State championship teams recognized by school board

The Homewood Board of Education recognized state championship teams from Homewood High School at its March 17 meeting.

The first-ever girls basketball state championship team shook hands with Board of Education members, and Superintendent Bill Cleveland commended the team.

“It’s a privilege watching you play,” Cleveland said. “I’m a big Kentucky basketball fan, and there’s something to be said when you get teams with a lot of talent to work together as a team.”

“It’s been incredible,” coach JoVanka Ward said, recalling how her daughter told her she heard her named announced at Edgewood Elementary School. “I am incredible honored to be the first championship team.”

Ward also recognized the three senior team members: Jaylon Underwood, Maya Cook-Stroupe and Alex Studdard.

The boys indoor track team won a championship as well, and some team members have been on up to eight state championship-winning teams during their track careers.

Cleveland also recognized the girls indoor track team as well and how some of the boys team members stayed to cheer on the girls’ relays

“That really said a lot about you as a team and you as individuals, and the pride you have for not just your team but for your community,” Cleveland said. 

The girls team came in second in 6A.

Coach Tom Esslinger thanked the Board of Education and its support as well as the fellow coaching staff. 

Also at the meeting, the board recognized the Math Team for their state championship. 

“I have never seen anything like this before,” Cleveland said. “A math tournament becomes a social event. It’s not just the thing to do, but you’re kicking tail.”

The ninth-grade team had the highest score overall at a tournament, defeating rivals Vestavia Hills and Hoover.

Cleveland recognized that many of the team members are also involved with other sports, band and other organizations.

“At the end of the day, we want you to have academics success so when you go off you can enjoy that success,” Cleveland said. “You get the big picture.”

The board also recognized that 75 percent of teachers are involved with leading extracurricular activities, and approved the 2015-2016 school calendar. Cleveland said he would have preferred an earlier spring break but chose to go with one that was the same week as other area schools.