Alana Smith’s new book breaks down surgery into kid-size steps PAGE 25
EDITOR’S NOTE
We’re in the thick of it—summer and the humidity— and I hope you find yourself reading this issue with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea right in front of a whirring fan. If you’re anything like my family, it’s been a busy season already but you’re hanging on to this last month of summer. The hot temperatures won’t be leaving for a while, but soon it’ll be back to school, back to football (SEC!), and back to business. We can’t do much about the, ahem, balmy weather, but we do have some ideas for savoring the last of the dog days of summer with your family.
If you’re looking to round out your kids’ summer reading lists, check out our chat with Megan McQueen, children’s librarian at the Trussville Library. On page 17, she recommends some of her favorite books for your little ones. And I know we’re all tired of heating up the kitchen when it’s dinnertime, so ditch your duties and head over to the new Marky’s Kitchen in Cahaba Heights (page 22), the newest restaurant from the Cassimus family who first brought us Zoe’s Kitchen nearly 30 years ago! This month also brings a
major summer holiday—July 4th—so if you’re planning any outdoor events with your family and friends, you can pick up to-go tubs from Marky’s to make your potluck even easier! We know it’s summertime, so hopefully screen time is down and outside play is at a maximum, but it’s still important to watch your kids for eye trouble. See page 14 for signs of vision trouble, and find out what to do if you notice any.
I’m super-excited to revisit with our monthly Holy Moly Motherhood columnist, Alana Smith. Alana is a wife, mom of two boys, and a nurse anesthetist who wrote her first book, Magic Air, to help walk children through the steps of surgery, breaking down this daunting process into kid-size steps to take away the fear of the unknown. We’re so proud to say that her book is now published and available. Read all about it on page 25.
I hope you enjoy We love to hear from you! Birmingham offers endless stories to tell, and we want to share them all. If you know of a person, event, or business we should feature, please reach out and share with us.
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Content Director and Mom, stephanie@jbmcmedia.com
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In her job as a nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Alana Smith saw the need to break down surgery— especially anesthesia—into 10 kid-size steps that take the (sometimes scary!) mystery out of the process. She wrote her book, Magic Air, then held a Kickstarter campaign last fall to fund the cost of selfpublishing. The book hit shelves recently, and Alana’s “tour” is taking her to schools and other organizations as she visits with kids to explain the “magic air” that puts them to sleep before a procedure. Read more on page 25
Cover photograph courtesy of Alana Smith
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
Students qualify for National Merit Scholarships p. 30
FEATURE STORY
Magic Air
Alana Smith breaks down surgery for kids in her new book, Magic Air p. 25
Ward Williams
The last Thursday evening in May was a moment of both celebration and reflection. The early part of the evening was spent teaching life skills to teenagers in the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center.
The latter part of the evening was spent at a four-hour high school senior academic awards ceremony that might have felt like being incarcerated. In fact, the students in the Shelby County Juvenile Detention center looked like the students who attend the academic awards ceremonies. As I reflected, I realized what a fine line there is between the students at Juvenile Detention and the students at the ceremony, and I wondered what can be done to help those at the detention center.
As a teenager, I was never in the custody of the Juvenile Detention facility, and I was never invited to academic awards ceremonies—but I was close to both. I would have made the academic honor roll multiple times in high school if I could have avoided the constant “improvement needed” grade that I received as a conduct score. There were many times in high school when my behavior, while never malicious, skated around the edges of
legal and appropriate. I could have been an honor student with just a little more effort and a little or a lot less chitchatting in class. With just a couple different choices or by being caught in different circumstances, I, too, could have been a resident of the Juvenile Detention center.
I am very grateful for athletics, youth group, jobs, and positive friendships that kept me busy during teenage years, which lessened the time I had to make bad decisions. The high majority of teenagers who get in trouble are redeemable. The executive function part of the human brain, which controls impulse control, decision making, memory, and other important functions, continues to develop into the mid-20s. I am very grateful for mentors, youth pastors, family, and others who highlighted gifts in me and called out positive attributes that they saw could be developed. As parents, we need to help our kids be exposed to as many diverse, life-giving people, organizations, books, and art that will help equip and strengthen our kids when they are forced to make decisions that will lead them down particular paths. It is really a multitude of small decisions that happen at unknown times that will shape their paths and environments.
Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.
PHOTOGRAPH BY STURTI ON i STOCK
Keeping Score
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 BY ALEKSANDAR NAKIC ON i STOCK
Home of the Brave
DEAR YOUNG PERSON,
I am an imaginary old man. I am a compilation of stories. I am every World War II veteran you never knew. Each faceless GI from the bygone European War. I am in my late 90s and 100s now. Young people don’t remember me, but I’m still here. For now.
I was one of the hundreds of thousands of infantrymen, airmen, sailors, marines, mess sergeants, seabees, brass hats, engineers, doctors, medics, buck privates, and rearechelon potato-peelers.
We hopped islands in the Pacific. Served in the African war theater. We beat the devil, then came home and became the old fart next door.
We were babies. Wartime was one heckuva time to be young. We went overseas as teenagers, smooth skinned, scared spitless, with government haircuts, wearing brand new wedding rings. We hadn’t seen action, so we were jittery. We smoked through a week’s rations of Luckies in one day.
Then it happened. It was different for everyone, but it happened. You had your first taste of war.
Shells landed. People screamed. And in an instant, your fear melted and you had a war job to do. It didn’t matter who you were or which post was yours. Everyone worked in the grand assembly line of battle. And when the smoke cleared and the action was over, we had new confidence in ourselves, and we were no longer boys.
Speaking of women. We guys were always talking about our sweethearts, wives, and mothers. If you mentioned someone’s girl a man was liable to talk for hours about her. And even if you’d already seen his wallet photos before, you never interrupted a guy talking about his gal. Because eventually you’d be talking about yours.
Of course, the infantrymen had it hardest. They lived like pack mules. Their boots got wet, their feet swelled, and their flesh became waterlogged. The funny thing is, even though they marched through hell, they didn’t want to leave their posts. Many had to be dragged away cussing and kicking. That’s how committed these guys were.
Oh, and the food was godawful. You learned to appreciate the rarity of a creative company cook.
In Italy, you could buy eggs from local merchants for outrageously inflated prices. One time I knew a guy who paid $50 for 32 eggs. He cooked them all in his tent one night and ate every one. I asked why he did this. He said he didn’t want to die without tasting eggs one last time.
Anyway, dear reader, we weren’t just boys, we were girls, too. There were a lot of females serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II. People forget that.
A lot of guys brought banjos, guitars, and fiddles over there. We’d square dance and laugh. Others would sit on their helmets, smoking,
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thinking of home, wiping their eyes.
The Germans had a radio station that broadcasted American stuff like Bing and Frank. Between songs, a German gal named Axis Sally spoke over the airwaves to us GIs in a sexy voice, trying to mess with our heads.
She would speak flawless English and say, “Give up, boys, there’s no point trying, you can’t win. Everyone hates you. Your girls are at home cheating on you, they don’t love you anymore…”
This was supposed to discourage us, of course, but it usually just made us laugh. Or cry. Or both.
When the war ended, dear Young Person, we felt too much joy at once. Those of us overseas immediately wrote letters to family and told our wives we were coming home, told our kids to grease up their baseball gloves. Our letters were covered in little wet polka dots.
Stateside, there were huge celebrations happening. Sailors climbed lampposts to unfurl
flags. Infantrymen stood on rooftops, toasting mugs of homebrew. Mothers were frying chickens out the wazoo.
People partied everywhere from San Bernardino to Flatbush. Big cities, little towns, the rural parts between. Ticker tape parades. Auto processions. There were girls who would kiss any guy in government clothes.
But you know what I still think about, dear Young Person? I think about all the guys who never got kissed again. Our men who still lie in the soil. These were men who fell upholding the mantle of the unalienable American spirit, the Blessings of Liberty.
They didn’t know they were heroes. They were the kids next door. But, oh, they were Children of God. And they proved, beyond speculation, that even hellfire cannot kill the great idea that is America.
So, on this Fourth of July, I hope you don’t forget about them, dear Young Person. Because as they were waving the Flag of Freedom, they never forgot about you.
Digital Health
Too much screen time is a risk to children’s eyes. Here is how to protect them.
BY HANNAH ECHOLS
In today’s digital age, children’s eyes are seemingly glued to iPads, tablets, and other digital devices. Although this may be the new “normal,” eye care providers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham worry about the long-term effects on children’s eyes.
“The more time children spend on devices, the less time they spend outdoors, and spending time outdoors could slow down the progression of nearsightedness, which is becoming more prevalent in children,” says Marcela Frazier, O.D., pediatric optometrist at UAB Callahan Eye and associate professor in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Prolonged exposure to screens can cause eye fatigue, eye irritation, and headaches due to the increased demand on the visual system and the tendency to not blink while using them. To help combat these effects, Frazier provides tips to protect children’s overall eye health.
SET A SCREEN TIME LIMIT ON DEVICES
“During the pandemic, screen time increased for many children and has remained high,” Frazier says. “Excessive amounts of screen time can have many long-term effects on your children’s eyes.” Limiting screen time can be challenging, but it is necessary to protect children’s eyes. Frazier recommends using parental codes on children’s devices to set a healthy limit to screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend these acceptable amounts of screen time:
• None for children under 2 years of age
• 1 hour per day for children 2 to 12 years old
• 2 hours per day for teens and adults
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PHOTOGRAPH BY FIZKES ON i STOCK
“Reading is a great way to help children’s brains develop while preventing strain from screens and devices.”
BALANCE SCREEN TIME WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Create a schedule that balances screen time with physical activities, ensuring children have dedicated time to explore and engage in play. Frazier suggests a few strategies to promote physical activity and outdoor play:
• Plan family outings that promote physical activity, such as trips to the park, hiking trails or enjoying nearby beaches.
• Organize playdates to allow for socialization, fun, and physical activity.
• Join community programs such as clubs or sports team that provide another outlet for children to get their bodies moving.
• Embrace seasonal activities like swimming in summer, jumping in leaves in autumn, building snow forts in winter, or flying kites in the spring.
ENCOURAGE NON-SCREEN-RELATED HOBBIES
While physical activity and play can help reduce screen time and promote moving one’s body, there are other non-screen-related hobbies that provide stimulation and engagement.
“Reading is a great way to help children’s brains develop while preventing strain from screens and devices,” Frazier says. “It is also an activity that children can engage with in almost every environment.” Other activity suggestions include painting, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, and building a puzzle with family and friends.
SIGNS OF EYE ISSUES
Frazier says adults usually report symptoms such as eyestrain, dryness, headaches, and eye irritation after prolonged use of near devices; however, children may experience these issues and not be able to communicate them accurately. Parents may notice some signs of eye irritation and fatigue related to screen time in children manifested as excessive blinking, squinting, watery eyes, red eyes, and some eye-rubbing.
If a child experiences prolonged signs of eye irritation, Frazier suggests making an appointment for a pediatric eye exam. For 24/7 emergency eye care needs or to make an appointment, call UAB Callahan Eye at 844-822-3937.
PHOTOGRAPH BY HAPPY KIDS ON i STOCK
Spain
Park fields get new turf Hayn named HCS transportation director
In April, Spain Park High School cut the ribbon for brand-new artificial turf on its baseball and softball fields. This transformation, made possible by a $9 million partnership between the City of Hoover and Hoover City Schools, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to elevate sports facilities across Hoover.
Initiated in 2022, this collaborative endeavor provides top-tier athletic infrastructure at Spain Park and Hoover High Schools.
Brad Hayn has been named HCS Transportation Director, succeeding Jeremy Bradford, who retired after 8½ years of service.
Expressing gratitude for Bradford’s years of service, Hayn emphasized the importance of his predecessor’s commitment to the district. “We appreciate Mr. Bradford’s dedication to the district all these years and ensuring the safety of our students,” said Hayn, reflecting on Bradford’s legacy. Hayn has been a staple at Hoover High School, serving as an assistant principal for a decade and a half. “It is hard to put into words how much Hoover High School has meant to my family and me. The hardest part of taking on this new opportunity is saying goodbye. It is truly a special place,” said Hayn.
NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Brad Hayn
What to Read this Summer
Children’s librarian Megan McQueen shares some of her favorite books.
Since 2020, Megan McQueen has served as the children’s librarian at the Trussville Public Library. “Our library offers the community an annual summer reading challenge designed to develop and encourage the habit of reading for enjoyment among all ages,” she says. “Additionally, it can help students maintain their reading levels during the summer break. Participants in the challenge can win prizes all summer by reaching their age groups’ reading goal set by the library.”
Megan graciously agreed to share five of her favorite children’s books, below, perfect for summer—and any time—reading. Of course, she is a book lover herself: “My favorite way to consume literature is with audiobooks during long walks and commutes,” she says.
To participate in summer reading at the Trussville library, visit trussvillelibrary.beanstack. org. “The library will also offer more than 75 free programs for all ages this summer,” says Megan. “Our summer theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library. We believe each book in our library holds a special adventure for readers.”
What’s better than a frozen treat on a hot summer day? Follow a young boy through his vibrant neighborhood as he searches for his favorite paleta flavor from Paletero José in this bilingual picture book.
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MEGAN MCQUEEN
Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz
Hot Dog
by Doug Salati
A little dog feels overwhelmed by the city. It’s too hot, too loud, and too much! But his owner knows just what they need to cool down on a summer day. The book’s illustrations take the reader on a palpable journey from the hot, bustling city to the breezy, spacious seaside.
Mama’s Library Summers
by Melvina Noel
Take a trip back to summers in the 1960s, as two sisters pick out their weekly library books with one stipulation from their mother: Their books must be about Black people. Back at home, the family reads and shares together about the rich Black history found in their pages. A beautiful picture of what family literacy could look like in homes today.
Cornbread & Poppy for the Win
by Matthew Cordell
Two odd-couple friends compete in the yearly Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic (SRCCCC). One is determined to win, while the other just wants to have fun. Will they have what it takes to make it to the finish line together? This early chapter book is a fun tale of friendship and good sportsmanship.
Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees
by Michelle Schaub
Travel the USA this summer without leaving the comforts of home. This nonfiction book takes readers on a road trip to visit famous and unique trees around the country. Each stop includes a poem and information about the significance of the tree.
Champions for Children
Court Appointed Special Advocates give voices to kids in Jefferson County.
BY KELLY BURKE
Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Jefferson County grapples with its share of challenges. One such issue is the well-being of children caught in the complex web of the foster care system. These children are the most vulnerable. Having been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, CASA volunteers lend their voices to children when they need it most. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jefferson County make a profound difference in the lives of these children.
CASA is a national organization with a powerful mission: to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. CASA of Jefferson County, established in 1993, embodies this mission by recruiting, training, and supervising dedicated volunteers who become CASA advocates. These advocates serve as a vital link between the child, the court, and the various agencies involved in the child’s case.
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CASA OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
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The CASA Advantage: A Voice for the Voiceless
Imagine a child, uprooted from their familiar surroundings and placed in foster care. The court system, with its legalese and procedures, can be overwhelming for them. A CASA advocate acts as a constant presence, a friendly face the child can confide in. Through regular visits, advocates develop a strong rapport with the child, learning about their needs, wishes, and fears.
CASA volunteers don’t just listen; they become the child’s voice in court. By gathering information, advocating for the child’s best interests, and submitting reports to the judge, CASA volunteers ensure the child’s needs are heard. This empowers the child and fosters a sense of security during a challenging time.
The Impact of CASA Advocacy
The positive impact of CASA advocacy on children’s lives is undeniable. Studies have shown that children with CASA volunteers:
• Spend less time in foster care
• Are more likely to be placed in permanent, safe homes
• Receive better educational services and health care
• Experience greater emotional well-being
CASA volunteers don’t just benefit the children; they enrich their own lives as well. The experience of making a tangible difference in a child’s life is deeply rewarding. Volunteers develop valuable skills in communication, advocacy, and child development. They become part of a supportive network of CASA volunteers who share their experiences and offer encouragement.
Becoming a CASA Volunteer: How You Can Make a Difference
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact in your community? CASA of Jefferson County is always seeking compassionate individuals who are 21 years or older and willing to dedicate a few hours a month to make a lifetime of difference for a child.
The training process for CASA volunteers is comprehensive. Volunteers will gain the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively advocate for children in the court system. CASA provides ongoing support and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and empowered throughout their service.
The Heart of CASA: Community Collaboration
A volunteer-centered organization, CASA also relies on the generosity of the community not only to source volunteers, but also to sustain fundraising events, grants, and individual donations, which enable CASA to continue its vital work. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate financially, or simply spread awareness about CASA, you are playing a vital role in ensuring a brighter future for Jefferson County’s most vulnerable children.
Every Child Deserves a Champion
CASA of Jefferson County stands as a beacon of hope for children in foster care. Through the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the community, CASA empowers children to find their voice, navigate the foster care system, and ultimately find permanent, loving homes. If you believe that every child deserves a champion, consider getting involved with CASA of Jefferson County. Together, we can create a brighter future for the children who need it most.
To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, donating to CASA, or attending upcoming fundraising events, visit the CASA of Jefferson County website at casaofjeffersoncounty.org, or call (205) 478-7313.
Marky’s Kitchen
The Cassimus family opens a new restaurant in the heart of Cahaba Heights.
Marky’s Kitchen, the latest venture by the Cassimus family—their legendary Zoe’s restaurant reopened last year in Mountain Brook Village—pays homage to patriarch Marcus Cassimus, who has been an integral part of Birmingham’s vibrant culinary scene since 1995. He and wife Zoe opened the
original Zoe’s Kitchen in Homewood nearly 30 years ago. In addition, their son, John, has also opened Maki Fresh and Jinsei.
“Helping my father open a restaurant with his name on the sign will be one of the highlights of my life,” says John Cassimus.
“I’ve seen what it’s like to see my mom’s
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MARKY’S KITCHEN
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name on the steps of the New York Stock Exchange, and now it’s Dad’s turn.”
Located in Cahaba Heights, the new establishment blends signature dishes with cherished family favorites, creating a cozy experience that reflects the passion and dedication of the Cassimus clan.
The restaurant’s interior is inviting and warm, and the menu is familiar with some new favorites sprinkled in. Classic Cassimus comfort foods—like kabobs and chicken marinara with orzo—anchor the menu. Family dinners, including the fan favorite chicken rollups, and a kids’ menu with offerings such as a grilled cheese, quesadilla, and pb&j mean there’s something for even hard-toplease palates. The highlight, however, is Marky’s Special: two smash burgers with grilled onions, cheese, and pickles on a steamed bun with special sauce and a side of crispy fries. It’s perfect for a day date without kids but was also enough to feed our family of three. (We definitely got the infamous chocolate cake, too—the perfect sweet finale to a delicious dinner!)
One extra detail busy families will appreciate: the convenient drive-thru pickup window. Customers can place orders online—Marky’s requests a 15-minute lead time—allowing them to enjoy Marky’s Kitchen’s fresh, delicious offerings on the go without compromising on freshness or quality. The service is efficient and easy.
Marky’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the timeless joy of good food shared with loved ones. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Cassimus family’s culinary empire or a newcomer eager to experience it for the first time, Marky’s Kitchen is a must-visit for every age.
Marky’s Kitchen is located in The Heights Village at 3134 Cahaba Heights Road, 35243. Follow them on Instagram @markyskitchenbhm.
MADE IN BLUFF PARK
cutting boards | Charcuterie trays
bathtub caddies | bed swings
stovetop covers | tables | planters
shelves | bookcases
custom orders accepted
facebook: @deogloriawoodworks
Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks
Magic Air
In her job as a nurse anesthetist, Alana Smith saw the need to break down surgery into kid-size steps. So, she wrote a book about it.
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE
Left: Alana Smith,
Above: Magic Air tells its story from a child’s perspective. “Kids love to hear from other kids,” Alana says. “The narrator’s voice and the fun illustrations make this intimidating topic approachable.”
You’re likely familiar with Alana Smith’s writing. After all, she pens a monthly column—Holy Moly Motherhood—for this magazine, and her very relatable blog-turned-Facebook posts of the same name has been entertaining (and reassuring) moms for a decade now. Alana is also a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In that job, and often working with children, she observed the apprehension of kiddos who needed anesthesia to undergo medical procedures. Naturally, as a mom of two boys ages nine and four, she thought about what she’d want her own kids to know before surgery. “We love books and I realized we didn’t have any about surgery,” Alana says. “After some research, I found that no one had written any books about surgery. There was nothing on the market that would prepare my kids if they ever needed surgery in the future.”
So, Alana did it herself, drawing on her boys for inspiration. She dove right in, making notes and an outline in a spiral notebook, learning about publishing, and searching for the just-right illustrator for the book, titled Magic Air: Ten KidSized Steps to Surgery. After a robust Kickstarter campaign last year that raised more than $24,000, the book finally arrived to Alana last month. “I sent my files to my printer overseas in February. Four thousand were printed (it took over a month to print that many!), then [the books] headed to the U.S. via boat in April and finally arrived to me in June!” she says.
As the shipment was sailing across the Atlantic, Alana took a book tour of sorts, visiting kids to walk them through the 10 steps she writes about in Magic Air. “While I was waiting on the bulk of the
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ALANA SMITH
CRNA
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books to arrive, I visited several classrooms and read my book, and I demonstrated how the preoperative and surgery process goes for kiddos,” she says. “I made a pretend anesthesia machine and brought dolls in hospital gowns for them to practice with. The kids loved this and were so curious and inquisitive about the process. My best comment from a child after reading and playing with the masks and equipment has been, “Oh, this isn’t so scary!”” From the mouths of babes: Alana’s book mission, accomplished.
Once the delivery arrived, round two of motivation kicked in. “It was a mixture of joy, relief, and excitement,” she says. Along with those emotions came the fulfillment work. “I have been packing over 500 preorders from my house, and new orders are rolling in daily,” she says, noting she’s doing so in addition to working full-time and taking care of her boys. “It’s been a wild ride trying to mail out so many packages!”
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Polish illustrator Roksana Barwinska lent her drawing talent for the book’s artwork.
Alana took dolls, mini hospital gowns, and a model anesthesia machine to classrooms to demonstrate the points she makes in the book.
Alana faces the challenge with her usual sense of laid-back humor, and then immediately refocuses on her main mission: “After I mail everyone’s orders, I’ll be making donations to Children’s of Alabama, The Bell Center, Easterseals, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” she says. “I had so many gracious donors and sponsors during my preorder phase that I have lots of books for kiddos headed to surgery.” She’s also signed contracts to get Magic Air in several area shops. As for the future, she says, “I hope to be in local bookstores and hospital gift shops, as well. Of course, I’ll be on Amazon in the next months, but I wanted to make sure all my early supporters had their books and my donations were made prior to launching there. And I’d love to partner with nonprofits and hospitals to donate to more kiddos. I am just so proud to see two-and-ahalf years of work finally come together. I can’t wait to see where this goes.”
To order a copy of Magic Air: Ten Kid-Sized Steps to Surgery, visit Alana’s publishing imprint at sleepingbirdbooks.com.
Alana’s “book tour” has taken her to classrooms, explains where she explain the “magic air” that puts them to sleep before a procedure.
Shades Valley Teen Honored
Simone McCray, a student at Shades Valley High School in Irondale, received the prestigious William Legg Award from the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham for her exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication.
Presidential Awards for Excellence
Several local teachers have been chosen as finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching:
• Heather Hurt, Vestavia Hills Elementary East (Math)
• Ashley Dark, Gwin Elementary (Math)
• Melody Greene, Berry Middle School (Science)
• Mary Brennan, Pelham Oaks Elementary (Science)
Finalists now forward additional information about to the National Science Foundation, which administers the program for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. A team from the National Science Foundation reviews applications and makes a recommendation to the White House, where a final decision is made.
New Principals in Shelby County
Shelby County Schools announced two new principals. Chelsea High School’s current assistant principal, LaTasha McMillan, will serve as the next principal of Helena Middle School, and Holly Laney, currently director of special education and student services for Tarrant City Schools, will be the new principal of Helena Elementary. Former Helena Middle School principal Matthew Epps and former Helena Elementary principal Genet Holcomb are both moving to different roles within Shelby County Schools.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE KIWANIS CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM
Simone McCray
2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars from Alabama
The United States Department of Education recently announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Three of the scholars are from Alabama, including Nalin J. Reed of Trussville, a student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (Presidential Scholar in the Arts).
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a commitment to community service and leadership. State Superintendent, Eric Mackey says these Alabamians are true examples of academic excellence. “I, along with the Alabama State Board of Education, congratulate these scholars on their academic success. We look forward to seeing the impact they have on their communities and the world.” The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.
Teachers Nominated for National Award
Arlinda Davis, a STEM teacher at Maranathan Academy, and Dr. Yuvraj Verma, a fifthgrade teacher at Chalkville Elementary, were both nominated for the National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year award. The award recognizes teachers and others across the country for making a positive impact in the lives of students.
UAB Dean’s Awards
Departments across the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences submitted nominations for the Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Students during spring 2024. The awards are given to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in CAS who have made significant contributions to the UAB community.
The dean’s selection committee recently reviewed the nominations and selected three undergraduate and four graduate students to receive the awards.
Undergraduate Dean’s Awards
• Christian Brown - Political Science
• Logan Burnett - Physics
• Marci Hall - Psychology
Graduate Dean’s Awards
• Teresa Epstein - Social Work
• Clifford Ross - Medical Sociology (Doctoral)
• Adam Smith - Physics (Doctoral)
• Riley Yager - Physics
KIDS WHO SHINE
RILEY PIERCE AND CLAUDIA WILLIAMS
BY SEAN FLYNT
Altamont School 2024 graduate Riley Pierce has been selected as a winner of the National Merit Scholarship Competition. In addition to the National Merit Scholarship, Riley is a recipient of a National African American Recognition Award (NAARA) from the College Board National Recognition Programs, Salutatorian for Altamont’s Class of 2024, U.S. Lacrosse All Academic American, All-State First Team and a team captain for the State Champion Vestavia Hills Lacrosse Organization. He will continue both his lacrosse career and academic achievement at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) starting this fall.
Claudia Williams, also a 2024 graduate, also earned a National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Indiana University Bloomington Scholarship will take Claudia to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music this fall, where she will study Oboe Performance in the studio of Linda Strommen and double-major in political science. The accomplished multiinstrumentalist has earned many extracurricular and school honors, including Altamont’s 2024 Sophia Mize Clifford Music Award and the honor for most outstanding Upper School Mandarin student.
Riley and Claudia are among the 2,500 Merit Scholar designees chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors. These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
If you know a Birmingham-area kid who shines, tell us about them! Email stephanie@jbmcmedia.com.
Riley Pierce
Claudia Williams
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL
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