Abbie Stockard raises awareness for cystic fibrosis PAGE 25
SWEETS AND SNACKS
Better-for-you treats await at Deliciously PAGE 22
A seventh-generation family works the land for their community PAGE 18
EDITOR’S NOTE
I can hardly believe we’ve reached the “end” of summer. Despite the lingering heat that will no doubt take us through Halloween, it’s officially time for those last-minute back-to-school bucket lists! Here at home, uniforms are neatly pressed, a brand-new backpack and lunch box are labeled and ready for their debut, and we’re eagerly planning our Yes Day, inspired by the movie of the same name. (My husband and I definitely had to add boundaries and a budget around this. Rule number one: No animal/pet purchases!)
In anticipation of the new school year, I’m especially grateful for the humor each month in Alana Smith’s Holy Moly Motherhood column. You can read it on page 10. Warning: Grab a tissue before you go any further. I found this lovely poem by Wendy Silva and wanted to share with any other parents who are feeling tender about the passing of time, a place I find myself in each and every August, and especially for those with kiddos heading to kindergarten this year.
I wonder what you’re doing right now, and if everyone is treating you kind. I hope there is a special person, a nice friend that you can find.
I wonder if the teacher knows just how special you are to me.
And if the brightness of your heart is something she can see. I wonder if you are thinking aboutme and if you need a hug. I already miss the sound of your voice and how you give my leg a tug.
I wonder if you could possibly understand how hard it is for me to let you grow. On this day know that my heart breaks, for this is the first step in letting my baby go.
Speaking of kids (always!), we’d love to hear from you when it comes to identifying people to highlight in our monthly “Kids Who Shine” column. Whether the achievement is academic, civic, or athletic, we think it’s important to share all about the wonderful kids in our area. You can read about the types of kids we’re looking for and find contact information to share them with us on page 30.
Here’s to a new (academic) year and cooler temps on the way!
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
To view this and previous issues in a digital flip version, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
ABOUT US
Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at more than 650 locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
DISTRIBUTION
If your business would like to make copies available to customers, please email matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your business name, address, point of contact, and number of copies you would like.
ADVERTISING
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Tucked away in Alabaster, Alleluia Acres Heritage Farm stands as a testament to tradition and sustainable farming practices. Read more about the land Ahna and Cam Payne work, how they’re giving back to the community, and their family on page 18.
Cover photograph by Alison Garza Photography
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Stephanie Gibson Lepore Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
News from local schools and college students p. 28
Kids Who Shine
Extra-special kids in the community p. 30
FEATURE STORIES
Snacks and Sweets
Find healthier-for-you treats at this Mountain Brook shop p. 22
Crowning Achievement
Vestavia native uses her platform to help others p. 25
Describe your childhood relationship with your father using three to five words. Does the thought of your father affect you emotionally? During the past 15 years, I have asked thousands of men in fatherhood classes to consider this question. Over the years, the words men use to identify their experiences with their dads have either been very positive or very negative, with a wide canyon between the responses.
Many fathers believe they have done a fantastic job connecting with and raising their children. The struggle for many dads is that their children are the ones who get to make the judgment call on whether their dad connected with them and did a good job raising them. It is even more confusing that, in the same household, different siblings with similar experiences can, and often do, judge differently.
My oldest son spent a summer working out of
state and was asked by peers to give a depiction of his father. I eagerly awaited the answer to hear how my son represented my “wonderful and engaging characteristics” to his friends. He was not verbose with his description. He told his friends I kind of act like a youth pastor.
I guess that being described as a youth pastor is a pretty good thing, but I have higher hopes. My goal when my kids describe me is for them to say I am the best dad ever! There is often laughter followed by dismissal when I state this ambition in my classes, but I think striving to be the best dad ever will help ensure that my kids’ answers to describing their dad in three to five words will be a positive emotional experience.
In the quickly fleeting moments of childhood, we are going to leave either a positive or negative legacy, so make the most of each opportunity you have to impact your kids.
Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.
Ward Williams
PHOTOGRAPH BY FOTO DUETS ON iStock
Getting into the Swing of a New School Year
I love baseball. I grew up playing front yard baseball with a gaggle of boys, using trees as bases and the neighbor’s property line as the “fence.” I was the only girl, so I had to keep up or they wouldn’t want me to play. Thankfully, I was taller than most of them, so they didn’t give me much grief. When my younger brother started real baseball, I spent every spring in the bleachers—getting sunburned, keeping the book, and cheering them on. So, I think I was made to be a baseball mom.
But I think that baseball parents can get a bad rap. We all know someone who can be a little too competitive or over-the-top. Someone who seems to only care about the win. And then we hear a lot about how we are too hard on kids these days and how we should just lighten up and let everyone win. Why keep score if it’s all just for fun, right?
But have you ever asked a nine-year-old?
A kid who has been in the game since he was three?
A kid with Braves pennants all over his walls and game balls lining the shelf?
A kid who loves the game so much that he does practice swings as he’s brushing his teeth?
A kid who struggled to make the throw from third to first, but with direction, constructive criticism, and repetition can now beat the runner more times than not?
Have you asked them? What it feels like to work at something, excel at something, and love something?
I wonder how they feel about not keeping score or not earning your position or the win?
And as for the parents, I think their enthusiasm comes from so much history with the game. From watching your two-year-old swing a plastic bat to tee ball and playing in the dirt to the first real hit in coach pitch. Then, getting the first game ball, the first slide into second, the first in-the-park homer, the first double play, and their first time on the
mound after dreaming of that strike-out for so long.
All those firsts came from failing, learning, and doing it better the next time. And when they do better, the team does better. And there’s really no feeling like being a part of something—a team.
Here’s to all the parents out there driving to practice, pitching until dark in the front yard, spending hours in the bleachers, buying all the gear, and cheering your tails off for those kids.
They thank you. And if you’re wondering, just ask ’em.
xoxo, Holy Moly Motherhood
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 9 and 4), nurse anesthetist, and writer in Birmingham. She shares her writing at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she tackles all things motherhood and marriage.
Alana Smith
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALANA SMITH
A Kid Named Ben
The hotel pool. The sun is high. All the hotel guests’ children are wearing bathing suits, excitedly scurrying into the pool so they can pee in it.
I travel for a living and stay in lots of hotels. In my short time on this planet, I’ve learned a few things about kids in hotels.
One: Never get into the pool. Two: When it’s approaching midnight, children will collectively hold a decathlon in the hallways above your room. Three: Regardless of which is your room, in the middle of the night, gaggles of kids will hold a laughing contest outside your door. Four: Every apple on the breakfast buffet has been fondled by a 5-year-old with a runny nose.
Anyway, the pool. There were two boys at the swimming pool who caught my attention.
One of them was named Ben. I know this because Ben’s little brother kept shouting it. It was always “BEN!” this. And “BEN!” that.
The little brother was missing both arms at the elbow joint. And one of his legs was impaired, too. When they arrived at the pool, Ben removed his little brother’s prosthetics and left the paraphernalia with their towels. Then he helped his tiny brother into the pool.
“I’m scared, Ben!” said the boy.
“Don’t worry,” said Ben. “I’ve got you.”
Ben had his arms wrapped around the
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ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SEAN DIETRICH
little boy, bear hugging him from behind. He was carrying him.
When they eased into the water, Ben was still embracing his little brother tightly, and his brother was freaking out.
“Don’t let me go, Ben!”
“I won’t.”
“Promise!”
“Promise.”
So, Ben held his brother even tighter. In the pool, Ben carried the little boy around the shallow end until his brother calmed down. And when Ben’s brother was relaxed, Ben taught him to float on his back.
“Don’t let go of me, Ben!” said the little boy who had no arms.
“I won’t,” said Ben, supporting his brother from beneath. “I have you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Soon, Ben’s brother’s face was turned up toward the sun, lying in the supine position, floating like
driftwood. Together they floated around the pool like that until Ben’s little brother was starting to enjoy himself.
“I wanna know what it’s like to swim, Ben!”
So, Ben gave his brother a piggyback ride.
The armless boy placed his amputated residuums around his brother’s neck and squeezed tightly.
“Are you holding on good?” asked Ben.
“Yes.”
Whereupon Ben began to swim forward. The child without arms gripped his brother, who was dog-paddling, struggling beneath the weight of his little passenger. But he never faltered.
They trolled around the pool. Ben made boat motor sounds with his mouth.
The little boy was really enjoying himself now. And when their mother finally said it was time to get out of the pool, Ben lifted his brother out of the pool, carrying him the way a groom carries a bride.
“Don’t drop me, Ben,” I heard the child say.
“I’ll never drop you,” said Ben.
And I, for one, believe him.
Don’t Sweat It
How to safely enjoy summer while you’re pregnant
BY HANNAH ECHOLS
Summer brings sunshine and fun times. However, it also brings the heat. The increase in temperature increases the risk for heat-related deaths and illnesses. In general, heat-related illness can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles in any person, but beating the heat is especially important for pregnant women and their babies.
“Two main concerns with excessive heat and pregnant patients are overheating and dehydration,” says Sima Baalbaki, M.D., assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“This can negatively impact both the pregnant mom and the baby relying on her for nutrients.”
Pregnant women tend to naturally feel hotter due to the increase in blood flow and hormonal changes. They are more likely to become dehydrated in the summer heat because more of the fluid in their bodies
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PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE COLE IMAGES ON iStock
While there are concerns about summer heat, it is okay to be outside while pregnant as long as you take steps to stay cool and monitor your body temperature.
goes to the fetus and amniotic fluid. Overheating and dehydration can cause one to feel dizzy and/or lightheaded. This increases the risk of falling, which can be dangerous during pregnancy, as it can incite labor or placental abruption. In the first trimester, overheating can cause issues with fetal development.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are another concern with pregnant patients overheating and becoming dehydrated. While these contractions are not dangerous for the mom or baby, they can increase one’s anxiety and concerns around preterm labor. While there are concerns about summer heat, Baalbaki reassures that it is okay to be outside while pregnant, but to take steps to stay cool and monitor one’s body temperature. “You definitely want to watch your salt intake, particularly if you are
borderline for high blood pressure,” Baalbaki says. “Your doctor will know if it is summer swelling or something much more serious—like preeclampsia— starting to develop.”
Baalbaki also suggests these additional tips to stay cool, safe, and comfortable in the summer heat:
• Drink 8 ounces of water for every hour in the sun
• Wear light, nonconstricting clothing, such as linen and cotton
• Invest in a small personal fan
• Avoid peak sun time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Use at least 30 SPF sunscreen to prevent burning and pregnancy-induced melasma from worsening
“We want our patients to enjoy the summer fun,” Baalbaki says. “However, if you experience nausea, dizziness or fatigue, be on the safe side and contact your physician.”
GVES debuts outdoor classroom
Green Valley Elementary School held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new outdoor classroom on July 16. The classroom includes a 24’ x 40’ shaded space with seating for up to 80 students and benches and tables for full classes.
The project is the culmination of over two years of fundraising by the school’s PTO, which spearheaded the $60,000 effort needed to make it a reality.
Posey named new Riverchase Elementary principal
Taylar Posey was hired as Riverchase Elementary School’s new principal in July. She replaces former principal Alice Turney, who left for an administrative role at i3 Academy, a public charter school in Birmingham. Posey was most recently principal of Brookwood Elementary in Tuscaloosa County. She has 18 years of experience in education.
CONSIGNMENT SALE
Open to the Public:
Thursday, August 22 -- 8am-7pm Friday, August 23 -- 8am-6pm
Saturday, August 24 -- 7am-noon (many items discounted 50%)
Featuring gently-used children’s clothing size ne wborn to “big kid” 18, children’s shoes (all sizes), baby equipment, bikes, spor ts equipment, toys, games, puzzles, and more!
Preserving Heritage
This family-run farm—seven generations—has deep roots that stretch back to the 1850s, making it a cherished part of local history.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Ahna and Cam Payne have been together a long time—since high school—but the land they farm together has been in Ahna’s family for even longer. “It’s been in my family for almost two centuries,” says Ahna. “We’ve traced land documents back as far as 1858. My great-grandparents farmed this land, and our farm resides in the middle of their old hayfields. They also had a sawmill, gristmill, and syrup mill.”
Growing up, Ahna says she was taught to value the land and heritage her family had. “My daddy
loved it, so I did, too.” It took a little longer for Cam to get onboard. “He hates this part of our story, but when I met him, Cam was anything but a farmer. He didn’t own a truck and thought cowboy boots were stupid,” says Ahna. But a couple years into dating, Cam and Ahna were four-wheeling behind her parents’ house when Cam noted a pretty spot for a house “one day.” “That day, things shifted for us in our future plans, and Cam started wanting a pasture full of black Angus cows because it was peaceful to him. And I guess our family grew
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALISON GARZA PHOTOGRAPHY
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on him, because he currently has a closet full of boots and three Dodge duallys in the driveway!”
The high school sweethearts married in fall 2014, and Ahna went on to teach elementary school until their son, Holland (3.5) was born in 2020. “After [Holland], I transitioned to teaching public school online from home, which has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my kids [son Hutton came along a year ago],” says Ahna. It also gave the duo more time to focus on growing the farm. “Shortly before getting married, our eyes were opened to how our conventional foods were raised. We couldn’t find anyone locally that raised to our standards, so we decided to take control and raise our own food. We had the land, so why not use it? We started simple with chickens and ducks for eggs, then added dairy goats for milk. We always wanted cows in the pasture for meat, but they were pretty pricey, so hogs were the next best choice. Purchasing hogs in 2016 led to us being one of the main breeders of Tamworth hogs in the southeast, with our lines found in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.”
Tucked away in Alabaster, Alleluia Acres Heritage Farm stands as a testament to tradition and sustainable farming practices. “Being a heritage farm is twofold for us; we raise heritage breeds—those that were popular before the commercialization of farming—to preserve them for the next generation, and we are also continuing the Payne family heritage of working this land,” says Ahna. Though she is the first generation since her great-grandparents to choose farming as
an occupation, Ahna and Cam’s children are the seventh generation to live and work on the land. They are dedicated to using natural minerals and rotational grazing to improve their soil, choosing essential oils and tinctures over antibiotics and using walnut hulls and charcoal over wormers. “If there’s a natural method, we use it, and if there’s not, we search for one,” she says. “It’s important to us to use natural methods because these animals are producing a product that you’re going to consume, and it preserves the land we live on. Our biggest goal over the next few years is to fence in more of our acreage (we currently utilize 14 of our 48 acres) so that we can move to a true rotational model, moving the animals from one area to the next without overworking the ground.”
A modest venture of raising chickens and ducks for eggs has evolved into a broader mission. “This goal of raising our own food has turned into providing food for our community. God has guided our farm by providing the right animals when needed to fulfill the needs of the families we feed,” says Ahna. “We went from wanting a pasture full of black cows to now raising chickens, ducks, hogs, dairy goats, and dairy cows. Dairy cows have been a learning experience, but saved our farm. After unexpectedly losing my dad in January 2022, we debated closing. Instead, God showed us a need to provide raw milk to families. So, we went from one dairy cow for just us to now a micro-dairy of a dozen girls providing milk for 80 families per week, with another 100-plus waiting on a weekly spot. We never intended to raise all these animals, but God knew. Our farm provides
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FROM PAGE 19
organically raised raw pet milk, pork cuts, chicken, eggs, and raw milk soap to our customer base.”
Even the farm’s name was a divine revelation. After praying for guidance and a name that would become a mainstay in the community, Ahna says that during worship one Sunday at church, the word “alleluia” was sung over and over. “It was as if God was telling us, “This is your purpose. This is the name that will bring others to me through the work of your hands.” Alleluia amen, we have a way to provide our own food,” says Ahna. “Everything we have here is because of Him, and we are thankful for His many blessings.” One such blessing came just this year, when Alleluia Acres officially became a Certified Naturally Grown farm, a stricter certification than USDA organic. “We operate holistically and feed our livestock organically. We are unique in that—even though we feed grain to our livestock to maintain proper body condition—we do not feed soy, wheat, peanuts, or canola. The majority of organic feeds contain soy and corn, so we have a custom mix made just for our farm in Kentucky.”
Livestock and dairy isn’t all Ahna and Cam manage. “I guess you’d say we have an entrepreneurial spirit,” she says of their additional businesses: Alleluia Apothecary (soap) and Acre by Acre (land clearing). “Cam owns and operates Acre by Acre himself, which focuses on mulching overgrowth and light excavation to improve properties, leaving them better than he found them. It was birthed out of a need for those services on our farm but also to allow Cam to make his own schedule, letting us grow the farm during the past several years.”
The integration of family life with farm operations highlights their dedication to their standards. Ahna manages marketing and administrative tasks, while Cam oversees the physical demands of daily farm life and Acre by Acre. “Overall, I think we make a good team,” she says. “Cam pushes me when I’m unsure about what next step to take, and I calm some of his wild ideas.” Juggling parenting responsibilities adds an additional layer, “but somehow it all gets done!” says Ahna. “I’m most proud of our boys getting to live this life. They’ll always know where their food comes from and be able to teach their peers, as well. When I was in the classroom, it was apparent how far removed kids were from the food system, which is why I started Farm School last fall. It’s a
series of lessons about farm-related topics geared toward homeschoolers. The kids get to come out, have a lesson on an animal of focus, then get hands-on application with that animal. Our goal is to eventually have public restrooms and enough parking to host local schools for field trips.”
Community support is crucial, and Ahna and Cam have it in abundance. “Our “crunchy” community is so supportive in Birmingham! We serve a very niche community looking for organic products that are raised responsibly and nutrient dense to feed their families,” says Ahna. There are hopes this year to expand the barn and increase the milking area from two cows to four at a time, which will double productivity. A grant received last fall will also allow them to complete a milk house in the next few months. “It will house our milking and sanitation equipment and decrease our bottling time. Our future plans involve bringing more new and clean products to the Birmingham area, some of which include a favorite dessert treat!”
Though it’s sometimes hard to flip the switch from work to home each evening—“Farming is an everyday thing,” says Ahna. “Cows don’t care that it’s your birthday or Christmas—they still have to be milked”—the couple now reserves Sunday as “family day,” where there is no work outside of the must-do chores. “We’ve never once paid ourselves for the work we do; all of our revenue has gone back into the farm,” says Ahna. “We’ve not taken on debt, which has made our growth slow but stable. Dairy is the first commodity to pay all the farm bills, and we are projected to finally start paying ourselves a small salary next year. I often get asked why we still farm if we aren’t getting paid. But if I don’t do it to feed my family and others, who will?”
For more information, visit alleluiaacresheritagefarm.com.
“One of the freshest sounding, exuberant bands in all of the known acoustic universe.”
– NPR’s Dave Higgs
9/12/2024 9-6-2024 1/10/2025
Crafting Clean, Indulgent Treats
One mom’s commitment to healthier snacks for her kids leads to a new business venture.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Nestled within the picturesque enclave of Mountain Brook Village sits a sweetsand-treats haven known as Deliciously. Founded by Malissa Nelson, a former corporate dynamo and now a passionate clean-eating advocate, the storefront has quickly become a local favorite for those seeking better-for-you indulgences. The mom of two describes herself as an ex-corporate climberturned-entrepreneur who finally grew tired of moving for her career, while simultaneously growing weary of food sourcing and manufacturing she knew could be better. “After college at Michigan State University, what I like to call the traveling circus era of my life began—corporate relocations every three years for more than 15 years, with businesses ranging from Amazon to gourmet grocer Dean & DeLuca,” says Malissa. “In 2018, faced with another relocation, I decided enough was enough and it was time to get off the corporate rollercoaster.” At the time, her family wasn’t sure where they wanted to settle, but Malissa and her husband did have it narrowed down to the South. “We wanted to raise our children in a place that celebrates family, has abundant access to nature,
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MALISSA NELSON
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and, ideally, a good food scene. My aging grandmother—who had moved here a few years before—convinced us to give Birmingham a try, and my family finally found home in Mountain Brook.”
No longer bound by corporate America, Malissa channeled her extra energy into her commitment to sourcing clean-ingredient foods for her family. “I’ve always been passionate about food—that it should be from nature and not a lab,” she says. “What we eat should not be the result of a science experiment. I never had any real intentions of making food my career, however, life has its plans. I learned so much throughout my [corporate] career about food sourcing and supply chains, manufacturing, and the economics of the food business, and those experiences have lit an inextinguishable fire in me to advocate
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for better.” In 2022, she started Deliciously as a clean-ingredient marshmallow brand, “with the intention of growing into a trusted, cleaningredient source for eating for health as well as pleasure. I’m all for indulgence with benefit.”
The reason for starting with marshmallows: Malissa’s children. “They love marshmallows, and I think they’re magical for families—not too big, perfectly sized for little hands, and they’re experiential. Few things are sweeter than making s’mores together—layering flavors, adding fruit or salt as toppings, seeing the delight in their eyes—but I hated the ingredients. When I couldn’t find a marshmallow that met my standards (no artificial dyes, no highfructose corn syrup, no gums or emulsifiers), I started making my own and fell in love with the process and then sharing them with others. Better flavor, better ingredients, indulgence without compromise.”
The path to opening a storefront was serendipitous. She became enamored with a space that was available for rent at a time when she wasn’t really sure she was ready to open a brick-and-mortar location. “I was walking by one day and saw it was for lease,” she says. When Malissa first called about the location, she maintained no expectations, determined to not get her hopes up. “But things fell into place like they were meant to be—life’s most special blessings happen when we least expect them, right? And here I am with our first market and s’morefront! I’m so excited to share clean, feel-good food with everyone.” Ingredient quality and integrity are the foundation of her business, and she holds strictly to a standard of non-GMO, glyphosate-free, nothing artificial ingredients.
Opening a storefront while managing a family isn’t without its challenges. “My husband always tells me to slow down. I’m not good at that! When I’m passionate about something, I pour my whole self into it, and I have to remind myself that balance is important. There’s never enough hours in the day,” she admits. She assuages her “hefty bit of [mom] guilt” by staying positive. “I try to focus on the lessons my kids are learning about hard work and dedication through my efforts. Even if I fail, I’m teaching them that not trying is the only true failure. I’m so proud of my family for their patience, resilience, and selflessness in supporting my crazy dreams!”
Looking ahead, Malissa has big plans for Deliciously. Beyond expanding her menu to include
a variety of sweets, snacks, and sips, she envisions creating a community hub. “The most surprising thing has been how much room for opportunity it’s opened my eyes to,” she says. “I’ve worked with retail businesses before, and it’s true—it’s hard. But it affirmed for me my belief that people are hungry for connection and conversation. We hear that people care most about convenience, fast, no contact, but I’m seeing every day that isn’t really true.” Events and tastings are all on the horizon, and Malissa is also passionate about giving back. She hopes to establish a nonprofit to help children experience the magic of camp. “It’s my full intention to give back every way I can,” she says. One other goal is the creation of a “functional marshmallow.” “Currently, our marshmallows have 12 grams of collagen and up to 4 grams of protein, so they’re already hitting the indulgence with benefit high notes. But I love the idea of incorporating functional mushrooms, adaptogens, and nootropics for added benefit. Marshmallows are a blank canvas for creativity!”
One thing Malissa knows for sure: Birmingham is the perfect place for that blank canvas. “The best thing about living/working/owning a business in Birmingham is the people, without question. We are so fortunate to live in a place where people value community, are supportive, and are open and willing to share thoughts, feedback, and personal stories,” she says. “I’ve been so touched by stories shared with me—cancer survival, healing immune systems. In a world where we can get “headsdown” and lost in technology—and sometimes feel like there’s no point or purpose to be found— there’s something authentic about Birmingham.”
For more information, visit deliciouslybetter.com.
& PASSION, PAGEANTRY, PURPOSE
Newly crowned Miss Alabama balances school and service
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Born and raised in Vestavia Hills, Abbie Stockard is not your typical 21-year-old. The Auburn senior is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, but she has already made significant waves both on campus and statewide. Her journey from pageantry to nursing, intertwined with a deep commitment to philanthropy, showcases a young woman driven by purpose and compassion. A graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, Abbie transitioned seamlessly into the nursing program at Auburn, where she is also actively involved in campus life. She’s been on the Tiger Paws Dance Team for the past three years, as well as a student recruiter—giving twice-weekly tours to prospective students and their families—part of the
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIE MOORE
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Lambda Sigma Honor Society, and a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, where she serves as a dance assistant for Greek Sing. Her segue into pageantry began unexpectedly during her freshman year when, encouraged by a friend and the prospect of winning free tuition for a year, she entered the Miss Auburn pageant.
“I decided to go for it on a whim and signed up the week before,” says Abbie. She came in third runner-up. “I loved it so much that I signed up for the next preliminary in Birmingham.
I ended up winning the title of Miss Cahaba Valley 2021, and I fell in love with the organization and everything it stood for. I loved having the opportunity to perform on stage, form relationships with like-minded women, and create a service initiative that allowed me to utilize my voice and be a change-maker within my community.”
Using her voice to bring awareness to cystic fibrosis (CF) stems from a deeply personal connection.
“When I was nine years old, I met this energetic, spunky girl named Maddie. We became best friends and still are to this day. Growing up, I saw firsthand the detrimental effects this disease took on her mental and physical health, and it inspired me at the tender age of nine to serve as a lifelong advocate for finding a cure for her,” Abbie says. “While Maddie fights her life-threatening disease, I am fighting for awareness, funding for research, increased visibility, and legislative measures to make sure community needs and cystic fibrosis fighters are heard.”
To that end, Abbie has partnered with the executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the past three years, assisting in raising
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more than $1.14 million for CF. “In partnership with Executive Director Margaret Smith, we promoted the two-largest fundraising events for CF: The Great Strides Walk and Wing Ding. In addition, I created, planned, and organized the Hoover Roast Fundraiser, which raised over $190,000 in one day.” The Hoover event surpassed all previous fundraising efforts, making it the largest single fundraising event in the history of the CF Foundation of Alabama.
As Miss Alabama, Abbie plans to make service her top priority. “I am looking forward to engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds across the state and using my title to continue being a role model and empowering young women.” Noting her compassionate and empathetic heart, she says she’s found her greatest fulfillment giving back to others. “I am excited to use my crown and sash to be intentional with those around me and to touch the lives and the hearts of the people of Alabama.” She also wants to inspire other women
to consider the opportunities pageants offer. “It doesn’t take any previous experience to start [competing],” says Abbie. “All it takes is someone who is going to stay true to themselves and have fun with it! I want to use my title to share my story and hope that I can encourage other women to get involved.”
Beyond her reign, Abbie plans to graduate next spring from Auburn’s College of Nursing—where her twin brother is also a student—and pursue critical care experience and a career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist in Birmingham. Returning to her hometown will allow her to continue exploring the city’s food scene in her limited free time. “I am a big foodie. I love living in Birmingham because of the large variety of restaurants. We have landmark spots, such as the Bright Star, but also new places that are constantly developing. I love how I have lived in Birmingham my whole life, yet I am still finding new places to try,” she says. Though she’s referring to restaurants, Abbie’s next statement applies to her future as well: “The options feel endless!”
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS
Mountain Brook Schools has hired Amanda Lilley, left, as assistant principal at Crestline Elementary and Megan Simmons, right, as assistant principal at Mountain Brook Elementary. Lilley replaces Dr. Catherine Holder, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Simmons replaces Dr. Heather Mays, who is now the Principal at Mountain Brook Elementary.
Mountain Brook School System Welcomes New Assistant Principals
Lilley holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, an Education Specialist Degree, and an Instructional Leadership Certification from UAB. “Amanda’s organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and reflective and fun nature make her an excellent leader who is always looking for ways to improve our educational environment for students and staff. Her knowledge, coupled with her ability to lead and inspire, makes her the right fit for Crestline. We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make on our school community. We look forward to a wonderful school year ahead under her guidance and leadership,” said Christy Christian, Crestline Elementary Principal. Simmons received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary and special education from the University of Alabama and her administrative certification from UAB. “What I know is this: Our school is a hallmark of excellence and that is a testament to the heart of our teachers and staff who serve students faithfully every day and the families that call MBE home. I am confident that Mrs. Simmons will fit seamlessly into our community and add tremendous value to our school. We are proud to welcome her as our newest Lancer!” said Dr. Heather Mays, Mountain Brook Elementary Principal.
Briarwood Hires English Teacher
Briarwood Christian School recently hired Beth Moore, a Mobile native, to teach 7th-grade English and Dual Enrollment English 12. Moore holds a BA in English from Samford and an MA in English from UAB.
Altamont Student Wins Writing Award
Rising ninth-grader Aaditya “Aadi” Raval earned a Scholastic Awards National Medal, one of three Gold Key winners among the school’s 18 award-winning entries and 15 honorable mentions at the regional level of the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The top three winners advanced to the national competition, where Raval’s entry—”Don’t use Public Lands for Private Harm”—was awarded the silver medal in the Critical Essay category. “Whether on the debate stage or at his keyboard, Aadi is exceedingly bright, verbal and hardworking,” says Altamont English teacher Dan Carsen. “He’s a quick-minded craftsman, and he even cares about the world, as you can see in his award-winning essay. I’m very proud of Aadi and all my writing students.”
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
From left, Claire Drennen, Nick Batson, and Sydney Grice created an intergrated marketing campaign that earned them a semifinal spot in the 2024 Effie Collegiate Ally Brand Challenge.
Students Advance to Effie Collegiate Ally Brand Challenge Semifinals
Three Samford University students earned a spot in the 2024 Effie Collegiate Ally Brand Challenge semifinals for an integrated marketing campaign they worked on in Communication and Media professor Ignatius Fosu’s Advertising Practicum JMC 412 class last spring. This achievement marks the first time students in Fosu’s class reached the semifinals in the two years they have competed.
“This is a product of my students’ hard work throughout the semester,” Fosu said. “After being confronted with the challenge, they conducted extensive research and analysis and gained unique insights that drove their strategies and tactics. I’m very proud of this wonderful achievement.”
Claire Drennen, Nick Batson, and Sydney Grice were the students involved in this project. Their comprehensive campaign, “Live More in the Moment,” aimed to build brand awareness, consumer advocacy and consideration for Ally Financial, a national digital financial services provider. Under Fosu’s mentorship, they received guidance and feedback throughout the project. “The students got to work on a real-world campaign for a real-world national brand,” he said. “Through the process, they acquired industry-standard experience working on a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign. This has equipped them with the ability to develop campaigns to address any brand challenge in the real world.”
Pelham Ridge Announces Assistant Principal
Pelham Ridge Elementary School hired Marla Thomas, a former third-grade teacher at the school, as a new assistant principal. “I am excited to be the newest assistant principal of Pelham Ridge Elementary School,” Thomas said. “Having served in various positions within the district for over a decade, I am eager to bring my skills, experiences and dedication to this role and contribute to the continued success and growth of the Ridge.” Thomas holds a master’s of education in early childhood education and teaching from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has worked in the Pelham City Schools system since 2013.
Vestavia Hills School Earns National Recognition
Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights was recently recognized for its character education efforts. Character.org, a national organization advocating for character education in schools, bestowed its “Promising Practice” certification on the school’s Grandpals Service Partnership program. As part of the program, fifth-grade students visit nearby New Merkel House each Wednesday during the school year to engage with senior adults during lunch, which also gives them an opportunity to develop communication skills, learn about history from veterans, and more. “It’s really as simple as our students engaging with others and learning how to communicate about the important things in life, all while bringing joy to our community’s senior adults,” says , Principal Kim Polson.
Grantswood’s New Assistant Principal
Courtney Staple has been announced as the new assistant principal at Grantswood Community School. Prior to her new role, Staple served as a fourth-grade teacher for the last two years at Grantswood. A Mobile native, Staple has been an educator for more than a decade in Birmingham City and Jefferson County. She received her Masters and Education Specialist degrees from the University of West Alabama.
In every community, there are children who shine brightly, their accomplishments and talents bettering the lives of those around them. These young stars, whether excelling academically, artistically, athletically, or through acts of kindness and leadership, are the heart of what makes a community vibrant and hopeful for the future. Recognizing and celebrating these children not only honors their achievements, but it also inspires others to reach for their own dreams and make a positive impact.
Finding these exceptional kids begins with keen observation and engagement within the community. Teachers, coaches, parents, and neighbors often have firsthand knowledge of children who are doing remarkable things, as do you, our readers! You may notice a student who consistently goes above and beyond in academics, demonstrating a love for learning and a curiosity that drives them to explore new ideas, or you might see a budding artist whose creativity knows no bounds and, when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, uses these skills to positively impact those around them.
Sports fields and playgrounds are fertile grounds for discovering young athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, sportsmanship, and character. These children not only excel in their chosen sport, but they also exhibit leadership qualities, encouraging their teammates and showing resilience in the face of challenges.
Beyond academic and athletic prowess, there are children whose compassion and empathy set them apart. They initiate fundraisers for local causes, organize community clean-up events,
or simply lend a helping hand to those in need. Their selflessness and generosity create ripples of kindness that spread throughout the community, fostering a sense of unity and support among neighbors.
Once these shining stars are identified, we can begin the process of showcasing them in Bham Family. Understanding their perspectives provides depth to their stories, highlighting not just their achievements, but also the challenges they’ve overcome and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Learning about the impact these children make within their communities allows us to highlight their perseverance, creativity, leadership, and compassion. We love celebrating their achievements and providing them with well-deserved recognition and encouragement to continue pursuing their passions. It also inspires other young readers, showing them that, with dedication and determination, they, too, can make a difference in their communities and achieve their dreams. Our Kids Who Shine column fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community. This column serves as a reminder of the potential that resides within every child and the importance of nurturing and supporting their growth.
Finding and showcasing kids who shine in the community is not just about highlighting individual achievements—it’s about celebrating the spirit of resilience, creativity, and compassion that defines the future generation—and we need your help!
If you know a Birmingham-area kid who shines, we’d love to hear about them! Please email stephanie@jbmcmedia.com.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FAT CAMERA
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
