By Emily Williams In June 2012, a dream came true for Hoover resident Ashley DeRamus and her mother and business partner Connie DeRamus. At the National Down Syndrome Congress’ annual convention in Denver, Colorado, the creation of Ashley’s clothing line, Ashley by Design, was announced. Ashley has Down syndrome, an aspect of her life that she says does little to confine … [Read more...]
Mike’s Message: Royer Brings Laughter, Tears to Hoover Chamber Luncheon
By Kaitlin Candelaria Mike Royer brought on laughter and tears at this month’s Hoover Chamber Luncheon, at which he was the featured speaker. Royer, a prolific Birmingham newscaster, left his position at NBC 13 in June. He is now honoring the six-month no-compete clause of his contract, during which he is fulfilling speaking engagements. Although Royer has said not to rule … [Read more...]
Big Band Music: Homewood Boasts Largest Band in State…and It’s Growing
By Kaitlin Candelaria During Ron Pence’s 20-year tenure as the Homewood High band director, the band has continued its tradition of excellence. The largest high school band in the state, it has won countless awards, marched for millions across the country and swelled its ranks to unprecedented levels. In the past year alone, band members have traveled to Pasadena, … [Read more...]
OTM Volleyball Teams Set for New Season
By Tyler Waldrep While football gets most of the attention in Alabama during the fall, it’s not the only sport that launched with the beginning of school. Volleyball teams have been in training and have started their season with the same competitive spirit as their helmeted counterparts. In fact, the Over the Mountain area boasts two state champions, along with a slew of … [Read more...]
Regional Conflicts: A Look at How Over the Mountain Teams May Finish
By Lee Davis In some ways, the 2014 high school football season was one of the most unusual on record. For one thing, when was the last time that perennial powers Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills both missed the playoffs in the same season? The Spartans were good enough to narrowly defeat the Rebels, and Vestavia was good enough to give Buddy Anderson his record-breaking … [Read more...]