John Obert, Camp SAM:‘There Are Hundreds of Ways to Give Back’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorJohn Obert grew up in Hoover watching cartoons on Saturday mornings like most kids his age. But it was not an animated show that most captured his attention--and heart--and led him to devote his free time to helping others.The 30-year-old Hoover resident said it … [Read more...]
Agents of Change: Hayden Patton
Hayden Patton, Mitchell's Place:‘I Wanted to be a Part of Something That Is Helping Children’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorGrowing up in Mountain Brook, Hayden Patton said serving the community was just a part of her everyday life.The 31-year-old said some of her fondest childhood memories are of going to work with her late grandmother, Laura Emma "L.E." … [Read more...]
Sibling Success: Spain Park Twins Get Perfect ACT Scores
By Ginny CooperJournal staff writerWhile most twins have many things in common, few share the same level of achievement that Matt and Stefanie Schoeneman do.The 17-year-old Spain Park High School students each scored a perfect 36 on their ACT exams.But they aren’t the only high achievers in the family. Last year, Matt and Stefanie's older sister, Devon, also … [Read more...]
Agents of Change: Emily Branum
Emily Branum, Symphony 30:“You Have to Ask Yourself, ‘If I Don’t Who Will?’”By Keysha DrexelJournal editorEmily Branum said growing up in Baton Rouge, La., gave her an appreciation for music, but it’s the Mountain Brook resident's love for her new hometown that motivates her to try to make the Birmingham metro area a better place to live.Branum, 36, a … [Read more...]
Levine Draws on Eastwood Memories to Write First Novel
By Ginny CooperJournal internMaury Levine, a lifelong Vestavia Hills resident, is a jack-of-all trades. A quality assurance manager by day and drummer by night, he recently penned his first novel, "Shopping Bagged.""Shopping Bagged" is a humorous mystery novel that follows the story of shopping center developer Beauregard Henry, who has a body buried under the … [Read more...]