Education Extra

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS School) students held a school-wide House assembly, called the Coin Challenge on September 11, 2024. Their House system, which is divided into six groups of students in various grades is a testament to the school’s commitment to promoting a positive, unified, character-focused school environment. 

Throughout the month of August, each House was assigned a local first responder or medical professional, including firefighters, EMTs, police, military, doctors, and nurses. Their challenge was to bring in coins to raise money for their designated cause. On September 11, the funds raised for each role were announced at the House assembly. “September 11 is such a historic date for our country. Since our House system is rooted in service, we wanted to honor the groups of men and women who were instrumental in saving lives that day and giving back to the community,” said Jennifer Clark, chair of the House Leadership Team. “Our students did a fantastic job collecting coins for this cause.” The students’ dedication and the support of the OLS School community were evident as they collected over $1,474.62 in coins in just three weeks. This generous contribution benefited the Homewood firefighters, police, EMTs, Veterans Hospital patients, and Children’s Hospital doctors and nurses.

OLS School fosters every child’s religious, academic, and social development, recognizing that knowledge enlightened by faith and realized through service is at the heart of Catholic education.  To learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, visit www.olsschool.com. 

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We want to hear what is happening at your school. Email [email protected] with details and photos. They may soon appear in an upcoming issue of Birmingham Christian Family.

 

Education Extra

Congratulations to Lydia Burnett from Crossroads Christian School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Burnett receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. Read her inspiring words on how her Christian faith impacted her decision making throughout her high school career.

“Throughout my high school career, the Lord has presented me with many decisions to make.

What type of friend will I be? Turning to scripture, I chose to follow the example of Christ as he sought out those who were unseen by others. Being a class representative in Key Club has helped me to grow in my ability to lead large groups of people, understanding and learning to work with the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

What type of student will I be? Just as Christ respected those around them listening affirming and encouraging, so must I. I must also be willing to apply criticism and display discipline as I study, desiring to learn and grow in knowledge.

What type of daughter will I be? Christ continually looked to the needs of others before his own. So, I must also choose to serve my family with love and compassion as I take on more chores, drive my brother to practice, and care for my grandfather next-door.

What type of worker will I be? Christ did all for the glory of all, setting an example for his disciples to follow. As I interacted with locals at the Farmers Market or helped customers at the Soccer Concession Stand, I must choose to be personable but professional with costumers and strive for excellence, encouraging coworkers to do the same.

Lastly, what type of future is in store for me? To God I look, asking Him to make straight my path and to guide my steps, remembering He holds my future in His hands. As the Lord leads me to pursue a career in missions and ministry, He has guided me to Covenant College. This option at first seemed impossible due to financial considerations, and I had to decide whether I would trust in God’s sovereign plan for my life. The Lord continued working, calling me to trust Him and dedicate myself to His plan regardless of how impossible it seemed. In choosing to trust the Lord, I continue to experience Him making straight my path in ways I never foresaw. From friends and family to work and school, Christ has used each of these decisions to mold me into the servant He desires me to be. As I continue my Christian walk, I will continue turning to Christ in scripture and in prayer seeking His direction and wisdom.”

Here are some additional inspiring words from the 2024 Finalists on how their Christian faith impacted their decision making throughout their high school careers. Runner-Ups Brayden Butler and Hunter Parsons each receive a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.

Runner-Up Brayden Butler, from Alabama Connections Academy, says “Throughout my high school career, my Christian faith has been the cornerstone guiding my decisions, particularly in the face of adversity. The trajectory of my life shifted dramatically following a life-threatening motocross accident, an event that challenged not just my physical well-being but also my outlook on life’s purpose. In the aftermath of the accident, my family and I turned to our faith as a source of strength and comfort. Through constant prayer and the support of our community, we found the resilience to navigate through the darkest moments. This reliance on faith not only bolstered our spirits but also provided a framework for decision-making as I embarked on my high school journey. One of the most significant impacts of my Christian faith has been the realization of my purpose beyond mere personal aspirations. Instead of succumbing to sadness or bitterness, I recognized that my experiences could serve as a platform to inspire and uplift others. Guided by my faith, I made the decision to transition to online schooling, allowing me to prioritize both my role on the US para climbing team and my advocacy work within the disabled community.”

Runner-Up Hunter Parsons, from Oak Grove High School, shares “When I was young, a sense of responsibility beyond my years took hold of me. At just five years old, I felt the weight of circumstances I couldn’t fully understand. My mother, a single parent navigating the challenges of supporting two young children alone, found herself relying on faith and family to make ends meet. In my innocence, I believed that to help my mother, I needed to be older. By the time I turned thirteen, I began to actively contribute to our family’s income. I found tasks like mowing lawns, landscaping for neighbors, and eventually assisting in running a food truck to earn extra money. These experiences taught me a crucial lesson – it’s not the absence of certain individuals in our lives that define us, but rather, the presence of those who support us without fail. Life was not always easy for our trio, but together, we had a united front and relied on our faith to navigate life. My mother instilled in us values such as responsibility, a strong work ethic, and respect for others. Above all, she nourished our spiritual growth by making sure we attended church every Sunday, ensured we were active in a church youth group and constantly shared with us the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through these teachings I learned that the wealth of our family transcends material possessions.”

Top Five Finalist Adelaide Jowers, from Homewood High School, says “When you are a “doer” of the Word, your decisions can be tough. Your decisions can be unpopular. Your decisions can bring ridicule. However, my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ has given me the courage and freedom to choose wisely. I have learned I must have a Christian world and life view, where the anxieties of current events are seen through the lens of God’s sovereignty. I have learned that cultural affirmation is fleeting and rarely based on truth. I have learned that instant gratification, while instant, is not fulfilling. I have learned that truth is only true is if is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Top Five Finalist Sydni Jean, from Corner High School, shares, “My Christian faith has played a significant role in shaping my decision-making during my high school career. It has provided me with a moral compass and a set of values that guide my actions and choices. First and foremost, my faith has taught me the importance of honesty and integrity. In all my decisions, I strive to be truthful and transparent, knowing that honesty is a fundamental principle of Christianity. This has helped me maintain a sense of integrity in both my academic and personal life, avoiding dishonest behaviors such as cheating or lying.”

 

 

Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/scholarship to read each finalist’s full essay. Thank you to the over 150 applicants who applied for the scholarship. Special thanks to our Scholarship Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, American Village, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. The 2024 Scholarship recipients will receive special recognition at the Baron’s Faith and Family Night on May 31, 2024 at Regions Field.

 

Education Extra

Help bring history to life by applying for the American Village Junior Interpreter Program. Each summer, up to 25 students ages 12-17 (rising 7th – 12th graders) receive professional training at the American Village in Montevallo and assist our educational interpreters in presenting the customs and times of the 18th Century.

American Village is looking for students who are motivated, adaptable, mature, and also possess performance skills, along with an interest in American history. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2024. Auditions will be held in February and the program will run from May 28-July 4, 2024. Apply now at americanvillage.org. There is no fee to be a junior interpreter. Participants do need to purchase an 18th Century costume (usually $250).  For more details, click here or contact Rebecca Evans, Co-Director, Junior Interpreter Program at 205-665-3535 x1048 or [email protected]. †

Education Extra

Beeson Divinity School of Samford University will begin offering evening courses this fall for those who want to work towards a degree but desire greater flexibility in the pursuit of their studies. Students can work toward a masters-level theological degree in the evenings without interrupting their daytime commitments. Church members seeking to learn and grow in the faith as well as those serving in vocational ministry who desire further biblical and theological training are ideal candidates for the program.

Beeson courses are taught by world-class scholars devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated to equipping followers of Christ for faithful service through the gospel. Graduate-level seminary course offerings for the evening program will include classes such as Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, Christian History and Doctrine, and Spiritual Formation. “We’re excited to offer this new opportunity for believers who want to learn and grow in their understanding of the word of God, the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, and their devotion to Christ,” said Dr. Tom Fuller, associate dean of Beeson Divinity School, adding, “Beeson is committed to strengthening the gospel witness and ministries of churches, beginning right here in the greater Birmingham area. We pray the Lord will use these evening courses to do that.”

Each course meets once a week for two and a half hours over a 14-week term. Students may apply as degree-seeking students to pursue the Master of Arts of Theological Studies (M.A.T.S) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. Those applying to the M.Div. program will be required to take several courses offered only in the daytime as well. The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) is Beeson’s most versatile degree program, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the content of the Christian faith. Through courses in biblical and theological studies, as well as elective courses, students gain a foundational understanding of the theological disciplines for their personal enrichment and growth as well as their ministry and service to the local church. To learn more and apply to study at Beeson, visit www.beesondivinity.com/ad/evenings.

-Emily Knight

Beeson Divinity School

Education Extra

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic (OLS) School recently inducted nine students into the prestigious National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). They joined 16 current eighth graders who became members in 2022. With family members in attendance, a special induction ceremony and a reception were held in honor of the students. These bright young scholars were chosen based on the five ideals of the organization as proven by them through their activities and their teachers’ recommendations. The criteria included Scholarship; Leadership; Service; Character; and Citizenship. 

NJHS is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a student in seventh and eighth grade. The Society brings the endeavors of an outstanding student to the attention of parents, teachers, peers and the community. Chapters in more than 5,000 secondary schools across the nation strive to give practical meaning to its goals. To learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, visit olsschool.com. †

Education Extra

For parents of homeschool students, finding academic opportunities equivalent to those offered in traditional schools can be a challenge. Faulkner University is working to do something about that.  Homeschool students in the Birmingham area who wish to enroll in dual enrollment courses and receive college credit now have another option; in person college classes taught from a Christian worldview.

Beginning this fall, Faulkner University’s Birmingham campus is offering dual enrollment classes for homeschool students. Our location, in Hoover near the intersection of I-65 and Valleydale Road, means convenience for students throughout Jefferson and Shelby counties. Our SACS accredited course offerings mean ease of course transfer to a student’s college of choice.  Find out more about Faulkner’s dual enrollment opportunity for homeschool students by visiting www.faulkner.edu or by calling 205.879.5588. Learn about other educational opportunities at Faulkner here. †

Education Extra

Congratulations to Angela Giffin from Homewood High School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Giffin receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. Read her inspiring words on how her faith has guided her decision making throughout her high school career. 

“I was born in a tiny village outside of San Jose, Costa Rica. My mother was very poor and addicted to drugs. I never knew my father or eight of my siblings. My mother was unable to properly care for one of my younger brothers and me. At the age of five, my mother was turned into the authorities for child neglect. My brother and I were moved to a government run orphanage. I remained in the orphanage until the age of eleven. At age eleven, I was given the amazing opportunity to be adopted by a family from the United States of America. The Lord plucked me out of Latin America and brought me to Birmingham, Alabama to become a Giffin. Moving to the United States eight years ago taught me resilience as I had to leave everything that I knew and loved. My culture, my language, my food, my friends, the only family that I had ever known. As a young girl in Costa Rica, I was introduced to Jesus. However, my adoption experience and move to the United States required me to become dependent upon Him and showed me that God had an incredible purpose for my life. I gave my heart to Jesus and was baptized in 2015. All decisions that I have made throughout high school and as I prepare for college have been viewed through the lens of my Christian faith and God’s purpose for my future. As I have chosen friendships as well as my high school courses, I have sought His wisdom through prayer and Bible study. My faith helped me conquer learning a second language as well as other academic obstacles along the way. My Christian friends and mentors have encouraged me to remain pure and abstain from drugs and alcohol. I have allowed His spirit to guide me in choosing summer camps, school activities and clubs, and volunteer work throughout high school. I have received such joy from serving the Lord through my church and within my community. I have been called by God to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to become a travel nurse. I believe this career path will lead me to the mission field. I know that God has brought me this far and will not forsake me at this point or at any point in my journey. I will continue to trust Him in all things.”

Here are some additional inspiring words from the 2023 Finalists. Runner-Ups Jadyn Moreno and Chase Collins each received a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.

Runner-Up Jadyn Moreno, from Gardendale High School, says, “I often ask myself why my God gave me a mom with cancer. But having such an impactful birth and family story has led my Christian faith my entire life. I put leadership and ministry in the forefront of my life. I have dedicated myself to serving others in my community. As soon as I could walk I was helping my mom volunteer breast cancer events and sharing my story. Today, as a senior in high school, I am a member of several organizations at my school. One that is dear to my heart is the student council. Each year we sponsor a “Christmas Visions” program, which provides Christmas presents to Jefferson County students in need. We organize donations and fundraisers and raise over $35,000 each year. The best part is shopping for the wishlist. I enjoy shopping for bikes and even toothbrushes thinking about the child’s smile on Christmas morning. I Samuel 12:24 says “..Fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” My desire is to serve with a servant’s heart with admiration for who created me- and gave me this testimony.”

Runner-Up Chase Collins, from Oak Mountain High School, shares, “Sin is something no (ordinarily conceived) person has ever been able to overcome, and I am definitely no exception. However, I am constantly striving to eliminate sin from my life, impossible as it may be. I lay in bed at night and go through my day with God, trying to pinpoint the exact moments where I chose to give into temptation instead of following his call. I then repent and ask him to align my will with his, in an effort to completely eradicate any decision that would lead me away from heaven. These Godly decisions are ones I have been prioritizing every opportunity I get, and my church has provided a multitude of outlets that allow me to put God at the forefront of my life. I altar serve, attend youth group, went all through Sunday School, and have logged hundreds upon hundreds of volunteer hours, all through God and the church. I have done yards; made meals; run church yard sales; assisted the elderly; worked VBS; cleaned up after tornadoes; worked church events; fed the homeless at soup kitchens, shelters, and by physically walking through the streets under bridges with friars; and participated in countless other activities through which God has used me to reach others. The decisions in my life have been a product of God’s love for me and my desire to reciprocate that love to him and others. Every decision I make is with God taken into account, as he is the very center of not only my life, but life itself.”

Top Five Finalist Riley Simpson, from Crossroads Christian Academy, says, “I am so thankful for God’s conviction and for loving parents who are willing to correct me and stress the importance of striving to be my best. I can never reach my full potential if I squander my time sitting in front of a screen. I have faced many challenges throughout high school, and I will undoubtedly face many more in the future. The Lord has brought me through enough situations to strengthen my faith and reinforce the fact that anything is possible through Him.”

Top Five Finalist Alex Brockmann, from Hoover High School, shares, “The moment sears itself in my memory. I’ll never forget standing at the peak of Tooth of Time in New Mexico with my Boy Scout Troop. It was a cold, windy evening in July, but as I looked out over the breathtaking landscape – craggy cliffs, winding rivers, and the vast plains of the Midwest on my right and the Rockies on my left – I felt a deep connection to His creation. As I remembered the verse from 1 Peter 4:10 that had always stayed with me. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of purpose – to serve others with my talents in God’s grace and name.”

Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/scholarship to read each finalist’s full essay. Thank you to the 159 applications who applied for the scholarship. Special thanks to our Scholarship Sponsors: American Village, The Center, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. All five finalists will receive a signed copy of Richard E. Simmons, III’s book, College with No Regrets. The 2023 Scholarship recipients will receive special recognition at the Baron’s Faith and Family Night on May 12, 2023 at Regions Field.

Education Extra

Next fall Banks Academy will welcome 6^th grade students as it expands to include a Middle School. The ACSI accredited non-denominational private Christian School is located in northeast Birmingham on the campus of Huffman Baptist Church. The administration explains that “As academic excellence is a key pillar in the mission of Banks Academy, getting students earlier in their educational journey will enable the teachers to better prepare our scholars for college and other career opportunities and to be effective leaders.”

Enrollment is now open for 6^th grade and 9^th-12^th grade for the 2023-2024 school year. You may complete an application on the website at www.banksacademy.org. All Banks Academy students receive scholarship help through the Alabama Accountability Act and local donations. The Alabama Accountability Act is a key pillar in providing the financial support to start the middle school.

The school will host its annual Spring Banquet on April 11,2023 to raise additional funds for scholarships and the school’s expansion. Banquet speaker is Coach David Cutcliffe, a Birmingham native who attended, played football and coached at Banks High School. His coaching career continued at the University of Tennessee, Ole’ Miss, and Duke University. Purchase tickets by visiting www.banksacademy.org. †

 

Education Extra

Rumors, gossip, misinformation and disinformation are constantly clogging our ever-following stream of news. Heard A Rumor is here to help.

No, we are not a gossip site. Quite the opposite. Heard A Rumor is an educational initiative created by Samford University public relations students Anna Baldwin, Bailey Baldwin, Claire Owens and myself for the Public Relations Student Society of America’s Bateman National Case Study Campaign. Since 1973, the Public Relations Student Society of America has challenged college students from across the country to research, plan, implement and evaluate strategic promotional and educational goals for real clients. The national competition allows students to build a functional public relations campaign from the ground-up.

“The Bateman campaign has been the most real-world experience I’ve had during my time at Samford in a class,” said Claire Owens, Samford University senior and director of public relations for Heard A Rumor. “I’ve gotten to pitch to the media, conduct research, help create branding and so many other things that I know will serve me well in my future career.”

The winning campaign is chosen by the client and implemented into their practice. This year’s client is nonpartisan news education platform, The News Literacy Project. Heard A Rumor promotes The News Literacy Project’s mission to foster a more news literate America and to fight for facts. Through our four-week educational course, we provide tools that help you distinguish “rumor” from fact. Participants who complete the course become certified “Fact Junkies” and learn to spot misinformation, disinformation, opinion pieces and advertisements in news sources. From busting bots to actively seeking quality journalists and cultivating conversations with friends and family about the importance of understanding misinformation, “Fact Junkies” are vital to the news literacy movement.

We are proud to represent Alabama and Samford University in this national competition, and hope you discover the power you have to stop misinformation and be a light for truth. “Instead of becoming frustrated, which is easy to do, we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves about news literacy as well as forces that can manipulate us. AI and bots are not going away, so we combat that with knowledge.” Said Dr. Betsy Emmons, an associate professor at Samford University and immediate past president of the Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

–Avery Ketcherside

Samford University Senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism mass communications. Heard A Rumor is competing as a finalist in the Public Relations Student Society of America’s annual Bateman National Case Study Campaign. Learn more about Heard A Rumor’s campaign here.