By Emily Williams Homewood City Schools recently named its Teachers of the Year, selecting Homewood High School’s Michele Cooley as the top among secondary teachers. “To be able to teach and teach well, one must acquire over time a variety of characteristics and traits that afford the educator the opportunity to be successful,” HHS Principal Dr. Zack Barnes said. “Mrs. Cooley … [Read more...]
Success is Green: Mountain Brook Snags 23rd Tree City USA Designation
By Annie Howard Mountain Brook’s done it again. For the 23rd year in a row, the community has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Mountain Brook also accepted its 15th Growth Award from the Foundation. Both of the foundation’s awards recognize a strong commitment to tree care. As a Tree City USA, Mountain Brook met four core standards. It had: an Arbor … [Read more...]
40 Years Later: Head of the The Altamont School to Retire in 2018
By Sarah Kuper A lot can change in 40 years. But at The Altamont School, there has been one constant: Sarah Whiteside. Whiteside has served as head of the private school for 10 years, but she was first hired in 1978 as a part-time Latin teacher. She then taught Latin full-time for more than 20 years. Whiteside announced her plans to retire after the 2018 school year. The … [Read more...]
Vestavia Hills Woman Wins American Cancer Society Award
By Sarah Kuper Deborah Kirk Walker did not grow up wanting to be an oncology nurse. “I got out of school, I was looking for a job and a great physician agreed to mentor me,” Walker said. But almost 20 years later, she has won one of the highest honors given by the American Cancer Society. In January, the ACS gave Walker the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award for her work … [Read more...]
Soccer Blast: Steinert Named TOPSoccer Coach Of the Year
By Lee Davis Katie Steinert has always had a passion for coaching soccer. She’s coached the game at all levels, but there’s one level that’s closest to her heart – kids with special needs.“There’s just something about teaching soccer and seeing the smiles and hugs you get from the kids that make it a passion for me,” Steinert said. Steinert’s love for coaching kids … [Read more...]