By Laura McAlister Journal EditorFriends of Shawntel Dixon Jones describe the mother of three as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand in spite of her busy schedule, which included her boys' ball and swim practices and volunteer work with Vestavia Hills city schools."She was always the person you called if you wanted anything," said friend and … [Read more...]
Shining Stars
It's the people who make the Over the Mountain area schools some of the best in the state and also the nation. So this year, we've decided to highlight some of the individuals who make our schools so special. Whether it's a teacher who goes the extra step or a standout student, together they make our schools what they are. Meet some of the OTM area's shining stars.Flash … [Read more...]
Great Debater: Mountain Brook Senior Won’t Rest on Last Year’s Laurels
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorBeing named the state's top Lincoln-Douglas debater was quite an honor for Wyatt Moore. But he's still got one more year of high school, and his plans are to top that.Last school year, Wyatt's debating skills earned him the state's top spot in Lincoln-Douglas debate and received the Most Outstanding State Competitor award. The Mountain … [Read more...]
Changing with the Times: Teacher of the Year Stays in Step with New Techniques
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorEven after three decades, Suzanne Culbreth's eyes light up and a big smile stretches across her face when she talks about teaching math.A former boss once described the Spain Park High School geometry teacher as someone who was just "born to teach." Suzanne couldn't agree more. She's always loved the discovery process with her students, … [Read more...]
The Play’s Her Thing: Homewood Junior Spends Her Summer Onstage
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorWhile many other teenagers were spending their summers lounging by the pool, Homewood's Racquel Williams spent hers on stage.To those who know her, this is no surprise. The 16-year-old Homewood High School incoming junior has been performing since she was 2.Be it at school or church or maybe just in her living room among family and … [Read more...]