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 Junior at Houston Academy.  I became a Raider in seventh grade when I transferred schools.  My sister, Anna Mark, is in the eighth grade but 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, 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!

Harrison Autrey

My name is Harrison Autrey, and I’m a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been a part of the HA family for twelve years, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every experience it has brought me. I love attending Houston Academy because of the multitude of options that are given to every student, alongside the friendly and family-like atmosphere where everyone is valued.  I participate in various extracurricular activities that HA offers as well, outside of the academic courses. My personal affiliations at HA include being the Treasurer for our Student Government Association, an Executive Committee Member for The Blue Zone, the Sports Editor for the Houston Academy Cavalier, as well as being a member of the National Honor Society. At HA, I’ve consistently been embraced by the people around me and have had help when I’ve struggled. Once I graduate from Houston Academy, I plan to attend a college with a specialization in engineering to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structures. I have no doubt that, because of Houston Academy, I’m already well on track to accomplishing this goal. Houston Academy has given me valuable friendships, experiences, and knowledge that will definitely guide me toward a productive and successful future. HA has taught me to always work hard and give my best effort in anything I put forth, and it’s for these reasons that I’m extremely proud to call myself a part of the Houston Academy Family!

Nadia Batts

My name is Nadia Batts, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy.  I transferred to HA along with my younger sister in 2020.  My experience here has been incredible!  I most enjoy the educational opportunities; I have never experienced such great classes and the level of instruction that HA provides.  This environment offers an academic challenge in a welcoming atmosphere that makes new students feel comfortable.  I have played volleyball for three years and have participated in the track and tennis teams.  I am currently a member of the Student Government Association, the Art Club, and I have even started a Creative Writing Club.  My primary community involvement is through the Dothan Adolescent Clinic Youth Advisory Council, where I gather with other teens to discuss youth healthcare.  After graduating from Houston Academy, I plan to pursue a medical degree and a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon.  I feel that I am on the best track for success in reaching that goal because of my enrollment in Houston Academy.

Kenza Bilbesi

My name is Kenza Bilbeisi, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy. I have been a Raider for twelve years and my experience has been amazing! The best part of this school is how welcoming the teachers and students are. In both the first and fifth grade I moved for about six months and when I came back to Houston Academy in the middle of the year, it felt as if I was back home. My sisters, Naya (seventh grade) and Natalie (seventh grade), along with my brother, Firas (first grade) have all been a part of the Raider family since 3P. I have played on the tennis team since the seventh grade and won a state title this past season. 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 selected for The Blue Zone and Discipline Committees. Outside of school, I am a teen volunteer at Flowers Hospital. In the future, I hope to study medicine and become a dermatologist. I am completely confident that HA will fully prepare me for the future and provide 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 Junior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since 3P, and my brother Graham (seventh 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.

Maya Brown

My name is Maya Brown, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I first joined the Raider family in fifth grade before it was considered Middle School, so I got to have the Lower School experience at HA. Transitioning to a new school was made easy thanks to the welcoming atmosphere created by the teachers and students. Every day since, I have felt the full love and support of the HA family. I have four older siblings, two brothers and two sisters, all of whom attended Houston Academy. My oldest brother graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, my second brother and oldest sister graduated from Auburn University, and my last sister is a Sophomore at Auburn University. At Houston Academy I have been involved in the National Junior Honor Society, Student Government Association, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and I have been inducted into the National Honor Society. Along with the previous involvements, I was also voted by my class and the HA Faculty to be the tenth grade representative for the 2020-2021 Discipline Committee. I danced with Dothan School of Dance for thirteen years, many of which were spent on the competitive team. I have been on the Houston Academy Raiderette dance team, the junior varsity cheer team, and the varsity cheer team. This past year, I was the junior class President. My church, Westgate Church of Christ, and its youth group also occupy a large portion of my time. After finishing college, graduate school, and potentially medical school, I would like to work with children with special needs or become a child psychologist. I am certain I can achieve this goal with the great preparation HA has provided me.  Without Houston Academy, I would not have the knowledge, self-discipline, or most importantly life skills that I have now and because of this, I am forever grateful and proud to be a Raider

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, and I play the trombone in 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 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 junior 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 other 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, Discipline Committee, and the Student Government Association. In the community, I have been blessed as a teen leader for 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!

Lewis Carter

My name is Lewis Carter, and I am a senior at Houston Academy. I moved to HA in the eighth grade along with my brother who is now in seventh grade. HA has been such a great experience for me because the support from other students is outstanding, no matter what activities a person chooses. This is my third year as a Raider Ambassador, my fifth year being involved with Audio/Visual technologies, and second year of leading the Raider Media team. I also enjoy serving in my church’s youth group.  After graduation I plan to attend college and study Agriculture Economics.

Kaleb Dukes

My name is Kaleb Dukes. I transferred to HA in ninth grade and am now a Sophomore.  I had a really great experience attending Houston Academy last year because of the individual opportunities I was given to better myself daily, whether that was learning a new skill or enriching one I already had. The teachers and students made my transfer easier than I could’ve ever imagined through the many different events and celebrations we had throughout the school experience. I am proud to say that I am the first in my family to attend HA. Outside of the halls, my hobbies generally have more of an arts focus. I am a two time State-Winning Visual Artist, as well as a Musical Theatre Performer with awards both inside and outside of HA. In my freshman year, most of my community involvement came from working in the theater.  I designed and created costumes, as well as helped with set construction and general maintenance. In the near future, I plan to go to college and pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater, as well as an academic minor in some branch of science. Long term, I would love to work on Broadway as a performer, costume designer, or another related career.  I’m excited to get to know more of you and serve our school community well. GO RAIDERS!!

Amelia Eldridge

My name is Amelia Eldridge.  I am a Sophomore and have attended Houston Academy for four years.  I love going to Houston Academy because of the great people.  I have an older sister who has attended HA for six years, and my two younger siblings have gone to HA for one year.  I have been a member of the National Junior Honor Society since eighth grade, and I play on the HA Soccer Team.  I also plan to join the National Honor Society this year. I am an active member of my youth group at church and regularly help with children’s ministry activities.  I assisted with Enable Club’s Fun Fair and hope to continue service with that group.  My dream is to attend college at Auburn University or the University of Alabama and become a Physician’s Assistant in Dermatology.

Sarah Anne Eldridge

My name is Sarah Anne Eldridge, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. When I arrived in the seventh grade, I was immediately welcomed into the HA Family. Everyone was so kind and positive! I instantly felt at home, and it didn’t take long for me to get into the routine here at HA. I have a brother and two sisters, all of whom attend HA. I am a member of the National Honor Society, the Ark Club, and play on the Varsity soccer team. I am very active in my church’s Children’s and Youth Ministry. I am also involved Advanced Placement and Honors classes this year. I aspire to be the best I can be in everything I do, and I know that the Houston Academy community will help me achieve all of my goals.

Amy Ezell

My name is Amy Ezell, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. I have been a part of the HA Family since 3P, and I have loved my thirteen 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 played both volleyball and soccer for two years. I have worked on the school yearbook as a part of the Cavalier staff for four years and will soon serve my second year as an editor this school year. 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!

Claire Faulk

My name is Claire Faulk, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy.  I have attended HA since 3P and have enjoyed our school for fifteen years.  My older brother, who is now a student at Auburn University, attended Houston Academy since 3P and graduated as Salutatorian. My favorite thing is the endless amount of support from each faculty member.  The close knit community radiates positivity and happiness, which encourages success among our student body.  I have served as a Raider Ambassador for the past three years, and I am excited to continue my service this year.  I am active in the Student Government Association, as well as the National Honor Society where I serve as the Co-President this year. Since the seventh grade, I have been an HA Cheerleader. I have always loved showing my Raider pride and school spirit.  I am one of three Seniors Captains and serve on our leadership team for cheer.  I’m actively involved in the First United Methodist Church youth group, where we work to give back to the Dothan community through The Harbor.  I also recently graduated from the Dothan Youth Leadership Program where we learned about our community and served. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend Houston Academy and plan to continue my education at Auburn University, pursuing a degree in speech pathology.  I look forward to meeting new families this year and hope to encourage prospective students and families to consider the school which I have always called my home.  Go Raiders!

Macauley Flanagan

My name is Macauley Flanagan, and I am a Sophomore 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 a member of the National Junior Honor Society.  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!

Holley Hart

My name is Holley Hart, and I’m a Junior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since I was in 3P, and these 13 years have been such a blessing. I love attending HA because of all the opportunities the school offers students to grow and excel. Also, I love how much the faculty cares for each and every student and is willing to work with students with diverse interests and busy 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. At HA, I participate in Cross County, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and I am currently the team captain of the Girls’ Cross Country. 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 attend college and hopefully study abroad through a university. I plan to become a Sports Physiologist in order to help athletes overcome their injuries and become their best. I’m so thankful for my HA family and all HA provides to prepare their students.

Megan Hartman

My name is Megan Hartman. I am a Freshman, and I have gone to Houston Academy for five years now. 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, and have been a part of the Model United Nation teams. I work with my church and babysit during the summer. 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 Sophomore 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 is a Senior and a younger sister who is in sixth grade here at Houston Academy. I am involved in several extracurricular activities, including Raider Ambassadors, 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 Junior 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, 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!

Lucy McDonald

My name is Lucy Rollins McDonald, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since 3P, and I have loved every minute!  Both my mom and brother graduated from HA, and my sister is a senior. I love being a part of the HA community because it feels like being part of a family. All of the students and faculty are extremely supportive of each and every accomplishment. I am involved in many extracurricular activities including Raider Ambassadors, Student Government Association, The Ark Service Club, National Junior Honor Society, and the Varsity cheerleading team. Outside of Houston Academy, I am a member of First United Methodist Church. I am also a member of a competitive cheerleading team at Ace Cheer of Dothan. I am so thankful to be a part of the HA family, and I am looking forward to a great year! Go Raiders!

Wills McRae

My name is Wills McRae, and I am a Sophomore 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 5th and 8th 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.

Mary Helen Mendheim

My name is Mary Helen Mendheim. I am a Sophomore 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 is a Senior at HA, and a younger sister, Campbell, who is in sixth grade.  I am involved in many extracurricular and academic activities, including National Junior Honor Society, Raider Ambassadors, National Junior Honor Society Executive Committee, 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!

Sims Mendheim

My name is Sims Mendheim, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy.  This is my fourth year as a Raider Ambassador, and I couldn’t be more excited.  I have attended HA since the seventh grade and have two younger sisters here in the sixth and tenth grades.  I am involved in many academic and extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Raider Ambassadors, Student Government Association, the Ark, and the soccer team. I am also a House Captain and the Treasurer of the National Honor Society this year. I enjoy being an active member of my youth group at First United Methodist Church and being a part of the youth band. I love attending HA because of the environment and amazing opportunities it offers. I plan on attending the University of Alabama and majoring in journalism. I am thankful my parents chose HA for me, and I am extremely proud to be a Raider!

Presley Parrish

My name is Presley Parrish, and I am a Junior at Houston Academy. This is my second year attending HA, but my first year as a Raider Ambassador. I am so excited to be continuing my education at HA because I love the sense of community here, with 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 having the incredible new stage facility right here on campus. My sister, an eighth grader, also attends HA and has really enjoyed participating in show choir and the track and field team. When my family decided to move to Dothan last year, we knew HA was the perfect fit for my sister and me, due to its history as a rigorous school which prepares students very well for college. As college approaches, I continue to think about the great leadership opportunities I have been given here at HA.  I am involved in The Ark Service Club, and am proud to represent it as an executive committee leader.  I am a Junior Class Representative for The Blue Zone, which promotes school spirit and supports all of our amazing athletic teams, a member of the student elected Honor Council, an avid Student Government member, and a member of our varsity Scholars Bowl team, 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 2022-2023 school year. I’m proud to be an HA Raider!

Ayesha Sajid

My name is Ayesha Sajid, and I am a Sophomore 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 soccer, 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 of myself. Go Raiders!

Eli Saliba

My name is Eli Saliba, and I am a Senior at Houston Academy. I have attended HA since 3P, and my father, Mark Saliba, also attended HA from its beginning in 1970. I have a brother and sister who graduated from Houston Academy, too. I really enjoy our school because I am surrounded with a welcoming atmosphere with loving, caring teachers. I represent Houston Academy as a Raider Ambassador and will play on the Varsity basketball team for my second year after an amazing run to the Final Four. I aspire to attend the University of Alabama and major in Business. I am grateful that I am able to attend HA and appreciate the opportunities it provides for me to succeed in the future. 

Wade Shelley

My name is Wade Shelley, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy.  I joined the Raider family in the third grade with my brother, Wyatt, who is now in eighth grade.  One of my favorite things about Houston Academy is how close knit we are.  At HA, we are one big family.  I am fortunate to be able to attend HA and participate in its many activities.  Some of these include the National Junior Honor Society, Raider Ambassadors and the baseball team.  Involvement at HA has given me the skills I need to succeed and achieve my goals and dreams.  I am an active member of Watermark Church in Ashford, where I serve at every opportunity.  I am a goal driven person and a very hard worker. I have aspirations to play collegiate baseball and pursue a degree in the premedical field before hopefully studying orthopedic medicine in the future.  I am extremely blessed to attend such a great school.  Go Raiders!

Grant Shows

My name is Grant Shows.  I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy and have a younger sister in the seventh grade. I have been part of HA for three 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 National Junior Honor Society, the Raider Media 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 junior attending 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, so I have been playing on the Lady Raiders softball team since my seventh grade year, and I’m now 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!

Brody Williams

My name is Brody Williams, and I am a Sophomore at Houston Academy.  I have been a student at HA for fourteen years, and I would not want to go to school anywhere else.  Rigorous courses and excellent teachers set HA apart from other schools.  It is a challenge to be a student at Houston Academy, and my teachers have taught me to push myself to be a better student and a better person.  My younger sister, Mary Parker, is in eighth grade, and my younger brother, Harris, is in fifth grade.  I play Varsity Tennis for HA along with being a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Student Government Association, and a member of the Honor Council.  I am a member of First Presbyterian Church, and I serve monthly at the Dothan Rescue Mission.  Because I have broken nine bones, Southern Bone and Joint feels like a second home to me, so I plan to become an orthopedic surgeon.  Go Raiders!

Lily Woods

My name is Lily Woods, and I am currently a senior at Houston Academy. I have attended Houston Academy since 3P and have loved every year. Being a Raider has taught me so many life lessons that will prepare me for college. In addition to excellent academics, Houston Academy provides many extracurriculars. I cheered in seventh and eighth grades on the Junior Varsity team, and cheered on the varsity team during tenth and eleventh grades.  I started playing on the girls’ golf team in ninth grade. I am also involved in the following organizations at Houston Academy: Student Government Association, Blue Zone, Enable, and Raider Ambassadors. Outside of school, I am active in the First United Methodist Church youth group, Dothan Adolescent Community Youth Advisory Council, and have been on Dothan Youth Leadership. I am honored to represent our school as a Raider Ambassador for a third year.