The New Heights Community Resource Center has a brand-new basketball court and pavilion, thanks to the Leadership Tuscaloosa 2024-25 class project. According to the press release, “New Hoops 4 New Heights, was designed to create a lasting space for youth and families to gather.”
“This new basketball court represents more than just a place to play. It is a place for our students to build teamwork, resilience, and community. At New Heights, we believe in giving our young people opportunities to grow both on and off the court,” said Dr. Donmonique Morgan, Principal of Children’s Center and STARS Academy at New Heights. “This court will serve as a reminder that with the right support, every student can rise, compete, and thrive.”
The community was introduced to the new court and pavilion through a dedication event, celebrating the fulfillment of the 24-25 Leadership Tuscaloosa class project and vision.
“This project is about more than building a basketball court and pavilion — it’s about creating a lasting place for youth and families to gather, connect and grow,” said Karen Burklew, project spokesperson and member of the 2024-25 class. “We’re thrilled to see it come to life and to celebrate with the people who made it possible.”
2024-2025 Leadership Tuscaloosa Class Members
Daniel Barnett, RTR Pro Entertainment
Mary Bell, Kentuck Art Center
Dave Berney, JMF Capstone Wealth Management
Christina Billings, Bryant Bank
Ashley Blalock, Northport Police Department
Kristen Bobo, Shelton State Community College
Karen Burklew, Alabama Power Company
Matt Carney, BF Goodrich
Jonathan Coleman, Discover Financial
Lauren Collier, West Alabama Works
Tesney Davis, Tuscaloosa City Schools
Naytalia Douglas, Visit Tuscaloosa
Nicole Dugat, Schoolyard Roots
Jack Gerus, ApartmentsForLegends
Romel Gibson, Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa
Nathan Glassco, Harrison Construction Company, Inc.
Neicy Hardy, Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs
TJ Harris, Edward Jones Investments
Jennifer Hayes, The University of Alabama
Briana Houston, DCH Health System
Brad Johnson, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
Claude Lake, Shelton State Community College
Jennifer Lee, Alabama ONE
Briana Lipkin, The Westervelt Company
Brandy Martinez, Turning Point Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Alex Miles, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Whitni Molden, American Heart Association
Joseph Northington, Bama Exterminating
Ashley Olive, The University of Alabama
Carrie Peck, Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa – University
David Rezai, Amazon
Brandon Ringer, Ringer Wilks Co.
Litsa Rivers, Tuscaloosa Academy
Ally Roberts, Five Horizons Health Services
Huey Rudder, City of Tuscaloosa
Tony Sheffield, The Westervelt Company
Mark Simpson, Schoel Engineering
Maggie Spencer Acker, Buffalo Rock – Pepsi
Terria Steele, BMSS, LLC
Jennifer Taylor, DCH Health System
Aretha Thomas, Whatley Health Services
Diana Torres, Tuscaloosa Latino Coalition
Monica Watts, The University of Alabama
Chelsea Winters, Capitol Park Title
Community 411 News Coverage
Have a community event coming up? We’d love to help spread the word!
The Tuscaloosa Thread and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations welcome press releases for possible coverage in our “Community 411” news coverage.
To be considered, events should be either free to the public or fundraisers that benefit the community. Sharing your event with us is a great way to reach more people across Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, encouraging their participation and support.
We are excited to help highlight the positive work happening in our area and to support community programs together, making a meaningful impact.
How to Submit Your Press Release
Send your press release to [email protected] at least two weeks (or earlier) before your event.
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