October 2023 Student Spotlights

Mobile Christian’s Varsity Volleyball Wins the Varsity Gold Bracket Championship in the Battle of the Lake on September 2 2023.

Homeschoolers with The Field Trip Line-up and More visited Beginner’s Luck Farm. They had a hands-on experience with some of the animals. They also learned a little about life on a farm!

Cypress Grove Academy welcomed students back for their 4th year as a classical Christian collaborative school in Mobile!

St. Luke’s teacher, Mrs. Lersch talks to the faculty and staff about an experience she had this summer that was unlike any other! She attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which equips teachers with best practices that transform student learning experiences. They learn invaluable strategies to bring back to the classroom to implement innovative ideas that promote student engagement, foster a supportive community and empower each student to unlock their full potential! Mrs. Lersch and Mrs. Duke will return to the Ron Clark Academy for more training and to bring back some exciting new plans.
NOT ONLY did Mrs. Lersch attend RCA but she took two PLTW (Project Lead the Way) classes. Flight and Space will introduce the students to a science/engineering process to create the perfect astronaut team to land on Mars. They will work with charts, scheduling, and learning aerodynamics in a fully engaging environment.
The second class Mrs. Lersch attended was the PLTW app creator. In an immersive computer class, the students will learn the essence of the design process for coding and creating an app. This form of programming teaches the students an entirely new way of thinking by answering logical questions and building code. This step-by-step program will take us through the rigors of coding but make it a fun and exciting way to learn. As each lesson is completed, the students will see the app they have programmed in real time on their phone or computer.
Mrs. Lersch’s energy is contagious! She’s passionate and loves to engage students to be enthusiastic about learning!

St. Mary Catholic School welcomed students and families for a Backpack Blessing and Welcome Back Celebration on Sunday, August 13. Students were able to meet their new Principal, Mrs. Corinne Cuffle, and their teachers, and see their new classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year! After supplies were dropped off, all families gathered under the St. Mary Ollis Pavilion and Lauten Courts for lunch and a meet and greet. Parent volunteers made the event a success! Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Students who fall into the top 10% of the senior class are placed on a blind ballot to determine who will be inducted into the Cum Laude Society during the fall semester. The ballot includes information about each student’s performance on standardized test scores and their current course enrollments.
UMS-Wright is the only school in Mobile with a Cum Laude Society and one of only three in the state of Alabama (382 total chapters in 7 countries).
In addition to the 8 students, Mr. Pete Wilson was inducted as a faculty member. Mr. Wilson teaches AP Government and Honors Economics along with AP Euro and Honors World History I. He serves as the History department chair and Youth Judicial sponsor.
Congratulations to the 2023 Cum Laude inductees!
L to R: Saylor Parker, Ish Chakroborty, Nathan Martin, Charles Saucier, Mr. Pete Wilson, Alex Sherman, Julia Russell, Jerrick Phan, and Emily Grace Wolf.

Council Comets are off to a great start in the new school year. We had a successful first week of team building and communication challenges in the STEM Lab at Council Traditional School!

St. Luke’s Honor Council and the Class of 2024 joined students in K2-11th grade to sign the honor pledge, “As a St. Luke’s student, I will never lie, cheat, steal, intend to deceive nor tolerate any of these acts.”
At St. Luke’s, character education begins early as we teach our students that all choices have consequences. Our Honor Code addresses conducting ourselves honorably in an academic and social setting. Congratulations to all of our students for signing the St. Luke’s Honor Pledge.
Honor Council Members:
9th Grade:
Baker Farnell
Hannah Lockett
10th Grade:
Maddie Banks
Ella Bentley
11th Grade:
Sophie Bitzer
Cami Abel
12th Grade:
Maggie Blassingame
Garrett Dolbear
Emma Hataway
Cammie Waite

The students from Field Trip Line-up and More went on a field trip to Pascagoula River Audubon Center. These homeschoolers had a blast learning about “Animals Needs and Structures.” They had an inside lesson, several outside lessons, hands on activities, and even a game! We plan to go back when it cools off just to explore this place!

Each year, UMS-Wright joins families and organizations across the country in observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our “Yellow Day” began 15 years ago as a celebration of the legacy and life of UMS-Wright student, Krisanna Roberts. Krisanna spread sunshine to all who knew her, and she lived kindness. Yellow Day is a time to promote positive living in all that we do. As we spread the yellow spirit, we hope to brighten the days of all families at UMS-Wright while spreading awareness of childhood cancer! Thanks to the support of t-shirt sales, the UMS-Wright Parent Teacher Association was able to donate $4,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thanks to Krisanna’s Garden for sponsoring Yellow Day 2023!

Congratulations to the 2022-23 Satsuma Girls soccer team! They were recognized by United Soccer Coaches with the Team Academic Award which means the team maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. Satsuma’s team was the only girls team from Alabama to receive this honor.

St. Luke’s Booster Club invited the whole school to a Pep Rally to kick off the school year and fall sports! It was a great night celebrating the Wildcats!

We are excited for a great year of globally inspired learning here at Council Traditional. We want to welcome back all our Council Comets, teachers and staff.

The new team at Acton Academy Mobile preps for a fantastic school year with a “Zest is yet to come” Back to School Bash!
(Pictured left to right):
Spark Studio Guide: Mrs. Miranda
Director: Mrs. Loper
Discovery Studio Guide: Mrs. Brandy

Lighthouse Baptist Academy is off to a great start! Students and staff have begun the school year with excitement and determination. This school year, our theme is “Commissioned: Called to Go and Change the World.” Our mission is to provide an environment that instills strong values, moral principles, and a deep-rooted faith in our students.

Mobile Christian’s PTFA purchased brand new lockers for the 5th grade students! Thank you PTFA!

Kindergarten students and eighth grade students at Little Flower Catholic School team up for fun and exchange all year long. Sitting together at Mass, the Bigs help the Littles with finding the right page in the book and knowing when to sit and when to stand. Recess is more fun because the eighth graders push the swings and play catch with the kindergarteners. As these friendships grow throughout the year, the students exchange treats and special greetings to strengthen their connections.

St. Luke’s football players and cheerleaders start their Friday mornings off early, spreading school spirit with the lower campus. Go Wildcats!

At St. Dominic Catholic School our young artists sure like working with clay! Under the guidance of Mrs. Castelin, Art Teacher, students learn many different styles and techniques.

Acton Academy Mobile kicks off their second year with a brand new Studio for their Discovery learners! They spent the first day getting to know their new class family.

We are always crazy about “Crazy Hair” day at Corpus Christi!!!
Since 2014, our crazy hair day has been a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Andre Colletti, a former CCS student who was treated at St. Jude during his battle with Leukemia. Thanks to the generosity of our scholl family we raised $2479.00!!!

How many kids can get on the climbing house and slides at one time? We may not know the exact number because more and more keep getting in on the action. But numbers don’t really matter, because having fun in the sun at recess is the main objective here. In addition, several students found a quiet and cool place in the shade under the climbing house more to their liking. Students continue to enjoy the new playground equipment that was installed at the end of last school year.

At St. Dominic Catholic School, morning chess with Mr. Womack is something our Middle School students look forward to each day.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s School Resource Officer, Officer Meredith Killian, has been spending the first few weeks of school building relationships with students on campus. Throughout the day, you can find her reading to students, eating lunch with them, and playing games with them in PE class.

Ms. Joyce’s third grade students at St. Dominic Catholic School are learning about measurements. They learned that you can measure the distance between an objects starting position and ending position. They worked on predicting how far a wind up toy would travel during different amounts of time. Students recorded all of their measurements and then looked for patterns.

Congratulations to Thia Scott on her 1st published book titled “Something.” Currently, Thia teaches ukelele and drama at Heartwood Christian Academy, as well as working at HOW Dance, Music, Drama, & Film. Ms. Scott is a 2023 graduate who always had an affinity for writing. Ms. Scott writes her novels using the pen name of T.G. Scott. Thia’s blockbuster book “Something” is 1st in a dystopian series.
As with many of us, Thia’s eyes were opened in 2020 to a world of injustice, which served as a major inspiration for this intriguing book. As a young adult, she realized the truth that the world is brutal and corrupt, and most importantly the power to fight for change resides in each of us. Thia’s book is captivating and inspiring. We’re already looking forward to the 2nd book in the series.

Nothing is better than Big/Little Buddy Day at CHCA! Our seniors met their little buddies and enjoyed a competitive game of bingo! This tradition gives seniors the opportunity to mentor their “buddy” while also being reminded of what it is like to be a child again. Throughout the year, Big and Little Buddies will gather for holidays, field trips, and graduation events to celebrate and build relationships that can last a lifetime!

Phillips Preparatory School is pleased to introduce the 2023-2024 Student Council Officers, Treasurer-Hayes Miller, President-Diego Palmerin Nava, Vice President-Rileigh Bonham, and Secretary-Kennedy Cotton. We’re eagerly anticipating the remarkable achievements this exceptional group of young leaders will accomplish in the upcoming year.

Cypress Grove Academy first grade students learned about the origin of dyes in their afternoon enrichment class.

St. Mary Catholic School began their first day of school along with all students of the Archdiocese of Mobile on Wednesday, August 16. Plenty of smiles were to be had as students were reunited with old and new friends and teachers! Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Phillips Preparatory School’s 2023-2024 Student Council Class Representatives are the heartbeat of student involvement. They constitute the most inclusive and impactful student body, striving for the benefit of all students.

Most 9th grade students are the youngest students in their high school, but at Barton Academy, the 9th graders are the older ones, the more mature ones, the leaders on campus. One unique privilege that comes as a 9th grader here is that you are gifted with a blazer and brought up into the historic Barton Dome for a photograph. These students enjoyed making memories with their peers while seeing their city from a bird’s eye view. We are proud of them for joining with the previous 9th graders in being some of the lucky ones who opted to lead during their freshman year and have their pictures taken from the beautiful Barton Dome, overlooking our amazing historic downtown Mobile with fresh or “new eyes.”

St. Ignatius Middle School- forming leaders in mind, body and spirit.
Recently, St. Ignatius middle school students received blessed pins symbolizing their role as campus leaders. After they stood before the congregation and stated our school leadership pledge. K-8 school campuses are unique in that students become leaders at 11-14 years old. We are proud of our students accepting their role as leaders!
“Go forth and set the world on fire” -St. Ignatius of Loyola
St. Ignatius Middle School Leadership Pledge
o As a campus leader I pledge to uphold the mission and vision of St. Ignatius School.
o I will honor God, my teachers, my peers, my family and myself.
o I will treat others and myself with respect.
o I will help create a team spirit within our school.
o I will take responsibility for my words and my actions.
o I pledge to serve our school with pride and loyalty.
o I pledge to do what is right even when no one is watching.
o I will lead with integrity.
o I acknowledge that leadership is not a path to privilege, it is a responsibility.
o I stand before my peers and vow to do my best to be an exemplary campus leader in mind, body and spirit.
#TheCatholicDifference
#hispaththeirfuture
#hispathstartshere

Two recent Alma Bryant High School graduates, Kurt Carden and Kyle Mao, successfully completed the rigorous 10-month FlightPath9 program and have moved into apprenticeships at Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. Developed by Flight Works Alabama, Airbus and Bishop State Community College, the FlightPath9 program is designed to equip high school seniors with the skills and certifications they need to launch careers in aviation.

St. Dominic Catholic School students love when Kona Ice visits campus. Thank you to our PTO for this special treat.

St. Mary Catholic School is thrilled to introduce the very first ALL GIRLS CYO Flag Football team! This Mighty Mustang Crew representing the third grade D3 Division is coached by St. Mary parents, Ryder Copeland and Steven McDavid. Go Mustangs! Submitted by Marcelle Naman, Photo by Nicole Orso.

Davidson High School’s football team broke records and started new traditions at the first home game in Warrior Stadium on September 1. Mr. Lewis Copeland, who served as Davidson’s principal for 36 years, was the team’s honorary captain. He was joined by former DHS players from the undefeated 2005 season who were also recognized before the game. Senior DJ Butler, who is committed to Coastal Carolina, scored five touchdowns. The Warriors defeated Hillcrest-Evergreen with a final score of 59 – 46, setting a new school record for most points scored in a game.
Davidson looks forward to hosting more home games this season and making new memories in Warrior Stadium!

Three Cottage Hill students were introduced in the Youth Leadership Mobile Class of 2024. Youth Leadership Mobile is a program that identifies and empowers rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds and schools in Mobile County and who have the potential and interest in becoming trustees of their community. During the nine-month program the participants will expand their leadership skills, will be introduced to issues and opportunities in the community and will learn how their leadership abilities can best fit those needs through the lens of servant leadership. We are proud of Ann Dinkel, Katie Shanks, and Jordis Roberts.

Phillips Preparatory IB Learner Profile highlight for the month was “Inquirer.” Our standout student for this trait is Kaiden Mims, a remarkable 6th grader, recognized by his teachers. Additionally, kudos to Mrs. Alex Young, our 8th-grade Language & Literature teacher, was acknowledged by her students.

Davidson High School’s theater program is in full swing as students prepare for their fall production. Theater classes have been studying with Mrs. Gloria Poorman to learn directing techniques as well as various acting methods and technical skills.
DHS Theatre III student Sebastian Brown Brown hopes to become a film director in the future. He’s written his first play as a requirement of the Theatre III class and studies filmmaking manuals outside of school. He’s directing DHS’s fall production, and the student actors he’s directing are very excited to work with a peer in the driver’s seat. Mrs. Poorman says, “Sebastian has a great rapport with all of the actors and technicians and has a great eye for what looks good and works well on stage. He could become the next Steven Spielberg if he continues on this track.”
Davidson has a very talented group of students in their Theatre program and some who participate in the Thespian Honor Society, which meets after school twice a month.
Mrs. Poorman says there are several die-hard Theatre students who will probably make the trek to Broadway or LA after college. “Our actors are very dedicated to the craft, even taking extra classes outside of the Davidson program. They work hard practicing the art of Theatre at school then go the extra mile in the evenings, continuing studies at area community theaters.”
Davidson Warrior Theatre’s fall production, An Experiment by Brent Holland, is depicted as a fantasy world in which participants for an experiment have no idea how they got there. It is being produced through special arrangement with Eldridge Publishing, Inc. Shows open to the public will be October 27 & 28 at 6PM in the Lewis Copeland Auditorium.

Davidson High School was ranked #1 in Mobile Public High Schools and #1 in Mobile, AL Metro Area High Schools! According to the same report from the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, the Warriors are also ranked #15 for all public high schools in the state!
Schools are ranked using the following criteria:
College Readiness
State Assessment Proficiency
State Assessment Performance
Underserved Student Performance
College Curriculum Breadth
Graduation Rate
Go Warriors!

The Corpus Christi Student Leadership Council for the 2023-2024 School Year. Left to right – Top row – Edward Smith, Daniel Grantham, Cole Potteiger and Jake Potteiger. Bottom row – Harper Davis, Ansley Wellington, Emma Burkett and Ellen Wentworth

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a way of teaching that connects subject areas and fosters student engagement by solving real world challenges and answering essential questions over time. Barton Academy is known for fostering such real-world learning experiences and is excited to begin another year with creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking guiding the learning taking place under the Barton dome. Each quarter there will be a different theme guiding various grade level and content area PBL experiences. They are D-Discovery, O- Opportunity, M- Meaning, and E- Exploration, making the acronym DOME. To kick off the PBL units, Barton unveiled new banners and had student representatives share the quarterly quotes and themes. Confetti cannons popped and Mardi Gras beads were thrown in the 4 colors of the Barton Orders. It was a wonderful way to have the entire school community share in the excitement of a new year with new themes, quotes, and PBL’s!

Carson Palmer of Scarborough Model Middle School attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., over the summer. Carson was nominated by math teacher Michael Slezak for being “a student who achieves excellence and possesses strong leadership potential.” Congratulations, Carson!

St. Mary 7th Grade science students are learning how to classify things as living or nonliving. They created a habitat for their Hex Bug and observed it to see if it displayed any characteristics of being alive. Characteristics are 1) they have cells 2) they respond to their environment 3) they use energy 4) they grow 5) they develop and 6) reproduce. Students had to write from the perspective of whether they were living or not living. Living things have cells and nonliving things do not! Photo by Juli Reece. Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Congratulations to our SGA homeroom representatives for the 23-24 schoolyear. These students practiced their leadership skills by campaigning for themselves in front of their peers. We are proud of their accomplishment!
5th-Grady Stallings & Sam Zoghby
6th- Crosby Hayes & Katie Rae Gillman
7th- James Willis & Matt Wilber
8th- Anya Hilpert & Lee Walsh
St. Ignatius Catholic- forming leaders in mind, body & spirit.
#TheCatholicDifference
#hispaththeirfuture
#hispathstartshere

Ashley Self, who teaches English as a Second Language at Phillips Preparatory, Grand Bay and Semmes middle schools, is one of nine finalists for Teachers of Tomorrow’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Award.
All finalists will receive $500 and a six-month professional development membership to SimpleK12. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize and a 12-month PD membership. Self says she hopes to use the prize money to create a vegetable garden at each of her three schools “so that students can monitor, track, and report in English about what they observe.

The Service Leadership class at St. Paul’s Episcopal School has joined forces with Amy Hess and Heidi Elliot from the Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind to receive specialized training for tutoring. This initiative not only aims to enhance students’ tutoring skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Under the expert guidance of Amy Hess and Heidi Elliot, students learned crucial skills such as how to effectively use the long cane for navigation and how to provide guidance and assistance to those with visual impairments. The partnership between St. Paul’s Episcopal School and the Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind exemplifies the school’s commitment to service, inclusion, and community engagement. The Service Leadership Class is eager to put their newfound skills and understanding into practice as they work alongside their tutoring buddies at Callahan School!

For the 2023 AP test administration, there were 68 total AP Scholars with an average score of 3.8. Thirty-one of those scholars are in the Class of 2024 and earned the distinction of AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, or AP Scholar with Distinction. Congratulations to all of our Scholars!
Nine students were granted AP Scholar with Distinction (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): Bennett Brown, William Carnes, Reese Flotte, Philip Gill, Georgia LeDoux, Katherine Purdum, Haydn Sayner-Oubre, John Shell, and Anne Stockman.
Eleven students were named AP Scholar with Honor (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams): Neely Benton, Sydney Conrad, Pape Davidson, Polina Gracheva, Cheyenne Gray, Harper McLean, Ashley Park, Lilly Robinson, Susan Robinson, Grace Swain, and Camilla White.
.Eleven students were named AP Scholar (granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams): Emme Clement, Brady Cleveland, Stella Durren, Evie Epker, Gianna Estrada, Libby Fitts, Tommy Ford, Hannah McCrory, Emily Miles, Thomas Reid, and JC Tierce.