Student Spotlights – July 2025

Old Shell Road Magnet School art teacher, Mrs. Gagliano, organized an art show at the school for parents and community members to attend. All students had artwork on display for the show. We are so proud of Mrs. Gagliano and our art students.

Congratulations to Ben Williams for being selected as E.R. Dickson Elementary’s Learning Leading Award winner! Ben is a kind, well-mannered young man who comes to school with a smile on his face and is helpful to his classmates. His infectious smile and caring spirit radiates all through our school! He plays football at a local park, collects items to donate to local charities, and volunteers his time to help the elderly with household chores. We are so proud of you Ben!

Little Flower welcomed former teacher, Lt. Jacob Smith, to campus to present lessons on etiquette to the eighth grade students in advance of their graduation dinner. Lesson One pertained to choosing the correct glass for water or tea, distinguishing salad plate from dinner plate, and proper utensils for each course.

St. Luke’s Center Stage recently captivated audiences with its performances of “Legally Blonde Jr. the Musical,” which graced the stage not once but three times. The production was met with rave reviews, leaving attendees in awe of our students’ incredible talent.
The performers brought energy and enthusiasm to each performance, showcasing their acting, singing, and dancing skills. The success was due to the performers on stage and the dedicated tech crew working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of the production was professional. We thank our theater director, Hannah Grace Smith, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to bringing “Legally Blonde Jr. the Musical” to life. Her ability to guide our students, helping them hone their acting, singing, and dancing skills, is a testament to her talent and dedication as an educator. This production is a testament to what St. Luke’s students can achieve!

Heartwood Christian Academy made history this spring with its inaugural Awards Night, a heartfelt evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of students from K5 through high school. With the Student Council leading the charge, the event marked more than just academic milestones; it became a celebration of community, creativity, and gratitude.
From the youngest learners to graduating seniors, students were recognized for their growth, character, and accomplishments. But it wasn’t only students who took the spotlight.
In a special twist orchestrated by the Student Council, every teacher and volunteer was honored with a personalized certificate and a small “star” gift as a token of appreciation. These creative awards brought smiles and laughter, with titles like “Lab Coat Legend” for the science teacher and “The Maestro Magic Award” for the guitar teacher. Each certificate reflected the unique contributions of those who pour into Heartwood every day.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from Mrs. Melanie Daniel’s Friendship Club, which delighted the audience with a special puppet show. Through playful storytelling and heartfelt messages, the students shared lessons on kindness, empathy, and friendship, capturing the spirit of what Heartwood is all about.
From designing décor and setting the stage to coordinating the program and distributing awards, the Student Council demonstrated exceptional leadership, ensuring the evening ran smoothly and meaningfully. Their attention to detail and desire to make every guest feel seen transformed the night into something truly memorable.
As the final applause echoed through the room, one thing was clear: Awards Night was more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of a thriving school community rooted in recognition, gratitude, and student leadership.

Families and students enjoyed a wonderful evening featuring performances by our talented strings class, lively Spanish songs and dances, dynamic routines from our two dance classes, and an impressive visual arts display. It was a joyful event that highlighted the hard work and artistic talents of our amazing students.

Our incredible fifth graders shined at the 2025 PYP Exhibition, showcasing their hard work, research, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place. This year’s theme, “Sharing the Planet,” inspired powerful presentations on clean energy, climate action, water conservation, and more. We are so proud of our students for using their voices to spark change and take action for a brighter future.

The 8th grade Spanish class at St. Dominic Catholic School participates in an annual event to learn about the traditional quinceanera celebration of many Spanish speaking cultures. The students dress nicely and learn a traditional dance, which they perform for their parents. The 8th graders’ first grade buddies even get to make a special appearance during the event.

Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts kindergarten students performed “Hats” the musical at Murphy High School.

St. Pius X Class of 2025 gather before the Altar following their promotion Mass. With them are their homeroom teacher, Mr. Naman, Principal Mrs. Alvarez, and Pastor Father Nicholas.

St. Pius X students created and presented a beautiful work of art to Mrs. Alvarez, as she steps down as principal after 25 years. The artwork was made using 921 shells, which is the estimated number of students Mrs. Alvarez served during her tenure. Pictured with Mrs. Alvarez are Father Nicholas, pastor of St. Pius X, and Jennifer, an eighth-grade student.

All Smiles, All Summer! Cultivate Studios students are beaming with excitement as they dive into hands-on learning, friendship, and adventure to kick off an unforgettable summer session. From creative projects to outdoor play, this season is bursting with joy, discovery, and meaningful moments at every turn!

St. Dominic Catholic School celebrated its Commencement Ceremony for the 8th grade class of 2025. These students’ standardized test scores reflect that they are some of the brightest in the nation. The formation of faith they have received has given them the tools needed to live lives of virtue and self discipline. Congratulations to these exceptional students. Fly high, Eagles!

As part of the conclusion of the academic year, many of the parents of St. Dominic 8th graders participated in a parent vs. child volleyball game. The competition was fun for all, and a great way to wrap of the year.

Middle school students at St. Dominic Catholic School have the opportunity to participate in annual plays produced by their Eagle Theatre group. Students act, sing, dance, and work the lighting, sets, and sound. This year, the students performed “The Wizard of Oz” for two nights. Their hard work was evident in this fantastic production.

Students of the LWCC Kingdom Academy visited the campus of the University of Mobile. A treasure hunt led them through the various buildings where they learned about the history and mission of the University of Mobile as well as about the programs they offer. Students participated in a musical game and enjoyed watching some of the university students as they shared their gift of singing and theatre. The day was concluded with an outdoor activity. It’s never too early to start preparing for your future. Thank you to all the Rams of the University of Mobile!

St. Pius X Middle School students partner with younger students for our Space Week Bingo games. Sixth graders Cooper and Grayson help second grader Dariel as he looks for space terms on his bingo cards.

Congratulations to the 2025 CTS MCPSS Film Festival participants! It was a red-carpet event, and Council’s students and teachers represented well! Keep up the great work!
Winners: -Best Commercial K-2 Noah James, Kingston Wilson, and Booker Creighton -Music/Performing Arts K- 2 Shepard Lawrence-Music/Performing Arts 3-5 Khalil Evans-Best in Show K-2 Shepherd Lawrence-Animation Teacher Stacey Claiborne -Music/Performing Arts Teacher Temple Zimlich.

At Covenant Christian School, we are proud to recognize students who exemplify excellence in both academics and character. This year, we are pleased to honor Alina Moffett and Abigail Blasingame as our Salutatorian and Valedictorian, respectively. These distinctions reflect their outstanding academic performance over the course of 6th through 8th grade. Both of these young women have demonstrated exceptional diligence, perseverance, and a sincere commitment to learning. They are truly deserving of this recognition, and we celebrate their accomplishments with joy and pride.
We also had the privilege of presenting our most prestigious honor, the Citizenship Award, to Caroline Villacampa. This award represents the heart of Covenant Christian School and recognizes a student who consistently displays Christ-like character in both word and action. A multitude of qualities are considered for this honor—including self-discipline, dedication, God-confidence, attentiveness, motivation, effort, integrity, respect, attitude, influence, and servant leadership. Caroline’s example is an inspiration to her classmates and a reflection of the mission we uphold at CCS.
We commend all three of these young ladies for their outstanding achievements and the light they shine in both their studies and their daily lives.

Rental Arana was chosen as this year’s recipient for the “Dare to be Different” award at Bright Academy. This award resembles being confident in who you are even if others judge you as being “different” because of your dyslexia. Renata has grown so much in her time at Bright Academy. She is kind, loving, helpful, and caring towards others. We are very proud of her and all of her achievements. We wish Renata and her family much happiness and success as they move away from Mobile to begin a new journey.

Earlier this spring, Covenant Christian School had the joy of welcoming former students back to campus for our Alumni Walk. This special event celebrated our alumni by inviting them to walk the familiar halls once again, reconnect with beloved teachers, and encourage one another. The visit culminated in a meaningful time during Junior High Chapel, where these returning students shared heartfelt words of wisdom from38950 their high school journeys. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of Christian education and the strong community that continues to grow beyond 8th grade graduation.
We were especially proud to recognize two distinguished alumni for their recent accomplishments. Derek Leege, a graduate of St. Luke’s Episcopal School, was named Salutatorian, and Olivia Ray, a graduate of Saraland High School, earned the title of Valedictorian. Their academic success is a testament to their hard work and to the solid foundation built during their years at Covenant. We celebrate their achievements and pray they continue to lead and serve with excellence.

It might seem like a lazy summer of freedom to the students, but the teachers and staff at Little Flower Catholic School are already busy planning for the next school year. We love and appreciate all those who work so hard to make Little Flower the Light of the Loop. Thank you to first grade teacher, Mrs. Frank; cafeteria manager, Mrs. Lee; computer teacher, Mr. West; and principal, Mrs. Ollis for all your care.

St. Luke’s Class of 2025 experienced one of our most cherished traditions, “Walking the Halls,” as they bid farewell to the youngest Wildcats on the lower campus before doing the same on the University Campus. For many of these seniors, walking through the infamous red doors of the lower campus held a special significance, a moment filled with nostalgia and reflection, a reminder of how far they’ve come! The next time these students pass through the red doors, they will do so as alumni, carrying with them the lessons and memories of their formative years. We hope the lessons learned at St. Luke’s will guide them to make a meaningful impact in the world and that their time as a Wildcat meant as much to them as it did to us! Never forget, “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!” We love the Class of 2025!

St. Luke’s faculty and staff kicked off the summer with the annual kickball game. This much-anticipated event was a resounding success and showcased St. Luke’s school spirit! Participants revealed their competitive edges and had a fantastic time, setting the tone for a fun summer break!

Congratulations to our retirement honorees:
–Mrs. Melissa Thompson, PE Coach with 25 years
–Mrs. Angelia Moore, PE Dept with 25 years
–Mrs. Sarah Womack, Kindergarten Teacher & Intervention with 25 years
What a gift of 75 years that has impacted students, schools, and staff members!
Here’s to a new chapter where every day is a blank canvas, ready for each of you to paint with joy, adventure, and fulfillment.
You will be greatly missed and will always be an ERD Tiger!

St. Luke’s senior class president, Gavin Leege, “Passed the Torch” to the senior class president for the 2025-2026 school year, Maddie Banks, symbolizing a change in leadership. The seniors then exited for their last day of school before Maddie addressed the junior class regarding the 2025-2026 school year. Gavin is leaving St. Luke’s in great hands with Maddie.

Congratulations to our newest NJHS members! Corpus Christi Catholic School proudly inducted new students into the National Junior Honor Society, recognizing their academic excellence and leadership in student organizations. We’re excited to welcome these outstanding individuals and celebrate their commitment to serving our school and community!

You are about to begin an exciting four-year journey through high school, and we at Corpus Christi could not be prouder. As you enter this new chapter of your lives, remember that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are the keys to success. We have every confidence that you will flourish and grow into capable, compassionate individuals, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Little Flower School salutes their Viking students who were awarded scholarships at the McGill-Toolen Scholarship Breakfast. Sady Portillo received the Herbert M. Zoghby, Sr. Scholarship. Ethan Escalante received the Thomas L. Doyle Memorial Scholarship. And Stella Grant received the St. Augustine Scholarship. We salute these Vikings and know they will represent Little Flower well during their time at McGill.

We celebrated the 8th Grade Class of 2025 in May. Twenty-four remarkable students who have grown not only in knowledge but in character, faith, and purpose. Under dedicated leadership and our devoted faculty, these students have journeyed together through the formative middle school years, anchored in truth and guided by God’s Word.
Their class verse, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31), beautifully reflects the spirit of this class — a group marked by perseverance, unity, and unwavering hope.
At Covenant Christian School, our mission is clear: to graduate students who are prepared to understand their world, to communicate with their world, and to influence their world for Christ through servant leadership. This graduating class embodies that mission. They leave 8th grade ready to think critically, speak truth with grace, and serve others boldly.
As they prepare to step into high school and beyond, we pray they continue to rise — like eagles — with courage, compassion, and conviction. May they remain rooted in their beliefs, strengthened by His promises, and ever ready to lead well.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your Covenant family celebrates you and stands with you in prayer and pride.

Several Mobile County Public Schools students excelled in the Law Day essay and art competitions sponsored by the Mobile Bar Association. Clockwise from top left, Tyron Rhodes of Citronelle High placed first in the high school essay competition and Or’Reanna Davis of B.C. Rain placed third. Ariana Heckman of Clark-Shaw Magnet placed third in the middle school essay competition, and Robbins Elementary’s Chyler Green was second in the elementary art contest. Congratulations!

Mobile Christian celebrated our new Senior and Kindergarten Graduates in May. We are so proud of all of you.

The summer between fourth and fifth grade, St. Ignatius students take over Spring Hill Swim Club for the annual “Half Way There” party. This transitional time marks the halfway point from kindergarten through eighth grade. Fifth grade is a challenging and rewarding year at St. Ignatius. Students are pushed to be independent thinkers and leaders in preparation for middle school. Fifth grade is the first year students can run for SGA, train as an altar server, have access to flex seating, and get a glimpse into the next chapter of their St. Ignatius career. However, these wonderful students are not in middle school yet! Fifth grade is full of lots of fun activities, projects, field trips and of course, the “Half Way There” party! #HisPathTheirFuture #HisPathStartsHere #thecatholicdifference

Congratulations to the St. Ignatius 2025-26 SGA officers: Bella Purvis (president), Sam Zoghby (vice president), James Beckmann (secretary), Michael DeAndrade (treasurer), Mac Walker (historian), and Hugh Kidder (religion officer). Way to go, Impalas! St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. #thecatholicdifference

We’re proud to announce that Mrs. Carey Arensberg, St. Mary’s SEL teacher and counselor, has been awarded the Mobile County Health Leadership Award for her steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy and her inspiring Care Closet initiative! Rooted in our Catholic faith, Mrs. Arensberg’s work reflects our mission to care for the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.

It’s great to be an IMPALA! During the last pep rally of the year, rising sixth grade students get to pop a balloon and run to their home away from home for the next three years. The middle school houses are a phenomenal tool to cultivate leadership, inclusivity and healthy competition; all while being rooted in the Catholic faith. The five houses are named after saints: Saint Rodriguez, Saint Xavier, Saint Berchman, Saint Faber and Saint Gonzaga. Throughout a student’s middle school career they will gather for over 30 house lunches, compete in over 50 games, complete 5+ service projects and one lucky house will be crowned champion of the year. St. Ignatius has cultivated an atmosphere where it is cool to be kind to your peers, even if they aren’t in your same grade or friend group. St. Ignatius’ middle school is thriving! Students are happy, engaged, challenged and are formed into exemplary leaders.
“Go forth and set the world on fire.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola

As the Class of 2025 prepared to turn the page to a new chapter, one senior chose to leave a mark that will inspire future students for years to come.
What began as a collaborative art project became a personal mission for Kara Anastasio, who stepped up when others were unable to continue. With quiet determination and creative vision, she brought the undersea painting to life on her own, transforming a group effort into a meaningful individual legacy.
The artwork is rich in color and symbolism, vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and swirling blue waters frame the central message: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2).
This verse echoes the Class of 2025’s journey through seasons of challenge and growth. Kara’s painting stands not only as a work of beauty but as a visual reminder of faith, perseverance, and hope.
Now permanently displayed at Heartwood, the painting is more than decoration; it is a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and heart of a student who turned vision into reality and left behind a gift that speaks to all who pass by.

St. Mary’s Teachers Leesa Bolling and Karen Cortopassi were awarded with teacher appreciation gifts from The Blind Butcher because they received so many nominations during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Lights, Camera, Learning! Cultivate Studios students took a behind-the-scenes tour of WKRG News to explore the world of film and broadcast production. As creators of their own weekly news videos, this real-world experience brought their projects to life and inspired the next generation of storytellers.

Four members of Davidson High School’s Class of 2025 have been awarded National Merit Scholarships. They are: Oscar Jones, who plans to study computer engineering in college; Matthew Ngo, who will study psychiatry; Igor DeBoi, who plans to study chemical engineering; and Connor Dolbeare, who plans to study biochemical engineering. Congratulations to these standout scholars!

During Nurses Week, Satsuma City Schools proudly recognized and honored the achievements of 16 students who have earned their certification as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism throughout their training, embodying the core values of care and service that define the healthcare profession. This milestone not only highlights the strength of Satsuma’s healthcare pathway programs but also affirms the district’s role in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

About 150 JROTC cadets from 16 local schools had a great experience at last week’s JROTC STEM Leadership Academy, sponsored by Mobile County Public Schools. They honed their STEM skills by building and testing a motorized floating device, and learned about maritime careers through visits to several local businesses and organizations, including Alabama Shipyards, the USS Alabama Battleship, GulfQuest, MAWSS, and the U.S. Coast Guard. They also participated in many different leadership activities, including rappeling and land navigation. The Academy has been such a success that Mobile County Public Schools received a grant to replicate it in other areas. Similar camps are now also being held at 12 other school systems around the country.

Mobile County Public Schools students from several schools participated recently in State FFA Eliminations, which included competitions in Floriculture, Nursery Landscape, Small Engines, Agricultural Construction, and Agricultural Mechanics. Bryant Career Technical Center’s Small Engines team placed second and Cindy Peña tied for first place overall in the individual Small Engines competition. Bryant also earned a Silver for its National Chapter Award.

Ninth-graders studying German at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies represented well at the University of South Alabama’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages annual awards ceremony. All participants received a certificate of honor, and monetary awards sponsored by USA’s Phi Sigma Iota chapter were awarded to the best essays in each language. Barton’s Greta Roddy won first place and Sara Lovelace took second.

Congratulations to Old Shell Road School of Creative & Performing Arts, which finished first overall in the fifth-grade math competition held at Causey Middle School in May. O’Rourke and Tanner Williams won their respective divisions, while Old Shell Road also finished first in ciphering. Old Shell Road’s Gabel Conner and Council Traditional’s Shafin Latif made perfect scores on the written test portion. In addition, Forest Hill was named Most Improved, Craighhead was named best school new to the competition, and Orchard won Most School Spirit.

Class of 2025 Alma Bryant High graduate Stanley Roberson has been awarded the Brent Lane Zirlott (BLZ3) Memorial Scholarship, which honors the life and legacy of Lane Zirlott III. Each year, this award is given to a student who embodies Lane’s strength of character, determination, and zest for life. Roberson scored a 35 on the ACT and will be attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville this fall.

Six members of Alma Bryant High School’s Class of 2025 also officially graduated from the Ingalls Shipbuilding Academy! These dedicated students completed the year-long program and signed job offers with Ingalls Shipbuilding: Randie Vickers, Devin Chanthivong, Joshua Langdon, Terrell Sanders, Dillon Cole and Rachel James.

Teams from B.T. Washington and Alba middle schools and Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies participated in the inaugural Mobile County Public Schools Brain Bowl competition recently at the Murphy High School auditorium. The students tested their knowledge on a variety of subjects, including geography, U.S. history, mathematics and art, with Barton Academy coming out on top. The students representing Washington were the school’s first-ever academic team. The show will soon be featured on the mcpssTV YouTube channel.

The Satsuma High School Lady Gators Softball Team wrapped up an incredible season, finishing 3rd in the 4A State Tournament. This remarkable achievement reflects the team’s hard work, perseverance, and unwavering school spirit. To build on this momentum and invest in the next generation of players, the Lady Gators program is hosting two exciting camps this summer including the Satsuma Rec League Camp: This FREE camp is open to upcoming 2nd–6th grade Satsuma Rec League participants. Participants must be a current member of the Satsuma Rec Park. For questions, please contact Coach Lindsey Stewart at lstewart@satsumaschools.com.

Congratulations to the UMS-Wright cheerleaders on an excellent showing at UCA Camp in Tuscaloosa at the end of May!
Overall Awards: Top Banana Nightly Spirit Sticks for Middle School, JV & Varsity | 18 All-American Cheerleaders | 4 Pin It Forward Recipients
Varsity: Gold Ribbon Sideline & Cheer Evaluation | Blue Ribbon Camp Routine Evaluation | 3rd in Camp Routine | 2nd in Cheer | 2nd in Spirit Routine
JV: Blue Ribbon Sideline & Cheer Evaluation | Blue Ribbon Camp Routine Evaluation | 2nd in Camp Routine | 3rd in Sideline | 2nd in Cheer | 2nd in Spirit Routine
Middle School: Blue Ribbon Sideline & Cheer Evaluation | Blue Ribbon Camp Routine Evaluation | 3rd in Cheer
We are so proud to show our support to the girls who are always CHEERING on the Bulldogs!

Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners recognized the district’s top educators recently by placing their names on The Giving Tree at Central Office. The Giving Tree was established to honor educators who are named Teacher of the Year or earn statewide or national awards. This year’s honorees are:
• Nicole Baranov of Hutchens Elementary, the Alabama Science Teachers Association’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year
• Nicole Bolton and David Dai of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
• Krissy Brown of Gilliard Elementary, MCPSS Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Roseann Byrd of Citronelle High School, MCPSS High School Teacher of the Year
• Maegan Gayle of Eichold-Mertz School of Mathematics, Science & Technology and Dr. Karla McInnis of Mary G. Montgomery High School, State Finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
• Lauren Henson, the Alabama School Social Worker of the Year
• Marcee Hinds of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, selected as the state’s Outstanding Teacher of American History by the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• Kimberly Jones of Nan Gray Davis Elementary, the Alabama Counseling Association’s Elementary School Counselor of the Year
• Shawn Schlumpf of Grand Bay Middle, selected as the state’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers
• Mary Travis of Gilliard Elementary, winner of the Milken Educator Award
• Justine Wilson of Grand Bay Middle, MCPSS Middle School Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to all of these fantastic educators!

The Satsuma High School and Junior High cheerleading programs recently delivered an exceptional performance at the UCA Cheer Camp, earning a host of prestigious awards and recognitions that highlight their talent, teamwork, and leadership. Both teams demonstrated outstanding spirit and sportsmanship throughout the week, taking home a number of top honors, including:17 All-American Cheerleaders, 5 Pin It Forward Recipients – Recognized for leadership and positivity, Leadership Award – Voted on by fellow squads as the team they’d most want to join, TOP BANANA Award – A fun and spirited recognition given on the final day.
Varsity Squad Highlights: 1st Place – Camp Routine, 1st Place – Overall Gameday, 2nd Place – Crowd Leading, 9 All-American selections
Junior High Squad Highlights: 1st Place – Camp Routine, 1st Place – Crowd Leading, 2nd Place – Overall Gameday, 8 All-American selections
The performance at UCA Camp underscores the continued excellence of Satsuma’s cheerleading program and its impact on school spirit and student leadership.

In May, UMS-Wright Middle School and Upper School band students competed at the 2025 Alabama Bandmasters Association’s State Solo and Ensemble. Twenty-nine medals were awarded with some students earning three medals.
Ten soloists performed and all ten earned Superior Ratings and solo medals!
The following students were awarded solo medals:
7th Grade: Wren Cooper | 8th grade: Henry Arrington, Richard Delaney, Matthew Driscoll, Caitlin Finney, Ellis Grimm, William Marmande, and Richie Nguyen | Upper School: Rossana Delfierro and Mariah Smith
Eight ensembles performed and seven received Superior ratings and nineteen ensemble medals. One ensemble received an excellent rating!
The following students were awarded ensemble medals:
7th Grade – Wren Cooper, Gary Harris, Sophia Johnson, Aubrey Jones, Kaleb Rose, Mills Schultz, and Sawyer Smith | 8th Grade- Henry Arrington, Richard Delaney, Matthew Driscoll, Caitlin Finney, Ellis Grimm, Cade Marks, William Marmande, Richie Nguyen, and William Wang.
The UMS-Wright Mighty Marching Bulldog Band selected by audition the 2025-26 Drum Major, Emma Marmande ’26!
In addition to these honors, UMS-Wright will have 6 of our band alumni marching on fields and playing on the stage at the collegiate level next year!

The Satsuma High School Class of 2025 reached a major milestone, earning more than $6.3 million in college scholarships. During end-of-year celebrations, seniors returned to Lee Elementary, where their academic journey began as the first-ever kindergarten class of Satsuma City Schools in 2012. Welcomed by kindergarteners, the visit was filled with smiles, hugs, and shared memories, marking a symbolic connection between past and present students. This special moment highlighted the strength of the Satsuma community and reminded all involved that every journey begins with a single step into a classroom.

Congratulations to the Causey Middle School archery team, which took first place in the middle school division in Bullseye in the the 2025 NASP World Competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and second place in 3D. The team was led by Gavin Spann, who placed in the top 12 in both events. Individual competitors from Baker High, Grand Bay Middle and Eichold-Mertz and Castlen Elementary also participated, with Grand Bay’s Gunnar Couch placing first in middle school boys and fourth overall in both Bullseye and 3D, and Castlen’s Sophie Bush placing third in elementary girls in 3D.

Congratulations to Mary G. Montgomery High School students Joseph Mullenax and Luke Johnson, who placed first in the recent Alabama High School Bass Nation Team Trial. They will now move on to nationals.

The Mobile County Commission recently recognized Class of 2025 Murphy High graduate Preston Burks, who has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama Youth of the Year. Preston, who will be attending Tuskegee University this fall, dedicated himself to service at Murphy through roles including senior class secretary, Student Government Association executive board member and Crittenton Teen Ambassador. Other finalists for the honor were Haille Baker, a graduate of Theodore High; Harmoni Jones, a sophomore at Mary G. Montgomery; and Zykeem Lane, a graduate of Murphy.