Maybe you’re here for the SEC Baseball Championship, a work conference, or visiting a friend or relative. Or, like me, maybe you chose Hoover as your home and never looked back.
Whatever brought you here, we are thrilled for you to discover the best shopping, eats, celebrations, and more in “Alabama’s No. 1 Place to Live - as ranked by U.S. News & World Report - and this issue is sure to help.
Here, you’ll find stories that highlight seasonal fun for all ages. From baseball games and theme parks to farmers markets and wine sampling, it’s everything you need to curate your perfect warmweather vibe.
And we can’t kick off summer without a proper send-off for the Class of 2026. Before you go, flip to page 28 to hear from local seniors and join us in wishing them all the best!
Wishing you all the fun while you Enjoy Hoover!
Best,
Kim Cripps Editor ABOUT
THE COVER
Texas Longhorns player #43, Tommy Farmer IV, goes to bat against the Tennessee Vols at the 2025 SEC Baseball Championship at the Hoover Met. Read more about the tournament starting on page 8.
Cover photo by Lance Shores
Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city. From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.
Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.
Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com.
We hope you Enjoy Hoover!
KIM CRIPPS, editor kim@kimcripps.com
DAVID COHEN, co-publisher (205) 213-3617/enjoyhoover@gmail.com
MATTHEW ALLEN, co-publisher (205) 883-1877/matthew@jbmcmedia.com
NOTHING SAYS FAMILY FUN like going to a baseball game, and year after year, the SEC Baseball Tournament provides an exciting series of games. Add a fabulousand free - SEC FanFest event, and within that combination is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Set for May 19-24 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the tournament determines the Southeastern Conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska, in June.
With one of the deepest and most competitive fields in college baseball, the SEC tournament uses a 16-team, single-elimination format, with all SEC programs qualifying. Seeding is based on regular-season records. The win-or-gohome nature of the tournament creates a fast-paced environment loaded with the kind of intensity and nail-biting anticipation baseball fans love.
While preseason expectations favored the LSU Tigers, Texas Longhorns, and Mississippi State Bulldogs, the top seed
was wrapped up early on by the Florida Gators, with the Alabama Crimson Tide and Arkansas Razorbacks not far behind. The other teams competing for the 2026 championship are the Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Ole Miss Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers, Texas A&M Aggies and Vanderbilt Commodores.
The Hoover Met has hosted the tournament every year since 1998 except for 2020. The City of Hoover’s current agreement with the SEC calls for the tournament to remain at The Met until at least 2028.
The stadium seats 10,800 for baseball, but with additional patio, banquet, and side grassy areas, the facility can accommodate over 16,000. Attendance for the entire weeklong event generally exceeds 160,000, hitting an all-time high of 180,004 in 2024.
Another all-time high was reached in 2025 when the economic impact of the tournament exceeded $17 million. A premier sport tourism event, the tournament brings thousands of visitors to Hoover, an influx that fills local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Thus, the event serves as a major contributor to the Hoover Met Complex's annual economic impact of over $100 million.
Making History
The roots of the SEC Baseball Tournament trace back to 1933, when the Southeastern Conference, formed only a few months before in December 1932, crowned its first champions in baseball and other sports. Until 1976, SEC Baseball champions were largely determined by winning percentage and divisional playoffs. It wasn’t until 1977 that the foundation for today’s SEC Baseball Tournament was formed. For over half of the years since, Hoover had hosted the event.
Traditionally a football and basketball conference, SEC Baseball became the top collegiate baseball conference by winning six national championships during the 1990s. Beginning in 2010, an SEC team has won 10 out of the past 15 NCAA Baseball Championships.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Thousands of fans from across the Southeast come to Hoover, Alabama, each spring to cheer on their favorite collegiate SEC baseball teams.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
The FanFest Factor
Bringing the SEC FanFest into the mix nine years ago was a game-changer for engaging fans and creating connections within the SEC baseball community.
The first timeThe Finley Center opened its doors to the public was for the first SEC FanFest. Ground had been broken less than a year earlier on the massive 150,000-square-foot entertainment facility, and the project was expedited so the building could be ready for the 2017 tournament.
Held each year since in conjunction with the tournament, the high-energy SEC FanFest enhances SEC baseball fans’ experience with interactive attractions, food and beverage options, entertainment, and opportunities for sponsors to engage with the public.
FanFest is free, and fans attending the SEC Tournament can come and go as they please.
Attending the SEC Tournament
For the safety and comfort of all concerned, guidelines have been established for tournament attendees. A brief synopsis appears below. For full details, visit the SEC Baseball Tournament page at hooveralabama.gov.
BAGS: Only clear bags or small clutch bags will be allowed into the stadium and The Finley Center. Fans who bring any bag into the stadium or The Finley Center should anticipate a brief delay for searching purposes. Fans without bags may use the express gate.
OTHER ITEMS: Binoculars and cameras (with lenses less than 4 inches in length) are allowed, provided they are not in cases. Fans are encouraged to leave any unnecessary items at home or in their cars.
ARRIVE EARLY: Gates will open 1 hour prior to the first game on the first 5 days of the tournament and 90 minutes prior to the championship game on Sunday to accommodate early-arriving fans.
For information about the SEC Baseball Tournament, including tickets and pricing, visit secsports.com.
ABOVE: The Vanderbilt Commodores celebrate after winning the 2025 SEC Championship Tournament. BELOW: The SEC FanFest is free and open to the public with interactive attractions, food and beverage options and entertainment.
J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C
Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD
For Kids and Kindness
BY KIM CRIPPS
WHEN DWIGHT SANDLIN, founder of Signature Homes, retired and stepped away from the day-to-day operations of his business, he realized something important. Even though he’d been personally part of building more than 6,000 homes in Hoover, he was only seeing half of the community’s story. Hoover, he said, has so many resources, but also so many needs. It was high time to do something about it.
In 2025, Dwight and his wife, Sandy, reached out to longtime friend David
Banister to learn how to best get involved and make a meaningful impact. David, who started Neighborhood Bridges and serves several non-profits in the area, knew exactly where to start.
David led Dwight to the local YMCA. Dwight was already a donor to the YMCA, but this visit was different, more personal. Dwight met members of the Hispanic Women’s Group, students in after-school care, and students who receive free and reduced lunch, and thereby participate in programs, like swim lessons, on scholarship.
Dwight saw himself in these children; he was raised in a lower-middle-class family. He credits his success to the person who encouraged him to go to college and get a part-time job. He knows how valuable and life-changing it is to have support when you need it - and he wanted to be that for others.
From a visit to the Hoover YMCA, the idea for The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness was born. The Sandlins jump-started the program by pledging $10 million over 10 years to ensure the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANDLIN FOUNDATION FOR KIDS AND KINDNESS
foundation is sustainable and can provide funds in perpetuity.
Less than a year after its founding, this “mutual fund of kindness” has partnered with multiple local businesses to raise funds and awareness, as well as in-kind donations, such as hotel stays for families facing temporary homelessness or who are coming to the Birmingham area for pediatric cancer treatments.
They have also contributed to nearly a dozen local non-profits: Ady’s Big Army,
The Sandlin Foundation provides practical, dependable support to nonprofit partners across Hoover and greater Birmingham, such as Ady’s Big Army, Hoover YMCA, Manufacture Good, Smile-A-Mile and many others
Family Connections, Hoover City Schools Foundation, Hoover Helps, Hope for Autumn, Joyful Noise Foundation, Libby’s Friends, Magic Moments, Manufacture Good, Neighborhood Bridges-Hoover, Smile-A-Mile and the YMCA.
David says The Sandlin Foundation will be relentless in their kindness, helping organizations that put kids and kindness at the forefront, and that can make good use of the program-specific funds they receive.
“There is so much good happening in Hoover through these charitable partners, and we just want to help them,” he adds. “We’re in awe of the hard work all of these organizations do to make life easier for others.”
NOMINATE A HOOVER HERO
This spring, The Sandlin Foundation launched its inaugural Hoover Heroes program to recognize local people who are making a dayto-day difference in the community.
If you would like to nominate a Hoover Hero to be recognized in the spring of 2027, go to sfkak.org.
Nominations will open June 1, 2026.
Who can be nominated?
Hoover Heroes nominees may include:
• First responders, educators, mentors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders
• Business and civic leaders who serve beyond their job titles
• Lifetime contributors and emerging leaders shaping Hoover’s future Those selected will represent the highest standards of service and volunteerism, humanitarian leadership and professional excellence, and will have a consistent commitment to making Hoover better.
Learn more at sfkak.org.
SMILE-A-MILE
Make a Splash Swim Lessons for Kids - and Dogs!
BY KIM CRIPPS
SWIM season is here! For many children, this means trips with family or friends to neighborhood pools, local lakes or coastal sugary sand beaches. Of course, they will be prepared with more than enough sunscreen, a rash guard to protect from UV rays, a properly fitting flotation device, water to stay hydrated,
and healthy snacks for nourishment. But what is the absolute best way to get ready for a summer of splashing? Sign up for local swim lessons.
Here are four outstanding swim schools, conveniently located throughout Hoover. Plus, there’s even a swimming and water therapy option for your family pet.
Aqua-Tots Swim School
Location: 1694 Montgomery Highway Aqua-Tots Swim School offers year-round swim instruction in a warm, indoor environment (read: 90-degree water!). Their structured curriculum is designed for children of all ages and skill levels, from Parent and Tot classes to advanced lessons. Lessons are taught as groups of 4, semi-private or private. An adaptive program is available for swimmers who need lessons tailored to their special needs and abilities.
All lessons focus heavily on water safety, confidence-building, and consistent skill progression in a safe, familiar environment.
aqua-tots.com
Get ready for summer’s upcoming pool days with convenient and affordable local swim lessons.
ADOBE STOCK BY SERGEY NOVIKOV
Goldfish Swim School
Location:The Grove Shopping Center Goldfish Swim School specializes in swim lessons for children ages 4 months to 12 years. Coaches use a play-based learning approach in a warm, shiverfree, 90-degree pool. Their small class sizes and engaging curriculum are designed to build water-safety skills, confidence, and a love of swimming in a fun, kid-friendly environment. Advanced swimmers can join their year-round swim team, Swim Force, and participate in quarterly meets. goldfishswimschool.com
Hoover Recreation Center
Location: 600 Municipal Drive
The Hoover Recreation Center (Hoover Rec) offers seasonal swim lessons that provide a convenient and affordable option for local families. Currently, group lessons are offered for preschoolaged children and focus on water
FOR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
SASSY SWIMMERS
Location: Bluff Park
Seven years ago, Sherri Griffin found that swimming provided her dog, Sassy, with an incredible amount of relief from challenging health issues. Sherri’s discovery has since grown into year-round lessons and aqua therapy for dogs of all ages and abilities. Whether in Sassy Swimmers’ outdoor or heated indoor pool, swimming promotes general fitness and well-being, helps with surgery recovery, and can improve the quality of life for dogs with long-term illnesses. sassyswimmers.com
basics, water safety, and improving coordination and control for swimming. Private lessons are available for all ages. All swimmers can look forward to learning in an indoor, perfectly heated 85-degree pool! hooveralabama.gov
YMCA
Location: Greystone and Hoover
A staple in the Birmingham area, the YMCA has several options for swim lessons right here in Hoover. Programs include group, semi-private and private lessons - all available in an outdoor pool. Swimmers can begin learning at any age, from 6 months with ‘caregiver and child’ lessons to adults. Children may also enjoy the Y’s competitive year-round, summer and developmental swim teams!
Swim lessons are open to all, with discounted rates available for members. ymcabham.org
Emily's products are handmade with 100% butter and all-natural ingredients. Poundcakes come in a variety of flavors and sizes and can be found on Amazon, Walmart.com, at farmer markets, at trade shows, and at Sam's Club Roadshows in six Southeast states.
Hoover's Farmers Markets: Your Guide to Local Produce, Poundcakes, and Pop-Up Bookshops
BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN
A FARMERS MARKET is an excellent way to support local businesses,and Hoover has great options to choose from each year!
The Ross Bridge Farmers Market, feels like a Friday-night block party with its many “themed” events: Strawberry Day on May 8 with a strawberry shortcake bar; Flower Day on May 22 featuring a live demo from the Wild Honey Flower Truck at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m; and Peach Day on June 12 with a “special prize” for the first 50 people to attend!
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY’S HEIRLOOM POUNDCAKES
All Ross Bridge farmers markets feature free kids face painting and live music. Located at 2101 Grand Avenue and open Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap at 500 Mineral Trace opened in March 2023 with co-founders Regina Evans and Jena Large. Brock’s Gap features nearby vendors like Heirbloom Flower Farm (Calera, AL), Pierce Farms (Clanton, AL) and The Wyatt Farm in Helena. Open Saturdays through November from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
C & J Farms, based in Brent, is a frequent favorite at each of these markets. C & J brings a taste of Alabama’s agricultural heritage through peaches, watermelon, squash, okra and tomatoes.
This year, Enjoy Hoover would also like to spotlight two vendors: Emily’s Heirloom Poundcakes: Now celebrating 12 years, Emily’s Heirloom Poundcakes is a fan favorite. April McClung, CEO and owner, said the business started as a fundraiser to send her sons abroad as Student Ambassadors. She raised over $ 14,000 using her grandmother's 100-year-old pound cake recipe and was able to send one of her sons to China for 17 days and her other son to 7 countries in Europe for 20 days. Located in Pelham at 125 Hayesbury Drive, Suite C, Emily’s caters meetings and weddings and has a steady stream of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
C & J Farms brings fresh, homegrown strawberries, peaches, watermelon, squash, okra and tomatoes to many of Hoover’s farmers markets.
PHOTO BY KIM KRIPPS
customers purchasing cakes as corporate gifts. Booked and Bound, based in Alabaster, is a mobile bookstore specializing in romance novels, thrillers and local authors. Owner Sarah Turner describes it as having a “cozy, European library aesthetic.” It brings a curated, cozy bookshop experience directly to the community. Built from the ground up inside a custom trailer, the book truck
Specializing in every genre of romance, thrillers, and local-to-Alabama authors, Booked and
and fun.
was designed to feel like stepping into a small European library, warm, inviting, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
“I wanted to create something that feels personal and inviting,” Turner said. “One of the best compliments is when people step inside and say it smells like a bookstore. That feeling is intentional.”
Turner said the book truck is about creating happy associations for people, whether discussing their favorite books or helping them find a new one to disappear in.
The truck is available for private arts & crafts events (like bedazzling) and travels to pop-up markets, local events, private bookings, book clubs, breweries, wineries and coffee shops.
I wanted to create something that feels personal and inviting.”
— SARAH TURNER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOOKED AND BOUNDED
Booked and Bound adds an artistic touch to the market scene with handcrafted books, journals, and paper goods that celebrate creativity and storytelling.
SHOP
Bound focuses on making reading accessible, personal
Sizzling in Hoover: Your Guide to Summer 2026
BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN
WHETHER YOU’RE HERE for a summer event like the SEC Baseball Tournament or you're a local looking for creative ways to beat the heat, our beautiful city has something for everyone. Enjoy Hoover has designed a “Summer Day in Hoover” itinerary with both outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family!
MORNING:
If you’re near the Hoover Met, start your day with a visit to EXPLORE Playground & Splashpad! The 15,000-square-foot playground and 7,000-square-foot splash pad feature an inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for all.
The splash pad is open May 15 – September 15, Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Explore Playground is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Both are free and open to the public.
If hiking or rock climbing is your thing, head over to Moss Rock Preserve for 349 acres of streams, waterfalls and wildlife. This beautiful community has 12 miles of hiking trails and a boulder field for rock climbing. The flowers are also in full bloom at Aldridge Gardens. If you prefer indoor rock climbing, head to Hoover Heights Climbing Center in The Finley Center
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
The EXPLORE Playground and Splashpad offers families multiple ways to enjoy the long summer days.
PHOTO BY LANCE SHORES
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.
Childrens AL •org
We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale PediatricsHoover and Greenvale Pediatrics - Brook Highland.
The Whole Scoop is a Hoover favorite for more than 15 years.
at the Hoover Met. New sessions begin each hour.
AFTERNOON:
After enjoying lunch at one of our fabulous restaurants, check out the Riverchase Galleria, Alabama’s largest indoor mall, featuring more than 150 stores, or the Stadium Trace Village. Located near Highway 150 and Stadium Trace Parkway, this outdoor shopping center features local boutiques alongside nationally recognized restaurants. Both options are perfect for purchasing a souvenir or a new summer outfit! After lunch and shopping, you may want to take a break indoors at The Hoover Public Library. Besides enjoying a good book, you can enjoy concerts, theater productions, arts and crafts and countless other offerings. If you’re local, also check out their Summer Reading Challenge events.
EVENING:
Catch an SEC baseball game under the lights at the Hoover Met. The atmosphere is electric, and the evening breeze makes the bleachers the best seat in the house. See our full coverage on the SEC Tournament on page 8.
Here in Hoover, we like to end our days on a sweet note! We highly recommend The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, a local favorite featuring more than 40 flavors, including dairy-free options, located at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway.
Have more time?
One of the best aspects of Hoover is that there is never a shortage of places to go and things to do – and that includes the great attractions tucked just outside of city limits. In just 20 minutes, you can explore the outdoors or race down a waterslide. Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park, offers lake swimming, canoeing, mountain biking and hiking. Alabama Splash Adventure, a combo amusement and water park, boasts theme park and water rides, and a lazy river.
Find all the information you need to plan the perfect summer day in Hoover, Alabama, using the websites listed below. Locations are listed in the order they are mentioned:
Oak Mountain State Park: alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park Alabama Splash Adventure: alabamaadventure.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHOLE SCOOP
Want to read more?
Find these special issue magazines in Hoover this spring and summer
PRESENTED BY
On Cloud Wine at the Magic City Wine Fest
ON MAY 30, the Cahaba Dermatology
KIM CRIPPS
Magic City Wine Fest returns to the Hoover Met for the second year in a row.
Planned and hosted by iHeart Media, the Magic City Wine Fest is touted as a fun and relaxed social event. It’s their largest event in the metro area, and all proceeds support local non-profit organizations. This year’s recipient is Hoover Helps, an organization committed to meeting the basic needs of children in Hoover.
“This event shows the power of iHeart Media,” shared Dino Conard, on-air personality and program director.
“Anytime we have an event, we get to have the support of our listeners. I love to see how generous Alabamians are, especially when it comes to charities.”
Unlike other iHeart Media events, the Magic City Wine Fest is promoted across
nine local stations – on air, online and through television partners, drawing different audiences through different channels. Dino expects more than 2,000 guests to come out and enjoy food from local restaurants, giveaways, live music, and of course, wine.
“We’ll have samples of wines, craft
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAGIC CITY WINE FEST
The Magic City Wine Fest attracts around 2,000 guests each year for wine and beer sampling, food, and live music, with proceeds benefitting Hoover Parks and Recreation.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
beers, and seltzers from Alabama wineries and breweries and from around the world,” added JT Nysewander, host of the morning show for 105.5 WERC and the afternoon show for Magic 96.5.
All attendees will receive a souvenir cup for samples – and have the chance to talk with and learn from local wine experts. Dino recommends splurging on the VIP ticket because it provides early event entry and designated seating in an air-
conditioned tent! He adds that after the initial rush, the crowd spreads out. “Some people will grab food; others will enjoy the music. It’s my favorite event of the year because it’s so relaxed,” he said.
Both Dino and JT are long-time Hoover residents and are excited to plan and attend an event in their own backyard. While the wine fest has been a popular metro-area event for nearly a decade, when its growth and popularity called for more space, the two were quick to suggest Hoover. “We want people to experience Hoover and come check it out,” said Dino.
The Soul’d Band, with members from Hoover and Mobile, Ala., will take the stage for a high-energy performance featuring jazz, pop, hip hop, motown, soul and more.
THE DATE
Cahaba Dermatology Magic City Wine Fest
Saturday, May 30, 2026
6-9 pm
The Hoover Met
Tickets at magiccitywinefest.com
Discounted tickets are available for designated drivers. Proceeds benefit Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation
Enjoy live music from The Soul’d Band, and purchase from a variety of local restaurants, including Phil Sandoval’s, Clean Eatz, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Melt and Cookie Fix.
The move to the Hoover Met had a lot to do with relationships, too, shared JT. “The Met is closer to where a lot of our listeners live, and we have a long-standing relationship with Mayor [Nick] Derzis.” From ample parking and strong security to a successful collaboration with the City of Hoover’s Parks and Recreation team, the Met has proven to be a perfect venue, with plenty of room for even more event growth.
As the Magic City Wine Fest continues to attract a larger crowd each year, Dino and JT remain focused on one thing: impacting the community in a positive way. “It’s about more than just playing music. It’s about being part of a shared experience,” they said. “It’s why we involve a charity in everything we do – because we have a responsibility to the people who use our media.”
Senior Spotlight 2026
WITH GRADUATION quickly approaching, we interviewed several talented and hardworking students from the Class of 2026! They shared what made their high school years so special. My own firstborn graduates this year, and while certainly bittersweet, I can’t help but boast with pride at the future leaders our Hoover City Schools are sending out into the world. We wish them all the best in their next adventure!
SARAH KATHRYN PICARDY
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoover High School, Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3): Health Sciences Academy
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Hoover Belle, Buccanettes Dance Team, 4.0 GPA Award, Freshman Class Leadership Award, National Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, National Technical Honor Society at RC3, Health Science Ambassador at RC3, HOSA Officer & 2nd Runner-up at State for Mental Health Promotion, PCT Certified, Diamond Dolls, Actively involved at Hunter Street Baptist Church Student Ministry
COLLEGE: Samford University, majoring in nursing
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “Hoover and RC3 have provided me with so many amazing opportunities. During my time at Hoover, I have had the privilege to be a part of dance team and academic organizations. These different things have stretched me as a student and as a person. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the student life at Hoover. Football and basketball games, pep rallies, dances, and so much more! RC3 has definitely been my favorite high school experience. It has provided me with knowledge to jumpstart my college career. I have been able to learn hands on, make new friends, and be a part of HOSA for future healthcare professionals. I feel confident going into college knowing that I already have knowledge on certain topics and subjects concerning healthcare.”
RYAN MILLER
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoover High School
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Corps Commander of High School
AFJROTC, Captain of High School Swim Team
COLLEGE: Marion Military Institute, pursuing a Bachelor of Science, with plans to become an officer in the Air Force
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “My favorite thing about attending Hoover High School was making connections that I know will last forever.”
GEORGIA GOSS
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoover High School, Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3): Cosmetology & Barbering Academy
ACTIVITIES AND
ACHIEVEMENTS: SGA Senior Class Officer, Peer Helper, Hoover Belle, “Teens Need Teens” Member, Hoover Diamond Dolls, National Technical Honor Society at RC3
COLLEGE: Samford University
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “My favorite thing is the opportunities that are given to every single student. No matter who you are or what interests you may have, there is an outlet for you. I think that is what makes Hoover so special!”
THEA FRIEDMAN
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoover
High School
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: President of Paradigm Show Choir, Chamber Choir, Grace Note Acapella, Senior Honor Choir, Hoover Varsity Football Sports Medicine Team, Hoover Ambassadors, Hoover Wrestling Manager Team, Alabama All State Choir Member, Alabama All State Show Choir Member, Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Scholarship Winner (Self-Expression), Faith Church Student Ministries Leadership Team, YoungLife Portugal Work Crew Member, Finley Award Finalist
COLLEGE: Auburn University, majoring in exercise science, then graduate school to become an occupational therapist
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “I’ve appreciated all of the opportunities to branch out of my comfort zone, whether that was taking a variety of challenging classes, auditioning for various groups and performances, and meeting many different people!”
MCKAYLAH STEELE
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoover High School
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Hoover High School AFJROTC, Archery, Hoover High School FCCLA, FCCLA Fashion Design State Champ, Finley Award Nominee
COLLEGE: University of Montevallo, majoring in elementary education
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “I loved the wide variety of elective options available. They gave students the chance to try something new each year and even explore potential career paths they might be interested in.”
ALLIE BARTON
HIGH SCHOOL: Spain Park High School
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Varsity Cross-Country and Track Team, Prefontaine Award for Cross Country season, A/B Honor Roll, Peer Helper, Presidential Scholarship
COLLEGE: Huntingdon College, majoring in accounting and running with their cross-country and track team
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “The relationships I have built and the experience of getting to be placed on a team that felt like a family.”
ZAIDEN AJANI
HIGH SCHOOL: Spain Park High School
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
Valedictorian, Eagle Scout, President of Green Earth Society, Boy Scout Troop (93): Troop Guide and Patrol Leader, Spain Park Ambassador, SGA Class Representative, Lead Specials Teacher at the Early Childhood Development Center at Jamatkhana, Math Team, Group Leader of Hoover Ignite Leadership Development, National Honor Society, National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, Spanish Seal of Biliteracy, 3x Academic Letterman
COLLEGE: Auburn University, majoring in engineering, with plans to become an astronaut
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL: “One of my favorite things about attending Spain Park High School is definitely the people. The community there made a big difference in my experience—from supportive teachers who genuinely cared about helping me grow, to friends who made everyday moments more enjoyable. Being surrounded by people who were motivated, involved, and willing to support each other created an environment where I could become the best version of myself.”
Around Hoover
TOP (left): Lexi Beard (left) from Spain Park High School and Didi Garcia Gonzalez from Hoover High School were selected as the 2026 Finley Award Winners. Finley nominations are made by peers, teachers and community members, and winners are chosen by a dedicated committee that includes a team of community leaders and school district personnel.
TOP (right): Students from Trace Crossings Elementary School are recognized at the Finley Awards. Each year, every elementary and middle schools within the Hoover City Schools system selects students who demonstrate the values embraced by the late Coach Bob Finley. BOTTOM:
Trumi Wilkinson, a thirdgrade teacher at Deer Valley Elementary School, was named the 2026 faculty winner of the Finley Award for outstanding character among all faculty and staff in the school system. Mrs. Wilkinson, center, is pictured with Deer Valley students, Principal Nicole Stokes, far right, and Assistant Principal Kari Tibbs, far left.
BY KIM CRIPPS
THE FINLEY AWARDS, named for the late Bob Finley, celebrate Hoover City Schools students and employees with outstanding character. As the longtime head coach at Hoover’s W.A. Berry High School, Coach Finley’s legacy encourage all students to live with integrity, generosity, compassion and perseverance.
In March 2026, students from across Hoover, and one employee, were formally recognized at an award ceremony at The Finley Center.
MAY
May 2: MOB INC Car Show. 9am - 12pm. 40 Inverness Center Parkway in Meadowbrook. Join members of the car club Motorists of Birmingham In Nice Cars, or MOB INC, to talk shop and take an up-close look at brands like Porsche, Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini. The car show is open to all.
May 2: Kitty Cat Haven Rescue Meow-AThon, 8am, Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. This 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1-mile Whisker Walk supports a local a no-kill, cage-free shelter for cats and kittens. For more information and to register, visit kittykathavenrescue.org.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
May 4-6: Scholastic Book Fair. 9am - 9pm. Hoover Public Library. Choose your next favorite read for the whole family from the beloved Scholastic Book Fair. Purchases help the library earn books to benefit Little Free Libraries.
May 8: Bash on the Bluff - Folk Fest. 59:30pm. Oris & Oak. The annual festival is a family-friendly event featuring live performances by The Goat Hill String Band and Three on a String, plus local food trucks. Snacks and coolers are allowed, but supporting local food trucks is encouraged.
May 9: Birmingham Kidney Walk and Celebration. 8:30am. Spain Park High
School. A high-energy community event supporting the Alabama Kidney Foundation. Features children’s activities, live entertainment, coffee, a DJ, door prizes, local vendors and more. Sign up early at BirminghamKidneyWalk.org.
May 19-24: SEC Baseball Tournament. Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The annual tournament will feature all 16 SEC teams (including Oklahoma and Texas) in a single-elimination format, with the championship game on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online.
May 29: Blakgraz LIVE. 7-10pm. Brock’s Gap Brewing. Enjoy more than three hours of continuous live music, featuring crowd-favorite sing-alongs, highenergy selections ideal for dancing, and occasional surprise giveaways—all in a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
May 30: The Cahaba Dermatology Magic City Wine Fest. 6-9pm. Hoover Met. Taste your choice of more than 100 wines and beers from around the world to the backdrop of live music. Food will be available to purchase. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
JUNE
June 7 & 21: Mah-jongg - Absolute Beginner and Beginner Classes, 2-4pm. The House at Aldridge Gardens. Learn how to play American Mah-jongg! Space is limited to 8 per class. Supplies for learning are provided. Register at aldridgegardens.com.
June 13: Hydrangeas Under the Star. 6-10pm. Aldridge Gardens. This evening event showcases hydrangeas in the garden under nighttime lighting. Tickets include dinner and access to a silent auction, giving attendees the chance to enjoy the garden and a meal while supporting the gardens. For more, visit aldridgegardens.com.
Fridays: Beginning May 8: Ross Bridge Farmers Market. 4-8pm. 2101 Grand Ave,
Hoover. Shop fresh local produce, browse handmade goods, enjoy dinner on the lawn, and listen to live music. Free kids' face painting is available! Go to facebook.com/ rossbridgefarmersmarket for the latest on themed markets, including the Strawberry, Peach and Flower Markets.
Saturdays: The Market at Brock’s Gap. 8am12pm. Brock’s Gap Brewery. Join The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap for a special Mother's Day Market dedicated to honoring mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers for their invaluable contributions and for shaping lives! Be on the lookout for themed markets featuring specialty goods, like the ones hosted on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekend!
