Student Spotlights – September 2025

Heartwood Christian Academy’s Yearbook Class started the school year with creativity and teamwork by attending a special summer workshop designed to get a head start on this year’s yearbook.
During the workshop, students gathered to brainstorm themes, practice page layouts, and sharpen their design skills. It was a great time to build teamwork, set goals for the year, and develop a shared vision for the 2025 – 2026 yearbook.
Under the guidance of yearbook award-winning advisor and photographer, Mrs. Ida Thrasher, the team worked on mastering the basics of page design, improving photo placement techniques, and learning how to capture the moments that make our school community special. Students also reviewed past yearbooks, shared fresh ideas, and discussed fun ways to feature student life throughout the year.
The workshop wasn’t just about learning; it was also about connecting. The yearbook staff left feeling motivated and ready to take on the challenge of documenting memories.
With such a strong start, this year’s yearbook is shaping up to be one of the best yet!

HCA kicked off the new school year with a welcoming and engaging Open House event, bringing together students, parents, teachers, and staff to celebrate the start of another exciting chapter.
Families enjoyed the opportunity to tour classrooms, meet teachers, and reconnect with friends. The afternoon offered a chance for parents to see where their children will be learning, hear about upcoming field trips, and get an early preview of this year’s educational goals and exciting school activities.
Teachers thoughtfully prepared their classrooms to showcase upcoming projects, curriculum highlights, and creative displays of student work. From early elementary to high school, every classroom reflected the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff to make this year a memorable and impactful one for all students.
Open House is always a special event that sets the tone for the year ahead, fostering community connection and school spirit. Thank you to all our families for attending and making the Open House a wonderful success!
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead at Heartwood, where we grow, learn, and thrive together.

Kate Nicolson has come on board at Little Flower Catholic School as the new PE teacher. She hails from Scotland and is a proud recent graduate of the University of South Alabama. Assistant principal, Miss Mallory Hill, and principal, Debbie Ollis, were happy to greet the newest addition to the Little Flower faculty.

The Mobile Christian’s Varsity Football Team had some quality bonding time at Gulf Coast Bible Camp. They are ready for school to start and for Friday nights under the lights!

Covenant Christian School kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year with a dynamic and purpose-filled Back-to-School Teacher In-Service Week, setting the tone for a year of growth, connection, and excellence. The theme for this school year—”Authentic”—was unveiled as a guiding principle for faculty and staff, emphasizing real relationships, genuine faith, and intentional teaching.
The in-service was marked by professional development sessions, team-building, and shared learning experiences from an excellent educational conference, Get Your Teach On (GYTO) conference in Dallas, TX as well as a Sensory Integration Theory in the Classroom workshop led by Steffani Hammitt, DMFT, LMFT, & CPT. Teachers were energized and equipped, having gleaned innovative strategies, classroom inspiration, and renewed vision from these high-impact events.
“‘Authentic’ isn’t just a word—it’s a mindset we want to carry into every classroom, every conversation, and every moment with our students,” said Mrs. Felicia Boren, Principal. “This year, we are focused on continuing to cultivate a culture that values truth, transparency, and transformational learning.”
The hands-on workshops, collaborative planning, and spiritual enrichment designed to align the school’s mission with daily classroom practice. Educators also had the opportunity to share insights from their GYTO conference experiences, sparking dialogue and idea-sharing across grade levels and departments.
With a unified focus on authenticity, the Covenant team is stepping into the new school year ready to build deeper connections with students, families, and one another—living out their calling to teach, mentor, and lead with purpose.
As the halls fill with eager students and the classrooms come alive again, one thing is clear: Covenant Christian School is prepared and passionate about making this a year to remember.

At Cultivate Studios, learning goes beyond the books. Our young learners rolled up their sleeves to help assemble furniture for the brand-new Daphne campus, turning teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on creativity into a real-world learning adventure. Together, they’re building more than a space—they’re building a community!

During Cultivate Studios’ Summer Olympics camp, these energetic competitors learned that the real victory comes from working together. Through team challenge games, our campers practiced communication, strategy, and encouragement, cheering each other on as they raced toward the finish line!

Lucas Miller, a rising senior at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS), earned the highest possible ACT Composite score of 36 on the ACT test. Lucas is in the top one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT and earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2024, only 3,041 out of 1.37 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.
“When a student earns a top score of 36 on the ACT test, it opens doors to a promising future, demonstrating for colleges and universities that they are ready for the challenges ahead,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “This remarkable achievement is something we celebrate along with the student and their family.”
ACT test scores are accepted by major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S., and they are one of the many criteria that inform admissions, scholarship award, and course placement decisions. The ACT test is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students should have had the opportunity to learn in school. Students who earn a top Composite score have likely mastered all the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.
As a student at ASMS, Lucas is taking some of the most advanced high school classes offered in the state of Alabama, including Nuclear Chemistry, Introduction to Research Methods, and Differential Equations. As a participant in the ASMS Research Fellows program, Lucas investigated a new color pigment with the support of his research team and chemistry professor, Dr. Matthew Davenport. He recently presented his findings at the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools Student Research Conference.
This summer ahead of his senior year, Lucas is completing an internship with the Alabama Aerospace Fellowship at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. The Fellowship is an offering of the Rocket Center’s Space Camp Institute, focusing on workforce and professional development. This valuable program builds upon an internship initiative created by Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Lucas has an exclusive front- row seat to the remarkable aerospace ecosystem across Alabama.

The Eagles at St. Dominic Catholic School are back and ready to fly high through the 2025-2026 school year. Faith and academics are at the heart of this school- the community is sure to see great things from them this year. Pictured here is Mrs. Taylor’s 4th grade class on their first day back in the classroom.

In June, UMS-Wright welcomed attendees from all over the Gulf Coast to the annual Leadership Conference! Throughout the week attendees participated in round table talks, panel discussions and educational leadership presentations!
A special thank you to Keith Creel for being this year’s guest speaker! Mr. Creel is President and CEO of CPKC. CPKC is the combination of two historic railways – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS). CPKC is the first and only transnational rail network in North America.

St. Pius X students are excited for a new school year and were greeted on the first day of school with celebration!

St. Dominic Catholic School offers a vibrant and comprehensive arts program, featuring inspiring music classes and dynamic fine arts classes that nurture creativity, talent, and self-expression in every student. Mr. Dyess even took time to provide Music classes at camp this summer.

St. Dominic middle school students love their vibrant house system that fosters a strong sense of community and mentorship. When the new school year began, excitement filled the halls as incoming middle schoolers eagerly anticipated being sorted into their houses, eager to forge new friendships, participate in spirited competitions, and become part of a supportive, engaging community from day one. Mr. Womack is pictured with house Seton.

Council’s Meet the Teacher event was a resounding success. Students and parents explored the school and classrooms, meeting their new teachers with big smiles and contagious excitement for the year ahead. It was a wonderful way to start what promises to be a fantastic school year!

The 2025 Back-to-School night at Little Flower Catholic School included Mass, followed by dinner and an invitation to meet the teachers in their classrooms. After Mass, Fr. John Lynes blessed crosses for each of the students to attach to their bookbags as a reminder that Jesus is with them every day at Little Flower.

Covenant Alum, Jesse Starling is making waves after being recognized with a distinguished award for creative excellence – voted “Best Local Filmmaker” with a 2025 NAPPIE Award in the Arts Category, Jesse is a shining example of a future leader. It’s an honor that celebrates years of dedication, storytelling, and passion for the art of film.
“This award means so much to me,” said the recipient. “It’s really an honor to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about, and I’m thrilled that others see the value in what I’ve been creating.”
Rather than crediting a single project, the young filmmaker says the recognition reflects the collective work of the past four years – a journey that began in fourth grade with simple storytelling and has since grown into a serious pursuit of directing.
“Two years ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my life. But now I know –filmmaking is it.”
Self-taught through hours of online tutorials and mentored by family and educators, the student’s development has been a team effort. “My parents have always supported me – letting me turn our house into film sets, even letting me leave school early to connect with local filmmakers. My theater teacher in high school also pushed me to do my best. And my friends? They’ve starred in more of my short films than I can count.”
While many young creatives wait for the perfect moment or the right gear, this filmmaker offers simple advice. “Just start. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what you have and grow from there.”
Looking ahead, the filmmaker is preparing to attend University of South Alabama to study digital film, with plans to continue creating short films and eventually work as a full-time director.
“I’m incredibly excited for the future. I’m working hard, staying creative, and ultimately trusting God with the path ahead. I know if I keep putting myself out there, He’ll take care of the rest.”
With vision, talent, and a clear sense of purpose, this award marks only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable creative journey. Congratulations Jesse, we’re so proud of one of our own!

Mrs. Galle and her new student, Cam Taylor, posed for a treasured picture at St. Dominic’s annual Book Drop. Back to school excitement filled the air as students had the opportunity to meet their teacher, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a popsicle!

Clark-Shaw’s SECME mousetrap car team, Jamin Savage and Skyler Nguyen, won third place in the National competition held by the University of Florida. Great job, Eagles!

The Little Flower Catholic School faculty and the School Advisory Council met to discuss and prepare for the upcoming school year. Little Flower is blessed with an incredible support system and we look forward to another year of growth for students and staff.

Council Traditional School is proud to welcome several new members to our team for the upcoming school year. Please join us in welcoming Helen Pettway, Paraprofessional; Breanna Haines, 2nd Grade Teacher; Gabrielle LaPointe, 4th Grade Teacher; Chanell Williams, Kindergarten Teacher; and Imani Stone, School Counselor. We are excited to have you join the Council family and look forward to the wonderful contributions you will bring to our school community.

Satsuma High School is proud to announce the addition of Coach Cody Crowell to its faculty and athletic staff for the upcoming school year. Crowell will serve as assistant football coach, head flag football coach, and assistant baseball coach, and he will teach health and driver’s education. Crowell brings a wealth of experience and deep passion for student development, both in the classroom and on the field. With nine years of coaching experience—seven as a head coach—and seven years of teaching experience in physical education and driver’s education, Crowell has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. “My mission is to help build programs that teach more than just how to play the game,” Crowell said. “I want our athletes to walk away with character, grit, and a standard they carry with them far beyond the halls of Satsuma High School. I’m ready to invest everything I’ve got into helping our students at Satsuma succeed.”
“I love coaching because it allows me to help students grow, not just as athletes, but as people,” Crowell said. “The wins are great, but it’s the day to day moments that make it worthwhile for me. I am thankful for the trust and the opportunity to be a part of the Satsuma High School family and community.”
Crowell earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Troy University, where he was a recipient of the Troy University National Alumni Scholarship. He is a graduate of Straughn High School in Andalusia, Alabama.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Crowell to Satsuma and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, athletes, and the community,” said Dr. Jason Golden, principal at Satsuma High School. “His passion for building character-driven programs and his dedication to student growth align perfectly with our mission. We’re confident he will be a tremendous asset to our school.”

Teachers at E.R. Dickson Elementary were excited to “Ignite the Champion Within” students during their summer literacy and numeracy camp! All of the engaging learning opportunities were a ton of fun and kept the spark blazing for learning throughout the summer!

Our students are taking their S.T.E.M. Learning to the great outdoors. They’re actively exploring our new weather station, getting hands-on with meteorological instruments, and collecting real-time weather data. It’s an exciting way for our teachers and students to make the most of our new outdoor learning area.

The Kinder Krewe is ready to welcome a new group of Tigers into kindergarten at E.R. Dickson Elementary School! They are ready for an exciting year full of learning and fun!

400 families, 680 students, 100 faculty members and countless smiles made for an amazing start to St. Ignatius’ 25-26 school year! Leading up to the first day of school, parents joined together for orientation where they enjoyed music, libations, fellowship & classroom visits before having a chance to sign up for volunteer positions on campus and buy school spirit gear. Students got to meet their teachers the next day and enjoy a sweet treat from Cold Snap. The family community at St. Ignatius is unparalleled. Schedule a tour and see for yourself! #thecatholicdifference #hispaththeirfuture #hispathstartshere #impalasleadtheway

St. Ignatius is geared up to defend the title of CYO Toy Bowl Champion in D4 tackle football this year! The Impalas will compete with two teams in the D4 division and look forward to some stiff competition at McGill-Toolen’s “The Lip” stadium. CYO is one example of how dedicated the family community is at St. Ignatius. It takes not only the students wanting to play a CYO sport; but the parents to coach, direct & guide them into being successful in and out of the playing arena. St. Ignatius is thankful for the parents who are not only leaders on the field, but leaders in their child’s faith formation. #TheCatholicDifference #HisPathTheirFuture #HisPathStartsHere

Smiles, excitement, and fresh beginnings Corpus Christi Catholic School comes alive with joy and energy as students step on campus, ready to embrace a brand-new school year filled with learning and adventure! Pictured- Stella Glass and Maria Byrne

Abby Turner, a junior at Alma Bryant High School, founded Bright Boxes. BRIGHT stands for Bringing Relief and Inspiration, Giving Hope Today, which is the Bright Box’s mission. Bright Boxes is a community service project that donates care packages to troops, children, families, and the elderly. “I got the idea to do Bright Boxes because I wanted to find a way to give back to my amazing community and thought care packages were a wonderful idea.”
In July, Abby officially launched Bright Boxes by shipping 96 boxes to our deployed military through Operation Support Our Troops – America with toiletries inside. She has another set of 72 packages being sent soon with additional items.
Also in July, she donated 25 boxes to the Ronald McDonald House filled with fun toys for children at USA Children and Women’s hospital. Turner plans to donate at least five dozen more boxes to RMDH in August, to include boxes for families with needed toiletries.
BRIGHT Boxes has partnered with Cops for Kids, and will be donating Bright Boxes to the program in the near future along with discussing more ideas to work together. The public is encouraged to follow their Facebook page, also called Bright Boxes, where they have an Amazon Wishlist and will soon have an additional way for others to contribute to this meaningful initiative.

The joyful sound of laughter, footsteps, and warm greetings filled the halls of Covenant Christian School on the first day of the 2025–2026 school year. With bright smiles, new backpacks, and eager anticipation, students from K3 through 8th grade were welcomed back by a dedicated team of educators—and a campus that is both growing and thriving.
Though Covenant may be considered a “small school,” the impact it is making in the lives of students and families continues to grow in significant ways. This year, the school is celebrating not only an increase in student enrollment but also the addition of new faculty and staff members, further strengthening a close-knit academic and spiritual community.
“As we continue to grow, we remain committed to what makes Covenant special—authentic relationships, Christ-centered education, and a deep investment in each individual student. We’re excited about the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to welcome new families and team members into the Covenant community.”
New teachers and staff were introduced to students and families during the Meet the Teacher event on the Monday prior to the start of school. A new school year brings fresh energy, ideas, and passion to the mission of cultivating hearts and minds for Christ. Each classroom—from the playful learning spaces of K3 to the dynamic middle school rooms—buzzed with excitement and purpose.
The school’s approach to both academic and spiritual development encourages students and staff to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and love without limits.
From the very first day, Covenant Christian School proves once again that its size is not a limitation, but a strength. With small class sizes, intentional relationships, and a unified vision, the school continues to offer an environment where every child is known, every voice is heard, and every day is filled with opportunities to grow in wisdom and in faith.

Dr. Stricklin and her fellow UMS-Wright Curriculum and Instruction team members, Ansley Betbeze, Sarah Fountain, and Lauren Rodgers have been featured on the SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools) website with the publication of their article titled Strategic Approaches to Faculty Growth. This recognition highlights the team’s dedication to fostering a culture of professional development and innovation within the school community. In the article, they share the intentional strategies used to support faculty growth—ranging from instructional coaching cycles to collaborative learning models—demonstrating how investing in educators directly elevates student outcomes. Their work reflects UMS-Wright’s continued leadership in educational excellence! Way to go, team!

McGill-Toolen Yellow Jacket football team took time off the field to lend a helping hand at Little Flower Catholic School. Players rolled up their sleeves to clean, refresh, and spruce up the playground, creating a brighter, safer space for the students to enjoy.

Big congratulations St. Luke’s cheerleaders for rocking it at LSU Cheer Camp! Every Wildcat cheerleader was named All-American.
Team Awards:
• 1st Place – Overall Spirit Routine
• 2nd Place – Overall Camp Routine
• Game Day: 1st in Cheer | 2nd in Sideline
Special shoutouts:
• Evelyn Cummings & Elva Johnson – Pin It Forward recipients
• Caroline Hooper – Jump Off Semifinalist
Way to represent, Wildcats! Your hard work, energy, and spirit shine bright!

St. Ignatius thanks McT Cheer for hosting a half day cheer camp for all our CYO Impalas! K-6th grade cheerleaders joined together to learn band dances & cheers from their cheerleader buddies at McGill-Toolen Catholic. A great day was had by all. McT Cheer showed great patience and leadership. St. Ignatius students brought all the enthusiasm! Thanks, McT Cheer!

Mrs. Bolling reads the book, First Day Jitters, to her first-grade class on the first day of school. Teachers spent the day putting their students at ease and making sure they have all the tools necessary for a successful year at St. Mary’s Catholic School!

The Spirit of Mobile Christian Marching Band has attended Band Camp this July and are ready for Friday Night Football!!

The first day of school was a big day at St. Mary’s Catholic School for our newest middle school Mustangs! Our 6th graders and new 7th graders were officially sorted into their Houses—Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Akita, and Cuapa. These Houses, named after beautiful Marian apparitions, connect students across grade levels, creating friendships, mentorship, and a true sense of belonging.

With hearts full of faith and gratitude, Father Pat offers a special blessing over our dedicated teachers, sending them into the new school year strengthened by prayer and guided by God’s love.

Ella Bentley, Kiley Hawarah, and Calista Conway showcased their talents while representing St. Luke’s in the AHSAA North vs. South All-Star Games.
Ella Bentley won her singles match, winning 6-2, 6-3. This marked the first time the South team defeated the North with a score of 6-3 in the tournament’s history. Kiley Hawarah scored the first goal of the soccer game, paving the way for a 4-3 victory over the North. This win ended a thirteen-year drought for the South team. In the cross-country race, Calista Conway ran an impressive performance, finishing with a time of 24:38:91.
We are incredibly proud of Ella, Kiley, and Calista for their outstanding performances and for representing St. Luke’s.

Over the summer, Bright Academy’s founder and Head of School, Gina Englund, M.Ed., CALT, QI, led an intensive Level One Dyslexia Therapy Training for educators. This professional development course equips teachers with the foundational knowledge and skills to begin their journey toward becoming Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT). Bright Academy is proud to play a role in preparing educators to deliver specialized, research-based instruction to students with dyslexia, helping more children receive the life-changing support they need to thrive academically.

St. Luke’s Episcopal School, anchor for the Gulf Coast STEM+M Ecosystem, along with other member partners (Alabama Coastal Foundation, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Evonik, Math Circle, and USA School of Computing), hosted a region-wide hands-on event for rising 3rd – 6th graders. The scenario: In the aftermath of a huge storm, Mobile Bay was littered with debris and runoff. Wildlife was affected, oyster beds were threatened, and neighborhoods reported standing water and health issues. The students were on the STEM+M Task Force, and their mission was to investigate and solve. Participants rotated through a variety of stations led by industry professionals and educators, which included hands-on activities in each of the areas of STEM+M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medical).

St. Luke’s Camp Wildcat won the Nappie for Best Summer Camp — and we couldn’t agree more! Our campers had a blast all summer long, thanks to non-stop fun, awesome activities, and the incredible leadership and staff who made every day an adventure. We’re already looking forward to next time!