Student Spotlights – May 2025

The Auburn High School Varsity and JV Boys Golf teams hosted the 25th annual Joe King Memorial Classic at RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National. With 18 teams competing in the event, AHS Tigers John Spencer Finklea, Luke Hyte, Drew Meadows, Cooper Pratt, and Prather Reaves took first place for the Varsity team! Meadows also shot a round low of 70 and was named to the All-Tournament team. ACS congratulates AHS Golf and wants to extend a special thank you to Mr. Dave King, who generously helps sponsor this tournament each year!

Ogletree Elementary transformed into the Wild West for Literacy Night, and it was a rootin’-tootin’ success! Families enjoyed an evening of storytelling, singing, and good old-fashioned fun. Students and their families explored the book fair in the media center, gathered around for the “Reading Campout” in the commons, and cheered on performances at the “Reader’s Theater.” Kids rounded up letters, sang their hearts out during “Cowboy Karaoke,” and enjoyed S’more’s Pops! ACS thanks the Ogletree community for coming together for some cowboy-inspired literacy fun!

Mrs. Massey’s 2nd graders have been learning all about properties of materials. Students designed boats out of paper and tape to see how many pennies the boat could hold while staying afloat! Way to be creative second grade!

Lee-Scott Academy Upper School students Audrey Edwards & Jay Collins were selected and participated in the 2025 Alabama All-State Choral Festival 2025 at the BJCC. The concert was beautiful and a huge success! Audrey & Jay got the opportunity to work with two amazing clinicians, Dr. Joni Jenson & Dr. Gary Packwood, who provided them with an unforgettably meaningful experience. Thank you to Jay & Audrey for representing LSA so well and to the Festival for encouraging our students in the arts!

Opelika Power Services and Energy Southeast recently announced recipients of the 2025 AMEA Scholarship, which provides $2,500 scholarships to local high school seniors. Among the awardees are two Opelika High School students: Adam Slade Clayton, who received the Technical Scholarship, and Bryan Thomas McEntire, who earned the Academic Scholarship. To qualify, recipients must have families served by Opelika Power Services and plan to attend an Alabama college, university, or vocational school. Opelika City Schools congratulates Adam and Bryan on their outstanding achievement.

East Samford School’s Tricia Oliver was recently celebrated at the National Art Education Association Conference in Louisville. Mrs. Oliver was named the Southeastern Region’s Middle Level Art Teacher of the Year after being selected as the Alabama Art Educator of the Year last fall. She was then honored by the Art Media and Technology Interest Group with their Outstanding Teacher award. Mrs. Oliver also presented at the Middle Level Awardee Showcase and the Digital Playground, highlighting Linocut-style art in Procreate. ACS is proud of Mrs. Oliver’s exemplary contributions, service, and achievements in teaching art.

2nd-5th grade students competed in class basketball tournaments, leading to a championship game! Students were divided into teams and asked to create a team name, design a team flag, and designate jobs to teammates. Their leadership and sportsmanship greatly improved over the course of the tournament!

Congratulations to these students for their art work winning at the AISA District Visual Arts Competition. Winners’ artwork will move on to the AISA State Visual Arts Competition at Eastwood Christian School in Montgomery. Best of luck students! See the full list of placements below:
Kindergarten – 1st Grade
Water Base: 2nd Place: Iona Katchur
Printmaking: 1st Place: Remi Waites 3rd Place: Elizabeth James Duffey
Drawing Non-Color: 2nd: Seungjun Lee 3rd: Harris Hooper
Drawing Color: 1st: Emory Jones, 3rd: Major Riggs
Photography: 1st: Jules Edgar
2nd – 3rd Grade
Water Base:1st: Mac Murphy, 2nd: Hayes Hester
Printmaking: 3rd: Hayes Hester
Mixed Media: 1st: Slaton Moore, 2nd: Charlotte Carter
Collage: 1st: Mattie Beckett Riggs, 2nd: Carolyon Lambert
Photography: 2nd: Lane Yates
4th – 5th Grade
Water Base: 1st: Mills Martin, 2nd: Lauralee Moore
Printmakin: 1st: Channing Graf:2nd: Saylor Stewart
Drawing Non-Color:1st: Ethan Ingram
Collag: 2nd: William King
Photography:1st: Anne Stephens Whatley
Printmaking:1st: Tiffany An, 3rd: Ella Garner
Drawing Non-Color: 2nd: Michelle Simmons
Drawing Color: 2nd: Catherine Greenleaf
Collage: 1st: Tiffany An, 3rd: Ella Garner
9th – 12 Grade
Painting: 1st: Pie Clinard, 2nd: Pie Clinard
Water Base: 1st: Pie Clinard
Printmaking: 2nd: Haleigh Davis
Drawing Non-Color: 1st: Lilly Kate Thompson, 2nd: Ansley Tate
Drawing Color: 2nd: Lilly Kate Thompson, 3rd: Grace Thrift
Mixed Media: 1st: Pie Clinard, 2nd: Pie Clinard
Collage: 1st: Rylee Walker, 2nd: Ansley Tate
3D: 1st: Pie Clinard

Mrs. Young’s 4th graders created beautiful relief maps of Alabama and California! Each map depicted the hills and valleys of the states by using flour, salt, and water! What a fun way to learn about our state’s landscape!

SMCS 5th graders took a trip to the American Village in Montevallo as a culmination activity for their Revolutionary War study! They had an amazing time learning and experiencing everything the village had to offer.

To celebrate Dr. Seuss, elementary students read to PreK classes! PreK students worked on Dr. Seuss crafts and talked about their favorite books!

Four seniors on the Lee-Scott Academy tennis team were honored in their final home meet. Thank you to Hunter, Carolina, Walker and Hayden for all their contributions to Warrior tennis over the years!
We know this group will be successful in whatever they choose to do in the years ahead!

Mrs. Jackson and West Forest Intermediate School’s 4th Grade Enrichment Class enjoyed an unforgettable day exploring marine ecosystems at the Georgia Aquarium. Students discovered diverse marine life through exhibits such as Ocean Voyager, which is home to whale sharks and numerous aquatic species. The aquarium gave students an immersive learning experience about ocean habitats and wildlife.

Auburn Early Education Center held a “Rocking Reader” event with guests stopping by to read from the comfort of the school’s little white rocking chair. With wild hairstyles and flashy flare, K-2 students celebrated the joys of reading aloud while being engaged with humorous voices and inflections of the characters from some of their favorite picture books. ACS thanks everyone involved for sharing their love of reading with our students today!

In their study of various inventors, 1st Grade students decided to create some inventions of their own! Students identified problems they see and created an invention that can help solve some of those issues. There might be some future engineers & world changers in these 1st Grade classes!

Coach Montel currently serves as Opelika Middle School’s athletic director, head 7th-grade football coach, head baseball coach, and PE teacher. “I have been invested in OCS for more than 15 years, and I have seen firsthand as an employee and a parent how amazing our schools, administration, faculty and staff, our parents, and community members are. I have always been blown away by how great this community is. I will work every day to continue building on the foundation of what Opelika stands for and give our students and fans the best athletic experience possible,” said Montel. Montel earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Auburn University in 2010 and received his Master of Education degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama in 2022. He has worked in Opelika City Schools since 2011, beginning at Opelika High School as a PE teacher and assistant coach in multiple sports. He has been at Opelika Middle School since 2015. “Coach Montel brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to this position,” stated Kelli Fischer, Opelika High School principal. “I am excited for him to serve in this new role while being able to continue his strong relationships with our students, our community members, and our coaches.” Coach Montel and his wife, Melanie, also a teacher at Opelika Middle School, have lived in Opelika for over twenty years. Their daughter Mary Cara is a junior at OHS, their son Cooper is an 8th grader at OMS, and their son Houston Woods is a 2019 graduate of OHS.

Music Education students from Auburn University taught a lcompettionzon on Chinese music and shared about the Chinese culture, instruments, and songs. They also brought post cards for students to pass around! Thank you, AU students and Mr. Norton, for sharing with us!

Second graders interacted with farm life and explored the great outdoors at Storybook Farm. Hands-on experiences like these make learning come alive. With nature offering incredible benefits to students as they discover more about horses, dogs, and a variety of plant life while developing deeper curiosity, empathy, and love for the world around them. ACS is thankful for the collaborative relationship with Storybook Farm to host and support our young explorers throughout the school year.

The Tiger Battalion at Auburn High School celebrated cadets and their achievements during the 2025 JROTC Awards Ceremony this morning. These cadets have demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and leadership, participating in over 30 events this school year, hosting the First Annual JROTC Showcase, attending leadership conferences, competing in rigorous competitions, and proudly representing the Tiger Battalion at more than 20 color guard events in the community. Their hard work strengthens the JROTC program and the Auburn community. ACS would like to recognize and thank Maj. Brett Weirsma and 1SG John Audiane for guiding a cadet-led program to excellence. To all the special guest presenters, thank you for representing your organization and for your dedication to supporting these students in their endeavors. Before the passing of the guard and in addition to many accolades awarded, Tiger Battalion leaders Madison Walz and Savannah Trejo were presented full scholarships to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland!

Through a competitive application process, Tina Qin, a student at Auburn High School, was selected to receive a grant from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Student Service Grant program. Presented by The Allstate Foundation, this new national initiative empowers student leaders to create and lead impactful service projects in their communities. The Auburn High School project, which culminates on March 25, 2025, in the auditorium at the Boykin Community Center at 6pm and is open to the public, will showcase the work of a new Therapeutics Dance Program in Auburn. Since January, Qin has worked with Mrs. Elizabeth Kaufman, the City of Auburn’s Therapeutics Program Coordinator, to develop an adaptive dance class for students and adults in the community. Qin choreographed the upcoming show and put her unique spin on the music. “The program aims to spark new interest and nurture existing passions for dance by promoting physical fitness, creative expression, and social engagement,” said Qin, “We hope to inspire participants to continue their dance journey beyond the program.”

Three Auburn High standouts earned Class 7A All-State recognition!
Braylee Winfrey (Jr.) – 2nd Team
A defensive force and reliable scorer in her first season at AHS, Winfrey adds another accolade to her resume, including offers from Illinois-Chicago, North Alabama, and UT Martin.
Brooke Hallman (Sr.) – 3rd Team
Hallman earns back-to-back All-State honors after leading the Tigers to the Final Four last season. She signed with North Alabama and represented Alabama in the AL-MS All-Star Game!
Antwane Daniels (Jr.) – 3rd Team
The Tigers’ top player helped lead Auburn to the 7A quarterfinals. With SEC offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Missouri, Daniels is set to return next season!
ACS is proud of these three student-athletes for representing the school, sport, and community!

Special Needs students at Dean Road Elementary School came together to learn about Judith Scott in honor of World Down Syndrome Day. Judith Scott was a fiber artist with Down Syndrome and deafness who gained international recognition for her intricate, cocoon-like sculptures made from yarn, thread and found objects. Despite being institutionalized for much of her early life, at the age of 43 she discovered her talent at the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, where her unique work became celebrated in the contemporary art world. Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Galimore, and Mrs. Vines collaborated to incorporate art and literature with the children’s book “Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott,” serving as the inspiration. After learning about Scott, the students then made their own fiber-based art. ACS is proud to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

Three ACS students were recognized in Montgomery for their achievements in the 2025 State Superintendent Visual Arts Exhibit. During an awards ceremony at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, students and educators from across the state were honored for their specialization in visual art. ACS congratulates the following students and their Art Teachers:
3rd Place in the K-2 division: Karmen Powell from Richland Elementary School, with her piece titled “The Ricest Flower Cactus.” Art Teacher: Rebecca Wall
3rd Place in the 5-6 division: Anna Heo from J.F. Drake Middle School, with her depiction of “Beautiful Big Ben.” Art Teacher: Julie Speir
Honorable Mention in the 11-12 division: Jacks Dyer from Auburn High School, with his eye-catching entry titled “A Small World 1.” Art Teacher: Randalyn Henry
Ogletree’s Music Teacher, Dr. Phil Wilson, was in attendance as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association to accept a resolution on behalf of music educators across the state. Auburn City Schools’ Career Technical Education Director, Dr. Silvia Scaife, also received a proclamation on behalf of the Alabama Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association. ACS is proud to foster the arts in our community!

The recent Lee County Commission meeting recognized Opelika High School wrestlers who qualified for the state championship. Pictured (L-R): Colt Dickson, Brandon Denson, Coach David Simpson, Tommie Johnson, Gabbie Reese, Heidi Peralta, Trell Anderson, Brady Campbell, and Coach Chase Campbell. District 3 Commissioner Jeff Drury joined the team for the presentation.

Students from the four secondary campuses in Auburn City Schools competed in the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) at Auburn University Montgomery over Spring Break. Hard work, creativity, and dedication to STEM were on full display during the competition. This group of students won a combined $2,000 in prize money, with several ACS students advancing to the Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair on April 5th at Auburn University. ACS congratulates these young scientists and engineers for all of their achievements, and we look forward to what they accomplish next!

Nursing students from Auburn University recently donated snacks to Auburn City Schools students. The Pediatric and NICU Club at Auburn University, sponsored by Dr. Ann Lambert, collaborated with Nurse Jenny Young at Dean Road Elementary School to create a snack drive for ACS as a part of their community outreach efforts. Nurse Jenny and several after-school students at DRES helped the AU Nurses unload the donations with plans to share with other elementary schools in Auburn. ACS thanks AU Nursing for this kindness that will go a long way to keeping students happy in the classroom, especially during testing season, when a brain/snack break can come in handy!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Sigma Lambda Chi Chapter of the National Honor Society at Auburn High School and their induction. More than 275 students walked across the stage to be recognized for their commitment to the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These students have demonstrated a level of excellence that extends beyond the classroom. A special thank you to the faculty sponsors, Ms. Michelle Hopf and Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, as well as Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring and the Auburn High School administration for their continued support of this program!

Peityn Lindsay, a talented Morris Avenue Intermediate School student, earned first place in the 3rd–4th grade category at the Alabama State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit. Her award-winning artwork was selected from entries across the state and is now proudly displayed at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. The exhibit, which featured exceptional student artwork from across Alabama, was open to the public and displayed for the month of March. Peityn’s accomplishments showcase her artistic abilities and highlight the importance of arts education in Opelika City Schools. Peityn is standing with Dr. Eric Mackey, Superintendent of the Alabama Department of Education, and Robyn Done, Opelika City Schools Art Teacher.

On March 22, 2025, Auburn City Schools officially dedicated the naming of Cimo Field to honor Coach Matt Cimo’s influence and storied career while solidifying his legacy at Auburn High School. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the game against Dothan with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance, Coach Cimo threw out the first pitch to celebrate the baseball field at Auburn High School, bearing his name, “Cimo Field.” Coach Cimo’s leadership led the Tigers’ baseball program to remarkable success, amassing a career record of 673-424, securing four state championships (2009, 2010, 2018, 2021), and earning numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors from the AHSAA and the NFHS, and the American Baseball Coaches Association.

It was a day of teamwork and fellowship as students at Trinity Christian School spent the day working together. There were indoor and outdoor teambuilding games, inflatables, and much more.

Willy Wonka was absolutely scrumdiddlyumptious! Congrats to our amazing cast & crew on a wildly successful show!

Auburn Choral Company competed in Show Choir Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee on the Grand Ole Opry stage. After their first performance, AHS Varsity Singers were one of six schools to make the finals, moving up to 5th place against incredible choirs from across the nation. AHS Senior, Karson Hester was named the Outstanding Male Performer during finals. Earlier in the weekend, AHS Elan placed 5th in the single gender division and AHS Men at Work brought the house down with their exhibition performance, “Lumberjacks”. Congratulations to director Eron Smith and assistant director Chris Schiller and the students of Auburn Choral Company on their tremendous accomplishments on this national stage.

With Ms. Croley, 7th Grade students analyzed the elements of fiction, vocabulary, and figurative language in the books they read in book groups. Students were then challenged to display their content in a creative way. They did an outstanding job!

PreK3 learned all about the letters U and V by coloring upside down and playing outside with vehicles! Thank you, Jesus, for beautiful weather.

K4’s Zebra Day was full of excitement as students continued zooming into learning about the letter “Z.” They wore zebra shirts, did multiple zany activities, enjoyed zebra cakes together, and there was even their very own “zookeeper!” It was a truly zestful and memorable celebration of all things “Z” for these learners and “dazzle” of zebras!

Katie Rearden, a teacher at Carver Primary School, has been named a recipient of the 2024-2025 MAX Credit Union Life Changer Award. This prestigious honor recognizes elementary educators in Lee County who have significantly impacted their students’ growth, development, and long-term success. Ms. Rearden was selected for her exceptional dedication and lasting contributions to her students and the school community.

Senior Rhetoric Day represents our vision statement wrapped up in a neat and beautiful bow. These students write a classically arranged senior thesis by spending the year researching, finding and interviewing an expert on the chosen topic, meeting with advisors, writing, then revising and writing some more. Once this thesis is complete, the process of cutting, refining, putting the thesis into speech format, memorizing, and practicing delivery begins. The finished product is then presented by our students on this special day. Well done & congratulations Seniors!

The Animal Project is a highlight for second graders. Students learned more about God’s amazing creation as each child presented their research and “creative endeavors” to the class. The project presentations provided second graders the opportunity to practice rhetoric and learn from each other.

Opelika High School proudly recognizes 10th grader Jada Coleman, who recently represented the school at the University of Alabama’s Capstone Leadership Academy in late February. Jada connected with peers across Alabama and gained valuable experiences that helped her develop her leadership abilities further.

Ms. Love’s Computer Maintenance & Troubleshooting students recently earned their Skills For Success Fiber Optics certification. Southern Union State Community College’s Technical Division hosted the hands-on lab and certification ceremony, while representatives from Point Broadband provided insights into career opportunities within the fiber optics industry. This certification equips them with specialized skills for success in the growing high-tech workforce.

Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Hudson and our Lee-Scott Academy Concert & Jazz Bands for incredible performances in Orlando at the 2025 OrlandoFest! Both the concert & jazz bands placed first and finished with superior ratings. In addition, James Bagley, Campbell Thomas and Jay Collins were recognized with Outstanding Soloist Awards. We’re always proud of how these talented students continue to excel!

Opelika City Schools celebrated a successful Read Across America Week with community partners joining students for fun reading activities. From volunteers in Cat in the Hat hats to guests dressed as book characters, community members brought joy and a love of learning to OCS classrooms. OCS appreciates everyone who contributed to making this annual event memorable for students!