Raider Ambassadors
The Houston Academy Raider Ambassadors are a prestigious team of HA’s top student leaders who participate in special events in an official capacity. These students act as liaisons between the school and prospective students, families, guests, alumni, business partners, and friends of the school. The Raider Ambassador program provides student leaders the opportunity to assist in admission efforts, college connection efforts, campus wide events, as well as promote a positive image of Houston Academy to Dothan and the surrounding community. If you have any questions about Houston Academy or our Raider Ambassadors, please contact Director of Admissions, Nicole Lisenby (lisenbyn@houstonacademy.com).
Mary Susan Aman
My name is Mary Suzan Aman, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I became a Raider in seventh grade when I transferred schools. My sister, Anna Mark, is in the ninth grade and also joined the HA family in seventh grade. Transferring schools in Middle School can be intimidating, but I was quickly welcomed and became involved. Houston Academy gave me a place to embrace my love of learning and challenged me so that I could begin building a strong academic foundation. My parents chose HA for the smaller class sizes and its academic reputation. The Houston Academy family has supported me every step of the way! I think what sets HA apart is the caring faculty and students. I can honestly say that HA is my home away from home. It is the perfect fit for me because it offers so many opportunities for superior academics, as well as a wide variety of extracurricular activities. While at Houston Academy, I have played varsity volleyball and varsity softball. I am in the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, House Captain, Yearbook Staff, and Raider Ambassadors. I’m also an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, where I am a part of the Bethel Student Ministry and a preschool volunteer. Outside of school and church, I enjoy exercising, playing travel softball and traveling with my family. I am certain that my years at Houston Academy will prepare me well for college and beyond. Go Raiders!
Bennett Amason
My name is Bennett Amason, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy. I have attended Houston academy since 7th grade, and my sister Anna Blake has just become a Raider this year in 7th grade as well. Transferring from public school to Houston Academy seemed like a hard change at the time, but it was so amazing, especially since I had friends to share that experience. Houston Academy has been a great school for me, providing me with the ability to be challenged intellectually as well as be involved in such a welcoming community. I have played soccer since 7th grade and cheered since 9th grade. I am involved in the National Junior Honor Society, The Harbor Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Discipline committee, and Raider Ambassadors. Outside of school I attend the youth at First Baptist Church. I also volunteer in the summer at Camp Victory located in Samson, Alabama. There, I work to help the camp function as well as help mentor young girls in their walk with Christ. Houston Academy has helped me to balance all my activities with academics so that I am prepared for the real world. I am so happy to be a part of the Raider community to help serve and welcome new members to the Houston Academy family.
Harrison Autrey
Kenza Bilbesi
My name is Kenza Bilbeisi, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been a Raider for thirteen years and my experience has been incredible! The best part of this school is how welcoming the teachers and students are. In both the first and fifth grades, I moved for about 6 months. When I came back to Houston Academy in the middle of the year, it felt as if I was back home. My sisters, Naya (8th grade) and Natalie (6th grade), along with my brother, Firas (2nd grade) have all been a part of the Raider family since 3P. I have played on the tennis team since the 7th grade and won state in 9th grade. I am part of the Student Government Association, National Junior Honor Society, Guidance Advisory Committee, The Enable Club, The Ark, The French Club, and Raider Ambassadors. I have also been voted for The Blue Zone and Discipline Committees, as well as the Honor Council. Outside of school, I am a teen volunteer at Flowers Hospital and a member of the Dothan Adolescent Clinic Youth Advisory Council. In the future, I hope to study medicine and become a dermatologist. I am completely confident that HA has fully prepared me for the future and has provided me with all the support I need to follow my dreams. I am forever grateful to be part of the HA family! Go Raiders!
Katie Brown
My name is Katie Brown, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since 3P, and my brother Graham (8th grade) has also been a student since 3P. One of the things I love about Houston Academy is its welcoming, positive environment. Our teachers do an amazing job each year by challenging each of us to do our best, both academically and personally. I enjoy the opportunity to play basketball, as well as participating in clubs such as the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Blue Zone, and the Spanish Club. I am an active youth member at First United Methodist Church of Dothan, and I also serve on the Dothan Adolescent Community Youth Advisory council, which is very important to me because of my interest in medicine. I enjoy assisting each year with Vacation Bible School and other outreach programs through my church. All of these activities keep me quite busy, so I have had to learn some great time management skills, plan ahead, be organized, while remembering to carve out time to spend with family and friends. I plan to graduate from Houston Academy and start on a pre-med track to become a physician. I know without a doubt, I can achieve my goals because I have the support of my family, as well as the support and encouragement of my teachers and staff at Houston Academy. I thoroughly enjoy being a Raider Ambassador, because it gives me the opportunity to share my favorite things about HA with new students and families.
Chase Buntin
My name is Chase Buntin. I am a sophomore at Houston Academy, and I have been a part of the Raider family since 3P. I have a twin brother and two older sisters who have all attended HA. Through the school years, I have grown to love our school because of the welcoming community and peace of mind knowing I will be well prepared for college in the future. I play as a lineman on the varsity football team, throw discus in field, and I play the trombone in jazz band. In the past, I have also played other sports, including wrestling, and tennis. I have been a part of many clubs at HA, including National Junior Honor Society, the Student Government Association, and The Harbor. I enjoy doing community service like Turkeys from Heaven every year, as well as attending Wiregrass and Harvest Church. Since first grade, it has been my dream to either become an architect or engineer. Even though I have not yet decided which college I would like to attend, I am confident HA can equip me with the right tools to pursue any career.
Marielle Burque
My name is Marielle Burque, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. My younger brother and I transferred here when I was going into the eighth grade, and he into the seventh grade. Coming to Houston Academy, I was nervous knowing that I had to leave some of my friends from my former school. However, as soon as I came to HA, I felt so welcomed by everyone. The teachers challenge me in the best ways possible, and I am surrounded by a great group of peers who support me and lift me up. I am involved with several clubs and activities around the school, such as the Raiderette dance team, National Honor Society, and the Student Government Association. In the community, I have been blessed as a teen leader for the SEARCH team, which is a Catholic, teenage-led, leadership group for the Archdiocese of Mobile. Being involved with this helps me grow in my faith and with the community around me in general. I am also a dance teacher at Dothan School of Dance, and I am a company member in the Southeast Alabama Dance Company. Outside of dance and church, I enjoy singing, painting, and traveling. I plan to pursue a degree in the performing arts, and I know that being here at HA will prepare me for a successful future. Go Raiders!
Amelia Eldridge
My name is Amelia Eldridge. I am a Junior and have attended Houston Academy for five years. I love going to Houston Academy because of the amazing connections that you can make with so many peers and teachers. I have an older sister who is in her first year of college at Auburn, and my two younger siblings have attended HA for three years. I am a member of the National Honors Society, and I am in clubs such as the Ark. I have played on the HA soccer team since I was in the seventh grade. I am an active member of my youth group at church and regularly help with children’s ministry activities. I sing on the praise team at my church as well, and in my free time, I enjoy playing board games and my guitar. My dream is to attend college at Auburn University or the University of Alabama and become a Physician’s Assistant in Dermatology.
Amy Ezell
My name is Amy Ezell, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I have been a part of the HA Family since 3P, and I have loved my fifteen years here. HA is the perfect environment for me, both academically and socially. I’ve always felt welcomed and will cherish the friendships I’ve made for years to come. Through the many opportunities at our school, I have thrown for the school’s track and field team. I have worked on the school yearbook as a part of the Cavalier staff for five years, serving two as section editor, and my last year as head editor. I am also heavily involved with community service through several of the different clubs offered by the school including National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and The Ark. I know my time at Houston Academy has prepared me well for college and whatever career I decide to pursue. Go Raiders!
Macauley Flanagan
My name is Macauley Flanagan, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I started my Raider journey in 3P. My brother, Michael T. (Class of 2020) and sister, Mary Mac (Class of 2021) were a part of the Raider family for fifteen years. I love attending Houston Academy because as a student, I feel like I’m part of an extended family. Faculty and students are dedicated and care for one another. Whether making a good grade on a test or cheering on classmates in extracurricular activities, the HA family is always supportive. A competitive gymnast, I started transitioning to school sports three years ago. I am a member of the Varsity Cheer team, Varsity Cross Country team, Varsity Indoor Track team, and Varsity Outdoor Track team. I’m also an active member of the National Junior Honor Society, the Student Government Association, and The Ark. I am a member of Saint Columba Catholic Church, where I serve as an altar server. I volunteer for Turkeys from Heaven during the Christmas season to help provide meals for those in need. I look forward to my high school years at Houston Academy. Go Raiders!
Brianna Hart
My name is Brianna Hart, and I am a Freshman at Houston Academy. I have been a student here at Houston Academy since 3P, and so has my sister Holley who is now a Senior. Also, both of my parents are teachers here at Houston Academy. One of my favorite things about this school is the endless opportunities it provides students with. Many sports and clubs are offered at HA, so there are many opportunities to get involved. I am a part of the Varsity Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Tracks teams, a member of the executive committee for the National Junior Honor Society, and a part of the Raider Ambassadors. I love being a Raider Ambassador because it allows me to branch out and talk to new people, and it is a great opportunity. I also love how kind and welcoming the student body is and how the teachers are always willing to help us when we don’t understand something. These past 12 years I’ve spent at Houston Academy have been incredible. I know this amazing school will provide me with everything I need to succeed in my future at college, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every opportunity I have through Houston Academy.
Holley Hart
My name is Holley Hart, and I’m a Senior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since I was in 3P, and these 14 years have prepared me and shaped me for life in amazing ways. My favorite thing about Houston Academy is how attentive and hardworking the faculty is. They care about making sure each and every student excels and feels comfortable where they are even with students’ diverse schedules. Both of my parents are teachers at HA. My mom, Karrie Hart, teaches seventh grade Geography, and my dad, Brian Hart, teaches AP Economics and AP Government. In addition, my little sister Brianna, also attends HA and is a Raider Ambassador. At HA, I participate in Cross County, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and I am currently the team captain of the Girls’ Cross Country and Track. Also, I am a member of the National Honor Society. I’m an active member at Dothan First and am very involved in my youth group. I am a part of the church greeting team which welcomes the community to Dothan First, as well as the member of the praise and worship team. My future plans are to go to college and become a physical therapist, to help other people become their best. I am so thankful for all HA has to offer for their students.
Megan Hartman
My name is Megan Hartman, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy. I love Houston Academy because it is a small campus, has so many clubs, and provides me with the best opportunities to succeed. I have an older brother who attends Northside Methodist Academy. My mom is self-employed, and my father is a recently retired military veteran. During my years at Houston Academy, I have been a part of the volleyball and soccer teams, participated in musicals, HARmonix, and have been a part of the Model United Nation teams. I have also participated in NJHS, The Ark, Enable Club, and other various community service projects. I work with my church, babysit, and tutor during the school year. I would love to attend Berklee College of Music and work toward a musical career. I hope one day to perform and sing all over the world! I am excited to be a Raider Ambassador this year because of the experiences and life lessons it will teach me. Go Raiders!
Maggie Hawker
My name is Maggie Hawker, and I am a Junior here at Houston Academy. I have been a student here since the seventh grade. I have been grateful for the countless opportunities that Houston Academy has provided me, from my academic work to volunteering in my community and many more. I have an older brother who graduated from HA in 2023 and a younger sister who is in sixth grade here at Houston Academy. I am involved in several extracurricular activities, including Raider Ambassadors, Student Government Association National Honor Society, the Blue Zone, and the soccer team. Outside of school, I love to help out in my community and church by serving the Rescue Mission and several other organizations. I am excited about my future at Houston Academy and thankful to be a part of the community!
Palmer Howell
My name is Palmer Howell, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since 3P, and have enjoyed every year. My parents chose Houston Academy for my sister and me because of the endless opportunities and outstanding education. Houston Academy is not just a school, we are a family. Everyone encourages each other, and it is a positive environment for everyone. Teachers and faculty play a huge role in making HA a great place for all students. I am involved in many extracurricular activities such as Raider Ambassadors, member of the Student Government Association, FCA huddle leader, National Honor Society, the Varsity cheer squad, tennis, House Leader, and a member of the Honor Council. I also enjoy going to the lake with my family, wake surfing, slalom skiing, wakeboarding, foiling, participating in church activities, painting, and spending time with my friends. Houston Academy helps me to be the best possible version of myself, and I’m grateful to be an H.A. Raider!
Jayleigh Jordan
My name is Jayleigh Jordan, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I transferred to HA in 8th grade to join my brother Jameson, who is now in 2nd grade. My first experience at Houston Academy gave me a great sense of belonging. Faculty and students welcomed me into the HA family with open arms. During my four years here I have been involved in several clubs such as Enable, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, and this year I am a Raider Ambassador. I have been selected for HOBY, National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine, and the National Society of High School Scholars. Last year I received a position in the band as Chief of the loading crew. This position taught me many important skills, such as how to speak to others respectfully, being fully transparent to those you are working with, and having an overall happy spirit. This year I will be part of the majorette line, track team, and bowling team. Outside of HA, I am a part of Hartford Baptist church, where I volunteer in different outreach services. Since 9th grade, I have taken an early college course every summer so that I am still learning, but also preparing myself for life after graduation. HA has helped me transform into the person I am today. I have learned skills such as organization, integrity, persistence and how to learn from my mistakes, all of which will help me pursue my dream of working in the medical field. Although I’m not certain yet of what career I want to pursue, I am sure that HA has prepared me for success. GO RAIDERS!!
Jansen Kirkland
My name is Jansen Kirkland, and I am a sophomore at Houston Academy. I joined Houston Academy in the 6th grade and made the transition to this school to best prepare myself for the future. Everyone was so welcoming and the environment quickly became natural to me. I also have two brothers, Davis, a senior, and Bennett, a 5th grader, who attend HA. I have taken advantage of many opportunities for involvement. These include soccer, Student Government Association, The Ark club, The Harbor, Enable, and the National Junior Honor Society. Quality education is a top priority of mine, and Houston Academy is helping to ensure my future success. My career path interest is in the medical field, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such an amazing school. I love this community and I enjoy sharing my favorite things about it with other people. Houston Academy is equipping me with the tools to succeed in life and to help others. Serving as a Raider Ambassador allows me personal growth and an opportunity to give back to my school. Go Raiders!
AddiBeth McGuff
My name is AddiBeth McGuff. I am a Freshman at Houston Academy, and I have attended HA since 3P. The past eleven years have been filled with nothing but love and support. HA has always been such a great fit for me. While HA has given me an outstanding education, it has also given me so many more experiences along with great opportunities. I am a part of the Raiderette dance team here at HA, where my teammates and coach push me to be the best I can be. I am also a part of our track team here at HA. Outside of school, I enjoy dancing at Dothan School of Dance, where I am a member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company. I also enjoy traveling, art, spending time with friends and family, and being active in my community. I love working with my church. Whether it’s helping with the younger kids or volunteering for events, it is by far my favorite way to help our community while also growing my faith. My future plans are to attend the University of Alabama where I will earn my business degree. I am so blessed to be a part of the HA family, and I look forward to the years of Upper School ahead of me. Go Raiders!
Wills McRae
My name is Wills McRae, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been at HA my whole life, starting out in 3P. I truly love this school because it has given me many opportunities to grow and succeed in academics, leadership, and sports. I have two sisters who attend HA in the 6th and 9th grades, and my dad is a graduate as well. Through athletics, I have been a member of the Varsity Cross Country team, Junior Varsity Football team, and am currently on the Varsity Tennis team. I also have served on the executive council of the National Junior Honor Society and am a member of SGA. Outside of school, I am involved in my church youth group. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and hanging out with friends and family. My many years at HA have shaped who I am, and I’m grateful for such a wonderful opportunity. Houston Academy has been a great experience so far, and I look forward to finishing my high school career here.
Lib McRae
My name is Lib McRae and I am a freshman at Houston Academy. I started here in 3P, so I have been a Raider my entire life. I have an older brother who is a junior and a younger sister who is in 6th grade. My dad graduated from Houston Academy as well. Being at HA gives you a chance to be involved in lots of sports, and I have tried many of them. I am currently on the JV volleyball team and have been a part of JV soccer and middle school basketball teams. I was also able to have a role in the middle school play when I was in 5th grade. There are many leadership opportunities as well. I am on the executive council of the National Junior Honor Society and part of the Student Government Association. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, serving at my church, and attending youth group. I love Houston Academy, because it challenges me and prepares me for a successful future. Go Raiders!
Mary Helen Mendheim
My name is Mary Helen Mendheim. I am a Junior at Houston Academy, and I have attended HA since the sixth grade. Attending HA is such a privilege to me because of the opportunities it provides along with the challenging academics. Coming in sixth grade was one of the easiest transitions for me, because Houston Academy has always been so welcoming. I have an older sister, Sims, who just graduated and is a freshman in college at the University of Alabama, and a younger sister, Campbell, who is in seventh grade. I am involved in many extracurricular and academic activities, including National Honor Society, Raider Ambassadors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, the Ark Club, and the Varsity soccer, cheer, and basketball teams. Outside of school, I have enjoyed being involved in my church and community. I have helped with Turkeys from Heaven, the Love Dothan Project, the Blaine Hardy Foundation, and many others. HA has developed my growth in many ways which will help me succeed in the future. I am so thankful to be a Raider, and I am looking forward to a great year!
Presley Parrish
Hello, my name is Presley Parrish and I am a Senior this year at Houston Academy. This is my third year attending HA, and my second year as a Raider Ambassador. I am so excited to be continuing my education at HA, because I love the sense of community here, as well as the small class sizes and the great selection of courses, including many Advanced Placement courses. I am also heavily involved with the Performing Arts department, so I love the incredible new facilities available right on campus. My sister, a 9th grader, also attends HA and has really enjoyed her time here as a part of the cross country and the track and field teams. When my family decided to move to Dothan three years ago, we knew HA was the perfect fit for my sister and I, due to its history as a rigorous school which prepares students well for college. As college approaches, I continue to think about the great leadership opportunities I have been given here at HA. I enjoy serving in The Ark Service Club and am proud to represent it as an executive committee leader. I am a Class Representative for The Blue Zone, a member of the student elected Honor Council, a memb3er of the Student Government Association, a member of our varsity Scholars’ Bowl team, which competed in nationals in Atlanta this past year, as well as being involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Show Choir, Drama, HARmonix and being a part of the Raiderette Dance Team. In addition to my school’s organizations, I also participate in Spark Theater Company’s Performance and Competition Collective, the Dothan Adolescent Community Youth Advisory Council, and attend First United Methodist Church. In the future, I would like to attend a four-year university, majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Musical Theater, on a pre-med track to eventually become a pediatric specialty physician, practicing in endocrinology, hematology, or genetics. I am so excited for the 2023-2024 school year. I’m proud to be an HA Raider!
Emmett Payne
My name is Emmett Payne, and I am a Sophomore at HA. I have been at Houston Academy for three years, and I have enjoyed every minute. I also have a younger brother in 6th grade at HA. HA has given me many opportunities to succeed in academics and extracurricular activities. I am on the football, wrestling, and soccer teams. I am a member of the Student Government Association, and I am part of the Scholar’s Bowl team. Last year, I served on the National Junior Honor Society Executive Committee. Outside of school, I am active in my church’s youth group. I believe that HA is preparing me well for whatever I choose to pursue in the future, and I am proud to be a Raider Ambassador.
Abbie Grace Renshaw
My name is Abbie Grace Renshaw. I am a Freshman, and I’ve been at Houston Academy since the seventh grade. My favorite part about HA is the amazing environment and how the teachers really care about us. I have two older siblings that started in the eighth grade, Lucius Renshaw who graduated in 2023, and Maggie Renshaw who is currently a sophomore. I am a member of the National Junior Honors Society, as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, yearbook, and I have played on Junior Varsity and Varsity Girls’ Soccer. I’ve played soccer for 10 years, including micro soccer, recreational soccer, and many years of club soccer, as well as playing for Houston Academy since seventh grade. I’m an active member of my youth group at Covenant Global Methodist Church. I enjoy volunteering in the nursery, helping out with our kids’ ministry, and participating in events within our youth group. When I grow up, I would love to attend Auburn University for my undergraduate studies and then pursue a law degree to become a prosecuting attorney. Houston Academy is the perfect place to help me reach these goals. Go Raiders!
Claire Roberson
My name is Claire Roberson, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been a part of the HA family since 2015 when my family and I moved to Dothan. I felt welcomed immediately, and there is no other school that I would rather call my own. I love Houston Academy for many reasons, but one of them is the opportunities we are given. This school has given me so many
opportunities to help me become the best person I can be. You can join one of the multitude of clubs, become a member of one of the many amazing sports teams, and be challenged daily in the classroom. Not to mention, the faculty and students are extremely kind and caring. Someone is always willing to help. At HA, I am a part of the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams, the Student
Government Association, National Honor Society, the Ark, and Raider Ambassadors. Outside of school, I am a part of the Dothan Adolescent Clinic Youth Advisory Council and an active member of my church. I know without a doubt that Houston Academy will prepare me for college and whatever career I decide to pursue.
Ayesha Sajid
My name is Ayesha Sajid, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been part of the Raider community since my Freshman year. Adjusting to a new school can be challenging, but Houston Academy made it effortless. The atmosphere at HA is always encouraging, motivating, and welcoming. Houston Academy allowed me to become more confident and discover more about what I am passionate about by being involved in drama, and different clubs such as the Art Club and the Spanish Club. In addition, I am a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the Student Government Association. Outside of school, I like to volunteer at the Wiregrass Museum of Art and the Southeast Teenage Volunteer program to gain more experience in the careers I admire. After graduating from Houston Academy, I hope to pursue a career in the medical field. Houston Academy is a brilliant school that encourages me to be the best version of myself. Go Raiders!
Lauren Sanders
My name is Lauren Sanders, and I am a Freshman at Houston Academy. This is my fourth year as a Raider, and I have loved every minute. The teachers and students were so welcoming and I feel as though I have been here forever. My mom, Amiee Sanders, teaches at Houston Academy, and I have two younger siblings who live in Atlanta, Georgia. I am on the JV volleyball team as well as the indoor and outdoor track and field teams. Aside from sports, I am a part of the Raider Ambassadors, National Junior Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 334 Prevention Project Youth Council, and Student Government Association. In the future, I hope to be a part of the Dothan Adolescent Community Youth Advisory Council (DACYAC), volunteer at Flowers Hospital, and The Harbor. At this time, I plan to go into the medical or biomedical field, and I feel that Houston Academy is the perfect place to accomplish my dreams. I will always be grateful to be a part of the Houston Academy family. Go Raiders!
Grant Shows
My name is Grant Shows. I am a Junior at Houston Academy and have a younger sister in the eighth grade. I have been part of HA for four years, and I have enjoyed every second. I really love this school, because I feel like everybody is connected and there is a true sense of community. HA has always made me feel welcome and has taught me something new each day. The number of extracurriculars at HA has impressed me from the start. I am part of the National Honor Society, the Scholar’s Bowl team, the Enable Club, and the soccer team. I participate in service projects, such as Turkeys from Heaven and Children’s Harbor. HA has taught me so many new things which have contributed to who I am today, and I would like to help others have the same positive experience.
Ansleigh Smith
My name is Ansleigh Smith, and I am currently a Senior at Houston Academy. I began my education at Houston Academy in the seventh grade. One thing that makes me proud to be a Raider is how quickly new students are accepted and welcomed by their fellow classmates. As a new student I quickly realized there was no need to be nervous. Everyone was very nice and made themselves available to help me with anything I needed, from finding classes to helping me learn how to use my MacBook. I’m an only child and the first person in my family to attend Houston Academy. Softball is a big part of my life, and I have been playing on the Lady Raiders softball team since my seventh grade year, now playing as the starting varsity catcher. Along with the teachers doing all they can to help us excel academically, the coaches also do all they can to help us achieve our athletic goals. Houston Academy encourages community service, and I am thankful for that because it has shown me how rewarding it can be to serve others. I enjoy serving at The Ark, The Harbor, The Mission, and the Humane Society. I am a member of HA’s Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Raider Ambassadors. In addition to being on the Lady Raiders team, I also play with a national travel ball team, the Alabama Thunderbolts. I am an active member of Grandview Baptist Student Ministry, where I help with events such as Vacation Bible School and Wired Ministries. Houston Academy is preparing me for my future by teaching me time management, study methods, how to focus, retain, and apply the knowledge I am learning while pushing me to do my personal best. I am thankful to be a part of the Houston Academy Family and look forward to completing my education and being prepared to succeed in college. It’s great to be a Raider!
Sarah Tanton
My name is Sarah Tanton, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I transferred to HA in 7th grade and have loved every second. Coming to Houston Academy, I was nervous knowing that I was leaving my friends from my former school. However, I was welcomed with open arms and quickly made new friends who have been with me to this day. I have had the pleasure of learning from some amazing teachers who have taught me so much and challenged me in the best ways. I am involved with several clubs and activities around the school, such as the Raiderette dance team, National Honor Society, and the Student Government Association. I am also a house captain (Go Bears!) and cannot wait to lead my house to victory. I am also very involved in my community. I am a part of the Alabama Dance Works performance team and an avid member of my church’s youth group. I am excited for an awesome senior year and to end my days at Houston Academy doing the things I love with the people I love. Go Raiders!