Student Spotlights: June21

Every month we compile a list of students and schools doing great things across the Greater Mobile.  We have so many talented students in our area.  Mobile Bay Parents joins with these families and schools to celebrate their achievements!

The Dunbar Magnet Art department partnered with Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe for an ice cream art competition. Students were to represent the joyful experience of ice cream, an ice cream memory, or an ice cream fantasy. The winners received ICE CREAM! Winning artwork will be on display at The Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe located on Old Shell Road. 8th Grade: First Place-Talani Malone; Second Place-Makayla Ransom; 7th Grade: First Place-Ireland Carroll; Second Place- Mendalyn Goleman; 6th Grade: First Place-Leah Graham; Second Place-Carrington Crittenden; Third Place-Amaree Pettway.

Baker High School’s Hi-Q team is the national champ! The team came out on top of a three-team national competition conducted virtually in April, scoring 50 points to top Delaware County (Pa.) Christian School, which scored 49, and Marysville-Getchell High School (Wash.), which scored 31. The team pulled ahead of Delaware County Christian (Pa.) by correctly answering a question about an ancient naval battle between Persia and Greece and clinched the 1-point victory by correctly solving a mathematics problem.
Baker’s team members are: Mark Bolton, Brenna Cagle, Brandt Cannon, Cade Jordan, Will McCurley and Will Simm. Team sponsors are Tonya Parker and Joseph Lee.

We are so proud of you ladies and all you have accomplished this season!

On the Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week, Heart of Mary Catholic School students gathered for Mass to celebrate Mother’s Day and Mary the Mother of Jesus! Sister Catherine asked her students to process in with different representations of Mary and Jesus from around the world. Sister Joanne presented each teacher with a gift and reminded us all how we are mother and father figures to our students when they are away from home and with us at school. It was a beautiful way to end Teacher Appreciation Week and celebrate May, the month of Mary!

Thank you to all students and parents who helped Old Shell Road Magnet School contribute to the American Heart Association this school year. A special thank you to the following Old Shell Road students for their generous donations in this year’s Kid Heart Challenge event: Jasmine Lopez (left), Cade Albrecht (center), Aiva Marcela Agato (right).

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) partnered with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) recently for DISL Adventure Day. During the event, Girl Scouts spent the morning in the lab where they learned facts and anecdotes as they examined and touched a large variety of preserved specimens from the Gulf waters. The girls also had the opportunity to visit the Estuarium, participate in a squid dissection, and go on a two-hour vessel ride on the 65-ft research vessel Discovery. While on the Discovery, they trawled Mobile Bay to collect and identify creatures that inhibit our coastal waters.

According to GSSA, girls are natural-born scientists. They look at the world around them with inquisitive eyes, experiment and push boundaries, and learn as they go. By participating in programs like DISL Adventure Day, Girl Scouts are given an avenue to pursue a potential passion or even career.
Since not many girls are exposed to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at an early age, girls are unaware of their potential interest in those fields. That’s why at GSSA focuses on doing programs that expose girls to STEM.

“At Girl Scouts, our mission is to help bring up the next generation of fearless leaders,” said Karlyn Edmonds, GSSA CEO. “That’s why we offer as many opportunities as possible for our girls to learn and grow confident in the STEM field.”

Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and find solutions to social issues all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. Earning patches is just one of the amazing things girls can do as part of Girl Scouts. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, please visit www.girlscoutssa.org.

In April, the Big and Little Buddies of CHCA took a “field trip” to the zoo. The buddies dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls and learned about the zoo animals from Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo. All of the buddies were then able to play on the playground together before enjoying a wonderful picnic lunch. It is wonderful to see the friendships continue to grow between the Seniors and K5 students at CHCA!

Eichold-Mertz Magnet School National Elementary Honor Students. These students have been inducted into the 2020-21 National Elementary Honor Society: Neveah McCall; Noah Hix; James Colleli; Edwin Perry; Violet Borchert.

St. Dominic fourth grade students are learning about opinion writing and how to give reasons for their opinions and preferences. These are important writing skills to learn as they prepare to enter fifth grade next year! They did great work on both the art and the writing portion of the assignment. Pictured are Mack McClure and Addison Littrell.

The Mobile Music Teachers Association presented its annual Honors Recital at the University of Mobile on Sunday, April 18 at 3:00 PM. Outstanding students were selected by their teachers to perform a piece from memory for the audience of parents and friends. At the conclusion of the recital each performer was presented an engraved medallion.

Who doesn’t LOVE bubbles? SPX art classes “played” with bubbles as they learned about drawing 3 dimensional figures and how light reflects off objects. The results were beautiful and creative!

Congratulations to the Baker High School varsity girls’ soccer team becoming 7A area champs! They are a hard-working bunch!
Team members are: Peyton Baker, Campbell Wysong, Macie Duncan, Elleson Bruce, Leslie Solis, Lindsey Busby, Haley Johansen, Abby Dorris, Mayar Maarouf, Lillian Tait, Ava Jackson, Kathryn Rice, Belle Vandyne, Ashley Taylor, Julianne Wilson, Reese Levene, Mallory Duncan, Peighton Butler, Aaliyah Watts, Alex Mueller, Harley Waits.

These Mary B. Austin students dressed in their red carpet finery, signed autographs for their biggest fans, smiled for the paparazzi, and watched the MCPSS Film Festival together. Many of their submitted films took home the trophy for the top film in their categories. Pictured are: (Front Row) Mrs. Mary Alice Pouliot, Rosie Pouliot, and Reese Parker. (Middle Row) Claire Parker, Shoma West, Wilson Wilcoxon, Leo Patterson, Sam Savage, Philip Mahtani, and Dylan Young. (Back Row) Ms. Melissa Whigham, Amelia Robinson, Shelby Parker, Leah Jane Mahtani, Lohi Wilcoxon, Sophia Patterson, Judah Johnson, Jawinze Sullivan, Jake Carter, Putnam Harris, Jack Oliver, and Mrs. Maria Gronowski.

Congratulations to the following Davidson High School students who were selected to be Azalea Trail Maids for the 2021 – 2022 school year: Mackenzie Burnett; Bethany Davis; Sophie Formwalt; Anna-Marie Fulton; Sophia Glass; Evey Stubblefield; Alyssa Williams.

Students at Little Flower Catholic School enjoyed a perfect spring day for their Field Day. Students gave their best for traditional games like sack race, kick ball, and tug-of-war. Sno-cones helped refresh the game warriors. Lower school students took a break from the competitions to gather on the climbing bars for a picture.

This spring, Lighthouse Baptist Academy hosted its very first Art Show. The school had a very strong participation with over 250 pieces of artwork displayed. The top two winning selections from each category were then taken to the AISA district competition.

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On April 15, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Greenough Prayer Garden. Friends and family of Mrs. Fran Greenough gathered to celebrate her and to give personal thanks for how she has impacted their lives and Cottage Hill Christian Academy as a whole. As a part of the ceremony, Mrs. Greenough was gifted with a commemorative golden shovel and was able to break ground to open the project! CHCA is thankful for Mrs. Greenough’s 29 years of service and are excited to see this project through in her honor

On May 6th, the National Day of Prayer, our school community gathered to celebrate our Blessed Mother. Second grader Laura Catherine Howard crowned Mary; she celebrated her First Holy Communion on the following Sunday with classmates and St. Pius X parishioners. Keeping in line with our Classical Education model, the celebration included songs praising Mary in Latin.

Several of St. Mary Catholic School 8th Grade students were accepted to the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Aquinas Honors Program and also were recipients of distinguished scholarships. Aquinas scholars include Michael Blanchette, Sarah Dudley, Gabriel Evans, Leah Feirman, Joseph McCarron, Grace Salmon, and Michael Talbott. Academic scholarship recipients include: Sarah Dudley, recipient of the Henry Reimer Academic Scholarship and Anna Catherine Thompson, recipient of the Kerri McShane Dye and Gilbert Burke Strong Spirit of McGill Memorial Scholarships. Congratulations Sarah Dudley who was the top scorer in the McGill-Toolen Placement Test.

The Bulldogs ran away from the rest and captured both the Girls’ and Boys’ 5A State Championships in Outdoor Track and Field. For Hall of Fame Coach Pat Galle these were the 68th and 69th State Championships of his celebrated career. During the season, the Bulldogs won every single regular season meet that they entered. This success continued at the State Meet, and out of 18 total events for each of the teams, UMS-Wright won 28 medals and earned points in 27 of the 36 events! CONGRATULATIONS!

This spring, students have been taking advantage of Prichard Prep’s new outdoor classroom! Classes are now able to have lessons, eat lunch, and enjoy brain breaks outside at the new picnic tables. Special thanks to the Prichard Prep PTO, Student Government Association, and the National Elementary Honor Society for helping to make the outdoor classroom possible.

They started their last day off with a Drive-Thru Parade, their last chapel and playing kickball before ending the day with the annual Senior Hall Run.
We are so proud of this class of graduating seniors, and we pray God’s richest blessings over them as they head off our campus and into the next chapter of their lives. #togetherMCS

Kyla Barnett, a 6th grader at Clark Shaw Magnet, began utilizing her extra time during quarantine writing and drawing. This is the second book she has produced. We are proud of what an example you set at such an early age. Kyla designed her own cover and has her story on the final page. We all wish you the best in your continued journey with penning your story!

St. Luke’s Episcopal School’s Varsity Girls’ Tennis Team topped Donoho 61-36 to take the girls 1A/3A State Championship. The Wildcats won five singles titles and two doubles championships. The 2021 AHSAA Girls State Tennis Tournament 1A-3A #2 Singles Winner (Anna Marie Bentley), #3 Singles Winner (Whitney Novak), #4 Singles Winner (Ella Bentley), #5 Singles Winner (Olivia Thopmson), #6 Singles Winner (Emma Grace Johnson). The 2021 AHSAA Girls State Tennis Tournament 1A-3A Doubles #1 Runner-Up (Grace Garrett/Anna Marie Bentley), #2 Winner (Whitney Novak/Ella Bentley), Doubles Winner #3 (Olivia Thompson/Elise Uptigrove).

Congratulations to the 7th-grade students at Corpus Christi Catholic School who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. They were selected because of their academic, service, and leadership accomplishments. The new inductees are (front row:) Everett Lilley, Joey Reid, Ethan Nguyen, Peyton Partick, Cooper Netto, Lucia McDonald, Cate Veasey, and Olivia Johnson, (back row:) Zoe Zavros, Cade Wimmer, Owen Gillespie, James Edwards, Sam DeVilbiss, Alyssa Coleman, Maggie Byrne, and Jack Baldridge. Not pictured: Lydia Claire Stokes.

Congratulations to Faith’s Kathy Hacker on qualifying for sub state. She shot a 99 and had an incredible round of golf!

St. Mary Catholic conducted their 25th annual media munch with logo cookies delivered to members of our local media, and to City of Mobile and Archdiocesan Officials. The event serves to thank them both for what they do to promote the good news of St. Mary and for what they do for the entire City of Mobile! Pictured are St. Mary 7th grade ambassadors with St. Mary Pastor, Father Stephen Vrazel and staff members of Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Office. (Father Vrazel was a St. Mary Media Munch ambassador back in 1997!)

The faculty and staff of Heart of Mary Catholic are extremely grateful to the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Mobile Alumnae Chapter, Inc. for their donation of brand new books from their partnership with CDF (Children’s Defense Fund) Freedom Schools at Home Book Program. Each student will be able to take home a brand new book to have during the summer months!

Mr. Jarrod Roberts, a teacher at Clark-Shaw Magnet Middle School in Mobile, was nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award in the junior division of the National History Day (NHD) National Contest. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates may nominate one middle school teacher for this award, and Mr. Roberts is the junior division nominee from Alabama. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. All nominees will receive $500 as a result of their nominations. The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony to be held virtually due to COVID-19.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students. I congratulate Mr. Roberts on his well-deserved nomination.”

Congratulations to the Viking Daily staff for winning the following awards in this year’s MCPSS Film Festival:
“How Art Can Improve Your Life” Best Commercial High School by Azlynn Alexander; “How To Make Brownies” Best How-To High School by Sarah Wooten; “Aquaponics” Best Documentary High School by Sydney Alexander and Madison Brainerd; “The Spiral Effect” Best Drama High School and Best in Show High School by Marina Carrera and Jose Wheeler.
Though the 2020 – 21 school year posed many challenges and obstacles in creating videos, the Viking Daily staff adapted and overcame these obstacles. The students learned to film on available equipment, edit on varying software, and even collaborate virtually to complete projects. During all of this, they remained positive and worked as a team. Congratulations to the 2020 – 21 Viking Daily staff on a job well done!

E.R. Dickson Elementary School has been named the 2021 CLAS Banner School for District 1! The award, one of eight presented statewide, recognizes schools that provide outstanding programs and services to students. E.R. Dickson was chosen for its L.E.A.D.ers of Technology Program (Leadership, Engagement, Achievement and Diversity), which allows students to build strong foundations in STEM literacy, utilizing student-led activities in preparing them to be future leaders in technology and STEM related fields.
“We believe all students can lead and achieve,” said E.R. Dickson Principal Katryna Kinn (pictured). “If you show you care about students and believe in them, the sky is the limit.”
E.R. Dickson was one of five MCPSS schools that were among the 31 statewide to be honored as CLAS Schools of Distinction. Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology, Gilliard Elementary, Hutchens Elementary and Williamson High and Middle Grades Preparatory Academy were the others. From those 31 Schools of Distinction, the CLAS Banner schools were chosen.

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) senior Anna Peeples from Baldwin County has been named a 2021 Cooke College Scholar and is the only recipient from Alabama. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced that 61 graduating high school seniors will receive the Cooke College Scholarship out of a pool of 5,800 applicants. The Cooke Foundation selected Scholars based on their academic ability, persistence, leadership, and financial need.
As a Cooke College Scholar, Anna will receive up to $40,000 annually to cover costs associated with undergraduate education along with ongoing educational advising from Foundation staff and access to a network of active Scholars and Alumni. She will also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to graduate school funding. In the fall, Anna plans to attend Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania where she will study public health policy.
“This scholarship will help me pursue higher education without the fear of the financial burden that comes with college. I am looking forward to the emotional and academic support the foundation offers their scholars to help them excel,” says Anna.
During her time at ASMS, Anna co-founded a youth advocate risk prevention and education group for high school students under AIDS Alabama South (named TARP), conducted research and authored an article on the current sex education laws in Alabama, served as a National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Ambassador, completed an internship as a Teen Advocate for Sexual Health, and served as president of the Allies Club at ASMS.
“Anna has been a committed advocate and scholar throughout her time at ASMS. She has consistently embraced opportunities to learn, educate, raise awareness, and equip others. We are proud to see that the Cooke Foundation has recognized Anna’s excellence and dedication by investing in her very bright future,” says Dr. John Hoyle, President of ASMS.

When the Book Fair comes to Little Flower Catholic School, a sense of enthusiasm and excitement seems to come over the entire school. Mrs. Tommie Angel, the school librarian, manages the Book Fair and sets up one entire day for students to make a list of all the books on their want list. Here, eighth graders help a kindergarten student make his list. There is such a wide variety of books to choose from, each student is sure to find exactly the right book.

The community showed support and their dedication to the students, teachers and families of Denton Magnet School of Technology. The PTA reached out to organize a number of donations from a variety of restaurants and businesses in the Mobile area and nationally to help continue to build the community and uplift for their Teacher Appreciation Week and Student Appreciation Activities. Special thanks and appreciation to the following for offering donations in gift cards, food, and brand products from Panda Express, Unreal, Chicken Salad Chick, Chipotle, Cabot Creamery, Express Oil, Therapeutic Arts (Hannah Boltz), Firehouse Subs, Foosackly’s, Cammie’s Old Dutch, Nothing But Bundt, Mediterranean Cafe, Carrabba’s, Olive Garden, Taco Mama, Hickory Pit Too, Bobo’s snacks, Yellowhammer Coffee, Kids Zone Daycare, How It Should Be, Engage Gaming, Semmes Nutrition, Alfa Insurance(Amanda Knowles), Century Bank ( Michelle Kilpatrick), Berkshire – Hathaway Realtors (Marks- Wilders Team), Grantham Family Dentistry, Southern Cancer Center, Braxton Gilbert Fitness, J. Strickland (Blue Magic), and Curls, Pink Zebra ( Tarsha Thompson) and Insomnia Cookies. We encourage the reciprocation of partnership by supporting the list of gracious businesses.

Ally Kirk, a student at Old Shell Road Magnet School, won first place and Best in Show for 3rd-5th grades at the 2021 Mobile County Film Festival for her documentary, “How to Raise Quail.” Way to Go, Ally!

Senior Jared Hudson of Baker High School recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the School Superintendents of Alabama & Curriculum Associates on behalf of Alabama Superintendent of the Year Chresal D. Threadgill. Each district Superintendent of the Year was asked to select a recipient for the scholarship. Mr. Threadgill, also the District 1 Superintendent of the Year, chose Hudson due to his leadership skills, strong academic record and community service.
Hudson plans to attend Bishop State Community College and eventually move on to the University of South Alabama, with plans to study computer technology, education or hospitality and tourism. He was a member of Baker’s Hospitality and Tourism Academy, DECA Club and the Pride of Baker marching band. “I thank them very much,” Hudson said of Mr. Threadgill and the scholarship’s sponsors. “I’m very excited.”
Joining Hudson (center) at the scholarship presentation were (left to right): his parents, Rufus and Kendra Hudson; Kelly-Ann Parson of Curriculum Associates; and Mr. Threadgill.

St. Pius X 7th graders sponsored a “Playground Poetry” project which included activities for our middle school students. Due to inclement weather, the project was moved to our covered walkways. However, that did not stop our students from the creative learning process! Faculty and students were amazed at the quality of the projects – attention to detail, content and presentation. Congratulations on a job well done, 7th grade!

Over 80 Mobile County Public Schools students were matched with companies or organizations for summer internships recently, as MCPSS held its Summer Internship Connect Day at Davidson High School.
These paid internships provide practical, hands-on experience in a wide variety of career fields, and typically last about four weeks, though they can run longer. This is the sixth year of the MCPSS Summer Internship Program and the fourth year of the Connect Day event. Over 700 students have participated in the Summer Internship Program over the last six years.
MCPSS thanks its partners who participated in the internship program this year, including the Alabama Department of Transportation; Alabama Marine Resources; the Battle House; the Battleship USS ALABAMA; the cities of Citronelle, Creola and Semmes; Dauphin Island Sea Lab; G.A. West & Company, Inc.; Ingalls Shipbuilding; the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office; Navigator Credit Union; Outokumpu (pictured, with interns); and ST Engineering.

Denton Magnet School of Technology was named the Outstanding Middle School of the Year by the Alabama Technology Student Association. Denton students recently competed virtually in TSA’s annual state conference, winning 8 first-place awards, 3 second-place awards, and 3 third-place awards. “We have really talented kids,” said Melanie Kriner, a technology teacher at Denton. “Not only is it about competition with TSA, but it’s also about leadership opportunities. It’s about service projects. And it’s about learning to work in teams, which is a very valuable tool to learn as you move into whatever career you choose. It’s also about getting the kids thinking about what they want to do. We have kids who are engineering whizzes.”
These Denton students won first-place awards in the TSA competition and will go on to compete at the national conference: • CAD Foundations – Daisy Taylor • Children’s Stories – Kaylyn Fetherland • Coding – Owen Farmer & Kaylyn Fetherland • Data Science and Analytics – Logan Philips • Leadership Strategies – Sofia Galvan, Ava Quinones, & Jacob Shumer • Mechanical Engineering – Brian Carr, Logan Philips, & Jacob Shumer • State PIN Contest – Ria Amtha • Video Game Design – James Adams, Jackson Bolding, Owen Farmer, & Sofia Galvan. Second-place awards: • CAD Foundations – Kaylyn Fetherland • Challenging Technology Issues – Sofia Galvan & Ava Quinones • Data Science and Analytics – Jacob Shumer. Third-place awards: • Digital Photography – Meylin Perera • Promotional Marketing – Ria Amtha • State PIN Contest – Aria McCaskey.

First grader, Rosie Pouliot, beams as she shows off her trophies. She won first place in the “Drama” category in the MCPSS Film Festival for the Kindergarten-2nd grade age category. Her film was a stop motion short starring Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby Doo. This clever film also took home the “Best in Show” honor, chosen out of all the top films from each category in that age group. We are very proud of this young film maker. Mary B. Austin has won many Film Festival trophies over the years, but this is our first “Best in Show” to take home! Way to go, Rosie!

St. Luke’s Valedictorian for 2021 is Zachary Haataja. Zac has been a student at St. Luke’s for 4-years. During his time at SLES, Zac participated in robotics, cross-country, Scholars’ Bowl, Hi-Q, theatre and was also a student ambassador. Zac will attend Georgia Tech in the Fall. Our Salutatorian for 2021 is Garrett Upshaw. Garrett has been a student at St. Luke’s for 14-years. During his time as a Wildcat, Garrett played varsity soccer and was a member of the Scholars’ Bowl Team, Key Club, and scored a perfect 36-on the ACT. Garrett will attend the University of Alabama in the Fall. Both Zac and Garrett are National Merit Finalists.

Congratulations to Davidson High School senior, Daylon Drews! Daylon has been offered a position to play on the Montevallo E-sports team for the 2021-22 academic year! This makes him the first Davidson student to receive a scholarship for E-sports. Daylon was on Davidson’s Fall 2019 inaugural Rocket League team and is the current varsity Rocket League team captain.

In the fall of 2020, the Board of Heart of Mary Catholic School commissioned a strategic planning committee to create a “new” Heart of Mary for the Fall of 2021, distinctive in the marketplace, with a strong academic emphasis, marked by new paradigms in staffing, daily bell schedules, and calendars—even while we build on our well-earned reputation of caring for our students and deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ. The Board reviewed the committee’s recommendations during its February 2021 meeting and unanimously affirmed the strategic plan. We were thrilled to hold an Open House to discuss the new plan, expand on the meaning and structure of the learning communities and what students may expect and gain from a Catholic education at Heart of Mary.

Every year, the Red Ribbon Leader selects a service project for the community. Noah Huynh, this year’s leader, aimed to provide Mary’s Shelter with necessities for families utilizing the facility. Mary’s Shelter is a charitable organization which offers shelter and support to homeless, pregnant, adult women, before and after the birth of their child. Thank you to the tremendous generosity of our St. Dominic School community!

St. Mary Catholic School celebrated Book Fair March 1-5 with the theme “Go back to the future with us!” Each day had a theme and one inlcluded a dress up day. Students came to school in a variety of costumes from their favorite book characters and dressed for the decades from the fabulous 50s to the crazy 80s! The event also included a family fun night for all families.

Prichard Prep’s 5th grade students recently created poetry books in celebration of National Poetry Month. Their books were comprised of 21 poems of multiple types and completed with original illustrations! Their favorite poems were displayed on the poetry wall for all of PPS to see.

Bishop State Community College hosted a virtual cooking competition for local high schools. MGM sophomore Reagan Moss prepared her Asian shrimp wonton cups with a reduction sauce. Reagan placed 2nd in the competition and received a gift basket filled with prizes. Congratulations, Reagan.

St. Dominic Catholic is thankful for the perfect weather for their Annual Field Day. Students from Preschool through Eighth Grade celebrated with tug of war, long jump, and many other games. Everyone was treated to snowcones from Kona Ice. It was a terrific day! Pictured, Mrs. Sikora, St. Dominic Health Aide, with second grade students.

The last weekend in April, the CHCA Fine Arts Department presented “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” to the school community. Their dedicated preparation throughout the semester was evident in the fantastic job they did throughout both performances. CHCA would like to thank those who volunteered to help with decorations and props, those who gave of their time to help with the production, and to everyone who came in support of our students.

Middle school students at Little Flower Catholic School presented an art show, with each student researching their chosen artist and creating art in that artist’s style. Some students dressed in costume representing their artist. The art teacher at Little Flower, Mrs. Melanie Hyland, directed the project.

Two of Davidson High School’s IB and EPIC seniors, Lequinn Pettway and Racheal Moore, are recipients of the QuestBridge Scholarship. Through the National College Match, students are admitted early to prestigious colleges with full four-year scholarships, including tuition, room and board, and travel expenses. Lequinn will be attending Wellesley College and is interested in studying English Literature, French, Japanese, and Psychology. Racheal will be attending Stanford University and plans to major in electrical engineering.

St. Mary’s former Librarian, Sue Lyon received a big surprise during St. Mary Book Fair Week as she was honored with the naming of the St. Mary Library as the Sue Lyon Library! The library was named in honor of 26 years of loving service as St. Mary’s Librarian and was accompanied by a generous gift from the Lyon Family. At the dedication was Sue’s husband Tom and a slew of family friends watching on Facebook Live including her three St. Mary Alumni children, Amy, Chris, and Matt and their families. Sue is known for her birthday book fundraisers for the library, the Reading is Fundamental Mardi Gras Parade, the St. Mary Pro-Life Club and campus March For Life, the Annual Book Fair, and her great concern and care for the students who came to her library each week. Sue retired in May and continues to volunteer under the direction of St. Mary’s new librarian, Diane Roberts.

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) held their state conference virtually in April. MGM senior Scarlet Black, District 3 Vice-President, along with fellow FBLA state officers attended the virtual event announcing the winners of the various categories. Congratulations to Scarlet Black who placed 3rd in the personal finance competition and sophomores Abbie Buford and Hannah Diaz who placed 3rd in the public service announcement competition with their “Real Friends Don’t Let Friends Vape” video.

Congratulations to the St. Ignatius Student Government officers that were elected by their peers to serve our school for the 2021-2022 school year. Student Government is a place where students can learn to “Change the World.” Their beginning here will teach them the leadership skills they need for the next chapter of their life. Pictured are President Sam Hecker, Vice President Dominick Paragone, Treasurer Clay Partridge, Secretary Cooper Cochran, Historian Reid Watkins and Religious Officer Bear Zeidan.

May Crowning is a special day at St. Ignatius. It signifies the beginning of the month of Mary. Each year, all the 8th grade girls bring flowers for the statue of Mary. They are accompanied by the three youngest Kindergarten girls. Together they crown the status of Mary. This is such a significant moment for all the 8th grade girls. Pictured here is the 8th grade representative Samantha Geraradi with Helen Hibberts, Mary Felis and Julia Sanders.

Aimee Meyers, PTO President, and Laura Rahmel, Fish Fry Chair, presented Corpus Christi Catholic School with a donation from money raised at this year’s Lenten Fish Fries. The donation, coupled with funds from past PTO events, will be used to update the school’s computer lab with all new computers! Pictured are Mrs. Martin, school principal, Mrs. Merritt, computer teacher, Laura Rahmel, and Aimee Meyers.

The UMS-Wright Wind Ensemble earned straight Superior Ratings at the ABA State Performance Assessment in April. Congratulations to the following students on a job well done!

8th Grade: Jewel McCrary, Hilton Nguyen, Callie Padgett, Brianna Sims, 9th Grade: James Lewis, Nathan Martin, Anna Beth McCain, Owen Nichols, Ben Sawrie, Garrett Travers, Braydon Williford, 10th Grade: Conner Fowler, 11th Grade: Caroline Block, Daniel Harvey, Isabelle Hooks, Reagan Jokerst, Ellie Moore, Niko Vrettos, 12th Grade: Zach Barnes, John Boyd, Will Cunningham, Keith Garri, Ben Holston, Justin Littlefield, Bryce Litwiller, Anita Nguyen, Will Pappas, Racheal Reeves, and Colin Young.

The State Choral Performance Assessment is offered each year in the spring for school choirs. The results are in and the Middle School Chorale, Upper School Chorale, and Wright Singers Choir ALL earned straight SUPERIOR ratings! Middle School Chorale: Chloe Barko, Maddox Lavelle, Anne Margaret Bridges, Tillman Lewis, Emie Deas, Ellie McCormick, Killian Delaney, Genevieve Romano, Rossana Delfierro, Luke Romano, Lukas Earnest, John Grayson Self, Sydney Elder, Brianna Sims, Caroline Flowers, Abby Steele, Josué Heath, Sophia Tombrello, Salma Heath, Peyton Waldo, Mary Carlton Johnson, Emily Walton, Olivia Kelley, Emily Waters, Luke Kennedy, Stephanie Wink. High School Chorale: Anne Margaret Bridges, Madison Marshall, Max Buchman, Ellie McCormick, Grant Carpenter, Chaney Scott McCorquodale, Rebekah Chappell, Gracie Platt, Tianna Dixon, Isabella Rocconi, Sydney Elder, Hayden Salter, Caroline Flowers, Noah Siegel, Ella Fridriksson, Brianna Sims, Kirk Kennedy, Anna-Riley Stimpson, Garrett LaCoste, Edward Tremayne, Maddox Lavelle, John M. Walter, Grace Lyons, and Joelle Zoghby. Wright Singers: Max Buchman, Gracie Platt, Grant Carpenter, Isabella Rocconi, Rebekah Chappell, Hayden Salter, Tianna Dixon, Noah Siegel, Kirk Kennedy, Anna-Riley Stimpson, Grace Lyons, Edward Tremayne, Madison Marshall, John M. Walter, Chaney Scott McCorquodale, Joelle Zoghby.

This year CHCA is excited to name Mrs. Krissy Hipp as the Church Campus Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Ashley Martin as the West Campus Teacher of the Year. This award is given to a teacher on the Church Campus and a teacher on the West Campus, nominated by students, who made an impact reaching beyond his or her classroom. Congratulations, ladies! CHCA is very thankful both of you are members of our Warrior teaching team!

Congratulations to the McGill-Toolen Catholic Class of 2021 St. Thomas Aquinas Scholars who received their cords for graduation at the Tomicum Ceremony. The Aquinas scholars take our most challenging course load all 4 years to achieve this honor.

The Covenant Christian School track team performed well this season with many outstanding races, jumps, and throws. Special congratulations to the girls’ team who placed 2nd in the league championship meet help at Satsuma High School! Congrats on another great season!

This year has been full of changes and uncertainty, but this group has constantly found the good in everything. We have been blessed by each one of you, and look forward to all the amazing things this group will accomplish. Congratulations to our Seniors!

Congratulations to Ms. Leslie Payton. Ms. Payton was selected by her peers as E.R. Dickson’s 2020 – 2021 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Payton is currently a first grade teacher at Dickson Elementary. Congratulations, Ms. Payton.

We are so proud of these ladies and all their accomplishments!
From left to right: Klare Bergman, Maia Leonard and Taylor Salisbury.

St. Dominic Catholic School students enjoyed participating in our Annual Derby Day! Students raced ponies, wore fun hats, and had special treats throughout the day. This annual tradition is fun for all! Pictured is Harper Lisenba.

The following Lower School students have earned over 100 AR points for the year and were inducted into the 100 Point Club! Congratulations to Henry Arrington, Baylor Bennett, Rivers Benton, Mark Blackerby, Nolan Boehm, Elliot Brown, Jack Carl, Annie Cook, Ellie Crabtree, Ava Davidson, Mattie Deas, Sally Dodson, Rosalie Earnest, Tatum Foose, Cate Fountain, William Garrard, Claire Gipson, Lucy Hicks, Jackson Israel, Jeanie Jeffery, Sophia Johnson, Luca Karamovic, Eleanor Krauss, Nathan LaCoste, Bennett Langham, Clara McElderry, Aarya Patel, Heidi Peak, Jackson Perdue, Ava Pfeiffer, George Pratt, Matthew Quin, Sadie Reid, Eliza Reynolds, Reid Riddell, Grey Rodning, Gabe Romano, Julia Scott, Libby Smallwood, Lili Margaret Smith, Skinner Smith, Catherine Spivey, Jim Stimpson, Mae Michael Touchton, Ben Walker, Julia Clayton Wilkins, Matthew Wills, Ava Wolf, and Bradley Wynn.

Also, a special congratulations to our AR millionaires! The following students have read over a million words this school year: Arabella Bedsole, Frances Busbee, Juliette Cole, Mary Helen Colvin, Emily Lawler, Cade Marks, Max McCrary, Hayes Miller, Celia Reid, Caden Thomas, Ryann Whitman, and Kinley Grace Winter. We are so very proud of all of our spectacular AR readers!

St. Luke’s celebrated National College Decision Day with friends and family. Our seniors entered the auditorium wearing a St. Luke’s t-shirt and, one-by-one, each senior announced where they will attend school in the Fall. After celebrating with confetti and air horns, the students put on a t-shirt that represents the next chapter of their lives. We will miss the class of 2021! Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!