Student Spotlights – March 2026

The climbing tower at the Little Flower Catholic School playground provides challenges for balance, climbing, and strength building. But it often provides a space to just have fun. This day had a challenge from the teacher to see how many children could get on the tower at the same time. Everybody squeeze in.

Bright Academy held a dyslexia simulation this past month. This interactive, hands-on dyslexia simulation offers families and educators a powerful opportunity to step into the shoes of a student with dyslexia. Through guided activities, participants experience the challenges individuals with dyslexia face in reading, writing, and processing language all while building empathy, awareness, and understanding. The simulations are designed to educate, inspire, and equip adults with insight to better support learners with dyslexia at home and in the classroom.

Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts Choir students, Murphy Dean, Daisy Pierce, Bly Phares, and Evie McElderry, attended the Alabama Elementary All-State choir in Birmingham. They performed beautifully with over 100 choir students from across Alabama. We are so proud of our OSR All-State choir students.

Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts is so proud to celebrate the induction of its newest members into the National Elementary Art Honor Society! As one of only 60 schools nationwide selected to pilot NEAHS, these students are helping shape the future of elementary art education through creativity, leadership, service, and excellence. Congratulations to our talented artists!

As Mobile County Public Schools begins a new year and a new semester, school officials are proud to recognize the top three teachers of the 2025-2026 school year. These wonderful educators exemplify the highest standards in teaching and learning throughout the district. A committee from the MCPSS Central Office selected the three countywide teachers of the year and surprised them in their classrooms this week.
They are:
Jennifer Asberry of Council Traditional School, the Mobile County Elementary School Teacher of the Year; Daniela Yunker of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, the Mobile County Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Dr. Chelsea Tanous of Davidson High School, the Mobile County High School Teacher of the Year.
Each of Mobile County’s 90 schools selects a Teacher of the Year, who is then nominated for the countywide honor. The committee that selected these three winners will now submit their applications to be considered by the state for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year.
“I am very proud of these outstanding educators for going above and beyond to prepare our students for success,” said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “This honor is a tangible recognition of their dedication to student achievement. I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to them for this terrific accomplishment.”
MCPSS has a great track record in the Alabama Teacher of the Year competition. In 2022, William Edmonds of Barton Academy was named Alabama’s Secondary Teacher of the year. As a teacher at Dawes Intermediate, Chasity Collier was named Alabama’s Teacher of the Year in 2018. As a teacher at Bryant High, David Dai was named Alabama’s top High School Teacher of the Year in 2020. And as a teacher at Hutchens Elementary, Julie Neidhardt was a top four finalist for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year in 2021.
Here is information about each of the Mobile County Teachers of the Year: Jennifer Asberry, the MCPSS Elementary School Teacher of the Year, has taught at Council Traditional School since 2016. For the last five years, she has led Council’s STEAM lab, teaching science, technology, engineering, arts and math concepts to all grades at this historic magnet school near downtown Mobile. In that capacity, Ms. Asberry created the school’s annual Family STEAM Night, a schoolwide evening event that attracts upwards of 250 attendees to visit multiple interactive learning stations and become engaged in collaborative learning. She also coordinates the school’s annual STEM Day Celebration, which is modeled on national events that promote awareness of these concepts to elementary students, and she serves as chair of the Fifth Grade Science Fair, leading student preparation classes and ensuring that projects are aligned with state science standards. She also sponsors two after-school science exploration clubs at Council. Ms. Asberry is a UTEACH South Mentor, assisting STEM majors at the University of South Alabama, and has written elementary science curriculums and served on state-level ACAP Summative committees. She is active in several professional organizations, including the Alabama Science Teaching Association and the National Science Teaching Association. An educator for more than 20 years, Ms. Asberry earned a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama, as well as a secondary certification in English Language Arts. She believes that instruction must be experiential to be transformative, and always strives to spark a lifelong love of learning in her students. “Her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to excellence make a lasting impact on both students and staff,” said Allison Streeter, Council’s Principal.
Daniela Yunker, the Mobile County Middle School Teacher of the Year, teaches German at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies in downtown Mobile. Affectionately known as “Frau Yunker” to her students, she took an unusual path to education, beginning her career in hospitality management. A native of Germany, she completed hospitality internships in Europe before becoming the front office director at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile. While raising her two young sons and working full time, she completed a bachelor’s degree in English and German and an alternative master’s degree in education at the University of South Alabama. She became Barton’s German instructor in 2021 and has implemented numerous classroom innovations to engage her students in her love of languages, including the creation of the school’s German Honor Society and sponsoring a student trip to Europe. Through project-based learning assignments, she works to enhance cultural connections. One of her lessons inspired her students to research and write a book, “Germans in Mobile.” In her classroom, Ms. Yunker strives to emphasize the importance of cultural connections, innovation, and exploration, encouraging her students to actively engage with the world around them. She is also working on a PhD in Global Studies at Troy University to further her cultural education as it aligns with language teaching.
Dr. Chelsea Tanous, the Mobile County High School Teacher of the Year, teaches Honors and International Baccalaureate French and serves as the World Language Department Chair at Davidson High School. Dr. Tanous, who has been a world language teacher for 14 years, focuses on creating a learning environment where students may grow in their knowledge of the French language and culture, enhancing a greater understanding of their own culture in the process. In a typical lesson, students learn food and restaurant vocabulary through an immersive session that includes collaborative learning, decoding strategies, and the use of authentic materials. Dr. Tanous also fosters schoolwide connections by coordinating Davidson’s “mini international festival,” which brings together students from other world languages and from the culinary program to design a cultural celebration as a learning experience, featuring global cuisine and a multilingual talent show. Last summer, she extended global learning beyond the classroom by organizing a 14-day educational tour through France, Germany and Spain for students learning those three languages, an enriching experience that affirmed the real-world relevance of language study. Dr. Tanous believes in the power of education as a unifying force for good, and her classroom philosophy reflects her commitment to create educational opportunities where students feel valued and empowered.

Congratulations to the teachers, students, staff, and parents of Council Traditional School for achieving a perfect 100 on the 2024–25 State Report Card. This remarkable accomplishment marks the second consecutive year that Council has earned a flawless score. The school received 100% of the points in student achievement, student growth, and attendance—an outstanding testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Council community.
At Council, we proudly live our motto every day: CHOOSE THE CHALLENGE, CHOOSE EXCELLENCE, CHOOSE COUNCIL!

Rainy day indoor recess was a great opportunity to get in some extra basketball practice time at Little Flower Catholic School. The free-for-all free throw space helped hone the shooting skills and speed needed to get the players ready for the next game.

ACCEL Academy formally chartered its inaugural National Beta Club chapter during an induction ceremony held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the ACCEL Academy iLab. Twenty-four students were inducted into the chapter, marking a significant academic and leadership milestone for the school community.
The 2026 Spring inductees into the ACCEL Academy National Beta Club include: Shanterika Anderson, Ashlyn Bush, Seon Byrd, Raven Coleman, Mariana Finkley, Kyler Fields, Kryston Gwinn, Janaiya Harris, Semaj Hatch, Ikeriah Hurd, Brandi Johnson, Kiara Key, Jordyn McCarroll, Tre’Mykal Miles, Verkiyah Pugh, Alivia Rein, Loviana Sharpe, Peighton Sisson, Sean Stephens, Anna Ward, Elijah Washington, Zachariah Watson, Ki-Leigh Wesley, and Mathew Weston.
The National Beta Club is a nationally recognized honor society that celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Guided by the motto “Let Us Lead by Serving Others,” the ACCEL Academy Beta Club will serve as a leadership and service pathway for the school’s highest achieving scholars.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Marlon Firle, Superintendent of MAEF Public Charter Schools, Inc. shared that the inaugural charter represents a proud moment for ACCEL Academy. “Too often we talk about problems and issues in society, but we need to celebrate our students who are doing what they’re supposed to do on a daily basis,” he expressed.
Student leaders played an active role throughout the program, reinforcing the organization’s emphasis on student voice, accountability, and service to others. During the ceremony, the club’s elected officers highlighted the four pillars of the National Beta Club. Officers for the 2026 chapter were formally recognized, establishing a strong foundation for future leadership and service initiatives.
The 2026 ACCEL Academy Beta Club officers are Anna Ward, President; Ashlyn Bush, Vice President; Shanterika Anerson, Treasurer; Kryston Gwinn, Secretary; and Loviana Sharpe, Historian.
The ACCEL Academy Beta Club is sponsored by Dr. Tiffany Jones-Fisher, who worked alongside school leadership to establish the chapter. “Being inducted into National Beta is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Jones-Fisher.
The chartering of the Beta Club coincides with ACCEL’s designation as a 2025–2026 National Beta School of Merit, an honor awarded to schools that demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and leadership development across eligible grade levels.
“This moment reflects the hard work, discipline, and leadership potential of our students,” said Dr. Firle. “I commend you. Stand up, stand out, and be a leader that you are, and continue going down the right path, and you will traject to success.”
The ceremony concluded with a reception recognizing the students’ accomplishments and the support of parents, educators, and school leaders.

St. Mary’s Catholic School fourth graders recently traveled to Montgomery for their annual field trip and had an unforgettable day learning all about Alabama history. Students explored Olde Alabama Town, visited the Alabama Archives, toured the Judicial Building, and stepped inside the State Capitol, bringing their social studies learning to life in the most meaningful way. Hands-on experiences like this help students better understand the history, government, and heritage of our state. A great day of learning and discovery!

Mr. Will Garey won the admiration of the Little Flower family when he came in first in the Mobile Marathon. We knew he was a great teacher, but when he took top honors in the race, we were in even more awe. When asked about the run, Mr. Garey said he was pleased, but also surprised when he realized he would finish first. Run, Mr. Garey, Run

Davidson High School is honored to announce that Dr. Chelsea Tanous has been named the 2026 High School Teacher of the Year for Mobile County Public Schools!
We had the privilege of surprising her in class — joined by special guests from the district and her husband—and her reaction was priceless. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and the impact she makes every day. Thank you, Dr. Tanous, for being such an extraordinary part of the Davidson family!

Covenant Academy of Mobile is proud to announce that BankPlus has selected CAM as its 2026 Adopt-A-School partner. Through this program, BankPlus supports one local school each year by providing quarterly financial contributions and ongoing engagement with school staff.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening education and supporting students and educators in Mobile, Alabama. CAM is honored to be chosen and looks forward to the positive impact this support will have on our school community throughout the year.
We are grateful to BankPlus for investing in our students and staff as we continue our mission to provide high-quality, public education. #TheRoyalEagleWay

Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy has been named “Top Performing Arts Academy” for 2025 by Education Insider Magazine. Based on the belief that creative artistry is fueled by intellectual insight, FPC VPAA prepares students for careers in visual and performing arts and/or post-secondary education by providing engaging, academically rigorous, and responsive lessons, and continuous opportunities for students to excel beyond their current ideas of creativity. To read the Education Insider article visit EducationInsiderMagazine.com/floretta-p-carson-visual-and-performing-arts-academy.

The Mobile Retired Educators Association celebrated its 40th Birthday on Tuesday, January 27th, at Via Health and Enrichment Center. From Proclamations by the Mobile County Commissioners to the state Alabama Education Retirees Association President attending to over 60 members who braved an ice storm and frigid cold temperatures, a GREAT time was had by all.

A group of Davidson’s culinary students recently explored downtown Mobile on a Bienville Bites Food Tour — tasting amazing dishes while learning about the history of downtown, Mardi Gras traditions, and our vibrant local cuisine.
The day included dishes from Moe’s Barbeque, Parc le Tralour, Grace, and Ruby Slipper. Our students walked away with new insights into menu creation, branding, and future job opportunities in the culinary world. We are grateful for our business partners and proud of our Warriors for learning beyond the classroom!

For the third year in a row, a Blount High School Army JROTC Robotics Team is nationally ranked. Leopard Team B placed 15th in the nation at the JROTC Robotics National Championship, held in Sandusky, Ohio. LeFlore and Murphy high school JROTC teams were also among the 83 teams competing in Nationals, after qualifying from regional competitions involving more than 500 teams from across the country and from overseas Department of Defense schools. Robotics is a student-led activity that moves beyond traditional classroom activities; it involves the application of engineering design concepts, critical thinking, problem solving, and student leadership. The team includes: Ana Robles-Lopez, Zadrekah Bradley, Leris Molina-Nataren, Samantha Molina-Nataren, Dipsi Sierra-Gallardo, Carson Palmer, Khloe Wallace, Michael Dennis, Le’Elle Hubbard-Lofton, and Rachelle McFarland. The Blount JROTC Leopard Battalion is led by LTC Robbie Cross.

State and local leaders joined students from Eichold-Mertz School of Mathematics, Science and Technology for a parade today celebrating their perfect 100 score on the Alabama Department of Education report card.
Eichold-Mertz has earned a perfect 100 on three of the last five state report cards, which are released annually. The report card measures student performance in reading and math, academic growth, and attendance.
Locally, three schools – all part of Mobile County Public Schools – earned a perfect 100, with the others being Council Traditional School and Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. Along with Eichold-Mertz, these three MCPSS schools will be recognized at the state school board meeting in Montgomery in February for being among the top 25 highest performing schools overall in the state of Alabama.
State School Board Member Dr. Tonya Chestnut participated in the parade and presented the school with a proclamation from the state.
LeFlore High School’s band performed as part of the festivities.
Barton Academy, the only secondary school in Alabama to earn a 100, celebrated its perfect score last week with a school-wide field trip to Battleship Memorial Park.

Mobile County Public Schools celebrated Gifted Education Day in the City of Mobile on January 29, following an official proclamation from the mayor recognizing the importance of gifted education. The celebration culminated in Gifted Education Family Night at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, where more than 2,300 elementary gifted education students and their families from across Mobile County gathered for an evening of learning and exploration. The event highlighted the district’s commitment to supporting advanced learners and brought together families, educators, and community partners in a record-breaking celebration of gifted education.

The Mobile Fire Department came to St. Pius X with their smoke simulator truck. All students were given tips about fire safety, and how to safely get out of the house in case of a fire. The fire safety trailer uses simulated smoke and has a window for children to practice the safest way to escape a fire.

Our Investigators here at Eichold Mertz Magnet had an absolute blast celebrating 100 Days of Teaching and Learning! From start to finish. The day was packed with fun, engagement, and lots of bright thinking.

E.R. Dickson’s ‘Littles’ had so much fun with Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Senior Bowl event! The Littles were able to play games with Senior Bowl players, get their autographs, and meet several college mascots! It was so much fun and we are so appreciative of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast!

Mobile County Public Schools students swept the top three places in the 99th Annual Mobile County Spelling Bee, held recently at Mary G. Montgomery High and presented by the 68 Ventures Bowl and Mobile County Public Schools. Carson Floyd of Grand Bay Middle took first place, Baileigh Mosley Stokes of Council Traditional was second, and Aaryan Sharma of Denton Magnet School of Technology was third. The competition drew 52 participants.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Davidson High School had more students selected for the 2026 MCPSS Honor Band than any other school in the county!
Please join us in celebrating the outstanding musicians who earned their spot:
Alyssa Edwards • Beatrice Hernandez • Beverly David • Brandon Gamble • Caleb Corcoran • Caleb Webb • Caroline Carter • Chase Joiner • Cheyenne McCants • Christian Manzy • Cooper Cox • Daltrey LeGros • Daniel Neese • Douglas Nguyen • Dylan Jones • Dylan LeGros • Edwin Perry • Eleanor Fernandez • Elizabeth Chester • Erin Hammond • Ethan Henry • Eve Cabral • Helena Nguyen • Hodari Kagabo • Jaycee Henderson • John Krause • Joaquin Nyanga • Jordan Fluker • Kenya Stallworth • Kendra Hill • Kenton Moss • Kyle Perry • Layla Harper • Leonor Hinojosa • Liam Norton • Luke Cabral • Madeline Shettlesworth • Madison Taylor-Grayson • Nickolas Gaines • Noah Berry • Noah Martin • Noah Quisy • Olivia Stewart • Rian Navas • Riley James • Robert Stefurak • Rosemary Burks • Ryan Henderson • Samantha Li • Sara Lovelace • Silas Miller • Stanley Dees • Tenzing Sherpa • Trace Vaughn • Trunier Partway
Way to represent, Warriors!

Blount, LeFlore and Murphy high schools recently sent teams to the JROTC National Championship at The Kalahari Classic 2026 in Sandusky, Ohio. These teams qualified through regional competitions that included more than 500 teams from across the country and overseas Department of Defense schools.
Throughout the four-day event, students demonstrated their skills in robotics engineering, problem-solving and teamwork while completing a series of challenging tasks designed to test both technical ability and strategic thinking. All robots used in the competition were fully designed and built by the students.
For the third year in a row, the Blount High School Army JROTC Robotics Team earned a national ranking. Leopard Team B placed 15th in the nation among 83 teams competing at Nationals. LeFlore also had two teams that qualified for the championship round, with one finishing 20th and the other placing 29th.

It’s always fun when Michael Green, the Science Machine, comes to campus! Thanks to the Science Machine for interacting with our students and staff with his engaging and fun experiments! He left E.R. Dickson students with a new excitement for science!

Our scholars were especially busy showing off their math skills as they counted out 100 cereal pieces and created the cutest 100th Day necklaces! Using a ten- frame they practiced counting by tens, one piece at a time. They turned learning into a hands-on and tasty looking experience. Here’s to 100 days of growth and many more investigations to come!

Covenant Christian School recently marked a joyful milestone as our K3–2nd grade students celebrated the 100th Day of School—and they did it in unforgettable style! With big smiles and even bigger creativity, our youngest learners went all out to honor 100 days of learning and growth.
From playful wigs and canes to imaginative posters and themed T-shirts, the celebration was full of personality. First graders proudly wore handmade 100-Day T-shirts, while kindergartners showcased colorful posters reflecting how they viewed their first 100 days of school. Designs included “100 Mermazing Days” filled with seashells, “100 Galactic Days” inspired by Star Wars, “100 Days of Bee-ing Kind,” “100 Scoops of Ice Cream for the Sweetest Days Ever,” and a star-filled shirt symbolizing “100 Days Brighter.” The creativity on display was truly inspiring.
Beyond the fun, students also reinforced important academic skills by incorporating math lessons, practicing counting and grouping by tens throughout the day. It was the perfect blend of celebration and learning.
This special day represented 100 days of learning, 100 days of growing, and 100 days of building friendships—and the joy said it all. The laughter, creativity, and pride made this milestone one to remember.
Here’s to celebrating the fun, the smiles, and the magic of 100 amazing days at Covenant Christian School!

Harleigh Van Atta, a senior at Alma Bryant High School, recently won a poetry competition hosted by the University of South Alabama, and got an opportunity to read her poem at USA alongside critically acclaimed poet Karisma Price.

Covenant Christian School’s Junior High students recently celebrated Homecoming in unforgettable style with a vibrant “Destination” theme, transforming an ordinary school week into an exciting journey filled with school spirit, creativity, and Eagle pride. The celebration was a fantastic collaboration of Spirit Week, a high-energy Pep Rally, and a Junior High Social, all creatively wrapped into a playful travel adventure. Students “traveled” from destination to destination—embracing the fun of a Tacky Tourist in Miami, the pride of a Patriot in Washington, D.C., and the sparkle of a GLAM star in Hollywood, California—before finally landing back where it all comes together: Destination CCS.
Our cheerleaders and spirit squad truly helped the theme take flight with their inspiring performance, appropriately titled “CCS Takes Flight.” With organized games, high-flying stunts, and energy turned up high on the volume dial, the gym was alive with excitement, unity, and school pride. The roar of encouragement from students and staff alike made the pep rally a highlight of the week.
The celebration continued at the Junior High Homecoming Social, where students enjoyed multiple “food stop” destinations and themed photo opportunities that added to the immersive experience. Laughter, connection, and community filled the space as students celebrated together in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Amid all the excitement, Covenant Christian also took time to honor what truly sets our students apart—character. During the festivities, we proudly recognized our Eagle Pride Winners, students selected by their junior high teachers and peers, one per grade level.
These students exemplify what it means to be a Covenant Christian Eagle by:
• Possessing and portraying pride in Covenant Christian School and its activities
• Demonstrating school spirit and encouraging others
• Actively participating in pep rallies, games, and extracurricular events
• Showing respect for God, themselves, and others through their words and actions
We’re proud to announce that our 2026 Eagle Pride Winners are as follows: Bryant Taloney-6th Grade, Jenny Neese-7 th Grade, Maelee Sansing-8th Grade
This year’s Homecoming was more than a celebration—it was a reflection of the heart of Covenant Christian School: community, character, creativity, and Christ-centered pride. From takeoff to landing, our Junior High students showed that no matter the destination, CCS is always home.

Sunny Side Theater’s production of Hadestown took FIRST PLACE at the Alabama Youth Theater Experience. The team also received BEST ENSEMBLE, BEST LIGHTING, and BEST SOUND. Annah Edwards was honored with BEST VOCALIST. Anthony Paragone and Saioa Mckean were awarded ALL STAR awards. River Owens was given the TECH ALL STAR award. Elsa Precht, Anslee Schubert, and Kathryn Green were awarded the JUDGES CHOICE award for their work as the Fates. This team is made up of students from 20 different schools – ages 10 -18. Next month they will be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky for The National Youth Theater Experience.

Davidson High School’s Navy JROTC program brought back six awards from the recent Area 16 Championship “Super Meet” in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Davidson’s cadets took first place in the Academic Competition, Personnel Inspection and 16×100 Relay; second place in the Unarmed Exhibition Drill; and third place in Push-ups and Curl-ups.

Covenant Christian School recently gathered as a school community for our Second Quarter Honors Chapel, a meaningful time set aside to recognize students who exemplify academic excellence, dedication, and commitment to their studies. This special chapel celebrated those who earned Perfect Attendance, A/B Honor Roll, and the prestigious All A Honor Roll during the second quarter.
The Honors Chapel served as a powerful reminder that academic success at Covenant Christian is built on rigor, responsibility, and perseverance. Students recognized for Perfect Attendance demonstrated consistency and commitment, showing up each day ready to learn and engage. Those earning A/B and All A Honor Roll were honored for their hard work, focus, and determination in the classroom. At Covenant Christian, we believe academic achievement goes hand in hand with character development. Our students are encouraged not only to strive for excellence but to develop discipline, accountability, and a strong work ethic—skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.
We are proud of our Eagles who set a strong example for others to follow. Congratulations to all our honorees, and thank you for demonstrating what it means to pursue excellence with purpose. Go Eagles!

The Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts Dance Company performed for MCPSS Honor Dance at Davidson High School. Under the direction of Ms. Kristin Campbell, the Old Shell Road Dance Company is made up of 4th and 5th grade students selected through an audition process. They perform dances in various styles throughout the year at school and community events.

On Friday, January 30, Mrs. Taylor’s second grade class enjoyed an extra-fun service project following the excitement of the Senior Bowl Parade. Students met with Mrs. McGee and Mrs. McCulloch in Room M118 to assemble Valentine treat bags and toiletry bags filled with socks, toothbrushes, soap, and toothpaste. The students also shared beautiful cards they created in class and crafted cheerful “monster valentines” with stickers for local veterans.

The Baker High and Causey Middle dance teams had excellent showings at the Dance Team Union Alabama State Championships! Baker took first place for Varsity Officer Routine, Varsity Pom, and Varsity Jazz, and was named Grand Champion for Pom with the highest score of the day in the entire competition. They were also awarded the WOW Award for their Pom routine. Causey won first place in junior high pom and junior high hip hop, and was named Junior Grand Champion for their hip hop routine.

Mary G. Montgomery football player Brayden Turner was honored recently by NBC 15 as the Friday Night Rivals Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Turner carries a 4.5 GPA at MGM and volunteers with several organizations in his community. NBC 15 and award sponsor Andrew’s Diesel and Automotive Repair presented Turner with a $5,000 scholarship, and his family was on hand for the surprise announcement. Turner plans to study mechanical engineering at Auburn University.

Learning came alive this semester in Mrs. Shelly’s Explore Homesteading class as students jumped into sustainability and practical life skills through creative, hands-on projects.
While exploring the many uses of beeswax, students crafted their own reusable wraps and
candles, combining science, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
Upcoming lessons will explore the benefits of eggs, preservation methods, and the fascinating process of incubating chicken eggs, giving students a firsthand look at responsibility and real-world science.
This engaging, project-based approach allows students to connect classroom learning with
everyday life, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and appreciation for sustainable living. It’s inspiring to see our Heartwood students learning through hands-on experience!

A large group of Baker High theatre students competed in the Mobile Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud: Region 1 Competition at the Ben May Main Library and swept top honors in both categories. Morgan Zaborny was awarded first place in National Anthology for the third year in a row. Kalani Shehee and Jakobe Hill placed second and third, respectively. Isreal Fox took first place in the Original Poetry category, with Tamra Parker and Brantley Genry placing second and third.

Tuesday, January 20, was a beautiful day for service as St. Paul’s sixth graders enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to help others in our community. Students packed food boxes and bags at Feeding the Gulf Coast, assisted with food bagging and distribution at Prodisee Food Pantry, loaded vehicles and bagged produce at Love All Food Pantry, and sorted clothing donations at George Hall Elementary School for an upcoming yard sale, with proceeds designated to purchase uniforms for students in need. We are grateful to our outstanding chaperones who helped make the day such a success: Ryne Baxter, Austen Johnson, David Armstrong, Stacey Burt, Claire Bamberg, Jenna Tigner, Brandon Garrett, Leslie Lerner, Mackensie Turner, Kat Brand, Morgan Hanson, and Zac Lambrecht.

Satsuma City Schools is proud to announce Cindy Faith as the 2026 Satsuma High School Teacher of the Year and Jill Barfoot as the 2026 Lee Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
“We are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Barfoot and Mrs. Faith for their exceptional dedication to academic excellence, student achievement, and service,” said Dana Price, superintendent of Satsuma City Schools. “Their passion for teaching, commitment to students, and positive impact on our schools truly embody the values and high standards of Satsuma City Schools.”
Faith has served as a mathematics teacher at Satsuma High School since 2019. She teaches AP and Dual Enrollment Calculus, AP and Dual Enrollment Precalculus, Algebra with Finance, and ACT Prep. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Faith serves as the Scholars’ Bowl sponsor, mentoring students and fostering a love for academic competition and teamwork.
“What I enjoy most about teaching is watching students discover what they are capable of,” Faith said. “Mathematics can feel intimidating at first, and I love seeing that shift from uncertainty to confidence. I tell my students that I only teach bright young minds because that is genuinely how I see each of them.”
A highly accomplished educator, Faith is also an adjunct mathematics instructor with Coastal Alabama Community College, teaching dual enrollment courses including Precalculus Algebra, Precalculus Trigonometry, and Calculus I. Her commitment to academic rigor is reflected in her students’ success, including 100% qualifying scores on the 2025 AP Precalculus Exam.
Faith earned an Alternative Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics from the University of South Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Information Science from Troy State University. She is nationally certified through the National Institute for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education, a recipient of the Golden Apple Award, and was selected to serve as a College Board AP Calculus Reader for the 2025 exam.
Though she commutes nearly an hour each way, Faith says the relationships and sense of community make every mile worthwhile.
“This is exactly where I am meant to be,” she said. “The students, staff, and community create a place where learning, character, and care truly matter.”
As Teacher of the Year, Faith hopes to continue strengthening mathematical understanding and expanding confidence among learners.
“Above all, my goal is to use the gifts God has given me to serve and bless Satsuma’s students with excellence, integrity, and care,” Faith said.
With 27 years of teaching experience at Lee Elementary School, Barfoot has made a lasting impact on generations of students. She is a distinguished instructional leader, previously earning Lee Elementary Teacher of the Year honors in 2010 and serving as grade-level chair for numerous years.
Barfoot is widely recognized for maintaining high expectations for all students while fostering a classroom environment built on compassion, collaboration, and respect. Her instructional success is evident through outstanding academic outcomes, including 100% student proficiency in reading on the ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program) exam from 2021 to 2025. She also collaborates creatively across disciplines, including the Third Grade Animal Showcase, a hybrid learning experience integrating science and writing.
“What I enjoy most about teaching is witnessing the moment when learning truly clicks for students and seeing their faces light up with understanding,” Barfoot said. “I love knowing that I am making a meaningful difference in their lives and that I get to be a small but important part of their journey.”
A lifelong learner, Barfoot earned LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Certification in 2022, deepening her expertise in the Science of Reading. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Mobile.
Teaching in Satsuma holds special meaning for Barfoot, who grew up in the community and attended Lee Elementary School and Satsuma High School.
“There is something incredibly meaningful about teaching children from my own community and watching them grow into young adults,” she said.
Looking ahead, Barfoot remains focused on student success.
“My goal is for every student to demonstrate proficiency on the ACAP and leave my classroom confident, capable, and ready for fourth grade,” Barfoot said.

Mobile County Public Schools recently named its 2026 Teachers of the Year. They are:
High School: Dr. Chelsea Tanous, who teaches French at Davidson High School.
As World Language Department Chair at Davidson, she coordinates Davidson’s “mini international festival,” which brings together students from other world languages and from the culinary program to design a cultural celebration as a learning experience, featuring global cuisine and a multilingual talent show. Last summer, she extended global learning beyond the classroom by organizing a 14-day educational tour through France, Germany and Spain for students learning those three languages.
Middle School: Daniela Yunker, who teaches German at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. Affectionately known as “Frau Yunker” to her students, she’s a German native who created Barton’s German Honor Society and sponsored a student trip to Europe. Through project-based learning assignments, she works to enhance cultural connections. One of her lessons inspired her students to research and write a book, “Germans in Mobile.”
Elementary: Jennifer Asberry, a STEAM Lab teacher at Council Traditional School.
She created the school’s annual Family STEAM Night, a schoolwide evening event that gives students and their parents an opportunity to visit multiple interactive learning stations and become engaged in collaborative learning. She also coordinates the school’s annual STEM Day Celebration, serves as chair of the Fifth Grade Science Fair, and sponsors two after-school science exploration clubs at Council.
Each MCPSS school selects a Teacher of the Year, who is then nominated for the countywide honor. The committee that selected these three winners will now submit their applications to be considered by the state for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to the 2025 CTS Spelling Bee Winner, Baileigh Moseley-Stokes. We also extend a big congratulations to our second-place winner, Rachel Kidd. We are incredibly proud of both girls for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance.
We look forward to cheering on Baileigh as she proudly represents Council at the MCPSS Spelling Bee.

Mobile Christian students dressed up to celebrate the 100th Day of School. This is always a fun day for the children to celebrate the school year milestone.

Join Bright Academy on the green for a day of fun, fellowship, and friendly competitions—all for a great cause! The Bright Academy Annual Golf Tournament brings together community leaders, parents, and supporters to help fund specialized education and scholarship opportunities for students with dyslexia. On April 25, 2026 participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, exciting contests, raffle prizes, and delicious food while making a difference in the lives of Bright Academy students. The Golf Tournament will be held at Springhill Golf Course. Tee Time will be at 10:30am with a check in time of 9:00 and a fun putting contest beginning at 9:30. Hope to see you there! For more information scan the QR code, call 251-525-9105, or email chrissyhenderson@ebrights.net.

Council Running Club had an amazing time competing in the Mobile Marathon Fun Run. Students met at Mardi Gras Park to stretch and kick off the race together. Will Withers finished in first place, followed closely by Brady Coffman in second. Stella Gibson was the top finisher for our Council girls. All of our runners did a wonderful job, and it was great to see Mrs. Medeiros, Ms. LaPointe, along with family and friends, cheering them on from the sidelines.

Eight JROTC programs recently competed in the Mobile County Public Schools Raider Competition at Bryant Career Technical Center, demonstrating their critical thinking, leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills. The events featured a grueling series of physical tests that pushed them to their limits, including an obstacle course, one-mile run with an 11-foot wall, tire flips, water can sprints and litter carry with 25-pound ruck sacks. Theodore came out on top, with Baker finishing second, Citronelle placing third and Alma Bryant and LeFlore tying for fourth place.

We recently held our Annual Spelling Bee and couldn’t be prouder of all the students who participated and gave it their very best. Congratulations to our champion, Meggie Vailes, and our runner-up, Jax McCall, for their outstanding performances. Meggie went on to compete in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee, where she represented our school beautifully.

St. Mary’s Catholic School 7th graders brought genetics to life in Mrs. Neely’s science lab by creating DNA strands with the correct base pairs. This hands-on activity helped students visualize how DNA is structured and how base pairing works, turning an abstract concept into something concrete and memorable. Learning science by doing science makes all the difference!

At Clark-Shaw Magnet School, the Science Fair is a months-long journey that begins in August and concludes with final project submissions in January. During this time, students explore scientific questions of interest while learning to research, experiment, analyze data, and present their findings.
Students showcased their hard work at the school science fair, where creativity and critical thinking are on full display. Selected projects are then invited to advance to the regional science fair, giving students the opportunity to represent Clark-Shaw and share their research beyond the classroom. Science fair project categories include Animal and Plant Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine and Health Science, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Robotics and Communication Sciences.
This extended process encourages curiosity, perseverance, and hands-on learning which are key components of the Clark-Shaw Magnet experience.

St. Luke’s lower campus celebrated the 100th Day of School – 100 days of learning, 100 days of growing, and 100 days smarter! We’re so proud of how far they’ve come in just 100 days!

Throughout this school year, our Student Council President of Creative Design, Hailey Charles, has infused creativity and care into designing beautiful bulletin boards that uplift, inform, and inspire our campus. The most recent display celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic flair, meaningful scripture, and eye-catching design. These boards have become bright focal points in our hallways, reminding students daily of faith, gratitude, and civic pride. Beyond decorations, this ongoing project embodies true servant leadership: using artistic talent to motivate others and improve the school environment.
Heartwood appreciates this steady dedication and the joyful spirit these displays bring to our campus.

Four choir students from Old Shell Road School of Creative & Performing Arts recently performed with the Alabama Elementary All-State Choir. Murphy Dean, Daisy Pierce, Bly Phares and Evie McElderry joined over 100 choir students from across Alabama, singing at the Alabama Music Educators Association conference in Birmingham.

St. Ignatius is deeply grateful to our parents for choosing Catholic education and entrusting us with the formation of their children. This choice reflects a commitment to nurturing faith, character, and academic excellence. We also recognize the vital role fathers play in the faith lives of their children. Through their example, leadership, and presence, dads help anchor family life in prayer and model what it means to live out our Catholic faith each day. We celebrate our wonderful dads with a sweet treat each year during Catholic Schools Week. Donuts for Dad is a decades old tradition looked forward to each year. #thecatholicdifference

St. Luke’s 9th-grade students traveled to Africatown Heritage House to explore the powerful history of the Clotilda and the legacy it left in Mobile. This real-life setting connects directly to Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston, the book students are currently reading in class, bringing the text to life.
During the visit, students learned about the people aboard the Clotilda, their lives in Mobile, and the ways African culture was preserved and passed down through generations. Students viewed artifacts from the ship, toured the exhibits, and gained a deeper understanding of how this history continues to shape our city today.
The experience concluded with a hands-on activity as students created their own story quilts, reflecting on the journey, resilience, and voices they encountered. It was a memorable and impactful learning experience—one that connected literature, history, and culture in a powerful way.

St. Ignatius Catholic School has a long, competitive history in CYO sports. This basketball season, Impalas did not disappoint. Congratulations to CYO basketball champions: 7th/8th grade boys gold team, 4th grade girls gold team, 4th grade boys black team, 3rd grade girls green team. Special recognition to second place teams: 2nd boys gold team, 3rd boys gold team, 4th girls green team, 5th girls green team and 5th boys gold team. Photographed is 7th/8th grade boys gold champions coached by St. Ignatius alums Charles Mayhall & Logan Shirah. It’s great to be an Impala! St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. #thecatholicdifference

Forensics students at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School enjoyed the experience of going “hands-on” in a fingerprint lab. The students were able to practice the skills they are learning in the classroom.

St. Dominic Catholic School is committed to providing a rich and engaging arts program. Students begin formal music instruction as early as PK3 under the guidance of the talented and accomplished Mr. Kevin Dyess. Throughout the year, Mr. Dyess leads students in special performances that give them the opportunity to showcase their musical growth for family and friends. Recently, St. Dominic students performed “When I Grow Up,” delighting audiences with their creativity and confidence. The bakers pictured here are a wonderful example of how a strong arts program inspires self-expression, imagination, and a love of learning.

Our students proudly celebrated the 100th Day of School with big smiles, creative activities, and plenty of school spirit. It was a joyful milestone filled with fun and learning, and we can’t wait to see all that the next 100 days will bring!

The second-grade girls at St. Dominic Catholic School ruled the courts in the CYO basketball league! The girls are pictured here with their Principal, Mrs. Laurie Michener, who went to cheer on the team. The girls won the second grade tournament, with Charlee Cramblitt being chosen as tournament MVP!

Madison Caldwell, RVT, 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 operate our ultrasound machine in the Biomed Lab. Students had this invaluable hands-on opportunity to apply their learning by practicing using the machine under her guidance.

Each year, Catholic Schools Week begins with the entire school community coming together to pray the Rosary, led by second-grade students and Student Government Association leaders. Leadership is a pillar of formation at St. Ignatius, with public speaking skills cultivated throughout students’ academic lives. Second-grade students represented each Hail Mary in the Rosary, while SGA members represented all other beads and prayers. This ceremony provided a meaningful way to begin Catholic Schools Week. St Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. #thecatholicdifference

Clark-Shaw is so proud of our 9th graders who recently took the Pre-ACT and earned outstanding scores. A perfect Pre-ACT composite score is 30, and these students are right up there—way to go!
Top Scores: Khushi Patel – 29, Camdyn Robinson – 28, Micah Ezell – 26, Tatum Wittner – 25
Your hard work, focus, and determination truly shine. Keep setting those goals high and reaching for them!

St. Luke’s gathered to celebrate an unforgettable achievement as the Girls Soccer and Tennis teams unveiled their 2025 State Runner-Up banners—a symbol of excellence that will hang in the gym for years to come. These banners represent more than just remarkable seasons. They honor the dedication, resilience, and teamwork displayed by our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations to both teams on seasons that will always be remembered!

Congratulations to Cuyler and Bradley Ball from St. Dominic Catholic School for being acknowledged by the Second Lady of the United States for completing her reading challenge. The Second Lady’s reading challenge is designed to promote a love of reading and increase literacy in the United States. You are sure to fly high, Cuyler and Bradley!

Congratulations to Spelling Champion, Peter Adams! He won first place in the Spelling Bee at St. Dominic Catholic School, enabling him to advance to the next round at the Mobile Archdiocesan competition. We look forward to a bright future for Peter!