You would think this would work better than it does but here we are….flavors with the carbonation just aren’t it…6.7/10 #BrooksTries

Special Weather Statement until WED 6:15 PM CDT oanow.com/news/local/weather…

Davis Whitfield Selected Chief Executive Officer of the NFHS nfhs.org/stories/davis-whitf…

hudl.com/v/2TvrvZ #hudl Travis Andrews class of 27

Authorities searching for missing teen in Tallassee wsfa.com/2026/06/17/authorit…

AHSAA Region Athlete of the Week presented by Alabama Community College System - #ACCSuccess #WorkInAlabama #makelifebetterinalabama Jayden Thomason - Lafayette High School Thomason was recently named to the South Boys' Basketball Roster to participate in the North South All Star Sports Week. LaFayette’s Jayden Thomason (5) leaps high to finish a fast break with Section players Jackson Cooper (2) and Aiden Thomas defending in Friday’s 2A finals at the 106th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at BJCC Legacy Arena (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)

⭐️𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙔 | 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 1: 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙮𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙚⭐️

AHSAA Spotlight presented by Alabama National Guard Recruiting - joinalguard.com/prospect-pag… AHSAA Class 5A Making a Difference Recipient Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker’s Actions Speak even Louder than her Words MONTGOMERY – Birmingham’s Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School has a cheerleader whose actions speak even louder than her words. Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker is unabashed about her love for her school. It shows when a visitor checks out the school’s virtual site. “On the City’s Southern Border, stands the school WE Love! Yes, WE LOVE Ramsay! Ramsay High School, founded in 1930, is nestled on the south side of Birmingham and sits as a beacon of excellence on the top of the hill! Our rich heritage is woven in the tapestry of history with rich stitching of academic excellence. Our school sets the standard for excellence in academics and athletics.” Dr. Walker was announced last week at the AHSAA’s 2026 Class 5A Making a Difference award recipient. He is one of seven individuals, one recipient in each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications, who are being recognized for their impact as exemplary role models in their schools and communities where they serve. The 2026 Class will be honored at the AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet at the Mongomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by then Executive Director Steve Savarese with the AHSAA and its coaching wing the AHSADCA to recognizing individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. This year’s seven individuals bring the total recognized in the AHSAA to 108 individuals from 94 different member schools since the first class of recipients in 2011. This award is considered one of the most important honors an educator can receive in the AHSAA, said Executive Director Heath Harmon. Dr. Walker welcomes all to visit her school to see just how passionate the administration, teachers and students are about embracing learning. “Our Ramsay faculty and staff support learning and is committed to propelling students to reach their best excellence,” she said. “It is understood that I have the best faculty and staff in the land. Many of our faculty are leaders in the district and state. They set the bar high for teaching and learning in moving data and pushing students to their highest academic potential.” Nominator Rodriguez Leonard credits Dr. Walker’s leadership skills for the success of Ramsay High School – which provides programs through its International Baccalaureate program prepares its students to reach for the stars. “Principal Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker is the difference maker at Ramsay,” said Leonard. “Dr. Walker’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and her tireless efforts have significantly impacted Ramsay High School and its surrounding community in such a positive way. She advocates for equal recognition and support for sports within our school, ensuring all students, including the athletes, thrive academically, athletically, and personally.” Leonard points out that Dr. Walker’s high standards and passion are established for all students academically, athletically, or in any other extracurricular interest they might pursue. “Dr. Walker upholds the integrity of our athletic programs by ensuring rules and regulations are followed, and she actively supports and encourages athletes and coaches, embodies the spirit of the Making a Difference Award. Dr. Walker is quick to point out how important her faculty and coaches are to the students’ success. “Their commitment, drive, and work ethic speaks to the innate ability and gift of teaching that they possess,” she said. “The teachers’ unwavering dedication to seeing students win and achieve catapults me into excellence daily! The adage, “Iron sharpens Iron” is embodied here on the hill!” She said it is important to embrace the fact that “We cannot do this work alone,” she said. “We have parents that believe in the partnership between the school and the home. Our parental involvement is the foundation for which our work is based upon. Their support of excellence and expectation for their children to be successful and prepared because of the Ramsay experience makes us greater!” Dr. Walker, a product of Birmingham public education graduating from Ensley High School, earned her Doctor of Philosophy at Alabama A&M University. She has constantly continued to learn – earning a Credential ID Program Certificate from Harvard Business School Executive Education through her work with the Public Education Leadership Project Summer Institute. She has also been active in the Alabama State Department of Education’s programs. AmFirst presented her the Academic Leader Award in 2025 at the Minority Business Awards festivity hosted by SummitMedia at Birmingham’s The Club. This prestigious recognition was awarded to Dr. Walker for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to academic excellence. She was selected the honoree through a public voting process online for her commitment to uplifting students and creating a lasting impact in the Birmingham community. “Carolyn is a true educator who teaches life skills as well as academics to her students,” said H. LaMarr Clasberry, a Jefferson County educator, coach, ordained minister, and motivational speaker. “Her love for children, especially under privileged children, goes far beyond her call of duty. If there were more teachers who teach with her philosophy the world in the future would be a better place. Her philosophy (explained in this adage) would be," She knows that students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care." Dr. Walker’s passion is contagious. “Education is not merely about preparing students for tests,” she says. “It is about preparing them for life. That is why I do what I do. I lead to inspire, empower, and champion every child who spans my path, I see my role as helping students discover their purpose, develop resilience, and envision a future filled with possibilities.” She adds, “Children are my superpower! They are my life! Every day, I am driven by the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities. I wholeheartedly embrace the words of renowned educator Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion.” Every student deserves an adult who sees their potential, believes in their abilities, and encourages them to become the absolute best version of themselves. “All children have inherent worth and value. As educators and adults, we have a responsibility to help young people discover their strengths, recognize their gifts, and develop confidence in who they are and who they can become. My goal is not simply to “teach” them, but to inspire students to believe in themselves, especially during moments when they may doubt their abilities or face challenges that seem insurmountable. “Each day, I strive to create experiences that leave a lasting impact on the students that we encounter at the foot of the Vulcan! I want the lessons, conversations, encouragement, and relationships we build together to become memories they carry with them long after they leave our school.” Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School Principal Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker

10/10 person 🤝 Tyler Spielman 🔗 aub.ie/SpielmanSCST

Tonight, the @Braves and Giants go at it again from Truist Park in Atlanta as the Braves battle one of the premier clubs from the NL West. Hear all the action on our airwaves from the @BravesRadioNet!!

A former Lee-Scott Academy golfer and the former No. 1 ranked amateur golfer in the world will be making another appearance at the U.S. Open this week. oanow.com/sports/high-school…

AHSAA Central Alabama Athlete of the Week presented by Frontline Offroad Miller Lombardi - Wetumpka High School Athletics Lombardi, a 6'1 SS/P, was recently named to the South Boys' Baseball Roster to participate in the North South All Star Sports Week. He had a great junior season at the plate and on the mound, with great arm talent that should continue to turn heads as a college prospect. Wetumpka High School Baseball Photo courtesy of the Wetumpka Sports Network

One of the greatest collegiate golfers ever and one of Auburn men's golf's bright young stars will both be competing in the 126th U.S. Open this week. oanow.com/sports/college/aub…

Judge to rule in Jackson Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama dispute Wednesday wsfa.com/2026/06/17/judge-ru…

There has been distressing news about the war in #Ukraine, which keeps expanding. There are many innocent victims, rescue workers killed, and churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames. I am close to all those who mourn their loved ones, to the wounded, and to those who continue to serve life with courage amid violence. Let us #PrayTogether that this war may end. Let us ask the Lord to open paths of dialogue, extinguish hatred, and make a just and lasting #Peace possible.

These were fine…it did make me want to break out in song but Little Debbie will always top this…6.8/10 #BrooksTries

Lee-Scott Academy head football coach Buster Daniel has resigned from his position, the school announced on Tuesday. oanow.com/sports/high-school…

AHSAA Spotlight presented by Frontline Offroad Reeltown High School’s Will Solomon Teaches his Students to Choose: ‘The Harder Right over the Easier Wrong’ MONTGOMERY – When Reeltown High School Hall of Fame football coach Jackie O’Neal brought Tallassee High School multi-talented standout James “Will” Solomon to Reeltown in 1991, O’Neal said it didn’t matter that he graduated from the Rebels’ archrival school. “He was the best man for the job,” said O’Neal. “He seemed to fit what I was looking for – what Reeltown was needing.” O’Neal was right on all counts. Solomon stepped into a school that took great pride in its long continuity on a coaching staff in 1991 and has just completed his 35th year at the school. Solomon was announced last week at the AHSAA’s 2026 Class 2A Making a Difference award recipient. He is one of seven individuals, one recipient in each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications, who are being recognized for their impact as exemplary role models in their schools and communities where they serve. The 2026 Class will be honored at the AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet at the Mongomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by then Executive Director Steve Savarese with the AHSAA and its coaching wing the AHSADCA to recognizing individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher, or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. This year’s seven individuals bring the total recognized in the AHSAA to 108 individuals from 94 different member schools since the first class of recipients in 2011. This award is considered one of the most important honors an educator can receive in the AHSAA, said Executive Director Heath Harmon. The coaching continuity at Reeltown goes all the way back to AHSAA Hall of Fame (1994) Coach Duane Webster, ironically another Tallassee High School graduate, who served two tenures as Reeltown’s head football coach from 1956-1969 and 1976-1987 – with a brief four-year stint in between at his alma mater just 10 miles away. He finished his coaching career with a 218-93-8 record with 208 of those wins at Reeltown. Stepping in when Webster retired after winning the 1987 Class 2A state football title was O’Neal, one of Webster’s star players and a key member of his own staff. O’Neal, also inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame (2012), remained as head coach from 1988-2015 finishing his career with a 241-110 record with two state titles and two state titles and two runner-up finishes. Mark Johnson, who was an outstanding player at Reeltown for O’Neal, has been the head coach since 2016 – amassing a 92-33 record winning the 2A state title in 2024 and finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2019. Solomon was a key member of the staff for O’Neal and Johnson. His roles at Reeltown have been many. In addition to being an assistant varsity football coach during his entire time at Reeltown, has also coached juinior school football, baseball, softball, boys’, and girls’ basketball … and has been a treasured math teacher protecting his students’ valuable classroom time learning about mathematics just as much as he has treasured his teaching time as a coach. Most importantly, his role as middle school coach helped him reach kids early, get them involved and teach them a love and commitment for sports and mathematics – and learning - that has set a high standard, says principal Audrey Stockdale. She knows first-hand. “He was my math teacher when I was in the seventh grade,” she said. Solomon grew up in Tallassee where he played football and baseball for legendary Hall of Fame Coach Ronnie Baynes –helping the Tigers win two state baseball titles in 1986 and 1987. He attended Troy University from 1987 until 1991, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Comprehensive Education. ”I teach and coach because it is the most important, most challenging, and most rewarding career in the world, said Solomon. “For me, there is no greater opportunity to serve others. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in life. It is my duty, as a professional educator, to do everything I can to give each student the tools needed to succeed. “ He says he doesn’t have time for excuses. “Rather than making excuses for myself or my students and athletes, I search for ways to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent them from being the best they can be – whether as students or as athletes. Teachers and coaches have a responsibility to be role models for not only their students, but their peers, parents, and members of the community. I believe that it is of utmost importance that I influence those I come into contact with to believe in themselves, persevere when things are tough, and to never stop improving.” Solomon said he has been grateful to have outstanding mentors guiding him from the get-go. “I was blessed to have many educators that influenced my career choice,” he said. “My father and mother, Jack and Olivia Solomon, were English professors and authors. My aunt, Ellen Solomon, was also an educator, and my wife, Leah, teaches second grade at Reeltown. She has 32 years’ experience as a teacher. “ He credits his coaches for his passion as a teacher. “My high school baseball coach, Ronnie Baynes, was instrumental in developing my work ethic,” he said. “He never accepted anything less than my best. Coach Steve McCord, one of my football coaches, taught me to believe in myself and to set goals. Coach Woody Weaver, my high school basketball coach, taught me to choose the harder right over the easier wrong. “Coach Frank Autery, my high school receivers coach, made a huge impact on my life. He influenced my career choice more than anyone. He was also my 8th grade math teacher. The way he went about teaching math and coaching inspired me to follow him as a coach and a math teacher. There are many others. God blessed me with great role models.” Solomon has been Reeltown’s Mr. Dependable for more than three decades. He has been a varsity assistant football coach since 1991 – serving as a defensive backs coach and special teams coach who has been on the staff for nine state championship-game appearances during his tenure. He has spent 27 years as junior high head football coach – guiding the younger Rebels to a 131-49-1 record during that span. He has coached basketball for 35 years as well – serving at one time or another as the head boys’ or head girls’ coach at the junior high, junior varsity and the high school varsity level. He served as head varsity girls’ basketball coach three different tenures for a total of 16 years. Solomon has served as head varsity baseball coach for three years from 1993-1995 and has been as assistant baseball coach for nine seasons over two stretches. He was the Reeltown softball coach for four seasons from 1998-2001 with three teams reaching the sub-state round. During his time at Reeltown, he was instrumental in the construction of the school’s baseball facility and softball facility. He founded Reeltown Youth Baseball in 2000 – and the program continues to flourish with approximately 200 children participating this summer. Solomon, who has been inducted into the Reeltown Hall of Honor, also finds time to appear regularly as a guest soloist for the RHS Jazz Band. He was selected Tallapoosa County Schools’ Teacher of the Year in 2015-15 and Reeltown Teacher of the Year four times. WSFA TV 12 also selected him as a “Class Act” award recipient. “Coach Solomon’s influence is measurable – championships won, fields built, leagues founded, curriculum developed, and students who perform at the highest levels,” said Stockdale. “His influence is also immeasurable: the countless hours mentoring young people; recruiting and developing volunteer coaches; modeling servant leadership and strengthening community ties. He balances excellence in the classroom with tireless work on the field and in the community – always focused on student growth, character development, and opportunity.” He and his wife have two sons. Hayden, a 2018 Reeltown graduate, and his wife, Ryleigh, reside in Cullman where Hayden is the Project Manager at Cullman Economic Development. Payne, a 2014 Reeltown graduate, who is engaged, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Austin, Texas.

The AHSAA Radio Network Coastal Alabama Girls High School Tennis Player of the Year presented by Greene & Phillips - Injury Lawyers is Gulf Shores High School junior #1 Singles Player Tereza Mojs. Tereza won every single match she played in the 2026 season without ever dropping a set. After winning the sectional tournament to be an outside qualifier, Tereza went on to win the 2026 6A State Championship at the #1 Singles Position. The 2026 State Championship title was her second in three years. In the state tournament Tereza beat competitors from Trinity Presbyterian, Northridge of Tuscaloosa, McGill Toolen of Mobile, Mountain Brook, and Homewood. Gulf Shores High School Head Coach & Director of Tennis Owen Corcoran stated, “Tereza was focused during the entire tournament. After having missed out in the 2025 tournament Tereza showed up determined to make her presence known and she delivered.” Tereza was named to the 2026 AHSAA North—South All-Star Team and will be competing for the South squad this July in Montgomery.

AHSAA East Alabama Athlete of the Week presented by Glenda Mitchell Law Firm - glendamitchelllawfirm.com - 334-604-7927 Kade Cox - Glenwood Athletics Cox, a senior DH, was recently selected Class 3A 1st Team All State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He finished off his senior season with a standout outing in the championship series going 7 for 8 at the plate helping lead the Gators to the state title.