by Roy Williams,
Special to the Times
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In an era when many are complaining about the state of urban education in metro Birmingham, students at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Ensley are showing that young people can thrive academically in the right learning environment. A record 58 percent (142 of the nearly 240 students) made the A-B honor roll (3.0 to 4.0 GPA and above), during the first 9-weeks grading period. Holy Family Cristo Rey Principal Sidney Moore said, “These students earned those good grades through hard work. Our teachers push them to succeed.”
Located in Ensley, Holy Family Cristo Rey is a private Catholic school that offers college preparatory curriculum at a discounted tuition rate thanks to the support and generosity of corporate sponsors and donors. Over 80 corporate sponsors in Birmingham provide jobs and scholarship funds for Holy Family students.
Kennedi Bryant and Corey Walker are among a group of outstanding freshmen. Kennedi has a 4.3 GPA, while Corey achieved a 4.13 GPA. Both students said the combination of a college prep education and internship program attracted them to Holy Family Cristo Rey.  Corey is about to begin working for Urology Centers of Alabama in an internship funded by Dr. Brian Christine and his wife. It is a job that will give medical insight as Corey prepares for a future professional career as a cardiologist.
Kennedi, who plans to become an obstetrician, works at UAB and expects to pursue a medical degree at either UAB or Samford. Her mother, Angileque Bryant, said she is proud of her daughter.
“Kennedi is always very serious about her education, and has gotten great grades in school; that is something I instilled in her and my other children,” Ms. Bryant said.
Moore said that Holy Family Cristo Rey is blessed to have quality students in all grade levels. Sophomores Jaylin Russell, who has a 4.4 GPA, and Jarrett Shelby, who has a 4.3 GPA, said they like the smaller classroom setting at Holy Family Cristo Rey. Junior Maria Dudley, who has a 4.57 GPA, would like to attend either Duke University or Harvard University and major in physics. Senior Elijah Brown, a transfer from Bessemer City School has a 4.3 GPA. Elijah said he plans to become a biologist and pursue a degree at UAB, Samford University or Full Sail University. Fellow senior Khayla Jones plans to become a physical therapist.
Holy Family Cristo Rey College Counselor Pamela Cowan said the students all realize the important role education can play in helping them address society’s challenges. Holy Family Cristo Rey students credit the small class setting and Christian atmosphere that focuses on preparing students for college with their academic success. Elijah said there is friendly academic competition among students at Holy Family Cristo Rey. Added Khayla, “I love the one-on-one attention we get from teachers and the friendly environment we have here.”
Holy Family Cristo Rey students said the experience they get from working at a young age will pay off in adulthood. “I have learned a lot at my job, and it has helped me succeed even more in the classroom,” said Elijah, whose supervisor at BBVA Compass won 2012-13 Supervisor of the Year from the Holy Family Cristo Rey Corporate Internship Program.
Steven Roscoe works at Regions Bank, helping process paperwork. Khayla is in her fourth year of working at the Birmingham Coca-Cola bottler, where she assists with invoice and filing in the human resources department.  Jaylin works at American Red Cross in customer service.  Jaylin Russell and Jarrett Shelby encouraged other students to take their education seriously. “Stay focused and don’t worry about your surroundings because you can overcome them,” Jaylin said. Added Jarrett: “If you are smart, act like it. Do your best and don’t worry about it if people call you a nerd.”

Holy Family Cristo Rey is accepting applications for the 2014-15 school year. The application priority deadline is Jan. 24, 2014 and the absolute application deadline for next year is March 21, 2014. The school will host a parent information night for prospective students on Thursday, Dec. 12.
To register, call Holy Family Cristo Rey Admissions Director Beverly Dixon at (205) 263-0133 or email her at bdixon@hfcristorey.org.  Details on admissions requirements are on the school website, www.hfcristorey.org.

Counselor Melba Holloway and Principal Kathy Murray at rear of photograh beam over their three 5th grade scholars at Adamsville Elementary. Rear to front, Thomas Flores, Hugo Lugo, and Nyia Westbrook. Students made high marks on a reading and math test and were a student in good standing as recommended student from their School. The program honored 376 fifth graders from 30 JefCoEd elementary schools, a program honoring academic achievement since 1990.

Angela Watkins principal of Erwin Intermediate beams about her three pictured Fifth Grade Scholars.  The students were three of 376 scholars
honored from 30 JefCoEd schools in two ceremonies at Gardendale’s First Baptist Church November 12.  From front to rear are Tatiyana Williams,
Landon Thomas, and Lauryn Campbell.  Angel Tolen was not present.  The coveted honor was earned by making top grades in math and reading
on a standardized test and receiving a recommendation from their school as a student in good standing.  This was the 23rd year for the academic recognition.

Counselor Melba Holloway, far left, and Principal Dr. Dawn Kelley, at right, beam over their three 5th grade scholars from Greenwood Elementary. The students were three of 376 students from 30 JefCoEd schools honored in two different ceremonies November 12 at Gardendale First Baptist Church.
To be named a fifth grade scholar, each student had to make high scores on a reading and math test and be recommended by their school.  This is the 23 year for the celebration by JefCoEd Schools for fifth grade recognition academic achievement.

Students in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Wenonah High School gained valuable career information through two job shadowing programs during October. Joining other district academies on October 8th and 9th, they attended the Birmingham Water Works Board Job Shadowing Program.
On October 22, the students visited DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, the BJCC, McWane and Regions Field as they learned from those who work in the industry. Wenonah High School principal Regina Carr-Hope expressed her appreciation for these businesses which are partnering with the AOHT to assist in their mission to inspire and prepare students to enter hospitality professions. Angela Lee-Smith is the director of the academy.
Pictured at Birmingham Water Works are students Errieol Millinder, Jarrion Hall, Gerell Robinson, and Angela Evans (front row), and John Goodwin and Demorris Mack (second row).

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – It’s not every day that students with autism are given the spotlight, but on Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m., autism students at Birmingham City’s Carver High School will shine center stage. Students will present a mime performance as the culminating event of a Thanksgiving luncheon that they will share with peers, parents and other school personnel.
Students began mime lessons in September when Carver senior and regular education student Anthony Horton found himself with extra time in the afternoon. Rather than “hanging around”, Horton wanted to do something useful and productive and approached Special Education teacher Wanda Shorter about working with her class to teach students the art of miming. Since then, Horton has worked regularly with students, and choreographed and will direct the upcoming student performance. During this time, students have also been learning to sign, as well.
This is the second year that students will have the opportunity to participate in a performing arts production. Last year, Shorter and orchestra teacher Heather Rittscher came together to expand students’ horizons. Recognizing the value of music,the two teachers brought together their professional expertise, squeezed out extra time in their schedules, and implemented their vision – providing students an opportunity to learn to play the violin. With a new means of self-expression, students presented an orchestral performance to peers and parents. The performance was evidence of student success and validation of the teachers’ vision.
“It’s rare that this special group of students gets spotlighted in a positive way,” said Shorter, when asked about her approach to exposing her students to non-traditional means of teaching. “If I can do anything to create more opportunities for students, and at the same time highlight their abilities, then I’ll go out of my way to make things happen for them.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Wednesday, November 20, at 1:30 p.m., Birmingham City’s Ramsay High School celebrated its recognition by the United States Department of Education as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School. The event, held at the school, was a celebration of the student body, faculty, staff, parents, and community. Attendees also included senior level district administrators, Dr. Craig Witherspoon, BCS Superintendent and special guest, Dr. Tommy Bice, State Superintendent.
Long respected as one of the State’s premier high schools, Ramsay’s Blue Ribbon designation is an honor which signifies that it is a school where students perform at very high levels.
“We are so proud of this honor which reflects the commitment of students, faculty, staff, administration, parents and community partners to academic excellence,” said Dr. Evelyn Nettles, Principal of Ramsay High School.
The Superintendent, too, is proud to be in the national spotlight as National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation. The designation also sends a strong, positive message to the local community.
“Having recently received International Baccalaureate designation, and now receiving this Blue Ribbon honor, we’re changing the conversation about education in Birmingham City Schools,” said Dr. Craig Witherspoon, Superintendent.
“These recent designations are clear evidence of our commitment to this community to educate students to the highest level.”

Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ academic achievement. The award acknowledges and validates the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in attaining exemplary achievement.