To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
McWane Science Center unveiled a newly installed Basilosaurus skeleton in its main lobby, offering visitors a striking introduction to Alabama’s deep natural history. Read more on page 8.
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Cover Photograph by Annie Strong
EDITOR’S NOTE
April always feels like Birmingham is waking up. After a couple months of gray skies and chilly mornings, the city begins to stretch back out into the sunshine. Ballfields fill up again, patios open, and weekends quickly become packed with festivals, races, and family outings. It’s the season when calendars get busy in the best way. In this month’s issue, we’re celebrating the energy and generosity that make spring here so special.
One story that truly captures the spirit of our community is The Bunny Project, a local effort that brings Easter joy to children living in shelters, foster kids, and families experiencing food insecurity. Each year, volunteers assemble baskets filled with treats and small gifts for kids who might otherwise go without. Read more about this truly special project on page 18. On page 12, you’ll also meet a Samford University student who is helping runners of all ages go the distance. Through his cross-country clinics, Will Jordan encourages young athletes to build endurance, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. Programs like his show how mentorship and passion can shape strong runners and even stronger kids.
Of course, April is also prime time for getting
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Sean of the South
El Camino de Average Joe p. 7
Nonprofit
McWane’s new Basilosaurus skeleton p. 8
Faith
Samford’s Disability, Health, and Physical Activity minor p. 10
Active Living
Jordan Cross Country Clinic p. 12
Travel
Villa Rica, Georgia. p. 16
Home Improvement
Smart renovations for your money p. 24
outside. Our Events Calendar on page 30 is bursting with opportunities to enjoy the season— from 5Ks and craft shows to festivals and fairs.
If you’re ready to take a spring adventure a little farther down the road, travel writer Cherith Glover Fluker has you covered with a spotlight on the charming town of Villa Rica, Georgia (page 16).
Back closer to home, the McWane Science Center has unveiled an exciting new Basilosaurus skeleton (page 8). This ancient marine creature once swam through the waters that covered Alabama millions of years ago, and you can see its massive bones up close in the lobby.
So, open the windows, take your allergy medicine, soak up the sunshine, and take advantage of everything spring has to offer. Birmingham is blooming—and there’s no better time to enjoy it with the people you love.
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Education Update
News from local schools p. 26
Schoolhouse
Update from the Hoover School District p. 28
Happenings
April Events Calendar p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
The Bunny Project
What started with one woman filling Easter baskets for foster kids and children living in shelters now includes a fluffle of volunteers and more than 200 baskets p. 18
Family Easter Fun
From easy crafts to colorful no-bake treats, these simple, hands-on ideas help you celebrate together. p. 22
PHOTOGRAPH BY MALLORY KATHERINE IMAGES
El Camino de Average Joe
You’re a farmer in the Middle Ages. We’re talking 1000 A.D.-ish. Actually, they don’t call you a farmer but a “yeoman,” which is an antiquated way of saying, “you shovel excrement for a living.”
Maybe you live in Scotland. Maybe France. England, Portugal, Africa, wherever. Either way, your life is unfulfilling.
Sean Dietrich
Sure, you have a great family. You have great friends. You are even allowed to drink beer for breakfast because this is what everyone does during the Middle Ages, even clergy and toddlers. So that’s pretty great.
Even so, underneath it all, there is something going on inside you. You can’t explain what you’re experiencing.
Centuries later, psychologists will invent clinical names for your feelings. They’ll call it a major “climacteric,” or the “need for self-actualization,” or God forbid, a “midlife crisis.”
But in the Middle Ages there are no psychological doctors. There are only doctors whose entire medical practice consists of drilling holes into people’s skulls in hopes of curing a runny nose.
Still, you can’t explain this pulling sensation inside. It’s tugging you somewhere. But where? You keep wondering whether you were made for more than just paying bills. Weren’t you made to be more than just a serf?
And isn’t life about more than just pleasure and fun? Having fun is great. But fun doesn’t exactly
make your cup runneth all over the placeth.
You have a few options for spiritual guidance. You could visit your local monastery, but the monks will just instruct you to say 25 Hail Marys and call it a day. Likewise, you could visit the doctor, who just bought a new cordless drill.
Then, one day you hear about this place in northwestern Spain, hundreds of miles from your home. It’s a cathedral, built upon the grave of an apostle.
People from all over the world are traveling to this sacred place. Farmers and peasants. Lords and ladies. Rich and poor.
Immediately, you’re thinking, “That’s it! I must go there!” The next morning, you’ve already packed your satchel. You tell your wife that you’re walking to walk to Spain.
Um. What? Your wife freaks out. Spain? What about your life? What about your farm? No more breakfast beer for you, pal.
“But I must go,” you insist. “I must walk the Camino de Santiago.”
So your wife says, “Well, then I’m going with you.”
You both leave on foot. You become pilgrims. Your full-time job is walking. You sleep alongside the highway. You eat the food of charity, for you have no money.
After months of walking, you arrive at your destination. But by then, you have already had a huge realization. Your cup is indeed runnething all over, but it’s not the cathedral that made it overflow. Neither is it the bones of some dead guy.
It was the walk. It was simply moving your feet. Sweating in the sunlight alongside strangers who all wanted the same thing you did. God.
It was time spent with your wife. It was the strange magic that helped you on your path, as though the universe had conspired to help you succeed.
Above all, it was the fact that you took your own spirit, your own heart so seriously, that you did not just let it die of neglect.
In five days, I’ll be taking that same journey.
Meet Alabama’s Giant Fossil Whale
A new Basilosaurus skeleton at McWane Science Center allows visitors to come face-to-face with the prehistoric mammal that once swam through the state.
BY ANNIE STRONG
McWane Science Center unveiled a newly installed Basilosaurus skeleton in its main lobby, offering visitors a striking introduction to Alabama’s deep natural history. The new exhibition was made possible through the generosity of Birmingham’s Killion family, including McWane Science Center Board of Trustees member David Killion.
This dramatic fossil whale reconstruction celebrates Alabama’s unique paleontological legacy while providing guests with an up-close look at one of the most fascinating prehistoric marine mammals ever discovered. The story of Basilosaurus is deeply tied to both science and Alabama history. “Alabama is one of the best places in the world to find these gigantic fossil whales, which is why in 1984 the Alabama Legislature designated Basilosaurus the Official State Fossil,” explains McWane Science Center paleontologist Jun Ebersole. “The history of Basilosaurus is perhaps the most interesting of
any fossil I’ve ever encountered. In the 1830s and 1840s, the world’s scientific elites engaged in a global debate regarding the affinity of this animal. Some thought it was a dinosaur, while others advertised it as the “Leviathan from the Book of Job.” However, scientists were later able to determine that Basilosaurus was instead a giant fossil whale.”
Beyond scientific curiosity, discoveries of Basilosaurus indirectly influenced Alabama’s industrial growth. During an 1845 visit to study the fossil, renowned geologist Charles Lyell noted the rich combination of iron ore, coal, limestone, and water in Jones Valley, resources that later fueled Birmingham’s iron industry and contributed to its rise as the Magic City.
The mounted skeleton that greets guests at McWane represents the most accurate reconstruction of this ancient whale ever exhibited. Because no complete skeleton exists, the display was carefully reconstructed from multiple specimens. Much of this reconstruction is based
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNIE STRONG
on a partial skeleton discovered in Mississippi in the early 2000s. Ebersole collaborated with Triebold Paleontology, Inc. of Colorado to digitally scan, 3D print, and assemble bones from several real specimens, resulting in an unusually precise representation compared with earlier reconstructions that relied heavily on carved elements.
Basilosaurus cetoides was officially designated Alabama’s State Fossil in 1984. The designation specifically referenced two important specimens: a composite skeleton now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, and a specimen originally housed at the former Red Mountain Museum, whose collections are now part of McWane Science Center. Portions of that historic specimen can now be seen on display.
This new exhibit is included with regular admission, inviting guests of all ages to explore Alabama’s ancient seas and remarkable fossil record.
Annie Strong is the Creative Director – Marketing and Communications for McWane Science Center. McWane is a hands-on nonprofit science museum, Dome Theater, and research archive dedicated to sparking wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science experiences.
Opening Doors to Inclusive Movement
Samford University’s
new Disability, Health, and Physical Activity minor prepares students to create spaces where everyone can participate.
BY MEGAN WINKLER
Samford University’s School of Health Professions has launched a new Disability, Health, and Physical Activity minor designed to prepare students to support people with disabilities and expand access to health and physical activity across communities.
Co-created by Allison Jackson, PhD, and Susan Wilbanks, PhD, in the Department of Kinesiology, the minor is open to students from all academic backgrounds.
“We wanted to create a program that helps students see disability through a lens as a social and human experience,” Jackson says. “This program enables students to apply their knowledge in ways that make movement and health accessible to all.”
Designed to complement programs across Samford, the minor prepares students to recognize disability as a vital part of the human experience and to promote equity in health and physical activity. Through coursework and applied learning, students examine how disability intersects with health, culture and law to shape access and opportunity.
Through partnerships with
local schools, recreation programs, and health organizations, students engage directly with individuals with disabilities in community settings. These experiences help them better understand inclusive physical activity and the role it plays in promoting access and participation.
“There is a growing need for professionals equipped to support people with disabilities,” Jackson says. “As students work alongside community partners, they will help create spaces where everyone can participate with dignity.”
The program explores disability as a social, cultural, historical, and biblical concept while teaching evidence-based strategies that support movement and participation across health care, education, and community settings. Coursework also addresses legal protections and universal design principles that influence accessibility.
Graduates of the program are expected to carry forward a commitment to inclusion and health equity into their professions. The knowledge and experience gained through the minor support graduate study and careers in health care, education, business, communication, and the arts.
The minor reflects the department’s guiding
verse, Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Jackson says promoting inclusion and health equity offers students a way to live out that calling with excellence, compassion, and respect for every individual they serve.
Located in Homewood, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health.
Running Toward Confidence
How one Samford alum is building a community of young runners
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
When Will Jordan started the Jordan Cross Country Clinic, he wasn’t launching a business plan; he was simply looking for a summer “job.” At the time, he was a high school junior who loved running and wanted to share that passion with younger athletes. Now a student at Samford, Will has grown his small idea into a thriving summer program for Birmingham-area runners. “I started my business during my junior
year of high school as a way to stay productive over the summer, but to teach something that I love doing,” says Will. “Now entering its fifth year, the clinic has grown largely through word of mouth.”
That growth has created a network that Will values just as much as athletic improvement. “Many athletes return each season, and they often introduce new teammates and friends,” he says.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF WILL JORDAN
“It creates steady, organic growth and a strong sense of community around the program.” The clinic’s impact has also drawn support from local businesses. Sponsors this year include Trak Shak, TherapySouth, Saw’s BBQ, The Total Joint, Pure Fitness LLC, and presenting sponsor BODYARMOR.
Will’s love for the sport began to deepen during his own high school career. “I really started to see a big jump in fitness and confidence starting my freshman year,” he says. “I’ve had some of the best coaches and teammates throughout my running career, and they gave me the knowledge to coach athletes at all different levels.” His personal experience shapes the way he leads his clinic, noting that the most effective coaching happens when athletes feel comfortable and connected with their coach. “All of my coaches really connected with me on a personal level,” Will explains. “Having a good relationship with the athletes makes coaching easier and a lot more fun and engaging.”
To learn more or register, visit jordanxcclinic.com, and and follow @jordanxcclinic on Instagram and TikTok. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
Each summer begins with a simple question for participants: What’s your goal? For brand-new runners, the focus is learning the fundamentals and discovering that running, while challenging, can become enjoyable with consistency. More
experienced runners often arrive with performance goals, hoping to improve their race times before the fall cross-country season begins. Will’s training structure helps track their progress. Athletes complete a two-mile timed trial at the start of summer and repeat it on the final day to measure their improvement. In between, practices include easy distance runs, interval workouts to develop pacing, core workouts, and speed sessions like hill repeats. During the past four years, the average improvement for athletes over two miles has been about a minute and a half. “I’m always welcoming to runners of all levels,” Will says. “If they stay consistent and commit to the workouts, they’ll see improvement.”
While Will still writes the training plans and oversees communication with families, the clinic is also expanding its coaching team. This summer, assistant coaches Bela Doss and Brody Ahlemeyer will help lead practices while Will balances an internship opportunity. Despite the expansion, his philosophy remains simple. “Building strong relationships matters even more than the training,” he says. “At the end of the day, my goal is for every athlete to show up excited and ready to have fun.”
An Unexpected Escape
BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER
I began the day exploring a nearby west Georgia town. A brief detour led me to one of the most fascinating bed and breakfasts I’ve visited in a while.
Villa Rica BnB, in Villa Rica, Georgia, appears to have been plucked away from a much larger destination and placed strategically behind the curtain in a most unsuspecting location. It is a reward for anyone who is lucky enough to find it.
A wrought iron gate greeted me as I turned into the narrow driveway. After being buzzed onto the property, a uniquely shaped home demanded my attention. Signage, however, directed me to move farther along, hinting that what I had glimpsed was a mere preview. And it was. Little did I know the treat that lay just around the bend.
Further along the driveway, I saw a modest duplex perched on a small hill. The outside did a great job of concealing the treasure inside. I wasn’t quite prepared for what I would find. Inside were two themed, adults-only suites—Go West and Shipwrecked—and they more than lived up to their carefully chosen names. Every inch of each space felt intentional. No detail had been overlooked. From the garbage cans and light fixtures to the hair dryers and coffee makers, everything was on brand.
Go West evokes the spirit of a western movie set. When I stepped inside, I thought I’d been zapped onto the set of a John Wayne film. Shipwrecked gives off an equally immersive, yet nautical vibe akin to Gilligan’s Island. Both spaces showcase an impressive level of creativity and craftsmanship.
Villa Rica BnB is owned and operated by Dan and Polina Christner, a husbandand-wife team whose partnership is evident in every detail. Dan describes
in Villa Rica, Georgia
Polina as the visionary, while he helps bring those ideas to life. Dan credits their success to teamwork, where Polina’s ideas and his handson execution meet seamlessly.
The Christners have intentionally chosen not to expand, preferring to remain hands-on and personally involved in every detail to maintain their consistently high customer ratings.
Beyond the interior, the property is designed for connection and relaxation. With just two units and a secluded setting, quiet and relaxation come naturally. The grounds include two lakes
and four ponds, each outfitted with chairs and paddleboats. A picnic area tucked into the woods features a wooden swing perfect for couples to slow down and savor time together.
Despite its peaceful seclusion, Villa Rica BnB is conveniently located. Dining options in downtown Villa Rica are just minutes away, and Atlanta sits roughly 35 miles east.
Villa Rica BnB is an experience. One that reminds you that sometimes the most memorable destinations are the ones you don’t expect to find at all.
BASKETS OF JOY
Lorie Coley’s Bunny Project brings Easter joy to hundreds of kids in shelters and group homes each year.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
When it comes to holiday giving, Christmas often takes center stage, but for children in shelters and group homes, Easter should be just as meaningful. That’s where The Bunny Project comes in.
Founded by Lorie Coley, this local initiative has grown from a small act of kindness into a beloved community effort.
“The core goal of The Bunny Project is to bring joy, hope, and a sense of being remembered to children who may be going through difficult circumstances,” says Lorie. “It’s more than just
giving out Easter baskets—it’s about showing children that their community cares about them and that they deserve happiness and celebration just like anyone else.” What started as a simple idea—donating stuffed animals—has blossomed. Four years ago, the team assembled around 50 baskets. By 2025, that number had grown to 225 and, this year, Lorie and her volunteers plan to distribute 300 baskets. “Every year, the need increases, and our goal is always to reach more children than the year before,” she says.
Preparation for The Bunny Project begins almost immediately after Easter. Lorie, along with
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LORIE COLEY
How You Can Help
Want to make a child’s Easter extra-special? Here’s how.
Donate items
Each basket includes a stuffed animal, candy, toys, and small gifts. You can purchase items from The Bunny Project’s Amazon wishlist and have them shipped directly to the team.
Volunteer
Join Lorie and her friends to assemble baskets.
Spread the word
Share updates from The Bunny Project on Facebook. Every post helps reach more children in need!
Local business support
Contribute supplies or sponsor baskets. Every gift, big or small, adds up.
her mother, stepmother, and close friends, hits the post-holiday sales to stock up on baskets, grass, and festive items. Each January, she shares an Amazon wishlist to collect candy, snacks, and other small gifts. While the organization is not a 501(c)(3), business partners such as Central Alabama Research and Bud’s Best Cookies generously support the project year after year, and volunteers are essential. “The project is truly a friends-driven effort,” Lorie says. “We’re a small group, and it’s mostly friends who step in each year to help make everything happen.” Around 10 volunteers come together each spring to assemble the baskets, which are then distributed to children in group homes across the Birmingham area. By working directly with these homes, Lorie ensures the baskets reach kids who might otherwise receive nothing for Easter.
Each basket is thoughtfully curated. Lorie
selects a stuffed animal she thinks a child will love, then builds the basket around it with toys, books, candy, and other surprises. “Each basket is truly made with love,” she says. “Even a small donation can make a big difference in a child’s day.”
Looking ahead, Lorie hopes The Bunny Project will continue to grow. She plans to expand her support network through the project’s Facebook page, recruit more volunteers, and increase donations so that even more children can be reached. “My hope is that this remains a lasting tradition, spreading Easter joy for years to come,” she says.
For families and businesses who want to get involved, Lorie encourages following The Bunny Project on Facebook and supporting the annual Amazon wishlist. Every donation, volunteer hour, or shared post helps create brighter Easter mornings for children in need.
HOP TO IT!
Craft, snack, and celebrate: These no-bake treats and DIY decorations will turn your Easter weekend into festive family moments.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AMANDASCOOKIN.COM
LAYERED PEEPS TREATS
Colorful, no-bake bars that turn marshmallow Peeps and crispy rice cereal into a fun spring dessert everyone will love. You’ll need:
Assorted colors of Peeps, about 4 (3‑ounce) packages
4 tablespoons butter, divided
6 cups crispy rice cereal, divided
MARSHMALLOW BIRDS’ NESTS
You’ll need:
4 cups mini-marshmallows
¼ cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups candy-coated chocolate mini-eggs
1. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan and set aside.
2. Microwave mini-marshmallows in a large bowl for about 30 seconds, stirring until melted. Stir in butter and vanilla.
3. Add rice cereal, 1 cup at a time, folding gently until coated.
4. Scoop portions of the cereal mix into muffin pan cups, and press into nest shapes with wet hands.
5. Chill until firm, then pop the nests out and fill with candy-coated chocolate mini-eggs.
1. Line a loaf pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Separate Peeps by color. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt one color of Peeps with a tablespoon of butter for about 45 seconds, then stir until smooth.
3. Stir in 1½ cups of cereal until fully coated, then press layer firmly into the prepared pan.
4. Repeat melting, mixing, and pressing with each remaining Peep color to create layered bars.
5. Let cool completely at room temperature, then slice and serve.
TATTOO EGGS
A quick, mess-free way to make egg-stra festive Easter eggs! You’ll need:
Plastic or wooden dyeable eggs
Scissors
Temporary tattoos
Paper towels
Small bowl of water
1. Make sure eggs are clean and dry.
2. Trim around the tattoo design you want to use. Place tattoo face-down on the egg.
3. Dip a paper towel in water and press it over the tattoo, holding for 20-30 seconds.
4. Remove paper towel and gently lift tattoo. Smooth edges with a damp paper towel, if necessary, and allow design to set.
Tip: Choose tattoos with simple designs (flowers, bunnies, or short sayings).
WOODEN BALL BUNNIES
These cute bunnies are precious on top of jars filled with jelly beans. You’ll need:
Paint or wood stain
Two wooden balls with flat ends per bunny, one slightly bigger for the body, one smaller for the head
Hot-glue gun
Wooden ice cream testing spoons
Ribbon
Mini pom-pom or cotton ball (optional)
1. Paint or stain wooden balls to desired color. Allow to dry completely.
2. Use hot-glue to attach the smaller wooden ball on top of the larger one to form the bunny’s head and body. Hold it in place until glue sets.
3. Attach wooden ice cream spoons (snap in half if necessary) to back of bunny head to make ears.
4. Attach ears: Glue the ears to the back top of the head. Slightly angle them outward so they resemble bunny ears.
5. Tie a ribbon bow and attach to bunny where wooden balls meet. If desired, glue a mini pom-pom or cotton ball on the back for a tail.
6. If desired, glue a mini pom-pom or cotton ball on the back for a tail.
7. Attach each bunny to top of candy jar with hot glue or tacky putty.
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Home Improvement with Matt Weber
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.
Renovations with the Best ROI
Now that the weather is warming, we begin the season of home improvements. What should you focus on? It makes sense to begin with what is broken or needs repaired. Next, consider what areas should function better. Drafty windows, for example, contribute to higher energy bills.
As far as optional enhancements, if you plan to stick around the house for a long time then focus on whatever makes the home more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable. On the other hand, homeowners who are considering a move in the near future may want to focus on renovations that provide the most return on investment.
Return on Investment (ROI) refers to how much of the remodeling cost you’re likely to recoup when selling your home. Projects with high
ROI generally improve functionality or enhance curb appeal, making your home more attractive to buyers.
In competitive real estate areas, modest renovations can boost a home’s sale price. Appearance certainly matters to potential buyers, and upgrades to curb appeal such as new siding and garage doors offer outsized value for relatively low cost.
In fact, garage door replacement is reported to provide the best bang for your buck when it comes to home renovations. Each year, various real estate and remodeling companies publish research on renovation ROIs, and garage door replacement seems to always reign supreme. According to Hippo Home Insurance, replacing your garage
door could achieve the ROI of 193.9 percent. The report pegs the average cost of replacement at $4,513 and the average resale value at $8,751.
Second place in the ROI contest typically goes to replacement of an entry door if it’s made of steel, featuring an ROI of 188 percent. However, upgrading to a “grand entryway” (fiberglass) achieves the ROI of roughly 97 percent, because the door is more expensive.
Additional upgrades that achieve substantial ROI include stone veneer installation (153%), siding replacement (80-88%), and minor kitchen remodels (96%). In this
case, “minor” refers to refacing cabinets, replacing countertops and upgrading appliances. (Stick to classic styles and neutral colors to appeal to future buyers.)
Deck additions recoup about 83 percent of the cost for wood decking and 68 percent for the pricier composite boards.
Further down the line, a midrange bathroom remodel will get about 74 percent ROI. New vinyl windows return 67 percent, whereas installing wood windows will return 63 percent. It’s important to note, however, that upgrading from leaky windows to new insulated units can achieve significant savings in utility costs, which can make the upfront cost more attractive for homeowners who plan to stay in the house and pay the bills.
“Second place in the ROI contest typically goes to replacement of an entry door if it’s made of steel.”
If you’re remodeling your home with intent to sell it, consider the current market trends and local buyer preferences. If the budget or time is tight, just focus on the high-impact items.
You can also improve your ROI on certain projects by doing the work yourself. I am currently remodeling my third home and have personally saved thousands with this approach. However, I have a lot of tools and experience. If you’re considering doing the work yourself, be honest about the limitations of your skillset. You should also plan on spending at least twice the amount of time on any given project than you initially estimated. Certain tasks, such as painting or cabinet refacing, can be accomplished by firsttimers, but when it comes to installing windows, doors or electrical work, I recommend that inexperienced homeowners hire a pro. You would not want to kill your ROI with mistakes or poor workmanship.
EDUCATION
Altamont Wins Top State Indoor Track & Field
The Altamont School Knights dominated their 1A-3A division at the AHSAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. Altamont’s girls team is the new state champion, while the boys team is state runner-up. The Knights also brought home many individual state champion medals and new school records.
State Champions
• Sydney Fraser – girls 400m (59.42)
• Jack Hoover – boys 800m (2:02)
• Elle Sellers – girls 800m (2:25)
• Abbey Sellers – girls long jump (15’ 8”)
• Tricia Maddux – girls pole vault (9’ 8”)
• Girls 4x400m relay (4:17) – Abbey Sellers, Elle Sellers, Berkeley Owens, Sydney Fraser
• Boys 4x800m relay (8:35) –Campbell Hughey, Jack Hoover, Parker Neiman, Joe Porter
• Boys 4x400m relay – 3rd (3:41) – Parker Neiman, Jack Hoover, Tylan Floyd, Campbell Hughey New School Records
• Girls 4x200m relay
• Girls 4x400m relay
• Girls 4x800m relay
• Boys 4x200m relay
—Contributed by Sean Flynt
National Job Shadowing Day
Recently, 187 VHHS students were placed with 39 employers across Vestavia Hills and the Birmingham metro area, giving them a firsthand look at a wide range of industries. VHHS thanks their community partners for opening their doors and helping students explore their futures.
Cheer, Band, and Color Guard Champs
Briarwood’s cheer, band, and color guard teams earned first place at the National School Spirit Championship. Their teamwork, dedication, and school pride were on full display.
Dorians Win Third Straight
The MBHS Dorians captured their third straight National Championship. Their title comes from the DII Large Varsity Kick Division.
Shelby County Holds Science Fair
Big questions and bold ideas from students brought science to life at the 2026 Shelby County District Science Fair. Congratulations to the top six projects, which advanced to UAB’s CARSEF.
• 1st Place: Peyton Moody (CHMS) - “Motherhood In Question”
• 2nd Place: Avery Doss (MMS) - “Is Music Medicine to Your Memory?”
• 3rd Place: Mera Bradbury (HMS) - “The Turning Point of Friction”
• HM: Noah Whitaker (HMS) - “Ready, Set, Sense!”
• HM: Sara Hayes (MMS) - “Power Up”
• HM: Creed Stano (MMS) - “PowerChair Angles and Speed”
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHELBY COUNTY AL SCHOOLS FACEBOOK
Administrator of the Year
Mountain Brook High School Principal Carrie Busby was named Administrator of the Year by the Alabama Educational Theatre Association. MBHS theatre students nominated Busby for the statewide recognition. MBHS Theatre Director Jane Ganey says the program’s ongoing success is made possible by Busby’s strong, supportive leadership. “We are grateful for Mrs. Busby’s leadership that continually uplifts and champions theatre arts at Mountain Brook High School,” she says. “She’s constantly trying to shine the spotlight on us, so it feels only right that we finally turn it back where it belongs.”
Seniors Honored with Seal of Biliteracy
Vestavia Hills High School recently honored 165 seniors who are finishing their high school education with the Seal of Biliteracy. This award recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. With this year’s cohort, VHHS now has more than 800 students all-time who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, the most of any school in Alabama.
Special Olympics Shines in Shelby County
A recent Special Olympics Bowling event for Shelby County students brought a week full of cheers, high-fives, and great memories at Oak Mountain Lanes. The event was a wonderful reminder of the joy that comes from community, encouragement, and inclusion. Shelby County Schools are grateful to everyone who helped make the week successful for their students.
Students Hold Memorial Breakfast
Sixth-graders at Cherokee Bend Elementary held a memorial breakfast to honor educator Rick Hedrick, who spent nearly 30 years at Cherokee Bend and passed away in 2025. Mr. Hedrick guided more than 3,000 students through the Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum (FOAC), which he helped start. FOAC was designed to support physical education, counseling, and enrichment programs and emphasizes outdoor, hands-on learning to enhance a positive school climate. The breakfast was led by students, who served teachers and staff.
Healthcare Academy Jacket Ceremony
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy Class of 2026, as they recently participated in the fourth annual White Jacket and CPCT Pinning Ceremony. This year’s class achieved a 100% pass rate on the CPCT exam. The students will soon attend hands-on patient care clinicals at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group.
District Spelling Bee Winners
Gavin Cruse from Mount Olive Elementary School recently won the JEFCOED District Spelling Bee. This is his second consecutive year taking home first place, and he advanced to the county-wide spelling bee. (Feb. 11, right here at the Jefferson County Board of Education) Finalists also included Kelsey Causey from Pleasant Grove Elementary and David Simpson from Hueytown Intermediate.
School District Receives Heritage Honor
Shelby County Schools has been officially named a Semiquincentennial School District, which means each of their schools is going above and beyond to integrate American heritage into the classroom, prioritize student wellness, and give back through local community service. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, students are learning what it truly means to be an engaged citizen.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Vestavia Hills City Schools recently had the honor and privilege of honoring the four newest inductees into the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.Clockwise from top left: Marilee Dukes, Calandra Jones McDonald (daughter of the late Fred Jones), Jeff Williams (son of the late Mary Bice Williams), and Michael Lytle and Allison Powell (children of Carolyn Lytle).
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Board Meeting Highlights
Big Accomplishments
Hoover City Schools celebrated various accomplishments at a recent board meeting by honoring students, educators, leaders, and community members.
Gifted Education Month: Special thanks to Emily Fogleman, Jessica Edwards, and Sydni Taylor for helping recognize Gifted Education Month across Alabama. HCS serves approximately 800 students in enrichment and gifted programs and is grateful for the teachers, coordinators, counselors, and school leaders who support students every day.
State Recognition: Congrats to Emily Dunleavy, named District IV's nominee for Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year. HCS is proud of her leadership and commitment to students, staff, and families.
State Champs: Way to go, Hoover High School E-Sports Team, on winning the Super Smash Bros
State Championship, sweeping the finals 3-0 under the leadership of Hunter Curtis.
Board Appreciation & Community Impact:
During Board Appreciation Month, HCS thanked Board of Education members for their service, leadership, and dedication to our students and schools. HCS also honored the legacy of Steve Korson, whose friends donated $1,200 in his honor to support the RC3 Culinary Program.
APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR
Dino Safari at the Birmingham Zoo through November 1
The exhibit includes interactive elements like a dig pit, VR movie experiences, and a photo area. It also features more than 20 life-size robotic dinosaurs, including a 35-foot-high Brachiosaurus and a T-Rex.
Annual Dragon Egg Hunt
April 4
Kids ages 12 and under can hunt eggs at Young Memorial Field prior to the UAB softball team’s 1 p.m. game against Memphis. Gates for the egg hunt open at 11 a.m., and the hunt begins at 11:45 a.m. Following the egg hunt, participants will have access to inflatables, a caricature artist, and additional vendors before first pitch. Admission to the Dragon Egg Hunt and the softball game is available at a discounted rate with promo code 26EGGHUNT. Fans can click “Enter Promo Code” in the top right corner of the ticket page uabsports.evenue.net/events/SB —to activate the offer. Blazer Buddies Kids Club members will receive an RSVP link via email.
Alabama State Fair
April 10-19
Head to the Birmingham Race Course to enjoy shows, carnival rides, kiddie rides, fair food, and other attractions. For more information, visit alabamastatefair.com.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
April 10-11
Experience the adventure of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Watch the film on the big screen as the full orchestra performs John Williams’s legendary score. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the BJCC. Tickets can be purchased at bjcc.org.
Festa Italiana
April 11
Hosted by the Italian American Heritage Society, Festa Italiana aims to immerse attendees in all aspects of Italian life, from traditions and cuisine to language, music, and history. Guests can enjoy live music, traditional dancing, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, bocce ball, the Sugo Showdown, an Italian auto display, roving cannoli makers, immersive cultural experiences, and a lively evening procession honoring Italy’s patron saints. The event takes place at Sloss Furnaces from noon to 9 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at festaitalianabham.com.
The
Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K
April 11
Downtown Birmingham’s premier block party, featuring music and physical activity to help families stay near their children during medical journeys. Each registration supports Ronald McDonald House Alabama by providing lodging, meals, and comfort. Participate in the 5K run, 1 Mile Fun Run, or as a remote “Snoozer” to make a lasting impact. The event concludes with a celebration, DJ, awards, and community fun. Register at redshoerun-bham.org.
Hand in Paw’s Dog-Friendly 5k & Fun Run
April 11
Runners, walkers, dogs on leashes, and kids are welcome at this event that supports Hand in Paw’s life-changing Animal-Assisted Therapy programs. The race is 8 a.m.-noon at Homewood Central Park, and Good Dog Hotel & Dog Park will host the official afterparty featuring live music and plenty of space for dogs to play. Registered Mutt Strut participants receive a complimentary day pass and one free drink by wearing their 2026 event T-shirt or showing their race bib. Register at handinpaw.org.
Patton Creek Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
April 11-12
Presented by the Central Alabama Artist Guild, the event showcases fine artists and master craftspeople from around the state. Enjoy 50-plus vendors featuring items such as paintings, pottery, sculpture, graphic art, and more, plus live music and food, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Hoover. Visit caag.site.
Magic City Art Connection
April 24-26
This year’s event spotlights 150 juried fine artists alongside Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham (in its 29th year!), Imagination Festival art workshops for kids, Collectors Classroom demos, live music and dance performances, special exhibitions, art/sculpture installations, cultural partners, Festival Cafe with food trucks and other favorites, and relaxing in the open air at MCAC’s Umbrella Lounges. Visit magiccityart.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ALABAMA WEBSITE
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
Learn more at ChildrensAL.org
CAMP JOURNEY CAMP JOURNEY
Camp Journey is a FREE 4-day summer camp for rising 6 graders. th
Held at local schools in and around Shelby County, Camp Journey combines hands-on learning, leadership, and adventure with a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement. Running Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the camp is staffed by COMPACT members, School Resource Officers, local police officers and deputies as well as other first responders.
Participants will master locker combinations, meet school staff, and develop leadership and teamwork skills through interactive challenges and character education. The program includes a Junior Police/Sheriff’s Academy, allowing students to build meaningful connections with officers and peers while gaining confidence before the school year begins.
Camp Journey is where kids make new friends, gain confidence, and discover their own leadership potential before stepping into middle school.
