By Barry Wise Smith
Photos by Jordan Wald
The Altamont School
Hannah Lebensburger
How has playing tennis shaped your high school experience?
I was honored when our coach named me one of our team captains. Playing doubles allowed me to get to know my partner and learn how to read each other on the court. As a singles player, I learned to believe in myself, have confidence on the court, to show up for my teammates and do my best.
You participated with some UAB faculty on a research project that ended with you presenting your research paper. How did this opportunity arise?
Being diagnosed with anxiety at two years old, I have always been aware of mental health and the problems that arise without access to proper care. I reached out to a UAB psychologist to see if I could help combat the problem of lack of access to mental healthcare. She stressed the need for data to prove what we all assumed to be a major problem. I obtained a list of board-certified psychologists in the state of Alabama and contacted every one of them and asked if they accepted pediatric patients and Medicaid. I learned that 46 out of the 57 Alabama counties are without a licensed psychologist accepting Medicaid. I submitted my findings to the American Society of Hematology, and my project was accepted as one of six abstracts for an oral presentation on outcomes of research in hemoglobinopathies.
What have been your favorite high school classes?
I have really enjoyed science classes. My favorite class is Biology, which I took in 9th and 12th grades. I love the labs in the class. Also, I enjoyed Anatomy, which I took Junior year, because of the dissection we did while learning about the brain. We dissected a pig brain and had to separate the different lobes.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in?
I will be attending Emory University in the Fall, and I plan to major in Psychology on the Pre-med Track. I want to attend medical school and continue my studies in biology and anatomy.
What else are you involved in at school?
I am the SGA senior class vice president, a captain of the tennis team and President of the Jewish Student Union. I participated in the Miree Ethical Leadership Center at Altamont School, and I’m a tutor for underprivileged kids through STAIR. Through all these experiences, I have gotten the opportunity to connect with my community and help people. These experiences have influenced me to start on the path to becoming a doctor, hoping that I can help people in the future.
Tell me about your family.
My father is a Pediatric Hematologist at UAB and Children’s of Alabama. My mother is a Speech Pathologist. She works at Behavioral Pediatric Institute and is an online professor at Nova Southeastern University. I have an older sister who is currently at the University of Pennsylvania and a younger brother who also attends Altamont.
Mose Stephens
When did you start playing the drums, and do you play any other instruments?
When I was 10 years old, and I have been playing piano since I was five. I have been playing in the Altamont Jazz band for years, and I also play in a band called Dogwood. Charlie Youngson, Jack Thompson and I are in Dogwood and we all go to Altamont. Jay Pickett, our lead guitarist, goes to Vestavia. We play about two gigs a month, and we recently released two singles on all streaming services.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in? Do you plan to continue playing music in college?
I committed to Tufts University. Not sure what major I will pursue but probably something in the humanities. I plan to join some jazz ensembles and potentially form my own band.
What would people be interested to learn about you?
Two years ago, my brother started recycling paper at Altamont. Last year when he graduated, he handed the recycling responsibilities off to me. Every week I spend about an hour and a half picking up paper from each office and classroom. I take all the paper and cardboard to Birmingham’s recycling center monthly. I have recycled around 5,000 pounds of paper and cardboard over the past year and a half.
Tell me about your family.
My parents are Bart and Hampton Stephens. My mom went to high school at Mountain Brook, and my dad went to Altamont. I am a middle child. My brother is a freshman at NYU, and my sister is an eighth grader at Altamont. My dog’s name is Foxy, and we also have several chickens. I love my family, and I will miss them next year.
Homewood High School
Jakob Amberson
Tell me about coming to Homewood schools in elementary school.
I came to Homewood when I was in the third grade. I was nervous and unsure of how I would fit in. But over time, I found my place. The teachers and students at Hall-Kent helped me feel welcome, and as I grew older, I came to see that the Homewood community is incredibly supportive.
Why is leadership important to you?
Being part of the Youth Leadership class at Homewood High School has been a game-changer. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor younger students, volunteer at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and take part in service projects that directly impact pseople in our area. One of my favorite memories was visiting Brookdale during the holidays to sing Christmas carols. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or being the best speaker, it’s about showing up, listening and making people feel seen and supported.
What have been your favorite high school classes?
One of my favorite classes has been AP Literature. I’ve been trying to read more, and this class really pushed me to explore different types of writing and perspectives. I’ve also noticed that my writing has improved a lot since taking it, which has been a great bonus. The discussions we’ve had in this class made me think deeply about themes and characters in ways I never had before.
Where are you going to college, and what
do you plan to major in?
After graduation, I plan to attend Boston College and major in finance. I’m really looking forward to the academic challenge and the new environments. When I visited Boston in October, I fell in love with the city. The energy, the people, the culture—everything just clicked for me.
Tell me about being part of College Choice Foundation. What did this organization do
for you?
College Choice Foundation has opened doors for me that I never imagined were possible. From ACT prep to college visits, they’ve provided me with resources, mentorship and support every step of the way. Originally, I was dead set on going to the University of Alabama. It felt like the safe and familiar choice, and I didn’t really see a reason to look elsewhere. But College Choice challenged me to think bigger—to explore opportunities beyond what I knew. Their belief in me changed the entire trajectory of my future, and for that, I’m forever grateful.
What would be people be surprised to learn about you?
A lot of people are surprised that I’m a pretty good baker. It’s something I used to do with my grandma before she passed away, and it’s stuck with me ever since. My go-to is brownies, but recently I experimented with making fried Oreos, and they’ve become a hit at home.
Tell me about your family.
It’s just me, my mom and my Pawpaw. My mom wanted something better for me, especially when it came to my education. That’s why she moved to Homewood. She wanted me to have access to better schools and more opportunities—and seeing her and my Pawpaw work so hard to make that happen has been incredibly motivating for me. Their sacrifices have shaped everything about how I approach life.
Alejandra Briceno
You were named a national merit finalist—tell me what that means to you.
It’s a great honor! To be one of 13 national merit finalists at Homewood just goes to show how much this school system pours into us. Every finalist is incredibly involved with our school, excelling in the band room, on the field and in the classroom. I’ve worked hard in high school and am grateful for the validation this award has given me.
What has playing soccer taught you, and what does being part of a team mean for you?
This sport has given me a community of friends, family and mentors. As much as I love the sport itself, I love everyone soccer brings along even more.
What have been your favorite high school classes?
When I took Spanish freshman year, I was told I chose the easy route. After all, I already spoke it at home. But I wanted to learn how to read the books my parents read without looking up a word online every few minutes. In AP Spanish, I indulged in Spanish literature, in Neruda’s love poems, in the tragic cortometrajes. I read stories, examined art, debated difficult topics and wrote countless essays all in Spanish. I would have never thought I’d grow closer to my culture in the classroom, but I did.
What led you to Harvard?
The school’s commitment to serving others before themselves, the proximity to family and the vibrant Latino community made it difficult to see myself anywhere else. Also, Harvard is only 15 minutes away from Machu Picchu Boston, the best Peruvian restaurant I’ve ever been to.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I love reading and writing. I am known for borrowing friends’ books for long periods of time, but I always finish! I also enjoy telling stories through written word, journaling and making music.
What would people be surprised to learn
about you?
I’m responsible for mowing our lawn every time our grass gets too long. I complain the least and leave the least uncut spots.
Tell me about your family.
I sing loudly and terribly like my dad. My stories, like my mom’s, never get to the point quick enough. I feel unsatisfied if my dinner consists of anything besides rice or potatoes. I am the way I am because of every person I’ve ever loved, and I do everything with them in mind. Growing up Peruvian, I was taught the importance of hard work, giving and good food. I remind myself often that my successes aren’t just my own, but of everyone I represent.
John Carroll Catholic High School
Vince Truitt
Why did you decide to attend John Carroll, and what has being there meant to your
academic and faith growth?
I was in a large public school through eighth grade, and I never felt like I fit in. But for high school, I transferred to John Carroll and started my freshman year not knowing anyone, but that quickly changed. I met like-minded people and connected with the students and faculty. I felt like I was being seen and heard not only by the other students but also by the teachers and staff.
What do you most enjoy about theater, and what are your favorite roles you’ve played?
Before John Carroll, I never really thought about theater, but the program was so welcoming and friendly, I thought I’d give it a try. I operated the sound board for productions my freshman and sophomore years until I decided to try acting my junior year. The play was Pride and Prejudice, and I was fortunate enough to be cast in the lead role of Mr. Darcy. The community has been so welcoming, and I think I can say with certainty that I have had the most fun of my entire life being a part of John Carroll Theatre.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in?
I plan to attend Belmont University in Nashville with my older brother. I want to study world languages and the ancient languages of the church. I’d love to learn Italian but also Koine Greek, so I could read the New Testament in its original language. I am excited about all the opportunities ahead!
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my family and getting together with friends to hang out. I try to stay involved at my church, Our Lady of Sorrows. I play a few musical instruments but focus mainly on the mandolin. I also volunteer at the Nazareth House Program, which teaches the Catholic Faith on Saturday mornings to students of all ages with intellectual disabilities and special needs.
Tell me about your family.
My dad, Tony, is the owner and president of Truitt Insurance and Bonding and has a fun radio show on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. on Talk 99.5 called Truitt News Radio. He is also one of the funniest people I know and never fails to keep us laughing. My mom, Joanne, works with my dad and is the friendliest person you will ever meet. My older brother, Zach, has been my best friend all my life.
Veronica Walker
How did you get into archery, and how have you advanced?
I tried archery for the first time at Girl Scout camp as one of the daily station activities. Driving home at the end of camp, I remember telling my mom that I didn’t want to wait a whole year before shooting a bow again. She looked for local clubs and found one in Hoover. She made sure that the coaches were certified, and I shot with Hoover Archery for two years before I started going to competitions. In the summer of 2019, I competed at the outdoor Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) nationals in Raleigh, North Carolina. In my first elimination match, I was against an incredibly talented archer, and I lost, but the coach came over and shook my hand, which stayed in my mind. A few months later, the same coach was at an indoor tournament. He has been coaching me through national and international tournaments ever since.
You were a drum major for the John Carroll band this year. What did this honor mean to you, and what instrument did you play prior to becoming drum major?
My father is a retired band director, so I grew up around the band family, and I know how crucial a competent drum major with a good attitude is for the marching band. Prior to
becoming the drum major, I played French horn for marching and concert band, and I also play trumpet for the John Carroll jazz band.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in?
I’m going to Mississippi State University, and I’m happy that I’ve been offered a seat at the vet school. I also plan to continue to compete in archery—I’m so lucky that it’s a lifelong sport available to anyone, anywhere.
What would be people be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy acting and singing onstage. I’m a relatively introverted person, so it can come as a surprise that I’ve been in four John Carroll musicals and plays, three onstage and one on stage crew.
Tell me about your family.
My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders in archery and academics. My mother always told me that there’s nothing I couldn’t do once I put my mind to it, and she must have been right. My father is extremely handy and usually working on a project for the house. I don’t have any siblings, but we have two cats, Violet and Edna. We used to have a Dash, but
he passed away this December. He was the reason I became interested in being a vet.
Vestavia Hills High School
Anne Douglas Nunnelley
You serve as SGA President. Why did you get involved in SGA, and what does leadership mean to you?
My parents always encouraged me to get involved. At the end of eighth grade, I applied for the Freshman Leadership Council desiring community, and it exceeded my expectations, becoming one of my biggest blessings in high school. The next year, I served as Sophomore Secretary, later serving as Director of Spirit and President this year. These positions have taught me professional skills such as responsibility, teamwork/collaboration and public speaking and have impacted me on a personal level. My personal leadership philosophy is one based on character, scholarship and service.
What have been your favorite high school classes?
My favorite classes were during my junior year: AP English Language, AP Chemistry and AP US History. While these were some of my most difficult classes, the teachers made all the difference. Their excitement for the subject and passion for their job motivated my desire to succeed.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in?
I am going to Texas Christian University, and although I am studying on a Pre-Health track (hopefully to attend Physician’s Assistant school), the varying subjects of my favorite classes mentioned above reflect my desire to pursue an education across fields—possibly minoring in Business or Spanish. I blame my teachers for my indecisiveness in choosing a major as they have all stimulated a wide variety of interests within me and stressed the importance of a well-rounded education.
What would people be surprised to learn
about you?
I have run two half-marathons!
Tell me about your family.
I have a close-knit family, both immediate and extended. My parents met at VHHS and both graduated from the University of Alabama, my dad in Business and mom in Nursing. Amidst everything my parents do, they have always made family their priority. They have shared their love for travel with our family, making yearly family trips some of my favorite childhood memories.
My dad Todd has been surrounded by girls his whole life, growing up with two older sisters, and now being the very patient husband and father of three girls and the cutest yellow lab named Basil (yes, even our dog is a girl too).
My mom Mary is the strongest and most caring woman I know. She is my workout buddy and is who I inherited my love of running from as she has also run many half-marathons.
My older sister Emma is my greatest role model and also one of the most intelligent people I know. My younger sister Myra is often called my twin and completes our family. She finished her freshman year, is a basketball cheerleader, is involved in SGA.
Tate Sparks
You were selected as Mr. Vestavia. What does this honor mean to you?
It shows me that I can be a great role model and influencer because I always strive to help others and make sure every single person is included.
You’re the drum major for the band. How long have you been in band, and what instrument did you play before becoming drum major?
I have been in band since the sixth grade (seven years), and I play the trumpet and enjoy it greatly. Being the head drum major for the marching band allows me to show my leadership skills and my passion for music. Being in band allows me to do what I love with amazing people who push each other every day to become better.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to major in? Do you plan to continue in the band in college?
I’ll be attending Auburn, and I plan to major in business. I will also be trying out for the Auburn University Marching Band, and I hope to march trumpet my freshman year.
Being in the band is like being on a team, what does it mean to be part of a team?
My band director, Mr. Horton, loves to use the analogy of Lego bricks. We must all work together as a team to make the house, or it will fall apart.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I love to hang out and go to the gym with my friends, play basketball, go to church and just help others in any way possible.
Tell me about your family.
I am the youngest of my three siblings—I have two older brothers named Palmer and Ethan. Palmer is a senior at Auburn pursuing Music Education, and Ethan is a sophomore at Auburn majoring in Aviation Management. I also have a twin sister named Campbell, and she will also be attending Auburn next fall. My mom and dad are hardworking people who have allowed us to pursue what we strive to be in life, and I couldn’t ask for better parents. I also have a 12-year-old Goldendoodle named Millie.
