School. They know about the stratospheric level of success the Buccaneers football program has achieved this century, much of that recognition stemming from the exposure and notoriety gained from the MTV show
The
“Two-A-Days” in 2006 and 2007. The football program has won 11 state championships since the turn of the century. In recent years, however, Hoover has begun earning a reputation for its basketball program. The level at which the boys and girls teams are simultaneously thriving is difficult to parallel. The
By JON ANDERSON
Abbie Stockard never competed in beauty pageants or scholarship competitions growing up. Although she watched the Miss America competition with her mother and sister over the years, she never imagined she would one day hold the title herself. So when the 22-year-old Auburn University student from Vestavia Hills heard her name called and felt the crown placed on her head in Orlando on Jan. 5, the moment felt surreal.
“I entered my first pageant my freshman year of college on a whim,” she said.
She took part in the Miss Auburn University competition hoping to earn money to help pay for college. She came in third runner-up but also gained determination to keep trying.
The next weekend, she participated in the Miss Cahaba Valley competition and won, earning her a spot in the Miss Alabama competition. She was third runner-up her first year in Miss Alabama in 2022, then fourth runner-up as Miss Trussville in 2023, and finally won Miss Alabama in 2024 as Miss Hoover.
Hoover High School girls basketball coach Krystle Johnson, left, and boys basketball coach Scott Ware have overseen a recent run of dominance. The Lady Bucs have won four straight and the boys have
with
collection in 2025. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard takes a walk as the new Miss America 2025 in Orlando on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of Houston M Photography.
Kristin Bundren
Katie Collins, honored
Our commitment to community brought us together. As Baptist Health — now strengthened by award-winning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you exper t medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com
Before this year, only three women from Alabama had ever been crowned Miss America.
Yolande Betbeze achieved the honor in 1951, followed by Heather Whitestone in 1995 and Deidre Downs in 2005.
Twenty years later, Miss Hoover 2024 Abbie Stockard became the fourth, cementing her place in history.
In this edition, we share more about Stockard’s journey to becoming Miss America, what the experience has been like so far, and what the year ahead looks like for her.
Make sure to check out the other cover story as well. Our sports editor, Kyle Parmley, explains how Hoover
High — a school famous for its football program — has become a basketball powerhouse in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions. We also highlight Hoover’s Teachers of the Year: Katie Collins at Bluff Park Elementary and Kristin Bundren at Spain Park High School. Happy reading, and happy Valentine’s Day!
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Please submit all articles, information and photos to: janderson@starnesmedia.com
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Introducing the Starnes Media Creator Collective
Apply to be a part of the inaugural class of aspiring high school content creators
By STAFF
Starnes Media, publisher of the Hoover Sun, is set to launch the Starnes Media Creator Collective, a mentorship program designed to provide local high school students with hands-on experience in journalism, storytelling and media production.
“This initiative is personal to me,” said Tim Stephens, general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media. “I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship opportunities like this can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, instilling confidence, developing critical skills and inspiring creativity. The Creator Collective will help students discover their passion for storytelling while producing work that resonates with their communities.”
Applications for the program will be accepted through Feb. 21. Eligible candidates include current high school seniors graduating in May, as well as sophomores and
juniors who will be juniors and seniors during the 2025-26 academic year. Up to six students will be selected from each of Hoover and Spain Park high schools to serve as correspondents for the Hoover Sun.
Additionally, students who live in Hoover, but do not attend one of the high schools listed above are welcome to apply as well.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a writing or multimedia sample and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.
The selection process will evaluate candidates based on creativity, commitment to the program’s mission, potential for growth and availability to participate in workshops and cover events both remotely and within the community during the course of the academic year. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for video conference interviews scheduled Feb. 26-28 with final selections announced on March 5.
The program is set to commence in March and will run through May 2026. Key milestones include an orientation in March, monthly workshops throughout the program duration, a graduation project this May and a final showcase in May of next year.
Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals, gaining practical experience in producing articles, videos and social media content. The program also emphasizes life skills development, focusing on areas such as resume building, college and internship guidance,
The Starnes Media Creator Collective is a mentorship program for high school students in Birmingham’s top public and private schools. Led by award-winning media professional Tim Stephens, students gain hands-on experience in:
• News writing, interviewing, and content creation
• Social media management, photography, and video production
• Professional ethics and responsibilities
• Students will produce content for Starnes Media’s six hyperlocal publications and receive structured mentoring from professional journalists.
Students will create print and digital content for Starnes Media, attend workshops on journalism, social media, and video and lead the May 2025 Graduation Special.
financial literacy, personal branding, networking and time management.
“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students to explore their passion for storytelling,” said Dan Starnes, founder and president of Starnes Media. “By investing in the next generation of journalists and content creators, we are contributing to their personal and professional growth and also enriching the quality of local journalism in our communities.”
An advisory board comprising industry professionals, educators and community leaders will provide strategic guidance and support
to ensure the program aligns with industry standards and educational goals.
Businesses interested in supporting the Creator Collective through sponsorship or advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact Tim Stephens directly at tstephens@ starnesmedia.com or by phone at 205-313-1780.
“Partnering with local businesses is essential to the success of this program,” Stephens said. “Their support will enable us to provide valuable resources and opportunities to aspiring young journalists in our community.”
Professional Mentorship Opportunity for High School Students
(Open to current sophomores, juniors or seniors)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For more information, contact Tim Stephens, General Manager tstephens@starnesmedia.com or call (205) 313-1780
Scan QR code to fill out an application today. Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
Members of the Starnes Media editorial staff — from left, Jon Anderson, Sarah Owens, Savannah Schmidt, Tim Stephens, Kyle Parmley, Cady Inabinett and Taylor Bright — will serve as mentors for students selected to participate. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Council to consider entertainment center, cocktail bar
By JON ANDERSON
The Hoover City Council is expected to consider requests on Feb. 17 for a family entertainment center off Lorna Road and a cocktail bar in the Knox Square development across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Trace Crossings.
A company called Stars Entertainment is seeking permission to open a family entertainment center in The Village on Lorna shopping center in the anchor space currently occupied by Bargain Hunt.
A floor plan for the 54,800-squarefoot space submitted to the city shows 16 bowling lanes, a trampoline/arcade area, a “gel blaster” room, two large activity/party rooms, five smaller rooms for parties, and a kitchen and food service area.
The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 voted to recommend that the Hoover City Council approve the request, and the matter is now scheduled for a public hearing and vote on Feb. 17.
Johnny Jones, a representative for the company who spoke to the zoning board, said the company owns the Altitude Trampoline Park at 8581 Helena Road in Pelham and is in the process of building a 45,000-squarefoot family entertainment center in Moody.
Jones said he grew up in the Hoover/Vestavia Hills area and
believes this community and location are a good fit for an entertainment center.
The property is zoned as a C-2 community business district. Hoover City Planner Mac Martin said city staff did not foresee any problems with the proposed development. It is in an area that is already commercial in nature and should not cause problems for nearby residential areas, Martin said.
The proposed hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10
a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday.
One condition the zoning board included in its recommendation is that Stars Entertainment refurbish the landscape islands in the parking lot. The shopping center originally had a landscape maintenance plan that included trees, but over time, trees have been removed from the interior portion of the parking lot, Martin said. The proposal requires the company to replace four trees on existing landscape islands and add more
Above: This 54,800-square-foot space in The Village
center
is being proposed for conversion into a family entertainment center that includes bowling, a trampoline/arcade area, a “gel blaster” room and activity/party rooms.
Left: A site plan for the proposed entertainment center. Site plan courtesy of city of Hoover.
islands with seven additional trees.
Meanwhile, Lantrice Green, a resident of the Knox Square community, is seeking permission to open a 2,000-square-foot cocktail bar called Sticks & Stones in the commercial part of Knox Square that is under construction.
The bar would be in the middle of the commercial center along Stadium Trace Parkway at 5852 Elsie Road.
Green said he and his wife have lived in Hoover for about 12 years and that driving to downtown
Birmingham for an upscale cocktail bar has become too tedious of a commute. They would like to bring such a facility closer for people in Hoover, he said.
He believes it would be a good fit for retirees moving into the new communities opening in Trace Crossings that are designated for people ages 55 and older.
The bar should have seating for about 60 people, and live entertainment and music would be permitted indoors only, he said.
on Lorna shopping
on Lorna Road currently occupied by Bargain Hunt
Photo by Jon Anderson.
Mayor’s Minute
By Frank V. Brocato
We have so many rich assets in our city to enjoy! Out of all of them, the Hoover Public Library is one of the best. For many years, our library has received regional and national recognition for the various ways it serves the community. With more than 380,000 visitors coming through its doors last fiscal year and over 1.4 million items checked out, it is one of the busiest libraries in the region. But it’s not just about books. The Hoover Public Library embodies its motto of “Imagine More” every day, and the month of February is a great example.
For the 32nd year, the library will host its Southern Voices Festival. The conference, taking place Feb. 6-22, is a much-anticipated event for book and art lovers throughout Hoover and beyond. The conference explores the characteristics of Southern culture as reflected in contemporary arts. It brings together a chorus of artistic voices — writers, editors, musicians, performers and public figures—to create an open dialogue on the relevance of our regional past to Southern art and culture today.
This year’s keynote speaker is a big one: author Julia Quinn, best known for writing the popular Bridgerton series. Authors Kimberly
Brock, A.J. Finn, Chris Pavone, Steven Rowley, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Tommy Tomlinson and Stacy Willingham will speak at a conference on Feb. 22.
The featured musical group will be the McCrary Sisters, a gospel trio that blends traditional elements with rock, blues, soul and R&B. Tony Bingham, a professor at Miles College who creates mixed media artwork, will be the guest artist.
Also in February, the library will highlight Black History Month with the aforementioned McCrary Sisters and artist Tony Bingham, along with a Black History Reading Challenge in the children’s department. There will also be a showing of American Fiction in the Library Theatre on Monday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m.
Lastly, I want to share a feature of our library that many may not know about: our passport office. This is a walk-in service provided Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To learn more about this service, visit hooverlibrary.org/passports or call 205-444-7869. You can find more information about all the programs and services offered at the library by visiting hooverlibrary.org. Maybe I’ll see you there sometime!
SCHOOLHOUSE
Hoover’s Teachers of the Year
Bundren, Collins honored for skill, heart
By JON ANDERSON
Kristin Bundren, the Hoover school system’s 2024-25 Secondary Teacher of the Year, always wanted to be a teacher, but her teaching style and philosophy have been greatly influenced by her son, who has autism.
He couldn’t say a single word until he was 5, but now he talks nonstop — about everything from elevators to Disney World and even photosynthesis.
He once walked around anxious and overwhelmed with his hands over his ears, but now he uses those hands to high-five and fistbump most everyone he sees. She is researching post-secondary programs for independent living for him.
Watching his growth and journey has taught her to look for ways to reach every student, finding their strengths to help them reach their full potential, regardless of any challenges they may face.
Bundren, a biology teacher in her 18th year at Spain Park High School, is most deserving of the Secondary Teacher of the Year award and worth strong consideration for state Teacher of the Year, said Pamela Hamilton, a fellow science teacher at Spain Park who was Alabama Teacher of the Year in 2008.
Hoover’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, Katie Collins of Bluff Park Elementary, also is up for consideration.
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Hamilton, in a recommendation letter, said Bundren truly embodies the spirit and excellence that the state Teacher of the Year award seeks to honor.
“Her teaching proficiency not only surpasses her peers but also exceeds that of many teachers with significantly more experience,” Hamilton wrote. “She understands that students thrive when their individual needs are met, and she tirelessly tailors her instruction to ensure that every learner feels valued and understood. Whether through innovative labs or engaging activities, Mrs. Bundren meets students where they are and builds a solid foundation for their academic success.”
Spain Park High School Principal Amanda Esslinger said Bundren is an amazing teacher because of the way she cares for her students and the environment she creates in her classroom.
“She designs activities that are engaging and fun and help the kids master the content, but she also has such a calming presence in a way that makes kids love her because she obviously loves them, and you can see it in her room,” Esslinger said.
Hamilton said Bundren inspires her students to think critically and deeply about science.
“Through meticulously crafted lab experiences and creative, hands-on activities, she equips her students with vital skills, such as collaboration, effective communication and logical reasoning,” Hamilton wrote. “Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of these competencies, fostering a learning environment where students build meaningful connections with the subject matter and are empowered to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.”
Bundren is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and, in 2019, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in Washington, D.C.
She has served as chairwoman of the science department at her school and as an engaged learning facilitator and member of the curriculum development team for the Hoover school district. She actively mentors new teachers and
has presented at regional and national conferences on topics such as differentiated teaching, formative assessment, technology and scientific argumentation.
Bundren said she’s excited about being Hoover’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“Hoover City Schools is such a great district to teach in and work in,” she said. “It’s really an honor.”
ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Collins, in her 20th year of teaching, began her career at Thompson High School in 2005,
teaching French, ACT preparation and computer science.
But high school was not really her calling. After two years, she moved to Hoover City Schools, where she has taught first grade and English as a Second Language at Gwin and Bluff Park elementary schools and French and English as a Second Language at Bumpus and Simmons middle schools. She also previously taught a community family literacy program for adults from other countries while at Gwin. She found her sweet spot at the elementary level.
Geri Evans, a fellow teacher at Bluff Park who was Hoover’s 2021-22 Elementary
Teacher of the Year, said in a recommendation letter that Collins is a master teacher with a comprehensive knowledge of curriculum and the ability to engage students.
“She combines subjects seamlessly into meaningful units of study that require in-depth thinking and hands-on learning,” Evans wrote. “Every student in one of Mrs. Collins’ classes has felt loved and genuinely cared for, as she prioritizes relationship building alongside instilling a love for learning.”
Collins is known for her project-based learning units, including a farmers market that has first-grade students grow plants, market them and sell them to the community. The students measure the plants and record observations, do persuasive writing and video recordings to market the plants, and count and track the money as it is received.
Last year, the students raised $4,000, with the proceeds going to other projects at the school, Collins said.
Collins has secured more than $70,000 worth of grants over the years, including funding for Bluff Park Elementary’s greenhouse, which further enhances students’ learning experiences.
Collins also is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and is a certified Google Classroom Educator and Distinguished Modern Classroom Educator. She also holds certifications for English as a Second Language and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. In addition to her classroom work, Collins has been selected to serve on multiple district committees.
Collins said she has always known she wanted to be a teacher. She took a one-year break from public schools and taught in a private preschool when her children were younger but was called back into the classroom full time when her kids started kindergarten, she said.
Originally from Homewood, she expected her family to make their way back there, but she, her husband and four kids have been in the same house in Bluff Park for 19 years, she said. “It’s a sweet, little community,” she said. “We grew roots, and we’re still here.”
This is the fourth year in a row that a teacher from Bluff Park has been named Hoover’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Above: Spain Park ninth grade advanced biology teacher Kristin Bundren received the 2024-25 Secondary Teacher of the Year Award for the Hoover school district.
Left: Katie Collins, a first grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary, was named the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Come join other beginners at the Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club for a series of lessons on the basics of bridge.
The first two weeks are free! The following six weeks of instruction costs only $60 if you choose to continue.
Classes are taught by Ruby Life Master, Mike DeVivo. The topics covered in the introductory weeks include the language and mechanics of bridge including bidding, scoring and opening bids.
Specific topics will begin in the third week, including:
• Opening suit bids and responses
• No trump bids
• Stayman and Transfers,
• Overcalls,
• Doubles,
• Preemptive bids
• Strong hands
Class Registration is only available online at bhambridge.org. Classes start Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m.
The Club offers members the opportunity to “Join. Play. Learn.” duplicate bridge year-round with a lively, learning, local bridge community. Students are eligible for a complimentary Guest Membership to the American Contract Bridge League.
• Where: 144 Business Center Drive, Birmingham
• Call: 205-593-4005
• Web: bhambridge.org
• Details: For questions about joining or member benefits, contact club manager Robert Whiting at Robert.Whiting@BhamBridge.org
In the Classroom
ACCOLADES GET TO KNOW
School Resource Officer Brett Pace
By STAFF
Brett Pace serves as the school resource officer (SRO) at Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover, where he helps ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Q: How long have you been in law enforcement, and how long have you worked as an SRO?
A: I’ve been a police officer since I started the police academy in January 2012 in Montgomery, so that’s almost 13 years. This is my fourth school year as an SRO (all at Bluff Park).
Q: What made you decide to become an SRO?
A: I’ve always loved kids. Growing up, I helped out at church with youth ministry and stuff like that. I wasn’t in youth ministry myself, but I went on trips with them and always loved being around kids. Working with kids is a great way to get involved in the community, and it’s really rewarding. A lot of policing jobs don’t give you the chance to see the results of your work, but in schools, you can see yourself making a difference in someone’s life.
Q: You were recently certified as a National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Practitioner. What does that certification entail?
A: To become a practitioner, you have to
complete a 40-hour basic training course and a 24-hour advanced training course. You also need at least three years of experience as an SRO, 160 hours of police training, and 64 hours of specialized training related to school safety. Additionally, you have to attend a NASRO national conference. The one I went to was in Orlando.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Seeing the positive impact I have on the kids. Whether it’s helping them with schoolwork, being a role model, or just playing games with them, it’s amazing to see the difference you can make. This is truly the best job in the world.
Two Hoover librarians
By STAFF
honored with statewide award
Two Hoover City Schools librarians have received the President’s Herman Moore LAMP Award of Exceptional Service, an annual honor presented by the Alabama Library Expo to recognize outstanding contributions in library services.
Jennifer Northrup, librarian at Gwin Elementary School, was recognized for her commitment to fostering a love of reading and supporting both students and staff. Allison Dolan, librarian at Bluff Park Elementary School, was honored for her efforts to enrich the educational experiences of her school community.
SPELLING BEE
The district spelling bee for Hoover City Schools showcased the spelling skills of students across the district, with participants competing through 24 rounds. Snigdha Pati, from Deer Valley Elementary School, won the district championship by correctly spelling the word “confabulation.” Madison Howze, from Bumpus Middle School, was the runner-up. Pati will represent Hoover City Schools at the Jefferson County Spelling Bee.
“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Northrup and Mrs. Dolan,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox. “Their dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our students and staff. Having such exceptional individuals as part of our school family is truly an honor.”
Brett Pace is a school resource officer at Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Bluff Park Elementary School librarian Allison Dolan, left, and Gwin Elementary School librarian Jennifer Northrup were honored with the President’s Herman Moore LAMP Award of Exceptional Service. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Jeff State surgical tech program sees success
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Donna Michelle Richardson is 5 feet 3 inches tall, and every inch of her exudes an energy that makes you think she might lift off the ground at any moment.
It’s that energy that made her the perfect choice when Jefferson State Community College was seeking someone to lead its new surgical technology program at the Shelby-Hoover campus.
Richardson, a surgical technologist with more than 20 years of experience, joined Jefferson State in 2023, bringing her expertise and obvious passion for the field to the classroom. The profession has treated her well, she said, offering financial freedom, opportunities to travel, and the bonds forged in operating rooms.
“God grants lots of knowledge to people on purpose, and it’s so you can help and give forward to people. And that was the deciding factor for me,” Richardson said. “I think I’m at a time in life that, yes, I’m living well, I still will be able to travel, but I can give back to my community. It needs that. They need to have good, viable people.”
Surgical technologists play a pivotal role in operating rooms, and the career offers significant earning potential — all achievable in just two semesters.
The program was launched following discussions between local healthcare providers and Jefferson State’s leadership about a shortage of skilled scrub techs. The college responded quickly, establishing the program in record time. The program was first announced in November 2023. Within nine months, the first class had graduated.
“I’m proud as a peacock of this program,” Richardson said.
The two-semester program trains students
in essential skills such as maintaining a sterile field, preparing surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons during procedures. Graduates are certified surgical technologists, qualifying them to step directly into high-demand roles.
Jefferson State’s program boasts an impressive job placement rate. Of the 14 students in the first graduating cohort, 13 secured jobs immediately. The only exception was a student who deferred employment due to pregnancy.
The program’s popularity has soared, with
more than 450 applicants vying for just 24 spots in the latest class. The college has already added a second cohort and a part-time instructor to accommodate the growing demand. Richardson envisions further expansion, including the possibility of evening classes and additional staff.
By training local students for high-demand jobs, the program not only supports individual career advancement but also addresses critical healthcare needs in the region.
“They’re not going to have to wander around
Surgical technician
Donna Michelle Richardson will lead Jefferson State Community College’s new surgical technology program at the Shelby-Hoover campus. Photo
for a year trying to find that job. If you finish this program, you’re probably going to have a job agreement before you actually walk across the stage,” said David Bobo, director of communications at Jefferson State.
For Richardson, her goal is to leave behind a program that will allow others to follow in a profession that has rewarded her handsomely.
“I want my students to do better than I’ve done, and I’ve done a lot of stuff. I want them to be more successful than I am,” she said.
courtesy of Jefferson State Community College.
Business Buzz
where she teaches dermatology and primary care residents daily. Her specialties are skin cancer, patients with compromised immune systems, undetectable cosmetic dermatology, and rashes. 205-825-5575, dermabirmingham.com
NOW OPEN
Brian and Erin Mooney of Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen and Tre Luna Catering, located at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 145, have opened a new concept store called Tre Luna & Grocery at 2507 Fifth Ave. S. in Birmingham. The store is inspired by Erin’s grandfather’s butcher shop and grocery store in Maplesville and Brian’s memories of visiting small delis and markets in New York. The mini-market showcases Tre Luna’s most-loved dishes as take-home products. Offerings include pastas, sauces, salad dressings, chicken salad, pimento cheese, tuna salad, spinach and artichoke dip, white chocolate bread pudding and more. Select takehome offerings also are available for purchase in a Tre Luna & Grocery cooler at Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen. 205-538-5866, instagram.com/trelunaandgrocery
Dr. Katie Hunt, a Hoover native and Hoover High School graduate, was planning to open her Derma Birmingham dermatology practice in Bluff Park at 2142 Tyler Road, Suite 110, in January. She has more than nine years of experience and is an associate clinical professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham,
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Sanders Capital Partners, a real estate acquisition and development firm based in Vestavia Hills, recently completed the $9.3 million acquisition of Mutual Savings Credit Union leased properties in Alabama. These include the credit union’s 28,025-square-foot headquarters at 2040 Valleydale Road and branches in Alexander City, Clanton, Selma, and Brookwood. Mutual Savings Credit Union continued to operate without interruption. The credit union also has branches in Riverchase, Calera, and Pelham. 205-682-1100, mutualsavings.org
Brookwood Baptist Health has officially rebranded to become Baptist Health, and the system’s five central Alabama hospitals and other facilities have undergone name changes as well. That includes the Baptist Health freestanding emergency department at 7131 Cahaba Valley Road and the Baptist Health Center office building at 5295 Preserve Parkway in Hoover. Baptist Health on Oct. 1 became part of Orlando Health, which serves the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. Orlando Health manages day-to-day operations of the system in partnership with the Baptist Health System. Orlando Health chose to retain the Baptist Health name because “it speaks directly to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ through holistic, people-centered health care,” the company said. “We are a true faith-based health care system, and people will know that simply from hearing our name.” 205-725-6800, 205-682-6077, baptisthealthal.com
The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is offering free business coaching sessions with Bradley Koch every Tuesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the chamber offices at 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. He is there to help businesses build a business plan, generate more profit, manage time better, streamline processes, define their market strategy, and get more from their business. To reserve a spot, go to promo. 4sightcoach.com/chamber-office-hours. 205-988-5672, hooverchamber.org
PERSONNEL MOVES
Burn Boot Camp has promoted Brandi Davis to be the regional community manager for all four of its Birmingham-area locations (Hoover, Meadow Brook, Homewood, and Vestavia Hills). She has been a member of Burn Boot Camp since May 2019. She taught first grade for 10 years at McAdory Elementary School and has been a substitute teacher for Hoover City Schools for many years. She also was the hospitality chairwoman for Gwin Elementary School and Hoover High School for years. 205-335-1884, burnbootcamp.com
Sips and Bites
GET TO KNOW
Julie Gardner, sales ambassador at Taziki’s
By STAFF
Julie Gardner is a community sales ambassador with Taziki’s, which has locations around the Birmingham area, including one on Colonnade Parkway off U.S. 280.
Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant.
A: Taziki’s is modern Mediterranean, and it is fast casual. You can find us throughout the Birmingham area. The very first Taziki’s opened 26 years ago, founded by Keith and Amy Richards. The entire mission and vision of the restaurant came from one of their trips to Greece. They wanted to create amazing food and foster a sense of community around it.
Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?
A: My new favorite menu item — because it changes from week to week — is the Monday special: the chicken portobello mushroom sandwich. I don’t know what wonderful, awesome buttery sauce they put on that, but it is so delicious. It’s a hidden gem. You’ve got to try it, but it’s only available on Mondays.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: What makes Taziki’s unique is its commitment to community and culture. Without community, we’d just be in the kitchen cooking, so we value connecting with our neighbors in town.
Q: Anything new or upcoming we should know?
A: When it’s cold outside, so many times you just want a warm bowl of soup. Well, Taziki’s is the place to get some soup. We have our regular lemon chicken soup with rice in it, so check us out when you need to warm up a little.
Hoover Sun is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/restaurant-spotlight
SPOTLIGHT
Kyuramen, a new ramen restaurant, opens in Inverness
By STAFF
Kyuramen in Inverness opened in December. The international ramen chain is located at 950 Inverness Corners, where Newk’s previously operated.
It is the first location in Alabama for the chain, which has more than 100 locations worldwide. Founded in 2014 by Gary Lin, a New York entrepreneur, Kyuramen aims to offer a taste and experience that feels like stepping into a quiet shop in Japan.
Its honeycomb seats and curtained booths provide private dining experiences, while bar seating is available for visitors who prefer to be part of the action.
The restaurant also offers a unique way to try multiple dishes with its yin-yang bowl, which is divided in half to allow for two ramen choices.
Kyuramen’s menu features a wide array of ramen options, showcasing the savory flavors for which the chain is known. Its signature dish, Tonkotsu Ramen, is a standout, with creamy pork bone broth, tender chashu pork, and a marinated soft-boiled egg. Other highlights include Sapporo Miso Ramen, known for its earthy and robust flavor, and innovative offerings such as
fried rice burgers and omurice — a Japanese omelet dish served over seasoned rice.
The staff strives to prepare food to the highest standard and create a welcoming environment for all customers.
The Inverness location also features a boba tea bar, which allows customers to order without dining in the restaurant. Kyuramen is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 205-968-1999 or visit kyuramen.com.
If you suffer from allergies or other ear, nose, throat or hearing problems, we don’t want you to treat your healthcare lightly or ignore symptoms that could lead to more serious issues.
For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.
At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and
Gardner
Kyuramen, a new ramen restaurant in Hoover opened recently in Inverness. They serve traditional Japanese dishes and offer boba tea.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Q: What is osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD)?
A: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint condition affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage and changes in the underlying bone caused by years of stress to the joint or previous traumatic injury.
Q: Can OA or DJD be reversed?
A: No, the changes associated with OA cannot be reversed or cured. However, various treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
Q: What kinds of treatments are available?
A: Treatments include pharmaceuticals, injections, surgical interventions, and, most conservatively, physical therapy.
Q: What kind of medications might I take?
A: Medications to manage OA and joint degeneration commonly include anti-inflammatory medications. These may include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or Aleve, prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), short-term steroids, and, in extreme cases, pain medications.
Q: Can joint injections help?
A: Joint injections can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with acute and, in some cases, chronic arthritic episodes.
Q: Do I need surgery?
A: That is a patient-specific question. Depending on the degree of cartilage loss and joint degradation, some patients may require surgery. Surgical options
may include arthroscopic procedures designed to stimulate healing in the joint, as well as joint replacement surgery.
Q: Can physical therapy help me?
A: Yes, physical therapy is a conservative intervention that can improve joint range of motion, joint mobility, strength, and pain levels associated with arthritic conditions.
If you would like to know more about how physical therapy can help you, give us a call to schedule a free 15-minute
Cory Stephens, PT, DPT
TherapySouth: a company based on faith
THERAPYSOUTH
Q: What makes TherapySouth stand out in the physical therapy industry?
A: TherapySouth is a private, physical therapist-owned practice that has been serving the greater Birmingham communities for over 15 years. Our numerous convenient locations across the metro area allows us to live out our message of providing “Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!” Our staff develop relationships with each patient and truly make the clinic environment feel like a family. With access to quality physical therapy care, we believe we can help our community live better, healthier lives!
Q: Why should someone see a physical therapist?
A: Most often, patients are referred to one of our clinics by their orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician to assist with recovery from an injury or procedure. But, physical therapy is beneficial to anyone seeking pain relief and improved function. The physical therapy approach is to evaluate the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems and address movement limitations or malalignments that are affecting mobility and causing pain. When patients come to physical therapy first, they can often avoid unnecessary surgery and medication. Through intentional exercises and hands-on treatment, patients can get back to their hobbies, everyday tasks and more.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment at TherapySouth?
A: Patients are able to schedule an appointment without a physician’s referral. Your therapist will perform an initial evaluation to determine if therapy is appropriate for you. They will work with your primary care physician, or physician specialist to create your best care plan. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the clinic directly or visit our website to check appointment availability and set up an initial visit.
Q: What would you like potential patients to know about your practice?
A: We take our core values very seriously. We are a company based on faith that believes in family, integrity, service, compassion, fitness, perseverance, and giving. We try to instill these values in all our employees and encourage them to live them out not only at work as profes-
sionals, but also in their personal lives.
Q: What does a first visit look like at TherapySouth?
A: During the initial evaluation, your therapist will take a thorough history of your condition or injury and review past medical history that may influence your case. Appropriate baseline objective measures will be recorded to evaluate throughout your treatment, such as range of motion and strength. Together, you and your therapist will discuss and set goals to help you achieve maximum function. Your therapist will determine a treatment plan and prescribe a home exercise program for you to perform at home to compliment therapeutic activities performed in the clinic. In addition, skilled manual techniques are utilized to further enhance recovery. Your therapist will communicate and coordinate with
► WEB: therapysouth.com
► HOOVER: 3421 South Shades Crest Road, Suite 107
► CALL: 205-987-6501
► HOOVER – U.S. 31/I-65: 1550 Montgomery Highway, Suite L
► CALL: 205-855-5800
► RIVERCHASE/VALLEYDALE: 2279 Valleydale Road, Suite 200
► CALL: 205-874-9523
other health care professionals as needed to provide optimal care.
Providing exceptional foot, ankle and shoulder care at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports
ORTHOALABAMA SPINE & SPORTS
For more than 35 years, OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports has been an essential part of the community, offering comprehensive care for bones, joints and muscles to residents of Birmingham, Hoover, Pell City and the surrounding areas. The practice has built a reputation for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, offering a wide range of specialties that include treatments for elbow, foot and ankle, hip, knee, shoulder, back, neck, spine and hand and wrist conditions. Throughout the years, patients have remained the central focus of the practice, with a strong emphasis on providing individualized care that meets the specific needs of each patient.
Continuing their commitment to exceptional patient-centered care, OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports emphasizes the importance of high-quality treatment for foot, ankle and shoulder injuries and conditions. Pain in your feet or shoulders can be a serious limitation and hold you back from doing what you love, whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior or a beginner trying something new. If you or a loved one is experiencing pain in your feet or shoulders before, during or after activities, consulting with an expert may benefit your condition and prevent it from getting worse.
Each specialist at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports is fellowship-trained or specialty-trained, providing the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot, ankle and shoulder conditions. Their experts offer both surgical and nonsurgical options to treat these conditions. Utilizing their extensive training, they create personalized care plans tailored to each patient, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate care for their individual needs. When creating care plans, the specialists emphasize wellness, injury prevention and education for long-term health and mobility.
Dr. Scott Morris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has undergone extensive fellowship training, specializing in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Morris is proficient in advanced and complex procedures such as ankle fracture repairs, flat foot reconstruction and Achilles tendon surgeries. He is committed to working closely with patients to understand their specific needs and goals, ensuring that they are able to regain function and return to the activities they love and enjoy. Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Morris creates a supportive environment that empowers his patients to take charge of their health and well-being throughout their recovery journey.
Board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mary Gilmer specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of foot, ankle and knee conditions. With her advanced training and
broad expertise, Dr. Gilmer is focused on utilizing leading-edge techniques to help her patients regain mobility, reduce pain and improve their overall quality of life. She takes great pride in providing personalized care, ensuring that each treatment plan is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. Dr. Gilmer’s approach is rooted in her commitment to treating the whole person, not just the condition. As a native of Birmingham, she is dedicated to providing exceptional care to her community and helping her patients live active lives.
Dr. Tyler Marshall is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His expertise includes a wide range of conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, ankle and foot. He has a special interest in arthroscopic hip surgery and minimally invasive joint replacement surgeries, providing his patients with effective and less invasive alternatives for treatment. Dr. Marshall is known for his dedication to individualized care, working closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their goals and lifestyle.
Dr. Mark Rogers is a board-certified
and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, joint replacement and the treatment of shoulder and elbow injuries. He is passionate about working with each patient to develop a comprehensive, personalized care plan that helps them return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Rogers utilizes both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to achieve the best outcomes, always with the goal of relieving pain, restoring function and improving the patient’s overall well-being. Whether treating sports injuries or addressing more complex joint conditions, Dr. Rogers is committed to delivering high-quality care and helping his patients regain mobility, strength and confidence in their daily activities.
Dr. Zane Hyde is a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon with specialized expertise in ankle, hip, knee and shoulder arthroscopy as well as ACL reconstruction, partial and total knee replacement, shoulder replacement and ultrasound-guided injections. With a deep commitment to patient care, Dr. Hyde works diligently to provide the most effective treatments for his patients, tailoring each treatment plan to suit in-
► BIRMINGHAM: 1801 Gadsden Highway
► HOOVER: 118 Mars Hill Road
► PELL CITY: 41 Eminence Way, Suite A
► CALL: 205-228-7600
► WEB: orthoalabama.com
dividual needs and goals. As a native of Trussville, Alabama, Dr. Hyde takes great pride in serving his local community, offering his patients expert, compassionate care with a personal touch.
The combined expertise of Dr. Morris, Dr. Gilmer, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Rogers and Dr. Hyde highlights the commitment to providing exceptional care at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports. The practice's in-house physical therapy department also plays a vital role in patient recovery, working closely with the surgeons to ensure that patients receive a seamless and comprehensive treatment experience. The collaborative efforts between surgeons, physical therapists and support staff ensure that each patient receives a personalized and effective treatment plan, focused on returning to an active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
Understanding when to seek treatment for foot, ankle or shoulder issues can be a challenge, especially when the pain is persistent or limits daily activities. The specialists at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports are experts in these areas and offer a wide range of treatments tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. Whether through nonsurgical methods, such as physical therapy and injections, or through advanced surgical interventions, the goal is always to restore function and reduce pain. Consulting with one of the specialists can be the first step toward regaining mobility and improving your quality of life. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a foot, ankle or shoulder expert, call 205-228-7600 or visit orthoalabama.com.
Dr. Mark Rogers
Dr. Scott Morris
Dr. Tyler Marshall
Dr. Zane Hyde
Dr. Mary Gilmer
FOCUSED ON YOU
Here for you in Birmingham and Hoover, we are committed to providing excellence in patient-centered bone, joint, and muscle care.
Back, Neck & Spine / Elbow / Foot & Ankle / Hand & Wrist / Hip / Interventional
Knee Orthopedic Trauma / Physical Medicine
Mary E. Gilmer, M.D.
Srinivas Mallempati, M.D.
Steven P. Roberts, M.D.
Bradly S. Goodman, M.D.
Tyler J. Marshall, M.D.
Mark E. Rogers, M.D.
Gregory B. Gullung, M.D.
Scott G. Morris, M.D.
Perry L. Savage, M.D.
Zane B. Hyde, M.D.
Scott P. Orr, M.D.
P. Lauren Savage, Jr., M.D.
Joseph M. Ingram, M.D.
Patrick R. Peavy, M.D.
Gene L. Watterson, Jr., M.D.
Renew Dermatology at Greystone promises high-level care, same-day appointments
RENEW DERMATOLOGY
Jennifer Bares, a board-certified dermatologist at Renew Dermatology, may have studied dermatology under world-renowned doctors in New York, but when it came time to set her roots, she knew she would return to Alabama with her husband.
“We just wanted to be closer to family when we started having kids, and we decided to move back because both my parents and my husband’s family are here in town,” Bares said.
Upon returning, she joined Renew Dermatology, which has offices in Homewood and Greystone.
Renew Dermatology, established in 2018, recently expanded to Greystone in August 2023 to meet increasing demand. In addition to Bares, co-owner Kristy Curl and nurse practitioners Caroline Wilson and Taylor Holsombeck serve the Greystone office.
“Greystone was an obvious choice for us because I had already seen patients in that area for seven years prior to opening Renew,” Curl said. “After a brief hiatus while establishing the Homewood office, I wanted to be able to move closer for those established patients who had been making the trek down 280 for me. With my ties to the
► WHERE: 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd. in Greystone and 1651 Independence Court in Homewood
► CALL: 205-580-1500
► WEB: renew dermatology.net
Greystone community, and with Dr. Bares family ties, it was an easy decision.”
The Greystone team is excited to be able to serve the area and other communities further down 280.
“It’s been such a pleasure to be back,” Curl said.
The Greystone clinic focuses on a mix of medical and cosmetic dermatology.
“We do all types of medical dermatology from run-of-the-mill acne, warts, and pediatric eczema in addition to mole and skin cancer checks,” Bares said. “On the cosmetic side, we take pride in our expertise with the injectables including botulinum toxins and dermal fillers.”
Bares said she enjoys seeing a wide range of patients and loves the variety dermatology affords her.
“I might have an acne patient to start the day. And then I move into doing a skin check, making sure someone doesn’t have any skin cancer,” she said.
Bares also emphasized accessibility at Renew Dermatology.
“Sometimes dermatology gets a bad rap, because it can take months and months to get an appointment,” Bares said. “You hear people say ‘I need to see a dermatologist, but they couldn’t see me until next year.’ That’s not actually the case with us. Because we brought two new providers on last fall, myself and Taylor, our nurse practitioner, we are actually able to get even new patients in usually within a couple weeks. If there are people out there that feel like they need a dermatologist and need one sooner rather than later, we’re available.”
For Bares, the opportunity to get to know people in the community and help them in a variety of ways is what she enjoys most.
“Seeing the different patient ages, being able to follow them. And then, as well, being able to do a little bit of that creativity and artsy side with the cosmetics is one thing I think makes dermatology the perfect specialty, because it pairs all those things together.”
Community calendar FEB
Kindness Summit
► Where: Hoover Public Library
► When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2-4 p.m.
► Call: 205-444-7820
► Web: hooverlibrary.org
► Details: Nonprofits in the Birmingham-Hoover area will be present to share opportunities for volunteer service. Potential volunteers can learn about local organizations in a low-pressure, casual environment, and organizations can increase public awareness about their missions and find much-needed volunteers. This year's Kindness Summit is being done in partnership with JustServe. A couple of dozen nonprofits participated last year, including Friends of the Hoover Public Library, Hoover-AHEAD, Firehouse Ministries, The Salvation Army, Crisis Center, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Cahaba Valley Health Care and Gateway Family Solutions.
Vintage Market Days
► Where: Finley Center at Hoover Metropolitan Complex
► When: Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 13-15, 3-8 p.m. Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday
► Call: 205-739-7364
► Web: vintagemarketdays.com/ market/birmingham
► Tickets: $16.41 Thursday; $13.33 Friday-Saturday; free re-entry on subsequent days of show; children 12 and younger get in free
► Details: This indoor winter market, titled “Bushel and a Peck” this year, showcases merchandise from dealers of vintage and antique goods, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade items, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable treats, seasonal plantings and more. Parking is free. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate.
Southern Voices Artist Lecture
► Where: Hoover Library Theatre
► When: Thursday, Feb. 13, 5:45 p.m.
► Call: 205-444-7888
► Web: southernvoices.info
► Tickets: Free
► Details: Multi-disciplinary artist Tony Bingham of Birmingham will give a lecture to kick off the 2025 Southern Voices Festival. A reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres will follow. Through his found and original audio work, large-scale photography and sculpture, Bingham references various sites which offer opportunities to consider African-American life. In 2024, he was awarded the Southern Prize and Alabama Fellowship for Visual Arts from South Arts. Bingham taught humanities and studio art at Miles College in Fairfield from 2006 to 2024.
The McCrary Sisters in Concert
► Where: Hoover Library Theatre
► When: Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 19-20, 7 p.m.
► Call: 205-444-7888
► Web: southernvoices.info
► Tickets: $38
► Details: The McCrary Sisters are daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary, a founding member of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four. They sing gospel music that melds traditional gospel with contemporary influences of classic soul, Americana, blues, rock and R&B. Since forming their own group in 2011, they have performed with artists such as Bob Dylan, Elvis, Stevie Wonder, the Black Keys, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood and more. As of Jan. 20, tickets were available only for Feb. 19.
Looking for more community events?
► Visit our online calendar at hooversun.com for more events.
► Subscribe to our newsletter for top picks on weekend events.
An Evening with Julia Quinn
► Where: Hoover Library Theatre
► When: Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
► Call: 205-444-7888
► Web: southernvoices.info
► Tickets: $40
► Details: Author Julia Quinn, whose real name is Julie Pottinger, is the headliner for the Southern Voices Festival. She authored the Bridgerton book series that later was made into a Netflix series and has written almost 40 books, all romance and mostly novels. She has had 19 consecutive New York Times bestsellers. In March 2021, all eight of her Bridgerton novels were on the NYT list at the same time. As of Jan. 20, the only tickets available were for handicapped people and their companions.
• Income tax planning and compliance
• Audit, compilation and review services
• Estate tax planning and compliance
• Business valuations
• Tax compliance–non-profit organizations
• Trustee and elder care services
Southern Voices Authors Conference
► Where: Hoover Public Library
► When: Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
► Call: 205-444-7888
► Web: southernvoices.info
► Tickets: $45
► Details: The conference will feature fiction writers Kimberly Brock, A.J. Finn, Chris Pavone, Steven Rowley, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Stacy Willingham and nonfiction author Tommy Tomlinson. The Library Theatre sold out within an hour of tickets going on sale Jan. 15, but if more than 50 people put their name on a waiting list, the library will sell additional tickets for seating in the Library Plaza, and each author will speak in both locations at different times, Southern Voices Chairwoman Carrie Steinmehl said.
Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA
Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA Jason Lybrand, CPA, MBA
• Employee benefit plan audits Two Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 40 Birmingham, Alabama 35244 sovereigncpa.com
Have an upcoming community event?
► Contact Community Editor Jon Anderson with your event information at janderson@starnesmedia.com
BCBS of Alabama Kids Marathon
► Where: Spain Park High School
► When: Saturday, Feb. 22; preliminary start times from 10:30 a.m. to noon depending on age
► Call: 205-870-7729
► Web: bcbsalkidsmarathon.com
► Tickets: $30 hard copy registration; $40 online
► Details: This is an endurance building program for children K-5-fifth grade (runners must be at least 5 on race day). Participants train by running increments of a 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 3/4 mile or 1 mile leading up to race day, when the final mile is run on the course at Veterans Park. When done, children will have run the full distance of a marathon (26.2 miles).
Hearts in Harmony Gala
► Where: Hoover Country Club
► When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.
► Call: 205-222-8189
► Web: hooverserviceclub.com
► Tickets: $150
► Details: The Hoover Service Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year typically starts off with a reception, cash bar and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction. The silent auction typically includes things such as a basket with gift cards to multiple restaurants in Hoover, wine packages, artwork and jewelry. The live auction often includes a variety of trips and sporting event packages. Proceeds go to college scholarships and grants to nonprofits.. For each ticket sold, $75 is tax-deductible. Reservations requested by Feb. 15.
Under the Lights
GET TO KNOW
Hoover’s Jaliyah Manuel
By STAFF
Jaliyah Manuel is a sophomore guard on the Hoover High School girls’ basketball team. In this interview, she discusses how she wants to use her “contagious amount of energy” to help lift the Lady Bucs to another state title.
Q: What is your favorite thing about basketball?
A: My favorite thing about basketball is being able to witness the pure skill and athleticism of every player that I play against, along with being able to feel the thrill of being in the game and watching the game.
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: My goals for the season are to bring a contagious amount of energy to help uplift my team and to also continue the Hoover legacy by helping us win another state championship.
Q: What is your earliest memory of basketball?
A: My earliest memory of basketball is when I was four years old. My dad bought me a basketball goal and a basketball, and we’d go outside, and he’d spend hours out there with me teaching me how to play.
Q: What’s the most impressive thing you’ve done on a basketball court?
A: The most impressive thing I’ve ever done
on the basketball court is hit a three-point, game-winning shot that sent my team to the championship.
Q: What is your favorite sports team? Why do you root for them?
A: My favorite sports teams are the [New Orleans] Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the [Los Angeles] Lakers. I root for the Pelicans because I’m originally from Louisiana. I root for the Philadelphia 76ers because Allen Iverson was on that team, and I root for the Lakers because Magic Johnson played on that team as well. Magic Johnson and Allen Iverson really helped me shape my game into what I wanted it to be today.
ACCOLADES
Bucs announce football staff changes
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Hoover High School football program recently announced a couple new staff members for the 2025 season.
Chip English was promoted to permanent head coach in December after leading the Bucs to a 10-3 record and an appearance in the Class 7A semifinals as the interim coach. Since then, he has been working to solidify his coaching staff.
The Hoover City Schools board approved the hiring of two new staff members at its Jan. 14 meeting.
Darrell LeBeaux has been named the Bucs new offensive coordinator. LeBeaux comes to Hoover after achieving great success as the head coach at Pleasant Grove over the last seven seasons. In those seven seasons, the Spartans posted a record 75-16 and finished as the state runner-up in Class 5A three straight years (2019-21).
LeBeaux was named the Alabama Football Coaches Association Class 5A Coach of the Year in 2019. His offenses shined in his time at Pleasant Grove as well, leading 5A in scoring in 2023 and averaging over 40 points per game each of the last four years.
Prior to Pleasant Grove, LeBeaux was an assistant at Munford High for three years.
Hoover also hired Gavin Hallford as the program’s Director of Football Sports Performance.
Hallford comes from Albertville High, where he spent the last three years as a strength and conditioning coach. Hallford was an All-American kicker at Jacksonville State University and spent over a decade there after his playing days as a strength and conditioning coach.
Josh Reeves spent the 2023 season as Hoover’s interim defensive coordinator, and his interim tag has been removed as well. Reeves will be the defensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Bucs. The Bucs defense allowed 15.7 points per game this past season under his leadership.
Hoover’s Jaliyah Manuel (23) plays defense in a game against Oak Mountain High School at Hoover High School on Jan. 9. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
LeBeaux. Photo courtesy of PrepsNet.
CALENDAR
For more detailed schedules, go to school websites. BASEBALL HOOVER
Feb. 14: vs. Chelsea. 4 p.m.
Feb. 15: Doubleheader vs. Hartselle, Central-Phenix City. 11 a.m.
Feb. 19-22: Games in California.
Feb. 27-March 1: Perfect Game HS Showdown. TBD.
SPAIN PARK
Feb. 14: vs. Oxford. 4 p.m.
Feb. 15: Doubleheader vs. Bob Jones, Thompson. 10 a.m., 3 p.m.
Feb. 18: vs. Briarwood. 7 p.m.
Feb. 20: vs. Spanish Fort. Robertsdale High School. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 21: vs. Hartselle. Orange Beach High School. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 22: Doubleheader vs. UMS-Wright, American Christian. Robertsdale High School. 9 a.m.
Feb. 25: vs. Cullman. 4 p.m.
Feb. 27-March 1: Perfect Game HS Showdown.
BASKETBALL
Feb. 4-8: Area tournaments. TBD.
Feb. 17, 20: Regional tournaments. TBD.
Feb. 26-27, March 1: State tournament. Legacy Arena.
WRESTLING
Feb. 7-8: Sectional tournaments. TBD.
Feb. 13-15: State tournament. Von Braun Center.
SOFTBALL
HOOVER
Feb. 13: vs. Hayden. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 14-15: Red & Blue Classic. Wald Park.
Feb. 17: vs. Spain Park. 5 p.m.
Feb. 18: vs. Gardendale. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 20: vs. Hamilton. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 25: vs. Chelsea. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 27: vs. McAdory. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 28-March 1: Central Round Robin. Jacksonville State University.
SPAIN PARK
Feb. 17: @ Hoover. 5 p.m.
Feb. 20: vs. Springville. 5 p.m.
Feb. 25: vs. Jasper. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 27: @ Vestavia Hills. 4:30 p.m.
Each Year, The Finley Awards celebrate character education by honoring one senior from each high school and one Hoover City Schools employee as examples of outstanding character.
Scan code to learn more about The Finley Awards.
Mountaintop Church grows with kids’ addition
By JON ANDERSON
When many churches run out of space, it’s often in their sanctuary, but at Mountaintop Church, they’ve been overrun with young families and children, Lead Pastor Carter McInnis said.
That prompted the church, which is in Vestavia Hills but also has many members from Hoover, to recently open a new 16,000-squarefoot children’s area.
They have about 270 to 300 children show up on typical Sundays, from birth to fifth grade, and they needed more space to take care of them, McInnis said. The children have a large group worship time and also break off into smaller groups.
“We’ve had three small groups in one room talking over each other,” he said.
So the church did a fundraising campaign to build the $8.5 million addition, said Jake Davis, the church’s creative and digital pastor. The new space includes nine rooms for nursery and preschool children, each with a bathroom, and a lobby, he said. The project also included converting some outdoor space into an outdoor gathering area with patio furniture, as well as about 40 more parking spaces, Davis said.
The existing 10 rooms in which the children have been meeting will be used for older children, Davis said.
“Our church is working hard for our next generation and partnering with parents,” McInnis said. “Parents need all the help they can get these days.”
Mountaintop has an outstanding kids’ ministry team led by Kids Pastor Melissa Sanderson and outstanding volunteers who work with the children, McInnis said.
Reaching the next generation is key, Davis said.
“If we’re going to pass down our faith through ministry, it’s going to happen with the next generation,” he said. “We want to raise a generation that loves and follows Jesus. We believe that life is better with Jesus.”
Construction on the addition began in the spring. While complete enough to open Jan. 12, additional touchups have continued.
Mountaintop, established in 1992, has an auditorium that can seat about 1,600 people, Davis said. Currently, there are about 1,400 people attending the two services at 9 and 11
a.m., so there is still room to grow, he said.
In addition to Vestavia Hills and Hoover, the church also draws members and attendees from Pelham, Alabaster, Calera, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Crestwood, McInnis said.
The church is eager to spread the news about Jesus with the metro Birmingham community, Davis said.
“For far too long, churches have been known for what they’re against. We just want to be known for what we’re for,” he said. The church is for Birmingham, for families and for one
Daniel and Kolie Sanford check in their children in a new 16,000-squarefoot children's addition at Mountaintop Church on Jan. 12.
more person to know Jesus, he said. McInnis said they’re glad to welcome people to the new building, but it’s really not about the buildings.
“Buildings are going to come and go. It’s really about the opportunity to change lives inside those buildings,” McInnis said. “We’re really excited about the facilities, but more excited about the relationships and community that will happen inside those walls.”
Mountaintop Church is at 225 Centerview Drive.
Photo by Jon Anderson.
Faces of Hoover
CalligrapherJan Pruitt: from paper to perfection
By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Jan Pruitt’s work has created a community of “Jan fans” at Annabelle's stationery store in Hoover.
Pruitt has worked as a professional calligrapher and spokesperson at Annabelle’s for more than 10 years. Her passion for penmanship started when she fell in love with the handwriting on Christmas cards that arrived at her childhood home.
Despite a growing digital market for announcements and invitations, Pruitt still sees a large client base who wish to honor wedding guests, family or friends with handmade cards.
“For example, with the way weddings have shifted, the invitations are a commemorative document of a monumental thing,” Pruitt said.
“The three things you keep after your wedding are your photos, spouse and invitations.”
Since they work with many couples, Pruitt believes that the face-to-face nature of her job allows her to help them “set the tone for weddings” while also following invitation etiquette. The digital world can feel exhausting sometimes, she said, and it prevents users from breaking free of conventions. She keeps in mind that “the heart is greater than the rule” when she designs a card.
Pruitt loves crafting wedding and life announcements because “she gets to be a part of a special time in people’s lives.”
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Jan Pruitt made the wedding invitation for Nick Saban’s daughter in 2015. She writes the invitation design by hand on paper before scanning it
Above and below: Jan Pruitt, the spokesperson and lead calligraphist at Annabelle’s stationary store in Hoover, designs a wedding invitation. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
MISS AMERICA
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But Stockard said she believes the key to winning isn’t competing in many pageants. “You win by going in and staying true to your unique and beautiful self, not conforming to what you consider is America’s idea of per fect,” she said.
Especially in today’s social media-driven world, where people can use technology to manipulate pictures of themselves, it can be easy to fall into a trap, Stockard said.
“It’s so easy to look at the influencers you see on Instagram or the models on TikTok, and you start to get in a little spiral of thinking that’s what you have to look like, that’s the standard you have to meet in order to be considered beautiful, and that is just such a false perception of reality,” she said. “I would encourage young women to take a step back from social media and realize that you are beautiful, you are valuable just the way you are. You don’t have to conform. You need to embrace your differences because that is what makes you authentically beautiful.”
DETERMINATION AND GROWTH
Stockard’s parents described her as a very driven, focused, and determined person.
“Abbie’s a hard worker. She’s a perfectionist,” said her mother, Kim Stockard. “She won’t just do something halfway. She will go at it full force until she gets it right. She was like that as a child. If she took tennis lessons, she was going to be the best at it. That’s just her personality.”
Her father, Brad Stockard, said Abbie is a very resilient person who has a positive attitude and always tries to look for the best in everything.
“She went through a pretty difficult time when her mom and I got divorced, and I think she just made a decision at that point in her life that she was going to overcome that and be the best person she could be and be a light to those around her,” her dad said. “I think she’s just an extremely hard worker. She doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. She’s very determined, and she has the ability to see something that she wants and figure out how to get it and not be deterred.”
Stockard said her parents’ divorce when she was 9 was a key event in her life that helped shape who she is today.
“I was not always the happy and joyful Abbie you see today,” she said. “When I was little, I was in a pretty dark place and honestly didn’t know if there would be a light at the end of the tunnel. That was just a crucial moment in my life, and it showed me that your attitude shapes your entire perspective. … Going through all of that and just being in a dark place and having to go to counseling — it was really hard, and I had to make a decision. Was I going to let this moment in my life defeat me and go down a darker and darker hole, or was I going to rise above it? That is why my tagline in life is ‘Choose joy.’”
It’s easy to look at things we don’t have in our lives and forget how truly blessed we are, she said. She has an amazing relationship with both of her parents, she said.
“It’s just a reminder that hope always shines bright, even in the darkest moments,” she said.
She believes her experience with hardships and not having a perfect life will help her be more relatable to people as Miss America, she said. Being vulnerable and going beyond surface issues will help her be more impactful, she said.
Diane Westhoven, Stockard’s childhood friend and college roommate for their sophomore and junior years, said Stockard is the most positive person you’ll ever meet — very uplifting and exciting.
“She’s up for any adventure, and I think that’s what kind of thrust her into this [spotlight],” said Westhoven, who was the 2024 winner of the Miss Alabama USA competition, a separate but similar competition to Miss Alabama. “She’s such a go-getter. I think that her family has shaped her, her friends have shaped her, but also her own determination — where she wants to go. … She is so deserving. I don’t know anyone that works as hard as her.”
CIVIC AWARENESS
Stockard said she did indeed do a lot of preparation for Miss America, working out daily to stay physically fit, practicing her dance routine daily for her talent, and doing extensive preparation for interviews and on-stage questions.
“The judges’ one-on-one interview — they can ask you anything, so I spent the past six months educating myself on social and political issues, making sure that I could formulate opinions basically to anything that’s happening in our nation, but also globally,” Stockard said.
At first, it was overwhelming, she said. “I’m a nursing student. I’m not super into politics,” she said. “But I just took it one day at a time, and I realized it was all part of the journey, and I had to learn to embrace it. … I used those times of disappointment and discouragement to grow and learn and used it as an opportunity to better myself and better my knowledge because it is important to know what’s going on in the world.”
For winning Miss America, Stockard received a $50,000 scholarship, bringing her
total scholarships from competitions to more than $89,000. She had to take a year out of school as Miss Alabama, and now that will be extended with a year as Miss America. She plans to return to Auburn to finish her undergraduate nursing degree and then obtain a doctorate in nurse anesthesia and become a pediatric nurse anesthetist.
Stockard also will be using this year to further shine a spotlight on cystic fibrosis and the need for a cure. Her best friend has cystic fibrosis,
and raising awareness about it and money for research is a passion for her.
“I have a heart of compassion and joy and service, and so I have found that I have the greatest sense of fulfillment when I’m giving of myself to others,” she said. “That’s when I’m at my personal best, so that’s what I want to make the focus of my year — serving others and truly using this position of influence to touch the hearts and the lives of the people
across our nation.”
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard takes a walk as the new Miss America 2025.
Abbie Stockard as a young girl. Miss Cahaba Valley 2022
Miss Trussville 2023
Miss Hoover 2024
Miss Alabama 2024
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard is crowned Miss America 2025.
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard, left clutches Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo moments before Stockard was announced as Miss America 2025.
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard is swarmed by delegates from other states after being crowned Miss America 2025.
Photos courtesy of Houston M Photography, Abbie Stockard and Kimberly Stockard.
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CONSISTENTLY WINNING
The girls basketball program has a storied track record, advancing to the state Final Four several times under Bob Finley’s leadership in the 1980s and 1990s. But when Lori Elgin took the reins in 1999, she won a state title in her second year and took the program to the next level.
The starting center on that 2000–01 state championship team was Krystle Johnson, who is now the head coach overseeing the program’s present-day dominance.
When Donnie Quinn arrived in 2007, he inherited a program built to win, and the Lady Bucs did just that. In Quinn’s five years as head coach, Hoover won at least 30 games each season and claimed a pair of state titles.
“Lori was definitely more defensive-oriented, and I came in with more of a run-and-shoot concept,” Quinn said. “With their background on defense, they were already very good. Trying to score a lot of points at the same time and adding those together, it took off. Our philosophies together really worked.”
Tiffany Frederick coached the Lady Bucs for four years, winning a state title before Hoover brought Johnson back home to lead her alma mater. Over the last eight years, Johnson has led Hoover to six state championships.
Andy Urban, who spent nearly a decade as Hoover’s athletic director, knew Johnson had built the Huntsville High program into a steady winner but had no preconceived notions that she would be the hire for Hoover.
Her interview, however, left no doubt.
“When Krystle came in for the job, she won the job with her passion and energy for students. She has such a rapport with her student-athletes, and she has such a passion for the school because she played there,” Urban said.
TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE
The boys basketball program’s rise to the top took a little longer. The Bucs had flashes of brilliance but lacked sustained success until Charles Burkett took over in 2006. Burkett had a vision for what Hoover could become and implemented it to perfection.
“Hoover was one of the premier schools in the state, the country, the Southeast for sure,” Burkett said. “It had all the resources to do great things.”
Things didn’t change overnight, but the Bucs won more than 20 games in Burkett’s second season and advanced to the program’s first Final Four in his sixth year. In 2015, his ninth season, Burkett led Hoover to its first boys basketball state championship.
“It wasn’t if, it was when,” Burkett said. Burkett left Hoover following the 2019–20 season and passed the program on to Scott Ware, his longtime assistant. Ware has retained much of the framework
together from day one. Quinn spent time as an assistant at the University of Alabama before coaching the Spain Park High boys basketball team. Once he retired, Johnson convinced him to return to Hoover.
“I’ve always loved Krystle,” Quinn said. “We’ve been a pair for a long time. Even when I was at Spain Park, we talked all the time. It was easy to go back.”
Ware, Johnson and others point to the assistants — both past and present — for much of the program’s success.
CAN THEY DO IT AGAIN?
SCOTT WARE
he and Burkett built while adding his own characteristics.
“We sat down and talked to [Ware] and said, ‘We can interview all over the country [for this job], but the best coach we can interview is in this school already,’” Urban said.
It’s hard to argue with the results, as the Bucs barrel toward a potential third straight state championship.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
High school athletics in Alabama has seen many programs enjoy extreme levels of success over a few years. A transcendent athlete walking the halls can make that happen in a variety of sports.
When it comes to Hoover basketball, that hasn’t been the case. Multiple coaches have raised the blue map trophy. Superstar players such as Reniya Kelly and Aniya Hubbard in the girls program have come and gone, but
the winning continues.
What makes it special? Being one of Alabama’s largest schools certainly helps in terms of numbers, but there are plenty of Class 7A schools that do little with a lot.
“That’s the thing about all the great players around here. They are great players, but they are also winners, and they’re going to do whatever we ask them to do in order to win,” Johnson said.
Some panicked when a team as talented as the 2021–22 version of the Hoover boys was eliminated in the area tournament. The Bucs were far too talented to exit so early, but a group of freshmen that included now-seniors Salim London (UAB signee), DeWayne Brown (Tennessee signee) and Jarett Fairley needed time to grow.
“Coaching outstanding players always makes you a better coach,” Ware said.
Johnson was an assistant on Quinn’s staff at Hoover, and the two worked well
Ware and Johnson have slightly different approaches to handling their program’s streaks.
The “Drive2Five” is alive and well for the Lady Bucs, and they don’t shy away from that goal.
“Most of the upperclassmen on our team have always won a state championship, and they’ve been here, so they know what it takes. There’s no confusion,” Johnson said.
For the boys team, any talk of “repeating” as state champions is prohibited. The focus is solely on the current year.
“Being consistent with what you do and what you expect and what you demand, I mean, kids are willing to rise to that if you show them that you’re not going to budge,” Ware said.
Both approaches have produced undeniable results, and there’s potential for both teams to sweep the state championships for the third straight year.
When a Hoover basketball team shows up in a gym, whether locally or on the other side of the country (the boys played in Alaska in January), the conversation is no longer solely about football.
“They know who we are,” Johnson said.
Hoover girls basketball coach Krystle Johnson and boys basketball coach Scott Ware stand behind the row of state championship trophies at Hoover High School. Photo by Savannah Schnmidt.
HOOVER
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