Yearly Archives: 2019

Jake Wyrosdick represented Macon East Academy at the 82nd annual American Legion Alabama’s Boys State.  The week long event was held at the University of Alabama May 25 – June 1.  Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama 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. The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys States.  During the week at Boy’s State, Jake served as recreation director for his city, was selected to the city council, and served on the rules committee for the Nationalist party.  The delegates enjoyed hearing from outstanding Alabama civic leaders, working alongside the veteran members of the American Legion, and a visit from Coach Nick Saban.

The 36 member Class of 2019 celebrated the completion of their high school days at a commencement ceremony May 20 at First Baptist Church.  Earning over $1.7 million in academic and athletic scholarships, the class was accepted into 40 colleges and universities.  Eight student athletes will continue playing baseball, football, softball, and volleyball at the collegiate level.  Nine students proudly wore the 13+ pin on their robes representing their years at Macon East Academy.  Dawn Johnson addressed the class as Valedictorian, and Isabella Fagan gave the Salutatory address.  We congratulate the Class of 2019!

Dressed in white robes with royal blue MEA shawls, the Macon East kindergarten class processional didn’t leave a dry eye among the audience of parents and grandparents.  Their commencement ceremony included poems, songs, a touching slide show, and the presentation of diplomas.  Surprised by the cheers and a gift from their 6th grade buddies, the young students proudly exited the auditorium as first graders.

Following the kindergarten program, the 6th grade students took the stage for the final time as lower school students.  Along with songs they had performed at the AISA Choral Festival and the Macon East Alma Mater, several students shared essays they had written about their school and family.  As Mr. Lott, headmaster, presented their diplomas and academic awards, the students were excitedly promoted to junior high.

Some Macon East lower school students who participated in the Montgomery Biscuits Big Mo’s Book Club reading program enjoyed a night of fun at the ballpark. Launched this year, the program’s purpose was to encourage reading among Alabama students in the 40 participant schools. Students who completed six books received a free ticket to a Biscuits home game. Earlier this year, Big Mo visited Macon East to kick off the reading incentive program. Big Mo’s Book Club was a fun addition to our outstanding lower school library and Accelerated Reader program.

Macon East Accelerated Readers who met or exceeded their 4th quarter reading goals recently enjoyed a bowling party. Many thanks to librarian, Leigh Desmarais and the lower school teachers for continuing to foster a love of reading and developing reading skills above the student’s grade level.

The Macon family honored Ms. Marjory Johnson for 50 years of service as a 4th grade teacher. A 1965 graduate of the former Macon Academy in Tuskegee, Ms. Johnson returned to spend her entire teaching career at her alma mater after receiving her degree in elementary education from Auburn University. The student body, faculty, and administration, along with family and former teachers, assembled to unveil a plaque naming the lower school building in her honor.  Special guest, Jimmy Wilson said that Ms. Johnson could be credited with leading the effort to relocate the school to its current location in Cecil as enrollment declined at the Tuskegee campus.  A former classmate of Ms. Johnson and former coach and headmaster at MA, it was an honor to have Wilson on hand for the ceremony.  Ms. Johnson was humbled by the ovation and the surprise unveiling of the sign that now hangs at the entrance to the lower school facility.  She expressed her love and devotion to Macon East and added what a joy it had been to teach so many students throughout 50 years, including her sons and grandchildren.

Macon East Academy’s Drama Club performed a version of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz on May 10, 2019. The students worked tirelessly for months to bring this wonderful show to life; they were busy building sets, designing and making costumes, and practicing their lines. Cast members performed their roles to perfection, amazing and delighting the audience!  The main cast included: Rachel Sargent as Dorothy, Anna Claire Berrey as The Wicked Witch, Ethan Jones as Scarecrow, Jaden Rossell as Tin Man, Jordan Rossell as The Cowardly Lion. Other cast members included: Lane Johnson as The Wizard of Oz, Kaiden Merritt as Glinda and Ozian Anna Watson as Nikko, Munchkin Coroner  and Cabbie, Johnny Mathis as Uncle Henry and Ozian Guard, Kaiden Byrom as Aunt EM, Munchkin, and Ozian, DeDe Frazier as Munchkin Mayor and Ozian, Jaiden McDowell as Tornado, Munchkin and Ozian Doorman, and Jameson Byrom as Munchkin and Ozian. Stage lighting and sound technicians included: Cody Nesbitt, Belle Browder, Ally Matthews and Trent Watson.  The Drama Club is made up of students in 7th-12th grade and led by Mrs. Rayleen Luis.  Along with the annual spring play, the drama club competes in AISA performing arts competition at the district and state level.

The upper school Honors Day ceremony is a time to recognize the accomplishments of students in grades 7-12.  The senior class members are presented scholarship certificates from college and university representatives as well as community organizations. A variety of awards and honors are bestowed upon the students for academic accomplishments, community service, and leadership.  At the conclusion of the honors day program, the seniors receive their honor chords to be worn at graduation.

Congratulations to the high school students inducted into Macon East Academy’s chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society: Kayle Bell, Jackson Ceman, Anne Turner Cobb, Tucker Neven, Hannah Paik, Ellie Kate Wilkerson, Emily Brooks, Bradford Nickles, Georgia Blaze, Colby Cox, Will Desmarais, Brianna Johnson, Jonathan Mathis, Tanner Moore, Emily Nickles, Aiden Steyer, Sara Stuckey, and Mary Hunter Wright.  Mu Alpha Theta recognizes excellence in mathematics, and the MEA chapter is sponsored by Mrs. Melissa Baker.  Serving as Mu Alpha Theta officers for 2018-2019 are Nate Center – President, Jake Gracey – Vice President, and Madisyn Kennedy – Secretary/Treasurer.

Girls on the Run is a 10-week youth development program for girls in grades 3 to 6. It centers around group sessions where the girls discuss and learn strategies on how to successfully handle the many issues girls face in today’s society. At the same time, they are training to run a 5K at the end of the 10 weeks. There is also an emphasis on making a positive impact in their community and beyond. The girls choose, plan, and implement a project to help a local organization.

This was Macon East’s first year to participate in the Girls on the Run program, and it was a wonderful addition to our elementary extracurricular activities.  Thanks to the girls’ coach Ms. Kathy Loomis, along with Kayla Boroff and Taylor Anne Surles, for serving as mentors and role models.  On May 4, the girls and their running buddies completed a 5K at Cloverdale Park.