I was born and raised in Opelika , but also nurtured, educated, and encouraged.  Wally Moon "Coach Moon" (Video Production, Drama and Theatre Teacher, helped me find my place in filmmaking and my creative voice.  Coach had a very unstructured learning environment.

I moonlighted as an Assistant Theatre Manager/Operating Technician at the Performing Arts Center under Coach Moon, and was exposed to several industry (theatre) professionals.  Because of that first "real job," I not only walked away with knowledge, but also left high school with a professional resume.

There were several teachers that would structure the learning environment to the student, a teaching method that suited me perfectly.  For example, Jim Rew (History Teacher) knew I was not gifted in the "test taking" department, but that I possessed different gifts of expression. He would allow me to "perform" a class presentation of the class material in lieu of an exam.  Not only did this make me feel special and valuable, but it helped me to develop those skill sets, as well as walking away with a knowledge of history.

Other teachers that followed this teaching method included Leigh Johnson, Linda Caswell and Teresa Ogletree.

I will always be grateful for what I learned through Opelika City Schools.

Allison Wilmarth
OSCAR Winner – Two Soldiers Winner – Two Soldiers