OTMJ 7.25.24 by Over the Mountain Journal

OTMJ

Cross Country

Two Longtime Friends Complete Challenge of Running Half Marathons in Every State

By Madoline MarkhaM koonce

What’s it like to run a half marathon in every state in the U.S.? Kelly Styslinger and Robin Bienvenu can tell you.

It all started a little more than 10 years ago when a friend of Bienvenu’s talked her into doing her first half marathon. At the time, Bienvenu had never been to Disney World, so she decided to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando for her 50th birthday and asked Styslinger, a friend since their days together as students at Samford University, to join her.

Bienvenu found Hal Higdon’s half marathon program, and before long the two friends found the run at Disney to be “super fun.”

Around that time, Bienvenu had also started talking about how she wanted to travel more “to see Savannah, to Seattle and everything in between.” With that in mind, Styslinger went looking for a second race idea and came across a challenge to run a half marathon in all 50 states, so for Bienvenu’s birthday, Styslinger gave her a three-ring binder with a map of the United States and the state of Florida checked off. The challenge was on.

“She got me to run the first one, and I talked her into running the rest,” Styslinger said.

For the past decade, that’s what they have done,

See 50 STATES, page 6

Robin Bienvenu and Kelly Styslinger travelled to a half marathon in each of the 50 states over the past 10 years, including the Run Crazy Horse Half Marathon near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and the Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon in Pennsylvania (pictured at right).

FINISH THE FIGHT Cancer race takes runners through Homewood and Mountain Brook Aug. 10 PAGE 3

BACK TO SCHOOL

Meet the new prinicpals set to lead OTM schools. Plus, important dates to remember PAGE 14

THE BUSINESS OF FOOD Panel on restaurant industry set for next Mountain Brook Chamber Luncheon PAGE 4

Looking Forward to a Mostly Wonderful School Year

As a former English teacher, I’ve spent years disrespecting the word mostly.

My distaste started when a professor insisted the word was an enemy of concise language and deserved elimination from the English vocabulary. According to him, mostly added nothing to a sentence’s meaning. He even offered examples. My kids behaved at dinner … or they didn’t. I burned the chicken … or I didn’t. August is hot as Hades … or it isn’t. There is no mostly behaved, burned, or hot; there is no in between.

Young at the time, I blindly accepted (and eventually taught others to accept) this black and white mindset that snubbed mostly as fluff.

But now, well, I’ve changed my mind.

Call it a mid-life rebellion against the hard and fast rules of my youth, but as we approach a new school year, I’m even offering mostly as this year’s goto-gal of a word.

Why?

Because I think we need her.

KRISSIE ALLEN

Young at the time, I blindly accepted (and eventually taught others to accept) this black and white mindset that snubbed mostly as fluff.

We live in a social media age that not only exposes everyone’s mistakes from cradle to grave but also trains us to notice the faults that surround us — to the point nothing lives up to our expectations. Traffic doesn’t move fast enough, our food is mediocre, our friends or family let us down.

With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L July 25, 2024

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin

Features Writer: Donna Cornelius

Staff Writers: June Mathews, Anne Ruisi

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

Contributors: Evelyn Byrne, Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Madoline Markham Koonce, Lee Hurley, Susan Swagler

Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd

Vol. 34, No. 19

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

For parents such as myself, it’s an unforgiving mentality that can easily spill over into the school setting, where we’ll inevitably encounter a blunder or two. It might be a child who acts foolishly, a teacher who says the wrong thing, a coach who comes down too hard, a parent who crosses a boundary, a school friend who falls short, or simply a school decision we don’t like. And if we only listen to our culture, we might be tempted to let a singular mistake define someone or something’s overall worth to us.

But mostly helps us avoid that.

Over the Mountain Views

I was convinced of this after listening to an attorney friend deliver a farewell speech to his law firm colleagues after many years of working with them. He had surely encountered challenging people and situations, but by the time he left, he mentioned none of it. Instead, he recounted only his fondest memories with his firm and shared the advice he had received as a young man: “You will know you have been fortunate to experience a good place and good people if you reflect back and see they got things mostly right.”

Mostly.

It was then I really “saw” that beauty of a word. And she wasn’t the throwaway, fluffy word my professor suggested. Instead, she was a wise guide in a world where unrealistic expectations for perfection can blind our ability to appreciate the overall good someone or something adds to our lives.

Maybe our child does act irresponsibly this school year, but does our child mostly act responsibly? Maybe a teacher does make an insensitive remark, but does that teacher mostly show sensitivity? Maybe a friend does hurt a peer’s feelings, but is that friend mostly kind and generous? Maybe we don’t like a school decision, but does that school mostly act in our child’s best interest? Before we forget our blessings, mostly reminds us we still have them.

This not to say that parents have no room to complain when life is mostly heading in the right direction. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m sure people worth their weight would agree. It’s simply to say we don’t have to let our complaints cloud and taint the bigger (and often much brighter) picture.

So, this school year, consider letting my gal mostly help navigate the ups and downs you encounter, because I think she will do what my former black and white approach never could: make it mostly wonderful.

Journey

Three-year-old Greer Bailey, left, helps adjust a bracelet for a friend at the Lili Pad in Cahaba Heights during a bracelet giveaway to support Greer as she battles cancer. Two hundred bracelets were distributed. The community is also putting up bows in a show of support. Greer, the daughter of Blake and

Greer’s

LOVE OF ROBOTICS Mountain Brook senior brings robotics program to the Downtown YMCA Youth Center PAGE 16

From left: Courtesy; Journal photo by Maury Wald

Tuesdays through Aug. 6

West Homewood Farmer’s Market

Fresh farm produce and other goodies will be on hand every Tuesday as the West Homewood Farmer’s Market opens for another summer season. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: 160 Oxmoor Road

Wednesdays through Sept. 11

Vestavia Hills Farmers Market

Live music, fresh produce, jewelry, baked goods and many other items will be on hand every Wednesday at the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market. The market is a mission of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, with funds from the market used to supply the church’s food pantry with fresh fruit and vegetables. When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Scout Square, 2061 Kentucky Avenue

July 25- Aug. 11

Beautiful: The Carole King

Musical

Before she was a hit-maker and music legend, Carole King was Carole Klein, a teenage songwriter from Brooklyn. “Beautiful” is the story of her journey from a high school dreamer to a trailblazer in a male-dominated profession. When: Various showtimes Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Finish the Fight Against Cancer Race Set for Aug. 10

Runners will race for a good cause with the Finish the Fight Against GI Cancer fundraiser, running from Otey’s Tavern in Homewood to Otey’s sister tavern in Mountain Brook on Aug. 10.

The race is a benefit for the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. It was organized by the nonprofit’s junior board. It also aims to raise awareness of some of the deadliest cancers, such as stomach, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, colorectal, bile duct, appendix and gallbladder, according to the event’s website.

Participants on the 5.46-mile course will wind through Homewood and Mountain Brook neighborhoods to the finish line at Otey’s in Crestline Village. When the race ends there will be an afterparty in the nearby green space.

Awards will be given to the Top Overall Male and Female, and the Top Overall Male and Female in the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-19, 20-29, 30-30, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. and the entry fee is $40. Runners can register as an individual, a team in the live chiptimed run or as a two-person relay. If

Thurs., July 25

the 8 a.m. start time is too early you can still register and support the foundation.

Auburn Athletics Kick-off War Eagles, are you ready for some football? Come see players and other team members at the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club’s fall kickoff event. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the season. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: The Finley Center, Hoover

Top 50 Over 50 Gala Positive Maturity’s annual gala recognizes individuals who find

To register or more, visit runsignup. com, click on the Find a Race link and search for Finish the Fight.

opportunities to make a difference through their contributions and achievements and know that age is just a number. Event proceeds will benefit Positive Maturity’s programs. When: 6 p.m. Where: The Club

Reed GI Cancer Research Foundation Junior Board members, from left, Kendra Watson, Everette Russell, Olivia Shull, Catherine Shull, Hannah Haygood and Franklin Brown.

The Business of Food

Panel on Restaurant Industry Set for Next MB Chamber Luncheon

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will be focusing on the restaurant industry in its quarterly luncheon Aug. 21 at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The meeting will feature a panel discussion with Paul DeMarco moderating and Jorge Castro of Sol Y Luna, Stacey Craig of Brightstar Restaurant, Frank Stitt of Bottega and Chez Fon Fon and Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club speaking on issues and trends affecting the restaurant industry in the greater Birmingham area, according to a statement from the chamber.

Networking begins at 11 a.m. with lunch and the presentation at 11:30 a.m.

“We are honored to have a panel with such outstanding talent across the board,” DeMarco, general counsel to the chamber, said in the statement. “This quarterly luncheon will be a real treat for our chamber members and community to hear from some of the top culinary institutions in Birmingham and tap into the world of the food industry right now.”

To learn more, visit mtnbrookchamber.org

Fri., July 26

Glow for a Cure

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s 12th annual Glow for a Cure night golf tournament supports the junior board’s Lindy Harrell Predoctoral Scholars Program in Alzheimer’s research at UAB. When: 5 p.m. Where: Highland Golf Course

Summer Olympics Watch Party

Wear your best patriotic gear and root for Team USA as we watch the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! When: Noon Where: Cahaba Brewing Company

Sat., July 27

Otey’s Fest

Celebrate 15 years of Otey’s Fest and 35 years of Otey’s in Mountain Brook. Live music will feature The Hurlers, T.U.B and The Negotiators. General admission is free, and limited VIP tickets are available at OteysFest. com. When: 6 p.m.-midnight Where: Otey’s in Mountain Brook.

Homewood Sidewalk Sale

Check out the savings at your favorite downtown area shops during Homewood’s summer Sidewalk Sale. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Downtown Homewood area

July 28-30

Seussical, JR.

A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical JR explores the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Gertrude McFuzz. As a bonus, audience members ages 4-14 can join the theatre’s teaching staff 30 minutes before curtain time for some fun theater warm-ups, just like the ones the cast uses! There will be games, laughs and lots of pretending! When: Various showtimes Where: Red Mountain Theatre

MAGIC CITY COCKTAIL CHALLENGE | THURS., AUG. 1

Shake, Stir, Cure! Birmingham’s best mixologists compete to win your vote of the Best Cocktail in Birmingham. Throughout the night, guests get to sample the contestants’ signature creations, enjoy live entertainment and activities, and compete to win prizes themselves. This event benefits American Cancer Society’s research, programs, and initiatives. When: 7 - 10 p.m. Where: Iron City Bham

Above, Angela Moore, Mary Wise, Veronica Werscner, Allie Dixon, Clarie Walker at last year’s event. Bartender’s compete for Best Cocktail Award, right.

Aug. 1-4

Bill Bugg and Friends, Part 7

Bill Bugg is back with an all-new cavalcade of cabaret to kick off Homewood Theatre’s season. He and his friends will be singing show tunes and standards, backed by a swinging combo. When: Various showtimes Where: Homewood Theatre

Legally Blonde Jr.

Follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in this musical based on

the hit Reese Witherspoon movie. When: Various showtimes Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Fri., Aug. 2

Art on the Rocks

Funk rapper Ric Wilson is the musical guest at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s popular summer event returns with an artistic evening of entertainment, including DJs, artist demos, pop-up performances, specialty cocktails and much more. For tickets visit artsbma. ticketapp.org/portal/product/92

Mon., Aug. 5

JMP Golf Classic

The John Michael Pierce Foundation will hold this fundraiser to benefit research and raise awareness of gastrointestinal cancer and benefit the Highlands College at the Church of the Highlands and the JMP Entrepreneurship Fund. When: 11 a.m. tee time Where: Highland Golf Course

Thurs., Aug. 8

The J’La Gala

The Levite Jewish Community Center will host its 3rd annual J’la Gala to benefit a wide range of programming for children and adults. The evening will include a cocktail hour with open bar, plated three-course kosher dinner and live and silent auctions. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Levite Jewish Community Center

Aug. 8-17

Birmingham Restaurant Week

Enjoy a variety of eateries during Birmingham Restaurant Week with, locally-owned businesses offering prix-fixe breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. Visit bhamrestaurantweek. com/eat-drink for more information on participating businesses. When: Various business hours Where: Participating businesses

Sat., Aug. 10

Vestavia Back to School Outdoor Festival

ABOUT TOWN

Boiling N’ Bragging

Wear your school colors and join us for the 15th Annual Boiling N’ Bragging football season kickoff party! This pre-season tailgate party includes a cookout and low country boil featuring drink specials, cornhole, live music and entertainment, hosted by Rotary District 6860. When: 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Crestline Village, in front of the O’Neal Library

Journey of Hope

Celebrate art, inclusivity and United Ability’s impact on the community at the Journey of Hope fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. The event will feature a performance by worldrenowned magician Kevin Spencer and will honor Dr. Jimmie Harvey for his decades of service. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center

Crestline Tent Sale

Head over to Mountain Brook for this annual shopping event in Crestline Village. A day of shopping, sales, and fun and also a great event to stock up for the new school year! Retailers will be offering discounted prices and summer fun. When: During regular business hours Where: Crestline Village

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

50 STATES

From Page One

traveling to about five states each year for half marathons. They’ve run races with 100 people and races with 30,000, on mountain trails and city streets, in the rain and in the snow and the extreme heat, alongside people of all ages and abilities, and they’ve seen the entire country along the way.

“Everybody asks, ‘What was your favorite race?’” Bienvenu said. “But every place had something amazing –even North Dakota and South Dakota.”

Over and over again, the duo would start training 12 weeks before each race, and along the way they logged the most miles at Jemison Park and surrounding areas, close to Styslinger’s home in Mountain Brook and not too far away from Bienvenu’s in the Altadena Valley area.

“Around race seven or 10, I realized how hard it was to train and coordinate. It sunk in that this was not going to be easy or quick, but I always thought we’d do it,” Bienvenu said.

“It’s really about the travel and doing it with friends,” Styslinger said. “We got real excited when we hit 25.”

Styslinger and Bienvenu certainly weren’t alone in their journey.

Styslinger’s five sisters came to cheerlead for different races. Two friends of Styslinger’s and Bienvenue’s who live in Dallas ran several races with them, as did Styslinger’s husband, Lee, who they both note has been supportive of their adventure.

Plus, Styslinger’s three sons each ran a race with them in the state where the sons went to college, taking them to New Haven, Connecticut; South Bend, Indiana, where it snowed; and Dallas.

Tour de USA

life,” Styslinger said. “It was grueling, but it was a beautiful race.”

Getting up early for a race was never fun, but the scenery Styslinger and Bienvenu came across was more than spectacular.

At the Grand Canyon and Mount Rainier, they ran trails. The Bluegrass Run in Kentucky introduced them to the Bourbon Trail. At the Great Balloon Chase in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they were mesmerized by all the hot air balloons they saw.

“It was a spectacle seeing hundreds of balloons being launched,” Bienvenu said.

At the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab, Utah – which Styslinger said “looks like Mars” – the race was entirely downhill.

“I have never been so sore in my

In Pennsylvania, they ran a race put on by the Amish community, where people arrived in their horsedrawn carriages for the race dinner the night before the half marathon.

In Las Vegas, they ran at night with runners dressed like Elvis along the Strip, which was closed for the race.

It took them two years to get into the Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Vermont, but it was well worth the wait.

“It was spring and the sun was shining and there was a real light rain,” Bienvenu said. “It was so pretty.”

In the crazy high heat the women found in Chicago in September, they ran through sprinklers residents had

put out in neighborhoods along the route. That race was also a winner for Bienvenu, who, unlike Styslinger, was all about any snack that was offered along the route – cookies, doughnuts, Jell-O shots, you name it.

In Hawaii, they ran along the coast of Maui in August 2023, just before the deadly wildfire struck.

“It was so sad to see two months later that it was all gone,” Styslinger said.

In Alaska, they took on the Midnight Sun Run in Anchorage on the longest day of the year, and of course they did lots of adventuring at Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park & Preserve and beyond.

Along the way in their many rental cars, Bienvenu got pulled over a few times – once by a police officer in Wyoming who nicely warned them to never pass a gas station without topping off. The timing was fortuitous. Right after that run-in, Bienvenu and Styslinger got gas at the next station they saw, just before they really needed it when the highway turned into a dirt road. They’re very glad they had a full tank of gas going into it.

The 50 states challenge also took Bienvenu and Styslinger to destinations they might not have otherwise chosen.

they decided to squeeze in that race too before their flight the next day. They hadn’t trained to do two races in a row, though, and Styslinger said she felt the pain that came with it.

A Mountaintop Finish

No races were quite like their final two, which they completed this summer. Styslinger and Bienvenu had known they wanted to do a half marathon in Glacier National Park and had found that there was a race in Idaho the week before, so they thought they’d do both and simply stay at a high altitude. They’d soon learn, though, just how hard the Race the Wolf run on Schweitzer Mountain in northern Idaho would be.

“It was brutal,” Styslinger said. “You are at 6,000 feet and run up to 9,000 feet on a ski mountain. For 2½ miles, it was one hill straight up, and it was probably like a double back diamond and felt like it was 45 degrees. I stood up straight one time instead of leaning forward and almost fell back down.”

The running, traveling duo is also all about the markers of their accomplishment.

made all the difference.

“It’s 13 miles of people cheering you and telling you don’t stop,” Styslinger said. “Miles 6 to 8 was one hill. We don’t mind if we walk a hill, but they would not let us walk. We ran the whole thing.”

‘It’s really about the travel and doing it with friends. We got real excited when we hit 25.’

KELLY STYSLINGER

In Omaha, Nebraska, for example, they particularly enjoyed the Joslyn Art Museum. At the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati, the cheering

Their biggest mistake in the journey, according to Styslinger, came on the East Coast. They were in Ocean City, Maryland, for a Saturday race, and once they got there, they ran into fellow 50 state runners who said they were doing a second race in Wilmington, Delaware, the next day. Styslinger’s eyes lit up as she heard their words, and before long

“We run for medals,” Styslinger said. “Sometimes we’d pick a race just for the medal.”

And if a race didn’t have a medal – like in Aspen, Colorado, where the race was canceled due to COVID but they ran the route anyway – Styslinger would design one and get it made for them.

Today, Bienvenu has her medals hanging on a rod in her garage so she can see them every day and think back on all the great memories and funny stories that go with them, and Styslinger has them hanging on a map of the United States in her home.

After they got back to Birmingham from their final race at Glacier in June, Styslinger’s daughters-in-law planned a party to celebrate the women’s accomplishment, complete with games tied to the 50 states they ran in. Both of them now are working on a photo book of their journey, and they sure have a lot of fun sharing stories from all their trips.

As to what’s next, Styslinger is taking a rest from running in July, and both of them are planning to play more golf, a sport they took up during the pandemic.

“The whole thing has been an amazing adventure,” Bienvenu said. “Doing this made me realize you can do anything, you just have to set your mind to it. It’s never too late to start a new adventure.”

And their advice in light of it all? “Whatever you do, try to see as much of this country as you can,” Styslinger said.

Bievenu and Styslinger completed their final half marathon of the 50 in June at Glacier National Park in Montana with two friends from Dallas and Styslinger’s husband, Lee (above); with that they rightfully earned “Mission Accomplished: All 50 States” T-shirts (below right). Both women have their 50 race medals on display at their homes (below left).

Courtesy

Homewood Scout Troop Announces Two New Eagles

James Lard and Barrett Bridgmon are the newest Eagle Scouts with Troop 97, based at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, Scoutmaster Grant Mullins said in an announcement.

For his Eagle project, James built outdoor tables and rehabbed the outdoor grill pit for the Trinity Outreach Hub at Trinity West Homewood. The Outreach Hub supports neighbors in need, especially refugees, asylum seekers

and migrants. His tables provide a place for people to gather and spend time with their families and others in their communities.

The Vulcan District Eagle Board of Review was complementary of James and his project, as well as his ability to

manage his time during the overall project.

James spoke to his compressed schedule over the summer, having relocated to Atlanta to play baseball, and the different leadership skills and disciplines he was forced to learn on the fly. His ability to lead both older

scouts as well as much younger new scouts was commended.

James is the son of Nancy and Bradley Lard of Homewood.

Barrett’s Eagle project was building and installing two porchstyle swings at Trinity West in support of its Outreach Hub.

The Eagle Board members were impressed with Barrett’s project and spent a good deal of time talking with him about the ups and downs of managing a project and the importance of being flexible.

Barrett is the son of Leslie and Brandon Bridgmon of Homewood.

Retired Alabama Power Co. executive Robert Holmes Jr. has been elected president of the Homewood Rotary Club for 2024-2025.

The longtime Rotarian was installed June 27 by Rotary International 6860 district Gov. David Allgood.

Holmes’ 40-year career with the utility included service as senior vice president of ethics and corporate concerns and chairman of the Alabama Power Foundation.

Other newly elected Homewood officers are Rachael Dollins, president-elect; Michelle D. Hamrick, secretary; Kathryn S. Henry, treasurer; and Sandra B. Nelson, sergeant-atarms. Jennifer Kyle is immediate past president.

The leadership team also includes six directors: Michael L. O’Kelley, Rotary Foundation/international service projects; Mary Lou Reynolds, club service/ membership; Courtney Miller, club grants; Jo-Ann Bradley, youth service; and James P. “Bo” Duke III and Robert H. Sprain Jr., directors-at-large.

Homewood Rotary supports local, national and international projects through hands-on service and financial commitment. Its annual college scholarship program has assisted hundreds of Homewood High School graduates since the 1980s. The club awarded scholarships totaling $20,000 in 2024.

The club sponsors the annual North

Alabama Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program as well as supporting other services through donations and fundraisers, including a Chalk Art Festival in conjunction with We Love Homewood Day each May and a St. Patrick’s Day dinner and auction.

Homewood Rotary meets most Thursdays at noon at Homewood Library and offers regular social and community service opportunities. You can learn more at homewoodrotaryal. org and #homewoodrotary.

happens Discovery

When physicians, scientists and researchers with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries, innovations and clinical trials happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures.

SOCIAL FIRST LOOK

Hand in Paw Gears Up for Picasso Pets With Gallery Party

Supporters of Hand in Paw geared up for the nonprofit’s Aug. 17 signature fundraiser, Picasso Pets, with a Gallery Party at the Harbert Center on July 18.

Hand in Paw hosts the Gallery Party a month before Picasso Pets to unveil artwork created on commission. Artists create an artwork based on a donor’s request, often of a beloved pet. The party marks the first time the donors and others see the artwork.

Guests included the nonprofit’s board and junior board members, volunteers and donors, who were served drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The finished art will be displayed at the Picasso Pets event next month.

Hand in Paw is designed to improve human health and well-being through animal-assisted therapy in hospitals, nursing homes and other settings. ❖

John Lytle Wilson, Amy Neiman

Carol DeBelice and Maggie

Caroline Bundy, Bob Straka and Anne Warren

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Jack and Cathy Stephenson

Lily Mackey, Cassie Caldwell Olive and Stephanie Stoltzner

Gracie and Weslyn Pilkington

Kyle Tucker, Margaret Stinnet, Michael Hansen

Brie and Garett Graham

Caroline Cross, Lisa Cross, Richard and Lori Feist 2

Jamie Talecki, Lauren Fitch, Javen Jadapalli, April Levy

Lift Your Spirits

A casual, festive style marked Community Grief Support’s Lift Your Spirits fundraiser July 18 at the Vestavia Country Club.

The event was the nonprofit organization’s 21st annual party and included a buffet, music by a DJ and dancing. Merchandise, artwork and travel and dining experiences were offered during silent and live auctions.

Roy L. Williams, public relations director for the Birmingham Public Library, was the keynote speaker. He shared his experience with grief after his brother, Maj. Dwayne Williams, was killed at the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Community Grief Support works to enhance the quality of life for bereaved adults who face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without their loved ones. ❖

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

Melanie and Tom Claussen

Susan Poley, Jamie Thacker, Pamela Kulback, Bonnie Roberts

Mitt Ware, Cristina Casanova Might, Elizabeth Pellathy Somers

Jessica Vickery, Hunter Gordon, Sharon Jackson

Nancy Watson, Steve Brickman

Sheri Cain, Pam Higgins

Boomer Sirmans, Sherre McMiller, Janice Rogers, Thelma Spearman

Jann Robinson, Catherine Pittman Smith, Amber Pope, Roy L. Williams

Shopping Party

Annual Sale Event Hosted in Mountain Brook Village

OCTOBER 3 - 6, 2024 benefiting Friends

BBGARDENS.ORG/ANTIQUES @antiquesgardensbham

presenting sponsor M c CORQUODALE TRANSFER

design sponsor LEE JOFA

Only 25 years old, Vestavia resident, John Michael Pierce passed away ﬁve months after his cancer diagnosis in 2021.

Like so many of us, John Michael was unaware that heartburn is an early symptom of esophageal cancer that should be taken very seriously.

Young adult esophageal cancer is on the rise. Since the symptoms don't seem signi most people discover it at a late stage which greatly limits treatment success.

If you have any of these symptoms persistently, see your doctor right away:

• Heartburn

• Cough or Sore Throat

• Hoarse Voice

• Hiccups or Burping

Awareness can save your life.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Shoppers in Mountain Brook Village and nearby Lane Parke met up with friends at Mountain Brook Village Market Day on July 20.

Deals, promotions and activities in the village and Lane Parke were featured at the day-long event during regular business hours, turning the day of commerce into one of fun. ❖

Anne Lindsey Bissell, Neilann Thomas, Natalie Arendall, Eliza Maxwell

Christen Bond, Miller Mason

William Monroe, Anna Jackson Cooper

Franchenca Blankenship, Heidi Blankenship

Alice Harris, Shannon Shelton

Peyton

Crestline tent sale

Le Tour De Cahaba Cyclists Range Far and Close to Home in Ride

Bicycle enthusiasts, from leisurely riders to serious long-distance cyclists, set their wheels on a variety of courses for Le Tour De Cahaba on July 21.

The rides began and ended at Cahaba Cycles in Homewood, with six routes ranging from 5 to 65 miles. The longest ride was on a loop that stretched northeast to Trussville and south to Pelham. The Slow Your Roll Family Ride followed a 5-mile route through Homewood.

Participants were treated to a cookout at Cahaba Cycles’ Homewood store. A portion of registration fees were donated to BUMP, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, whose mission is to build, maintain, preserve and ride mountain bike trails in Birmingham and surrounding areas. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Chad Hathorne, Ladd Davis

Julia Hanson, Mary Logue Malki

Austin Pressley, Jason Woodall

Jacques Vanzyl, Ryan McGiboney, Pitzer Enoch

McBride Appointed Principal to Lead Homewood Middle School

Longtime Homewood City Schools educator Mindy McBride will welcome Homewood Middle School students as their new principal when classes begin Aug. 8.

McBride has served for the past five years as an assistant principal for instruction, according to an announcement on the school system’s website. She succeeds Danny Steele, who retired as the middle school’s principal. Her tenure as principal began July 1.

McBride has 20 years of experience in education, including as a teacher, coach and administrator. She began her career at Homewood High School, where she distinguished herself as a teacher who could teach a range of subjects, including science, social studies and advanced placement courses.

Her dedication to her craft was recognized when she was named the school’s Teacher Impact Winner. She also played an instrumental role in mentoring new teachers and contributing to strategic planning initiatives.

Beyond the classroom, McBride’s leadership also extended to the athletic fields, where she coached club soccer and led Homewood High’s girls varsity soccer team to their first state championship. Her coaching leadership earned her recognition as a top-four finalist for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Coach of the Year and Alabama Soccer Association’s Girls Competitive State Soccer Coach of the Year.

In 2019, McBride moved into school administration, assuming the role of assistant principal for instruction at Homewood Middle School. She played a key role in overseeing curriculum development, professional development planning and support for new teachers.

McBride then was assistant principal for instruction at Homewood High School, the job she held just before her appointment as the middle school’s principal.

Homewood Superintendent Justin Hefner recognized McBride’s passion for education and the Homewood community.

“It is clear that Mrs. McBride loves our students, staff and this community. Her strong leadership combined with her passion for empowering students will serve Homewood Middle School well,” Hefner said in the announcement.

McBride holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Montevallo. She also earned a certificate in instructional leadership certificate from Samford University.

“It is a true honor and privilege to serve this community and our schools,” McBride said in the announcement. “I am so excited to work alongside the amazing teachers, staff and families of Homewood Middle School to support, empower and cheer on our students together.”

Hoover Names New Principals for Rocky Ridge, Trace Crossings

Hoover City Schools has named new leaders at Rocky Ridge and Trace Crossings elementary schools.

Chelsea Bayko is the new principal at Rocky Ridge and Carl Berryhill is the new principal at Trace Crossings, according to a press release from Hoover City Schools.

“The leadership at our schools is critical to my priorities of ensuring students continue to thrive and achieve at high levels and that we have the best teachers and staff to support student growth and character,” Hoover Superintendent Kevin Maddox said in the announcement.

Bayko has been an educator for 13 years. She worked as a teacher in the Charleroi Area School District in Pennsylvania for two years and in Hoover schools for the past 11 years.

In Hoover, she’s served as an assistant principal and exceptional education teacher. Bayko was assistant principal at Simmons Middle School when she was appointed principal at Rocky Ridge in May. Previously, she worked at Bluff Park Elementary and Berry Middle schools.

He started his career in Marion County Schools and in 2012 came to Hoover, where he’s been a teacher, a high school football coach and an assistant principal.

While in Hoover, he has worked at Brock’s Gap Intermediate, Simmons Middle, Hoover High and Gwin Elementary schools. Before his appointment to Trace Crossings in May, he was assistant principal at Green Valley Elementary. He replaces Quincy Collins as principal at Trace Crossing.

CALENDAR FOR OTM SCHOOLS

Homewood City Schools

homewood.k12.al.us

First Day for Students: Aug. 8

Winter Holidays: Dec. 23-Jan. 6

Spring Break: March 24-28

Last Day for Students: May 22

Hoover City Schools

hoovercityschools.net

First Day for Students: Aug. 8

Winter Holidays: Dec. 23-Jan. 6

Spring Break: March 24-28

Last Day for Students: May 22

Mountain Brook City Schools

mtnbrook.k12.al.us

First Day for Students: Aug. 13

Winter Holidays: Dec. 23-Jan. 5

Spring Break: March 24-28

Last Day for Students: May 23

Shelby County Schools

shelbyed.k12.al.us

First Day for Students: Aug. 8

Winter Holidays: Dec. 23-Jan. 6

Spring Break: March 24-28

Last Day for Students: May 22

Vestavia Hills City Schools vestavia.k12.al.us

First Day for Students: Aug. 7 for grades for grades 6-12; Aug. 8 for grades K-5

Winter Holidays: Dec. 23-Jan. 6

Spring Break: March 24-28

Last Day for Students: May 22

She replaces Dil Uswatte as principal at the school.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the principal role within the district I’ve called home. I’m eager to continue serving our community and fostering an environment where every student can thrive and succeed,” Bayko said. “I am excited about the opportunity to cultivate a positive and inclusive school

culture where diversity is celebrated, student leadership is fostered, and community engagement and relationships are prioritized.”

Bayko graduated from Samford University, Jacksonville State University, California University of Pennsylvania and Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania.

Trace Crossings’ Berryhill is an educator with 18 years’ experience.

“It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I join this wonderful school community as principal,” Berryhill said. “My goal is to create an environment where all students can be successful. I am committed to upholding the values of academic excellence, personal growth, and a supportive learning environment. I look forward to meeting and learning the stories of all the people in the days ahead.”

Berryhill graduated from the University of Alabama, the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

McBride has 20 years of experience in education, including as a teacher, coach and administrator.

Bayko has been an educator for 13 years. She worked as a teacher in the Charleroi Area School District in Pennsylvania for two years and in Hoover schools for the past 11 years.

Trace Crossings’ Berryhill is an educator with 18 years’ experience. He started his career in Marion County Schools and in 2012 came to Hoover.

Mountain Brook band in 2023. High school football kicks off for most OTM schools on Aug. 23.

Mountain Brook Elementary Assistant Promoted to Principal

A familiar face will be at the helm when students begin the new academic year at Mountain Brook Elementary on Aug. 13. The school’s assistant principal for the past two years, Heather Mays, is now principal.

She succeeds Ashley McCombs, who was principal for eight years.

“Working for Mountain Brook Schools has been a dream come true and it has been a privilege to be mentored by a veteran principal like Ashley, who has invested years in placing Mountain Brook Elementary on a trajectory of excellence,” Mays said in an announcement on the school system’s website.

The Mountain Brook Board of Education made the appointment in May, and Mays became principal on July 1.

“Throughout the process of naming a new principal, Heather stood out for her understanding of the Mountain Brook Elementary culture, along with her vast school leadership experience. I am confident Mountain Brook Elementary will thrive under her leadership,” Superintendent Dicky Barlow said in the school system’s announcement.

Mays has more than 25 years of experience, 17 of which have been in an administrative position. She has worked at Trussville City Schools, Briarwood Christian School, Shelby County Schools and as an adjunct

professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo.

Mays earned her doctorate and educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Samford University. She obtained a master’s in library and information science and a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Alabama.

“As we look to the future, I feel blessed to work for a district and school that I love and trust, in a building full of educators I admire and students that I adore. The students and families of MBE are special and I look forward to ‘leading from the heart’ as a Lancer for years to come,” Mays said in the announcement.

Mays has more than 25 years of experience, 17 of which have been in an administrative position.

‘As

we look to the future, I feel blessed to work for a district and school that I love and trust, in a building full of educators I admire and students that I adore.’

Mountain Brook Senior Brings Robotics Program to the Downtown YMCA Youth Center

By Anne Ruisi

Her introduction to robotics in the third grade “opened up a world for me,” recalled Addison Hardee, a rising senior at Mountain Brook High School.

A decade later, Addison, 17, is sharing her love of robotics and computer technology via Robotics Summer Camp with youngsters at the YMCA Youth Center in downtown Birmingham.

“It’s really fun,” Alexander Hamilton, 8, a camper who will be in fourth grade at EPIC Elementary School in Birmingham, said as he worked on assembling a catapult for the robot he and his team were building. “I like working with robots, mostly coding. I like math.”

This is the second summer for the week-long Robotics Summer Camp, which began July 15. It’s a component of the after-school robotics program Addison organized last year at the youth center as part of the requirements to earn her Gold Award with the Girl Scouts, which is equivalent to an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. She received official confirmation July 19 that she has earned the award.

Addison said she wanted to bring a robotics program to Birmingham City Schools partly because the field offers plentiful career opportunities and the program teaches STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – in a fun way. It’s also very hands-on and she noted that the children participating already are building and programming robots for tasks, such as completing an obstacle course.

She originally wanted to bring a robotics program to Birmingham City Schools, but there were so many hurdles involved to getting approval, she realized she could reach many of the

same children by holding the program at the Y’s Downtown Youth Center. Getting approval at the center involved less red tape.

Addison recruited fellow students at Mountain Brook Junior High and

Officials at the Y’s downtown youth center were happy to welcome Addison and the program when she asked if they were interested in her proposal.

High schools to volunteer with her after school on Mondays and Wednesdays to help the Birmingham students learn more about robotics and STEM.

The group uses VEX Robotics, a competitive robotics program that includes science and engineering principles that you normally think of with robotics but also encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership and problem solving, according to its website. VEX Robotics competitions are “collaborative,” with partners working in teams to score points.

Participants in the youth center’s

Addison Hardee, a rising senior at Mountain Brook High School, is sharing her love of robotics and computer technology via Robotics Summer Camp with youngsters at the YMCA Youth Center in downtown Birmingham. Earlier this year she was named Volunteer of the Year at the Alabama VEX IQ Robotics Championship.

after-school robotics program competed in three competitions in the past school year.

Since beginning robotics, Addison has been a part of teams that have qualified for the State Robotics Championship nearly every year and qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship three years in a row. Earlier this year she was named Volunteer of the Year at the Alabama VEX IQ Robotics Championship.

Officials at the Y’s downtown youth center were happy to welcome Addison and the program when she asked if they were interested in her proposal.

“You have children now who are interested in the sciences,” said Terri Harvill, executive director of the Y’s Youth Center and its chief social impact officer. “They were learning, not even knowing it.”

Addison begins her senior year Aug. 13 and will be leading the youth center’s after-school robotics program. She’ll also be applying to colleges, though she said she doesn’t have a preference right now. She does know she wants to go into computer science.

“I really like coding but I’m also very much a people person. So, I may do a minor in psychology and (study) human-computer interaction,” she said. “I may do cybersecurity but I’m keeping my options open.”

Montessori Starts STEM Lab, Continues Robotics Team

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy has established a new state-of-the-art STEM lab to enhance its curriculum by providing students with cuttingedge resources and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Zech Hook will head up the STEM lab, which will be equipped with technology and educational tools that will offer students a variety of interactive and experiential learning experiences. Students will engage in activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration, according to an announcement from the school.

The academy also announced it will be continuing its VEX Robotics team. This team provides students with the opportunity to design, build and program robots to compete in local VEX Robotics competitions.

“We are incredibly excited to launch our new STEM lab and improve upon our VEX Robotics team,” said Susan Downs, head of school at the academy. “These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to providing our students with a comprehensive, forward-thinking education. We believe that hands-on experiences in STEM will inspire our students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

Journal

photos

Jordan Wald

Bruno

5 New Principals Appointed in Vestavia Hills City Schools

Five Vestavia Hills city school administrators will serve in new principal roles when the new school year begins on Aug. 8, according to an announcement on the school system’s website.

Four of the principals moved up to their new jobs after serving as assistant principals at their respective schools.

Cindy Echols is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary East after having served as assistant principal there since 2012. She previously served as an assistant principal and principal of schools in Homewood and Trussville.

Dori Hardee is the new principal of Liberty Park Middle School, where she had been assistant principal since 2022. Hardee also served as the school’s physical education teacher and coach of the school’s volleyball and girls’ basketball teams. She has nearly 20 years of experience in education at schools in four states.

Susan McCall is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary West, where she had been assistant principal since 2016. Previously, she served as an instructional coach and teacher at schools in Mountain Brook, Hoover and Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Kim Polson is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary

Four of the principals moved up to their new jobs after serving as assistant principals at their respective schools.

Cahaba Heights, where she had been assistant principal since 2021. Prior to becoming assistant principal, Polson was a special education teacher at the school and worked as a special education teacher at elementary schools in Mountain Brook and Shelby County.

Blair Inabinet, who had been principal at Liberty Park Middle, has been moved to be principal at Vestavia Hills High School. Inabinet previously served as principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park. She has been a teacher, gifted coordinator and administrator of schools in Alabama and Georgia for the past 20 years.

Students participate in a performance in May. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in downtown Homewood and includes ﬁve studios, each with sprung ﬂoors and two-way glass observation areas.

Cindy Echols is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary East after having served as assistant principal there since 2012.

Dori Hardee is the new principal of Liberty Park Middle School, where she had been assistant principal since 2022.

Susan McCall is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary West, where she had been assistant principal since 2016.

Kim Polson is the new principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, where she had been assistant principal since 2021

Blair Inabinet, who had been principal at Liberty Park Middle, has been moved to be principal at Vestavia Hills High School.

Homewood Plans 50th Anniversary of the School’s 1st Football State Title

By RuBin E. GRant

Alvin Bresler was a young coach when he led the Homewood Patriots to their first state championship in 1974, in just the third year of the program’s existence.

“When I think back about that, Homewood High School hired me when I was 23 years old (in 1972),” Bresler said. “I was 25 when the 1974 season started and I turned 26 during the season.

“I wanted to coach them the way I

wanted to be coached. We didn’t have great size, but we had great quickness.”

Homewood finished the 1974 season with a 13-1 record, defeating Dothan 10-7 in the Class 4A championship game, which was the highest classification in the Alabama High School Athletic Association at the time.

Now, Bresler, 75, is a part of the committee that is putting together a 50-year commemorative celebration of that championship season.

“I can’t believe it’s been 50 years,” Bresler said. “How fast time does travel.

“The new athletic director at Homewood, Rick Baguley, is very supportive of our recognition,”

The preliminary plans call for the team to be recognized Oct. 4-5.

On Oct. 4, the 1974 team will meet at Waldrop Stadium 45 minutes before Homewood kicks off its game against Gardendale. The team and coaches will be recognized at midfield between the first and second quarters.

“The team will walk onto the field with the band playing the Olympic anthem as we did 50 years ago,” Bresler said. “The press box announcer will be provided the wording for the recognition.”

At halftime, the team will depart from the game and meet at a local restaurant for a reception.

On Oct. 5, there will be a luncheon and then a scramble golf tournament with the offense taking on the defense on the Robert Trent Jones course at Oxmoor Valley.

That night, a banquet will be held at the Homewood Senior Center ballroom for the players and coaches as well as their wives and other guests. A continuous highlight film will be shown, featuring most of the games and especially the playoff and championship games.

“We will have some invited guests to speak and the players and coaches will also have a chance to speak,” Bresler said. “Michael Gross, former principal, and I will be the last speakers.”

and Soehn six as both players were featured in 68 minutes of game time.

Leib was named the North MVP, which she didn’t expect.

“I was surprised because there was another player who scored more goals than me,” Leib said. “I’m thankful and super honored to be given that ‘cause I think people saw the impact I had on the game.”

Leib is entering her senior year at Briarwood. She already has committed to Clemson.

“That’s been my dream school for a long time,” Leib said. “Growing up, I was always going to camp there and I got to know the coaches really well. My brother also goes there.”

Matthias Leib, a defender, was part of Clemson’s 2023 national championship team as a freshman, although he red-shirted. He was named the team’s Scout Team Player of the Year.

“We are close,” Taylor Leib said. “It’s going to be a unique experience being at the same college with him. The Lord opened a door for both of us to go there.”

Leib is the granddaughter of late Briarwood Presbyterian Church pastor Harry Reeder. She has been playing soccer since she was 5 after her dad, Ryan Leib, introduced her to the sport.

Ryan Leib, who is from Farmington, Maine, played college soccer at the University of New Hampshire and played professionally. He is the director of coaching for Briarwood Soccer Club and has been Briarwood Christian’s girls head coach since 2006.

“When she was little, I figured since she was going to be out here with me on the field with the club, she might as well play,” Ryan Leib said. “It took her a little time to get used to playing, but she learned.”

In the spring this year, Taylor Leib scored 42 goals and had eight assists, earning Super All-State first team honors. She led Briarwood to a 15-54 record and a runner-up finish in

Class 6A. The Lions lost 2-0 to Mountain Brook in the championship game.

Leib played valiantly in the loss with nine shots and three shots on goal but just couldn’t find the net.

Ryan Leib speaks highly and proudly of his daughter’s ability.

“She’s just a really excellent player,” he said. “She has good skills and a good mind for the game, and she loves competing.

“As a coach, it’s fun to watch her play and as a parent, it’s fun to watch her excel and keep pushing to get better.”

Taylor Leib is looking forward to her final year at Briarwood, especially having another season to play for her

dad.

“My dad has been coaching me since I started, so it’s awesome we’ll get that last year together,” she said

Cross-Country Stars

Two other Over the Mountain athletes turned in stellar All-Star performances in cross-country.

Homewood rising senior and defending Class 6A state cross-country champion Emma Brooke Levering was in top form, clocking 18:41.80 to claim the girls individual title in the North-South All-Star Cross Country competition at Gateway Park.

Briarwood’s Mary Grace Parker finished second with a time of 19:13.14.

The North girls won the crosscountry competition 17-35 – with the top five finishers on each squad counting in the final team points.

Oak Mountain senior-to-be John Shoemaker, who finished runner-up in the 2023 AHSAA Class 7A State Cross Country Championships, clocked a strong 15:39.27 time to claim the boys’ all-star individual title. James Clemens’ Luke Alverson was second with a time of 15:50.83 time.

The North boys also won 20-41, giving the North the sweep.

The North girls won the overall title 40-68 counting the top seven participants on each team, and the North boys won with a total of 37-69.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Several members of Homewood’s 1974 state championship team met at the high school recently to discuss plans for upcoming anniversary celebrations on Oct. 4-5. From left, Skip Taylor, David Williams, Tommy Wingo, David Kirkpatrick, Alan Salter, Mark Robbins, Alvin Bresler (head coach), Murray Legg, Pat Weaver, Mike Wald, Ben Lord and Joe Wurtele.

From page 20

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

The North All-Star soccer team posted a 4-1 victory against the South last Wednesday in Montgomery at Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex.

Lakeshore to Celebrate Olympians During Opening Ceremonies Watch Party

The Lakeshore Foundation, which operates an Olympian and Paralympian training program, is hosting a watch party for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The Celebration of Champions: An Evening in Paris will be held at the Lakeshore Foundation at 6:30 p.m. July 26 and will honor Team USA Olympians and Paralympians.

The Lakeshore Fieldhouse will be transformed to resemble a Parisian street for the evening. Guests can watch the opening ceremonies live, listen to music, munch on French cuisine and play games along with Alabama athletes before the U.S. Paralympic

SOCCER

From page 20

“Our girls sacrificed their month of June right after high school soccer to train and get back into shape to prepare for nationals at the end of June,” Whittle said. “We had qualified for nationals the previous two years and did not fare great in group play. This year they had a renewed commitment to each other and to working even harder than previous years. Through a great team effort, they achieved their year-long goal.

“At various moments, each of them played a huge part in our team’s success. The support of our parental

Wheelchair Rugby team departs to compete in Paris.

“Lakeshore is proud to play a role in preparing athletes to pursue their greatest dreams,” Jen Allred, chief of programs and special projects at

group also played a huge part in our success. Everyone had bought into what we needed to do to try and win.”

Whittle noted that Morton’s play was instrumental throughout the tournament. Morton, who plays for Hoover High School, served as team captain.

“Lane did have a tremendous week and kept us in games,” Whittle said. “She was a key part of our success in the final game in making a crucial save to allow us to win the national championship.”

Another Hoover-Vestavia player, Ella Kappler was selected to play in the U16 all-star game. She also plays for Hoover High School.

Following their national champi-

Lakeshore, said.

“The Celebration of Champions is a wonderful and unique opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the athletes as they prepare to represent our nation.

“The power of sport to unify us is incredible and being a part of Celebration of Champions is an important way for us all to show our support.”

Tickets and sponsorships are available for the celebration. Single tickets

onship, Hoover-Vestavia left the Development Player League and moved into the South Central Conference of the Girls Academy League.

But the national championship is something Whittle and his players will cherish.

“For our HVS Girls program, I believe it continues to show that our players can compete at all levels of soccer and be successful,” Whittle said. “It shows that with hard work, loyalty, determination and commitment, they can accomplish just about anything on the national stage. For me, I’m so proud, excited for them and happy they can now truly see how hard work pays off.”

can be purchased online at lakeshore. org/celebration-of-champions. Tables and sponsorship packages are available online or by contacting Chris Thomason at christophert@lakeshore. org or 205-313-7416, or Edward Reynolds at edwardr@lakeshore.org or 205-313-7444.

Lakeshore to Celebrate Olympians During Opening Ceremonies

SPORTS

Homewood Plans 50th Anniversary of the School’s 1st Football State Title PAGE 18

TWICE AS NICE

Mountain Brook Soccer Players Experience a Double Dose of Championships

By RuBin E. GRant

Betsy Ankar and Gabby Lamontagne experienced a remarkable double dose of soccer titles within a few weeks.

In May, Ankar and Lamontagne helped Mountain Brook win the AHSAA Class 6A state championship, which was the Spartans’ first title since 2013.

Then barely a month later, they helped the Hoover-Vestavia Soccer Club 2008 team win the U16 Development Player League national championship on July 1 in Norco, California.

Hoover-Vestavia coach Luke Whittle said that, as far as he knows, his team is the only Alabama team, girls or boys, to ever win a Super Group national championship in soccer.

The Hoover-Vestavia Soccer team defeated Charlotte Soccer Academy 2-1 in the championship game.

Both experiences were exciting and rewarding. I’m so proud to be part of both teams.”

Only 16 teams from across the nation were selected to participate in the six-day DPL tournament that began in late June.

The Hoover-Vestavia Soccer team has 17 players, including five from Hoover, four from Vestavia Hills, two from Mountain Brook, two from Trussville and one each from Homewood, Helena, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. Because of injuries, only 15 traveled to California for the tournament.

Hoover-Vestavia coach Luke Whittle said that, as far as he knows, his team is the only Alabama team, girls or boys, to ever win a Super Group national championship in soccer.

“Winning a state and national title in backto-back months was so rewarding for Gabby and me,” Ankar said. “Both teams are high-level, high-intensity teams with similar attributes.

“The state championship was with my high school friends and teammates, which was so special. The national championship was during club season with girls from different schools.

Ankar, who will be a sophomore at Mountain Brook this fall, is actually a 2009 player who joined the Hoover-Vestavia 2008 team in June and played up a year.

“This was my first year with the 2008 HVS team,” she said. “I’m excited to play with such a great group. I play center back, so I focus mostly on defense, but I get to move forward for corners or attack once the ball is won.”

Lamontagne, who also will be a sophomore, is a midfielder. Ankar is pleased they were part of the U16 team.

“Gabby and I just finished playing our high school season together, so we got to know each other then as players as well as friends,” Ankar

said. “When our club season started, it was fantastic to play again together and continue our winning streak.”

Lamontagne played a key role in the championship game against Charlotte. Hoover-Vestavia scored in the first five minutes on a goal by Maddie Hazelton with an assist from Meagan Tucker.

Charlotte, which had defeated the HooverVestavia team 2-1 during regular season play, tied the score 1-1 just before halftime.

Hoover-Vestavia team scored what proved to be the winning goal in the second half on a corner set piece. Lamontagne served it in with Kelly West finding the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Lane Morton made a save in the final moments to keep Charlotte from tying the game and sending it into overtime.

Hoover-Vestavia opened the tournament with a 3-2 victory against the Monterey Surf Soccer Club from California, then tied Sunrise Soccer Club Sting from Florida 1-1. In its third game, Hoover-Vestavia beat Colorado Rush 2-1 and then shut out SoCal Reds FC Liverpool FC International Academy 1-0 to advance to the finals.

“We fought hard the whole tournament,” Ankar said. “We didn’t take losing as an option and persevered through all five games.”

Renewed Commitment

Whittle attributed the championship to hard work and resilience.

Briarwood’s Leib Earns MVP Honors in AHSAA Girls All-Star Soccer Game

By RuBin E. GRant

Briarwood Christian’s Taylor Leib enjoyed all the festivities surrounding the 2024 AHSAA North-South AllStar soccer game last week.

She liked going to a museum and spending time with the other all-star soccer players, girls and boys.

But the main event for Leib was the game itself. And she took center stage, scoring the North’s first goal and assisting on the second as the North All-Stars posted a 4-1 victory against the South last Wednesday in Montgomery at Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex.

The game was part of the 2024 AHSAA Summer Conference and All-Star Sports Week, which was held July 15-19.

Leib scored the game’s first goal in the 10th minute on an assist from Springville’s Rebecca Sierra-Barciaga.

“It was awesome,” Leib said. “I got a great pass from my teammate Becca and it was great to start the game with a goal.”

Three minutes later, with the score tied 1-1, Leib boomed a corner kick that bounced out of the goalkeeper’s hands and allowed Mountain Brook’s Langston Lilly to head it in for a 2-1 lead.

Spain Park’s Addison Soehn scored two unassisted goals in the second half, finding the back of the net less than two minutes after intermission and then finishing the scoring with a goal in the final minute.

Leib and Soehn led the North in shots on goal, with Leib attempting seven shots on goal

See LEIB page 18 See SOCCER, page 19

Courtesy

Only 16 teams from across the nation were selected to participate in the six-day DPL tournament that began in late June. The Hoover-Vestavia Soccer team has 17 players, including five from Hoover, four from Vestavia Hills, two from Mountain Brook, two from Trussville and one each from Homewood, Helena, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.

Briarwood Christian’s Taylor Leib with her father, Ryan Leib, at the North-South All-Star soccer game last week.

Courtesy