Going the distance for Galloway’s legacy

In his 20-year tenure as band director at Vestavia Hills High School, Ted Galloway taught and inspired thousands of students. Upon his retirement in 1990, the Ted Galloway Scholarship Foundation was started in his honor. It is awarded each year to a graduating band student pursuing a career in music. 

Throughout the years, the scholarship money has been raised strictly through donations. This year, however, Galloway’s former assistant band director Phil Min is stepping up to raise additional funds.

Min originally came to Vestavia in 1987 to substitute for a week and ended up staying 11 years. His first three were under Galloway. 

“Ted was a good mentor to me, as well as a friend. I learned a lot from him,” Min said, who teaches band at Bragg Middle School in Gardendale.

After Galloway retired, Min stayed at Vestavia eight more years before going back to school for his doctorate. He worked as assistant band director at Mississippi State for a while but knew he wanted to live his retirement years in Alabama, so he took the job at Bragg. He said the students he taught at Vestavia probably wouldn’t believe he has turned into a long-distance runner. 

“I was overweight at Vestavia, and when I left there and went back to school full time, I decided to run and lost 70 pounds,” Min said. “I’ve been running marathons since 2000. I liked running long distances, and I’ve done 250 marathons or longer distances since then.”

Min, who is on the Ted Galloway Scholarship Committee, decided last spring that he wanted to raise awareness and money in honor of his mentor. His plan was to run 100 miles.

Although Galloway passed away in 2009, his widow, Joyce Galloway, said she is proud the scholarship foundation continues to be active and says it’s a wonderful tribute.

“He was just so respected by his students and the other band directors, and after all these years, it’s just heartwarming to know people care enough to want to do that and to see that it continues,” Joyce Galloway said. 

“I wanted to do something extreme, and what’s more extreme than 100 miles?” Min said. 

Min said people are needed, especially band alumni, to make a contribution in honor of Galloway. He said he would like to raise several thousands of dollars. He wants to make others aware, so they can donate.

“Most of his former students are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s,” Min said. “Part of the reason we’re reaching out is because many may not be aware of it.”

Min recalls how much Galloway endured through his illnesses and was a inspiring individual. He cared tremendously, working even when he was sick. 

“When the kids came in, he would get up and go out and find some energy and work with them. He got something from them,” he said. 

Still well thought of in the community, Galloway reached many students through his career, and he also taught at Berry High School and McAdory. 

Min was set to walk and run his 100 miles in The Endless Mile at Veterans Park in Alabaster starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 and ending at 9 a.m. Oct. 22, after the Vestavia Voice press date. He said it would be a challenge physically, emotionally and mentally, but wouldn’t have signed up if he couldn’t fulfill it.  

To contribute, make checks payable to: Ted Galloway Scholarship Foundation and mail to 3417 Wisteria Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216.