By Rubin E. GrantEvan Smallwood is quickly gaining a reputation as someone who thrives under pressure.In the first two games of the 2022 high school football season, with his team trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Spain Park senior quarterback directed touchdown drives to give the Jaguars the lead.In the opener against Calera, Smallwood spearheaded a … [Read more...]
Ready to Run: Joseph, Bucs Looking to End Hoover’s State Cross-Country Title Drought
By Rubin E. GrantElijah Joseph earned All-State honors by finishing seventh in the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state cross-country meet.This fall, Hoover’s senior distance runner has loftier goals in mind, and they’re not just to win the individual title.He wants to help the Bucs win their first boys cross-country team state championship … [Read more...]
‘Best Attacker’: Gann’s All-Around Play Has Vestavia Volleyball Team Off to a Solid Start
By Rubin E. GrantSavannah Gann has become a killing machine — on the volleyball court, that is.During the first two weeks of the 2022 season, Vestavia’s 6-foot senior outside hitter racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.Gann is rapidly and well on her way to surpassing the 317 kills she had last year as a junior“Savannah is … [Read more...]
‘It Starts Here’: ASFA Music Department Head to Lead ASO Youth Orchestra
By Anne RuisiWhen last year in his native South Africa Alex Fokkens heard about an opportunity to head the music department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, he didn’t hesitate to apply.“This job is exactly what I was looking for,” said the Hoover resident, who got the job and arrived in Birmingham a year ago this month. “I always enjoyed working with young … [Read more...]
Food of Their Ancestors: St. George Food Fest Offers Middle Eastern Fare, Culture
By Anne RuisiAnnette Ritchey remembers visiting her grandfather’s homeland of Greece at 13 and watching people stomp grapes on one of the islands.Years later, on a recent Saturday morning, she was in the parish hall of St. George Melkite-Greek Catholic Church on Birmingham’s Southside working with other church volunteers to use another part of the grapevine to make … [Read more...]