Student Spotlights – June 2025

Middle School students from Little Flower Catholic School enjoyed a field trip to The History Museum of Mobile. Part of their trip included a chance to make clay pots using Native American techniques. The students also toured the Painted Pages: Illustrated Manuscripts exhibition which displayed pages from medieval Bibles, Prayer Books, Missals, and others.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Mobile County Public Schools Calvin Crist Driver’s Education Road-e-o: KeAziah Frazier of Blount (first place); Kendra Greathouse of Citronelle (second); and Caylee Murray of B.C. Rain (third). The Road-e-o is an annual event that tests the skills of driver’s education students with a series of driving challenges.

Each year at St. Dominic, the eighth grade students present the Living Stations of the Cross. This prayerful tradition is a reenactment and meditation on the last steps of Jesus. The students spend hours preparing the living stations.

St. Dominic Catholic School offers students the opportunity to participate in their Children’s Choir, directed by Mr. Kevin Dyess. Mr. Dyess’s robust Music program includes several productions, daily music classes, the Children’s Choir, and after school piano lessons. Each month, Mr. Dyess chooses students who have given exemplary effort in the area of Music to receive the St. Cecelia award. Pictured here are the recent award winners. Way to soar, Eagles!

Learning to read has never been so fun! St. Mary Catholic School 1st graders in Mrs. Bolling’s class are mastering their phonics skills using our new interactive ViewSonic board. This hands-on technology keeps students engaged while reinforcing key literacy concepts in an exciting, dynamic way.

Congratulations to B.C. Rain High School’s JROTC Red Raider Battalion, which earned first- and second-place trophies at the recent University of South Alabama Jag Challenge!

Congratulations to Hutchens Elementary Media Specialist Stephanie Pettis, who has been named the 2025 Ann Marie Pipkin Library Technology Award Winner by the Alabama School Library Association. Pettis was commended for her innovative teaching methods, commitment to community involvement, and leadership, which set a high standard for educational excellence.

The Davidson Invitational Model United Nations was held in early April at the Mobile Convention Center, bringing together more than 400 students from nine local schools, including Davidson, Baker, Alma Bryant, Murphy and Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. The event, organized and hosted by Davidson High School, introduces students to the structure and procedural rules of the United Nations, and allows them to engage in meaningful discussions and debate on global issues.

During free choice time, two of our older learners made a special visit to the Wonder Studio, bringing books — and lots of smiles — to our youngest readers. Moments like these build confidence, community, and a love for learning across all ages!

The Dawes Dancers from Dawes Intermediate School racked up the awards in the DMI Dance Competition! They were the only group in the competition to earn Elite Platinum status, and also won first-place Line, first Overall Group Dance (TOP HAT), and the Beautiful Vision special award. In addition, Michelle Lemasters won the improv battle.

Robotics teams from two MCPSS schools excelled at the recent CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Alba Middle School Robotics Team 14180A, known as The Super Novas, finished fourth out of 85 teams representing 17 countries and 40 states. Tanner Williams Elementary’s Big Creek Lakers Purple team earned Bronze medals out of almost 50 teams from across the country and world in the elementary division, while the Gold team finished seventh. In addition, Alba’s robotics coach and LOTC instructor, Alba’s SSG (Ret.) Wesley Porter, was selected as Robotics Mentor of the Year

Congratulations to the Alma Bryant archery team, which won the Alabama State Championship with its highest team score of the season! Alex Roddy was the first-place finisher in the High School Male Division and Overall Highest Male Scorer for the entire tournament. Grand Bay’s Gunnar Couch was the first-place finisher in the Middle School Male Division and second overall.
Baker finished fourth in the High School Division, its highest finish in school history. Causey, Grand Bay, Clark-Shaw Magnet and Alba finished in the top 10 in the Middle School Division, while Dawes Intermediate, Castlen and Anna Booth were in the top 10 in the Elementary Division.

The PTO at St. Dominic Catholic School hosted their Daddy Daughter Dance, which was themed Candyland! Many of the fathers gifted their daughters corsages and danced the night away.

Davidson High student Andrew Blejwas (left) has been awarded a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship to study abroad in Germany during the 2025-26 school year. Blejwas, who began studying German at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, has developed a friendship with Davidson German exchange student Mitja Nopper (right), inspiring him to apply for the scholarship.

At Cultivate Studios, our dedicated teachers never miss a chance to welcome students with joy — even standing in the rain to make each learner feel seen, valued, and ready for a great day ahead!

Maegan Gayle of Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of Math, Science & Technology was one of two teachers awarded a $10,000 Fund for Teachers grant to participate in Steve Spangler’s Science of Iceland program. This fellowship is set for early June and it includes exploring volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal systems, and sustainable cities. It’s designed to enhance STEM instruction and inspire students to address global environmental challenges through hands-on real-world learning. We are so proud to have one of our very own represent Mobile County Public Schools!

Wellness Week at Little Flower Catholic School was all about making good and healthy choices. Coach Wood, volleyball coach at McGill-Toolen came to teach the fundamentals of volleyball. Students had the opportunity to try different fruits and healthy snacks, sponsored by USA Health.

Congratulations to the following Bright Academy students who placed 1st and 2nd place at the AISA District Art Competition.
1st Place Painting – Stephen Schlautman
1st Place Photography – Elijah Dean
1st Place Drawing without Color – Simon Dean
1st Place Best of Show Painting – Renata Arana
2nd Place Photography – Nora Dean

The Mobile Retired Educators Association Scholarship Program has been in existence since 1986 and has awarded $84,300 in scholarships to Mobile County high school seniors who plan to enter the field of education upon graduation. At the March MREA “Celebrate Achievement” meeting, Dr. Mary Michael Campbell, Committee Chair, awarded three $2000 scholarships. In the order as pictured, Rylyn Shay Spradlin of Saraland High School received the Elsie Collier Scholarship; Lillian Reid Sigler of Baker High School received the Yvonne Hickman Graham Scholarship; and Zionely Marie Ortiz of Baker High School received the Robert Daniel Goodwin, Jr. Scholarship. Funds for the scholarships are raised through part of membership dues, memorial contributions, and special fundraising events. Interested individuals, families, or businesses may make donations to the Scholarship Fund at any time during the year: MREA Treasurer, P.O. Box 9571, Mobile, AL 36691.

Bright Academy would like to extend a huge thank you to those who participated in our annual golf tournament by playing, donating raffle items, sponsoring, giving, and volunteering! It was a fun-filled day and a wonderful event for our school, dyslexia awareness, and community! We look forward to next year’s event!

What an amazing night at our very first STEM Night at Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of Math, Science & Technology! Hats off to our incredible NSTEM members and our dynamic sponsors, Ms. Gayle, Ms. Turner, Mrs. Kimbrough, and their hardworking committee for organizing such an unforgettable event. Thanks to our numerous vendors and partners. Our students experienced a wide range of STEM professions, hands-on activities, and cutting-edge innovation. The numbers speak for themselves: 139 students. 236 parents, 15 VIP guests. That’s a total of 390 guests who came together to celebrate all things STEM! We are proud to continue blazing the trail as Alabama’s premiere STEM elementary school.

Several St. Pius X fourth-grade girls enjoy “suiting up” for our Space Week!

St. Pius X 3rd grade boys Drew, Colin, and Ronan enjoy exploring deep inside the battleship, USS Alabama, on their recent field trip.

Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy’s piano students had an exciting opportunity performing at the 56th Annual MMTA Sonata Competition at the University of South Alabama.
Congratulations to the following FPC students who received special awards:
Jada Johnson – 1st Place Winner
Gwendolyn King – 3rd place winner
Jackson Sanderson – honorable mention
Addison Ball – honorable mention
Kha’Jeria Griffin – honorable mention
Lynnae Turner – honorable mention

On Friday, May 2, 2025, students of the LWCC Kingdom Academy hosted their 9th Annual LWCCKA International Festival! They presented countries from around the world with handmade crafts, a musical presentation, interesting slideshows, a dance, fun games, and delicious traditional foods. We are very proud of our students and future global leaders!

Under the bright blue sky and golden sunshine, students from K3 to 8th grade came together for the much-anticipated “Fun in the Sun” Field Day — We are thankful for Coach Amy Powell who created, organized and implemented this school tradition that blends teamwork, outdoor games, and just the right amount of friendly competition.
Led by captains from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, each team was thoughtfully composed of one student from each grade level, creating a truly inclusive and spirited day. Activity stations were led by 8th graders and supported by classmates, who kept the energy high and the fun going throughout the event.
The school field transformed into a buzzing playground of activity stations. A twist on classic outdoor challenges such as inflatable ring toss, noodle croquet, an obstacle course, pool noodle javelin, and beach ball partner transport to name a few kept energy levels high. Teams rotated through the events, scoring points along the way.
More than just games, Field Day emphasized sportsmanship, leadership, and community. The older students embraced their roles as captains with pride, encouraging their younger teammates and helping them navigate the activities with confidence and cheer.
The day ended with plenty of high-fives, laughter and refreshing popsicles for everyone. Though only one team earned ultimate bragging rights, every student left with smiles and memories that will last well beyond the summer.
“Fun in the Sun” once again reminded us all that sometimes the best lessons are learned not in the classroom, but out on the field — with sunscreen, sneakers, and a team by your side.

Heartwood Christian Academy celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with a Country Western-themed event that was a true crowd-pleaser. Organized by Student Council, the celebration featured thoughtful touches and plenty of gratitude. Each teacher received a Young Living Dew Drop diffuser and a complimentary essential oil—a relaxing gift that was met with smiles and thanks from the faculty. With its warm decor and heartfelt surprises, the event was a perfect way to say thank you, Heartwood style, to our outstanding teachers!

St. Pius X students pose with Archbishop Rodi after receiving their 1st Place Medals for Liturgy in the Catholic Cup Challenge.

While many students spend spring break catching up on sleep or soaking up the sun, a group of students from Covenant chose a different path—one paved with purpose, service, and spiritual growth. This past April, our young people embarked on a mission trip to Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville, Tennessee, trading in beach towels for work gloves and surfboards for bunk beds.
A Mission Beyond Comfort Zones
The trip’s goal was simple but powerful: to help students step out of their comfort zones, grow in their faith, and serve others in the name of Jesus. Organized as an opportunity to experience life and ministry outside the Mobile, Alabama area, the trip offered both hands-on service and spiritual enrichment.
“We wanted our students to see that ministry happens everywhere—not just at home,” says one of the trip organizers. “This week away gave them a broader view of the world and their role in God’s work.”
Partnering with a Purpose
The team partnered with Lighthouse Christian Camp, in the hills of Tennessee that serves under-resourced and unchurched children at no cost. The camp also supports widows and hosts an after-school club. While there, the students helped prepare the campus for its busy summer season—cleaning cabins, clearing brush, repairing fences, and more.
Faith-Focused Exploration
Following their time at Lighthouse, the team hit the road for a side trip. Spending the day at the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky deepened their faith and widened their worldview. These attractions presented a Young Earth Creationist perspective on Biblical history—something many students may not encounter again in academic settings. These experiences can shape how students understand Scripture and their place in God’s story.
A Journey to Remember
After a packed day of learning and exploring, the group overnighted in Elizabethtown, KY before returning home, closing out a trip that encompassed service, discipleship, and unforgettable experiences.
As these students traveled across state lines to serve others and grow in faith, they embodied what it means to live out the gospel—not just in word, but in action.

Our lower grades Read Write Academy students studied animals and their habitats. Then, they used what they learned to research an animal and design its habitat using both creativity and critical thinking. This hands-on project supported reading comprehension, writing, and science understanding—all tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Our Read Write Academy students made Bunny Bait Snack Mix by using their math skills of measurement and the science concept of mixing matter. Read Write Academy offers a supportive environment for students who learn differently, and activities like this help reinforce academic skills through fun, practical experiences.

Students from Clark-Shaw participated in the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair at Auburn University on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and won awards in several categories.
Eighth grader, Beverly David, won 3rd Place in Animal and Plant Sciences, ASEF Medal, and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Inventors Challenge Award. She is one of the top 10% of the Junior Division competition and will get to participate in the national Thermo Fisher Junior Inventors Challenge. Eighth grader, Cheyenne McCants, won 2nd Place in Engineering, a $50 prize, and an ASEF Medal. Eighth grader, Iris Piper, won the Auburn University Bee Center Pollinator Stewardship Award and a $100 prize. Eighth grader, Nathaniel Truitt, won the Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award, a $100 prize, the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award, and trees to be planted on his behalf by One Tree Planted.
Seventh grade winners included Corbin Perry, who won the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University Geosciences Award and $100 prize; and Adalynn Griffin, who won the I-STEM Connectory at Auburn University Garage Science Award and a $100 prize.
Great job, Eagles!

St. Mary’s Catholic School 8h graders, Harper Brabner and Renard Knight gave a moving performance of Living Stations during Holy Week.

Corpus Christi Catholic School is beyond proud of 5th grader River Boone for winning 2nd place in her division of the Color by Kids Art Competition sponsored by SpringHill Medical Center!
Her incredible artwork was featured at the Mobile Museum of Art and is now shown at the Gulf Coast Exploreum downtown, where it will be on display for the next year. After that, it will find a permanent home at SpringHill Medical Center, where it will continue to uplift and inspire everyone who sees it.
Way to go, River — your talent and creativity shine so brightly!

The students at E.R. Dickson enjoyed Pawsitive Educational Online Safety Presentations with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
Sgt. Laura Grantham and Estie, her Electronic Storage Device (ESD) Detection K9, taught the students about online safety and digital device safety. Estie’s friend Fiji, an Emotional Support K9 with the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, joined the fun too!

Council Traditional School’s Running Club shines at the 2025 Azalea Trail Run. In the 5K race, William Withers took 1st Place in his age group, while Albert Pavelescu secured 2nd Place in his. Meanwhile, in the 2K Fun Run, DeAnthony Edwards claimed 1st Place, Brady Coffman followed closely with 2nd, and William Henderson finished strong in 3rd. Our incredible runners gave it their all, with Coach Hargett and Mrs. Medeiros cheering them on every step of the way. You all crushed it!

Barton’s VEX V5 robotics team, “Measure Once, Cut Twice” – Team 47742A, earned a bid to the VEX World Championship in Dallas, TX by winning the Innovate Award and being a top contender in the Skills Challenge rankings at the Alabama State Regional Championship. While at the World Championship, these students will compete in the Innovate Division against teams from the U.S., China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, etc.
Jake Carter, Olivia Kelley, Amir Calderon-Acevedo, and Deigan Sanders have been members of Barton robotics since the beginning. They have continued to be successful in the last three years and were among the first in the Barton robotics program to qualify for State Regional Championships in both VEX IQ and VEX V5 and are now representing Barton for the first time at the World Championships.

School days at Little Flower Catholic School offer opportunities for many things beyond book learning. Teamwork in the cafeteria makes a job easy and builds on our family atmosphere that is a hallmark of Little Flower Catholic School.

Congratulations to Clark-Shaw eighth graders Layla Harper, Andrew Knox and Bradley Dow for making the All State Honor Band. They represented Clark-Shaw at the All State Honor Band performance. Bradley Dow made 1st chair and is the top trombone player in the state! These students were selected from the top middle school band students from across Alabama.

Mobile Christian School Leopards hosted their ‘Middle School Experience’ event, where rising 6th graders got a taste of middle school life guided by 8th grade student leaders.
The day featured classroom visits with teachers, participation in secondary chapel, exploration of clubs and extracurricular opportunities, introduction to elective options, and a candid Q&A session with 8th graders.
This valuable experience helps ease transition anxiety while building excitement for the journey ahead in middle school!

Each year eighth grade students join together to produce a hilarious and heartwarming show depicting their time at St. Ignatius. This year, one of the skits took us down memory lane to each grade level and their memories from it. It was a lovely tribute to their cherished time at St. Ignatius! Way to go, class of 2025!

Please join us in congratulating the UMS-Wright Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field teams on an excellent showing at the 6A State Track Meet in May! The following athletes made the podium in their individual specialities in the 6A competition: David Lott – 2nd 6A Pole Vault • Peyton Holderer – 2nd 6A 1600M & 3rd 6A 3200M • Madeline McMurphy 2nd 6A Pole Vault • Mae Elliott – 3rd 6A High Jump

The 2nd Annual Teacher vs. Student Basketball Game was epic! The drive, passion, athleticism, and fun was exceptional!
The teachers and students showed out! The teachers dominated and won the first game! The second game, the students came back for the win-47 to 46!! Close one but they pulled it off!
A great time was had by all!

Ms. Colston’s third-grade Academy students created weather dioramas for their last project of the school year. The project consisted of five parts: a diorama to include a photo of themselves in the scene, a book report on the weather, a weather forecasting graph, dressing the part, and a Canva presentation.
Congratulations to First Place Winner, Elham Baker, Second Place Winner, Jayceon Johnson, Third Place Winner, Raelyn Williams, Fourth Place Winner, Amari Green- Thompson and Honorable Mention, Bryson Davis.

We are proud to announce that Penelope Curtis is Council’s 2025 Learning Leading Award winner. Penelope is a leader in and out of the classroom. From Robotics, Math Team, and NEHS to softball, gymnastics, and piano, Penelope excels and leads with grace and patience. An honor roll student, IB Student of the Quarter, and award-winning performer, Penelope also leads her peers with confidence. She is a girl Scout Bronze Award recipient and environmental advocate. Penelope truly embodies the values of Council Traditional School. Keep shining, Penelope!

After learning about Newton’s Law and the different types of bridge forces, St. Luke’s Physics students designed and built bridges. Once complete, the bridges were subjected to a load-bearing test to determine their strength. Students gradually added weight to their structure until they collapsed. This project not only tested their constructions but also provided invaluable insights into the practical challenges of engineering design.

The annual 5th Grade Wax Museum brought history back to life! It was as if history’s most famous people came to St. Luke’s to recall their stories and accomplishments! Students researched and dressed up as their historical figures, stood frozen until someone “pressed the button,” and gave their speech before returning to being frozen again. We always look forward to this event because it is the perfect unique blend of education and entertainment, as the 5th graders showcase their creativity and understanding of historical figures and events.

A huge shoutout to the amazing members of Council’s Technology Team. Our talented students recently traveled to the University of Montevallo to compete in the ACTE State Technology Fair, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and effort. A big congratulations to the following students for their outstanding performances:1st Place Mobile App Level 1 Group: Mayson Chapman & Angela Thomas. 2nd Place Mobile App Level 1 Individual: Arthur Mack. 2nd Place Web Design Drag and Drop Level 1 Individual: Mayson Chapman. 1st Place Digital Gaming Level 1 Group: Harper Holder & June Garrett. 1st Place Digital Gaming Level 1 Individual: Mrinmoy Pal. 1st Place Audio Level 1 Individual: Jeremiah Taylor. Your hard work, creativity, and passion truly shine through. Keep up the great work, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

St. Mary’s 8th grade class had a wonderful time on their annual field trip to OWA Theme Park in Foley, AL

Davidson High School’s Peyton Humphrey has been selected to submit her artwork for the 2024 National Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The winning design will be featured on the 2024-25 Junior Duck Stamp. Proceeds from the $5 collectible stamp will support wildlife and wetland conservation while inspiring the next generation to appreciate the great outdoors.

Barton Academy earned 1st place in Overall AND 1st place in Ciphering in the magnet school division at the MCPSS Middle School Math Competition. In addition, several students earned TOP scores in the individual written section of the competition.
8th grader, Ashton Nguyen, scored the highest of all 8th graders.
7th grade students, Ray Moon, Shoma West, and Aiva Agato, were the top scorers for 7th grade, sweeping 1st, 2nd,and 3rd, respectively.

Heartwood Christian Academy’s Lions have qualified for the NASP Eastern National Tournament in May 2025 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. This national archery competition brings together top student archers from across the country. After a season of hard work and focus, the Lions have earned their spot to compete in both bullseye and 3D target events. We wish the Lions the best as they aim high at Nationals!

St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. Impala SGA members recently visited the Mobile City Council leaders to learn more about how our government is run and how our city leaders came to serve in their capacity. We are thankful for the wonderful city officials who took time out of their day to inspire the next generation of leaders! #impalasleadtheway #thecatholicdifference #hispaththeirfuture #hispathstartshere

Davidson High School proudly hosted the Special Olympics, welcoming over 420 athletes from local schools and adult facilities to Warrior Stadium. After a year of training, they competed in track and field events with heart and determination. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the 110+ student volunteers and countless community helpers who made this day unforgettable!

St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. One of the spirit formations is through sacrament preparation. 2nd grade students begin their journey to the sacrament of First Holy Communion at the end of their 1st grade year at the First Grade Missal Mass. At this Mass, students receive blessed missals. As 2nd graders, students sit in the front pews for every Friday school Mass and utilize these missals to follow along and actively participate in their faith journey. You will often see 2nd grade students using their missal at Sunday Mass, as well. The excitement, joy and pride students have leading up to First Holy Communion is one of the top reasons to choose St. Ignatius for your child’s foundation. St. Ignatius is proud to form our future Catholic leaders! Way to go, 2nd grade! “Go forth and set the world on fire!” – St. Ignatius of Loyola #thecatholicdifference

On May 1st, Corpus Christi Catholic School honored the Blessed Mother with our traditional May Crowning ceremony at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Our students placed flowers at the grotto in a beautiful tribute to Mary.
We’re especially proud of 8th graders Addison Harris and Mina Harrison, chosen to crown the statue of Mary. These young ladies embody faithfulness, humility, and kindness, just like Mary. Pictured – 8th grade class

Congratulations to Davidson High School students Owen Farmer, Sean Mitteer, and Kamden Raiford. These DHS IB students placed 3rd at the Alabama Governor’s App Challenge. This is a statewide computer programming competition open to students from across Alabama. Led by Governor Ivy, this initiative aims to encourage students to develop their computer science skills and gain recognition for their creativity and technical abilities.

Brandi Harnish, a sonographer from the University of South Alabama Free Standing ER, recently visited St. Luke’s Biomed Fundamentals II classes to share her expertise in ultrasound technology. During her visit, she provided an insightful demonstration of how to effectively operate our very own ultrasound machine in the Biomed Lab. Students had the invaluable opportunity to apply their learning hands-on by allowing them to practice using the machine under her guidance.

Congratulations to Mac McGinley ’25 on receiving his appointment to the United States Naval Academy! Out of an impressive pool of over 15,200 applicants, Mac was one of just 1,175 students selected for this prestigious honor. We are incredibly proud of Mac and excited to see all he will accomplish as he begins this remarkable journey in service to our country.
A special thank you to Commander Brian Campbell for presenting the appointment to Mac at the Senior Assembly in April.

Juniors at Davidson High School who benchmarked in English Language Arts or Math on the ACT were treated to hours of fun at SURGE! Benchmarking on the ACT indicates a student’s readiness for college, and we are proud of these students for raising their scores!