Student Spotlights – March 2025

Every year Little Flower Catholic School seeks the best spellers by holding its annual Spelling Bee. Students compete in their classrooms first, and the winners of the classroom bees advance to the school Spelling Bee. We congratulate Mary Byrum, Bryce Chaney, Ethan Escalante, Commie Hobbs, Stella Grant, Rashad Cade, and Thomas Smith for their efforts. Ethan Escalante was our first place winner, and Stella Grant was first runner up. Middle school teachers, Miss Hill and Mrs. Poole, organized and led the Spelling Bee.

Newman’s Ambulance came out to Mobile Christian to celebrate the 100th Day of School on January 30, 2025.

Thanks to an amazing technology grant from The Norquist Foundation , our 3-5th grade students were able to receive grade level sets of Chromebooks to give them easier access to AR tests, typing skills, digital assessments and more! We’re excited to add this to our toolset for further technological development! Pictured, Matthew Blanchette puts technology to work! photo by Carey Arensberg

A heartfelt congratulations to Corpus Christi Catholic School 8th grader, Rafaela Silva! Rafaela secured the title of 1st runner-up at the 62nd Annual Mobile/Baldwin Catholic Schools Spelling Bee on January 28th, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Having been our school’s Spelling Bee Champion for the past four years, Rafaela has consistently demonstrated excellence in spelling. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments! With her unwavering determination, we are confident that Rafaela will continue to achieve great things in high school and beyond.

MOBILE, Alabama – Mobile County Public Schools today recognized its top three teachers of 2025, naming them as the countywide Teachers of the Year and surprising them in their classrooms.
They are:
• Krissy Brown of Gilliard Elementary, the Mobile County Elementary School Teacher of the Year
• Justine Wilson of Grand Bay Middle, the Mobile County Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Roseann Byrd of Citronelle High, the Mobile County High School Teacher of the Year
Each of Mobile County’s 90 schools selects a Teacher of the Year, who is then nominated for the countywide honor. A committee selected these three winners and will forward applications on to be considered by the state for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year.
“These outstanding educators have done an exceptional job in the classroom and beyond,” said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “This honor is a tangible recognition of their dedication to student achievement and success. I am very proud of them, and I congratulate them on this terrific accomplishment.”
MCPSS has a great track record in the Alabama Teacher of the Year competition, having had one Alabama Teacher of the Year, two Alabama Secondary Teachers of the Year, and several finalists in recent years. (Maegan Gayle of Hutchens Elementary, finalist, 2023; William Edmonds of Barton Academy, Alabama’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, 2022; Julie Neidhardt, finalist, 2021; David Dai of Bryant High, Alabama’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2020;  Chasity Collier, Alabama’s Teacher of the Year in 2018).
Here is information about each of the Mobile County Teachers of the Year:
Krissy Brown is a fourth-grade teacher at Gilliard Elementary, where she has been on staff since 2022. She serves as the Lead Math Teacher for fourth grade, and was an Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative Math and Science Coaching Cycle Participant, a statewide program to improve STEM teaching. In her young career as an educator, she has already won numerous accolades, including a WKRG Golden Apple Award and a classroom grant from the 68 Ventures Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers program, and she was named to the Nappie Award finals for “Coolest Public Elementary School Teacher.” She is certified in K-6 Elementary Education, K-6 Special Education, and P-3 Early Childhood Special Education. Mrs. Brown earned collaborative Bachelors of Science degrees in K-6 Elementary and Special Education from the University of South Alabama. In 2023, she assisted in the creation of “Hope for Students,” a school-community partnership that provides food, clothing and hygiene products to students from underserved communities. Ms. Brown embraces innovative teaching strategies that engage students while catering to their diverse learning needs. She believes that every student has the potential for excellence, and strives to make lasting impacts on her students’ lives by nurturing their potential with love, guidance and support.
Justine Cauley Wilson, a 13-year veteran of the classroom, teaches U.S. history to sixth-graders at Grand Bay Middle School, where she serves as Social Studies Department Chair and coaches the Scholars Bowl Team. She is a Gifted Education Specialist and holds certifications in Gifted P-12. Mrs. Wilson discovered her passion for history at a young age through her elementary school’s gifted and talented program. A graduate of Satsuma High School, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Sciences from the University of South Alabama. At Grand Bay Middle, Mrs. Wilson strives to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. In addition, she is an advocate for her fellow educators; for the past six years, she has served as a mentoring teacher, providing guidance on lesson planning, professional ethics, classroom management and technology integration. “Serving as a mentor teacher has enhanced my own teaching practices, and it fosters a positive and collaborative school culture,” she said.
Roseann Byrd has been teaching for 19 years, the last 11 at Citronelle High School, where she leads Advanced Placement courses in U.S. History, Psychology, and American Government and Politics. She is the school’s Social Studies Department Chair, serves on the Leadership Team, coaches the Academic Team and is Student Council Sponsor. After learning about and researching the A+ College Ready Program, she was instrumental in implementing it at Citronelle High with the goal of improving instructional rigor and raising the school’s state report card grade. The program played a pivotal role in fostering success in Advanced Placement coursework for teachers and students at Citronelle, and resulted in tangible success when the school’s state report card grade rose by 11 points one year later. Mrs. Byrd earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from the University of South Alabama and a master of education at the University of West Alabama, and is working on an Educational Specialist in Education Leadership certification from the University of West Alabama. She is inspired by the expanding use of transformative technologies to enhance her students’ skills in critical thinking and innovation. “To be an educator is to embrace the ever-evolving nature of our field with courage and hope,” she said. “The work we do is more than a career; it is a mission that changes lives, shapes communities, and creates possibilities for generations to come.”

Bright Academy students are illustrating their creative art talent. Students attend art class twice a week along with an opportunity to attend Art Club once a week. They also have the opportunity throughout the year to enter art competitions. Mrs. Cathy does such a wonderful job getting the students to express their unique personalities and creativity through their artwork. At the end of the year, they have an annual Art Show held at the school in which they proudly present their beautiful artwork and receive awards.

Local authors were invited to read their books to the 2nd grade classes at E.R. Dickson Elementary School. Victoria Finkley, author of “Hope Takes Center Stage” and Melody Patterson, author of “The Smallest Pair” shared their love for reading and talked to the students about what inspired them to write. Our students truly enjoyed meeting them and learning about their books!

Congratulations to Mobile County Public Schools’ 2025 Teachers of the Year: Krissy Brown of Gilliard Elementary, Justine Wilson of Grand Bay Middle and Roseann Byrd of Citronelle High.
They each have taken on leadership roles within their respective schools and work diligently to promote and nurture a love of learning. Brown, a fourth-grade teacher, helped create “Hope for Students,” a school-community partnership to meet needs in underserved communities. Wilson, who teaches sixth-grade U.S. History, also coaches Grand Bay’s Scholar’s Bowl team and serves as a mentor to fellow teachers. Byrd, who teaches Advanced Placement courses in U.S. History, Psychology, and American Government and Politics, spearheaded implementation of the A+ College Ready Program at Citronelle, resulting in schoolwide academic improvement.
“These outstanding educators have done an exceptional job in the classroom and beyond,” said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “This honor is a tangible recognition of their dedication to student achievement and success. I am very proud of them, and I congratulate them on this terrific accomplishment.”

Many St. Pius X students came to Sunday Mass in their dress uniforms as part of our Catholic Schools Week festivities. It was a small way to thank our parishioners for all their prayers and support for our wonderful school. Photo by Kim Meyers

Little Flower pre-schoolers came to school pretending to be 100 years old. With creative costumes they brought a smile to all who witnessed their antics. The first 100 days of school flew by, but each day was counted and something new was learned each day.

Davidson High School recently hosted its annual Prospective Student and Family Preview Day! After learning about our academic programs, students and families gathered in our main lobby to visit coaches and sponsors of many of our sports and clubs. We are excited to see the future Warriors on our campus this fall!

Davidson High School was delighted to welcome Mr. Don Stringfellow, District II Board Member, for an engaging chat with many current students. The event featured delicious appetizers crafted and served by our talented culinary students. Student representatives from various sports and clubs had the opportunity to discuss the exciting developments at Davidson and even posed insightful questions about his career with MCPSS. Davidson extends our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Stringfellow for his unwavering support and dedication!

Even the teachers like to get into the Mardi Gras throw fun at Little Flower Catholic School. A quick break in the day of hard classroom work seems to brighten everyone’s mood.

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 E.R. Dickson Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Destiny Jones!
“Mrs. Jones is an absolute inspiration! She reminds you why you started teaching. She sparks the love for learning. She is an awesome coworker who loves kids, and it shows in all of her actions. She is patient not only with her kids, but with helping out fellow teachers as well! “ These positive remarks are from one of her peers-a great testament of why she was chosen for this award!

The Council Traditional Running Club students demonstrated their athleticism at the Mobile Marathon Fun Run held in downtown Mobile’s Mardi Gras Park. The event culminated in an outstanding showcase of talent, with Antoine Stallworth, a 5th grader, finishing 1st among our Council runners and 2nd place overall. William Withers, a 3rd grader, took 2nd place among our Council runners and 3rd place overall, while DeAnthony Edwards, also in 5th grade, secured 3rd place among our Council runners. The Council community is incredibly proud of all the runners and their supportive parents, whose dedication and sportsmanship made this event a great success.

MOBILE, Alabama — Two Mobile County Public Schools teachers were recognized among the nation’s top math and science teachers by the White House and the National Science Foundation this week. Both are teachers at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies in downtown Mobile.
The recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are: Nicole Bolton, who teaches computer science and STEM, and David Dai, who teaches accelerated math and geometry.
Each year, Alabama selects up to three math and science teachers as PAEMST finalists. Bolton and Dai advanced from state finalists in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and were named national winners. They will each receive a certificate signed by President Biden and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They will travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony this spring.
Meanwhile, a third MCPSS teacher has been named a 2024 PAEMST finalist – Eichold-Mertz School of Math and Science teacher Maegan Gayle.
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators, according to the White House. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels select the winners based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
“This is an incredible honor, not just for these outstanding teachers, but for Mobile County Public Schools as a whole,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “Nicole Bolton and David Dai represent the highest standards of excellence in STEM education, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication to their students, their school, and their profession. We are also proud of Maegan Gayle for being named a finalist, further showcasing the talent and commitment of our teachers. These awards highlight the innovation happening in our classrooms every day, as we are growing greatness throughout MCPSS.”
Barton Academy Principal Dr. Amanda Jones added: “I’m excited that our students have the opportunity to learn from these dynamic educators every day. Ms. Bolton and Mr. Dai put students first. They’re also not afraid to embrace change and to teach in innovative ways that really grasp our students’ attention. To see their hard work recognized at the national level is such an honor – not just for them, but for all of us at Barton Academy.”
Nicole Bolton, who has taught at MCPSS for more than 22 years, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational media and technology from the University of South Alabama, and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Alabama. She previously taught at Griggs Elementary and Florence Howard Elementary.
Bolton was awarded a Barringer Fellow at Monticello and is an alumnus of the George Washington Teacher Institute and the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute. She also received the Pathfinders Institute Scholarship in 2018 and 2020 for coding and robotics. She is an alumnus of the Teacher Space Academy and recently served as a teacher mentor at Teacher Space Academy. She is Barton Academy’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
David Dai, a graduate of Alma Bryant High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in statistics, a master’s degree in secondary math education, and a math educational specialist degree from the University of Alabama. Dai is a National Board Certified Teacher and is in his eighth year as an educator. He is a Board Member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and a University of Alabama Master Teacher Fellow in the A-PLUS program.
Dai’s honors and awards include Mobile County Public School System High School Teacher of the Year; Alabama District 1 Secondary Teacher of the Year; Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year; Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year; Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year; Extra Yard for Teachers Award Recipient; WKRG Golden Apple Recipient; and the University of Alabama Top Alumni Under 40 Award Recipient.
Maegan Gayle was named Alabama’s Science Teacher of the Year in 2024 and Mobile County’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2023. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who taught at Hutchens Elementary before coming to Eichold-Mertz. She is LETRS and Nearpod certified and has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.

The students of Heartwood Christian Academy embarked on an unforgettable journey while exploring Mobile’s Maritime Museum. From the moment we stepped inside, we were surrounded by fascinating exhibits showcasing the rich history of ships and seafaring adventures along the Gulf Coast.
One of the highlights was exploring ship models and interactive displays that let us experience what it was like to navigate the open sea. We also learned that Mobile’s port is 41st in size and 9th in tonnage and the role Mobile played in naval history. The hands-on exhibits made history come alive, allowing us to imagine some of the challenges sailors faced long ago.
We snapped many photos, shared laughs, and even tested our skills at some of the museum’s interactive stations. Something was exciting for everyone, whether it was steering a virtual ship or diving into stories of the past.
By the end of the day, we left with a deeper appreciation for maritime history and plenty of memories to cherish. Mobile’s Maritime Museum truly gave us a glimpse into the past while reminding us of the sea’s impact on our world. This trip is one to remember!

Causey Middle School Robotics Team, #30014 Aquabots, won the Breakthrough Award at the Alabama FIRST LEGO League State Championship.
Team Members are: Lance Miller, Shepherd Darwin, Silvanno Prado, Howard Miller, Ethan Fulkerson, and Ryan Curtis.

What an incredible day we had Eichold Mertz School of Math, Science and Technology’s Academic Parade. We had the distinct honor of welcoming the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association 2025 Royals, King Elexis I, Alan Lang, and her Majesty, Kierstyn Johnson. We were also joined by our District 4 School Commissioner, Sherry Wicks Dillihay McDade, Dr. LaKesha Brackins, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, and Helen Miles, Director of Academics. To top it all off, we had the Excelsior Band, the oldest jazz band in the United States, lead our academic parade! We are truly thankful to everyone who took the time out of their day to celebrate with us.

St. Luke’s students have officially celebrated 100 SUPER days with various fun activities and celebrations of student progress! We had students celebrate by dressing up, participating in activities based on the number 100, making 100th day crafts, participating in literacy activities and 100th day stations, and even eating themed snacks!
Our first graders dressed up as adorable Dalmatians and celebrated their 101st day of school with fun, educational activities centered around the number 101.
A big cheer for these young learners who are not just counting days but making each one count!

Students, staff, dignitaries and media filed into Gilliard Elementary School’s gym for an assembly with Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey. Greeted by Gilliard’s mascot, affectionately known as “Gilly Gator,” the room began to burst at the seams with excitement and spirit. Something big must be happening! Soon afterward, Dr. Mackey calls Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop on stage to reveal the assembly’s ultimate purpose: to announce Mary Travis as Alabama’s sole 2024-25 Milken Educator Award recipient!
Travis, a fifth grade math and science teacher, stepped up to accept her Award adorned in costume – the school’s “Gilly Gator” mascot costume, to be exact. In addition to the Award, Travis received an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and is the 42nd recipient in Alabama since the state joined the Milken Educator Awards in 1998.
Travis joins a national network of over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the Awards’ nearly 40-year history as the nation’s preeminent teacher-recognition program. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards inspire educators, students and entire communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. More than $75 million in individual financial prizes and more than $145 million have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible achievement by one of Alabama’s outstanding educators. We have so many teachers who are deserving of recognition; however, the Milken Foundation determines the recipient – surely, a difficult task,” Mackey said. “Receiving the prestigious Milken Educator Award is a testament to their unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on the lives of their students. This honor shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent and commitment of teachers across our state. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”
Outstanding educators like Travis are not aware of their candidacy for the Award. Recipients are sought out while early- to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.

We recently held a joyful Honors Chapel to celebrate the achievements of 3rd through 8th- grade students, recognizing their academic excellence and perfect attendance for the 2nd Qtr. We opened with prayer and included heartfelt recognition of students who have shown dedication and effort in their studies. Families and parents were welcomed on campus to share in the celebration. Songs of appreciation were sung, expressing gratitude for the students’ accomplishments. As the school year continues toward May, the Honors Chapel served as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance that drives the students’ success.

Our Junior High students wrapped up Homecoming week with a fun and vibrant BOHO social! It was a night full of energy, as students dressed up in their best bohemian-inspired outfits, enjoyed great fellowship, and danced to a lively playlist curated from their own song requests. A DJ kept the music flowing, setting the perfect mood for the evening. The event also featured delicious food and snacks, thanks to our amazing FTP Team. It was a night filled with laughter, dancing, and plenty of unforgettable memories!

Congratulations to the Causey Middle School Dance Team, which took top honors in both Pom & Hip Hop at the 2025 NDA Bama Regional last weekend in Hoover. Causey also won the showmanship award.

Congratulations to the many middle school initiates into the National Junior Honor Society. St. Ignatius is proud to form the whole child in mind, body & spirit. St. Ignatius is where academic excellence meets faith formation. This combination truly develops the whole child. We are so proud of these Impalas. “Go forth and set the world on fire!” –St. Ignatius of Loyola #TheCatholicDifference #HisPathTheirFuture #HisPathStartsHere

Congratulations to Causey Middle School sixth-grader Tamara Altaan, who won the 98th Annual Mobile County Spelling Bee! The event, sponsored by the 68 Ventures Bowl and Mobile County Public Schools, was held on February 7 at the Mary G. Montgomery High School auditorium and brought together 46 of the top elementary and middle school spellers from public, private, and parochial schools across Mobile County.
After 10 rounds and 141 challenging words, Altaan (center) claimed the championship title by correctly spelling “untenable.” Annalee Towler from Nan Gray Davis Elementary finished as the runner-up, while Kyler Johnson from Mary B. Austin Elementary secured third place.
“I really have a passion for words, but I didn’t expect to make it this far — let alone win,” Altaan said. “I am just glad that I was able to make my parents and teachers proud.”

Congratulations to the following CTS artists for the honor of having their artwork displayed at the state capitol in Montgomery for the State Superintendent art show. Your creativity and skill have earned you a well-deserved place among the top ten elementary artists in Mobile County. Julia Bolte, Arvav Joshi, Raelyn Coleman and Quinn Williams.

St. Luke’s students learn that topical medications are absorbed through the skin. They were then tasked with choosing the correct topical medication for a patient based on the cause (cut, scrape, burn, insect bite) and symptoms (redness, swelling, pain, itching) of an injury. After always considering allergies, medical providers select a medication that addresses the specific issue and wound type such as antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics, etc.

Our lower grades had a blast celebrating 100 days of school with a fun and creative twist! K3 through 2nd-grade students kicked off the celebration with a lively morning parade on campus, and we captured plenty of great memories. Kindergartners showed off their creativity by making posters to showcase how they viewed their first 100 days—some even imagined themselves as brave “100 soldiers” marching to school each day, while others saw it as the sweetest start, complete with mason jars full of candy! Our youngest students also got into the spirit by raiding their grandparents’ closets, sporting the most fabulous senior citizen costumes for the day. Senior Citizen Day at Covenant was truly entertaining! Throughout all the fun, students also incorporated math lessons, practicing counting and grouping by tens. It was a fantastic way to celebrate this milestone while learning and making lasting memories!

Our archery team proved its skill and determination at the recent Alba Middle School “Shark Slam” tournament, bringing home a well-earned second-place victory! The team stayed focused, shot with precision, and delivered outstanding performances against some tough opponents.
With impressive individual scores and unwavering teamwork, every archer played a key role in the win. Their countless hours of practice and dedication paid off. This victory is a testament to their hard work, and with their sights set on future competitions, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to dominate. Congratulations to our Lions!

The 3rd and 4th graders of the LWCC Kingdom Academy experienced using microscopes while doing their scientific research. What a wonder-full world appeared on the other side of the objective lenses!

Over 1,200 attendees gathered at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico on January 30, 2025, for the Mobile County Public Schools Family Gifted Night in celebration of Alabama’s recognition of January as ‘Gifted Education Month.’ The event featured guest speaker Adam Laningham, founder/owner of Bright Child A-Z, and provided families with a complimentary night at the museum. Local Middle Magnet schools and the Alabama Association of Gifted Children (AAGC) were also represented, making it an enriching evening for all involved. #alabamagifted #GrowingGreatness

Saint Pius X Pastor, Father Nicholas Napolitano, blesses throats during the student Mass on the Feast of St. Blaize. Photo by Lauren Alvarez.

Congratulations to Gabrielle Williams, one of the 2025 MCPSS Film Festival poster winners. Gabrielle, a talented 5th grader at Council Traditional School, has created a stunning digital design that will be displayed in all Mobile County elementary schools to promote this year’s Film Festival. She will also be honored on the red carpet at the Film Festival awards ceremony. We’re so proud of you, Gabrielle!

Congratulations to the Scholars’ Bowl Team who competed at the Regional Tournament at Bryant. The team qualified for the State Tournament (our first time since 2018). The team members are: Evan McFarland, Grayson Cheeseman, Abram Rose, Jackson Ellisor, Mason Branch, and Ava McDaniel.

Bright Academy invites you to join in for the annual Bright Academy Golf Tournament, a fun golf event where skill, precision, and passion meet on the green. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this is your chance to compete in an exciting tournament supporting a great cause, enjoy many chances at winning cash and other prizes, and connect with fellow golf enthusiasts. With exciting prizes, a festive atmosphere, and plenty of chances to showcase your talent, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Where: Springhill Golf Course
When: April 12th, 2025
Time: Register at 10:30 Putting Contest and Lunch at 11:00 Shotgun at 12:00 Dinner Awards Ceremony at 5:00
Cost: $125/player or $500/team
*Cost includes 18 holes with cart, lunch, dinner, awards ceremony, and a chance to win cash and other great prizes

St. Mary’s Catholic School closed out Catholic Schools Week with our Annual Family Day Mass honoring outstanding alumni and their 2025 business partner!
St. Mary’s congratulates the 2025 recipients: Bradley Veillon of Mobile Bay Flooring, Outstanding Business Partner; Colleen Elizabeth Mahoney Gould, Outstanding Catholic School Graduate, and Matt Arensberg is St. Mary’s Distinguished Graduate! photo by Marcelle Naman

Saint Pius X Faculty members Kim Meyers, Lauren Alvarez, George Naman, and Gabi LaPointe pose with the Division 6 basketball team after an exciting game. It was a hard-fought game, and we couldn’t be prouder of our boys and their coaches! Photo by Ella Stewart

Cultivate Studios Explorer students at Cultivate Studios are diving into a whole new reading experience with their brand-new Book Nook! Designed to be a cozy, inviting space, this special area allows learners to discover the joy of reading at their own pace—without pressure or expectations. When stories become an adventure rather than an assignment, books turn into lifelong friends.

St. Luke’s Biomedical Sciences Fundamentals I and II learned about diabetes and insulin therapy. They begin with a lesson on injections and various applications for each. Specifically, they learned that intravenous (IV) injections are often used for antibiotics, pain relief, and hydration therapy. They discussed intramuscular (IM) injections they may have received, including vaccinations, steroids, antibiotics, and pain relief. Intradermal (ID) injections are commonly used for allergy and tuberculosis testing. Finally, they learned about subcutaneous (SQ) injections and focused on insulin administration.
The following day, students practiced giving SQ insulin injections to each other using an injection practice pad strapped to a fellow student’s arm. They were instructed to prep the area, measure the appropriate dosage in units (using sterile water vials), and administer the “medication” at the appropriate 45-degree angle. During this same skills lab, they had the opportunity to check their blood glucose levels using a lancet pen and glucometer. Some students, early in the day, could see the effects of not eating breakfast as their blood sugar levels were in the low-normal range, while classmates who ate a hearty breakfast were in the mid-to upper-normal range. Syringes, pens, and insulin pump injection methods were demonstrated.

St. Ignatius has the best dads and we like to celebrate them each year with a sweet morning of donuts & Carpe Diem coffee! The dads at St. Ignatius are exemplary Christian leaders for their family. They serve our school and parish in many ways including being members of our Dad’s Club, ushers at Mass, leaders at Young Men of St. Joseph, CYO sports coaches and so much more. St. Ignatius has an unparalleled school community in large part thanks to these amazing dads who truly put their heart & soul into our thriving school. Thanks for all you do, Impala dads! #TheCatholicDifference

Exciting News from Eichold-Mertz Magnet School! We are proud to announce the launch of our inaugural National STEM Honor Society chapter! We celebrated our students’ hard work, innovation, and passion for STEM during a memorable Induction Ceremony. These outstanding scholars are paving the way for future scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and mathematical breakthroughs. Congratulations to our inductees! Also, a special thank you to our phenomenal guest speaker, Dr. Glen Borchert, from the University of South Alabama.

Tamara Altaan represented Causey Middle School at the County Spelling Bee and brought home the FIRST Place title! Congratulations!

Cultivate Studios learners had the incredible opportunity to welcome local guest chef Mrs. Lucy from Greer’s! She got to share her passion for cooking, introduce her brand-new cookbook, and guide our young chefs through a hands-on culinary experience. With curious minds and eager hands, our learners explored fresh ingredients, practiced new techniques, and tasted a delicious dish straight from her recipes.

Mrs. Haynes’ Aerospace Engineering Class took learning to new heights (extremely high!) Their hands-on project started with the students utilizing industry-standard software to design rockets before bringing those designs to life. The next step involved conducting rocket engine tests to gather crucial data on various engine parameters, enabling them to pinpoint areas for enhancement in their engine designs and identify any potential issues. On launch day, the rockets were launched using a safe, controlled environment with a crowd of students and teachers , with the rockets traveling up to 1100 feet. This event simulated a real-world rocket launch experience while learning key aerospace engineering principles.

We send a heartfelt thank you to our local fire rescue team for taking the time to educate Government Street Christian School students on fire safety! Your dedication to keeping our community safe is truly appreciated.

Four Mobile County Public Schools students were named among the winners of the 2025 State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibit Winners! Congratulations to Therese Mulroy of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, whose work won first place in the Grades 9-10 category, and Britney Nguyen of Burns Middle, who placed second in Grades 5-6. Two other Barton Academy artists earned honorable mention: Magda DeHaart (Grades 9-10) and Rachel Schrader (Grades 5-6).

St. Mary’s Catholic School held its first Mustang Mass with St. Mary’s Parish on January 26! This new quarterly event is held during St. Mary’s Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass and features St. Mary’s students as the lectors, gift bears, ushers, greeters and members of the choir! This new partnership with the parish was a fantastic way to kick off Catholic Schools Week! Pictured are Mustang greeters, Linus Gould, James Gould, and Edward Warner. photo by Marcelle Naman

February 5, 2025, National Signing Day, McGill-Toolen had three athletes commit to college sports. Congratulations to Jake Quina – Baseball, University of Mobile, Albanie Dixon – Basketball, University of Mobile, and William Porr – Indoor Track & Cross Country, University of North Florida.

Corpus Christi Catholic School had a fantastic time celebrating the 100th Day of School! Our kindergarten and 1st grade students truly stole the spotlight by dressing up as adorable 100-year-old grannies and grandpas. From the wrinkled faces to the walking canes, it was a delightful sight to see our young learners embrace their senior citizen style with such enthusiasm. The day was filled with laughter and joy as they brought their charming outfits to life!

St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. One example is the ample opportunities for public speaking and character development. Each year second grade students lead the entire school and parent community in a Living Rosary. Each student represents a bead in the rosary. Each student stands and acts as the prayer leader for that particular bead. The Living Rosary is a beautiful way to kick off Catholic Schools Week annually. Great job, Impalas! #TheCatholicDifference

Mrs. Barnes’ Government Street Christian School K5 class learned all about Service Workers and First Responders in February.

The Clark-Shaw Boys’ basketball team had an amazing season finishing as the MCPSS large division runner-up. They finished with a 13-3 record with all 3 losses coming at the hands of the Scarborough Knights. During this season, they defeated Phillips Prep, Barton Academy, Causey, Burns, Washington, Denton, and Grand Bay for non-division wins. In their division, they defeated Chastang-Fournier, Alba, and Pillans twice each. Their winning record and dedication to their team and sport truly set these athletes apart. Congratulations to our boys on a fantastic season!
The Clark Shaw Magnet Girls’ basketball team also had a stellar season, winning 12 games and only losing 4. The team was made up of 11 eighth graders and 1 seventh grader, showcasing their talent and dedication on the court. Even though only three of the players have previous experience playing basketball through the park and recreation centers in Mobile County, the team has continued to excel and finished the season as the MCPSS large division runner-up. Way to go, Eagles!

Government Street Christian School students received a special visit from local firefighters and learned what it requires to be a firefighter serving in our community.

Several students from Theodore High’s Engineering Academy excelled at the local Technology Student Association competition recently:
Photographic Technology: First place — Madison Brewer; Second — Mason Karns
Technology Problem Solving: First place — Aidyn Batley and Kaytlyn Coulson
Structural Design: Second place — Nelson Nung and Caleb Rowser
Senior Solar Sprint: Third place — Andrew Evans and Aiden Ellison
Congratulations to all!

Students of LWCC Kingdom Academy enjoyed the historic snowfall on January 21, 2025! While at home, snowmen were built and measured and research was done on ‘snowpack’ and why it keeps snow from melting quickly. This time provided a fun, educational, and very unique virtual school experience our students will never forget!

The St. Dominic 1st grade girls basketball team was undefeated in their season this year. Congratulations to the students and coaches!

5th-8th grade students of the LWCC Kingdom Academy managed to escape from a virtual escape room! Hidden clues had to be found and a variety of math mysteries solved, all while the timer was counting down… Teamwork, problem-solving skills, creativity, and common sense made the students succeed in their mission to beat the clock. Well done!

The Calloway-Smith Middle School Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra had the honor recently of performing in the rotunda at the Alabama State Capitol as part of the “Capitol Tunes” 2025 performance series.

The 2025 MCPSS VEX IQ Robotics Challenge, Bots on Parade, took place at Clark-Shaw Magnet School, where 18 middle school teams and 17 elementary school teams from around Mobile County competed in robot teamwork challenges to enhance students’ communication, collaboration, and STEM related skills. The Clark-Shaw Robotics team won the Robot Design Award and earned 2nd place in the Teamwork Challenge. Great job, Eagles!

The dance teams from Baker High and Causey Middle brought home the hardware from recent state competitions! Baker claimed first place in all three of its dances at the Dance Team Union (DTU) Alabama State Championships (7A Varsity Jazz, Varsity Hip Hop and Varsity Pom) and was named the competition’s Grand Champion for having the highest score of the day in any category. Causey swept the Middle School Pom and Hip Hop categories at both the DTU competition and the Universal Dance Association (UDA) State Championships.

Congratulations to Murphy High senior Jessica French, who is a finalist in the 2025 Alabama Science Scholar Search Gorgas Scholarship Competition. The finalists, who each submitted a scientific paper describing original research or projects, will compete for over $10,000 in scholarships during the final competition on Feb. 27-28 at Troy University Montgomery.

Congratulations to Stephen Watts of Citronelle High School, who was announced as the Alabama School Counselor of the Year at the American School Counselor Association Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. This national award recognizes his exemplary efforts to implement and facilitate a data-driven, comprehensive School Counseling Program at Citronelle. Watts is shown with Dr. Monica Motley, Coordinator of Transformational Improvement and Director of Guidance & Counseling for Mobile County Public Schools.

On February 5, UMS-Wright celebrated the following students as they committed to play their sport of choice at the next level!
Hope Blaylock: Volleyball | University of Mobile
Frances Brown: Golf | Auburn University
Thomas Crane: Golf | Troy University
Madeline McMurphy: Track & Field | Washington & Lee University
Andy Purvis: Baseball | Coastal Alabama North
John Ramsay: Baseball | Huntingdon College
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!

When your historic school sits along the parade routes in the birthplace of Mardi Gras, you have to dress the part! Our Barton Builders elective has been hard at work decorating our foyer and balcony spaces so that all who pass by or come inside are welcomed with the sights and sounds of the season. In our foyer, a beautiful float takes center stage with ambient Mardi Gras music playing. Our balconies are festooned with Mobile’s Mardi Gras colors of purple and gold. We hope our community likes the festive flair!

Field Trip Fun at St. Dominic Catholic School! Fifth grade students had the opportunity to explore the Maritime Museum and attend the Mobile Symphony.

UMS-Wright is PROUD to announce that we are one of six schools from across the State of Alabama chosen as a Safe School Award winner given by Attorney General Steve Marshall’s Office. The selection process featured a comprehensive four phase application and review process by highly educated judges who have skill and knowledge in school safety trends.
We are so blessed to have Deputy Humphrey, Deputy Robb, Deputy Seals and their entire security team working diligently to keep our campus safe!
A special thank you to Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson and her staff for presenting the award.
“UMS-Wright Preparatory School exemplifies what it means to prioritize the safety and well-being of students. Their proactive approach, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to preparedness set a standard for schools across Alabama. This award is a testament to their dedication to fostering a secure and supportive learning environment where students and staff can thrive.” – Attorney General Steve Marshall
“Winning the 2024 Safe School Award is a tremendous honor for UMS-Wright, and it reflects the unwavering commitment of our three sheriff’s deputies, security team, students, faculty, and staff to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. Safety is not just about protocols and procedures—it’s about a collective mindset, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone in our school community for making it a top priority each and every day. Their vigilance, cooperation, and dedication ensure that UMS-Wright remains a place where learning and growth can thrive in a secure atmosphere. This award is a testament to all of our efforts, and I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated team.” – Campus Safety and Security Director Garrett Humphrey

Congratulations to the winners of the District 1 Poetry Out Loud competition held recently at Ben May Library: Morgan Zaborny of Baker, Kristen Cass of Blount, Serenity Lozier of Baker and Sarah Fair of Murphy (left to right, in front). Zaborny placed first for the second year in a row, while Cass and Fair were also winners in last year’s competition.

Seniors in Davidson’s EPIC program recently traveled to the Infinity Space Center, where they explored the immersive exhibits, watched a 3D movie titled “Astronauts: Oceans to Orbit” and enjoyed a picnic lunch next to rockets. It was a great experience for these Warriors!

Students in Williamson High’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program had a great showing at the JAG Alabama Southern District Competition recently, earning second place in Career Preparedness! Their next stop will be the state competition in Birmingham.

Fr. Patrick Gilbreath visited with students at St. Dominic Catholic School for their annual Vocations Day.