By Kaitlin CandelariaCompanies such as Google and 3M are known for their 20 percent programs that allow employees to devote one day a week of their work time to an independent project. These programs, which have been hailed as innovative, inspired Shades Cahaba Elementary School Gifted Education Specialist DeShaundra Johnson.Johnson implemented a 20 percent project for … [Read more...]
Team Effort: Vestavia High School Leadership Program Continues to Grow
By Emily WilliamsVestavia Hills High School is home to Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills, a program that seeks to connect the nearly 2,000-student school through the assertiveness and accountability of its members.YLVH began in 2004 through the efforts of Kym Prewitt and her Leadership Vestavia Hills peers. At that time, the Youth Leadership program was not officially a … [Read more...]
Garrett Sisters are Among This Year’s Finley Character Award Winners
By Kaitlin CandelariaMost Hoover parents would be proud to have a child who receives a Finley Character Award. Imagine Mia and Steven Garrett's surprise when they found out not one but two of their daughters were being recognized as 2015 Finley Character Award recipients."It's just overwhelming,” Mia Garrett said. “It's something to be proud of because it isn't a … [Read more...]
Crestline Principal Wins Statewide Award
By Emily WilliamsCrestline Elementary principal Laurie King was recognized as the 2015 National Distinguished Principal for the state of Alabama."It's humbling," said King. "I've been in this business for over 30 years and it's rare that we get recognized in this capacity."This acknowledgment recognizes principals who “set high standards for instruction, student … [Read more...]
History Hunters
School Project Inspires Blog, Book on Homewood’s PastBy Emily WilliamsJake Collins, a part-time history buff and full-time Homewood Middle School teacher, has created a history blog that tries to infuse Homewood’s past into his students’ daily lives.Three years ago, after being approached by students with the idea, Collins began seeking out historic Homewood … [Read more...]