Student Spotlights – January 2026

During Thanksgiving holidays, Bright Academy was honored to host members of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for a captivating cultural presentation that brought Alabama’s Native history to life for our students. Representatives shared stories, traditions, artifacts, and insights into the tribe’s rich heritage, offering students a deeper understanding of the Creek people’s enduring contributions to our state. The interactive presentation sparked curiosity, inspired thoughtful questions, and created a meaningful connection to the diverse cultures that shape our community. Bright Academy is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the only federally recognized Tribe in Alabama, and we look forward to future partnerships that continue broadening our students’ knowledge and appreciation of the world around them.

Saraland High School’s annual Career Day featured more than 40 professionals representing fields such as athletic training, engineering, piloting, marine biology, and respiratory therapy. Guest speakers discussed job responsibilities, education requirements, and salary expectations, while students engaged in hands-on activities like intubating a manikin. Career Day provides students with real-world connections, exposure to diverse career options, and inspiration for their future paths.

St. Mary’s Catholic School middle schoolers are putting real-world skills into action in Mrs. Arensberg’s SEL class through a Consumer Education Project that connects financial literacy and gratitude!
So far, students have calculated their (pretend) annual and monthly income after taxes and learned how to budget for groceries—discovering just how quickly expenses add up!
This ongoing project will continue over the next several weeks as students learn additional real-world budgeting and life skills, helping them gain perspective, appreciate the value of hard work, and practice gratitude for the things their families provide.

One of the most meaningful things we can teach our kids is that they have the power to help others right now, just as they are. Thank you to Mrs. Lee and our Girl Scouts who spent time this week creating dinner bags for families in our community. It is a small act with a big heart behind it. This is part of our ongoing food pantry mission that will help us serve those in our community in need of assistance. We are so proud to have this service as part of our ministry! Let’s keep teaching our kids that service is love in action.

Students at Council Traditional School celebrated Veterans Day by creating meaningful artwork to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. As part of their study of American artist—and Veteran—Jasper Johns, students designed vibrant Op Art Flags inspired by his iconic flag paintings. They also crafted artwork featuring the American eagle, a symbol of courage and freedom.
In addition to their artistic tributes, our 4th grade students proudly led the Parade of Flags at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on Veterans Day, representing Council Traditional School with patriotism and pride.
We are also thrilled to congratulate 4th grader Patricia Cushman for earning 2nd place in the Mobile County Public School System Veterans Day Essay Contest. Patricia’s thoughtful essay earned her a $150 gift card, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishment.

Congratulations to the newly elected student officers of Council Traditional School for the 2025-2026 academic year. Your dedication and leadership skills will surely make a positive impact on the school community. We look forward to seeing you excel in your roles and inspire fellow students. Best wishes as you embark on this exciting journey of service and representation.

Mrs. Venuti’s 6th Grade class showing the food that their class collected for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. All classes at St. Pius X participated in collecting canned goods through the month of November.

Spend the day celebrating the life of John Wesley Holt with a 5K course and Fun Run beginning and ending at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama. Both 5K and Fun Run are available to both runners and walkers! All proceeds from the 4JWH Run support the John Wesley Holt Scholarship Fund, which was established in memory of John Wesley Holt, Class of 2021. John Wesley tragically lost his life in a hit and run accident on February 18th, 2023. John Wesley was an Eagle Scout and a sophomore electrical engineering major at the University of South Alabama. To honor his memory, the Holt family has established the John Wesley Holt Legacy Scholarship awarded annually to a St. Luke’s senior who has shown the same passion and dedication that John Wesley exemplified in all parts of his life: Character, Academics, and Athletics. John Wesley Holt, an Uncommon Man.
An annual John Wesley Holt Legacy Run will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal School to remember the many lives that John Wesley impacted. Pre-registration for the John Wesley Holt Legacy Run ENDS, Wednesday, February 5 at midnight. Runners and walkers will be able to register in person on race day starting at 7:00 am with an increase in cost. Only those who are pre-registered by January 9th are guaranteed a t-shirt.
PACKET PICK-UP AND REGISTRATION DAY BEFORE RACE: St. Luke’s Student Services from 1:00-3:00 PM
5K AWARDS: Top male and female overall; Adults (ages 15 – 75+): Top three males and females in 5-year age groups; Children: Top three males and females in age groups 9 and under, 10-14.
* Awards ceremony and light refreshments will be provided to race participants following the 5K Race
RACE DAY ACTIVITIES:
– John Wesley Holy Legacy Run
– Inflatables
– Face Painting
– South Paw/ USA Cheerleaders
– Food trucks*
– Car Wash*
* All proceeds from car wash and a percentage from food trucks will be given to the John Wesley Holt Foundation.
To register or for more information visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Mobile/JohnWesleyHoltLegacyRace.

Council Traditional School students proudly celebrated Red Ribbon Week by pledging to say “NO” to drugs in fun and creative ways. Each day featured a different theme — students showed their spirit by being team players, “socking it” to drugs, tipping their hats to a drug-free lifestyle, “lei-ing” back from drugs, and ending the week by being You-Nique and drug-free in their Halloween costumes. Our kindergarteners added extra excitement by dressing up as community helpers and sharing what they learned about how these important workers keep us safe. CTS staff joined in the fun all week long, showing support for healthy, drug-free choices. A special thank you to our Red Ribbon Leader, Albert Pavelescu, for helping make this week such a success!

Our kindergarten and first-grade students had an unforgettable day when the incredible team from the Environmental Studies Center visited Council Traditional School. The excitement was off the charts as students met some amazing animal ambassadors up close — including an opossum, a diamondback terrapin, a corn snake, a red-tailed hawk, a great horned owl, and even a three-week-old baby alligator. A huge thank you to the ESC for bringing the wild world to our school and sparking curiosity in our youngest learners.

The Mobile Retired Educators Association met on November 18, 2025 at the Via Senior Center on Dauphin Street where they celebrated American Education Week, Veterans Day, and honored two members by inducting them into the MREA Hall of Fame, class of 2025. This prestigious award is bestowed upon members who have significantly contributed to the community and the education profession. MREA is the Local affiliate of the Alabama Education Retirees Association, the retired division of AEA, and a part of NEA-R. Members Susan L. Fant (left) and Mattie M. Shepard (right) both taught in the Mobile County Public School System over 25 years.

Fourth grader Lyric represented Corpus Christi beautifully at the USS Alabama Battleship Veterans Day Ceremony after earning 3rd place in the Parade of Flags Essay Contest for the Mobile County School District!
She even received some inspiring words from Azalea Trail Maid and Corpus Christi alum Lydia Stokes.

Santa visited St. Dominic school at the annual Christmas dance sponsored by the Student Council.

MOWA Choctaw students from St. Dominic along with tribal members and students from West Mount Vernon schools shared traditional dance, stories and food.

Our middle school students participated in a hands-on learning experience by dissecting sheep brains, which are structurally and functionally very similar to the human brain. This engaging lab allowed students to explore the structure and function of the brain up close, reinforcing their study of the nervous system in a meaningful and memorable way. We love seeing our students dive into science with such curiosity and enthusiasm!

Eichold Mertz would like to congratulate Ms. Jones, one of our amazing Kindergarten teachers, for being selected to receive a $1,000 Ventures Bowl Classroom Grant! A parent nominated her for this honor, and today the Ventures Bowl representative delivered the official announcement to her. They even extended a special invitation for her current and some of her former Kindergarten students to attend the upcoming football game where Ms. Jones will be recognized on the field! We are incredibly proud of Ms. Jones and grateful to the Ventures Bowl sponsors. This generous grant will go directly toward classroom supplies and resources that will benefit our students in meaningful ways. We are thankful to Ms. Jones for her dedication, creativity, and love for our youngest Investigators!

The Jesse Tree depicts the ancestors of Jesus Christ. Eighth grade students at St. Dominic used artwork to highlight important biblical figures and events in their lives.

The Angels on a Mission service club was commissioned after Mass. This group serves the school and greater community.

St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body, and spirit. One method of formation is the development of public speaking skills. Public speaking is a foundational life skill that significantly enhances students’ capacity for effective leadership. This skill is practiced in the classroom; during Mass; at school performances; in service projects; and every day during school announcements. Students voluntarily sign up to lead morning announcements and do an excellent job shepherding the herd of Impalas each day. St. Ignatius prioritizes this formation beginning in the 2K program, making volunteering for morning announcements in later grades a positive opportunity rather than something to be feared. Special recognition to these two Impalas who frequently sign up for morning announcements and do an amazing job: Elizabeth Rigrish and Louise Clarke. #hispaththeirfuture #thecatholicdifference #catholicsbuildcharacter

One of the distinguishing features of a K–8 school is the abundance of leadership opportunities to which twelve- to thirteen-year-old students are exposed. As eighth-grade campus leaders, students experience numerous benefits. Eighth-grade students are distinguished by a blue blazer; earn leadership pins to adorn their blazers throughout the year; lead the campus in service projects; enjoy the privilege of multiple overnight field trips and retreats; and—one of the most coveted opportunities—demonstrate their skills in the Eighth-Grade Games. Students have the opportunity to challenge their parents in volleyball, basketball, and kickball, and the resulting spirit is unparalleled. Real referees are brought in, uniforms are worn, and the competition is fierce. The St. Ignatius Class of 2026 defeated the parents in both volleyball and basketball. They have truly set a precedent for the Class of 2027 to continue this tradition of excellence. Congratulations to the eighth-grade students!

St. Ignatius welcomed 500 grandparents to Mass, classroom visits and a warm reception recently. Students were asked to write about what they would do with their grandparents if they were to babysit them for a day. Father Shields, pastor, had the congregation in merriment as he shared some of the student’s submissions during his Homily. Here are a few memorable ones: I would take my grandparents to Old Dutch and then home for a nap. I would tell them if they ate their broccoli, I’d take them to Surge after. I would take them to Disney World and let them ride as many rides as they wanted. Or, as Gaines Callaway (pictured below) shared, he would turn on “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and jam out in the car since it is his grandmother’s favorite song. Students all made gifts for their grandparents and enjoyed donuts together after Mass. It was a sweet day for both grandparent and grandchild alike.

Our amazing second graders floated into creativity at the Balloons Over Broadway Parade!
Each student designed a balloon inspired by their favorite book character, then proudly paraded through the school.

Clark-Shaw recognizes the exceptional students who earned a place in the 2025 MCPSS Honor Band. These talented musicians worked hard, practiced with dedication, and represented Clark-Shaw with excellence. The following students achieved outstanding results: Representing the Gold Band are Wilson Stallworth (FL 4), Corbin Perry (FL 6), Eddrick Williams (Alto 5), and Fischer Wiley (Tbone 1). Performing in the Silver Band are Noah Levins (TPT 6) and Andy Nguyen (Euph 4). Congratulations to these remarkable Eagles; their dedication and talent continue to inspire the entire Clark-Shaw community!

Clark-Shaw Magnet is proud to celebrate outstanding students who go above and beyond through hard work, leadership, and Eagle excellence. These students demonstrate integrity, determination, and a commitment to make Clark-Shaw a better place. The December Eagles of the Month are Madson Allison (9th grade), Konner Folchi (8th grade), Tristan James (7th grade), and Kennedi Stallworth (6th grade). Keep soaring high and showing what it means to be a Clark-Shaw Eagle!

McGill-Toolen Catholic High School students delivered 136 donated items to the Ronald McDonald House, serving families with love and compassion. This was a school effort hosted by members from the Red Shoe Krewe.

It is not unusual to see teachers giving individual attention to students at Little Flower Catholic School. The students build a rapport with their teachers and trust them to get them through the rough spots.

Christmas came early for a group of “Littles” at E.R. Dickson Elementary, as New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson brought gifts for them through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast. Joining her to greet the students were Saints mascot Sir Saint, Pelicans mascot Pierre T. Pelican, and two members of the Saints Cheer Krewe. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast provides mentorship, goal setting, and life long relationships with students. It was because of the generous heart of Ms. Benson that each child received a bag full of toys and experienced a day full of joy that they will never forget!

The Heartwood Christian Academy Archery Team delivered an exceptional performance at the Semmes Middle School “Nocked and Locked” 3-D and Bullseye Tournaments, securing top rankings, multiple personal bests, and two impressive team awards. The Lions competed with focus, determination, and sportsmanship, representing HCA with excellence. They are gaining momentum early in the season, and their accomplishments showcase the heart, resilience, and teamwork that characterize Heartwood Christian Academy.
We are extremely proud of these athletes and grateful for their dedication and sportsmanship. Onward, Lions … full draw, steady aim, strong finish!

Heartwood Christian Academy’s Entrepreneurship Class, led by Mrs. Shelly Kirk, added a festive and creative touch to this year’s Thanksgiving Luncheon by hosting a charming Holiday Market filled with student-made products and small business displays.
As part of the class’s hands-on learning experience, students were challenged to design, create, market, and sell their own items, giving them real-world insight into product development, pricing, customer service, and small-business management. The result was a lively marketplace showcasing the talent, imagination, and dedication of HCA’s young entrepreneurs.
Guests at the luncheon enjoyed exploring a vibrant selection of handcrafted items, including:
Beaded bracelets and handcrafted jewelry
Vivid felt flowers
Crocheted items and coasters
Ornaments, holiday décor, and other creative crafts
Small art pieces and student-designed displays
Several students from other classes also participated, contributing their own creative products and adding to the cheerful, bustling atmosphere. Together, the students created a festive treat for eager shoppers, making it a memorable highlight of the luncheon.
The market provided a real platform for students to practice communication skills, interact with customers, and confidently showcase their work. Families and staff members enjoyed watching students take on entrepreneurial roles, many for the first time, witnessing the joy and pride each student brought to their displays.
The Entrepreneurship Class did an outstanding job, and HCA celebrates their initiative, teamwork, and dedication in bringing this special marketplace to life.

November was a month full of warmth, wonder, and celebration in our Lower School as our students enjoyed special events that highlighted gratitude, creativity, and the joy of learning together.
Our precious K5 students kicked off the season with the sweetest Thanksgiving program—complete with songs, prayers, and plenty of enthusiastic wobbles and gobbles. Each little turkey absolutely stole the show (and our hearts!) before heading into a time of fellowship and feasting. Their joy, energy, and big smiles reminded us all how much we have to be thankful for. What a beautiful way to usher in Thanksgiving!
Meanwhile, our K4 and 1st Grade students brought a different kind of magic to campus with their Book Character & Balloon Parade. Dressed as their favorite storybook characters—from classics to imaginative favorites—our young readers filled the halls with color, creativity, and excitement. The celebration was a vibrant reminder of the power of stories and the importance of nurturing a love of reading in our earliest learners.
Our students continue to show us that gratitude can be expressed in many ways—through song, creativity, laughter, and the simple delight of sharing experiences together. We also share a heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful families; your support enriches our school community more than you know.

Mary G. Montgomery High School Assistant Principal Brenda Box has been selected as the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Assistant Principal of the Year. The MGM Vikings surprised her with the announcement at a special assembly and pep rally in the school gym, with Lonnie Parsons of the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners among the special guests.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime recognition, and we are very excited and proud of her,” said Principal David Diaz.
MGM has played a big role in Box’s life since she was a teenager. She graduated from MGM and attended the University of Mobile on a softball scholarship. She taught and coached at the school and worked her way up to assistant principal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education, a master’s degree in instructional leadership, and an education specialist degree. She is now in her 21st year on the staff at MGM.
AASSP is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). As the 2025-2026 AASSP High School Assistant Principal of the Year, Box will be recognized in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) High School Assistant Principal of the Year program. There, the Alabama winner will join other state winners from across the country and compete for the title of National High School Assistant Principal of the Year, showcasing the exceptional leadership and impact of Alabama’s school administrators on a national stage.
Box is one of four MCPSS administrators to earn district awards from the AASSP and the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP). They include Leroy Jones of Booker T. Washington Middle, the AAMSP Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year; Tiffany Buchanan of Vigor High, the AASSP/AAMSP’s High School Principal of the Year; and Rashad Stallworth of Scarborough Model Middle School, AASSP/AAMSP’s Middle School Principal of the Year.

Students at E.R. Dickson were buzzing with excitement for their school-wide S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G Bee! We are so proud of all the students for their dedication in studying the words and representing their classes with pride!
Congratulations to Stefon Lewis, 2025-2026 Spelling Bee 1st place winner!
Congratulations to Khyler Carstarphen, 2025-2026 2nd place winner. (not pictured)

Since the Feast of St. Nicholas fell on a Saturday this year, students at Little Flower Catholic School celebrated his feast day one day early. St. Nicholas had helpers who left treats for every student. Lessons were shared in the classrooms about the good that St. Nicholas did for the poor in his town so many years ago.

St. Luke’s K5 Littles had a wonderful time visiting the University Campus STEM+M Center for festive activities! Students enjoyed a hands-on STEM+M project, complete with holiday music and special time spent with their “Bigs.” It was a joyful blend of learning, creativity, and Christmas spirit—one of the many things that make our Littles & Bigs program so special

We’re thrilled to announce that St. Luke’s Episcopal School is one of the first schools in Alabama—and the only school in the Mobile area—to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE)!
This incredible honor recognizes our school-wide commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in STEM+M education—from our youngest learners to our future biomedical scientists and engineers.
This was a 12-month rigorous process for the school, and we could not have done this without our five teachers (Mrs. Miniard, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Cummings, Mrs. Swearingen, and Mrs. Friedlander), who also earned the NCST Certification for STEM Teaching (NCST), and Mrs. McCleery!
We’re proud to be leading the way in STEM education—empowering students today to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

MAEF Public Charter Schools (MPCS), commonly known as ACCEL Academy announced a major performance milestone following the release of the 2024-2025 Alabama State Report Card by the Alabama State Department of Education. For the 2024-25 academic year the district achieved an 80 (B) grade, reflecting a 38% improvement and three-letter-grade increase from its 2022–2023 grade.
MPCS leaders attribute their “B” grade and accelerating improvements to a comprehensive transformation plan launched in the summer of 2023. The plan included an organizational restructuring, the onboarding of new leadership, educators and staff, and the deployment of best-in-class instructional practices. All elements of the transformation plan supported the core objective of improving organizational performance and scholar outcomes.
“At ACCEL, our customer-driven mindset is uniquely ingrained across our leadership, educator and staff teams. School customers – students and their families – are often not the priority in certain education environments, so in the summer of 2023, our mantra became a “Relentless Focus on Our Customer,” said Jordan Jones, Chairman of the MPCS Board of Directors.
“Our positive trajectory reflected by the state Report Card validates the effectiveness of our relentless mindset, focus on classroom fundamentals and our unwavering belief in the capabilities of our scholars. The reforms we championed created the conditions for lasting success, and we’re proud of the progress our scholars and staff have made in just two years,” said Chairman Jones.
Superintendent Dr. Marlon Firle added, “The academic gains demonstrate what is possible when we combine high expectations with individualized support. ACCEL is dedicated to ensuring that every scholar—regardless of their starting point—has access to the education and opportunities they deserve.”

When days at school get busy, students appreciate a quiet corner for reading. The middle school library offers just the spot to settle in for a few minutes. The cheerful space with lots of natural light seems to bring out the best in students and teachers alike.

We are thrilled to announce our newly selected Azalea Trail Maids: Reese Browning, Raina Gupta, and Hannah Lockett! A special congratulations to Reese Browning, who was chosen as Queen.
We are incredibly proud of these young women for representing St. Luke’s and the City of Mobile with grace, leadership, and Wildcat spirit. Your light truly shines bright!

BRAVO! Congratulations to the Wright Players on their spectacular showing at the State Trumbauer Competition in December!
Superior Rating for our Studio Show, The School Spirit
All-Star Cast Members for Studio: Killian Delaney, Marina Hess, and Mohammad Qasim
2nd Place Varsity Duet Reader’s Theatre: Hannah Martin and Sarah Frances Warren
3rd Place Varsity Playwriting: Killian Delaney
Straight Superior Ratings for Individual Events:
Varsity Duet Reader’s Theatre: Addison England and Ella McGill
Intermediate Classical Dramatic: Harper Williams
Novice Solo Dramatic 2005-Present: Gunnar Howell
Varsity Solo Dramatic 2005-Present: Emily Waters
Varsity Original Works: Killian Delaney and Mohammad Qasim
Varsity Puppet Design: Marina Hess
Varsity Costume Design: Sarah Frances Warren

Mrs. Schoenvogel and her Wright Way classes helped spread holiday cheer this season by collecting items for local organizations. Each year, our K3–4th grade students participate in service projects that give back to the community, embracing the true spirit of the season. Pictured here are our 3rd graders delivering toys they collected for the Ronald McDonald House.
Project Partners by Grade: K3: Joseph Project, K4: Wilmer Hall, K5: Boxes of Love / Senior Buddies, 1st: Penelope House, 2nd: Children’s & Women’s Hospital, 3rd: Ronald McDonald House and 4th: Mobile SPCA

This season, Covenant Middle School Basketball is embracing a clear mission built on three core team pillars: teamwork, attitude, and effort. These foundational values guide everything the boys do—from their daily practices to how they carry themselves during competition.
“Our players have been working hard and truly learning what it means to live out these attributes as we learn the game of basketball,” the coaching staff shared. “Basketball is merely a vehicle to teach our young men life lessons. Covenant Basketball players know that academics come before anything that happens on the court.”
The team’s approach is rooted in growth, discipline, and personal responsibility. Each practice focuses on improving not only skills and game knowledge but also character and leadership. Coach Hii emphasizes getting a little better every day and approaching each challenge with integrity and resilience.
“I am excited about what the future holds for our young men,” the coach added. “This group is truly special—if you don’t believe me, come watch us play.”
Covenant Basketball also continues to invest in future athletes through the Youth Development League (YDL) for 3rd–6th graders, which focuses on building strong fundamentals, fostering a love for the game, and preparing younger students to step confidently into the middle school program.
Coach John Hii was recently named Covenant Christian’s Athletic Director. He excels in fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and a positive culture among student-athletes. His leadership goes far beyond the court—he brings the broader school community together with a strong sense of school pride and unity. We are grateful for his vision and encouragement to students and families.
With strong values at the center and a committed group of players, the future of Covenant Basketball is bright. Go Eagles!

The Covenant Christian Scholars Bowl teams are off to an exciting start this season, competing in two early matches against Cottage Hill and Faith Academy.
What is Scholars Bowl? Scholars Bowl is an academic quiz competition in which students compete head-to-head by answering “toss-up” questions covering a wide range of subjects—history, science, literature, math, current events, fine arts, and more. Players must think quickly, respond accurately, and work as a team to earn points across multiple fast-paced rounds. It’s a lively, competitive way for students to showcase their knowledge and sharpen critical-thinking skills.
This season, Covenant’s teams have already made impressive strides. On the A Team, Emilia W. leads with 70 toss-up points. On the B Team, Ray S. leads with 90 toss-up points.
Newcomers Charlie D., Aidan B., and Sam G. have also jumped in with toss-up points in match play, making valuable contributions early in their Scholars Bowl careers.
Both the A and B Teams have secured one win each so far, demonstrating strong potential as the season progresses. The “A Team” will take on St. Luke’s in their next matchup. Go Eagles!