By Brianna HogeDefying odds has become the anthem of Matthew Leong’s life, and his latest feat was crossing the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s stage during the 2022 spring commencement ceremony.Being born at 24 weeks’ gestation and weighing only 14 ounces, Leong had complications including retinopathy of prematurity, an abnormal blood vessel growth in the … [Read more...]

Two young men from Dawson Church Troop 83 were named Eagle Scouts, the highest rank awarded in the Boy Scouts, in January. Corbin Mehrer and Riley Howerton both earned the rank.Corbin MehrerCorbin began his scouting career as a kindergartener and earned the Arrow of Light as a Cub Scout.Since joining Troop 83, Corbin has earned 31 merit badges and … [Read more...]

 By Lily JanasWe rise before the sun. At 2 a.m., we move with silent purpose. We slip on our black socks, lace our Dinkles, tighten our suspenders, fasten each silver button on our jackets and smooth our braids down. The noise at breakfast, the buzz of conversations and clink of silverware, reminds us that we’d all rather be sleeping, but we’re up for … [Read more...]

Shoal Creek author J. William Lewis’ debut novel, “The Essence of Nathan Biddle,” may remind readers of J.D. Salinger’s famed novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” according to BookPage. Lewis, born in Chickasaw, grew up in Mobile and attended Spring Hill College, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine The Motley and recipient of the Merihl … [Read more...]

Dr. Isabel Scarinci, senior adviser for globalization and cancer at UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, was named one of six Rotary People of Action: Champions of Health for her effort to address cervical cancer in Sri Lanka. With less than half of the global population receiving essential health services, Rotary members are taking action to connect those in need to … [Read more...]