This fall, two Heninger Garrison Davis families are watching their sons pack up for the same campus. Baker Stewart, son of HGD partner Jay Stewart, and Cole Heninger, son of HGD partner Erik Heninger, both graduated from Vestavia Hills High School this spring and are headed to Auburn University together this fall. For two dads who've spent their careers advocating for others, sending their own boys off to college came with a little extra pride — and, for Jay, a fitting final chapter to six years of service to Vestavia Hills schools.
A Commencement Speech — and a Diploma — to Remember
Jay capped his tenure as President of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education by delivering the commencement address at the 2026 Vestavia Hills High School graduation ceremony — the same ceremony where Baker and Cole received their diplomas. True to form, Jay didn't start with a typical speech: he picked up a guitar at the podium and opened with a joke that had the whole auditorium laughing before he turned to the more serious business of sending off the graduating class. Jay served on the Board of Education from June 2021 to June 2026, and as its President from June 2025 to June 2026, meaning one of his last duties as Board President was standing at that podium to send off his own son's graduating class.
A Fitting Farewell from the Board
Jay's final Vestavia Hills Board of Education meeting brought a send-off of its own, with the Mayor taking a few minutes to recognize Jay's years of service — first as a Board member, then as President. It's the kind of recognition that comes from six years of showing up for Vestavia Hills students and families, Baker's classmates included.
Erik Heninger's Own Proud-Dad Moment
Erik Heninger, a fellow HGD partner known for his work on catastrophic injury and civil litigation matters, was cheering just as loudly. A board-certified Civil Trial Advocate and past president of the Alabama Association for Justice, Erik has spent his career fighting for clients facing the toughest moments of their lives. This spring, he traded the courtroom for the stands for an afternoon, watching his son Cole graduate alongside Baker — and now, watching him head to Auburn.
War Eagle, Baker and Cole
Jay and Erik sent their sons off to school this fall, knowing these two are prepared to do well in college — not just because of what they learned in the classroom, but because of the examples set at home. Congratulations to Baker Stewart and Cole Heninger on graduating from Vestavia Hills High School, and best of luck at Auburn University this fall. War Eagle!
Jay Stewart, guitar in hand, opened his commencement remarks with a joke at the
2026 Vestavia Hills High School graduation ceremony.
