Yearly Archives: 2015

Macon East Academy athletic director, Jim Brantley was inducted into the Huntingdon College Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony held Saturday, October 3, 2015. A 1996 graduate of Huntingdon College, Brantley was an ace pitcher for the Hawks baseball program. A native of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he compiled a career record of 23-16 on the mound with 5 saves and a 3.44 ERA in 295.2 innings pitched in his sophomore year. Brantley’s junior season ended with a 10-3 record and a 1.61 ERA in 95 innings pitched, as well as a 16-inning complete game shutout against Birmingham-Southern. After his senior season, Jim continued his baseball career with summer stops in Joliet, Illinois (North Central League), and Portsmouth, Illinois (Frontier League). He returned to Huntingdon for the 1996 season to finish his degree and serve as a pitching coach for the Hawks. Upon graduation, Brantley headed north to Springfield, Illinois, to help the Springfield Capitals win the 1996 Frontier League Championship, and ended that season with a 4-3 record and a 2.97 ERA.

Jim began his teaching career in 1999 as a teacher and head baseball coach at Fort Dale Academy. He returned to the professional baseball circuit in 2001 as a closer for the Montgomery Wings and in 2002 as a player/pitching coach for the Selma Cloverleafs. Coach Brantley joined the staff at Macon East in 2002 as a teacher and coach for the Knights baseball, basketball, and football programs. He was named Athletic Director in 2012. Congratulations to Coach Jim Brantley on his outstanding career and induction into Huntingdon Hall of Fame.

Macon East K3 through 6th grade students held their annual Grandparents Day program on Thursday, October 1.  Dressed in jeans, overalls, white shirts and bandanas, the boys and girls entertained their special guests with songs and poems celebrating grandparents.  The cafeteria was filled with grandparents capturing photos and video of their special student’s performance.  Following the program, students, teachers and grandparents enjoyed brunch of cinnamon rolls, muffins, sausage balls, fruit and juice provided by the PTO.

On the morning of September 23rd Macon East students and teachers gathered at the school flag pole for prayer and devotion.  Beginning in 1990, See You at the Pole is an annual gathering of Christian students at their school flag for prayer, scripture reading and worship.  Thanks to Mrs. Jennifer Harris for coordinating this year’s event at MEA.

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer. — Acts 1:14

7th – 9th Grade Winners

Best of Show: Christian Moody (8th grade)

7th grade:
1st place – Casie Starling
2nd place – Aiden Steyer
3rd place – Tanner Moore

8th grade:
1st place – Haley Wren
2nd place – Ryan Brock
3rd place – Allison Parson

9th grade:
1st grade – Zack Taylor
2nd grade – Beaty Hurst
3rd place – Madisyn Kennedy

10th – 12th grade winners

Best of Show: Christian Steyer (12th grade)

10th grade:
1st place – Madison Folkes
2nd place – Sam Pittenger
3rd place – Nick Fitzgerald

11th grade:
1st place – Chloe Patterson
2nd place – Spencer Hale
3rd place – Sami Nesbitt

12th grade:
1st place – Ty Thomas
2nd place – Jesi Garrett
3rd place – Forrest Bankston

Emily Kyser and Forest Bankston represented Macon East Academy this summer at Alabama Girls and Boys State. Sponsored by the American Legion, Girls and Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama high school students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Delegates have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the workings of government, to strive for and assume leadership roles, and to realize that their action can make a difference in their community. Throughout the week at the University of Alabama, Emily and Forest got to experience the processes of state government by performing the duties of office holders, participating in mock government, and meeting many state leaders and elected officials. Forest was elected to the State Board of Education and enjoyed the election process and debates with other delegates. Emily served on the Credentials Committee and said the most touching part of the week was the retiring of the flag ceremony.

MEA offers tutoring opportunities for students enrolled in all mathematics courses currently taught at the school.  Contact Mrs. Donaldson in Room 204 for a complete schedule of available times.