Homewood Student Wins American Legion Oratorical Contest

Homewood High School sophomore Jessica Tolbert has been recognized as the winner of the 2013 American Legion 21st District Oratorical Contest on February 23, 2013. In addition to being awarded a Gold Medal, Tolbert was also awarded a certificate of participation and a $200 award. By finishing in first place at the district level competition, Tolbert will now go on to represent the 21st District of the American Legion in the Division level competition on March 23, 2013. "It's a great honor.", says HHS AP English teacher Lisa Thomas.

 

As a student at Homewood, Tolbert also participates on the HHS Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams, Competitive Debate Team, Teen Court member, and is a member of the American Legion Auxillary. She is the daughter of Tyrone and Miriam Tolbert of Homewood.

Homewood City School's "The M Club 2013" Smashes Records

On Sunday, February 17th over 100 employees and friends of HCS participated in the Mercedes Marathon event.  20 relay teams joined forces to complete the 26.2 miles while 26 half-marathoners completed the 13.1mile course.  This record-breaking performance was organized as part of The Movement-HCS wellness program.  The Mercedes team,  "The M Class 2013",  is the largest number of Mercedes finishers we have had in our four years of existence.  Several personal records were accomplished including numerous participants who participated in their first ever road race.  The Movement continues to model wellness for our community.  The next road race on our calendar is the Spirit Scamper on May 4th at Homewood High School. Training teams are currently forming including all levels of fitness.  If interested, please contact Nivada Spurlock at nspurlock@homewood.k12.al.us. Registration and race day information is available at www.spiritscamper.com.

Lady Patriots Leadership Honors Student-Athletes

Homewood High School's Lady Patriots Leadership organization honored their first semester student-athletes during a breakfast at HHS on February 20. Lady Patriots Leadership is led by Carol Chesnutt and Holly Drake. The guest speaker for the event was Ms. Derita Racliffe, Senior Associate Athletic Director & Senior Woman Administrator at UAB.

 

Honors went to the HHS Lady Patriots Indoor Track Team for being the AHSAA 5A State Runner-Up. Members of the team are: Chandler Bledsoe, Lauren Collins, Rachel Donaldson, Alexia Dugger-Maye, Abby Esparza, Lacey Farley, Elysa Griffin, MAry Margaret Jackson, Maiyah Lee, Nicole Leondike, Hunter Midgett, Allison Putman, Victoria Reyes, Elizabeth Riley, Peyton Ross, Camille Smith, Mary Virginia Spencer, Alex Studdard, Jessica Tolbert, Ann Mosely Whitsett, Kiara Williams, Kelly Young, and are coached by Rebecca Phillips and Josh Donaldson.

 

The Lady Patriots basketball team was honored for being the AHSAA Area Runner-Up. Members of the team are: Sarah Blake, Maya Cook-Stroupe, Alex Dalton, Anna Frierson, Dejane Hester Taylor, Maiyah Lee, Alex Studdard, Taylor Swinton, Kiara Williams, Kelly Young, and are coached by JoVanka Ward.

 

The Academic Honors Recognition was given to the student-athletes that achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher for the first semester. Student-athletes earning a 3.0 GPA or better were: Morgan Abney, Taylor Alford, Syndey Allen, Cassidy Anderson, Lindsey Angel, Aimee Bals, Hannah Beckering, Grace Bertram, Madison Billingsley, Sarah Blake, Chandler Bledsoe, Blair Brown, Cason Caldwell, Laura Carlton, Sloan Chaney, Carmen Chappell, Maya Cook-Stroupe, Katelyn Craig, Alex Dalton, Haley Dakin, Rachel Donaldson, Elizabeth Drummond, Rileigh Eaton, Abigail Esparza, Rebecca Feldman, Katherine Fitzpatrick, Patricia Flech, Kailyn Gibbs, Emily Grant, Elysa Griffin, Helen Hall, Kate Hall, Mary Hannah Hall, Olivia Harmon, Caroline Harris, Madison Hendrix, Samantha Hernandez, Ali Holder, Elizabeth Hornady, Zoe Hughes, Anna Jeffcoat, Sadie Johnson, Percey Johnstone, Kensie Kile, Grace Kyle, Anna Laws, Amanda Le, Nicole Leondike, Annie Livingston, Caroline Livingston, Hunter McGarity, Kitana McGuire, Samantha Nelms, Annie Patterson, Haley Pendley, Abby Poole, Abbie Prutzman, Allison Putman, Courtenay Pyburn, Katie Rada, Elizabeth Riley, Emily Roberts, Erin Roberts, Allison Rohdy, Shelley Roman, Peyton Ross, Abby Ruggiero, Katherine Schablow, Olivia Shull, Caroline Sims, Maizie Smalley, Stella Smith, Giana Stallworth, Sydney Steed, Melanie Thompson, Savannah Trammell, Jaylon Underwood, Sara Valentine, Sara Valentine, Laura Wagstaff, Haley Waites, Sarah Wales, Aubrey Wallace, Katelyn Wright, Riordan Wyatt and Mackenzie Yelton.

 

Student-athletes earning a 4.0 GPA or better were: Adair Blomeley, Lauren Collins, Madison Collins, Charlesy Crocker, Katherine Gardner, Emily Harrison, Ann Hassett, Ann Casey Hughes, Mary Jackson, Elizabeth Keith, Anna Lee Nabors, Mary Claire Nabors, Katie Potts, Victoria Reyes, Laine Smith, Megan Spade, Mary Spencer, Jenna Sakawi, Hallie Tarpley, Jessica Tolbert, Maggie Williams, Ellie Wood.

Homewood's Miller Williams Attends Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC

Homewood High School junior Miller Williams braved the huge crowd and cold temperatures in Washington, DC to attend the 2nd term Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama in January. The event will certainly be a highlight of his high school journey. "I have become very interested in government and public policy, so it was an incredible experience to witness an amazing piece of history first-hand." says Williams. "I worked in Washington, DC this past summer for Senator Richard Shelby and grew interested in government and politics. I was able to receive inauguration tickets from Senator Shelby, and I went with my parents. It was truly the experience of a lifetime witnessing the greatest transition of power in the world." Williams is the son of Scott and Laura Williams of Homewood.

Basketball Teams Earn Big Success This Season

The Homewood Patriots varsity basketball teams continued their winning traditions by finishing strong this season. The Patriots boys, head coached by Tim Shepler, won the 5A Area 9 Championships and finished with a 26 - 7 record this season. Their season ended in a thrilling 46 - 44 overtime loss in the state sub regional in which the Patriots were down by 16 at the half. Seniors who led the Patriots this season were Kelvin Bradford, Michael Lummis, CT Mizerany and Zack Johnson. Returning players are excited about continuing their success next season, and compete for regional and state titles.

 

The Lady Patriots, head coached by JoVanka Ward, finished the season with a 14 - 13 record, and the 5A Area 9 Runner-up. With no seniors on this year's team, the Lady Patriots excelled through the leadership and play of Kiara Williams, Alex Studdard, Kelly Young, Anna Frierson and Sara Blake. Looking to be even stronger next season, Coach Ward and the Lady Patriots look to be one of the state's top teams.

 

Homewood National Merit Finalists Named

Congratulations to our National Merit Finalists!

Chris Atchison
Zach Blomeley
Edward DeMetz
Allise Fortinberry
Jacob Helf
Rebecca Riley
Grant Smith
Maggie Williams


Front row LtoR: Maggie Williams, Rebecca Riley, Allise Fortinberry, Chris Atchison.
Back row LtoR: Zachary Blomeley, Jacob Helf, Grant Smith, Edward DeMetz.[/caption]

Riley Selected as Candidate for United States Presidential Scholars Program

Rebecca Riley has been selected as a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.  The program is established to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduation seniors for their accomplishments in many areas:  academic success, leadership, and service to school and community.  Congratulations to Rebecca!

Patriots Wrestlers Qualify for the State Tournament

The Homewood High School Wrestling team finished in 4th place in the 5A Section 1 Tournament on February 9. Nine Patriots quaified for the state tournament, the most to qualify in 7 years. State qualifiers are: Zach Sims - Sectional Champion, Noah Crocker - 1st runner-up, Jaquan Barber - 1st runner-up, Eathan Harris - 1st runner-up, Kewaan Kennedy - 4th place, Aaron Avery - 4th place, Chase Kelly - 4th place, Joe King - 4th place, and Jared Melby - 4th place. Coach Eddie Crocker is proud of the success fof his team, and gives credit to HHS faculty and administration for their growth. "Thank you to all teachers and administrators who helped develop these fine young men." says Crocker.

Homewood Show Choir Rocks the 2013 Southern Showcase in Opelika

Director Scott Thorne and the Homewood High School Show Choir put up huge numbers and brought home the hardware for the 2013 Southern Showcase in Opelika, AL on February 9. Thorne said that after a slow start, HHS finished strong and won the awards for Overall Grand Champion, Spirit of Southern Showcase, Best Overall Effect, Best Visual Effect, Division A First Runner-Up, and Large Mixed First Runner-Up. Thorne says he's looking forward to hosting the next big show choir event here at Homewood High School on February 16.

Big Signing Day for Homewood Patriots Football

National Signing Day was a big event at Homewood High School on February 6, as three Patriots signed their Letter of Intent to play college football. A packed Patriot room filled with family, friends, teammates, faculty and coaches enthusiastically cheered as the players signed. All three are excited to be playing at the next level in the state of Alabama.

 

Patriots center Zach Sims signed to play for the UAB Blazers. Zach is the son of Scott and Andi Sims of Homewood. In addition to his parents, the signing was attended by Zach's sister Caroline, and brothers William and Harrison. Also attending were many friends and teammates.Zach was honored this season as an ASWA Honorable Mention All State selection, as well as a participant in the Alabama-Mississippi All Star football game in December.

 

Punter Jay Williams signed to play for the Birmingham-Southern Panthers in the Fall. Jay is the grandson of Michael and Marie Williams of Homewood. In addition to his grandparents, several family members, teammates and friends were in attendance at the signing. Jay was honored this season as an ASWA 1st Team All State selection.

 

Running back Justin Hardy signed to play for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks this Fall. Justin is the son of Reginald and Cassandra Hardy of Homewood. In addition to his parents, many friends and teammates attended the signing.

 

The Patriots are lead by head coach Doug Goodwin. Also attending the signings were coaches Doug Gann, Carter Doyle, Dustin Goodwin, Randy Lowery and Freddy Lawrence as well as HHS Athletic Director Kevin Tubbs and Ginger Collins.

Homewood Pitcher Signs With Northwest Florida State College

Homewood High School pitcher Brian Browning signed a scholarship to play baseball at Northwest Florida State College on February 6, 2013. Brian is coached by Doug Gann and Keith Brown at HHS. The signing was attended by a packed Patriot Room including Brian's parents, family members, teammates, youth and travel team coaches, HHS faculty and friends. He's excited to become a NWF Raider, but even more excited his upcoming senior season, and a run at the 5A State Championship in May.

Homewood's Lauren Collins to Play Soccer for the Crimson Tide

A packed Patriot Room witnessed Homewood High School soccer standout Lauren Collins signing a scholarship to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide on February 6. Lauren is the daughter of Diana and Scott Collins of Homewood, and coached at HHS by Nathan Carlson. In addition to her parents and coach, the signing was attended by her brother Nathan, club coach Andrew Brower, and many of her teammates, faculty and friends. Lauren will bring enthusiasm, leadership and a strong work ethic to the Tide next year. Lauren and her teammates at HHS are geared up and ready for a great senior season for the Patriots.

Homewood's Zach Sims Verbally Commits to UAB

Homewood High School senior Zach Sims has verbally committed to play footbal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham this Fall. Sims made the committment during a visit to UAB in early February. Sims is an ASWA Honorable Mention All State selection this season as a center and anchor of the Patriots offensive line, leading them to a 9-2 record this season. Sims will sign his Letter of Intent to attend UAB and play for the Blazers on February 6 at HHS.

Homewood High School Indoor Track Team WINS State Championship

The Homewood High School Varsity Boys Indoor Track & Field Team won the 5A State Championship on Feb. 2.The Varsity Girls team placed second in the state.

Mike Rohdy led the boys by winning the 3200 meter and placing 2nd in the 1600 meter.  The following boys earned All-State honors by placing top three in their individual events: Teverius Lindsey (second in triple jump), Justin Hardy (second in the 60m), Alex Ngei (second in the 3200m), Orlando Swann (third in the 60m), and Hap Williams (third in Long Jump). The members of the 4 x 200 meter relay (D'Vonte Wallace, Swann, Lindsey and TreyVeon Drake) and the 4 x 800 meter relay (Logan Sadler, Robby Tapscott, Mike Rohdy and Andy Smith) teams earned All-State honors by placing second.

The varsity girls were led by Lauren Collins, who won the 800 meter and placed second in the 400 meter. Kiara Williams (third in long jump) and Ann Mosley Whitsett (second in the 800m, third in the 400m) earned individual All-State honors. The 4 x 800 meter relay team (Collins, Mary Margaret Jackson, Camille Smith and Whitsett) won state, and the 4 x 400 meter (Collins, Jackson, Williams and Whitsett) and 4 x 200 meter relay (Elyssa Griffin, Alex Studdard, Maiyah Lee and Kiara Williams) teams both earned All-State honors by placing second.

The Patriots are coached by Tom Esslinger, Joshua Donaldson, Rebecca Phillips, Lars Porter and Michael Niezgoda.

Varsity Boys Honored at Senior Night

Homewood High School seniors CT Mizerany, Michael Lummis, Zack Johnson and Kelvin Bradford were honored at Senior Night on February 1. The Patriots are coached by Tim Shepler, and went on to defeat Spain Park in the final home game of the regular season.

Homewood Show Choir Dominates the Diamond Classic

The Homewood High School Show Choir took top honors at the Diamond Classic Show Choir International 2013 at Albertville High School on February 2. The Show Choir to home the Grand Champion trophy, as well as First Place in the Class "AA" Division, Best Choreography, Best Overall Effect, and Second Place in the Women's Division. Leading the HHS Show Choir is Scott Thorne.

Homewood Band Students Place in Honor Band

Congratulations to the 4 Homewood High School Band students for participating in the 40th Annual Southeastern United States Honor Bands held on the campus of Troy University. This honor band hosts over 500 students from Ga, Fl, and Al.

Daniel Summe (Tuba)- 3rd Chair Silver Band

Tyler Willard (Trombone)- 5th Chair Silver Band

Wesley Butler (Tuba)- 7th Chair Cardinal Band

Kendall Wagner (Oboe)- 1st Chair Gold Band

Band director Terrance Cobb was very happy these students worked so hard and represented HHS so well. "We are so proud of these students for representing Homewood and this band program so well!!" says Cobb.

Homewood 3rd Baseman Signs with Calhoun Community College

Homewood High School 3^rd baseman Connor Rivers signed a scholarship to play baseball at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama on January 30, 2013. Connor is the son of Chip and Cynthia Rivers of Homewood, and was coached by Doug Gann and Keith Brown at HHS. The signing was attended by Connor’s brother Griffin, as well as many of his teammates, coaches and friends. Calhoun coach Mike Burns is excited about the addition of Connor to the Warhawks lineup. There are two former Calhoun players playing at the professional level, as well as Jorge Posada, who has played for the New York Yankees for the past 17 seasons and recently retired. Conner is gearing up for a great senior season, and a run at the 5A State Championship in May.

Cheerleaders Visit Grace House

The Homewood High School cheerleaders took time out from their holiday, studying and practice to make a positive difference in the lives of girls less fortunate. They spent a day with the residents of Grace House, a home for at-risk girls from the Birmingham metro area. Senior Annie Patterson was touched by her visit. “My experience visiting Grace House was rewarding! Getting to know all the girls was a great experience. They are a great group of girls who are loving, funny, and love to have fun.” Annie said. “It was a great experience.”

Grace House is a mission program sponsored by Elevate Church. According to their website, the mission of Grace House is to provide stable Christian homes for girls from crisis backgrounds with the commitment to developing mature, Godly women. Their purpose is “To give hope to girls in crisis.” Through counseling, each girl is taught to pack their “eternal suitcase”. This represents her preparation to lead a productive life, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and abuse. They learn to overcome life’s obstacles, and are tutored to reach academic and spiritual success.

Senior Abby Prutzman was happy she was able to visit Grace House. “I had a great time at Grace House! It’s fun to hang out with the girls and get to know them.” The rest of the team had a similar experience and long-lasting memories from the visit. The HHS cheerleaders are under  the supervision and leadership of sponsors Holly Drake and Maggie Stoffregen.