By Rubin E. GrantTim Shepler took note of Nick Saban’s facial expression when the famed Alabama football coach announced his retirement in January and figured he probably should follow suit.Moreover, after Christmas last year, Shepler, the Homewood basketball coach, already had alerted high school administrators that they probably should start thinking about his … [Read more...]
Homewood, Oak Mountain Claim Boys State Soccer Titles
By Rubin E. GrantWill Jackson wasn’t a part of Homewood’s 2021 state championship soccer team as he spent his freshman season training in the MLS Next youth soccer program in Nashville.He was on the team in 2023 when the Patriots suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Fort Payne in the Class 6A semifinals.Last Saturday, Jackson made sure the Patriots wouldn’t come … [Read more...]
Total Buy-In: Young Spartan Players Work Together to Capture First Girls Soccer Crown Since 2013
By Evan DudleyOutside and inside, it’s all part of the same ride for Laine Minich.An impenetrable force, a brick wall built around a net, Minich is not perfect, but the junior goalkeeper pitched a shutout in every playoff match in leading the Mountain Brook girls soccer team back to the promised land.“Every goal is something I learn from and I have so much to … [Read more...]
Color Queen: Homewood Librarian Aaliyah Taylor Creates Bold Designs in Jewelry and Fashion
By Madoline Markham KoonceAaliyah Taylor’s style is vibrant. It’s eclectic. It’s quirky. And each day, she looks like a walking piece of art she’s created by drawing inspiration from the styles of the 1960s and ‘70s. By day, you can find the jewelry and fashion designer talking with kids about books as a librarian at the Homewood Public Library, where she sees … [Read more...]
Restoring Hope for a Bright Future: WellHouse Volunteer Programs Help Victims of Human Trafficking Heal
By Donna CorneliusIn a cheerful kitchen, a group of women laugh, talk and ask questions. Some are giving instructions, while others try their hands at peeling potatoes or mixing a salad dressing. It’s a scene that could play out in any cooking class, but this one’s a little different. The enthusiastic teachers are members of Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s … [Read more...]