Bham Family - July 2023

Vineyard Family Services resources the community

PAGE 18

SLEEP IN

HEAVENLY

PEACE

Organization ensures every child has a bed of their own

PAGE 27

Generations of Alumni

Celebrating the 50th multigenerational Samford graduate PAGE 24

Hi, Bham Fam,

Well, we’ve made it halfway through the summer— seriously, next month is back to school, which I cannot wrap my brain around just yet!

We have a great lineup of stories for you this month, including highlights on two amazing nonprofits, one helmed by our Just for Dads column author, Ward Williams (page 18), and another that provides beds to kids who don’t have a comfortable place to sleep (page 27). I really hope you’ll be inspired by the good that people in our community are doing. I loved being able to talk to my six-year-old about the latter, and I am really excited for the two of us to participate in a bedding drive for Sleep in Heavenly Peace later this month. It’s a great learning opportunity and a lesson in gratefulness for us both.

In exciting education news, don’t miss the fun feature on one family’s 50th graduate from

Samford University (page 24). What a legacy! And on page 14, we chat with the first graduate of Birmingham’s Promise Scholar Program and get a peek into her achievements as she starts her first post-grad job!

Here’s to a few more adventures before the back-to-school hustle begins! Up next for our family: an ice-cream taste test of the new Dr. Pepper Float flavor. I’m not typically much on ice cream outside the chocolate or chocolate-adjacent variety, so we’ll see how this goes. Look for an update next month!

Till then,

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.

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Photograph courtesy of Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization that believes all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lie down at night. Instead of sleeping on couches, blankets, or even floors, kids are gifted a sturdy, well-built bed, assembled by a team of dedicated volunteers, complete with a mattress, sheets, comforter, and pillow. For more information, visit shpbeds.org.

Read about the organization on page 27.

OUR PEOPLE

Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609

matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Stephanie Gibson Lepore Content Director stephanie@jbmcmedia.com

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OUR ADVERTISING PARTNERS

These folks are the ones to thank for our magazine’s success — spend your money with them, and tell them you saw them in Bham Family!

Applause Dancewear

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Children’s of Alabama

Compact

Deo Gloria Wood Works

El Patron Mexican Restaurant

Jack n Jill Shop

Kasey Davis Dentistry

Painted Personalities

Pediatric Smiles

Red Mountain Theatre

Sike’s Children’s Shoes

Southlake Orthopaedics

Top Body Contouring

Vineyard Family Services

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

Wrapsody

Just for Dads

Ward Williams gives advice p. 8

Holy Moly Motherhood

The art of listening p. 10

Sean of the South

Diana Ross and the Fourth of July p. 12

Faith

Vineyard Family Services p. 18

Schoolhouse

Update from the Hoover School District p. 21

Education

News from local schools and college students

p. 22

Kids Who Shine

Birmingham Promise Program p. 30

FEATURE STORIES

Making Her Way

Birmingham Promise Scholar shines p. 14

Family Legacy

Multigenerational alumni celebrate 50th grad p. 24

A Good Night’s Sleep

Nonprofit makes sure all kids have a place to lie down p. 27

Vinyl Records

I have become a big fan of vinyl records during the past five years. One of my favorite traditions at my nonprofit is to buy a vinyl for each employee or intern to share with the rest of the team. It has been fun to be introduced to new artists and to be surprised by the musical tastes and preferences of coworkers. Each album adds value and memories to the mix and helps us remember each person who has been part of the team. The phonograph, which plays records, was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. I enjoy watching children try to figure out the technology as they are mesmerized by a needle and wax producing great sounds.

Musical artists talk about how their album is a story, and many have included songs on albums because of a message they are hoping to share. It is easier to understand what message is trying to be conveyed if you listen to an album all the way through. I am often surprised that the song I end up liking on an album is a song that was not popular or even released as a single.

Our lives can be compared to vinyl records. Vinyl records are a collection of materials— including thoughts, ideals, and memories—that are imprinted on them. On every record, there is a finite amount of space on which to record. As you go about each hour, day, month, and year, your family is consistently working on writing their own vinyl record that will last a lifetime. In addition, each member of the family will have their own record that will include some of the same songs that are included in your family record, along with their own personal tracks. These records will carry on a message that will last generations. As your record is being written, remember that your children are continually making memories and having experiences that are imprinted on them and shaping them personally. Be intentional that the best material is being recorded on their records. Records can sound different when using a different stereo, speaker, or needle, and you can

change or add equipment to get a different result. Before you know it, your kids are going to be out of your house and childhood is over. The next part of their lives will be on a different record. I pray your house is full of amazing stories, memories, and sounds and that you discover new music, joy, and memories when you listen to the stories of those around you. Records that are protected and cherished can be enjoyed for many generations to come.

Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.

Ward Williams

PHOTOGRAPH BY TRISTA MA ON UNSPLASH

Learning to Listen

“So then, the kids were so out of sorts since they had stayed up late that they...”

“Oh my gosh, I know! Mine were the same way Saturday night! Everybody was crying and...”

And no one was able to finish their story. Sound familiar?

As a person who likes to talk, a lot, I’m guilty of this conversation style. I get stuck in my own head, and I fail to listen. When a friend is telling a story, I immediately have the thought, “Yes! Me too! Same here!”, and I think those thoughts need to be conveyed, right that second. But, actually, they don’t.

As moms, we are always planning, organizing, and checking off our lists, and during every task, we are always thinking of the next thing. Thankfully, we are expert multitaskers, yet we are constantly distracted in our own minds. Probably from the overwhelming nature of motherhood, or lack of sleep, or just because we have so much to do.

And we also have so much to say. When I meet someone new, I’m often so focused on my own words or handshake that I don’t even remember that person’s name most of the time. It immediately leaves me. Their name just brushes by my consciousness like a bird in the background.

In the same way, I can have an entire conversation with a friend but not really grasp what they are trying to say. We moms think we are being helpful by immediately offering our agreement or experience, especially when it comes to parenting.

But there are just so many ways to parent, and even if my friend and I are closely aligned in our parenting styles, it’s unlikely that the way I put my kids to bed is the same as hers. Or what we eat or how much screen time I allow. So, my advice is probably not what she’s really wanting from our conversation. And if it is, she’ll ask. She’s likely just looking to be seen, for a minute, in her struggles. She longs for camaraderie and someone to listen. No matter how well-intentioned my advice to her is, she may feel judged or somehow

less than, instead of being heard.

It is extremely hard to just let another person talk. I imagine our grandmothers’ generation was better at this, as they sat tethered to a phone cord on the wall and had to wait on the other party to stop talking to get a word in. Or as they sat around a bridge table with a few hours to spare.

Today, we are so busy with work and life, that our moments with friends seem fleeting. We get in all we can in those few minutes—in the break room at the office or in the stands at tee-ball, distracted by our devices and schedules. I think this is how we’ve forgotten the art of listening.

As a writer and someone who likes to tell a good story, it’s refreshing when someone is actively listening. It’s rare, actually, and I find myself also failing to listen time and time again. So, I figured I would challenge myself to do a few things differently.

I’m going to put down this phone! If you ask me a question, my goal is to look right up at your beautiful face.

I’m going to let you finish your sentence. I’m the queen of interrupting, on accident, and I’m going to let you speak until the very end.

I’m going to genuinely hear you. Which means I ask questions that validate your feelings. “What do you think?” or “What happened next?”

I’m going to circle back if we get interrupted. Kids and other people like to chime in, and when your story gets cut short and no one even notices, it can make you feel slighted. “So back to your story, tell me the rest!”

I am going to leave judgment and my opinion out of it. Our lives are noisy enough. You are telling me a story and my goal is to make this space safe.

I’m going to be your friend. And when I’m really hearing you, I’ll know what you need from me—validation, understanding, encouragement— whatever it is, I hope I can give that to you, and that we can navigate this motherhood journey together, listening and learning from each other.

Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 8 and 3), 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

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Fourth of July

“Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?” my 6-year-old niece asked me.

We were by the swimming pool. It was the perfect afternoon. The sky was Technicolor blue. The smell of Kingsford smoke was in the air. In the distance, some hapless teen with a mullet haircut was attempting to shoot a bottle rocket from a well-known orifice of his body.

At first, I wasn’t sure how to answer my niece’s question. At least not in a way she would understand.

After all, this particular American holiday is a grandiose thing. How do you describe to a 6-year-old the significance of Old Glory, Purple Mountains Majesty, and the inexpressible splendor of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.?

“Well, sweetie,” I said. “That’s a good question…”

But then I sort of drew a blank. Why DO we celebrate the Fourth?

I suddenly realized I know less about this American holiday than I thought I did. In fact, one could say that I don’t know Shinola about the Fourth of July.

And, apparently, I’m not alone. Because I conducted an informal study, wherein I asked students in Mrs. Anderson’s Sunday school class why we celebrate this uniquely American holiday.

Here are some answers I received:

John, 11, said: “It was the French or something.”

Eilene, 9: “That’s when we won the war against Mexico. No wait. I mean China.”

Benji, 9: “Because that’s when we do the fireworks.”

Ashley, 12: “We celebrate this holiday because in 1812, we signed a Treaty of Paris, and it just

became a thing.”

And my favorite answer of all comes from Landon, age 8, who answered with the utmost sincerity when he said: “It’s when Diana Ross made our flag.”

So, all this got me thinking. Exactly how much do my fellow adults know about the Fourth of July? I posed the same question to grown-ups.

Pamela, 32: “Well, the Fourth of July is our nation’s literal birthday, when all those guys signed the Constitution.”

Anders, 63, said: “It’s America’s birthday. Everyone knows that. The Pilgrims and all that.”

Emily, 21: “It’s the anniversary of our nation, when the big war finally ended in Germany.”

Robert, 39: “I can’t remember which battle we won. The Revolution, maybe? All I know is that our nation is going to be 230 years old.”

So, we had some work to do.

Because the Fourth of July is not the date of a famous battle. Neither does it mark the beginning of the Revolutionary War, nor the ending. The Revolutionary War started on April 19, 1775, and ended September 3, 1783.

Neither is the Fourth of July the date of the writing of the Declaration of Independence, which was written between June 11 and June 28, 1776. The Declaration wasn’t signed on July 4, either. It was signed on August 2.

Similarly, the Fourth has nothing to do with the Constitution, which was penned September 17, 1787. And no, July Fourth is not George Washington’s birthday. It is, however, the birthday of President Calvin Coolidge. Also, Geraldo Rivera.

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ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SEAN DIETRICH

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The reason we celebrate this date is straightforward and simple.

On July 4, 1776, the 56 members of the Second Continental Congress officially adopted a document that confessed high treason against Great Britain.

It was a document the 13 colonies had been pleading for. A document that would change global history.

It was a humble manuscript, engrossed on animal skin, which took Thomas Jefferson 17 arduous days to draft. A declaration.

A document whose second paragraph reads, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

But the reason I personally celebrate this holiday is deeper than a sheet of parchment. I don’t celebrate because we are the most powerful nation, or the most economically prosperous, or the country with the highest funded military.

I celebrate the Fourth of July for one simple reason:

Because I love you. Plain and simple.

You see, being an American means that we live in a place where you and I are equals. Not metaphorically, not philosophically, but literally. It says so on our founding document.

You matter as much as I do. This is true not only because it was written in the most beautiful English prose, by a deft hand. It’s true because it’s true.

So, I celebrate because, no matter who you are, no matter what you believe, no matter where you come from, no matter which language you speak, or who you marry, or what kind of wild stuff you post on social media, you’re my brother. You’re my sister. And I love you dearly.

And even though we don’t always get along, even though we aggravate each other, you and I are on the same side. Our ancestors died proving it. And Thomas Jefferson put it in writing.

So happy 247th birthday, America. And may God bless Diana Ross.

Destiny was named Outstanding Finance Student 2023 by the Collat School of Business. Destiny plans to eventually apply to graduate school to keep advancing her finance skill set.

Birmingham Promise Scholar Shines

19-year-old Destiny Nelson-Miles is the first program graduate at UAB, and she’s already started her first job

BY TEHREEM KHAN

Driven by her curiosity and commitment to persevere through thick and thin, Destiny Nelson-Miles is the first Birmingham Promise Scholar to graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Destiny, a finance major in the UAB Collat School of Business, has always been a step ahead in planning for and achieving her educational goals. She completed the

rigorous Early College Program at Woodlawn High School and enrolled at UAB with 69 hours of college credit.

She graduated in April after only two years on campus.

The Birmingham native is just 19 years old, and while graduating at such an early age is an accomplishment, she says she could not have done it alone.

She credits a portion of her success to the

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXI COON

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Birmingham Promise Scholars Program, which provides four years of tuition assistance for graduates of Birmingham City Schools to attend any public two- or four-year college or university in Alabama. The program, launched by the City of Birmingham, also provides students with coaches to help them succeed in college—the most helpful tool, according to Destiny.

“Young people like Destiny Nelson-Miles are the reason my office initially launched Birmingham Promise and why the Birmingham City Council and I continue to support this program,” says Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “With partners like UAB, we are removing barriers and allowing our young people to achieve their dreams and fulfill their potential.”

“The finance program at UAB is awesome,” Destiny says. “It gives a lot of opportunities to explore the many different disciplines in finance. Collat does a really good job of getting finance majors hands-on experience.”

BUILDING SOCIAL CAPITAL

Destiny was a junior when she joined UAB, as she had already completed freshman and sophomore hours as a high schooler. As an early college scholar, she understood how to be a college student academically, but navigating through and building a social network was an adjustment, she says. Destiny was able to cultivate a vast network of students and professionals thanks to many involvement experiences on and off campus.

On campus, she has been a business peer mentor as well as a Collat Scholar, helping incoming freshmen acclimate to being business students at UAB. She has also served as the UAB Housing Department’s learning community mentor, helping students living on campus with their academics, as well as elevating their professional careers through resume assistance.

“Through events with these organizations,

I was able to make a ton of new friends and meet people from all different backgrounds,” Destiny says. “I also attended events like Free Food for Thought. Student organization events really bring people together, and that’s how I met most of my friends.”

FEEDING THE CURIOSITY

Destiny was in the Collat Business Honors Program, which focused on exploring leadership and researching business topics—a perfect fit for her curious personality.

“In this program, we take classes that help shape our leadership styles and explore different topics in business,” she says. “My favorite class was CEO Strategy, as it helped me understand ways that strategy impacts general management decisions and others. A CEO can flip the company upside down or make it into an entity that is truly successful, and exploring this concept through multiple case studies was remarkable. The course makes you analyze and think critically as it concludes with students’ developing better leadership skills and decision-making strategies.”

As part of this program, she conducted

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a yearlong research project under Regions Institute for Financial Education Endowed Professor Stephanie Yates, Ph.D., on The Effects of Purchasing Power on Cryptocurrency Usage.

For this research, Destiny won first place in the business category at the fall Undergraduate Research Expo and says that “it was an eyeopening experience to see how research can truly impact how we make decisions.”

Applying Finance Skills

During her academic career, Destiny interned with Jones Valley Teaching Farm, helping them with their financial operations.

“Collat does a phenomenal job of connecting students to employers,” she says. “We get exposed to many internship and job opportunities, whether they’re through employer pop-ins or career fairs.”

Impressed with her work ethic, Jones Valley Teaching Farm promoted Destiny as the finance and administration specialist. In this role, she assisted with daily financial operations, prepared financial reports, organized reports for annual audits and

researched market opportunities for new earned revenue initiatives.

LOOKING FORWARD

Destiny is taking a wealth of financial knowledge from UAB gained through many different outlets, such as Beta Alpha Psi, the Financial Management Association at UAB, the National Association of Black Accountants, and the Green and Gold Fund, which is a student-run investment fund at the Collat School of Business, among others.

“I learned a lot and dove deeper into finance through these experiences, and I had a lot of fun,” Destiny says. “I was very curious about financial management, and as a financial analyst for the Utilities Sector of the Green and Gold Fund, I learned many useful lessons about investments by exploring different companies.”

Destiny is certified in Bloomberg Market Concepts, Wall Street Prep Microsoft Excel, and Business Research Toolkit, all of which will help her in her professional journey, as she began her first full-time job as an FDP analyst at Regions in last month.

Cheering on Families

Vineyard Services provides resources for healthy moms, dads,

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

Vineyard Family Services (VFS) cares for the Shelby County community in so many ways, and its executive director is none other than our Just for Dads columnist, Ward Williams. He explains that the concept was birthed 17 years ago during a breakout session at a Regional Vineyard Pastors Conference in Naples, Florida. “The presenter argued that there are doors open to faith-based nonprofits that are not open to churches,” says Ward. “So VFS was started with the goal of taking ministry to people who might not ever visit a church. We have grown from a ministry in a church closet to a certified Alabama Family

Resource Center, with two locations that offer a variety of services aimed at serving the whole family.”

It’s mission: “Vineyard Family Services is a faith-based family resource center that feeds kids in need, promotes responsible fatherhood, and helps families in crisis.” Ward’s heart for families and seeing them succeed is a driving force behind all of the ministries VFS provides, which includes three major categories: Parenting, Feeding, and Mentoring, the latter being a specific need that appeals to Ward.

“I was raised in a father-absent home, and

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and kids in Shelby County.

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experienced many struggles related to growing up in a single-parent home, especially 40 years ago,” he says. “Involved fathers make a positive difference in a family in almost every measurable category, from education, physical health, emotional stability, and safety to empathy and many other categories. However, father-absent homes do worse in many of these categories. The roles and expectations of fathers is continually evolving, and fathers need encouragement, support, and feedback. We believe a healthy home with an involved father is one of the best protective factors for keeping families safe.”

Parenting programs at VFS include separate father and mother groups that meet weekly, as well as co-parenting classes and services. VFS believes that helping families is directly tied to the health of our communities. F.I.T.

DAD meets on Tuesday evenings to focus on improving parenting, co-parenting, and blended family skills, as well as increase commitment, involvement, and responsibility as a dad. The program uses NFI’s 24/7 DAD, Inside Out Dad, and the 33 Series: Authentic Manhood Curriculum to teach men about the God-given design for fathers and help them understand the impact of factors such as traps, work life, and marriage. All materials are provided free of charge to participants.

“Our moms support group is also essential to provide connection with other moms, encouragement, and healing,” says Ward. Moms are educated at the Keep Your Love On (KYLO) support group that helps women strengthen communication, connection, and boundary skills. The teachings focus on personal healing, self-awareness, and improving parenting, co-parenting, and blended family

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skills, also using NFI’s Understanding Dad curriculum, as well as Keep Your Love On material by Danny Silk. The mothers in this group receive both spiritual and practical guidance to help them move forward in a positive and productive way and allows them to see their value as mothers and women. “We also provide parenting plans and mediation in an effort to increase noncustodial parenting time and involvement,” Ward notes. Both parenting groups are offered to the public and also within correctional facilities.

When it comes to mentoring, VFS’s Wise Advisors program serves young adults by providing opportunities to develop essential life skills and establish connections with local organizations and positive community role models. Wise Advisors hosts a monthly event, ranging from mentor-mentee mixers to trainings and recruitment sessions. Benefits of supporting youth through mentorship include addiction prevention, mental health education, and overall positively impacting young people across Shelby County. VFS helps these youth develop life skills by holding classes at the Shelby County Regional Juvenile Detention Facility and The DAY Program. This support and encouragement helps to prepare them to move in a positive, healthy direction once they are out of detention.

Tangible needs like providing for those experiencing food insecurity are a huge part of the work of VFS, too. BackPack Buddies is the weekend feeding program offered in three public school systems within Shelby County. In addition, VFS, feeds many families through their Family Food and Hygiene Boxes. “Meeting a child’s basic needs shows them they are cared for by adults in their lives. Their overall academic, social, and mental well-being are directly tied to adequate nutrition and provision,” says Ward.

BackPack Buddies identifies public school students who are at-risk for under-nutrition and provides them with healthy, easy-toprepare meals and snacks. “This past school

year, we fed close to 1,100 children every week,” says Ward. “All participants are on the free or reduced meal program and are often facing other adverse home situations, such as transitional housing issues, chronic illness, unemployment, incarceration, etc. Participants are assessed by school professionals and the service is provided confidentially.” Food and hygiene boxes are distributed to families yearround, along with school supplies Bombas socks, and other essentials. VFS is an official distribution site of Bundles of Hope, so they are able to give diapers and other baby and sanitary support to any one in need.

VFS depends upon community involvement—both from families and donations—to continue offering all of the programs and supplies they so generously provide. It’s important work, as they served more than 8,000 individuals in the past year. “We can only provide the high-quality care to our families with the help of the community partnering with us financially, donating in-kind, and prayer,” says Ward.

New administrators named at several Hoover schools

Several new administrators have been named at schools across the district. These include:

• Mr. Hunter Nichols, assistant principal, Gwin Elementary

• Dr. Alfreda Brown and Mrs. Chelsea Bayko, assistant principals, Simmons Middle

• Mr. Carl Berryhill, assistant principal, Green Valley Elementary

• Mrs. Shonteria Culpepper, assistant principal, Berry Middle School

• Ms. Meghan Denson, assistant principal, Bluff Park Elementary

• Mr. Josh Donaldson, athletic director, Spain Park High

• Mrs. Jennifer Hogan, principal, Hoover High

• Dr. Harley Lamey, athletic director, Hoover High

Along with these, Dr. Dee Fowler has announced his retirement, effective October 1. The board of education is currently searching for his replacement.

Altamont Graduates Accepted to More Than 100 Schools

The 56 graduates of The Altamont School’s Class of 2023 were accepted to more than 100 universities and colleges and will matriculate at 38.

High School Coach Wins Broyles Award

Former Mountain Brook football assistant coach Tony Johnson received the 2023 High School Broyles Award for the state of Alabama. The award honors the top high school assistant football coach in every participating state across the country. Coach Johnson retired in spring after working at MBHS for nine years.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS

Birmingham City School Teachers Retire Together

UA Wheelchair Tennis Wins Title

The University of Alabama Adapted Athletics wheelchair tennis team recently earned its seventh consecutive national championship, defeating Auburn University in doubles and singles matches.

Teacher Honored by Peers

Grantswood Community’s Melanie Reymann was voted Second Mile Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Second Mile Teacher is a program of the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation. Every May, the Foundation asks each school to identify one teacher who “went the Second Mile for students.” Reymann was recognized at an event for nominees.

After 108 years of combined service, Deborah Dickinson Crawford, Thomas Scarborough and Glastic Quarles, all recently retired from Minor Elementary School in Birmingham’s Five Points West community. Quarles spent 18 years of his 40-plus-year career with Birmingham City Schools at Minor, where he taught first grade. Crawford taught kindergarten for 38 years. Scarborough was the school’s music teacher and spent 30 years in education.

Oak Mountain Grad Signs at Louisiana Tech

Tess Gardner recently committed to the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University. Tess was on the majorette line all four years of high school, serving as co-captain the past two. She plans to continue in college, having earned a spot as a feature twirler with the Band of Pride marching band.

Huffman High Student Awarded Scholarships

Michael Wicks received acceptance letters to around 34 colleges and was awarded $3 million in scholarships. Michael participated in College Choice Foundation, a Homewood nonprofit that helps students with limited resources find schools at an affordable cost. Michael committed to attend and play football at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, the number one school in offered scholarships. He plans to major in computer science.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UA ADAPTED ATHLETICS

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UA ADAPTED ATHLETICS

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GRANTSWOOD COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Leaving a LEGACY

One family celebrates its 50th graduate from Samford University

BY DAKOTA RICE

There are many Samford University families that proudly claim multigenerational alumni legacies. However, there’s one family that may have set the Bulldog graduate record.

Anna Caroline Kirkland (’23) recently

2023

became the 50th person in her family to graduate from Samford when she graduated this past spring with her Bachelor of Science in Education from Orlean Beeson School of Education.

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

This family recently celebrated the 50th member to graduate from Samford University.

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Her father, Keith Kirkland (’88), recounted how he discovered this legacy of graduates. “I was talking to Brian Kennedy in admission years ago, and I think at that time, I knew of about 18 family members,” Keith says. “I mentioned that to him sometime along the way. He asked me if I could make a list. When I started, I realized there were more. I reached out to those people to see who I was missing. The next thing you know, I have this onslaught of names. It was just so many.”

The list Keith made is organized by graduation year and family relation. His grandfather had 12 brothers and sisters, so the family tree already had several branches. He also married into the Roebuck family, which holds its fair share of Bulldogs. When blended together, the list culminated at 50 with Anna Caroline, his youngest daughter. There was even a photoshoot held a few years ago to commemorate this impressive Samford family legacy.

Keith became a member of the university’s Board of Trustees in 2021, but his Samford journey began with his parents dragging him on campus for a tour in high school. “Samford was not on my list of schools to consider,” Keith says. “My parents, who are also Samford graduates, drove our family around campus a few times when I was a kid. Other than one visit to Step Sing many years ago, I had never been to campus for an event. As a senior in high school, my parents brought me to Samford with hopes that I would at least consider it. They were church musicians, so the first place they took me on campus was to Reid Chapel to show me the pipe organ. I love that organ now, but I wasn’t particularly impressed then. As we walked around campus later that day, though, it became

clear that this was the place for me. It was a God thing. Samford was my first and last college visit.”

When the business school brought on a new dean—current President Beck A. Taylor—in 2005, Keith decided it was time to become a more involved alumnus. Shortly after meeting with President Taylor, Keith became a member of the dean’s advisory board, where he was part of renaming the school to Brock School of Business after Harry B. Brock, Jr. He also started attending tailgates and homecoming celebrations with his two daughters, who both went on to graduate from Samford. Keith’s service to the university continues as a member of the university’s board of trustees, to which he was appointed in 2021.

The Kirkland/Roebuck family tree showcases graduates of different degree programs, different academic schools, and even different campuses. There are several graduates in the family who attended the East Lake campus of Howard College before the university relocated to Lakeshore Drive in Homewood.

When sharing the impact of Samford on his own life and family, Keith ended with this sentiment, “God is here in many different ways. I’m so thankful for the environment the Lord provided here. This place is really special.”

Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The Wall Street Journal ranks Samford 1st nationally for student engagement and U.S. News & World Report ranks Samford 66th in the nation for best undergraduate.

A Place to Lay Their Heads

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

As Carrie Moore explains the work of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, her passion is palpable. It’s clear her heart is fully behind the organization’s mission, and typically that means it’s personal. Sure enough. “[This work] holds a special place in my heart,” she says. “I was one of those kids who didn’t have a bed, so I am passionate about it. I get so much joy out of seeing these kids get a good night’s sleep in a bed of their very own.”

Carrie and her husband, Paul, work with the

Gadsden chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a branch that serves the nine surrounding counties of Etowah, Calhoun, Clay, St. Clair, Cherokee, Dekalb, Marshall, Talladega, and Cleburne. The mission is simple but sobering: Ensure every child in these towns has a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night. For so many of us who have a bed—and have always had a bed—it’s hard to fathom that this is an issue. But Carrie assures that it is: “We take for granted that people have beds. It’s so humbling to see a child jumping up

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This nonprofit aims to uphold its motto: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

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and down like it’s Christmas when they receive a new bed of their very own,” she says, her voice cracking.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace was originally founded in Ohio by Luke Mikelson. According to their website, it began in a garage: “It was Christmastime, a time of joy and happiness, a time of giving and love, but also a time of bitter, cold weather and snowstorms. A project that was started with the build of one bed for a single family developed into something a whole lot more. With wood left over from the first bunk, another idea was created. Who else could benefit from this bunk? A simple post on Facebook sparked an unexpected response. What was thought would be a litter of requests from needy families turned into a litany of local people eager to help and volunteer. The generosity of these volunteers was so surprising that it was no longer a search for one who needed a bed, but a question of how many beds we could provide. From there, the idea grew into reality. We can make a difference.

While so many other charities provide needed assistance through clothing, meals, and toys, there are few organizations that can offer beds and bedding, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace believes that a bed is a basic need for proper physical, emotional, and mental support. When it became obvious that the need was great far outside an Ohio community, the organization began to expand. Besides Gadsden, there are additional chapters in Alabama—two in Birmingham (one serving portions of Jefferson and Shelby counties, another serving Hoover and Bessemer), plus

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Franklin County, Huntsville, Hartselle, Oneonta, and Shoals—as well as in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, and even Canada.

“Our goal is very simple,” says Carrie, reciting the motto. “We make sure no kid sleeps on the floorin in our town by bringing the community together to help provide beds to kids ages 3 to 17.” To start, a family will fill out an application. They may hear about the organization through a school counselor, DHR, word of mouth, or government housing. Sleep in Heavenly Peace then vets applicants by running through a list of requirements; for example, the bed must be in the child’s permanent residence and the organization must verify the child’s current sleeping conditions. Once vetted, a delivery team will get in touch with a family to let them know a bed is coming and when.

“We have Build Days, usually on a Saturday, sponsored by a church or business,” says Carrie. “The bed parts are built and then stored, along with donated bedding and pillows, in a climatecontrolled facility until they are needed.” She notes that the organization’s efficiency means that anyone can help. “We have a core team who sets up tool stations, so it’s super-easy. There is a coordinator who can tell people to go to the drill press or the sanding station. We provide protective gear like shoe covers, gloves, aprons, and safety goggles. I’ve seen a 5-year-old in a Sunday school dress and apron and an 80-yearold both building beds. There is something for everybody to do.” When it comes time to deliver, volunteers retrieve the pieces and head to homes to put together the beds. Since 2011, Lowe’s has supported Sleep in Heavenly Peace by offering discounts on materials and tools, as well as use of five facilities in which to build beds. Lucid Mattress provides the organization with a discount on mattresses, and StorageMart gives back through a partnership as well. PetSmart donates a stuffed animal for each child.

Last month, participants at The Church at Liberty Park’s VBS brought offerings each day to contribute toward a fundraising goal for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. At Church of the Highland’s annual Serve Day on July 15, Trussville residents Keely and Matt Wright will once again sponsor a build day and bedding drive at the Grants Mill location. “It takes between $200 and $225 to provide a bed and bedding to each child. We rely on donations and generosity,” says Carrie. “Every cent is donated.”

The real joy comes the moment Carrie sees a child receive their new bed. “We have experienced nothing but loving kids with parents who are doing a great job,” she says. “The best way to describe a delivery is, if you want to experience true love, go out and do something for somebody who can’t give anything back. Even if we’re tired, if we just do one more delivery, we see those smiles and that excitement, and we can keep going.”

For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, visit shpbeds.org.

KIDS WHO SHINE BIRMINGHAM PROMISE SCHOLARS

Beginning in 2020, every graduating senior enrolled in Birmingham City Schools has an opportunity to receive financial help for college through the Birmingham Promise Initiative scholarship program. Birmingham Promise scholarships may be used to help pay tuition and mandatory fees at any public two-year or four-year college in the state. Although some colleges have grade requirements that must be met in order to attend, Birmingham Promise does not, and two-year colleges in Alabama have open admission policies—meaning students whose grades are an issue for larger four-year institutions still have an opportunity to receive post-high school education and sharpen and develop marketable skills in college. Whether at a university or community college, Birmingham Promise helps students to overcome financial hurdles so that they can pursue goals and succeed in their future endeavors.

WHO

Graduates of Birmingham City Schools who attended a BCS all 12 years are eligible. They must be enrolled in college by the time they graduate from high school. Students who did not attend a BCS all 12 years are eligible for some assistance based on years enrolled in a BCS. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time student status to receive financial assistance.

WHAT

Birmingham Promise scholarships will help pay for college tuition and mandatory fees for up to four continuous years in Alabama public colleges. Depending on individual circumstances, students may get extra support to help them succeed while enrolled in college. The initiative also offers apprenticeship and internship opportunities, allowing students to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and earn a living wage.

WHERE

Students may receive assistance to attend any public two- or four-year college in Alabama, as long as they meet admission requirements and are accepted at their institution of choice.

HOW

Birmingham Promise is a partnership between

the city and local companies. UAB was the first academic partner to offer support to the program by offering a one-to-one match for scholarships. The Birmingham Promise scholarship has no initial grade requirement, but because some colleges do, this can limit college choices for scholarship recipients. Note: None of Alabama’s two-year colleges have grade requirements, so any Birmingham graduate can pursue higher education at one of these schools with assistance from Birmingham Promise. Once enrolled, students must keep up their grades to stay in school and also to keep receiving the scholarship. Potential recipients must complete a federal financial aid application and fill out the Birmingham Promise application on the website. In 2023, the program received a record number of scholarship applications. Since its launch, Birmingham Promise has provided more than $5 million in tuition assistance to 1,000 Birmingham City School graduates

Read about Birmingham Promise Scholar graduate Destiny Nelson-Miles on page 14. For more information about the program, visit birminghampromise.org.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BIGGER SMILES ON UNSPLASH

journey to mend his The

heart led

Qua was born with tricuspid atresia that required a series of open heart surgeries as an infant. But as a teen, his health took a dramatic turn. Qua’s pediatrician and cardiologist recognized something wasn’t right with his heart and sent him to Children’s of Alabama. Our team was standing by when he arrived by helicopter, and within two weeks he received a new heart. He rebounded quickly and was back at home a few weeks later, thanks to the expert heart team here at Children’s of Alabama.

TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen.

PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse? Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.