Chamber recognizes students for excellence

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce awarded its Excellence in Education awards to one student from each school at its May 22 luncheon at The Club.

The following students were awarded:

Paul Condon, Edgewood Elementary. The son of Ashley and Dave Condon, Paul is a member of the Birmingham Boys Choir and performed a solo at Edgewood’s talent show this year. “It was my goal to befriend all the other fifth graders, and I guess it paid off,” he said.

Kathryne Sides, Hall-Kent Elementary. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Sides, Kathryne is active in ballet and Girl Scouts. At Hall-Kent she has been awarded multiple Patriot Awards, is a member of the school safety patrol and has had her art displayed at multiple Homewood City Schools events.

Griffin Vail, Shades Cahaba Elementary. The son of Tyler and Deanne Vail, Griffin was recognized for his strong desire to learn. He is active in Smash at Dawson Memorial Baptist and takes voice lessons. “My goals is to lead by example, and I hope my brothers will, too,” he said.

William Smith, Homewood Middle. The son of Billy and Emmy Smith, William’s track coach described him as the hardest working athlete he has ever coached. He also said William helps younger athletes, and he helps older Boy Scouts on their Eagle Scout projects.

Rebecca Riley, Homewood High. The daughter of Rob and Leslie Riley, Rebecca graduated first in her class with a 4.53 GPA this month. She earned a 36 on the ACT, took 12 AP classes and is a National Merit Finalist. Outside of class, she served as drum major and was president of Key Club International. She will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall.

Following the award presentation, the percussion ensembles from Hall-Kent, Edgewood and Shades Cahaba Elementary Schools performed part of a program presented to music teachers in Alabama earlier this school year.