Alumni, administrator and mentors named to Bob Jones Hall of Fame

MADISON – Five familiar faces who have been worthy assets to Bob Jones High School will enter the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni who have succeeded in their careers and significantly contributed to their fields of endeavor. Hall of Fame also includes individuals who did not attend Bob Jones but have contributed impressively as a leader, volunteer or role model for current and future Patriots, according to Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton.

“We’re so proud of our 2021 Inductees as their service and commitment to excellence is a tradition that we strive to instill in our students each day. We are grateful for their legacy,” Principal Sylvia Lambert said.

* Matthew Balch — 2001 graduate of Bob Jones. Balch served as Peer Mediation Chairman and SGA Vice President; was named to “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”; and was elected Mr. Bob Jones, Homecoming King and Senior Favorite. He played basketball.

After graduating from law school in 2009, Balch opened a solo practice in downtown Madison. He was appointed Public Defender for Madison Municipal Court. He is an acting prosecutor for New Hope and sitting Municipal Judge for Triana.

In 2017, he became a partner with Jarvinen & Balch LLC law firm and Madison Title & Closing Service LLC. Balch participates in Madison City Schools’ Capital Planning Committee. He and wife Natalie are licensed foster parents; their children are Emma, Annie and Axel.

* Taylor Edge – Volunteered as mentor, leader, friend and coach. Edge is a former college athlete, corporate employee, successful entrepreneur, public servant, worship leader and technology consultant.

In May, Edge founded Season Builder Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps youth define direction and purpose. He participates with Church of the Highlands and Downtown Rescue Mission.

He and wife Mindy are parents of Stuart, 2020 Bob Jones graduate, and Austin, Class of 2023 student.

* Nathan Lindsay — 2002 graduate of Bob Jones. Lindsay was Government Club president, Young Republicans Club co-founder and history scholar.

At Faulkner University in Montgomery, Lindsay was SGA president and Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society inductee. He received a bachelor’s degree in history.

For Gov. Bob Riley, Lindsay worked as Deputy Press Secretary and personal aide. He was a Vice President with Business Council of Alabama.

Currently, Lindsay serves as Gov. Kay Ivey’s Director of Appointments for assignments to 500-plus boards and commissions. He received Faulkner’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

He and wife Rebecca are parents of Caroline and Margaret.

* Beth Blalock Medley – 1980 graduate of Bob Jones. She was SGA and senior class Vice President and member of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and Girls State.

Medley was influential in founding Bob Jones Alumni Association, coordinating an inaugural alumni event and commemorating West Madison Elementary School. Medley has worked in the defense and aerospace industry, along with real estate ventures.

She participates with Leadership Greater Huntsville. Medley has worked tirelessly to engage alumni and staff in close-knit bonds for Madison and Bob Jones.

She and David Medley have been married for 37 years.

* Robby Parker – Compiled 31 years with MCS, starting as history teacher and coach at Bob Jones. He served as Principal at Discovery Middle School and Assistant Principal and then Principal at Bob Jones. He received the 2014 AHSAA 6A “Making A Difference” Award and 2014-2015 Alabama PTA “Principal of the Year.”

In 2015, he was promoted to MCS Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent in 2017. He received Alabama PTA’s 2019-2020 “Outstanding Superintendent Award.” Parker now works as Upper School Principal at Whitesburg Christian Academy.

He and wife Anita are parents of Bob Jones graduates, Tyson and Seth. Tyson and wife Elizabeth are parents of Lucy Mae. Seth, a Bob Jones teacher and coach, lives in Madison with wife Sutton.

Hall of Fame initiates will be Grand Marshals for Bob Jones Homecoming Parade on Oct. 14 and honorees at a reception by Bob Jones Culinary. The school will recognize inductees at the homecoming game on Oct. 15 with Grissom High School Tigers.