The person who sparked the most discussion in Vestavia Hills in 2024 was Lauren Dressback, thus making her Vestavia Hills’ 2024 Newsmaker of the Year. Dressback began the year as principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, but she was placed on administrative leave in February without any public explanation. In May, she was transferred – again without public explanation – to become principal of the Vestavia Hills alternative school.