year and every year we strive to grow and improve. COVID brought many challenges and changes last year, but it also brought us many new students and TA families and as we move forward, we want to find ways to include/involve all of you and show you what TAPA is all about. 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.

My name is Leigh Hollyhand and I am honored to once again serve as Tuscaloosa Academy Parent Association (TAPA) President. I have two students at TA: Brilyn (9th Grade) and Ainslee (7th). My family has been at TA for five years and during that time we have gotten to experience the Lower and Middle Schools and this upcoming school year will begin the jour ney of Upper School. We have loved being at TA and am thankful for the supportive faculty, extracurricular activities/sports, and opportunities to be involved in the school. The role of TAPA is to assist and support the faculty and students of TA. It is through our par ent volunteers that TAPA can host events such as Punkin’ Knight in the Fall and Bake Sale in the Spring, host teacher luncheons, 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.

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 tapa@tuscaloosaacademy.org.

Looking forward to a won Leigh TAPAHollyhandPresident

Follow TA Athletics by downloading the Pure Game Sports Network App in the App Store or Google Play, and follow Tuscaloosa Academy to keep up with scores, player stats and more.

TAKS is the support group for all student-athletes at Tuscaloosa Academy. We are supported by parents, companies and friends with our annual TAKS Athletic Program, Sponsorships and Concession Stand revenues. These funds provide the resources that our teams and studentathletes need to remain competitive as we annually fund equipment upgrades/replacement and athletic facility improvements. A large portion of TA students are active participants in a variety of sports programs. TAKS supports all sports at TA including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.

Ray Cole, President Justin Smith, Vice President – Finance Emily Norris, Vice President – Concessions

Danielle McInerney – Vice President – Athletic Program

Armour is the school store for Tuscaloosa Academy. Our mission is to provide affordable and functional TA merchandise that you enjoy and allows you to support TA. The Knights Armour is funded by the Tuscaloosa Academy Parents’ Association (TAPA). All proceeds made by the store, allows TAPA to fund their many projects/events such as meals and snacks for the faculty, Dine with the Dean for Lower School and Student of the Quarter for Middle and Upper School, as well as many more activities.

312020-2021

Instagram – taknightsathletics • Twitter - @TA_Athletics • Facebook - @TuscaloosaAcademyAthletic Go

TAKSKnights!EXECUTIVE

BOARD, 2021-2022

TAKS appreciates all of our volunteers and welcomes anyone that is interested in volunteering. We also are thankful for all who have shared their financial resources. This involvement and dedication helps maintain our athletic program among the best in Alabama. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact a TAKS representative or leave a message with the TA office.

Also, follow TA Athletics on these social media options:

If you have ideas of items that you would like to see offered in the Knights Armour, let us know. We are always looking for ways to make your TA experience more enjoyable whether it is by providing you with your favorite, comfy t-shirt/sweatshirt, a hat/visor to wear while playing golf/tennis, a tumbler to use by the pool, a stadium seat to use at the game, an umbrella for when it rains…whatever the need, the Knights Armour has got you covered.

The TA Knights Armour is located at the football pavilion. During store hours, it is open for walkin shopping and curbside pick-up for online orders. Be sure you follow the TA Knights Armour on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to keep up with new merchandise, “last call” for when there is only one item left of something, clearance and pop-up sales, pre-orders, and more.

Leigh Hollyhand - TA Knights Armour Chair

Phone: 205-799-2428

E-mail: *WeWebsite:taknightsarmour@tuscaloosaacademy.orgwww.taknightsarmour.comacceptcreditcards,cash,check,andVenmo

Leigh Ann Money - SecretaryTAKnights

32 2020-2021

332020-2021

34 2020-2021 Vivian Conger Class of 2034 Scottie Godwin Class of 2034 Bo ClassHamnerof2026 BebeClassHuffakerof2021 Geoffrey Love Class of 2024 JB ClassMcAllisterof2022 Sara Chase McMullen Class of 2023 Dakota McAbee Class of 2021 Jordan McAbee Class of 2023 Leroy McAbee Class of 2025 Ellen Sadler Class of 2023 Margaret Sadler Class of 2025 Natalie Sanders Class of 2021 HarryClassShumakerof2033 Emma Grace Sims Class of 2021 JackClassStandefferof2022 Picture This! Children of TA Alumni Leon Sadler Class of 2023 Landry Carlson Class of 2034 Henry Conger Class of 2035 Hunter Cork Class of 2033 Margot Bay Crawford Class of 2035 Elizabeth Field Class of 2035 HughClassUnderwoodof2028

352020-2021 Holman Bearden Class of 2025 William Blakeney Class of 2035 Briggs Booth Class of 2034 Gracie Brooks Class of 2026 Reese Brooks Class of 2023 Spence Burchfield Class of 2024 Campbell Hamner Class of 2022 Ford Hinton Class of 2024 Arey Howell Class of 2028 Hinton Howell Class of 2029 Banks Hudson Class of 2030 Beckham Hudson Class of 2033 Brooklyn Hudson Class of 2028 Ellen Norris Class of 2025 Marion Norris Class of 2023 Mark Norris Class of 2027 Asher Phillips Class of 2033 Porter Phillips Class of 2030 Adam Powell Class of 2024 Hill Warr Class of 2023 Macon Warr Class of 2022 Jackson Wright Class of 2033 Tootsie Burchfield Class of 2026 John Carlson Class of Hudson2034PowellClassof2026William Pearce Class of ClassEthan2033Wilkinof2032Jacob Wilkin Class of 2030 Audrey Wright Class of 2034

Abbie Burroughs Reed 1979 Graduated Highlands College with a certificate of Ministry Leaderships, with a focus on Outreach. She is emplyed by ACE Cheer Company marketing and administration.

Julia Burchfield Phifer

Turner Woods Cargile 2008 James Wales Cargile born August 3, 2021 to Turner & Cody Cargile. Turner is the Director of LIFEE program at Arts n Autism in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Kendall McGiffert Hagood

Meredith Hocutt Wright 2004 JMeredith Hocutt Wright (class of 2004) and her husband Jody welcomed their 3rd child, Landon Leigh to the family on April 23, 2021. Thomas (5) and Wellesley (3) are very excited to have a baby sister.

2005 Kendall and Harris Hagood welcomed Betty Louise Hagood in to the world at 12:57 pm on July 12, 2021! We could not be more smitten with our 10lb little angel.

1982 Ken retired from internal medical practice after 30 years. His family celebrated with an extended RV vacation out west.

Emily Robarbs Minner 2001 We welcomed Clark Henry Minner to our family on September 2nd. He joins Grace (5) and James (2.5). We live in Lexington, KY.

2007 Julia recently accepted the position as Director of Admissions at TA. She is married to William Phifer and have two children, Ruth (2) and William (5 months).

Tyler Reed 2007 Tyler successfully defended his dissertation in Spring 2021 and will receive his doctorate in Education from Arknsas Tech University in May 2021. Also, he was recently hired as the principal of Beene Junior High in Beebe, AK..

36 2020-2021 TA ALUMNI

Biily Godoy 1996 Recently moved to a new home in Washington, D.C. In his third year as Director of Federal Affairs for General Motors.

PonderKenneth

Shanliegh Smith Walton 2004 Shanleigh is approaching 6 years as Special Projects Manager with Vaco in Memphis, TN.

Will Curtis 1995 Just started his 17th year as the Athletic Director of Vanguard College Preperatory School in Waco, TX. His twin sons, Caleb and WIll, are about to turn nine years old.

Jessie Hocutt 2008 Starting her 5th year teaching art at TA. Currently teaching preschool, lower school and middle school art. Recently got engaged to Sayres Harbin (‘08).

372020-2021

Kevin McNeal 2020 Kevin started at Clemson University in the Spring of 2021. He is majoring in Education(Science & Math Path/Middle Grades) and minoring in Modern Languages(Spanish) He is a member of the Clemson Tigers Football Team.

Megan Rykaczewski 2011 Engaged to Srikant Das and planning a wedding in Little Rock, AK on December 11th, 2021.

Ashley Williams Shirley and Tyler Shirley 2008 Ashley Williams Shirley and Tyler Shirley eloped on July 11, 2021 in the Bahamas surrounded by their immediate families. The bride and groom exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean in Great Exuma’s Moriah Cay National Park after being chauffeured by boat. Tyler received his associates degree from Shelton State and is the Owner of Shirley Fabrication, LLC. Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences for Advertising with minors in Business and Art with a specialization in Graphic Design from The University of Alabama and is a Sales Representative for RFMS, Inc. The couple will reside in Tuscaloosa, AL..

Claire Smelser Harrison 2012 Claire is employed with Ryan Law, LLC in Tuscaloosa, AL where she is enjoying her second year of practicing law. Claire focuses her practice in civil defense litigation, working primarily in Education Law, Employment Law, and Samll Business Litigation. She and her husband, John David, are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first child due in Spetember 2021.

Hillary Strickland Van Heyst 2009 Married Warren Van Heyst on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the Church of Bethsesda by-theSea in Palm Beach, FL. She is now working at Apple as an Engineering Program Manager in Artificial Intelligence.

Trey Hudson and Lele Goldsmith

Thank you to each alumni who contributed to this year’s magazine. We love hearing the great things our alumni are accomplishing professionally and Bepersonally.sureto join our Facebook group Tuscaloosa Academy Alumni to stay up to date with all things TA! You can reach us by alumni@tuscaloosaacademy.orgemailing

Emma Caroline Warren 2013 Since being on The Voice, Emma Caroline has recorded and released her first single, titled “Lie”, since living in Nashville. She sings at all types of venues around Nashville and has appeared in various publications nationwide. Emma Caroline continues to write her own music and is currently in the studio working on more new songs that will be released soon.

2017 / 2018 Trey Graduated TCU this spring with a double major in entrepreneurship and management. and is now working in a sales role for Graphic Packaging International in Memphis, TN. Lele Goldsmith and Trey are TA highschool sweethearts and are now engaged to be married on June 4, 2022!

New security system for TA which includes electronic door locks with cameras and “buzz in” capabilities

Playground drainage Security camera installation at the athletic fields Maintenance Fund replenishment

Tuition and fees pay for the day to day operations of the school while the Annual Fund is used solely for enhancements to our school campus. The Board of Trustees works closely with the Administration to determine what our priority projects are and to maximize the value of every dollar raised to benefit our students' academic success and well being With your help, we will continue the tremendous momentum that is positioning TA among the South's premier private college preparatory schools.

Sewer drainage repair

Campus

Creation of a Counselor’s office and reception area along with new furniture New exterior signage and landscaping

New fencing around both playgrounds with the help of additional donations from The Women’s Auxiliary and the New Fence Campaign

Purchase of new desks for the Upper School Purchase of new technology in the form of portable computers and carts for use in the Fifth and Sixth Grade classrooms

IPAD additions to allow one to one distribution ratio in the Lower School Lunchroom renovation and implementation of a computerized point of sale system

New Lower School patio

Upper School classroom upgrades

Fund Efforts New traffic signs campus wide Additional security cameras in the parking lot Maintenance Fund replenishment 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

Renovation of basketball and PE locker rooms

The TA Annual Fund is the school’s top fundraising priority It is our goal to keep tuition as low as possible to operate our school in a fiscally responsible manner

2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 2017

Exterior painting and clean up

Sidewalk enhancements

Completion of the new concession stand at the football field Maintenance Reserve: A Maintenance Reserve Account was created for continued upgrades for the school IPAD carts for the Lower School New Library and Reading Center (The Candy N Hocutt Reading Center) for the Lower and Middle School New Upper School Media Center

Upper School roof repair

New landscaping and irrigation system added along the entrance road School wide Wi Fi upgrades to support the use of electronic devices within the school

Thank you for being a part of the legacy that is TA's signature strength. Your support is deeply appreciated. Improvements Made by Annual School

area and Drama room New Upper School Technology Lab New Upper School Science Labs & Classrooms New Athletic Bleachers Front Office Renovation New Preschool classrooms and Lower School commons Lower and Middle School iLab Automatic front gate New Baseball fence including new logo windscreen Refinishing of the basketball court Exterior painting New weight room floor New school storage room New phone system Modernizing / updating the Lower School Renovating the Varsity Field House Replace the roof in the Upper School Schoolwide technology upgrades Office updates 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 ANNUAL AFUND NNUAL FUND • Modernizing and updating the Lower School • Renovating the Varsity Field House • Replacing the roof in the Upper School • Newline interactive panels installed in all Lower School classrooms • Lighting upgrades throughout the school • Office space updates • Construction of the Upper School dean’s office to reside within the Upper School • Renovation of the Upper School workroom/technology space

Creation of a Pre K Commons Room Pre K & Lower School classroom upgrades

38 2020-2021 TA ANNUAL FUND

Upper School restrooms repair

392020-2021 TA ANNUAL FUND

Mary George Howell

Susan & David Holmes

Karri

&

Amanda Jarvis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Johnson In Honor of Saylor Grace Williams Loventrices Jones In Honor of Jaelon & Mikenzie Dr. & Mrs. Charles King In Honor of William Numnum Karen Kneer Paige & Mark Lancaster Takeisha & Willie Lang Charles Lao Ginger & Geoffrey Love

Amber & Curtis Stell Brandon Stephens & Michael Warr Wickenden Associates, Inc. Munter & Charles Wyatt In Honor of Walker McKee Tally & Brian Young Squires ($500 +)

Lauren Lovely J. William McFarland, Jr. (‘98) In Memory of Coach Don McDaniel

The Miller Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Janet & Jim Corder

Danielle McInerney

& Quinton

Jean Minges Amy Adams Mullin Beth & Bryan Oliver Jeanna & Rodney Pilot In Honor of the Lower School Blair & Bobby Plott Holly & Ben Ramey In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey Shelley (‘93) & John Thetford Adrianne & Kevin Thompson Kelly & Ben (‘99) Wilkin In Honor of Jacob & Ethan Wilkin Kelly & David Verzino Knights ($1,000 +)

James Chad Jordan Holley Richard Kim & Bryan King In Honor of Paris & Preston King & Robert Kuhn Lowery Petra Gerald Lynch Larry Martin Honor of the Jack and Scott Kemp George McKee Mullin Nairemore Andy Oswalt Honor of Hallie Oswalt Enrique Pereyda (‘81) & Joe Perkins Honor of Win (‘09) & John (‘11) Perkins & Al Porter Honor of Cooper Warbington & Scott Richmond & Jim Roberts Carl Bielstein

Lars JameyDolling&Sparky Duffy Rose & Tyler Eads Sea Talantis & Mike Eddins

Julie & Brian Claytor

&

In Honor of Mitch Piper class of 2021

Olivia & James Bradford In Honor of Lower School faculty for their hard work in this Covid year

Pam

Kim &

Amy

In Honor of Henry Mills Smith Myra & Fred Downs

In Honor of Ellis & Amelia Hamiter Carter Crutchfield (‘07) Amanda & Les Fowler

In Honor of Harper Jo Downs

Leigh & Brian Hollyhand Angela & Clay (‘98) Hudson In Honor of Brooklyn, Banks & Beckham Hudson

Amy & Joe Shirley Lucy & Steve Sikes Gina & Mark Simpson Sharon & David Smith Teia & Luke (‘85) Standeffer Lindsey & Brandon Stough Amy & Greg Thompson In Memory of R.G. Tanner Haley & Brody Townsend Julie & Tommy Townsend Ellen & Stan Turnipseed Jenny & Hugh (‘95) Underwood Shaundra & Wade Warbington In Honor of Cooper Warbington Amy & Jason Williams In Honor of Ella Williams Valerie & Bill Wright Sword & Shield ($250 +) CharlyeAnonymousAnonymous&Bill Adams Micky CarlleyBeck&Chris Beeker Christi &

Johanna & Ray Cole Leigh & Lee Henderson

Cheri

Lindsey &

Patsy

Kara

In

In

Dr. Lauren & Mr. Scott Holmes

Mary

In

Julie & Walt Smith

Leroy McAbee Sr. In Honor of Dakota, Jordan & Leroy McAbee

Krista Brad Johnson Josh Johnson

Roland Pugh III

Mary Glynn & Kurt Colgrove Ana & Radu Constantine Mary & Steven Coppock In Honor of Garrison, Zane & Emerson

&

Jerry A. Fulmer In Honor of Lesley Price Hollie & Matt Glover

Harry Shumaker class of 2033 Shanna & Myron Pope

In Honor of Tyler James Gloria Gilpin In Honor of Anna Katherine & Addie Gilpin

Jenny & Jordan Plaster

Sibel & Ali Bilgic Beth & Tom Bonhaus

Wanda &

Charlotte

Alex O. Gatewood In Honor of Luke Gatewood & Jeff Gilbert

Philip

Allison & Cliff Rayburn

Coley & Doug Hanley

40 2020-2021

Jennifer &

Michelle &

Audra & Brandon Hartley

Laura & Grant (‘86) McAllister Adrienne & Chris McGee

Megan McGiffert, M.D. (‘97) Kim & Chason McMullen Leigh Ann Money Madge (‘95) & David Moore Wilson Moore (‘90) The Mount Family Stephanie & Richard Murphree Dr. & Mrs. John Nanfro In Honor of Zoey & Griffin Thompson Lindsey & Lucas Pate Davis Pearce (‘99) Niccole & Bill Poole Dr. & Mrs. Bradley Proctor In Honor of Brooks & Anna Claire Proctor Jill & Adrian Rowley Heather Sanders (‘89) Judy & Ford (‘73) Simpson Ann & David Sims In Honor of Graham, William & Reyn Sims Dr. & Mrs. Jack Smalley

Coppock Marianne & Salem David Maria & Josh Denney Mandi & Lee Drain In Honor of Rylie Drain Shelly & Richard Ellis Mary Katherine (‘79) & Rusty Gibson Carolyn & Pete Golding Kelly & Jason Greene Angela & Drew Hamiter Sage & John Taylor Hickman Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Hickman Mrs. Jean Hinton Will Hobson

Nina Schroeter & Daniel Henderson In Honor of Annmarie, Isaac & Ethan Henderson

Kristin & William (‘03) Blakeney Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brooks

LauraAnonymousBeth& Patrick Agee Missy & Tosh Atkins In Honor of Bennett & Matthew Atkins

In Honor of Eve & Reagan Barnette Elizabeth (‘92) & Jason Bearden

Sally LindsayHelms&Justin Hollingsworth Dr. & Mrs. W. Wesley Hollowell Holly & Mike James In Honor of Mary Baxter Hartzell & Madison

Cindy & Chuck Freeman

In

Jennifer & Alan Miller Holly & Hal Piper

Melinda

TA ANNUAL FUND Legacy ($100,000 +) Anonymous Founders Circle ($25,000 +) Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc.

Amy Matthews

Platinum ($10,000 +) Libby & Jimmy Hamner In Honor of Campbell & Bo Hamner Favor & Jimmy (‘78) Hinton Tara & Hinton (‘92) Howell Debra & Charlie Sealy Excalibur ($5,000 +) The Bayless Family Mary Louise & Reese (‘92) Brooks Mimi McFarland Cawood (‘01) In Memory of Helen G. Webster

Susan & Brad Cork

Lynda

Michelle

Karen LaurenBoykin&Todd Bradford James Brazil, Jr. (‘87) Audrey & Grant Buck Frankie Burton

In Honor

Jennifer & Chris Barnette

Jill &

Rhonda & John

George R. Richmond Dr. & Mrs. Randy Ross In Honor of Taylor, Connor & Ross Rayburn

Jamie & Charles Mentel

In Honor of Taylor, Connor & Ross Rayburn

Mike Mr.JordanMcInerney&JerodPilot&Mrs.Jonathan R. Poe Round Table ($2,500 +) Jennifer & Brandon Agee Noel & Robert Amason

Leigh & Tyler Davis Suzie & Jimmy Duncan Kim & David Hudson

Stephanie Bale

Amy & Justin Smith Candace Sutton Ashton (‘11) & Charlie Taylor

&

Nikki & Byron Abston Preston & Charlie Adair

Mary Madge Crawford

Michele & Frank Buffington ST Bunn In Honor of Jesse Bunn Beth & Spencer (‘78) Burchfield Lynette & Jason Coker

Catherine Louis Lucas Marshall

Allison

Kenneth

In Honor of McKinley Shirley Sibylle & Markus Mes Stacey Messina Sarah & Ryan Meyer von Bremen Cindy & Gene Mims In Honor of Sally, Brother & Whitt Poole Anne & Buddy Moman

Lavern

Lisa Koontz

Elizabeth

Bianka

Mr.

Mary

Juliet Paul Pruitt

Hannah

Jaclyn Cook & Mrs. Philip A. Cooper (‘86) Melissa Copeland Kacy & Nick Crane Crawford Adam Downs In Honor of Harper Jo Downs & Zack Drake Dunkling

Temple Claire & Brandon Thompson Berkley & Will Wagner Kimber & Christopher Williams Howard Winfield

In Honor of Grace & Sadie Pilot Kendall Hagood (‘05) Mr. & Mrs. Dayton Hale, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hamiter

In Honor of The Evans Rea & Mike Kelley In Honor of Aiden & Lawson Kelley Laurie & Scott Kemp In Honor of Scott, Jr. & Jack Kemp

& Gerd Beck Elizabeth & Inge Beeker Catherine

Janet

Mr.

Caroline

Blue

Brooke

In Honor of Mae Mae & Cate Ramey Jaime Conger

Windy Nelson

In Honor of Matthew & Benjamin Winfield (Debbie & Bill Cobern) Honor of Ella & Harper Money (‘03) & Nick Wright & Stefan Wuensche & Will Vandervoort Zhang & Gold ($5-$249)

Nancy

Diane

In Honor of Annette S. Freeman, Former Lower School Director Martha & Finus Gaston Suzy (‘82) & Mark (‘81) Gatewood Olivia Gibson (‘08) Linda & Rick Gibson Mr. Alex P. Goodhew

LindaLeiliHeatherlyHardenHardinHaririanHarris

&

Adel

Jennifer

Joe PatricaMoodyMuscolino

Courtney & Robert Sheffield VickieShipley&Walter

Anja

Debbie

Deanie

Fleet Lee Anne

Gunnar

In

If you need assistance in making a donation: Contact Paige Lancaster, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org can give online at www.tuscaloosaacademy.org are grateful to the donors above for their participa tion and generosity in helping us reach our goals for the 2020-2021 Annual Fund Campaign. The report period is October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness of this list. sincerely regret if we have made an error and ask that you contact Paige Lancaster at (205) 758-4462 or by email at plancaster@tuscaloosaacademy.org to report any corrections.

Marcia

SuzanneAnnaAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousDavis-Abel&Stephen Heike Boone (‘00) & Silvio Borrmann Honor of Landon & Logan Brown Krissy & Kane Bunn Sara-MargaretCates & Chip Cates & Rhett Chambers

Luke

Maximilian

Or you

Angelica Brown In

Rebekah

Sabina & Bjoern Kirchherr Jeanie Koenemann In Honor of Dr. Lynn Koenemann

Joan CarolineRobardsBoone (‘06) LauraAshleyRodinaRoe&Sebastian Rojas

Rebecca Henderson Holly Hillard (‘93) In Honor of Macon & Hill Warr Jessie Hocutt (‘08) In Memory of Allison Harbin Lauren Hurd (‘00) Alina Hutson Mr. & Mrs. Kirk James Gina & Jim Johnson

In Honor of Trey & Jack Smith

In Honor of Cooper Warbington Walburn Strength (‘89) Sullivan Thielemann Utsey Honor of Patton & Sarah Miller

We

Debbie

Xiang

Liz MaryTammiSadlerScheiringAnnSchroeter

Ms. Jacqueline Fryer In Honor of Maddie & Ryleigh Jane Fryer

In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster

Smith

Cynthia Martin Codi SaloraMarynowitz&PhilMcDuff

In Honor of Phil Erskin McDuff, Jr. Price McGiffert, Jr. (‘15) In Honor of Elizabeth McGiffert

Elizabeth Truelove Ford & Michael Ford

We

The Kurz Family In Honor of Mia & Moritz Kurz Silke Lampert Meg & Phil Lancaster In Honor of Phillip & Preston Lancaster

Sarah Dr.EvelynNewtonNeunzig&Mrs.Robert C. Osburne

Holly

Brad SidonnieStarksStell

Jane & Ronald Dykes Eddins In Memory of the Covid deaths Damon Ferguson (‘93) Yvonne & Norman Fischer

In Honor of Ellis & Amelia Hamiter

Joel

In

In Honor of Boots & Thomas Plott Suzanne & Bob Greene

Leslie MelissaWelborn&Scott Miles Wolf

Wimberly

In Honor of Mary Collier Pope Christie & Cecil Ozment & Mrs. Richard Pearce Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Poellnitz Kenneth Ponder (‘82) Lesley ElizabethPrice(‘82) & Henry Pruett

Abernathy Mary Adams Kelly & Nick Archer Kelly & Alan Barr J. & Leah Batt

Melissa & Adam Lang Meredith & Tom Ledbetter

Kathy LouiseFulghamGambrell

In Honor of Anderson Banks Mercurio Ransom (‘92) Anna Rasbury Reinmuth

Alex McLane

In Honor of The Stell Children Stewart

Woodstock Trucking

In Honor of Juliet & Mary Ruth Pruitt Merritt

Rockefeller

Ashley

412020-2021

Mr. & Mrs. Jack R. Leigh In Honor of Matthew & Emily von Redlich’s years at TA Pam LeonardI n Honor of Hallie Oswalt In Memory of Ed Leonard Shenglin Li Victoria Lohr Louise Manzella (‘82)

Meredith & Bernard Veillon

Kim CharleneDelorisBenjaminMcLeyMcMichaelMcMullenMcMurry

Dawn Jolly Terri StephenBeckyJonesKarnesC.Keith

LyndaLaurenChambers&RickClementzG.Collins

In Honor of Annmarie, Isaac & Ethan Henderson

Quarles

42 2020-2021 Tuscaloosa Academy 420 Rice Valley Rd. N Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Learn more about the only college preparatory school in the city of Tuscaloosa by going online today! www.tuscaloosaacademy.org/admissions Start Your Child’s ADMISSION JOURNEY FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR Individual Attention. Maximum Opportunity.