Spotlight: Jamie Rouse-Luna

Jamie and her husband, Brandon, live in Surprise, Arizona, with their sons Andrew (4 years) and Dylan (2 years). Jamie and Brandon met at Auburn University, from which Jamie earned a degree in psychology. Jamie was a stay at home mom for four years and now works with mentally ill individuals as a clinical liaison. In her free time, Jamie enjoys running, hiking, going to baseball games (her husband played in the minors for three years), and spending time with family and friends. She is training to run a half marathon, and would like to eventually run a full marathon. Jamie and Brandon own two small businesses: a contracting business and a real estate business.

The Reunion, Saturday Night

Well, it's taken two weeks, but here are pictures and captions from the reunion on Saturday night.  We had a good time, though I'm sure others would agree things were a bit awkward at times.  I have talked to a few others, and I think we're going to make the picnic a yearly event. It will be held the third Saturday of May each year (probably 2-4).  Perhaps seeing each other more often will help to alleviate awkwardness. :)  Also, hopefully more faces will begin to appear with each passing year.

Here are the 14 of 64 who graced Top of the River with our appearance: Jason Daley, Stacy Clark, April Cooper, Lisa Glover, Emily Boyd, Roxanne Doran, Kati Cloer, Brad Kirby, Meagon Franklin, Sayward Hodges, Adam Bailey, Stacey Jo Self, Brent Beal, and Richie Posey (with his Chick-fil-a hat straight from the time capsule); Sorry, Daniel Lanier, but you left right before the picture was taken.  Speaking of the time capsule, we did open it and laugh at its contents. Some people even brought new items to place in the time capsule for the next ten years!

Matt & April Clark

Adam & Lindsey Bailey

Brent & Rebekah Beal

Richie & Kathy Posey

Jake & Lisa Hicks, Roxanne Doran

Sayward Lowery, Meagon Franklin, Stacey Jo Nunnally

Josh & Emily Sellers

Steve & Sayward Lowery

It was fun getting to see each other and the memorabilia that we had laying out.  We all grew up together, but then we also grew apart.  I hope we can rekindle some old friendships through this Blog and our reunion.

The picnic that we had on Sunday was VERY cold.  Because Case was constantly jumping in my lap, I only took a few pictures.  They were pictures of our children releasing pink balloons to honor the life of Kayleigh Freeman. If you have good pictures from the picnic please e-mail them to me, and I'll try to post them. 

Please keep in touch.  You can still e-mail or mail me your bio info so that I can post it.  Yes, I still have two to post.  It's been a busy few weeks.  The end of the school year is exhausting. Plus my iron got low, so I was doubly exhausted.

Please Wait Patiently

I will get around to posting pictures from the reunion this past weekend. However, I am currently trying to close out the school year, raise a family, attend several functions, and go to church (which is top priority). I also have some pressing posts that I need to type on my other Blog. Hopefully I'll have a reunion update posted by this weekend.

Spotlight: April Cooper-Clark

After high school I went to college at the University of North Alabama.  It was so much fun!  I loved being in a sorority and having independence.  In June 2001, after my sophomore year at UNA, I married Matt Clark at Hillsboro Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville (but I wish it were at Big Cove Holiness; it's so much prettier).  We began dating in September 1997, after meeting through my sister and her husband.  (Stacy Clark and Jennifer Dodd, do you remember us driving by my sister's house to see if Matt was there?)  I graduated from UNA in December 2002, with a bachelor's degree in K-6 elementary education.  On July 4, 2003, Matt and I welcomed our precious daughter, Kennedy Maeson, who is now wrapping up a very successful kindergarten year!  I worked as a third grade teacher for three years at Mt. Gap Elementary, which I loved!  My first class will actually be in high school next year!!!  Three years ago, I transferred to Hampton Cove Elementary to work as a first grade teacher.  At that time we also bought our first home, in Big Cove. We hope to never move again.  I finished my master's degree in educational administration last May.  Three months later, on August 8, 2008, at 5:08 pm, we welcomed our second child, James Cason Clark, whom we call Case.  Yes, our kids' middle names rhyme, but they are spelled differently.  Our family enjoys going to church, playing board games, reading books, snuggling, tickling, and being outside.  Kennedy's and Case's new favorite thing to do is strap into the big wagon while Matt and I take turns pulling them around the neighborhood.  We're really trying to lose the extra baby weight!    I hope to one day be an administrator, but right now I just love being a wife and mom and teaching my sweet first graders!  You can keep up with our family on our family Blog.  It's posted on the left side of this Blog.

Spotlight: Sara Walls-Partain

Sara lives in Lacey's Spring with her husband Paul.  Sara and Paul were introduced through friends.  They were married in September 2004 at Big Cove Holiness Church.  I wish Matt and I had gotten married there; it's SO beautiful!  Sara is employed by The Heart Center.  She can be found smiling at front desk registration.  Paul works in equipment operations for the City of Huntsville.  Sara enjoys spending time with her family, attending church, boating with her husband, and singing.  Sara even sings with her family in a gospel group: The Walls Family.  Sara would love to one day be a stay at home mother!

Spotlight: Kati-Cloer Lang

After high school Kati earned an AAS degree in nursing from Calhoun Community College.  She worked as a traveling nurse in Phoenix, Arizona before returning toHuntsville.  Kati married Matt Lang (another NHHS alumni) in December 2007 at The Wedding Chapel on the Mountain. Kati and Matt met nine years ago at the NH YMCA.  Kati is currently employed by Amedisys Home Health as a cardiac nurse.  Matt is employed by Huntsville American Cabinets as a cabinet installer.  Matt and Kati just welcomed their first child, son Mason, about eight weeks ago!!!  In their free time , Kati and Matt enjoy spending time with their family, golfing, and riding in Matt's rail buggy

Spotlight: Emily Boyd-Sellers

Emily and her husband Josh live in Holly Pond with their two children: Parker (6 years old) and Lila Grace (5 months).  After high school Emily attended Wallace State.  In college Emily and Josh were introduced by a friend.  They were married in March 2002.  Emily is a dental hygienist in Dr. Ken Alongi's office.  Josh works for Cook's Pest Control.  Emily enjoys being with her family. They are often at a ball park watching Parker play ball!  Perhaps we can introduce Case and Lila Grace! :)

Spotlight: Daniel Lanier

Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, drag racing, motorcycle riding, and tattoos.  He would one day like to open his own auto performance shop. Daniel has three children: Nicole (12 years old), Ashley (7 years old), and Cierra (4 years old).  Daniel lives in Huntsville.

Spotlight: Stacy Clark-Perry

Stacy lives in Big Cove, with her husband Chris.  Chris and Stacy met at work and were married in May 2006.  Happy Anniversary on Friday, Stacy and Chris!  Stacy and Chris both work at Oral Arts Dental Lab.  Stacy is a dental technician, and Chris is a purchasing manager.  Stacy's son, Brett, is ten years old now!  Stacy enjoys hanging out with friends and watching Brett play ball. We used to have some fun times hanging out and playing ball, huh, Stacy? <3 (That's a heart, in case you don't have a 12 year old niece to tell you so!)

Spotlight: Brent Beal

After high school Brent went on to receive a degree in criminal justice from The University of Alabama.  Brent then earned a Juris Doctor degree from Faulkner University, Law School.  Brent is employed as an attorney by J. Brent Beal, Attorney at Law (How awesome!)  In August 2007, Brent married Rebekah, whom he met while attending law school.  Rebekah is also an attorney, employed by Stephens, Millirons.  Brent, why won't you employ your wife? Just kidding; I know that you're probably different types of lawyers.  Brent enjoys golfing, spending time with Rebekah and their three dogs, and goign to the beach.  Brent would like to one day have a few kids.

Spotlight: Sayward Hodges-Lowery

Sayward lives in Laceys Spring with her husband Steve and their two daughters Emma (6 years old) and Reese Catherine (4 years old).  Sayward and Steve met at a bowling alley the summer before our junior year in high school and were married in June 2001 at Aldersgate UMC in Huntsville.  Sayward earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Athens State University.  She is completing her first year of teaching as a kindergarten teacher at Morris Elementary.  Sayward would like to get her master's degree in administration. Steve is an HVAC Technician for Comfort Control Inc.  In her spare time Sayward enjoys spending time with her family, boating, sewing, and photography.  Sayward is a lead coordinator for The Rock Family Worship Center's children's department.  

A New Class Clown?

If you've read Richie's comments on the spotlight posts, you've realized that he is quite the (sarcastic) comedian!  He has managed to make me smile and even slightly chuckle several times (which is no easy feat).  I think Richie may just be our new class clown!

Spotlight: Brad Kirby

Brad lives in New Hope and is employed by PPI as a thermal spray technician. He spent several years in service to our country as a part of the US Army.  Brad enjoys going to the gym, watching movies, and spending time with Meagon.

Spotlight: Richie Posey

Richie lives in Chelsea, AL, with his wife Kathy and their two month old daughter Lorelei Joy. Richie and Kathy met in college.  After dating for four years, Richie and Kathy asked, "What in the world are we doing?"  Eleven months later, in March 2006, they were married.  Richie has a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Montevallo.  He is employed by CCS COmpanies, Inc. in vendor relations.  Richie enjoys learning about new topics, traveling, being and entrepreneur, and being a husband and dad.  During their marriage, Richie and Kathy have traveled to the French Riviera, Monaco, Italy, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and orphanages in the Ukraine.  Wow, Richie!  I kind of traveled to the Ukraine last year; I had a student who was Ukrainian, and I had to try to understand her parents.  Does that count as traveling? Ha!

Spotlight: Roxanne Doran

When she is not traveling for work, Roxanne lives in Big Cove.  After high school Roxanne earned a bachelor's degree in athletic training from the University of North Alabama.  Roxanne then went on to earn a master's degree in sports management.  She is employed by OrthoRx as a traveling DME coordinator.  In her spare time Roxanne enjoys gardening, cooking, sports, and working out.  

Spotlight: Stacey Jo Self-Nunnally

Stacey Jo lives in Albertville, with her husband Cory.  They met in Atlanta while attending a party.  Stacey Jo and Cory were married in August 2006 at the Hampton Cove Golf Course. Stacey Jo has a bachelor's degree in fitness management form the University of Alabama.  She has a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.  She works as an exercise physiologist and supervisor at Therapy Plus Fitness at Marshall Medical Center North.   Cory is a grounds keeper at Albertville Country Club and a college student.   

Spotlight: Shaun Sanderson

Shaun is married to his high school sweetheart, Lindsey.  They have been married since August 2004.  Shaun and Lindsey have a four year old son named Austin, and their second child, Dalton, is due May 10!  Shaun is employed by White's Refrigeration, where he is an HVAC Technician. Lindsey is an office manager at Rheumatology Associates.  Shaun enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing ball with his son.  No doubt little Austin has been on a John Deere!  

Spotlight: Jason Daley

Jason has an eleven year old son, Blake, and he enjoys coaching youth sports at the New Hope Recreational Center.  It was the YMCA when we were in school.  I think just about every child who grew up in New Hope has memories of the YMCA!!!  Jason is a Machine Shop Leader at Science and Engineering Services.  I have seen Jason a few times recently, and he is always so pleasant.  I know that Jason has a lot going on right now, and he could use all of our prayers! Please lift him up!

Spotlight: Meagon Franklin

After high school Meagon graduated from UAH with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.  Meagon currently works as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Abbott. Meagon enjoys running and working out.  I'm guessing she still enjoys shopping too.  She was voted Best Dressed, after all!  Meagon just bought her first home in Madison.  

Spotlight: Adam Self

After graduation Adam joined the Air Force.  Adam is currently a Flight Chief.  Adam and his wife Amber were married in April 2005.  They met at a bowling alley in Huntsville.  Adam and Amber have three children: Jonas (7 years old), Gracelynn (2 years old), and Eden (1 year old).  Adam enjoys golf, fishing, snorkeling, and playing with his kids.  Adam is unable to attend our reunion, but he hopes to live long enough to attend the next reunion!  I am sure that Adam has a lot of wonderful Air Force stories to share when we see him again!  Thanks, Adam, for your service to our country!

Spotlight: Lisa Glover-Hicks

Lisa earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University.  In June of 2003 Lisa married Jake Hicks, a fellow NHHS alum.  Lisa and Jake reside in New Hope, where Lisa teaches first grade at New Hope Elementary.  Jake works as a programmer/engineer for Gleason Research Associates.  Lisa earned her Masters of Education from Graceland University. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, watching movies, gardening, and cooking.  Lisa would like to one day have children of Jake's and her own.  Also, Lisa wants to continue to learn and to grow as an educator.  Isn't it wonderful that Lisa is teaching at our old school?  Lisa, how are DJ and Lucille doing in class?    

Spotlight: Adam Bailey

Adam and his wife Lindsey live in Ooltewah, Tennessee, with their three year old son, Adam Wayne, Jr.  Adam and Lindsey have been married since April 2005.  Adam works as a sales manager at HHGregg.  And yes, I did see Adam's mom at Wal-Mart yesterday!  I haven't seen Adam in about two years; we ran into each other at the Target photography center.  Adam, will you be bringing your tennis racket to the picnic?  Also, do you still have the white Nike hat because Matt doesn't have his anymore!?

Reminder and Update

Please remember that money and forms for the reunion are due to me by May 1st.  Also, the family picnic will be at New Hope City Park on May 17th, from 2-4 pm.  Remember to bring your family's picnic lunch!

Catching Up

I thought it might be fun for us to use the Blog to catch up before the reunion.  If you will e-mail me (apeynmatt@bellsouth.net), and tell me about the changes that have taken place in your life over the last ten years, I would love to spotlight you on the Blog.  You can even e-mail a picture if you want, and I will try to post it as well.  Perhaps this will entice people to visit the Blog more often.  We'll see...

Welcome NHHS Class of 1999

We are gearing up for our ten year high school reunion.  A committee of Class of 1999 graduates, including myself (April Cooper-Clark), Stacey Jo Self-Nunnally, Meagon Franklin, Mandi Walker-Johnson, Roxanne Doran, Lisa Glover-Hicks, and John Honea, has been planning this reunion since September.  We hope it will be a wonderful time for all of us to catch up and get reacquainted with one another.

The reunion weekend will be May 16th-17th.  On May 16th we'll have an adults only dinner in the Coosa Room, at Top of the River, in Guntersville.  We can arrive at 7:30 pm.  On May 17th we will meet for a family picnic at New Hope City Park.  The time has not yet been finalized (probably around 2 or 3 pm).  The cost for the reunion weekend will be $25.00 per person.  You only have to pay if you're going to be at Top of the River.  The family picnic is totally free. 

In addition to making posts to this blog, I will also be sending out correspondence via e-mail. For those classmates who do not have e-mail, I will be sending correspondence through US Mail. 

I hope this Blog thing works.  It's my first shot at it!