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Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
Hoover continues to grow, and it’s no wonder why. Quality of life, affordability, convenience, and other factors draw people here, but perhaps the most important factor is the quality of public education in Hoover.
Hoover City Schools serves a city population inching closer to 100,000, and that’s a tall task. But our school system hits the mark, despite facing the challenges of educating so many students across a large geographical footprint.
I’m pleased to bring the third annual edition of the “Hoover City Schools Yearbook” to you. What began as an idea three years ago is now an annual celebration of our schools, students, teachers, staff, and everyone associated with HCS. This is the place to celebrate ALL our schools in one publication, with the countless achievements of students, faculty and staff given the spotlight.
I hope you’ll see what I have seen in publishing this magazine, that we have some incredible things happening in all 17 schools in Hoover. From Bumpus to South Shades Crest, and Greystone
to Bluff Park, Bucs and Jaguars of all ages are building the foundations of the incredible lives they’ll lead.
I want to thank our central office staff and school administration for their help in compiling the photos and stories you read in the following pages. Without their help, this would have been nothing more than an idea on a piece of paper.
Thanks for reading.
Matthew Allen Publisher, JBMC Media
Father of two Hoover City Schools students (205) 883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
As you look through this publication, you will see the momentum that continues to shape Hoover City Schools. Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, our students and staff continued to find new ways to innovate, create meaningful learning experiences, and build a culture of excellence across every school in our district.
From academic achievements and fine arts performances to athletic success, career pathway experiences, and service projects, our students have continued to excel in remarkable ways. These moments are made possible by the incredible faculty and staff who invest in our students each day. Their dedication helps create engaging learning environments where students are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and discover their potential.
Hoover City Schools is fortunate to offer students a wide range of opportunities that prepare them for success both in and out of the classroom. Whether students are earning college credit, participating in career and technical programs, competing in the arts and athletics, or serving the community, they are building skills and experiences that will impact their future for years to come.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Hoover City Schools. Together, we will continue building momentum and creating opportunities that empower every student for the future.
Kevin Maddox, Ed.D. Superintendent Hoover City Schools
Alan Paquette Board President
Appointed 2021 apaquette@hoover.k12.al.us
Rex Blair Board Vice President
Appointed 2023 rblair@hoover.k12.al.us
Jeremy Vice Board Member
Appointed 2025 jvice@hoover.k12.al.us
Amy Tosney Board Member
Appointed 2017 atosney@hoover.k12.al.us
Shelley Shaw Board Member
Appointed 2024 sshaw@hoover.k12.al.us
Kevin Maddox, Ed.D.
The Finley Awards for Outstanding Character have honored students and faculty in Hoover City Schools since 1996. As longtime head coach at Hoover’s W.A. Berry High School, the late Bob Finley taught his students as much about integrity and character as he did about football. Now, awards in his name encourage the values he embraced and taught.
The Finley Awards honor one senior from each high school and one HCS employee as examples of outstanding character. Each school selects students from each grade as Finley honorees, and the Finley Committee selects the high school winners from among Hoover’s and Spain Park’s nominees.
2026 FINLEY AWARD WINNERS
Faculty Winner
Trumi Wilkinson
Hoover High School Winner Didi Garcia Gonzalez
Spain Park High School Winner
Lexie Beard
THE FINLEY AWARDS
2026 FINLEY AWARD HONOREES
BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY
K - Turan Ahmadzada
1st - Jude Cook
2nd - Melody Hoyle
3rd - Emerie Riddle
4th - Elizabeth Supica
5th - Bryce Renta
DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY
K - Oliver Riley
1st - Valerie Gallo
2nd - Whitt Jordan
3rd - Ana Cabello-Alcala
4th - Patrick McGahon
5th - Jordyn Denson
GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY
K - Eleanor Culpepper
1st - Elliot Kennedy
2nd - Owen Wanjohi
3rd - Caroline Mims
4th - Anna Moye
5th - Victoria Powell
GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY
K - Sakura Torres
1st - Maxwell Bell
2nd - Lisa Kogo
3rd - John Moynihan
4th - Nila Blackburn
5th - Clark Onken
GWIN ELEMENTARY
K - James Farley
1st - Harris Gaston
2nd - Angel Dumas Rojas
3rd - Tahriq McDonald
4th - Callie Beasley
5th - Henry Smith
RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY
K - Riley Schach
1st - Sophia Hoang
2nd - Gigi Alonso
3rd - Amirtha Dhanvanthiri
4th - Carter Brooks
5th - Brooklyn White
ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY
K - Nina Wells
1st - Mollie Maxey
2nd - Christian Barrantes
3rd - Elias Arceo
4th - Abella Gary
5th - Tristan Cook
SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY
K - Clarisa Santiago Martinez
1st - Kedric Jamari Hooks
2nd - Hannah Jo Davis
3rd - Bascom DeWitt Truss
4th - Emilia Arden Fisher
5th - Christina JaNaysia Moton
SOUTH SHADES CREST
ELEMENTARY
K - Charles Smith
1st - Samantha Williford
2nd - Grace Hounkpe
TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY
K - Dallas Clark
1st - Luke Bishop
2nd - Farrah Alkahtib
3rd - Aquetzali Chan-Jimenez
4th - Davis Toone
5th - Ella Grace George
BROCK’S GAP INTERMEDIATE
3rd - Olivia Dunning
4th - Maggie Beth Stacy
5th - Jax Aughtman
BERRY MIDDLE
6th Grade
Landon Morris
Gwyneth Chambers
Evelyn Jones
Milan Njuguna
7th Grade
Addison Barrick
Caroline Goree
Annalise Hunter
Firas Nasser
8th Grade
Norah Boyte
Journee Elliott
Garner Giddens
Aiden Jackson
R.F. BUMPUS MIDDLE
6th Grade
Brooklyn Brown
Sloane Halsey
Aanya Rojiwadiya
Joshua Kaylor
7th Grade
Alexander Martin
Mallory Davis
Emma Reinhard
Maryanna Boyd
8th Grade
Beckum Habegger
Evelyn Ross
Mason Harris
Anna Banks Oakley
SIMMONS MIDDLE
6th Grade
Sylvie M. Sutton
Owen W. Han
Lila J. Richardson
7th Grade
Cooper O. Powell
Giovanni J. Bustillos Diaz
Stella E. Oubre
Finnian A. Reuter
8th Grade
Nora I. Monsma
Lucas D. Thomas
Dafne V. Tlamayo Garcia
HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL
9th Grade
Ayaana Budhwani
Noah Crawford
Isla Del Bosco
Phillip Maye
Gabrielle Moore
Aubrey Myers
Ngozi Okoh
10th Grade
Daniel Chang
Tucker Crabtree
Elodie Graham
Colin Moll
Neil Srikantha
Toliver Thomas
Matthew Tyson
11th Grade
Shelby Benoit
Phoebe Beukelman
Bailey Clayton
Anna Gill
Advitiya Kana
Ashtyn King
Cameron Maynard
12th Grade
Lincoln Anderson
Jessica Bachrach
Isabella Bandy
Aerin Briscoe
Carlos Burford
Jonathan Henry Carden
Jameson Coleman
David Landon Cunningham
Dorothea Friedman
Ava Fuller
Dilberlyn Garcia Gonzalez
Michael Glass
Tyler Gullahorn
Shruthi Harichandran
Hope Harper
Lillian Hutchinson
Ella Kappler
Audrey King
Olutomiwa Kukoyi
Caroline Lee
Lauren Lee
Steven Liu
Sloan Lowery
Malleke Martin Thomas
Samantha Mauter
Addison Powell
Rutvi Prajapati
Hunter Purdue
Sara Roy
Victoria Simon
Michael Sosa
McKaylah Steele
Caleb Stone
TaDarius Washington
Zion West
James Wills
SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
9th Grade
Cheyenne Hunter
Leighton Zelwak
Marquarius King
Caroline Dowdy
10th Grade
Natalie Bishop
Asher McBride
Kya Knudsen
Anderson Walker
11th Grade
Hilty Tran
Johnathan Fonbah
Madden Scott
Alexis Curran
12th Grade
Lane Allen
Lexie Beard
John Becker
Graham Blair
Bailey Causey
Brodie Hamilton
Jalen Huynh
Shivika Kumar
Lily Landers
Brittain McClure
Linh Nguyen
Alex Ritchey
Clay Robbins
JaSkylar Simpkins
Elena Steed
Allie Whitaker
Bradley Williams
BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
569 Park Avenue Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-2800
Principal: Ami Weems
Asst. Principal: Meghan Neil
FAST FACTS
Students: 660
Opened: 1924
Teachers And Staff: 105
Grades: K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @Bluffparkelem
Facebook: Bluffparkelem
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Reading Retreat
Our school hosted a new tradition: The Reading Retreat. Our Literary Specialist, Nicole Williams, wanted to inspire the love and joy for reading in our school. We dedicated a day to reading and spending time engaging with texts in a meaningful, intentional way. It is a meaningful pause. It was a reminder that reading is more than a skill we practice; it is something that brings comfort, imagination, curiosity, and connection.
Whole School Collaborative Mural
Kelsi Andrews (Art Teacher) captured the collaborative spirit of Bluff Park Elementary by inviting all students and staff members to create a mural. Murals are powerful symbols of community, and we wanted our school-wide mural to reflect the heart of who we are together. Our community is built on the strength of our house system—five houses, one family—each representing a core value that guides the way we learn, grow, and care for one another. Each house is represented in the mural by a flower, chosen for its symbolism: Sunflowers stand tall for perseverance (Azim).
• Daisies bloom as a reminder of family (Ohana).
• Purple Irises reflect the dignity of respect (Stima). Peonies embody the kindness of compassion (Trua).
• Bluebells symbolize the strength of faith (Hivo)
Service Projects: The Miracle League
Our service projects offer year-round opportunities for students to learn about the importance of giving back. For one of our service projects, our House Council stepped up to the plate on a Saturday morning, volunteering at a local baseball game to kick off their school-wide fundraiser. The team successfully raised $1,000 for the Over the Mountain Miracle League, an achievement that tied perfectly into our 2025-2026 theme of celebrating baseball legends. By combining leadership with a love for the game, our students truly knocked it out of the park!
SRO:
Ofc. Brett Pace
Welcome to Bluff Park Bus Tour!
Mrs. Weems and Mrs. Neil recently hosted an unforgettable bus tour of the Bluff Park neighborhood, designed to make every family feel right at home. The event began with a guided school tour before our new families boarded a bus driven by our very own PE teacher, Kayla Starling. With Mrs. Weems leading the way, families explored a curated selection of local landmarks, perfectly highlighting the hidden gems and community spirit that make our neighborhood so special.
House Meetings
House Meetings are a time for our school family to come together as one. In the 2025-2026 School year, we focused our house meetings on highlighting culture, diversity, and our community partnerships.
• We hosted a parade of cultures, led by our ELL teacher, Allison Woods, highlighting 20 different countries to celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month.
To celebrate the nationwide Rock Your School event, Bluff Park teamed up with Hoover High School for a high-energy collaborative House Meeting. We were thrilled to welcome the Hoover High School Band and Hoover athletes, including the Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams. By bringing these student-athletes and musicians onto our campus, we gave our elementary students a powerful glimpse of their own future potential and the “end goal” of their educational journey. In March, we had a sensory-friendly house meeting. It was designed to make sure every student could enjoy the experience together. We had low instrumental music, flash-light dancing, brain breaks, and Bravo, our facility dog, demonstrated pressure therapy.
Whole School Field Trip- Catching the Moon play
The entire school visited the Alabama Children’s Theatre and watched Catching the Moon. It was the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month through a powerful story of courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers. The performance reminded our students that their dreams are worth chasing and that determination can change the game.
The Spirit of Bluff Park
We collaborated with Bluff Park Creative to produce a high-quality welcome back video for our school. The video captures the heart of who we are and the spirit of our community. So far, it has reached almost 25,000 views on Instagram (@BluffParkElem), and we are so proud of how it tells our story to the world.
Cottage Grand Opening
Bluff Park has grown over the last few years, and we needed more classroom space. Dr. Maddox (superintendent), Mrs. Weems (principal), Mrs. Neil (assistant principal), 5th-grade teachers, and enrichment teacher held a ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of our 5th-grade cottages.
DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
4990 Ross Bridge Parkway Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-3300
FAST FACTS
Students: 704
Opened: 2002
General Education Classrooms: 36
First Class Pre-K Classroom: 1
Alabama Alternate Skills
Classroom: 1
Grades: PreK, K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @deervalleylife
Facebook: DeerValleyPTO
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
TOP 25 Recognition
Deer Valley Elementary was recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education as a top performing school. We earned a top 25 recognition through the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program for the 2024-2025 school year. We are so proud of our school for earning this amazing recognition!
Books and Bros
Through a grant from the Hoover City Schools Foundation, Literacy Coach Alyson Taylor began the Books and Bros book club at Deer Valley Elementary School! Books and Bros book club aims to engage elementary school boys and their male-role models in meaningful, supportive reading experiences that foster mental health awareness, promote literacy, and strengthen father-son relationships. The book club creates a safe, open space where fathers and sons can connect, share, and learn together through literature.
DVES Counselors’ Hoover Coffee Talk
Cheetah Charge
Each year, the campus of Deer Valley Elementary School comes alive with excitement as more than 500 students lace up their running shoes for the annual Cheetah Charge Race. What began as a simple school fundraiser has grown into one of the school’s most beloved traditions—an event that celebrates movement, community, and the joy of being active together.
Throughout the school year, the Deer Valley Counselors host “coffee talks” for parents. These talks feature guest speakers that share a variety of topics, and parents are able to actively participate by asking questions. The photos attached in the album are from two different coffee talks this school year. The first one is “raising resilient kids” by Alex Henderson from Grace Therapy Collective. The other photo is “Living with ADHD: Thriving Not Just Surviving” by Shelly Mitchell, an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider.
Principal: Nicole Stokes
Asst. Principal: Kari Tibbs
SRO: Ofc. Cedric
Acoff
DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Finley Winners:
K-Oliver Riley
1-Valerie Gallo
2-Whitt Jordan
3-Ana Cabello-Alcala
4-Patrick McGahon
5-Jordyn Denson
Educator- Trumi Wilkinson
Teacher of the Year - Kimberly Fain
Employee of the Year - Brandi Marcrum
Mardi Gras Parade
The 2nd graders had a fantastic time creating their shoebox Mardi Gras parade floats in STEAM! Over the course of four weeks, meeting once a week, students used beads, streamers, coins, and special trinkets from home—along with plenty of hot glue—to design colorful, creative floats. The project encouraged imagination, problem-solving, and handson building skills, and the final parade was a joyful celebration of their hard work and creativity.
Employee of the Year Brandi Marcrum and Teacher of the Year Kimberly Fain.
House Leaders and Pacesetter
Jordyn Denson-Pacesetter
Parker Davis (Quantum/Blue)
Julianna Temple (Kuleana/Purple)
Layne Prime (Kaliwohi/Orange)
Amayra Satani (Wema/Red)
Param Patel (Daya/Pink)
Tatsuki Osuka (Yili/Green)
The House Leaders and Pacesetter are a select group of elementary student leaders at Deer Valley. They were chosen through an application and interview process, where they presented how their unique leadership skills could best support the school community. These student leaders serve a vital role by:
• Decision-Making: Contribute to important decisions regarding house meetings and other Deer Valley events.
• School Ambassadors: Serve as welcoming and knowledgeable leaders for visitors in the school building.
As the inaugural Pacesetter, fifth grader Jordyn was chosen to lead this year’s House Leaders. As the pacesetter Jordyn leads by personal example, sets extremely high performance standards, and sets a standard that makes it easy for others to follow her lead instinctively.
Love for Literacy Parade
In February Deer Valley celebrated their very first Love for Literacy Day! The day was filled with costumes, room transformations, parades, and lots of reading across the whole school! Each grade level represented one of the 5 pillars of early literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These 5 key concepts are the basis of early literacy and the foundation of our reading instruction. It was a memorable day centered around celebrating each student’s literacy development and discovering a love for reading!
GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3200 Old Columbiana Road
Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-2500
FAST FACTS
Students: 565
Opened: 1963
Teachers and staff: 88
Grades: PreK-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @greenvalleyelem
Facebook: GreenValleyElemHoover
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Multicultural Day
A day of connection and celebration! We proudly honored our diverse student body for Multicultural Day. Did you know our students represent 78 countries? What an incredible show of cultures, traditions, food, and unity.
Finley Awards
Invention Convention
The future is now! Our brilliant students unveiled their incredible ingenuity at the Invention Convention. Their innovative ideas and dedication to problemsolving show that anything is possible. Inventors at work! One of our students received 3rd place!
Art
Dedication in action! Our artists are hard at work, focusing their creativity and effort to bring their visions to life. It’s inspiring to see so much focus and passion in the art room.
Principal: Amy Burbank
Asst. Principal: Mariah Alfano
SRO: Ofc. Brock Hardy
SRO: Ofc. Matthew Scales
K- Ellie Culpepper
1- Eliott Kennedy 2- Owen Wanjohi
3- Caroline Mims 4- Anna Moye 5- Victoria Powell
Fun Run
Lace up and light up the stage! Our students, families, and staff had an amazing time at the Fun Run, raising essential funds for new school curtains. Your participation helps us update our facilities and create a better environment for all our performances and events.
Music
Our dedicated students are hard at work rehearsing for Veterans Day. Their music is a beautiful way to express gratitude and remembrance for all who have served.
Library- Potato Pants
Making a fashion statement, potato style! Inspired by the hilarious book Potato Pants, these creative students are busy designing and assembling their very own spud-tacular, custom-made pairs of trousers.
GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
300 Village Street Hoover, AL 35242
(205) 439-3200
Principal: Stacey Stocks
SRO: Ofc. Jake Strawn
FAST FACTS
Students: 404
Opened: 1994
Asst. Principal: Sherita Williams
Teacher of the Year- Karla Smith
Greystone Elementary School proudly announces that Karla Smith has been selected as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Smith is recognized for her extraordinary dedication to student success, her mastery of instructional design, and her influential role as a quiet leader among her colleagues. She is highly regarded for her commitment to differentiation, with nominators noting that she diligently plans lessons to meet her students where they are, while consistently challenging them to reach their absolute highest potential. Beyond her effective teaching strategies, Mrs. Smith creates a highly nurturing and productive classroom culture. She encourages students with a firm but loving personality, fostering an environment where students feel safe and cared for and are ready to learn each day. Her positive impact extends throughout the entire campus. Greystone Elementary School congratulates Mrs. Smith on this phenomenal and well-deserved honor.
Classified Employee of the Year - Jessica Todd
Greystone Elementary School is proud to announce that Mrs. Jessica Todd has been named the 2025-2026 Classified Employee of the Year for her unwavering dedication, organizational excellence, and exceptional service to the school community. Mrs. Todd serves as the key point of contact at the school’s front desk. She is the first face visitors and students see, carrying the significant responsibility of ensuring a secure, welcoming, and organized start to the school day. Mrs. Todd is credited with maintaining the seamless flow of daily operations, including managing room reservations, ensuring the timely delivery of parent materials to teachers, and guaranteeing the safety and security of all children upon arrival. Her extensive knowledge base and pleasant demeanor make her a vital resource for the entire Greystone community. Greystone Elementary School congratulates Jessica on this prestigious award and thanks her for her exceptional service and commitment to the success of our students and staff.
Teachers and staff: 70
Grades: PreK, K-5 FOLLOW US!
Facebook: GreystoneElementarySchool
Instagram: @GreystoneElementary
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Finley Award and Spelling Bee
We are very proud of these students who stood out to their teachers as students who strive to do their best, are respectful, are inclusive and are kind. We tell students this does not mean they are perfect, but do strive to do their best every day.
Our grade level recipients are:
K - Sakura Torres
1st - Maxwell Bell
• 2nd - Lisa Kogo
3rd - John Moynihan
4th - Nila Blackburn
• 5th - Clark Onken
2025-2026 Spelling Bee winner and runner up
• Sara Omata, winner Vivaan Khandelwal, runner up
GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY
GSES House Leaders 2025-2026
Throughout the year, we have many “House” days where students wear their House colors and participate in activities with their House families. This year, our House families made ornaments for our holiday House trees, learned new vocabulary words, participated in a winter olympics challenge, and participated in team building activities. Students earn House points each day by following our school’s “Paws”pectations in their classroom. At the end of each semester, the House with the most points wins the House cup!
We also have 5th grade House Leaders. Greystone Elementary School House Leaders are a small group of eight 5th grade students that serve as leaders in our school. There are two House Leaders to represent each of the four Houses at Greystone. This year, our House Leaders consist of:
Greystone has a very active PTA. The PTA supports our school by funding grants for classroom materials, organizing events for our families, and providing teachers with treats. The PTA holds one major fundraiser each year called Leave a Legacy. The funds raised support all of the amazing things the PTA does for our school.
• Leave a Legacy Fundraiser - Students dress up each day and are encouraged to ask family and friends to make a donation to the PTA. Grade levels compete for prizes.
• Back to School Bingo Night - is held at our school each August. This is a tradition for our families. We do this the first Friday night after school begins. It is a time for families to reunite and new families to be introduced to the school community.
• Kindness Week 2026 - Our school counselor, with the support of the PTA, planned a week where kindness was emphasized. Students learned how to be a good friend and how to stand up to bullying. We participated in Pink Shirt Day which is a National Day to focus on anti-bullying.
Fine Arts Night
Our Fine Arts Night was held on November 6, 2025 in the evening. The special area teachers collaborated to plan the event. The event highlighted the wonderful art, music and library programs at Greystone. Students celebrated the country of Japan through their artwork. The music department held our Veterans Day program that evening, and the librarian hosted our annual book fair that night as well. The event was a great success!
Vocabulary Parade
For this event, students selected an interesting word, learned the definition, and then dressed in a way that would depict the word. Students then paraded around the school, showing off their words which enriched the vocabulary knowledge of all of our students.
GWIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1580 Patton Chapel Road
Hoover, AL 35226
(205) 439-2600
Principal: Kimberly White
Asst. Principal: Hunter Nichols
Individual Awards
FINLEY AWARD WINNERS FOR GWIN
• James Farley [kindergarten] Harris Gaston [1st]
• Angel Dumas Rojas [2nd]
• Tahriq McDonald [3rd] Callie Beasley [4th]
• Henry Smith [5th]
UAB Players, Cheerleaders Visit School for Pep Rally
In September, University of Alabama at Birmingham football players and cheerleaders joined students for a UAB & Me Pep Rally. UAB representatives offered tips on being a champion and a supportive teammate. The event energized students for the upcoming school year and encouraged them to strive to be their best.
FAST FACTS
Students: 510
Opened: 1976
Teachers and staff: 80
Grades: PreK, K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @gwinelementary
Facebook: Gwin Elementary School
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Alison BolgarRegistrar
TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Gwenda Gregg2nd Grade Teacher
Ribbon Cutting of New Playground
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox joined students, faculty, and community members for the official ribboncutting ceremony of the school’s new playground. The upgraded play area will serve students in grades K–5 and offers improved equipment and accessible features designed for broad student use. The event highlighted community partnerships and the district’s commitment to enhancing student facilities.
SRO: Ofc. Thomas Gray
Annual International Day Celebration
Safe School Award
Gwin has been named one of nine schools in Alabama to receive the highest distinction under the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative. The award recognizes the school’s improvements and sustained commitment to student safety. Recent efforts focused on proactive prevention programs, emergency preparedness, and stronger partnerships with local law enforcement and community agencies. Those initiatives helped Gwin qualify for the honor from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. The Attorney General visited Gwin in March to present the award during a school assembly. The recognition highlights the school’s work to make the campus safer for students and staff.
Gwin Elementary School [GES] is known for its annual International Day Celebration, a lively and special event highlighting the diverse cultures represented within the school community. The festivities begins with an inspiring opening ceremony, featuring students proudly parading flags from almost 40 different countries. This symbolic gesture beautifully illustrated the diverse student body that enriches GES. Attendees are treated to captivating cultural performances and music, providing a glimpse into the traditions and heritage of various cultures. This experience allows students to delve deeper into the history, traditions, and customs of various regions of the world. Events like International Day inspire students to embrace different cultures and celebrate the beauty of diversity!
50 years of Excellence
Students and staff celebrated 50 years since Gwin Elementary first opened its doors by throwing a school-wide birthday party! We honored our school by wearing matching t-shirts and party hats, singing Happy Birthday, and enjoying a cupcake together. Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School opened in 1976. It was named in honor of a local activist and Jefferson County Board of Education member.
Marathon T-Shirt Design Winner
A first-grade student, Luke, was named the winner of the inaugural Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon T-Shirt Contest. Children across the state were invited to submit drawings that combined the Kids Marathon with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Luke’s design was chosen from entries submitted statewide and was printed on more than 2,500 race shirts worn during the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kids Marathon held in February. Organizers came to the school for a special assembly to congratulate Luke on his winning artwork.
Healthiest School Award
Gwin has been named one of America’s Healthiest Schools. The recognition, awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation), a leading children’s health organization, honors schools’ dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families.This recognition serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of the District in prioritizing the health and well-being of its educational community
RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1950 Old Montgomery Highway Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 439-3400
Asst. Principal: Dr.
SRO: Ofc.
Davuntae Lewis
FAST FACTS
Students: 535
Opened: 2004
Teachers and staff: 100
Grades: K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @resinhcs
Facebook: RiverchaseElem
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.
Let Grow
Vocabulary Parade
Students and teachers filled the hallways with excitement as each class took turns parading around the school, proudly showing off their amazing vocabulary words.
Every student was assigned a special type of word to “wear” and used their creativity to design costumes and outfits that represented their vocabulary word. The event not only encouraged vocabulary development but also gave students an opportunity to build confidence, express creativity, and celebrate learning together.
Let Grow initiative is a program that encourages families and schools to create opportunities for children to develop important life skills by allowing them to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, solve problems independently, and experience the world with greater confidence.
RES students are encouraged to practice responsibility, decision-making, teamwork, and perseverance both inside and outside the classroom. By promoting independence and self-reliance, we are helping students become more confident learners and capable individuals.
Greenpower
Greenpower USA is a hands-on STEM program designed to engage students academically while helping them develop valuable employability and teamwork skills through engineering, design, and racing competitions. Through the program, students work together to design, build, and race electric-powered cars while learning important concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year, the RES Greenpower team finished the season ranked 4th nationally. Throughout the year, the RES team earned the following awards and race finishes:
Hoover Fall Goblin Fest – 1st Place
• Hoover Shamrock Sprint – 1st Place
• Huntsville Goblin Cup – 2nd Place
Talladega Goblin Games – 3rd Place
• LaGrange Kia Spring Fever Goblin Rally – 3rd Place
Best Car Design Award at the LaGrange Kia Spring Fever Goblin Rally
Principal: Taylar Posey
Alli Phelps
Staff Awards
Res
Teacher Of The Year & Hoover City Schools Elementary Teacher Of The Year
Callie Miller has been named Teacher of the Year at RES. Mrs. Miller works tirelessly to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where all students feel valued and encouraged. She builds meaningful relationships with her students and celebrates every accomplishment, big or small, helping them grow both academically and personally. In addition to being recognized as RES Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Miller was also selected as the Hoover City Schools
Elementary Teacher of the Year — an incredible achievement that reflects the outstanding work she does each and every day.
Res Employee Of The Year
Phyllis White has been named Employee of the Year at RES. As our cafeteria manager, Mrs. White plays an important role in the daily life of our school.
Mrs. White works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every student receives nutritious meals in a welcoming environment. She is known throughout the school for her warm heart, friendly spirit, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Lasting Impression Award
Kelly Grande received the prestigious Lasting Impression Award from the Hoover City Schools Foundation. This annual honor recognizes exceptional educators who make a profound and positive impact on their students, schools, and the greater Hoover community.
Mrs. Grande was selected for her unwavering dedication to education, her passion for helping students succeed, and the meaningful relationships she builds with students, families, and colleagues. She consistently creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to do their best.
Student Awards
Finely Awards
The Finley Award is given to students who consistently demonstrate kindness, responsibility, respect, and positive citizenship both inside and outside the classroom. These students serve as wonderful role models for their peers and represent the very best of RES.
Kindergarten: Riley Schach
1st Grade: Sophia Hoang
2nd Grade: Gigi Alonso
3rd Grade: Amirtha Dhanvanthiri
4th Grade: Carter Brooks
5th Grade: Brooklyn White
Lily Beam Award
The Lily Beam Award is a special recognition created in honor of Lily Beam. Lily, the daughter of our 1st grade teacher Courtney Beam, is remembered for displaying remarkable core characteristics of kindness, bravery, and determination. These qualities continue to inspire our school community and serve as a meaningful example for others.
This year’s award was presented to Anais Jackson for exemplifying these same outstanding traits. She consistently demonstrates kindness toward others, courage when facing challenges, and determination in all that she does. Her positive attitude and caring heart make her a wonderful role model for fellow students.
Character in Action Award
Holt Carden received the Character in Action Award. This regional youth recognition program honors students who consistently demonstrate exemplary character traits, including respect, citizenship, perseverance, and courage. Holt consistently demonstrates respect toward peers, teachers, and others around him while showing strong selfdiscipline and responsibility in all that he does. He is also recognized for his positive citizenship, fairness, and ability to build meaningful friendships with those around him. His perseverance and courage shine through in the way he approaches challenges and supports others.
Arbor Day Essay Writing Contest
Darby Walker won the Arbor Day Essay Writing Contest, sponsored annually by City of Hoover and the Hoover Beautification Board. The contest encourages fourth-grade students to reflect on the importance of trees and caring for the environment. Darby’s award-winning essay stood out for its thoughtful message and creativity, highlighting the important role trees play in our world and the responsibility we all share in protecting the environment.
ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2876 Old Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35243 (205) 439-2900
Arbor Day Recognition
Yuvan Yeleswarapu, a fourth grader in Mrs. Northington’s class, was recognized for his outstanding Arbor Day writing piece about a banana tree, where he shared interesting facts about how banana trees grow in India. He was honored at a City Hall meeting, receiving his award from the Mayor and City Council members.
Employee of the Year
Front office secretary Sherita Brown (Mama B), embodies the heart of our school’s mission and consistently goes above and beyond in support of our students, staff, and community. She secured funding from State Representative Mike Shaw for our new school marquee. She leads the school’s digital communications, highlighting student success and teacher innovation on social media. She also organized our first Valentine’s Sneaker Ball and helped coordinate community involvement during our Black History Month celebration, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and belonging.
FAST FACTS
Students: 569
Opened: 1966
Teachers and staff: 76
Grades: PreK, K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @rockyridgehcs
Facebook: Rocky Ridge Elementary
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.
Celebrating Our Grant-Winners
Two of our outstanding educators were award grants to support learning and growth at Rocky Ridge Elementary. Mrs. Hubauer, P.E teacher, and Mrs. Speer, a 5th grade teacher, were awarded $1,000 grants, provided by the Alabama Power Foundation and CBS’S “One Class at a Time” initiative. Our teachers continue to go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for students.
House Captains 2026
Our House Captains have been exceptional leaders, truly leaving their footprints at RRES. Representing their various houses, yet united as one family, they lead with joy, pride, love and compassion. As these 5th graders prepare to head to middle school, they leave behind a lasting and inspiring impact on our school community and a legacy of leadership that will not be forgotten.
Principal: Chelsea Bayko
Asst. Principal: Chakema Jackson
SRO: Ofc. Ashlyn Morgan-King
Kindness in Action
During Kindness Week, our students partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP East) to help build beds for children in need. With the support of families, staff, and volunteers, this meaningful project reflected the power of serving others.
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations Allison Byrd, 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. She is a third-grade teacher, has been part of the Rocky Ridge family for 12 years, and even before that, she served on our PTO while her children were here. What inspires her most as an educator is helping students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. She loves building relationships that last long after students leave the classroom
Serving Up Excellence
The school’s cafeteria has earned a perfect score of 100 multiple times this year from Jefferson County Department of Health. Under the leadership of CNP Manager Jamilee Padgett, the team continues to provide a clean, welcoming, and well-run environment for our students and staff each day.
SRO Essay Contest Winner
Besty Tidwell, a fifth grader in Mrs. Crimes’ class, earned top honors in the district-wide School Resource Officer Essay Contest. In her winning essay, she highlighted the importance of School Resource Officers and recognized the dedication of Rocky Ridge’s own Officer King. As part of this honor, Betsy was selected to read her essay at the City Leaders breakfast.
Black History Program
Mr. Hallman, music teacher, led our third graders in a rich musical experience “Young Voices, Big Dreams” that honored Black history and allowed our students to shine. The songs, the emotion, and even the encore was a reflection of the thoughtful work Mr. Hallman poured into every detail.
95-A Report Card
The Alabama State Department of Education school’s report card 95/A reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our families
SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2250 Sumpter Street Hoover, AL 35226
(205) 439-3100
Principal: Kevin Erwin Asst. Principal: Leah Colley
FAST FACTS
Students: 337
Opened: 1961
Teachers and staff: 61
Grades: K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @shadesmountainelem
Facebook: ShadesMtnElem
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Inclusive Playground Debut
Shades Mountain Elementary proudly unveiled its new inclusive playground, designed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to play, explore, and connect. Featuring musical instruments, sensory-rich equipment, accessible slides, and adaptive swings, the playground has quickly become a favorite among students. This thoughtfully designed space reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion and joyful learning for all.
Blue Ribbon Award
Shades Mountain Elementary was deemed a National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious award, for its excellence in student achievement. Teachers and students were celebrated at the school board meeting held at Shades Mountain Elementary. A select group of teachers traveled to Washington, D.C. to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Character Award Pep rallies
Once a month, Shades Mountain Elementary hosts a pep rally to celebrate specific character traits such as perseverance, friendship, and gratitude. One student from each class is selected to be celebrated in front of the whole school. Led by school counselor Hannah Smalley and supported by teachers and staff, this initiative encourages positive behavior and builds a strong, supportive school culture.
SRO: Ofc. Patrick Rhodes
SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY
iReady Super Stretch
Shades Mountain Elementary was awarded the “iReady Super Stretch Award” in both reading and math in the 2025-2026 school year. This is the second year in a row that Shades Mountain Elementary has earned this prestigious award. Shades Mountain is one out of only five schools in Alabama to earn this award, due to the amazing growth the students demonstrate on the platform iReady.
Multicultural Day
Diversity is the heart of Shades Mountain Elementary, and that diversity is celebrated yearly with the Multicultural Day. Over 40 countries represented by their very own students and families created a memorable experience for their students and community. From performances to booths to showcase their culture, students enjoyed learning and celebrating the different cultures that make up Shades Mountain Elementary.
Disability Awareness Week
Hoover City Schools started a new initiative where schools would celebrate and educate students on disabilities. Shades Mountain Elementary jumped right in and our exceptional education teachers did a phenomenal job on creating a fun and education week. Guests included the Hank Poore Foundation, Kulture City, parent educators, and the Lakeshore Foundation. The Lakeshore Foundation brought their top athletes to compete against our teachers in a friendly game of wheelchair basketball.
Fresh Garden
The Shades Mountain Elementary community worked together to give the garden a new look. The wonderful PTO and families showed up for a garden workday to install the new garden beds. Students have been hands-on in this project as well. The students learned how to measure and cut the wood to make the garden beds. A large compost and worm farms were added as a part of the Hoover City Schools Foundation Grant. The fifth grade green team led the project with a pre-project survey and led students in identifying compostable items during lunch. Students have worked tirelessly weeding the beds, putting in new soil, and planted more than 60 new vegetables and fruits.
SOUTH SHADES CREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3770 South Shades Crest Road Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-3000
Principal: Kara Scholl Assistant principal: LaRue Frederick
SRO: Ofc. JaRon Thomas
FAST FACTS
Students: 540
Opened: 1995
Teachers and staff: 95
Grades: PreK, K-2
FOLLOW US!
Facebook: South Shades Crest Elementary
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
International Dot Day school wide collaborative project
International Dot Day is a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration inspired by The Dot, a children’s book by author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. All South Shades Crest students worked on creating these mixed media colossal dots in the art room. The explored line, shape, color, space, and texture while using various art techniques such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage.
Sensory Celebration and Disability Awareness Month
Sensory Celebration was a unique opportunity to celebrate the sensory differences throughout the school. Each class had the chance to explore their senses through a sensory walk, sensory story trail, sensory friendly read alouds, & a hands on take home activity. Students discussed how we all have various sensory needs that help make us unique!
Disability Awareness Month was a district initiative that targeted awareness of unique developmental and learning needs throughout Hoover. Our school targeted a different disability each week. Classes had books to read aloud and corresponding activities to guide their students through meaningful conversations about differences. We also had parent involvement which helped our students see a unique perspective of inclusion.
Storybook Pumpkin Patch
SSC students are bringing stories to life with a fun and creative Storybook Pumpkin Decorating activity! Students are invited to decorate a pumpkin inspired by their favorite book or character—no carving required. This activity encourages a love of reading while giving students a chance to express their creativity. From classic tales to modern favorites, the library will be filled with imaginative pumpkin displays that celebrate storytelling in a unique way.
Persuading Dr. Maddox: A first grade persuasive writing project
First grade students in Mrs. Ngale’s and Mrs. Easton’s class recently completed a fun and engaging persuasive writing project in which they wrote letters to Dr. Maddox, superintendent of HCS, to convince him to get new swings for the first grade playground. Through this meaningful project, students learned the important elements of persuasive writing by sharing reasons, supporting their opinions, and using convincing language to express what they wanted. They also practiced the format of letter writing, including greetings, complete sentences, and a closing, while writing for a real audience. Most importantly, this project helped students understand that their voice is important and that they have the power to share ideas that can make a difference in their school community. As part of the experience, students also began learning about government and leadership within their school and local community by understanding the role of the superintendent and how community decisions are made. Dr. Maddox even visited the students to discuss their letters and hear their opinions about adding new swings to the playground!
Learning how to show appreciation for others sacrifice and hard work
In a lively first-grade classroom, a simple writing project grew into something far more meaningful as students used their developing skills to make a real impact. In November, they carefully crafted heartfelt letters to veterans, expressing gratitude with drawings, kind words, and sincere “thank yous” that introduced them to the idea of service and sacrifice. Inspired by the experience, they revisited the project in February with a new goal: spreading kindness throughout their community. This time, their letters reached family members and local organizations like Alabama Power, TherapySouth, BODYBAR Pilates, Chick-fil-A, and Moe's Original BBQ, with messages of appreciation and encouragement. Through these small but powerful acts, the students discovered that their words can build connections, brighten days, and make a lasting difference in the world around them.
Master’s Golf Tournament Project
Second graders took part in a Masters-inspired project that combined history, creativity, and engineering. The students learned about the traditions and history of the Masters tournament. In STEAM, they designed and built miniature golf holes that will be used with a robot golf ball to create a unique course. The project encouraged creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on learning while celebrating the excitement of the Masters.
Read and Ride
The elementary school library has launched a new Read and Ride program, giving students the opportunity to combine reading with physical activity. Thanks to support from Rep. Leigh Hulsey, students can check out a book and enjoy a bike ride during library time. The program promotes literacy, healthy habits, and a love of learning in a fun and engaging way.
Turning Imagination into Creation
Inspired by *Not a Box*, first and second graders used cardboard saws to transform ordinary boxes into imaginative creations. The hands-on activity encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills while teaching safe tool use and showing students how simple materials can become something extraordinary.
TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5454 Learning Lane Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-2700
Principal: Carl Berryhill
SRO: Ofc. Jason Yarbrough
FAST FACTS
Students: 761
Opened: 1993
Asst. Principal: Lindsay Morgan
Teachers and staff: 121
Grades: PreK, K-5
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @trace_crossings_elementary
Facebook: TraceCrossingsElementary
TCES Picnic on the Playground Night
The playground transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and laughter during our community picnic, bringing together families, friends, and faculty for an unforgettable evening. Students and families were able to take part in outdoor games and fun. Between games, everyone cooled off with ice cream and Hero Donuts, adding a sweet touch to an already amazing event. More than just an evening of play, the picnic offered a meaningful opportunity for our school community to connect and strengthen bonds outside the traditional classroom setting.
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Vestigium House Meetings
Each quarter, our entire school comes together to sit with our houses and celebrate everything that makes TCES so special. From reflecting on all the amazing things happening in our classrooms to cheering each other on, the energy is unmatched! Students get to play games, dance, connect across grade levels, and revisit the character traits that guide who we are every day. We also hear from speakers who inspire us to keep growing as leaders and learners. More than just a meeting, it’s a time to build community, strengthen relationships, and have a whole lot of fun together.
TCES Black History Wax Museum
Our 5th graders brought history to life at their Black History Wax Museum. Each student researched an influential African American, prepared a short speech, designed a display, and dressed as their historical figure. Visitors pressed a button and watched history come alive as students shared the life, impact, and legacy of their prominent person.
Teacher of the YearKelly Jones
As a dedicated special education teacher, Mrs. Jones brings compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to every student she serves. Her ability to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment inspires both students and colleagues alike. Mrs. Jones goes above and beyond each day to ensure that every child feels seen, capable, and celebrated. We are so proud to honor her incredible impact and dedication to the Trace Crossings community.
Support Staff Employee of the Year - Jimmye Van Ness
Mrs. Van Ness is one of our incredible exceptional education aides and makes a huge impact in our classrooms every single day. She is always ready to jump in to support teachers and help students learn. From the classroom to keeping our morning carpool running smoothly through sunshine, rain, and cold, she does it all with a smile and an uplifting spirit.
Learning Goes Outdoors!
In September, our school community gathered for a landmark Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to officially inaugurate our new Outdoor Classroom. This dedicated space stands as a testament to the vision and hard work required to bridge the gap between education and the natural world. We were honored to welcome several state and local dignitaries who joined students and faculty to celebrate this milestone, which culminated in Mr. Berryhill ceremoniously cutting the red ribbon. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of our teachers, PTO members, school leadership, and community partners. By investing in this innovative environment, we have ensured that future generations of students will have a meaningful, engaging space to explore the wonders of nature while pursuing academic excellence.
Boosterthon Success
This year’s Boosterthon was a resounding success, serving as a powerful demonstration of teamwork, school spirit, and community dedication. Through the collective efforts of our families and partners, we surpassed our goals by raising over $50,000, funds that will directly enhance our school’s resources and facilities. The campaign was punctuated by high-energy rewards, including a high-tech Silent Disco and a spirited Mascot Race featuring our faculty.
In the spirit of good-natured fun, students particularly enjoyed seeing Mr. Berryhill transformed into a “human sundae” and covered in silly string. This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated Trace Crossings PTO members. Their hard work ensured that Boosterthon was not only a successful fundraiser but a lasting memory of what our school can achieve when we work together.
Principal: Scott Mitchell Asst. Principal: Emily Dunleavy
100 State Report Card
Brock’s Gap is honored to be recognized as a Top 25 elementary school in the state of Alabama through the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program for the 2024-2025 school year. The school received a perfect score of 100 on this year’s report card. Teachers and students were thrilled to celebrate our academic growth and success and look forward to maintaining this standard of excellence for years to come.
Arbor Day Essay Contest Winner
Fourth grade student Liberty Norwood was this year’s winner of the Hoover Beautification Board’s Arbor Day essay contest. Liberty’s essay, “A Day in the Life of Your Favorite Tree,” was a creative ode to the sugar maple. She shared her essay with classmates and city leaders at our annual tree planting ceremony and was honored at the March city council meeting.
FAST FACTS
Students: 588
Opened: 2011
Teachers and staff: 85
Grades: 3-5
FOLLOW US!
X: @brocksgapbucs
Facebook: BrocksGapBucs
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
BGs Elementary Show Choir
We are proud to have Hoover’s’ only elementary show choir, The BGs. This group is composed of 35 fourth and fifth grade students. Throughout the year, the BGs had the opportunity to perform at our annual Veterans Day program, sing Christmas carols at the Hoover Galleria and local nursing homes, heightened school spirit at our inaugural Bucs & Bones event, performed at our schoolwide house meetings, and celebrated their singing and dancing talents at their own student showcase in the spring. We are thankful for all of the joy their talents bring to our community.
SRO: Ofc. Matt Bond
District IV Assistant Principal of the Year Nominee
In October 2025 the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) for District IV, which includes all of Jefferson and Shelby County, selected Ms. Emily Dunleavy as the organization’s nominee for Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year. This nomination recognizes her excellent work in leading by example and her dedication every day at Brock’s Gap. Ms. Dunleavy is a valuable asset to the students, staff, and families of our school and a wonderful representative of Hoover City Schools.
Five Houses, One Family
Bucs & Bones Flag Football Event
In the fall of 2025 we held our inaugural Bucs & Bones flag football tournament. Students honed their flag football skills in PE class, and celebrated their learning on Halloween day by taking the field in a fun and competitive showdown. The entire school body enjoyed a picnic lunch and tailgating while watching the tournament and cheering on their classmates.
Birmingham Museum of Art Student Gallery
This spring, under the guidance of art teacher Sara Thompson, all Brock’s Gap students had the opportunity to have their artwork showcased in the student gallery at the Birmingham Museum of Art. In a wonderful display of creativity and talent, students’ miniature masterpieces were displayed, and 90 of our students also had larger works of art in the gallery. This was a memorable moment for students and their families to see the artwork displayed in a professional setting, and we received wonderful feedback from museum visitors.
At the heart of Brock’s Gap are our five school core values-respect, responsibility, integrity, self-control & empathy. All students and staff members at Brock’s Gap belong to one of our five houses-Amica, Sophos, Fortis, Fidelis, and Ohjata. We are proud to recognize students demonstrating strong character at our bi-monthly house meetings. Students join with members of their house for camaraderie and community service. All five houses compete in friendly challenges throughout the year in hopes of earning the Brock’s Gap House Cup.
Genius Lab
Brock’s Gap students had many incredible learning experiences in our Genius Lab this year. Students had the opportunity to learn from local “geniuses”--pilots, pharmacists, optometry students, the FBI, and the Alabama Ballet-- just to name a few. We are thankful for many local partners who are willing to volunteer their time to share their passions and talents with our students.
BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
4500 Jaguar Drive
Hoover, AL 35242
(205) 439-2000
Principal: Melissa Hadder
8th grade asst. principal: Ted Flannery
6th grade asst. principal Shonteria Culpepper
SRO: Ofc. Matt Barrett
7th grade asst. principal: Matthew Stephens
Mrs. Ericka Leonard: 8th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Catherine Bruno: 7th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Melanie Thomason: 6th Grade Counselor
FAST FACTS
Students: 1012
Opened: 2005
Teachers and staff: 120
Grades: 6-8
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @bmsjags
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Berry Middle School Teacher of the Year
Alisha Slay has been teaching at Berry for twenty years. This was her first time being named Teacher of the Year, and she was awarded the honor in front of the entire school during our December House rally! Mrs. Slay has been an integral part of the Berry family for two decades and serves as National Honor Society and SGA sponsor among numerous other positions in the school.
TEAMS State Finish
The TEAMS (Tests in Engineering, Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) competition team from Berry finished 1st in the state for the third consecutive year and was only one spot from qualifying for the national competition. They are coached by Mr. Kevin Pughsley.
Sixth Grade Scholars Bowl
Berry’s 6th Grade Scholars Bowl finished 3rd at state! They were a single question from making it to the championship! This is the highest finish in school history and the best finish from a Hoover City School!
NBCT Teachers
Berry far eclipses the state and national average with a healthy contingent of National Board Certified Teachers. The NBCT teachers pictured represent approximately 20% of Berry’s core faculty, a remarkably high number.
Chess State Champions
Berry’s Chess Team won the State Championship in their division! This was an incredible accomplishment for our Jags chess players!
Finley Award Winners
Berry was represented incredibly well by 12 students recognized as Finley Award Winners. These students represent the best of Berry and were recognized at the annual Finley Awards at the Finley Center on the campus of the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
Berry 30th Birthday!
Berry marked 30 years of serving the students of Hoover this year! The celebration included an assembly with numerous honored guests, recognition of Berry’s continued academic success and 95 school report card, and words from all three of Berry’s Principals: Dr. Kathy Wheaton, Dr. Chris Robbins, and Mrs. Melissa Hadder. A video chronicling Berry’s history was also premiered.
Berry Students Continue to Succeed
Berry Middle School continued its academic success by improving in all areas and maintaining a 95 on the State Report Card! This places Berry in elite company!
BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL
6055 Flemming Parkway
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 439-2200
Principal: Andrea Fordham 6th grade assistant principal: Justin Jones
FAST FACTS
Students: 1168
Opened: 2001
Teachers and staff: 146
Grades: 6-8
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @rfbumpus
Facebook: BUMPUSMS
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
7th Grade Athletes
Bumpus Middle School’s 7th grade athletes delivered a season to remember, dominating the competition across multiple sports and bringing home not one, but two Metro Championships. Both the football and basketball teams completed undefeated seasons, showcasing a level of talent, discipline, and teamwork that set them apart all year long.
On the gridiron, the 7th grade football team proved unstoppable. Week after week, they controlled the pace of the game with a powerful offense and a relentless defense, finishing their season without a single loss. Their hard work and consistency paid off as they captured the Metro Championship, solidifying their reputation as one of the top middle school teams in the area.
The success carried over to the hardwood, where the 7th grade basketball team mirrored that same dominance. With strong team chemistry and impressive performances on both ends of the court, they powered through their schedule undefeated. Their championship run was highlighted by determination and resilience, ultimately earning them the Metro title and capping off a perfect season.
Together, these teams have set a high standard for Bumpus athletics. Their undefeated records and championship victories not only reflect their athletic ability, but also their commitment to excellence, teamwork, and school pride.
7th grade assistant principal: Kerry Efurd
SRO: Ofc. Trent Morton
8th grade assistant principal: Sean Colosimo
BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fine Arts Department
The Fine Arts Department at Bumpus Middle School continues to set the standard for excellence, showcasing extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion across every performance. This year, the Symphonic Band took the stage at the prestigious CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference in February, representing Bumpus with professionalism and musical excellence. Both the Symphonic Band and Concert Band earned superior ratings from every judge in both stage performance and sight-reading—an achievement that reflects countless hours of hard work and commitment.
Community Service
Indoor Track and Field
The Bumpus Middle School Girls’ Indoor Track and Field team delivered an epic season, capturing the State Championship and cementing their place among the nation’s elite middle school programs. With a combination of speed, determination, and teamwork, the team dominated the competition and brought home the top honor. One of the most remarkable moments of the season came in the 4x200-meter relay, where Halo Pledger, Ryan Abram, Evan Burton, and Khloe Watters made national headlines. The quartet set a new National Middle School record in the event, showcasing exceptional speed and flawless handoffs to achieve a truly unforgettable performance.
Bucs Serve, Bumpus Middle School’s community service program, made a lasting impact throughout the year by serving both our school and community with dedication and pride. Members spent their summer helping teachers and staff prepare for a successful school year, and once classes began, they continued supporting classrooms by doing various tasks like organizing materials, setting up bulletin boards, and delivering textbooks. Students worked diligently behind the scenes all year, assisting our cafeteria CNP staff with restocking supplies and volunteering after school to help teachers and our custodial staff. Thanks to the generous support of Derrick Murphy and Jonathan Belcher, Bucs Serve received a much-needed storage cabinet that has improved efficiency and organization.
Character in Action
Eighth grader Divya Nayak has been recognized for her outstanding character and leadership, earning the prestigious Character in Action Award from the Shelby County Policy Council and the American Legion. The award highlights students who exemplify leadership, kindness, and integrity—qualities Nayak consistently demonstrates both in and out of the classroom. Nayak was honored for making a meaningful impact at Bumpus Middle School and in the surrounding community through her involvement in a wide range of activities. She is an active member of Bumpus Leadership, the Robotics Club, *The Buc Eye* Yearbook Staff, and Bumpus Serves, among many other organizations. Through each of these roles, she has shown a commitment to service, collaboration, and positive influence. Her recognition reflects not only her dedication to excellence but also her ability to lead by example.
SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL
1575 Patton Chapel Road
Hoover, AL 35226
(205) 439-2100
Principal: Walter Womack
8th grade principal: Alfreda Brown
FAST FACTS
Students: 851
Opened: 1979
Teachers: 79
Staff: 37
Grades: 6-8
FOLLOW US!
6th grade principal: Shelley Bailey
SRO: Ofc. Chris Lopez
7th grade principal: Aldric Bennett
Teacher of the Year
Ms. Krystal Pettit, 7th grade Science teacher, was named Simmons’ Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. She was also honored to be named the district Secondary Teacher of the Year also. With nineteen years of dedication at Simmons, Ms. Pettit pours into her students each day by bringing science alive. Congratulations, Ms. Pettit!
Employee of the Year
Congratulations to Tonya Jones, our 2025-2026 Employee of the Year! With over 14 years of service in Hoover City Schools, spending nine of those here at Simmons, Mrs. Jones helps keep our school running. Well-deserved, Mrs. Jones!
Black History Program
Instagram: @simmonsmiddle
Facebook: SimmonsMiddleSchool
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
We were honored to welcome renowned jazz guitarist Eric Essix and his talented band to our campus as part of our Black History Month program. The students and staff enjoyed the story they told through their musical performance.
Building Strength, One Match at a Time
The Simmons Buccaneers wrestling team, coached by Cody Hooks, saw tremendous growth and success during the 2025-2026 season, finishing 7-1 in dual matches. Wrestlers earned an impressive 5 first-place, 14 second-place, and 13 third-place medals throughout the year. The Buccaneers captured multiple team honors, including 1st place finishes at the Panther Invitational, Homewood Christmas Duals (Silver Division), and Buc Brawl Tournament. Congratulations to our wrestlers for a wonderful season defined by hard work and determination!
A Stellar Year in Fine Arts
We are incredibly proud of our Fine Arts program and the outstanding accomplishments of our talented students and directors!
Our choirs delivered exceptional performances at the State Choral Performance Assessment, earning overall superior ratings on stage and in sight reading. Our Honor Band and Concert Band students staged excellent performances and earned all superior ratings at their Music Performance Assessment.
In theater, our students reached an exciting milestone with their first performance at the Hoover Performing Arts Center, presenting a wonderful production of The Lion King. Thank you to Mrs. Kincaid (theater), Mr. Cater (choir), and Mr. Chambless and Mrs. McCollum (band) for their dedication and leadership in making these programs thrive.
Moving Up Day
Simmons hosted 5th grade students from Bluff Park, Green Valley, Gwin, and Trace Crossings on March 3 for Moving Up Day. Students visited classrooms, met some of our teachers, and got a glimpse of what life at Simmons is all about.
Teacher in the Trenches
Ms. Zaneta Heard, 7th grade counselor, was honored with the Robert F. Bumpus Teacher in the Trenches Award. Ms. Heard goes above and beyond each day to support, encourage, and advocate for our students. We are proud of you!
HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL
1000 Buccaneer Drive
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 439-1200
Assistant Principal: Mary Johnson
Assistant Principal: Jennifer Box
Assistant Principal: Amy England
Assistant Principal: Cedric Buchannon
Assistant Principal: Taurus Felton
Assistant Principal: Trent Hosmer
Principal: Dr. Kristi Sayers
Finley Award
FAST FACTS
Students: 2828
Opened: 1994
Teachers and staff: 297
Grades: 9-12
Hoover High School Finley Award Winner - Dilberlyn “Didi” Garcia Gonzalez
SROs:
• Ofc. Chris Grantham
• Ofc. Kyle Brohl
• Ofc. George Shanks
• Obi (K9)
Sunshine, Smiles & Friendships
Student groups host fun activities in the courtyard, making a fun, relaxing time to connect with friends during lunch! It’s all about making the most of every moment at school!
Coach Krystle Johnson leads with passion & purpose
Coach Johnson continues to inspire and elevate the game of girls’ basketball. She has been selected to Coach Team USA for the second year in a row, AL.com Birmingham AllRegion Coach of the Year, and a MaxPreps National Coach of the Year finalist. The impact is real, and the legacy is growing!
Athletes playing at the next level!
Hoover High School celebrates over 60 studentathletes who are taking the next step in their athletic and academic journey by signing to play at the college level! Your hard work paid off, and their future is bright!
FOX SPORTS visits Hoover High
Award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi of FOX Sports visits the school to interview former student Chris Richards, who is preparing to represent TEAM USA in the 2026 World Cup!
Teacher of the Year: Miss Parker Wade
Miss Wade, Hoover High School’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, is in her 8th year of teaching. She has incredible dedication and passion for inspiring students every single day! Whether she is bringing The Great Gatsby to life in her English classes or leading SGA students on big school projects, her impact truly embodies the spirit of Hoover High!
It’s Showtime!
Hoover High performing arts students hit the stage like they are on Broadway! Every student brings talent, passion, and show-stopping performances to life!
Performing Arts
OWLS
Outstanding Women Leaders in STEM (OWLS) are making a meaningful impact by leading elementary girls in engaging, hands-on STEM activities. Their goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.
SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
4700 Jaguar Drive
Hoover, AL 35242 (205) 439-1400
FAST FACTS
Students: 1,454
Opened: 2001
Teachers and staff: 178
Grades: 9-12
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @spainparkhs
Facebook: Spain Park High School
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Ki Shin, Teacher of the Year
Ki Shin, Spain Park High School’s Teacher of the Year, is a dedicated educator. She teaches English Language Learners through meaningful, real-world experiences. She consistently finds creative ways to make lessons relevant, engaging, and accessible for all of her students. Her passion, commitment, and impact make her an invaluable part of the SPHS community.
Jonathan Fonbah Wins State
Jonathan Fonbah’s indoor track and field high jump broke the school record and won a state 6A title. Jonathan has also been elected president of the 2026-2027 SPHS SGA.
Club Fair
At Spain Park High School’s Club Fair, students explored some of our 40 different clubs and organizations and learned how to join the groups that match their interests.
Principal: Amanda Esslinger Asst. Principal: Jennifer Lowe
SRO: Ofc. Kevin Hollis
SRO: Ofc. Calvin Perry
SRO: Ofc. Brian Johnson
K9: Ace Hollis
Asst. Principal: Dedrick Agee
Asst. Principal: Josh Britnell
National Merit Finalists
The Spain Park High School National Merit Finalists are Zaiden Ajani, Lane Allen, Alia Bush, Lorelai Kindle, Emma Nikolic, Allen Padgham, Sarah Phillips, and Alexander Ritchey. National Merit Finalists are seniors who score exceptionally well on the PSAT and advance through a competitive selection process. They are among the top students in the nation.
Pride of the Park Marching Band
The Spain Park Band Program, which includes the “Pride of the Park” Marching Band, its Auxiliaries, and indoor performing ensembles, received all Superior ratings at the Hoover Invitational and Pride of the Valley Band Competition. The band also won Best-in-Class in Musical Performance and in General Effect, and its Sapphires and Drum Majors both won Best in Class for their division. Winterguard won a spot on the podium at 3 of its 4 Spring Competitions, and the concert bands each received Superior ratings at the annual Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment. Our Percussion Ensemble was invited to participate as an opening act for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, to perform at the Percussive Arts Society’s Alabama Day of Percussion and the UAB Percussion Festival, and as the only clinic Percussion Ensemble at the Alabama Music Educators’ Association Conference.
Flag Football
After being the state runner-up in 2024, the Spain Park girls varsity flag football team had another great season making it to the Final Four! The team also appeared in a SuperBowl LX pregame feature with Peter King.
Second Annual SGA Elementary Leadership Academy
The SPHS Student Government Association hosted students from all of the elementary schools in the Hoover City Schools district for a day of learning about leadership.
Rhapsody in Blue
Spain Park’s show choir, Rhapsody in Blue, had a monumental season. Their outstanding performance of the show theme, “Paradise Lost,” led the 57 dedicated students to break program records. The group competed across the southeast and made finals at every competition earning a Grand Champion award, best vocals, and best male performer, won by Sammy Camargo.
Lexie Beard, Finley Winner
Integrity, humility, discipline, and compassion define Lexie Beard, Spain Park High School’s 2026 Finley Award recipient. A dedicated leader and servant, she exemplifies character, selflessness, and a commitment to uplifting others both in school and throughout our community.
RIVERCHASE CAREER CONNECTION CENTER (RC3)
853 Willow Oak Drive Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-1900
Coordinator: Cedric McCarroll Career and Technical Education Specialist: Natalie Coleman
Counselor / Human Resources: Terri Coleman
FAST FACTS
Students: 702
Opened: 2019
SRO: Ofc. Eric Nichols
Teachers and staff: 49
Grades: 10-12
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: @rc3.hoover
All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2025-26 school year.
Automotive Academy Ribbon Cutting
The Riverchase Career Connection Center proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Automotive Academy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 21, 2025. The event brought together students, faculty, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase the state-of-the-art program
designed to prepare future automotive technicians with hands-on skills and realworld experience. This new academy expands opportunities for students to gain valuable technical training and pursue high-demand careers in the automotive industry.
RC3 Faculty & Staff Chili Cook-Off
The RC3 Faculty and Staff Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the PTSO, was a sizzling success! The event brought together teachers, staff, and administrators for a friendly competition filled with delicious food, laughter, and school spirit. Participants showcased their best chili recipes, each with its own unique twist.
Culinary Career Fair
Culinary students serving up professionalism and passion at the Career Fair, connecting with local industry leaders thanks to RC3 and the Hoover Chamber of Commerce
NTHS - Community Service
Members of the National Technical Honor Society recently demonstrated their commitment to service by volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children in need. Through teamwork and hands-on effort, students helped ensure that local children have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. This meaningful service project reflects the character, leadership, and community spirit that National Technical Honor Society students exemplify both in and out of the classroom.
CUSTOM WOODWORKING
Handmade in Bluff Park, Alabama
RIP the Runway Fashion Show
The runway came to life at RC3 during the unforgettable “Rip the Runway” Fashion Show! Our talented Cosmetology and Barbering Academy students transformed the stage into a showcase of creativity, innovation, and style. From elegant formalwear to bold, futuristic looks and stunning “Ocean Odyssey” designs, each piece reflected the students’ unique vision, technical skill, and attention to detail. RC3 is incredibly proud of the creativity and professionalism displayed, making this year’s “Rip the Runway” a truly remarkable experience.
PCT Certifications
SkillsUSA State and Nationals
Students showcased exceptional talent, skill, and dedication at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.
RC3 Automotive Academy’s William Henry Wright earned 1st Place in Automotive Service Technology, and Joseph Clem secured 1st Place in Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair. They will advance to the national stage, where they will compete in June as representatives of Alabama.
RC3 Cosmetology & Barbering Academy’s Nyel Settles, earned 2nd Place in Nail Care. RC3 Fire Academy’s Clay Robbins placed third in firefighting at the state level. Together, these accomplishments reflect the excellence of RC3’s Career and Technical Education programs.
Disability Awareness Month
Disability Awareness Month in March included a series of impactful guest speaker experiences across each CTE academy. Coordinated by Ms. Hawthorne, these presentations were intentionally aligned with each program’s curriculum, giving students real-world insight into accessibility, inclusion, and innovation within their future careers.
Students in the Culinary Academy explored adaptive cooking techniques with Robert Lujano and Ashley McLeroy, learning how to create inclusive kitchen environments.
The Cosmetology & Barbering Academy was inspired by entrepreneur Karneshia Patton, who shared her journey and emphasized the importance of serving clients of all abilities.
In the Cyber Academy, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart introduced assistive technologies, including eyegazing devices, showing how innovation can empower individuals with disabilities.
The Health Science Academy proudly certified 23 new Patient Care Technicians this year, recognizing students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the healthcare field. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, these students developed the essential skills needed to provide high-quality patient care. This achievement reflects the strength of the Health Science Academy’s training program and its continued focus on preparing students for in-demand careers in healthcare.
Construction Science students learned about ADA compliance and accessible design from Marty Gilbert and Cathy Carver, while Health Science students gained valuable insight into respectful communication and patient care.
The Automotive Academy explored adaptive vehicles with Bryan Kirkland, Richard Cullum, and Alan Henley, discovering how automotive skills can enhance independence and accessibility.
Back pain holding you
back?
Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.
Welcoming Jay Fitts, MD
Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon
At UAB Medical West, our team of orthopedic specialists are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to bringing quality, stateof-the-art orthopedic care to the residents of West Jefferson County, AL and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Fitts to our team. Dr. Fitts specializes in spine surgery and is now accepting new patients at both our brand new main hospital location and our Hoover location. To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West Orthopedic surgeon, call us today at (205) 481-8570.
For more information about UAB Medical West and all of our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.
J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C | Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD
YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE...
With more than 30 parks and trails, Hoover is a playground for outdoor explorers.
Rock climb, hike wooded trails, paddle across peaceful waters, cast a line, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors —just minutes away.
