Name:  

John Massey

Year Graduated from FPHS:  

2012

Colleges (s) attended:

Birmingham-Southern College (undergraduate) 2012-2016

University of South Alabama (graduate) 2016-2019

Where did you graduate? Year?

Birmingham-Southern College- 2012

University of South Alabama- 2019

Degree(s)?

Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) Biology (Major)/Psychology (Minor) - BSC 2012 

Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Sum Cum Laude) - USA 2019

What is your current occupation and job title? 

Currently, I am serving as a physical therapist at Rehab Partners in Fort Payne. 

How has something you learned at FPHS helped you in your career or life journey?

The life-lessons of perseverance, determination, and competition are all valuable assets that I learned throughout participation in football and soccer at FPHS.  FPHS also taught me the value of winning/losing and how to utilize these feelings in order to accomplish bigger and better tasks.  These values were applicable throughout all academic and athletic endeavors after FPHS. 

What was your favorite high school class at FPHS?

Stereotypical answer and of athletics has to be left here.  However, my interests have always been peaked by anatomy and physiology.  Mrs. Jennings’ biology class was challenging and insightful.  This was my first exposure to anatomy and helped further passion.

Who was your favorite teacher at FPHS and why? 

Very thankful and grateful to all the teachers who gave so much to our education over the years at FPHS. However, Ms. Anna Shugart taught me how to think.  She used Dual-Enrollment English as a way to help me appreciate subjects other than science and sports.  She was challenging to the point of frustration but always kindled a true desire to learn.  Her sarcasm and wittiness might not be as well received today, but we would have had it no other way. 

What is your favorite memory from high school? Or a special story you would like to share?

Police escorted bus-rides home after football wins and soccer state championships seem trivial.  However, these are the lifetime memories and pieces of the tradition surrounding FPHS. 

What advice would you give to current high school students about education and pursuing their future careers?

Network with your classmates.  Create friendships that are lifelong.  Be aware that your reputation now, may transcend generations.  One day, a classmate may be your PT/MD/lawyer/banker/engineer or your child’s teacher.  Rapports and friendships that are created now may help with future endeavors in your career and your family. 

Also, it seems strange to think that your significant other may walk the same hallways/fields/stadiums that you do, but life is a wild ride.

Name:  

Kayla Strength (Black)

Year Graduated from FPHS:  

2006

Colleges (s) attended:

LaGrange College

Where did you graduate? Year?

LaGrange College-2010, 2013

Degree(s)?

2010-B.A. Sociology

2013-MAT in Middle Grades Social Studies

 What is your current occupation and job title? 

First of all, I do not feel qualified to be considered a “Distinguished Alumnus” as I am sure there are far more distinguished people than myself who have walked the halls of Fort Payne High School. I am very appreciative of this honor. 

Elementary PE Teacher/Head Volleyball Coach/Assistant Softball Coach at Glenwood School in Phenix City, AL

I was hired in 2015 at Glenwood School and in my 9 years of coaching volleyball at the school, our program has accomplished the following:

2023 AISA AAA Runner-Up

2022 AISA AAA State Champions

2021 AISA AAA State Champions

2020 AISA AAA State Champions

2019 AISA AA Runner-Up

2018 AISA AA Final Four

2017 AISA AA Runner-Up

How has something you learned at FPHS helped you in your career or life journey?

Fort Payne truly is a special school. For it to be a larger public school, I never felt like I was just a number. Teaching at a small private school now, I am very appreciative of the wide variety of classes and activities Fort Payne had to offer. 

What was your favorite high school class at FPHS?

My favorite class was actually Home Economics. I loved the atmosphere of the class and Ms. Hartline was so patient with a room full of high schoolers trying to bake peanut butter cookies.

Who was your favorite teacher at FPHS and why? 

Mrs. Shugart was my favorite teacher, although I was probably not her favorite student. I stayed in trouble for talking and probably spent more time in break detention than I did enjoying break! Honestly, I loved how she was so engaging with us and her style of teaching. She challenged us in the most creative ways. I loved walking in and seeing our new section of  "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on the board in which we had to correct the grammatical errors.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Or a special story you would like to share?

My sister was a talented setter under Coach Shaddix. She held records and I had no interest in playing her position for fear of always being compared to her. One day, Coach Shaddix pulled me to the side and told me she wanted to change my position to setter. I rolled my eyes and caught an attitude with her and she absolutely let me have it. I ended up being recruited to be a setter in college, so I am thankful she set me straight! Also, our pep rallies were always the best I have ever seen. There just isn't anything like a full gym of black and gold going crazy on a Friday. I can still sing our Alma Mater to this day!

What advice would you give to current high school students about education and pursuing their future careers?

Make worthwhile connections. Yes, you can succeed through hard work and determination, but knowing the right people is extremely beneficial.