Bham Family - June 2026

PIZZA NIGHT!

Pick up a pie from Hoover’s Little Luna Page 16

STEEPED IN TRADITION

Inside the story of Y’all Sweet Tea Page 12

June Classes in the Piddlin Studio

Floral Workshop for info call Bloom & Grow 205-602-1146

Mahjong every Thursday

Watercolor Tuesday nights 6-8 pm

Kids Camp June 15-17 / June 22-24 12-2 pm

Bir thdays • Thank Yous or just because–there is always something special waiting to be

Stop by Piddlin Ar t & Antique for a visit today!

OUR PEOPLE

Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 883-1877 | matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Hollie Brown, Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com

Emily VanderMey Listo, Project Management & Graphic Designer

To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

For Callie Chapman, storytelling is a family collaboration. Working alongside her mother, Bronwyne, who illustrates Callie’s Glitter the Unicorn series, she created a whimsical world that captures young readers’ attention. What started out as a school project grew into something much bigger, which enables Callie to give back, too. Read more on page 18.

ABOUT US

Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

DISTRIBUTION

If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

In this issue, we’re leaning into June and all it offers: a looser calendar, longer days, and summer adventures.

With school out, you might be craving an easy getaway. Our travel writer has mapped out a family-friendly trip to Franklin, Tennessee—think charming streets, great food stops, and just enough novelty to make it feel like a true escape without the stress of a long haul. It’s the kind of trip you can plan on a whim and remember all summer. Check it out starting on page 22.

Closer to home, we’re celebrating the people who pour their heart into what they do. You’ll meet the local founders of Y’all Sweet Tea, whose story is as refreshing as their product (page 12). We’re also shining a light on one of the most joyful nights of the year: The Exceptional Foundation Prom. If you’ve ever seen the smiles from this event, you know it’s more than a dance. It’s a celebration of community and belonging and the kind of story

INSIDE THE ISSUE

Sean of the South

The Art of Porch Sitting p. 7

Food

Little Luna Pizza p. 16

Kids Who Shine

Callie Chapman, founder of Glitter the Unicorn p. 18

Travel

Franklin, Tennessee p. 22

Home Improvement

Springtime Home Inspection p. 24

Education Update

News from local schools p. 26

Schoolhouse

Update from the Hoover School District p. 28

Happenings

June Events Calendar p. 30

that stays with you. Feel the joy beginning on page 8. And for a little sparkle, don’t miss our feature on Callie Chapman, the creative author behind Glitter the Unicorn, on page 18. Her whimsical creations and the story behind them are a delightful reminder to embrace imagination and kindness.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. Inside, you’ll find even more ways to savor the season—from local happenings to ideas for making the most of long, sunny days with your crew. Wherever June takes you—whether it’s across town or just out the back door—I hope this issue inspires you to soak it all in. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the moments you make can. Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

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FEATURE STORIES

A Night to Shine

Inside the unforgettable night that makes everyone feel like a star at The Exceptional Foundation Prom p. 8

Pouring It Forward

The founders of Y’all Sweet Tea bottle family history in this Southern staple. p. 12

The Art of Porch Sitting

I come from a long line of porch sitters. This is why I am always on my porch. In my neighborhood, I am affectionately known as “that weirdo freak who’s always on his porch.” This is usually said in a positive way.

But I can’t help it. Since infanthood, the only place I ever wanted to be was a porch. There I’d be, wearing my onesie, crawling on the porch, drooling on myself, and testing the maximum capacity limits of my diaper. Whenever my mother’s friends visited, they would pick me up to take me inside and I would start crying. They would return me to the floorboards and say, “There’s something wrong with Sue’s baby.”

The birds start about 5 a.m., in preparation for sunrise—which is a pretty big deal in Bird World. The birds get louder and louder. Soon, the whole earth has become a bird sanctuary, and they’re all celebrating dawn.

No two bird calls are the same. There are chirps, twitters, warbles, hollers, screeches, cries, hoots, cheeps, caws, whistles, chatters, bellowing, croaking, trilling, buzzing, whipoorwilling, clicking, peeping, chattering, and chick-a-deeing. You can get lost in all the bird noise you hear on my porch.

People would continue saying this for many years thereafter.

My current porch is a modest, but peaceful place. You can hear faroff trains, passing through Birmingham. Or listen to neighborhood dogs communicating via International Bark Telegraph. We have a haint blue porch ceiling. Rocking chairs. The hanging ferns on my porch are my favorite.

We have eight ferns in total. They are healthy and lush because my wife makes me place them in the yard, one by one, whenever it’s about to rain. This is because my wife sincerely believes rainwater is better than hosepipe water. Which is an old wives tale, of course.

Just like the wives tale that says children can’t swim for an hour after they eat lunch or they’ll drown, which is scientifically proven to be false. For decades, however, due to this misinformation, millions of young Americans missed countless carefree swimming hours, whilst their mothers caught up on the latest installment of “Days of Our Lives.”

I often begin my porch-sitting early. Before sunup. I see the whole day begin.

I don’t know when we quit building front porches. Once upon a time, every house had one. People would sit outside to count cars and wave at neighbors. Today, we have back decks. Nobody counts cars anymore. Even fewer wave.

But then, a LOT has changed since olden days. One hundred years ago, America had sidewalks. Today we have a staggering 80 percent fewer sidewalks. At one time in history, 70-some percent of American schoolchildren rode bikes. Today, that number is getting close to single digits.

We used to have newspapers, magazines, and comic books. Today, we have phones. Once upon a time in America, nearly 80 percent of Americans—even young professionals—admitted to occasionally taking daily naps. Now, only 17 percent of Americans nap.

But when you sit on your front porch, you fall back in time. You see neighborhood cats. Ferns. Birds. If you’re lucky, you might even drift off to sleep for a minute. When you wake up, you’ll realize that even though things are different than it was a hundred years ago, life is still good.

People are still wonderfully insane. Kids still ride bikes— somewhere in America. Naps still happen, people are just too proud to admit it. People still greet their neighbors. Birds still sing. And something is still definitely wrong with Sue’s baby.

To the Stars!

Adults from the Exceptional Foundation dance the night away at an “out of this world” prom.

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

Each year, the Exceptional Foundation Prom offers something that goes far beyond a themed evening or a spot on the social calendar. It’s a night that centers entirely on the people it’s created for—an opportunity to dress up, hit the dance floor, and be part of something that feels celebratory and meaningful.

This year’s theme, “Out of This World,” set the tone for an evening designed to feel elevated in every sense. The day started with a pre-prom event where volunteers helped with hair, makeup, and finishing touches, setting the stage for a night where everyone could feel confident and proud. By evening, the focus shifted to The Club, where the prom took place. Guests arrived dressed for

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the occasion, stepping into a space filled with themed decor, live music by Livewire, and food catered by Joe’s Italian.

The event follows many of the familiar traditions of a classic prom, including a formal lead-out and the presentation of flowers. But what makes it distinctive is the spirit behind it. There’s no pressure to perform; instead, the emphasis is on participation and being part of a shared experience that feels both inclusive and genuinely joyful.

For many attendees, the prom is just one evening that is part of a larger mission carried out by the organization year-round. The Exceptional Foundation provides social and recreational programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities for friendship, growth, and community engagement. The prom becomes a reflection of that broader work and an extension of what happens every day.

Volunteers play a key role in bringing the evening to life. Organized in partnership with the Junior League of Birmingham, the event relies on a network of people who show up to assist and participate in the experience itself. Their presence helps to create an environment that feels welcoming and celebratory.

In the end, the theme may change from year to year, but the core of the evening remains the same. The Exceptional Foundation Prom celebrates the people in the room and the way they show up for one another.

Backyard Dreams to Sweet Success

Alabama natives Darien Craig and Brandon Echols turned a lifelong friendship and a shared work ethic into Y’all Sweet Tea

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

In the South, sweet tea isn’t just a drink; it’s part of the rhythm of everyday life. It’s poured over ice at dinner tables, carried to ballgames, and passed around at gatherings big and small. So when a new name enters that space, it has big glasses to fill. In the case of Y’all Sweet Tea, it pours out tasty tea with a story that feels right at home.

Behind the brand are Alabama natives Darien Craig and Brandon Echols, whose partnership goes back further than most business plans ever could. The guys met in kindergarten, growing up together before life briefly took them in different directions. By middle school, they found themselves reunited, eventually playing basketball together at Hayden High School—a shared experience that helped build the kind of trust and familiarity you can’t manufacture later in life.

Their path to entrepreneurship was a zig-zag rather than a straight line. Both men made the decision to leave college early, stepping into a season marked more by uncertainty than security. Though Darien had

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

a spark of an idea to sell tea in high school—recalling pictures of him as a baby drinking sweet tea out of a bottle—he only pursued the plan when he was fired from a job years later. He used his last $300 to purchase supplies and came up with the name on a whim: “I thought, sweet tea is the most southern drink, and the word “y’all” is the most southern word. Let’s call it Y’all Sweet Tea!”

Together the two began traveling to festivals and farmers markets with a truck load of jars and freshly brewed sweet tea based on a family recipe they wanted to share with others. After two years, they had loyal customers, but the travel circuit wasn’t working. In 2020, they created a blend of black teas to work with their recipe, overhauled the brand, and looked to social media and influencers to build a stronger business, even

“It’s about creating a product that feels authentic to where they come from. Sweet tea, after all, is deeply personal in the South.”

appearing on Shark Tank in 2024. Over time, what started as a small, scrappy idea grew into a multimillion-dollar business, with the company reportedly reaching $12 million in revenue within just a few years. The numbers represent the company’s first mission statement: “Deliver True Southern Sweet Tea to as many people as possible!”

But for Darien and Brandon, the story isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating a product that feels authentic to where they come from. Sweet tea, after all, is deeply personal in the South. Everyone has their preference and a standard for what tastes “right.” Y’all Sweet Tea leans into that tradition, offering a flavor that’s familiar and balanced.

The connection to home is rooted, with both founders firmly planted in Alabama, building their business while staying closely tied to the place that first supported them. After all, Y’all Sweet Tea is more than just a beverage brand—it’s a reflection of a time-tested friendship, shared work ethic, and a belief in something bigger than where they started.

Little Luna Pizza

Tucked into Bluff Park Village, Little Luna Pizza is designed as a takeout-first concept, meeting families where they are: busy, hungry, and looking for something reliably good at the end of the day, while still delivering the kind of quality you expect from a sit-down spot. Little Luna’s menu features a clear focus: great pizza, done well.

Founders Brian Bowness and Corey Brannon bring a mix of culinary training and real-world restaurant experience to Little Luna, and it shows in the details. Brian explains that the restaurant specializes in East Coast-inspired pizza that’s made with high-quality ingredients, so toppings include California-grown tomatoes, aged mozzarella, and fresh, high-quality meats and vegetables. The dough—cold-fermented

for at least 72 hours then baked in a high-temperature stone oven—creates a crust that strikes a satisfying balance of light and crisp on the outside with just-enough chew and rustic flavor underneath.

On the streamlined menu, pizzas take center stage, supported by crisp salads and a small selection of desserts, including gelato, that round out the meal. While Little Luna is primarily a carryout operation, that actually works to its advantage. Orders are efficient, packaging is well-handled, and the experience feels seamless from start to finish. For those who want to linger a bit, there’s a small outdoor seating area.

With both owners having ties to Birmingham and a genuine understanding of the neighborhood, Little Luna fits well into the Bluff Park community. For families especially, Little Luna Pizza hits a sweet spot: elevated enough to feel like a treat, but easy enough to become part of the weekly rotation.

Little Luna Pizza is located at 2142 Tyler Road #124 in Hoover. Hours are 3-8 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, follow them on Instagram @littlelunapizzabham.

Dream Big

What started as a school project 10 years ago has grown into an award-winning children’s book series inspiring young readers.

When Mountain Brook teen Callie Chapman first imagined Glitter the Unicorn at just six years old, neither she nor her mother, illustrator Bronwyne Chapman, could have predicted how far the adventure would go. What started as a single story has grown into an award-winning children’s book series complete with multiple titles, national recognition, school visits, and even celebrity attention. Along the way, Callie has used her success to give back, donating thousands of dollars from book proceeds to Children’s of Alabama to support art programs for young patients. Today, Callie continues to use her platform to encourage creativity, kindness, and confidence in children everywhere, while proving that even the smallest ideas can grow into something extraordinary.

Q: How did the idea for the Glitter the Unicorn series first come to life in your family, and what made you realize it could become something bigger than a school project?

Callie: Glitter the Unicorn started as an entry for my school art competition, Expressions Art Contest. I had spent the entire weekend curating the perfect story to enter. I was inspired to create my story based off my two favorite stuffed animals, Glitter and Ellie. I was competing in a category against kindergarten, first-, and secondgraders. After receiving honorable mention, my mom thought that my story was too cute and decided to have it printed as gifts for family. Then, other friends and family began asking for copies of my book, so we decided to have it fully published. That’s when my mom asked me what I would like to do with the money that I received from my sales. I’m not sure where six-year-old me heard of their new program, but I suggested that all the proceeds should go toward Children’s Hospitals Art Therapy program. When I first created Glitter the Unicorn, I didn’t realize how much something as small as a story about my stuffed animals could become what it is today.

Q: The books carry positive themes about kindness, imagination, and believing in yourself. Why were those messages important for you to share with young readers?

Callie: The message of kindness is so important to me because as a kid I faced a lot of teasing for my books and for my love of storytelling. Being able to continue to do something that I love, despite the backlash, is such an important message that all kids should learn. Kids should be able to freely express themselves and to dream big no matter what others say.

Q: Bronwyne, as both a mom and an illustrator, what has it been like to collaborate with Callie? How do the two of you work together?

Bronwyne: Creatively collaborating with Callie has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. What began as a simple mother-daughter project sparked by her imagination has become something far bigger than either of us could have imagined. In the beginning, Callie would dream up the

adventures and characters with complete confidence and wonder, and I helped bring those ideas to life visually. Our process usually looks something like this: First comes the big idea. Callie creates the concept and story for Glitter the Unicorn. Then, Callie writes her story. During the writing process, we talk through the narrative arc together. What happens first? What problem or emotion is at the center? What should a child feel by the last page? The next stage is the visual world building. This is where my illustrator brain kicks in. I sketch possibilities while Callie gives feedback constantly. Even as a young child, she had very clear opinions about Glitter’s expressions, colors, scenes, and details. Once the illustrations are complete, Callie makes sure the language still sounds authentic and child-centered. That’s always important. The story must feel like it belongs in a child’s hands, not like an adult wrote for a child. The last stage is production. Once the creative side is complete, off to the printer it goes. After the book is printed, Callie starts promotion.

As both her mom and creative partner, it has been incredibly meaningful to watch her imagination turn into a platform for kindness, confidence, and giving back. What started with one little unicorn has become a shared mission, and I feel grateful to have had a front-row seat to every chapter.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Glitter the Unicorn?

Bronwyne: Watching Callie continue to grow as a writer, storyteller, and young leader. It has been incredibly meaningful to see Glitter the Unicorn grow into something bigger than books. Through Glitter for a Cause, Callie is encouraging children to dream big, lead with kindness, and realize they are never too small to do big things. Seeing the impact her message continues to have on children, teachers, and families is what inspires me most about what’s ahead.

Q: Was there a particular moment when you realized the books were truly resonating with readers beyond Birmingham?

Callie: Yes! Through my books, I have won awards in New York and Paris. Seeing that my book has not only impacted my surrounding community, but also those far away inspires me to continue to work hard and do more for those around me.

Q: A portion of the proceeds from the books supports art supplies for Children’s Hospital. How did that mission begin, and what has it meant to see the impact grow over time?

Callie: As a kid, I didn’t fully understand the impact that supporting the Art Therapy Program would have, not only in my life, but for others as well. Through the years, as my project has grown, I’ve been able to see kids learn to believe in themselves and believe that they can do big things, too. Seeing my books inspire so many kids makes me so happy and grateful for starting this journey 10 years ago.

Q: What advice would you give families who want to nurture imagination, storytelling, or artistic confidence in their kids?

Bronwyne: My advice is to instill belief in your child. If your child has a dream, support it. Never let them feel like their dreams are too big or too out of reach because anything can be achieved through imagination, belief, and hard work.

Q: What has the success of the series meant for Callie?

Bronwyne: It’s been incredibly meaningful for Callie because it has shown her that a child’s idea can truly make a difference. What began as a book she wrote at six years old has grown into opportunities to connect with thousands of children, educators, and families. She has been invited to speak at schools across Alabama and in New Orleans, the Alabama Book Festival, the Alabama Literacy Association Conference—where she spoke to more than 550 teachers—and as

a guest speaker for TEDx-style events, all centered around creativity, kindness, and dreaming big.

Looking ahead, Callie plans to continue expanding the Glitter the Unicorn series while exploring new ways to tell stories through film, which she hopes to study in college. As part of promoting the series and growing its impact, she is also launching the Glitter for a Cause Kindness Plan, an initiative designed to give schools, families, and children simple, meaningful ways to put kindness into action in their own communities. The goal is to move beyond simply reading about kindness and empower young people to actively practice it through age-appropriate challenges, creative activities, and community outreach.

She also plans to continue growing Glitter for a Cause by raising funds for Children’s Hospital Art Therapy Program, donating books to Jefferson County Family Courts, and encouraging children to

discover that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. At the heart of everything she does is the message she loves to share: Dream big, be kind, be happy, be yourself, and remember you are never too small to do big things.

To learn more about Callie and to order Glitter the Unicorn books, visit glitter-the-unicorn.myshopify.com.

7 Reasons Franklin, Tennessee, Should Be Your Next Road Trip

BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER

As an empty nester, I’ve learned to value the times that my family can travel together. I am always on the lookout for somewhere that feels like a real getaway without requiring a flight or a week off work. Two and a half hours north of Birmingham on I-65, Franklin, Tennessee, turned out to be exactly that. Here’s what we found:

1. The Drive There Is Half the Fun

The drive from Birmingham to Franklin on I-65 is a treat in itself. The rolling hills, horse fences, and farmland capture your attention the entire route. By the time you reach Franklin, you’re already unwinding. You haven’t even parked yet, and your experience has already begun.

2. Downtown Franklin Looks Like a Hallmark Movie Set—Except It’s Real

Brick-lined Main Street invites you to walk slowly and totally disregard the rest of your agenda. Independent boutiques, a cherished bookshop, and local restaurants line the street with a character that

hints at what your entire experience in Franklin will be. Whether you’re a browser, a buyer, or someone who just wants to window shop with a coffee in hand, the downtown delivers.

3. History That Actually Stops You in Your Tracks

Few American towns carry their history the way Franklin does. The Battle of Franklin in 1864 was one of the Civil War’s most significant engagements, and the sites that remain like the Carter House, Carnton plantation, the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, and other historical sites are all within easy reach of each other. Each site makes sure you feel the history, not just know it. Even the most reluctant history buff will find themselves reading every marker.

4. The

Franklin

Theatre Is a Relic Worth Seeking Out

Right on Main Street sits the Franklin Theatre, a beautifully restored 1937 movie house that gives you all the historic theatre feels. Catch a film, a live performance, or whatever’s on the marquee.

As I was purchasing tickets for the show, a local leaned over and told me there’s no bad seat in the house, and he was absolutely right. The sight lines are great, the acoustics are warm, and the whole experience was unforgettable.

5. The Distillery Scene Is Worth the Stop Tennessee knows its spirits, and Franklin is no exception. Just a short drive from downtown is Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Here, the dedication to the craft is serious, but the atmosphere is completely relaxed. Slow down, sample something made with intention, and hear the story behind what’s in your glass.

6. It Works for Everyone in Your Group Franklin is one of those rare destinations that doesn’t ask anyone to compromise. Traveling with young adult kids? There’s enough history and downtown charm to anchor the trip and enough freedom for everyone to wander their own direction. Couples looking for a slower weekend? The pace understands its assignment. Solo travelers? You’ll feel at home immediately. The town has a way of meeting you wherever you are.

7. Nashville Is Right There When You Want It

Franklin sits approximately twenty minutes south of Nashville, which means you get the best of both worlds without having to choose. Use Franklin as your home base and scoot into the city when you’re ready for live music on Broadway, a big dinner, or the energy of a night out. It’s like having a backstage pass to Music City without having to sleep in the middle of it. Pack light, leave early, and let Franklin surprise you. It’s a short drive from Birmingham and a world away from ordinary.

Home Improvement with Matt Weber

Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.

Springtime Home Inspection

Check your home for winter damage.

As spring brings in more sunshine and warmth, it comes time to inspect your home for winter damage. If hidden problems go unaddressed, the damage will usually exacerbate over time.

Begin at the top and check the roof. Even down in the South, snow, ice buildup, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures can loosen shingles, damage flashing, and expose the transitional areas around chimneys and vents. Minor repairs such as replacing a few shingles or resealing flashing may be enough to restore protection.

Roof inspection may require a professional, but

you might find a reputable contractor who will conduct the inspection free of charge. DIY’ers might attempt to visually inspect the roof from atop a ladder, but if the roof is taller than a single story, it might be wise to call a pro. Alternatively, you can use a pair of binoculars, and these days, it is common to inspect the roof with a drone.

Next, check the siding, because hail, freezethaw cycles, and wind-driven debris can cause dents, dings and cracks. Wind and sun damage can loosen panels or warp sections of siding. Cosmetic damage may be annoying, but cracked or loosened

pieces are prone to water intrusion and should be addressed immediately. Any water that penetrates the building envelope will cause further damage over time.

Although brick, vinyl, and metal siding are generally low-maintenance cladding options, certain types of siding must be maintained routinely. Natural wood siding requires regular sealing, staining, or painting to help prevent water and sun damage, and fiber cement (i.e. Hardie Board) requires recaulking over time to protect against moisture.

Windows and doors should be checked next, because they are among the most common sources of drafts and moisture leaks. Over the winter, seals can shrink, weatherstripping can deteriorate, and debris can build up in tracks, creating small openings that allow air and water to enter.

Seal any air leaks with new weather-stripping around windows and doors. Gaps in the nonmoving joints around these areas should be sealed with caulk. Clean away any debris from the window tracks that might interfere with the seal. Don’t forget to check and seal any gaps around the garage door, which is often a problem area for drafts, moisture intrusion and insect entry.

A decorative option for exteriors is to use moisture-resistant trim made from PVC or polyurethane to seal cracks and gaps. Pro tip: If you use pressure-treated wood trim on house exteriors,

make sure to prime and seal all sides and edges of the boards to protect from moisture—even the areas that will not be visible.

Protect your house foundation using a twofold approach. Step one is to clean the gutters and downspouts of any leaves and debris that accumulated over winter. If the gutters get clogged, rainwater will overflow them and accumulate around the house foundation, which you don’t want.

Step two: Direct all rainwater at least 10 feet away from the foundation using downspout extensions and the slope of the grade. This will ensure water does not saturate the soil and increase hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. Proper grading always drains away from the home, reducing the risk of settlement, damage and leaks.

This same principle of water management applies to all areas of your property. Water tends to flow downhill. If rainwater cannot go where you want it to go, then the water will inevitably go where you don’t want it to go. Clear any exterior drains that might be clogged from winter debris— even the roadside culvert inlets. Although those drainage areas should probably be maintained by a local municipality, if the drain hasn’t been serviced by the time a storm hits, then your yard may still get flooded, whether the drain maintenance was technically your job or not.

Schools Receive

RAMP Certification

Nine Shelby County school counseling programs received national recognition from the American School Counseling Association. The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognizes schools that have successfully implemented the ASCA National Model framework to show evidence of direct and indirect services to students, program planning, and improved student outcomes resulting from the school counseling program. The recipients were honored at the most recent Shelby County Board of Education meeting and will be recognized at the ASCA National Conference this summer in New Orleans. School counseling programs receiving this national honor include Calera High, Chelsea Park Elementary, Forest Oaks Elementary, Helena Elementary, Inverness Elementary, Oak Mountain High, Shelby Elementary, Vincent Elementary, and Wilsonville Elementary.

Mountain Brook Principal Retires, New Hire Announced

Carrie Busby announced her upcoming retirement to faculty and staff, effective July 1. “I am so thankful for Carrie’s leadership at Mountain Brook High School for nearly a decade,” says Superintendent Dr. Dicky Barlow. “During her time as a school administrator (both Principal and Assistant Principal), Carrie has led our high school community with a servants heart, keen decision making, a positive attitude and much more.” The Board of Education also approved a recommendation to name Lars Porter as the next principal. Lars has 8 years of experience in Mountain Brook as a classroom teacher, technology coordinator, and assistant principal in the district. Before coming to Mountain Brook, Lars spent 6 years in Homewood as a teacher and head track coach.

Altamont Track & Field Girls

Finish Second in State

After winning a sectional championship in April, Altamont School girls finished the season #2 in the state, claiming the first team trophy in the 4A outdoor track classification in school history. Boys finished 3rd in sectional competition and in the Top 20 at the State Tournament in Gulf Shores in May. The Altamont Knights also secured individual championships, top-3 places, and new records at the State Tournament, including State Champions: Elle Sellers – 1600m (5:30) Elle Sellers – 3200m (11:35) Girls 4x800 relay – Sydney Fraser, Claire Nichols, Abbey Sellers, Elle Sellers (10:00 – new school record)

—Contributed by Sean Flynt

Science Summit Awards

The Edtech team and students from Chelsea Park Elementary and Chelsea High School recently traveled to Montgomery for the 2026 Computer Science Summit. Students competed in the final round of the Governor’s App Challenge, a statewide computer programming competition for Alabama students. Chelsea High School students Chase Diamond and Landon Hartline received first place in the high school division. Their app, “College Education & Navigation” (C.E.A.N.), allows high school students to effortlessly explore college options, calculate GPA, and even find potential roommates. Chelsea Park Elementary students Kenia Bravo, Logan Dobson, and Hudson Harris were selected as state finalists for the elementary division. Their app, Monkey Math, aims to help students develop math fact fluency in a fun and engaging way.

Bands Perform in Texas

The Shelby County and Chelsea high school bands recently represented Shelby County Schools at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade—the world’s largest nighttime illuminated parade—in San Antonio, Texas. Students performed in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions more watching live.

Teachers Awarded Fine Arts Grant

The following fine arts teachers recently attended the Alabama Arts Conference and received the Alabama Arts of Education Grant: Lilly Langford (Elvin Hill Elementary), Kymberlee Lewis (Montevallo High School), Marjorie Eubanks (Shelby County High School, Garrett Lindsey (Shelby County High School), and Katie Justice (Calera Middle School). These teachers of the arts invested their time to write grants that will give students new equipment and support fine arts instruction and programs.

Child Nutrition Program Brings Fresh Food to Schools

Students and staff recently enjoyed farm-fresh strawberries as part of the Child Nutrition Program’s Farm to School program. The berries came from Josh Jones of C & J Farms. CNP staff added them to the menu as fresh fruit options and have also made delicious desserts like strawberry shortcake.

Innovation Award Winner

Piper Boss, a junior at Helena High School, won the Innovation Award from YouthServe Birmingham for her nonprofit organization, The Bright Brick Project, which collects new and gently used LEGOs to donate to foster children. YouthServe, a youth leadership organization in the metro region, recently held its 2026 Youth In Service Awards to recognize community service work being done by youth in Alabama.

Green Valley Glow Day

From mixing Glow Potions in STEM to creating glowing masterpieces in art, Green Valley Elementary students had a blast at Glow Day. They enjoyed a high-energy Silent Disco, exciting Glow Bingo, and plenty of other hands-on activities in the gym. Everyone had a fun and creative day that lit up learning at GVES!

New Principal Named at Hoover High School

Trent Hosmer was recently named Assistant Principal of Hoover High School. For 11 years, he served as a teacher, coach, and leader, building strong relationships with students, staff, and families at HHS. From the classroom to athletics and student programs, his commitment to supporting students and helping them succeed has made a lasting impact. He has also served as the administrator for both summer school and the winter credit recovery programs. In these roles, he led program operations and supported student success by managing credit recovery and credit enhancement programs. He oversaw staffing for summer school based on enrollment, utilized instructional technology platforms, and maintained consistent communication with families and staff regarding student progress. As assistant principal, he will support the school’s overall operations, including student services, instruction, safety, and staff collaboration. He will also assist in student discipline, scheduling, and school programs, while supporting ongoing improvement efforts and maintaining a positive, supportive learning environment.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BRIDGEWAYS ALABAMA FACEBOOK

S’mores & Pours

June 4

Hosted by BridgeWays’ Junior Board at Avondale Brewing Company, this boho-chic event offers an evening of community engagement in support of a meaningful local cause. Guests will enjoy food from Taco Mama, a selection of craft beverages, live music, raffles, local vendors, and activities for all ages, including family- and pet-friendly entertainment. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Funky Food Truck Festival + Market

June 6

Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of offerings from some of the area’s top food trucks, experience live entertainment, and relax on the patio with a favorite brew from Cahaba Brewing Company. The event will also feature a variety of local artisans, vendors, and pop-up shops showcasing unique goods. Admission is free. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company.

African Heritage Festival

June 13

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of African cultures and the Museum’s African art galleries with the annual African Heritage Festival. The festival will feature art making, performances, face painting, and a focus on the BMA’s African art collection. This event is free with registration. Hours are 1 -5 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Blockfest Alabama vs Georgia Car & Bike

Show

June 13

Blockfest returns for its eighth annual celebration, expanding to Birmingham for the first time at Legion Field. The show will showcase an impressive collection of custom vehicles from across the region. Attendees

can enjoy live music from DJs, a variety of food trucks and vendors, competitive awards and showcases, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

Movies on the Mountain

June 13

Enjoy an evening under the stars at Movies on the Mountain, held at Vulcan Park & Museum. Space Jam will begin at 8 pm. Guests are encouraged to come early and bring blankets and lawn chairs. aComplimentary popcorn and cookies while supplies last, along with additional concessions and a cash bar for adults. Tickets are $10, with free admission for children under five; discounted pricing available for members.

Birmingham Rides Day - Ride the T-34

June 14

Celebrate Flag Day with rides in the Beech T-34 Mentor on at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. All riders must be at least 12 years old. Purchase tickets at airbasegeorgia.org/event/ birmingham.

Summer Teacher Training Workshop

June 22-24

At this immersive three-day teacher workshop, educators will explore effective strategies and best practices for supporting students with autism and behavioral health needs. Hosted at Glenwood’s Harper Chapel, attendees will gain valuable insights through engaging discussions on a variety of topics, including: Student Motivation, Behavior Management, AssentBased Learning, and Increased Communication. For more information, visit glenwood.org/ teachertraining26, or contact Cory Johnson at cjohnson@glenwood.org.

match found his Anders

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

Educational