“Hi, my name is Valerie Branyon, and I am the President of the West Highland Historical Foundation.
I am a 1982 graduate of Fayette County High School and 1987 graduate of The University of Alabama in Civil Engineering. I am currently employed with the Alabama Department of Transportation as the Fayette Area Materials Engineer. I have several aunts who graduated from West Highland High School in the 60’s. They were all so happy to graduate from the first African American high school in Fayette, Alabama. I have watched them have such pride and joy in West Highland High School. I feel this historic building can continue to bring joy to all Fayette County citizens by converting it into the county’s first Recreational Center.” You can contact Valerie at [email protected] concerning questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your support and donations.
“Hi! My name is Katelyn Vann, and I am the Vice President of West Highland Historical Foundation!
I graduated from Fayette County High School in 2019 and shortly after started my career at the Alabama Department of Transportation, where I am an Engineering Assistant II. I want to see the West Highland High School be transformed into a Recreational Center to bring the community of Fayette together. With the restoration of the school, the citizens of Fayette can not only grow individually, but in unison.” You can contact Katelyn at [email protected].
“Hey! My name is Nichole Morgan, but I go by Nikki. I am a 2001 alumni of Fayette County High School, a proud wife, Mom, and Nini. I currently work at the Alabama Department of Transportation as an Administrative Assistant. I am the Treasurer of West Highland Historical Foundation. I am excited and look forward to being a part of the restoration of West Highland High School into a Park and Recreation Center because it is preserving a piece of history while also helping the community, especially the young people of Fayette and surrounding areas.” You can contact Nikki at [email protected].
“Hi, I am Andrea McCollum. I am a 50 year old mother of three: Adrienne McCollum-Smith, a psycho-therapist who owns her own practice in Hoover, AL., Kyriahn McCoy, who works as a coal miner in Brookwood, AL., and DeVandrius McCollum, currently a nursing student at UNA, in Florence, AL, and a 6-year-old grandson, Micah Avery Smith of Calera, AL. I am currently employed by the Alabama Department of Transportation as the Training Coordinator for West Central Region, the Fayette Area Office. I hold position of secretary for the West Highland Historical Foundation. My interest in the restoration of West Highland High School is due to my grandmother, Josie McConnell-McCollum, my great uncle, Felix Ed McConnell, my father, Edward Rudolph McCollum, being past faculty, my father and my aunt, Mary McCollum-Spears being alumni.” If you have
any questions, Andrea can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Members
“Greetings! I am Jackie Stevens. I have taught at Fayette Elementary School, where my passion for learning was first ignited, since I graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2007. In 2022 I completed my Master of Education degree in School Psychometry. I have two children, Cooper and Blakeney who keep me busy. I am a member of Vision Church where I sing on the worship team. I am also a member of Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter. I am thrilled to be a member of West Highland Historical Foundation. My position is Director of Partnerships and Engagement. A strong supportive community is one of the most important pillars of our society. This project presents an opportunity for our community to honor the past, enjoy the present, and plan for the future of all who call Fayette “home.”” You can contact Jackie at [email protected].
“Hi! My name is Alexis Noel Wilson, and I serve on the West Highland Historical Foundation as the Director of Public Relations and Engagement. I graduated from Fayette County High School in 2022 and earned an associate’s degree in biological sciences from Bevill State Community College in 2024. I’m currently a biology major at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with aspirations of becoming an optometrist. My interest in restoring West Highland High School into a recreational facility stems from hearing my late grandfather, Anthony C. Wilson Jr., reminisce on his time at the school while also having many great aunts and uncles who attended there as well. This building has cultural value and memories, and its restoration will benefit all citizens in the Fayette community.” If you have any questions, you can contact Alexis at [email protected].
“My name is Cissy Carrillo, I have always been a person that loves a challenge. My greatest accomplishment in the workforce has been in the field of Property Management. I started from the bottom and worked my way to owning my own company. I helped many companies with the construction of their buildings, reopening apartments or condos and hiring the proper staff for each building I reopened. I worked diligently with law enforcement to eliminate crime in crime infested areas. I raised nine children and managed to further my education while doing so. I am fluent in speaking, reading and writing English and Spanish. My position is Director of Development (Grant Writer and Fundraiser), and I cannot wait for this new challenge in my life. The objective of this recreational park will be to help teach kids to be all they can be. It will be a great honor and privilege to help reopen this facility. Please follow our website and watch us grow!” If you would like any more information, please feel free to call Cissy at (210)238-7251.