Community
Valiant Cross Academy Opening High School
Valiant Cross Academy announced the location of its new high school in January. Beginning in August 2018, the high school will be located at Building 136 on the campus of Troy University in downtown Montgomery. The school will occupy space on the second floor initially and will add additional floors as the school expands over the years. In addition to occupying space on the campus, the two organizations have entered into a unique partnership. The scholars from Valiant Cross Academy will be benefiting greatly by utilizing the University’s library, the Rosa Parks Museum, and classroom space. The scholars will also benefit from University teaching opportunities as well foreign language instruction from the Confucius Institute. “This is just the start of our vision of success for our scholars. We want them to be familiar with the college experience before it’s time for them to actually consider what colleges and universities they will want to attend. We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to the possibilities,” said Anthony Brock, Head of School, Valiant Cross Academy. Valiant Cross Academy, an all-male school with Christian principles located in the heart of downtown Montgomery on historic Dexter Avenue, is a thriving middle school with full 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Each grade will matriculate up until they graduate from high school. “We knew early on that we could only fit three grades at our current location,” said Kimberly Baker, Director of Development, Valiant Cross Academy. Baker continues, “We truly believed the right situation would ultimately open up for these young men, but I don’t believe we could have ever imagined an opportunity this amazing.” Dr. Lance Tatum, Vice Chancellor at Troy’s Montgomery Campus echoed Baker’s enthusiasm. “The announcement between Troy University and Valiant Cross Academy was both significant and historic for the Montgomery campus. We are all very excited about the alliance this Agreement has established, and the doors this relationship will open for future collaboration opportunities. The possibilities are endless.”
YMCA Names “Man of the Year”
General Paul Hankins was named the 2017 YMCA Man of the Year. For 66 years, teens of the Montgomery Student YMCAs have shown their appreciation to the men and women dedicated to serving youth in the community by planning and executing the YMCA’s Man of the Year annual program held the first Monday of December at Trinity Presbyterian Church. At the banquet, students pay tribute to the nominees, one of whom is selected as Man of the Year. Hankins’ passion for service to the youth of Montgomery shines through his YMCA work and earned him the honor. An active member of Frazer Methodist Church, he has served as the chair of the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex for almost four years. He is currently active on the Metro YMCA Board of Directors, the YMCA Strategic Planning Committee, the YMCA Property Committee and a member of the YMCA Jimmy Hitchcock Committee. He served in the United States Air Force for more than 29 years, where he served as the university president for three separate educational arms. He was hired as the president of the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in February 2005, after serving as municipal consultant to the Mayor of the City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. And he is a member of countless boards outside of his YMCA work. This year’s program, co-chaired by Claudia Hubbard of St. James School, and Catharine del Carman of LAMP, featured 12 nominees and a guest speaker, Sim Sippial, YMCA of Greater Montgomery’s 2016 Man of the Year.
Achievements
Local Lawyer To Serve Samford University
Beasley Allen’s Andy Birchfield, head of the firm’s Mass Torts Section, was selected to Samford University’s Board of Trustees in December 2017. A 1988 graduate of the university, he will serve on the board through 2022 as one of 43 members selected to the university’s governing body. Birchfield has been with Beasley Allen since 1996. The Mass Torts Section he manages is recognized as a national leader in pharmaceutical litigation.
Four Star Freightliner Names Employee of the Year
Four Star Freightliner, Inc. announced Suzy Herring as its Employee of the Year in December 2017 during the company’s annual Year End Employee Celebration at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Herring works as the Executive Assistant to the Dealer Principal and Human Resources Representative for Four Star Freightliner. She has only been with the company for a year and a half, but has made an immediate impact on the more than 170 employees at the six different Four Star locations. “I am so proud of what Suzy has brought to Four Star,” said Jerry Kocan, Dealer Principal. “Her leadership, consistency, intelligence and heart separate her from most people especially in the Human Resource arena. Our team members know that Suzy will help them with any of their benefits, investments and human resource questions. We are a better company because of Suzy’s contributions.”
Rebecca H. Baker Attains CFP
Rebecca H. Baker, CFP, of the Longleaf Wealth Management team at UBS Financial Services has obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. She also holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, along with her Master of Business Administration (MBA). The CFP identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP Certification Examination.
Awards & Honors
Horace Horn Honored with Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cultivator Award
Horace Horn was presented the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cultivator Award for fostering relationships to benefit rural families. For 30 years, the Crenshaw County native has been dedicated to rural development — first as an entrepreneur, then as a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) director and now as Power- South’s vice president of external affairs. “Horace has a unique knack for bringing together individuals, businesses, government officials, educators and civic leaders for common goals,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Whenever a project benefitting rural Alabama is discussed, Horace is at the table — and often called the meeting. He is a trusted friend and colleague of the Alabama Farmers Federation.” A former poultry grower, Horace ran a successful construction company and partnered with Auburn University in development of organic lawn and garden products. He is chairman of the Alabama State Port Authority and has served in leadership positions with dozens of organizations.
Beasley Allen Attorney Honored
Beasley Allen’s David Dearing, a principal attorney in the firm’s Mass Torts Section, has been selected as a member of the International Society of Barristers. Society membership is extended by invitation only to those “of exceptional talent whose qualities including integrity, honor and collegiality embody the spirit of the true professional,” according to its website. Selection is based on an extensive screening process that includes comments from judges before whom nominees have appeared and other attorneys who know them well. Dearing has been with Beasley Allen since 2012.
