School Bits

Congratulations to Macon East Academy Senior Sam Wallace! Sam was recently recognized at the Dixie Electric Cooperative Scholarship Foundation Luncheon, where he was awarded one of the organization’s prestigious scholarships. Sam’s leadership and character have long stood out. As a junior, he was selected to represent Macon East Academy as a delegate for the Montgomery Youth Tour, later advancing to represent the state of Alabama in Washington, D.C., at the National Tour.

Macon East Academy proudly honors Mr. Don Oswald as the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Legacy of Leadership Award, celebrating a remarkable 55 year career in education—including 14 years of dedicated service at Macon East. Throughout his decades in the classroom and in leadership roles, Mr. Oswald has exemplified resilience, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of learning. His experience spans teaching, serving as principal in both public and private schools, and leading the Alabama Independent School Association as Executive Director. Each chapter of his career reflects steady, principled leadership and a deep commitment to students and educators alike. At Macon East, Mr. Oswald’s impact as Academic Dean has been profound. He has guided students toward excellence, supported teachers with wisdom and encouragement, and helped shape the academic standards that define the school today. His quiet strength and purposeful leadership have left an imprint that will endure long after his retirement. Mr. Oswald’s career reminds us that education is more than a profession—it is a calling. His legacy lives on in every student he inspired, every teacher he supported, and every institution he strengthened. Macon East Academy extends heartfelt gratitude for his extraordinary service. His influence will be felt for generations.

Montgomery Academy Upper School students in Señora Murphy’s Spanish II, II Honors, and AP Spanish classes recently hosted a Espectáculo Cultural (Culture Showcase). Students shared presentations on topics across the Spanish-speaking world, from the Spanish Civil War to Carolina Herrera, Bad Bunny, the Panama Canal, and even a World War II spy. Attendees also voted on special awards, making the event both engaging and interactive.

Saint James School fourth grade students recently took their study of Alabama history beyond the classroom with a field trip to Goat Hill in downtown Montgomery, visiting several of the state’s most significant civic and historical landmarks. At the Alabama Department of Archives and History, students viewed historical artifacts and exhibits highlighting key moments and figures in Alabama history. During their visit to the Capitol and judicial building, students learned more about the structure of state government and the role Alabama’s courts play in the legal system. “Experiential learning opportunities like this help students make meaningful connections to what they are studying in the classroom,” said Elementary School Principal Mrs. Andrea Harris. “It is exciting for them to see Alabama history firsthand right here in our capital city.” Fourth grade students study Alabama history as part of their social studies curriculum. Students study state geography, early native cultures, European exploration, statehood, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement, and modern Alabama.

Students in Mrs. Kiernan’s eighth grade class at Montgomery Academy recently had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with Holocaust survivor Dorothea Szczesniak via Zoom. Dorothea lives in Scranton, PA, and just turned 97. She shared her powerful story of fleeing Germany, hiding in Belgium, and ultimately surviving after being separated from her parents, who were killed in Auschwitz. Students were deeply moved by her experiences and honored her by singing “Happy Birthday” at the end of the call. This meaningful conversation brought history to life and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

ACA Recognizes Mr. and Miss Citizenship Alabama Christian Academy is proud to recognize this year’s Mr. and Miss Citizenship, Mr. Riley Farricker and Miss Olivia Mays. These two students have consistently demonstrated outstanding character, leadership, kindness, and a heart for serving others both inside and outside the classroom. Riley and Olivia exemplify what it means to be an ACA student through their positive attitudes, respect for others, and commitment to making a difference in their school community. Their peers and teachers alike recognize them as role models who lead by example each day. Congratulations to Riley Farricker and Olivia Mays on this well-deserved honor! ACA is proud to celebrate their achievement and the Christ-like character they display in all they do.

The Saint James Middle School/High School Library recently hosted a special dedication and reception honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Nayantara Hensel, celebrating the opening of the Hensel Mystery Collection. A Montgomery native and member of the Saint James Class of 1993, Dr. Hensel was known for her remarkable intellect, curiosity, and love of learning. After graduating from Saint James, she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in Economics from Harvard University before serving in several prestigious economic policy roles in Washington, D.C. An avid reader with a lifelong passion for mystery novels, Dr. Hensel built an extensive personal library spanning classic British mysteries, modern detective fiction, rare titles, and out-of-print works. Following her passing, her family sought a meaningful way to share that passion with future generations of Saint James students. Her father, Dr. Howard Hensel, generously donated a portion of her treasured books to Saint James, creating what is now known as the Hensel Mystery Collection in the Middle School/High School Library. The collection includes approximately 600 titles available for checkout by students and faculty and is located on the library’s top floor near the balcony doors, marked with lavender spine labels. During the reception, Dr. Howard Hensel shared excerpts from Nayantara’s 2002 Saint James commencement address, where she served as the featured speaker. His remarks offered a touching reflection on her lifelong love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and enduring connection to the Saint James community. Additional books from Dr. Hensel’s personal library were donated to organizations serving the greater Montgomery area and surrounding communities, extending her love of literature beyond campus. Saint James School is honored to preserve Dr. Hensel’s legacy through a space that encourages students to read widely, think deeply, and discover the joy found within a good book.

The amazing day was filled with nothing but smiles, laughter, excitement, music, dancing, and unforgettable memories for our students! From the moment the day started until the end, the energy was incredible! A huge thank you to the Montgomery Police Department and the Montgomery Fire Department for coming out and supporting our students today. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, staff, and community supporters who helped make this day such a success. We truly appreciate every single one of you! The smiles on our students’ faces said it all. Days like today remind us how important it is to create joyful memories and experiences for our children. Resurrection Catholic School definitely knows how to have fun!

Trinity School recently celebrated its Fine Arts Department with a Night of the Arts, culminating in a joyful Spring Choral and Dance Performance that showcased the incredible talent of its students. The evening featured inspiring performances by the Dance Ensemble, Show Choir, Guitar, and Choir classes, each reflecting the dedication, discipline, and creativity cultivated at Trinity. Trinity is the only independent school in the River Region to offer a full-time dance program, providing students with unique opportunities to grow and excel in the arts. From music to movement, the program highlighted the school’s commitment to developing the whole child and nurturing God-given gifts through the arts.

It was a very special day as we celebrated our Pre-K Graduation at Resurrection Catholic School! I am incredibly thankful for these amazing teachers who pour so much love, patience, dedication, and hard work into our little learners each and every day. Because of their commitment, our students are leaving Pre-K with confidence, knowledge, and a strong foundation for Kindergarten!

Students in Mrs. Tracy Hendricks’ science classes at River Region Academy participated in an engaging #STREAM lesson led by Angela Kelly of Alabama A&M University’s 4-H program. Through an interactive STEM Bingo game, students explored a wide range of career paths in a fun and hands-on way. As they played, students were introduced to different professions and learned about the skills, education, and opportunities connected to each career. The activity encouraged curiosity, conversation, and critical thinking, helping students begin to see how their interests and strengths can connect to future goals.

The Saint James School Concert Band and High School Choir traveled to Orlando to participate in OrlandoFest, a national music festival that brings together student ensembles from across the country for performance, evaluation, and professional instruction. During the festival, both groups performed for a panel of experienced adjudicators, who evaluated each ensemble’s performance and provided immediate, constructive feedback. Students also participated in on-site workshops, where clinicians worked directly with the ensembles to refine technique, strengthen musicality, and build on their performances in an educational setting. Both the Concert Band and High School Choir earned Superior ratings, the highest distinction awarded at OrlandoFest and a reflection of the ensembles’ preparation, discipline, and commitment to excellence. In addition to the group honors, senior Mary Ann Coon received one of the festival’s highest individual recognitions, being named Outstanding Vocal Soloist for the entire competition. The High School Choir, under the direction of Dr. Sallye York, was awarded 1st place in its division. The Concert Band, led by Andy Martin, earned 2nd place in its division, competing against strong programs from across the nation. Beyond the performance stage, the trip also provided students with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with a trip to Universal Studios. The experience reflected the strength of Saint James’ performing arts programs, as well as a commitment to developing well-rounded students through opportunities beyond the classroom.