December 2025 | Volume 13 | Issue 8
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Merry and bright
Katherine Grigsby waves after being crowned Miss Vestavia Hills 2026 in September. Photo by Willie Moore, courtesy of Katherine Grigsby.
Wrestling, crowns and community: Katherine Grigsby’s surprising journey to Miss Vestavia Hills
Monroe family keeps tree tradition shining
By KELLI S. HEWETT At just 19 years old, Katherine Grigsby is a dedicated leader, an empathetic community servant and (according to her family) a “unicorn” — their loving nickname inspired by her fearless dedication to her dreams. Crowned in September as Miss Vestavia Hills 2026, Katherine’s journey is a testament to perseverance, family ties and the impact one young woman can have on a community. Her passion for pageants began early, when she was barely walking. Winning Miss Vestavia Hills — her very first Miss Alabama preliminary competition — marks a distinctive milestone. She will compete for Miss Alabama in June. Preparing for that level of competition isn’t just about appearances; it’s about years of personal growth, Katherine said.
By EMILY REED Every year, just after Thanksgiving, Ed Monroe climbs the hill behind his Tanglewood Brook home to light a 120-foot pine tree — a tradition that has brightened Vestavia Hills for more than 40 years.
See HOLIDAY | page 24
Ed and Amy Monroe have continued the Christmas tradition of illuminating the large pine tree behind their home, a ritual that has lit up Vestavia Hills since the 1980s. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
INSIDE
Sponsors.................. 4 City............................ 6
Schoolhouse............8 Business..................12
Real Estate.............16 Events......................18
Sports.....................20 Community............22
See GRIGSBY | page 26 Scan the QR code to follow us online!
’Tis the Season
Heating Up
Holiday in the Hills parade gets new route for 2025.
Vestavia Hills High School’s basketball teams have hit the hardwood.
See page 19
See page 20-21
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