June 1, 2009

Take

Note

Highlands School Celebrates a Year of Student Achievements

Honors Day 2009 was held on Wednesday, May 27, in the Evalina Brown Spencer Center. Members of the Highlands School Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff, current students, family, and friends gathered to honor the achievements of Highlands Students during the 2008 – 2009 school year.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the America Flag, led by Chris Brookshaw, Leila Hai-kala and Maddie Seidel

To begin the ceremony, Kathryn Woodson Barr, Head of School, took the opportunity to welcome everyone to campus. After her remarks, Mrs. Barr in-troduced David M. Fields, a Highlands parent who in-spired everyone with remarks on the importance of

developing personal relationships with others by the giving of your time.

Following Mr. Fields’ remarks the members of the 2008 – 2009 Highlands Student Council were honored with certificates of achievement for their leadership during the past year. At this time Kayleen Simmons, Presi-dent of the Student Council presented Mrs. Barr with a check for $452.13, to be used to purchase equipment for the Science Department.

Students in the fourth through eighth grade who were named to the “First” and “Second” Honor Roll List for the 2008 – 2009 school year were also rec-ognized and presented certificates of achievement. Awards were also given to seven students who were honored for qualities such as their character,

academic achievement, and involvement in school activities.

The 2009 Marie Brady Third Grade Character Award was presented to Carolyn Calvert-Grimes, daughter of Dr. Leonard K. Grimes and Ms. Deanna Calvert of Bir-mingham. This award is presented annually to honor the kind-hearted third grade student who, like Mrs. Brady, encouraged students and friends, was patient with those who saw differently and gave willingly when others needed help. (Story Continued on Page 2)

The Faculty and Staff of Highlands School

would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the

2008 –2009 Parents’ Auxiliary Faculty Appreciation

Committee for the delicious lunch they provided on

Tuesday, May 26 following the Field Day Activities. It was the

perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year.

We would also like to extend a special “Thank You” to Kellye Allen for coordinating all of the Teacher Appreciation Lunch-

eon’s for this school year.

Congratulations to the White Team for winning this year’s

Field Day competition! Great Job!

See you Next School Year! The First Day of School is

August 13, 2009! Have a Great Summer!

HIGHNOTES Page 2

Highlands School Celebrates a Year of Student Achievements Continued from Page 1

The 2009 Peter Haynes Honorable Character Award was presented to Cameron Kennedy, son of Ms. Rita V. Kennedy and Mr. Ted C. Kennedy of Birmingham. This award was given by the fifth grade class of 1974 – 1975. It is presented each year to a fourth grade boy, in memory of Peter Haynes (October 2, 1064 – September 27, 1974), whose character was honored by all who knew him.

The 2009 William Jelks Cabaniss, III Award was presented to Molly Kauper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kauper of Birmingham. This award was established by the parents of William Jelks Cabaniss, III in memory of their fifth grade son. It is presented annually to a fifth grade student who shows characteristics of leadership, academic achievement, and a pursuit of excellence in all areas at Highlands School. The student selected to receive this award is a high academic achiever, has displayed leadership ability, has practiced good sportsmanship, and is always will-ing to lend a helping hand. The 2009 Evalina Brown Spencer Faculty Award was presented to Eli Cohen, son of Dr. Stuart Cohen and Dr. Cason Benton of Forest Park. This award named for Highlands School beloved founder is presented to a sixth grader who has shown high academic achievement and outstanding citizenship. Mrs. Spencer founded Highlands School to provide the very best in elementary education for children. She is still known throughout Birmingham for her achievements in civic responsibility.

The Chatham Hall Book Award is awarded to a student who is in excellent academic standing, demonstrates leadership, and exhibits a love of learning. This year’s recipient received the book Georgia O’Keefe: An Eternal Spirit, by Susan Wright. In addition, Chatham Hall is waiving the ad-mission application fee and offering a $10,000 scholarship for each year of attendance at Chat-ham Hall should the recipient enroll. This year’s Chatham Hall Book Award was presented to Miriam Bernard, daughter of Dr. David W. Bernard and Ms. Virginia W. Caris of Hoo-ver.

The 2009 Margaret Jean McDonald Award was presented to Maddie Seidel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Seidel of Birmingham. This award presented annually to the outstanding seventh grade student who excels in academics, cooperation and extracurricular involvement. Ms. McDonald was the second director of Highlands Day School. During her administration, the school expanded and improved. Her efforts to achieve greatness were exemplary. The 2009 Pamela Nordean Cezayirli Award was presented to Kayleen Simmons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Simmons of Trussville. This award honors the student who demonstrates a love of learning, par-ticipates and supports all athletic activities, and consistently exhibits a positive attitude to all.

The 2009 Highlands School Scholar’s Award was awarded to Rebekah Denard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor A. Denard of Trussville. This award and recognition is awarded to the eighth grade stu-dent who achieves the highest grade point average.

Following the Honors Recognitions, and prior to the presentation of diplomas to the eighth grade class, those attending were entertained with a pictorial timeline depicting the lives of the Class of 2009. Sounds of laughter and amazement could be heard as each student was honored with an individual slideshow, accompanied by a song that seemed to give a voice to the pictures that were viewed. As Highlands closes the door on another successful and memorable school year, goodbyes and wishes of best luck are bestowed upon the Class of 2009 who leave Highlands to achieve greater levels of success and who are sure to continue to make a noteworthy difference in the world.