SCHOOLS

Hoover, Homewood Teachers of the Year Share Their View of Education During a Pandemic

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

The 2020-21 school year has been colored completely by the pandemic, with educators working on the frontline and adapting their methods to continue to educate children.

In the Over the Mountain area alone, teachers, school staff and administrators sprang into action, adapting to virtual learning and navigating safe ways to reintroduce children into classrooms. Many have extended that service beyond school walls through community service efforts, organizing ways for children to receive school meals during lockdowns, hosting drives to collect items for local food banks and taking other actions.

Each year, school systems throughout the community and across the nation recognize Teachers of the Year. Candidates are nominated by their fellow teachers.

We will be sharing words and thoughts from Over the Mountain Teachers of the Year this month to shine a light on not just those recognized but all educators, beginning with Homewood and Hoover city schools.

Homewood City Schools

Elementary Teacher of the Year:

Alli Phelps, Shades Cahaba Elementary School

Describe your teaching philosophy.

My general teaching philosophy is that I try to educate and love my students like my own children/family while trying to create lifelong global learners, readers and writers.

What have been some of the most notable hurdles this school year?

A notable hurdle this year for my students and their families concerns equity issues related to technology. For many of the families I serve, our school issued Chromebooks, and internet hotspots were the first devices/technology in their homes. I am extremely fortunate to work and live in a school system that is committed to making technology accessible and equitable for all students. For our faculty and staff, I think taking care of our mental health and taking great care of ourselves and each other has become critically important.

As a profession, we are stressed and challenged in ways that we never could have imagined.

Have you experienced any big victories in 2020-2021 despite the pandemic?

Prior to the pandemic, I made a commitment to do home visits during the school year with all of my students and their families. This has been one of the best decisions that I have made, not only in my professional life but personally, as well. These experiences strengthened our home/school connection and when COVID-19 related adversities inevitably occurred, our school and community was right there to help and assist and persevere. Throughout this ‘20-‘21 school year, my EL students and their families and our faculty and staff consistently demonstrate a level of grit and perseverance that motivates and inspires me to bring and be my best every day.

Are there any lessons you have learned this year that you will carry with you into a post-pandemic school year?

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a phrase often heard throughout Homewood: “We are in this together.” When I heard this phrase, it would instantly make me think of my classroom bulletin board that says “We are Family!” Over the years, my students have brought in their own pictures and added to the bulletin board, which is now filled with beautiful family photos. My friends and family mean everything to me, and our school family is incredibly important to me as well.

The major lessons I have learned keep me grounded in what truly matters – the relationships we have and we hold dear – and (remind me) to let go of the small stuff that bogs me down and holds me back. During this time, I have witnessed tremendous loss, but I have also experienced extraordinary love and growth. I feel fortunate to be part of a school and a school system that respects and honors the whole student while striving toward equity and helping each student reach and realize their full potential.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Melissa Dameron-Vines, Homewood High School

Describe your teaching philosophy.

I want the students to have ownership of their learning and a voice in what we do within each class. I want them to be their authentic selves and to feel that their learning is a continuous conversation between us instead of a series of tasks that I expect them to complete. I want them to understand that their progress is personal and important to their lives.

What have been some of the most notable hurdles this school year?

The most notable hurdles this year have been scheduling and learning new technology to facilitate learning and to keep classes functioning in as normal a way as possible.

Have you experienced any big victories in 2020-21 despite the pandemic?

I have relished the challenge of transforming my curriculum into this new format because it has shown me that I am not bound by old ways or habits. So far, I have taught everything in my classes that I would have taught during a regular year, and I am so proud of that. We are also producing a yearbook even in the midst of the uncertainty. It is exciting to see us all persevere.

Are there any lessons you have learned this year that you will carry with you into a post-pandemic school year?

I have learned that I can reach and teach students in person and through a screen, which invigorates me. I will start next year knowing I can handle anything that comes my way.

Hoover City Schools

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Katherine Thompson, Riverchase Elementary School

Describe your teaching philosophy.

My teaching philosophy can be described as a “family community” where every student contributes in their own way, regardless of ability. I use multiple methods of instruction to reach all students, so they feel connected to our “family.”

What have been some of the most notable hurdles this school year?

I think the obvious hurdles for this school year would be flexibility. Teachers, students, faculty, staff and even parents have had to learn to be flexible. School staff have been learning how to “do school virtually” since last spring; however, so many things have changed (schedules, classroom setup, testing, virtual vs face-to-face, etc.) and we have had to be flexible from the beginning.

When I think about the definition of the word flexibility, I think about: bending without breaking, the ability to be easily modified and the willingness to change. This has never been more true in education.

Also, I feel like we all need to give grace. Grace given to students, parents, teachers and staff has never been more needed than this school year. We are all doing the best we can and trying to survive, so let’s give grace when possible.

Have you experienced any big victories in 2020-21 despite the pandemic?

I strongly feel that my ability to be an effective teacher has been challenged by the pandemic, but I do not feel it has made me a less effective teacher. I have been pushed to develop new delivery methods, learn about new technology and programs, and create a productive learning environment with face-to-face and virtual students.

I would say that I have had many victories and breakthroughs with my students, whether we have been learning at school or home. This is always exciting because what some may think is a small breakthrough are huge milestones for my students and their families.

Are there any lessons you have learned this year that you will carry with you into a post-pandemic school year?

I feel that the one thing I will carry forward with me is to make each encounter with my students very intentional. Time is valuable with my students because they thrive off of consistency, so our time together is sacred. By making intentional actions with my students throughout the day, it has helped them succeed in ways I have never experienced before.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Pamela McClendon, Riverchase Career Connection Center

Describe your teaching philosophy.

I believe my role as an educator is to provide every student the opportunity to see their value as a contributing member in my classroom and beyond. Every student is unique, therefore I try to engage students in relevant and meaningful lessons that allow them to develop their own potential and learning style.

I also strive to exemplify the “lead learner” model, in which students learn to embrace the idea that acquiring knowledge should be a never-ending journey, one that allows us to continue to grow and thrive throughout our lives.

What have been some of the most notable hurdles this school year?

By far the greatest hurdle this school year has been the hybrid school model that has been in place when warranted. Many students find this mode of learning challenging as they are still in the process of developing good time-management skills as a young adult.

On the hybrid schedules, students are in class two days out of the week with three virtual days in which they must manage completing course work for up to six classes per day. That would be a feat for most adults, so as an educator I commend them for their efforts.

Faculty and staff have the unique challenge of not only preparing inclass assignments but virtual as well. Some educators are also displaying a self-sacrificing spirit by, in addition, teaching students that are completely virtual, a monumental task, needless to say. Also, faculty and staff are having to reimagine what “engaged learners” look like. In many cases, we cannot see them when they are completing assignments.

The question then becomes, how do we motivate students beyond our classroom? As an educator, I can attest that administrators and teachers all across Hoover city have willingly stepped out of their comfort zones to find every student with the determined intent to meet them where they are and nudge them forward step by step.

Board of Education Names Five Finalists for Hoover Superintendent

Following dozens of applications, Hoover City Schools officials announced on Feb. 3 that the search for a new superintendent is down to five finalists.

Applicants were from Alabama and 11 other states around the country.

The five finalists are: • Dr. Michael Barber, most recently served as the superintendent of Pell City Schools • Dr. Autumm Jeter, current superintendent of Bessemer City Schools • Dr. Bart Reeves, current superintendent of Satsuma City Schools • Dr. Holly Sutherland, current superintendent of Haleyville City Schools • Mr. William Randy Wilkes, current superintendent of Phenix City Schools

From mid-December until midJanuary, the Alabama Association of School Boards conducted online surveys and community stakeholder meetings as part of the search for the next superintendent.

Hoover City Schools parents, students and employees and city residents responded to the online surveys, giving their input on the qualifications and traits the next superintendent should possess.

The Hoover Board of Education will conduct interviews later this month.

OLS Students Write Letters to Pope Francis

First and second graders at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School recently were inspired by a book written by Pope Francis.

After OLS librarian Karen Sullivan read them the book “Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World,” the students wrote letters of their own to the pontiff.

“The students were so interested in the children featured in the book, their photos and ages and where they lived,” Sullivan said.

“And they could tell from the way Pope Francis answered the letters that he has great affection and respect for children,” she said. “I’ve never seen them more eager to write or more inspired!”

Vestavia Hills Elementary West Named State School of Character

Vestavia Hills Elementary West is being recognized statewide for its emphasis on character education and development.

Character.org, a national organization advocating for character education in schools, recently named VHEW a 2021 Alabama State School of Character.

VHEW was one of only three schools, and the only elementary school in Alabama, chosen for the award this year.

Each of the State Schools of Character were chosen based on demonstrated excellence in 11 principles of character education and development.

For VHEW, those principles were found in programs such as the “West Way” which emphasizes kindness, respect and responsibility; involvement of parent advisory teams and character development teams; and numerous initiatives throughout the school to ensure students have positive relationships with their peers.

A press release from Character.org noted “It is evident that Vestavia Hills Elementary West is intentional about creating a culture of character based on the West Way. This school has been successful in its mission.”

VHEW received Character.org’s Promising Practices award in 2020 for its “Connect 5” program, which connects students in need of social and emotional support with five staff members in the school. Those employees regularly check in with students and provide encouragement and support, ensuring students feel connected to multiple individuals beyond their classroom teacher. Staff members provide feedback to the school’s counselors to ensure each student receives the attention and assistance they need from professionals.

“We’re honored to receive an award that recognizes what goes on at West every day,” said Kim Hauser, principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary West. “Our motivation to teach character is a cornerstone of the school, and this award is a great way to honor the people here who work so hard to instill those values in our students.”

The school will now be considered for Character.org’s highest distinction, National School of Character. Winners of the national awards will be announced in May.

Altamont Senior Named 2021 Presidential Scholars Candidate

Altamont senior Amelia Neiman has been selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which recognizes graduating high Amelia Neiman school seniors.

Approximately 4,500 seniors, 96 from Alabama, were nominated nationwide as 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates.

Application to the Presidential Scholars program is by invitation only; students are invited to apply based on their SAT or ACT scores or nomination by a chief state school officer.

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews the applications, then selects up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for a high school student.

Presidential Scholars are recognized for their accomplishments during a ceremony held in June in Washington, D.C.

TEACHERS

From page 24

Have you experienced any big victories in 2020-21 despite the pandemic?

The victories of my 2020-21 school year are still being written. As my students can attest, I have the never surrender attitude.

Since becoming a computer science teacher in 2015, my students have hosted an “Hour of Code” event in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, normally observed the first week of December. At first glance, this seemed impossible with COVID-19 restrictions; however, with the support from our district technology coordinators, the students at RC3 Cyber Academy hosted a successful first-ever “Virtual Hour of Code!”

Also, one of the cyber innovation students at RC3 won the Governor’s App Challenge for Hoover city and will go on to compete at the greater school district level.

Yes, the pandemic has challenged teachers without a doubt, but for the most part, we’ve answered the call to continue to provide quality instruction beyond our brick-and-mortar schools!

Are there any lessons you have learned this year that you will carry with you into a post-pandemic school year?

The pandemic has taught me the importance of modeling and teaching students how to become resilient learners.

In March of 2020, when I saw my students on the last day of in-class instruction, it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t see them again that school year. I spent all summer wondering, had I taught them enough and, consequently, how can I make sure that in the future I never have to ask myself that question again.

I believe the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that “intentional teaching” is not just jargon; we have to teach like it’s our last class meeting every day! No, I don’t want my students to feel overworked, that’s not the purpose. But the idea of assessing the validity and effectiveness of my teaching should happen daily. We generally think of teacher reflection as something we do at the end of the unit, project or school year.

Yes, there’s value to all of the above but, more importantly, the pandemic has taught me to be reflective before, during and after every lesson, so that, should there be some unusual event that impacts our school community again, I’ve left nothing to chance.

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Caroline Leonard

‘Well-Rounded’

Mountain Brook Gymnastics’ Caroline Leonard Earns Scholarship to Auburn

By RuBin E. GRant

When Caroline Leonard’s mother, Missy, signed her up for gymnastics at the age of 4, little did they know that the decision would one day lead to a college scholarship.

Leonard signed a gymnastics scholarship with Auburn last November.

“My mom put me in the class and I immediately had a passion for it,” Leonard said. “It started out I was just doing it for fun. As I got older, I started competing in competitions.”

Actually, Leonard was in the first grade when she started competing. By the time she reached the fourth grade, she had begun competing through Mountain Brook Gymnastics, and she has been there since under the tutelage of Helen Nabors.

Leonard is home-schooled and is finishing her senior year doing online classes through Brook Hills’ Co-op.

Being home-schooled afforded her more time to spend in the gym, doing the sport she loves and enabling her to compete at an advanced level.

She already had reached level 7-8 when she joined Mountain Brook Gymnastics and is now a level 10. At levels 7, 8, 9 and 10, gymnasts are freer and, although the athletes must meet specific requirements, they can create their routines in a unique way. The requirements for the levels are defined according to the difficulty using a letter system, in which A is the easiest ability and E is the most difficult.

The advancement fits in with Leonard’s competitive nature.

“I enjoy challenging myself and making goals,” Leonard said. “The sport has taught me a lot of self-discipline and also how to be part of a team.”

Leonard has 26 individual titles, is a two-time regional qualifier (2016, 2019) and was vault champion at the 2020 Everest Classic. She was the 2019 bars and all-around runner-up at the Alabama state meet and the vault, bars, beam and all-around runner-up at the 2016 state meet. She is a senior elite compulsory qualifier on vault and floor.

“I like the floor and the vault, the power events,” she said. “I love tumbling. It just brings me joy.”

This winter, Leonard has been dealing with a sore knee and has been unable to compete. She hopes to compete later in the season and make it back to the state and regional meets and perhaps make it to nationals, something she’s never done.

Auburn Bound

Leonard is excited about going to Auburn in the fall.

“I’ve always been an Auburn fan,” she said. “My dad (Luke Leonard) was a cheerleader at Auburn and I’ve gone to a lot of gymnastics meets there.

“When I was trying to choose a college, I toured other schools, but I felt like it was home at Auburn.”

It’s the second consecutive year Mountain Brook Gymnastics has had a gymnast sign with a Southeastern Conference school. Jordan Olszewski, who attended Spain Park, is a freshman at Arkansas. But it’s still a rarity. The only other one in recent times is Brooke Kelly, who signed with Missouri in 2014 and graduated from there in 2019.

“It doesn’t happen too often,” Leonard said. “It’s super exciting for me. It’s been a goal of mine for a long time and it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Luke Leonard was pleased that his daughter chose Auburn.

“I am so excited that Caroline is going to Auburn,” he said. “It’s satisfying knowing that her final chapter as a competitive gymnast is going to culminate at such a special place that I love so much.”

Auburn gymnastics coach Jeff Graba was glad to sign Caroline Leonard.

“Caroline is a home-grown talent and has been on our radar for quite some time,” Graba said at the time her signing. “She is a very wellrounded gymnast and could easily contribute on all the events.”

Following their close 42-37 loss to Spain Park in the 2020 Class 7A Northwest Regional final, several Vestavia Hills girls basketball players went downtown to the BJCC Legacy Arena to watch the Jags capture the championship.

They wanted to see for themselves what it was like to win a title and celebrate it.

“Our team was so close to being in that position,” said guard Emma Smith. “Being there and seeing Spain Park win and how excited they were made us want to work hard to try to get there. It’s definitely been motivation for us this season.”

Vestavia Hills played inspired basketball throughout the regular season, posting a 27-3 record and winning the Class 7A, Area 6 title. The Rebels hosted Gadsden City in the area tournament Tuesday. With a win, they will advance to the Northeast Regional regardless of what happens in the area final.

The Rebels, ranked No. 2 in Class 7A, had a 15-game winning streak snapped in a 44-43 loss at Spain Park on Jan. 29. They had beaten the Jags 59-43 on Jan. 15. Vestavia Hills’ other losses were to No. 1 Hoover, 60-54, and Ramsay, 45-44. The Rebels also beat Ramsay, 65-26.

Second-year Rebels coach John David Smelser attributes the team’s success to a deep, talented roster.

“We had players coming back this season with more experience,” Smelser said. “We’ve got varsity kids in every age level. We’ve got an eighth grader playing, Jill Gaylard; we’ve got a ninth grader who plays, a couple of 10th graders and the rest juniors and seniors.

“We’re playing 10 or 11 players a game. One night it might be your night and the next night it might be somebody else. We’re playing a little faster and scoring more points (62.5 points per game).”

The Rebels’ starting lineup usually features seniors Alison Stubbs and Josie Edwards, who is going to play basketball in college at Faulkner. Stubbs averages 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and Edwards averages 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Emma Smith and her twin sister, Ally Smith, both juniors who have been on the varsity since the eighth grade, also start along with junior Carley Smith, no relation.

Among the reserve players are senior Kaylee Dressback, who is headed to the University of Houston to play soccer, and sophomore Anna Towry, who plays nearly as many minutes as the starters and averages 7.1 points.

“Kaylee hasn’t played since the eighth grade, but we got her to come out and play,” Smelser said. “She comes off the bench and guards and rebounds. She helps us.”

Emma Smith is the team catalyst, leading the Rebels in scoring (15.2 points per game), rebounding (7. 3 rebounds per game) and steals (2.8 per game). Earlier this season she surpassed 1,000 points for her career.

“Emma has a high motor,” Smelser said. “She never stops playing hard. If she makes a mistake, she just gets to the next play. If she makes a turnover, the next play she makes a difference on the defensive end.

“She leads our team in rebounding. Although she’s only 5-7, she has those intangibles and tracks the ball coming off the rim so well. She has a knack for it.”

Emma Smith downplays her scoring ability.

“I like to say I work hard, and my teammates give me an opportunity to score,” she said. “Coach Smelser gives me the freedom to do what I do best, but it’s not about me. We’re unselfish and play as a team.”

Emma Smith enjoys being teammates with Ally, who averages 7.4 points.

“It means a lot to me to play with her and it’s a lot of fun,” Emma Smith said. “We first started playing together in the second grade. When we’re on the court, we know what the other one is thinking. We can give each other a look and know exactly what to do.”

On A Mission

Rebels’ Girls Basketball Team Ready to Make a State Title Run

Emma Smith is the team catalyst, leading the Rebels in scoring, rebounding and steals.

Aiming for the Peak

Despite their sensational regular season, Smelser is still waiting for the Rebels to peak.

“I don’t feel like we’ve played our best game yet, as far as offense and defense,” Smelser said. “February is when you want to be playing your best games, anyway.”

Emma Smith is eager to return to the postseason.

“We’re proud of what we’ve done so far and we’re looking forward to the postseason,” she said. “We realize we have to keep doing what we’ve been doing, work hard and not lose focus and play our game.”

BULLY FOR THE BULLS!

The Birmingham Bulls 14U Travel Hockey team recently won the Big Bear Hockey Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, defeating teams from St. Louis; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Chicago. In the championship game, the Bulls defeated the Rockford (Michigan) Rams 4-1 to take gold medals back to Birmingham. James Mugavero was named Tournament MVP. Several players on the team attend Over the Mountain schools, including Hoover, Spain Park, Oak Mountain, Helena, Vestavia Hills and Indian Springs. The Bulls are back in action at their home rink in the Pelham Civic Center on Feb. 27 and 28. Members of the Birmingham Bulls above, are, front, from left: Sam Wood and Collin Jefferies. Middle: Trey Leckemby, Kory Piper, Maddox Braswell, Tyler Green, Jacobi Elmore and Dylan Murray. Back: Brady Taylor, Charlie Longmire, Jack MacKay, Coach Alex Taulien, James Mugavero, Gavin Franks and Konrad Hoppenjans. Not pictured: Addison Paul and Colin Kutch.

From page 28 boys.”

Despite their title streaks ending, the Patriots still had plenty to celebrate, particularly sophomore Brooke Walden’s setting the Class 6A girls’ indoor pole vault record with a winning clearance of 12 feet, 1¼ inches. Margaret Ollinger of McGill-Toolen Catholic set the mark of 12 feet, 1 inch at the 2014 state meet. Ollinger also set the CrossPlex record (1302.50) in a regular season meet in 2015.

“Brooke had been dealing with a couple injuries, so I am glad she was able to compete,” Donaldson said. “Afterward, she goes, ‘Well I’m tired. I don’t have anything left.’”

Walden’s personal record had been 11 feet, 6 inches. Her shins were bothering her entering the meet and she took some medications and received treatment so she could compete.

“They hurt really bad, so I wasn’t expecting to break a record,” Walden said. “After I did, I just laid there and said to myself, ‘Oh gosh, did that really happen?’ My teammates were really happy. It felt good and exciting.”

The Patriots’ Cross Derriso won the boys pole vault with a clearance of 15-06.00.

Homewood senior Crawford Hope won the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:20.96. Hope, a North Carolina signee, finished third in the 3,200 (9:22.34) and fourth in 800 (1:57.65).

“That was definitely a highlight with him running all three distance races in such a limited amount of time at this year’s meet,” Donaldson said. “He also anchored our 4x400 relay team. It was incredible to watch him do all that.”

Spenser Lamb took second in the boys 60-meter hurdles, clocking 8.34. The Homewood girls 4x200 relay team also had a second-place finish with a time of 4:13.98.

Sam Dill took third in the boys high jump with a leap of 6-00.00, and Naeemah Gamble was third in the shot put with a put of 33-02.50.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

The Spartans took first place in both the 4x400 relay race (4:13.05) and the 4x800 race (10:02.30). Above, members of the Mountain Brook 4x800 team, from left, Hunter Anderson, Mary Katherine Malone, Clark Stewart and Kennedy Hamilton.

Mountain Brook Girls Come Up Just Short

Mountain Brook girls had a strong showing, led by senior Grayson Scott. Scott won the high jump with a leap of 5-08.00, finished second in the long jump (16-06.25) and placed third in the triple jump (35-08.50).

The Spartans took first place in both the 4x400 relay race (4:13.05) and the 4x800 race (10:02.30).

Regan Riley finished second in the 1,600-meter run (5:10.18) and third in the 3,200 (11:19.00). Camille Gillum was third in the high jump (5:02.00), Mary Katherine Malone was fourth in the 1,600 (5:20.98) and Julia Grooms was fourth in the pole vault (1000.00).

The Spartans’ boys had three third-place finishers, Hugh Stokes in the 60-meter hurdles (8.57), Davis Plowden in the 800-meter run (1:57.52) and Thomas Renneker in the pole vault (14-00.00).

Porterfield Shines

Hallie Porterfield of WestminsterOak Mountain swept the girls distance races in the Class 1A-3A meet, winning the 800 with a time of 2:17.71, the 1,600 in 5:24.49 and the 3,200 in 11:24.24.

Her efforts helped Westminster earn a close second-place finish with 76 points behind Providence Christian, which won with 87 points.

The Altamont girls were fourth with 50 points, getting solid performances from Carson Hicks and Kaia Todd and in the relays.

Hicks won the 60-meter dash with a time of 8:05 and finished third in the 400-meter, clocking 59.57. Todd won the 60-meter hurdles in 9.77 and was third in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8.25.

The Knights won the 4x400 relay (4:25.54) and was second in the 4x200 (1:55.26).

The Altamont boys won the 4x400 relay (3:41.34) and were second in the 4x800 (8:49.24) on the way to a fifth-place team finish.

Mountain Brook’s Regan Riley, above, finished second in the 1,600meter run. Riley and teammaes Lucy Benton, Anne Lichty and Kate Ryan finished first in the 4x400 relay.

CLASS 7A

From page 28 and had captured seven of the past nine titles.

Hewitt’s girls and Hoover’s girls went into the final race of the final session separated by only 3½ points. The 4x400-meter relay would prove to be the deciding factor in whether the Huskies or Bucs would claim the state crown.

Hewitt girls had 93 points heading into the final event, and coach Devin Hind’s Hoover girls had 90.5. The Bucs won the race with a 4:02.50 time, but the Huskies were second at 4:09.54. More important to Hewitt, however, were the eight points the Huskies claimed, giving the school its first-ever state indoor title 101.5 points to Hoover’s 100. Vestavia Hills finished third with 51 points and Spain Park was fourth with 37.

Hewitt-Trussville’s boys went into the final race with a 9.5 point lead over Vestavia Hills and placed fourth in the 4x400 relay finale to claim the school’s first indoor state boys’ championship, completing the school’s first sweep. Hewitt’s boys finished with 77.5 points to claim the title.

Strand ran the final leg for the Rebels and edged the Bucs to win the 4x400 relay race and finish second in the team standings with 73 points. Hoover took third place with 73, while Auburn and Huntsville tied for fourth with 41 points each.

The Rebels’ time in the 4x400 was 3:25.32, while Hoover clocked 3:26.24. The Bucs also finished second in the 4x800 (8:11.15).

Hoover’s Levi Arroyo won the in the triple jump with a leap of 44-03.75.

Spain Park’s Keon Buck was second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.96.

In girls action, Spain Park’s Culpepper won the 400-meter dash with a photo finish, beating Hewitt’s Kelsey Martin. Culpepper clocked 57.25 seconds, winning with a lastsecond lean. Martin crossed at 57.30 seconds.

Hoover’s Kayla Jemison won the high jump with a leap of 5-02.00, while teammate Ainsley Staie was second in the shot put with a put of 35-07.00. Jemison was second in triple jump with a leap of 36-11.50.

Hoover’s girls also won the 4x200 relay (1:4.23) and were third in the 4x800 (9:52.64).

The Jags’ Anna Collins was second in the pole vault (11-06.00).

The Rebels’ Angelica Vines finished second in 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9:31 and teammate Gabby Walls finished second in the girls high jump with a leap of 5-02.00.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Spain Park’s MacKenzie Culpepper won the 400-meter dash with a photo finish, beating Hewitt’s Kelsey Martin. Hoover’s girls won the state title in the 4x200 relay (1:4.23). Gabrielle Washington, left, anchored the 4x200 team which also included McKenzie Blackledge, Jebreiya Chapman and Amyah Ellington.