This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Script A tradition, where freshmen take over Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to form the Script A logo. It’s a bonding moment for many who take part and an experience that lives on forever.
While freshmen make up the interior of the logo, upperclassmen fill out the border — a role held by the Million Dollar Band from 2016-2021. This year’s event happens Tuesday, Aug. 18, and serves as the official class photo and as part of UA’s Weeks of Welcome.
Here are some thoughts from University of Alabama alumni who took part in the very first Script A in 2016 and where they are now:
Maribeth Brinkley
My name is Maribeth Brinkley (Vain while at UA) and I was a part of the first-ever Script A in 2016. I didn’t realize that was the start of the tradition and was excited to learn that!
When I was a freshman at Alabama, I thought I would be practicing music therapy in a pediatric hospital. I’m happy to report that I am working in my dream job as a music therapist in the NICU! I’m married to my husband, Michael, who is also a 2020 Alabama alumnus.
Shelby Brodie
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years!
I’m currently living in San Diego, California, where I work as a civil engineer. While life has led me across the country, Alabama will always hold a special place in my heart. Some of my favorite college memories were Saturdays in Bryant-Denny Stadium!
When I was a freshman, I imagined that 10 years later I’d have a successful career, but I never realized how much my definition of success would evolve. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always linear or expected and the true value in enjoying the simple moments in everyday life while building something you’re passionate and proud of.
Kevin Casey
I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020 and this year I graduated from medical school. I am also a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and completed rotations at Army hospitals in both Hawaii and Washington, DC as a part of my medical training. During medical school, I made the decision to pursue a career as a pediatrician.
When I was a freshman, I was not sure at all where I would be in 10 years — all I knew was that I wanted to work in healthcare. I never imagined I would be graduating from medical school 10 years later and would be starting my career as a physician.
I am thankful for my time at The University of Alabama, which enabled me to pursue medical school and ultimately a career as a physician. It has been a long journey to get to this point, but I am sure the 2016 version of me would be happy and excited to hear where I ended up 10 years later! Roll Tide!
Zach Chatham
I currently reside in Phoenix, Arizona, and work as a content and communications manager whose experience includes driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (including bringing it to UA) and working in content and public relations for YETI, Bleacher Report, Shaw Sports Turf and Niche.com. Additionally, I’ve built my own online social media presence through my passion in graphic design, earning nearly 200k followers across platforms!
Ten years ago, I thought I’d be in Atlanta, Georgia, working for a big brand in an office, enjoying Atlanta Braves and Falcons games on the weekend. Instead, I’m living with my wonderful (2020 Bama grad) wife, Hannah (formerly Fogus), in Phoenix living the dream I never knew I had!
Rebecca Curtin
I was in the first Script A in 2016! Funny enough, I went by myself as a freshman and then did it again three more times as a member of the Million Dollar Band. Every year it was so fun to be a part of!
I am currently the band director at Brookwood High School and live in Hoover with my husband Jack (also an Alabama alumnus, class of 2019 and 2021) and our dog Buster. We just added our first son, James, to the family in June (UA class of 2044?).
Ten years ago, I could only hope to have the life I have now! I went to Alabama wanting to march with the MDB, meet new friends and be a music education major. I marched three years with the MDB, met my husband and some of my best friends and started my career thanks to my degree from UA. Everything I have now in my life is thanks to UA and the people it brought me and the education it gave me. Roll Tide!
Allen M. Fletcher
Deciding to attend The University of Alabama as a freshman in 2014 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being part of the very first Script A as a member of the Million Dollar Band is something I’ll always cherish and seeing that tradition continue 10 years later is incredibly meaningful.
While pursuing my nursing degree, I had the privilege of marching with the Million Dollar Band, including attending four College Football National Championships and performing at three of them as a tuba player. Those experiences taught me the value of tradition, teamwork and striving for excellence.
Looking back, I was optimistic about what the next 10 years would hold, but I couldn’t have imagined everything Alabama would make possible. It was at Alabama where I met my wife Aja, a two-time SEC Champion on the gymnastics team, and where our story began.
Today, I’m a Clinical Informatics Nurse with an MBA from the Manderson Graduate School of Business, as well as a husband and new father. The Script A means more than just a photo to us, it’s a reminder of where our journey started and of the lifelong friendships, opportunities and memories The University of Alabama made possible.
Ashley Presley
I graduated from Alabama in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. I couldn’t believe it’s been 10 years since I started at Alabama!
When I was a freshman, 10 years seemed like an eternity away! I wanted to be an engineer since I was in middle school, so it’s so rewarding to look back to the beginning of my engineering education and know that I am living my dream!
I am currently a senior electrical engineer at Lockheed Martin in Dallas, Texas. Fun fact, I even met my husband, Davis, in Tuscaloosa! Best of luck to the incoming freshmen of 2026!