The second grade recently completed a unit on Families, learning how traditions, relatives, ancestors, and keepsakes are all part of a family’s history. Each student created their own family tree, interviewed a family member, and shared a family keepsake as the culminating project. The 2nd grade family tree project is always fun and educational, and the students love sharing their family keepsake or heirloom and learning more about their ancestors.
Macon East Academy first grade students loved learning about their five senses in Mrs. Victoria Smith’s science class. The students did a blind taste test of salt and sugar to determine sweet and salty as well as other fun activities involving sight and touch. Mrs. Smith is in her first year teaching at Macon East, and her students enjoy how she makes hands-on learning fun. Their favorite experiment during the week included a popcorn treat! The first grade also made their own applesauce to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day.
On September 26, Johnny Appleseed made his annual visit to Macon East students in the Pre-K building. Johnny read a book about his life, teaching the young students how he introduced apples trees throughout much of the United States. An American legend, Johnny Appleseed was known for his kindness, generosity, and his leadership in conservation. His journey west began in 1792, and Johnny became known for his vagabond attire which included bare feet and a cooking pot on his head. For many years, Macon East students have enjoyed a visit from a senior student clad as Johnny Appleseed. This year, Johnny was portrayed by Jake Wyrosdick, who shared apples with the students after reading his story.
Macon East Academy’s head football coach, Glynn Lott reached a career milestone on September 13, as the Knights defeated Fort Dale Academy in Greenville. The 41-7 victory gave Lott his 150th football coaching win. Coach Lott is in his twenty-fourth season as the head football coach at Macon East, where he also serves as headmaster and head softball coach. Over the course of his football coaching career, Lott has now compiled a record of 152-106. He has been named All-Metro coach 14 times and All-State coach 6 times and was selected as the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s AISA Coach of the Year in 2000. Coach Lott’s resume includes state championships in football, softball and track, and he has guided his basketball teams to eight final four appearances. He also serves as the president of the AISA Coaches Association. Lott’s 2019 varsity team is currently 4-1 and anticipates a successful remainder of the season in the AISA AAA classification.
Macon East elementary students kicked off the new school year with a Space themed emphasis commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Gary Willis, program presenter from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, visited Macon East students to talk about the anniversary of the Apollo mission that put the first man on the moon. He also shared NASA’s future plans to return and land the first woman on the moon and travel to Mars with the Space Launch System, America’s next great rocket. Mr. Willis serves as the Manager of the Office of Stakeholder Relations in the office of Strategic Analysis and Communications at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. There he leads and coordinates communication and outreach to government, business, and community leaders to support NASA’s missions. His goal is to share the message of space exploration and excite and inspire the next generation of explorers. The students enjoyed seeing a 1:100 model of the Space Launch System and hearing about the many job and internship opportunities at NASA.
For many years Macon East Academy first grade students have enjoyed weekly visits with a very special canine guest. Mrs. Mary Hughes and her dog, Larry the labrador retriever, visit Macon East each Tuesday and have reading time with every first grade student. In partnership with the Montgomery Humane Society, the reading program and Mrs. Mary have had a positive impact on the reading skills of our first grade students. They look forward to selecting and reading a book to Larry each week. Larry is a patient and attentive listener, and the students enjoy the bond formed with their furry friend.
Macon East Academy held its second annual Back to School Bash and Silent Auction on August 18, 2019. The event, hosted by the PTO, brings families from the school and community together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship for all ages. Kids enjoyed carnival games and prizes, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, and more. The touch-a-truck area gave all a chance to get an up close look at police and emergency vehicles, power company lift trucks, as well as several antique tractors. Older kids had a blast at the dunking booth, aiming to soak their coaches and headmaster with a toss of the ball. The day is topped off with a silent auction, featuring a wide variety of items up for the bidding. The Bash was a great success thanks to a great turnout, generous local sponsors, and the many hardworking volunteers. The PTO is already planning for even more fun next year.
Macon East Academy senior, Rachel Sargent was named Macon County’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2020. Rachel is an outstanding student who has attended Macon East since kindergarten. She excels in the classroom and has countless hours and volunteerism and mission work to her credit. Along with the title, Rachel was awarded $4,100 in scholarship money to be used at the college of her choice. Placing first in the interview, talent, fitness, and scholastic categories, Rachel was also named the Spirit of DYW award winner and the “Be Your Best Self” essay winner. Rachel wowed the judges at the Macon County event with her vocal and piano performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” earning her the title and opportunity to compete in the state level Distinguished Young Woman program at Frazer United Methodist Church on January 17-18, 2020.
Kayla Boroff and Rachel Sargent, seniors at Macon East Academy, were among four students from the Montgomery area selected to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Washington, D.C. Youth Tour in July. Representing Dixie Electric Cooperative, the local students attending joined 1,500 other students from around the country for a week of learning and fun. Kayla and Rachel had the opportunity to visit many historic sites while in D.C., meet with legislators, see the working federal government first hand, and attend a performance at the Kennedy Center. The purpose of the tour is to increase the knowledge of rural electrification among the student leaders and encourage their future involvement in state and national government. Kayla and Rachel both enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Youth Tour and continue to serve as leaders among the student body at Macon East Academy.
