Student Spotlights – July 2026

Covenant Academy of Mobile has been named a recipient of the prestigious Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries grant, earning $5,000 to support and expand our school library resources.
Covenant Academy of Mobile was one of just 220 schools across 38 states selected to receive funding this year. In total, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded more than $1 million in grants to school libraries nationwide, helping schools update collections, improve access to reading materials, and strengthen literacy opportunities for students.
The grant was secured through the efforts of Ms. McCants, whose dedication to enhancing educational resources continues to create meaningful opportunities for Covenant Academy students. The funding will directly benefit CAM’s Royal Eagles by providing additional books and library materials designed to inspire learning, curiosity, and academic growth.
This national recognition highlights Covenant Academy of Mobile’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student enrichment while investing in resources that empower young readers and future leaders.

As about 3,500 members of the MCPSS Class of 2026 graduate this week, Mobile County Public Schools is celebrating a new record: The MCPSS Class of 2026 has earned $1.1 billion worth of college scholarship offers, nearly eight times as much as last year.
That’s due to a partnership that counselors in the district’s 12 high schools formed this year with a new statewide initiative called Alabama Possible and its Alabama Direct Admission program.
MCPSS students earned the highest amount of college scholarships in Alabama through this program.
Students were invited to apply to multiple in-state and out-of-state colleges and were matched with admissions offers and scholarships. This streamlining of the application process made postsecondary education a more easily accessible and less daunting goal.
Madison Abrams, a graduating senior at Williamson High, wasn’t expecting to go to college. She was already in the process of earning certification as a nursing assistant. But then she received scholarship offers from multiple schools through Alabama Possible’s Alabama Direct Admission program, and she now plans to enroll in a four-year college this fall.
The program has been a confidence-booster for students who may have once thought a four-year degree unattainable. Last year, 650 MCPSS students who received college scholarships were the first in their families to attend college.
“This shifts the mindset of our students,” said Dr. Monica Motley, MCPSS Director of School Counseling Services. “They understand that receiving a postsecondary education is not only possible, but that now it’s a reality.”
Across Alabama, students have received more than $7.2 billion through the program.
“This milestone reflects what’s possible when we remove the traditional barriers that have held too many students back—no application fees, no essays, no complex forms. Just opportunities,” said Chandra Scott, Executive Director of Alabama Possible. “Alabama Direct Admission is sending a clear message to every student: You are wanted, you are capable, and your future is within reach.”

Owen Farmer has been named Valedictorian of the Davidson High School Class of 2026. During his time at Davidson, he participated in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and EPIC Signature Academies.
Owen was a four-year varsity member of the cross country and track teams. He qualified for the state cross country meet each year and earned All-County honors as a senior, including a second-place finish at Sectionals. He credits cross country with developing his physical and mental endurance.
Outside the classroom and athletics, Owen has been active in several organizations. He is a Life Scout working toward Eagle Scout and has taken on leadership roles within Boy Scouts. He has also been a member of Davidson’s DIMUN program since freshman year, serving as Security Council Chairman during his senior year. His additional activities include Ambassadors, Swim Team, and the Technology Student Association (TSA).
Farmer will attend Mississippi State University, where he plans to study Aerospace Engineering.

Parent, faculty,and student volunteers worked on campus at St. Dominic to improve the courtyard area and install a butterfly garden that will aid in the students’ study of life cycle and migration. These projects were made possible with the support and donations of Hood’s Home Center, Laura Kay’s Nursery, and Zimlich Patio and Garden Center. Volunteers were Mrs. Howle, Mr. Howle,Mrs. Ball,Mr. McClarren, Mrs. Barclift, Mrs. McMichael, Liam McClarren, Barret McClarren, Jackson Champion, and Shelby McMichael.

JROTC cadets from B.C. Rain High School recently racked up awards at a couple of fitness challenges. Senior cadet Laderick Jones won the University of South Alabama Jaguar Challenge trophy for winning first place in that competition, and he and fellow cadet Markenzie Mills earned the prestigious title of “Gulf Coast Toughest Cadets.” The Red Raider Battalion also won first place at the Kick Butts Physical Fitness Challenge hosted by the United States Marine Corps.

The St. Luke’s Girls Soccer team made school history this season, capturing the Alabama Class 4A State Championship under the leadership of Coach Austin Beatty. The Wildcats delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over St. John Paul II in Huntsville to claim the program’s first-ever state title. Senior Kiley Hawarah led the charge, scoring four goals in the championship match and earning Tournament MVP honors. The historic win capped an outstanding season and cemented the Wildcats’ place among Alabama’s elite soccer programs.

TWO HUNDRED FORTY! That’s how many Davidson High School juniors leveled up this year—raising their ACT scores, hitting benchmarks, or earning a 19+ in ELA or Math!
To celebrate their hard work, these students earned some well-deserved time away from campus with a trip to Surge—because effort like this deserves to be recognized! We’re incredibly proud of our students for pushing themselves—and of our teachers for guiding them every step of the way.

Two seniors who recently graduated from Davidson High School were named winners of National Merit Scholarships! They are Sariah Hossain, who is going to Harvard to study comparative literature and economics, and Owen Farmer, who will study aerospace engineering at Mississippi State. Farmer’s scholarship was sponsored by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division.

The W. H. Council Traditional School Math Team delivered an outstanding performance at the MCPSS 5th Grade Math Competition, earning impressive honors and making Council proud. The team placed 3rd in Ciphering, while Albert Pavelescu, Michael Brewer, Rachel Kidd, and Suhaan Parcha achieved a perfect score on the written exam. Their hard work and teamwork also led them to earn 1st Place in Division 3 and the title of Overall Champions. Team members Albert Pavelescu, Michael Brewer, Rachel Kidd, Suhaan Parcha, Quinn Williams, Anthony Compretta, Madison Vandiver, Dylan Gable, Chikaima Ihedioha, and Mrinmoy Pal represented Council excellence through their dedication, determination, and love of math. From quick thinking during ciphering to precision on the written exam, these students proved that teamwork and perseverance are the perfect formula for success. Congratulations to the Council Math Team and Coaches Latricia Bright and Leslie Larkin for an incredible accomplishment that has made the entire Council community proud.

St. Luke’s senior Kiley Hawarah leaves behind one of the most remarkable careers in Alabama high school soccer history. Finishing with 237 career goals, Hawarah ranks as the second-leading scorer in Alabama girls soccer history across all classifications (1A-7A). A dynamic playmaker and prolific goalscorer, she helped lead the Wildcats to unprecedented success while establishing herself as one of the state’s all-time greats. The West Georgia signee concludes her St. Luke’s career with a legacy defined by excellence and an extraordinary impact on the program.

Council is proud to announce Baileigh Moseley-Stokes as our 2026 Learning Leading award winner. Baileigh balances the precision of a violinist and pianist with the creative patience of a crochet artist. As President of the National Elementary Honor Society, she doesn’t just lead—she serves. Whether she’s singing in her church choir or representing her peers in Student Council, Baileigh embodies scholarship, character, and a heart for service. Baileigh exemplifies the very best of our school’s values. The future isn’t just bright for Baileigh; it’s hers for the taking.

St. Dominic Catholic School was excited to partner with Scholastic to bring an amazing educational opportunity to their families- their very own STEM Fair! At this time, St. Dominic is the only Mobile school offering this unique experience, giving their students and families direct access to engaging, hands-on STEAM resources that inspire curiosity and a love of learning. From Science and technology to Engineering, Math, and Art, this fair opened the door for students to explore and dream big!

Trombone, flute, clarinet, percussion. You name it, Little Flower students are loving it. The McT Band program for elementary students provides regular band class with patient and personal attention to students learning to play. Hard work, countless hours of practice, and dedication paid off at the Spring Band Concert. Congratulations to the fine musicians who put so much effort into making an outstanding performance.

We are beyond proud to announce that Ms. Jennifer Asberry has been named one of the 16 finalists for the 2026-2027 Alabama State Teacher of the Year. As one of the state’s oldest and most prestigious honors in education, this recognition is a testament to the incredible impact she has on our students every day. The current Alabama State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Katie Collins, visited our school to officially welcome Ms. Asberry into the “Sweet Sixteen.”
It is a profound honor to see Ms. Asberry recognized among such a distinguished group of educators from across the state. Her dedication to innovation in the STEM Lab makes her a true standout, and we couldn’t be happier to see her hard work celebrated on a statewide level.

We extend our warmest congratulations to our 5th-grade students for their outstanding IB Exhibition. We are absolutely thrilled with the remarkable results of this event, which highlighted their exceptional dedication, tireless efforts, and boundless creativity.
The Primary Years Programme Exhibition is a mandatory, culminating, student-led inquiry project in the final year of the IB Primary Years Programme. It is a comprehensive assessment in which students collaboratively research, analyze, and present findings on real-life, global issues, demonstrating their learning skills and the learner profile attributes developed throughout their education.
We thank our speaker, a former Comet and 2026 graduating senior from Davidson High School, Miss Sariah Hossain. A heartfelt thank you to our IB Coordinator, Ms. Burge and the unwavering support from all families, and the amazing community members who championed our students throughout this journey. The commitment and determination of all 5th-grade students have truly made the 2026 CTS IB Exhibition one we will never forget.

The Board of Directors of Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy (FPCVPAA) is proud to announce the appointment of Kristi July as the school’s new Head of School.
An accomplished educational leader with more than 15 years of experience, Mrs. July joins FPCVPAA at a pivotal moment for the institution. Her background in instructional innovation and student-centered program development brings valuable perspective as the school continues advancing its commitment to academic distinction, and conservatory-style arts education as a public charter school serving grades 6 through 12.
Mrs. July most recently served as the inaugural Principal and Head of School for Covenant Academy of Mobile, where she successfully designed, launched, and managed the school’s academic and operational framework.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Spring Hill College, Mrs. July began her career in the classroom. She later earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Alabama. Her professional experience includes serving as an Assistant Principal, overseeing a district-wide career academy model across 12 high schools within Mobile County Public Schools, and advising school and district leaders across multiple states as a Leadership Coach for the Southern Regional Education Board.
Mrs. July’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, excellence, accountability, and the belief that schools flourish when strong relationships exist among students, families, educators, and the broader community. A passionate advocate for children and families, she believes that school is a natural extension of the home and is committed to fostering an environment where high expectations encourage scholarship, artistic discipline, personal responsibility, and individual achievement.
Mrs. July and her husband reside in Mobile with their two children and look forward to continuing their service and investment in the local community through the work of the school.

Davidson High School named Farah Hujier as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026. Farah was actively involved in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the EPIC Signature Academies. She also received the 2026 Leading Learning Award at both the school and district levels.
At Davidson, Farah was involved in several academic and extracurricular programs. She participated in the school’s Robotics team during several successful seasons and served as the Humanitarian and Financial Chair for the Model United Nations program.
Farah plans to study chemical engineering at the University of Michigan.

Bright Academy’s Annual Golf Tournament was a fantastic success, bringing together nearly 80 golfers at Springhill Golf Course for a day of fun and community spirit. What started as a pouring, rain-soaked morning transformed into a beautiful, sunshine-filled afternoon—perfect for enjoying a round of golf. A huge thank‐you goes out to our amazing parents, generous sponsors, and supportive community for making this fundraiser truly special. We’re also incredibly grateful for the dedicated parent and student volunteers who kept everything running smoothly, as well as the players who showed up with enthusiasm despite the weather. Your energy and commitment made this event shine bright.

A few days before Resurrection Sunday Cypress Grove Academy had a “Narnia Experience,” scenes from C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia where visitors went on a journey to see scenes from the “Chronicles of Narnia” in classrooms. Each grade acted out highlights from the story and the end was tied in with the Gospel showing the lion being sacrificed on the stone table representing Jesus being sacrificed on the cross for our sins. (Matthew 20:28) This was a great experience for everyone involved.

Class of 2026…one for the record books!
We can’t wait to see where the future takes you, but never forget – Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!
– 85% received merit-based scholarships
– $13 million in scholarship awards
– Accepted to 52 colleges & universities — attending 25 different schools
– 5 student-athletes continuing their careers at the next level
– 28 students scored 30+ on the ACT
– 25 Superior Awards in Band, Chorus & Theater at State Competitions
– 10,818 service hours logged throughout their Middle & Upper School years

Heartwood Christian Academy is proud to celebrate junior Lauren Higgins, who has been named a recipient of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) Scholarship. Lauren was selected from a nationwide pool of students and is the only student in Alabama to receive this distinguished honor, recognizing her outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to her school community.
Lauren has faithfully served through Heartwood’s Student Council, where her creativity,
initiative, and servant-hearted leadership have made a lasting impact. From organizing school events to encouraging fellow students, she consistently demonstrates the qualities NASC seeks to recognize in student leaders across the country.
Heartwood Christian Academy congratulates Lauren on this outstanding achievement and eagerly anticipates the ongoing influence of her leadership, both within and beyond the school.

Before the school year came to a close, our 7th graders enjoyed an amazing field trip filled with learning, fun, and memories together!
Students experienced a dolphin cruise, enjoyed a picnic on the beach, and explored the Destin History and Fishing Museum, where they learned more about the area’s rich coastal history, marine life, and fishing industry. Experiences like these help connect classroom learning to the real world in meaningful ways.
Just as importantly, this trip gave students time to strengthen friendships, build community, and grow together before stepping into their role as the leaders of our school next year. Shared experiences like these help create the trust, connection, and teamwork that make a strong class community!

During the 8th grade Completion Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic School, the St. Mary’s Men’s Club presented the Peter J. Cunningham Award to John Perniciaro and Olivia Kahalley.
The Peter J. Cunningham Award is named after Monsignor Peter Cunningham who served as Pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 1997-2011. This prestigious award is voted on by middle school teachers, auxiliary teachers and school administration. It is given to one 8th grade male and one eighth grade female for upholding the highest Christian values, being academically motivated, demonstrating admirable character & exhibiting exceptional citizenship within the St. Mary’s Catholic School Community.

Austin English of Baker High School was selected as Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. English, left, and fellow finalists Matthew Green of Hankins Middle, Harmoni Jones of Mary G. Montgomery and Jairon Rogers, a 2026 graduate of LeFlore Magnet High, were all commended for their outstanding community leadership.

The art honors continue to roll in for CAM and our Royal Eagles! Covenant Academy of Mobile is proud to celebrate 6th Grade CAMster Candace C. for earning 3rd Place in “Best Creative Expression, Grades 5–8” at the Jazz Art Writers South (JAWS) Festival 2026 Youth Exhibit, presented in partnership with the Mobile Arts Council and Amp Up Arts.
The JAWS Youth program is an art outreach initiative designed to connect local students with the Jazz Art Writers South Festival through the combined inspiration of art and music. Participating students receive instruction in creating jazz-themed artwork, which is then displayed during the festival and voted on by the public.
CAM is honored to participate in the program for the second consecutive year, continuing to showcase the creativity and artistic talents of our students. Candace’s award-winning piece, along with the full JAWS Youth Exhibit, is currently on display at the University of South Alabama’s Marx Library and will continue touring local libraries following the conclusion of the festival.
CAM also extends special appreciation to Mrs. Concannon, visual arts teacher, whose dedication continues to foster artistic excellence and appreciation among students.

Corpus Christi Catholic School athletes made a strong statement this spring at the CYO Soccer Tournament, competing at a high level across every division and bringing home multiple championships. The Cougars claimed titles in Division 5/6 (5th grade), Division 4, and Division 3, while also finishing as runners-up in Division 2 and with the Division 5/6 (6th grade) team. Nearly every team advanced to a championship match, an impressive reflection of the program’s depth and consistency.
The Division 5/6 5th grade team secured their championship with a hard-fought win over St. Dominic Catholic School. In Division 4, the Cougars earned a decisive victory against St. Ignatius Catholic School, while the Division 3 team defeated Christ the King Catholic School to bring home another title. Each match highlighted the players’ determination and ability to rise to the moment.
The Division 2 team and the 6th grade Division 5/6 team also delivered strong performances as runners-up, competing with intensity and representing Corpus Christi with pride.
Weather delays pushed championship games to Monday, May 4th, but the Cougars stayed focused and returned ready to compete, continuing their success.
Throughout the season, these student-athletes showed grit, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their success was supported by dedicated coaches who invested in their growth on and off the field.
Corpus Christi’s performance was just shy of a clean sweep, with a team competing for a championship in every division offered. The school extends its appreciation to Catholic Youth Organization for a great season and a well-run tournament

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as they begin their exciting high school journey! We at Corpus Christi are proud to welcome this exceptional group and look forward to watching them grow into confident, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact on the world.

St. Pius X 5th-7th Grades enjoyed a Field Trip to the Mobile Exploreum. Students were able to interact with the Exploreum’s hands on activities, and the 7th Grade participated in a frog dissection class!

Teachers and students at E.R. Dickson Elementary were excited to join the “Learning League” during summer literacy and numeracy camp! Our student champions showed up ready to learn, grow, and compete both in the classroom and through teamwork. From building reading skills to strengthening math strategies, our students worked hard and had fun along the way. We are proud of the effort, enthusiasm, and determination our Learning League champions displayed each day!

Creativity is reaching new heights in our school library! Members of the Art Club are transforming the ceiling into a colorful gallery, with each tile inspired by a favorite book cover. Their imaginative artwork is bringing beloved stories to life and adding a unique touch to this shared learning space.

Congratulations to our retirement honorees: Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Bracewell, & Mrs. Singletary.
What a gift of over 100 years of combined dedication that has impacted students, schools, and staff members!
Here’s to a new chapter where every day is a blank canvas, ready for each of you to paint with joy, adventure, and fulfillment.
You will be greatly missed and will always be an ERD Tiger!

When the University Campus was the Julius T. Wright School for Girls, Headmaster Mr. Gus Hamner would walk the halls, ringing his bell to signal the official end of the school year. Students would pour out of their classrooms and follow behind him in celebration on their way to the Quad for ice cream.
Mr. Hamner later donated that very bell to St. Luke’s with one special request — that the Head of School continue the tradition. In May 2010, Mr. Palmer Kennedy proudly honored that request, and we have continued it every year since (except in 2020 during COVID).
This year, Mrs. Banks led the beloved parade from the gym, with students joining along the way as they headed to the quad for a sweet summer send-off complete with popsicles!
Traditions like these remind us what it means to be part of the Wildcat family.

Congratulations to Phillips Preparatory sixth-grader Eva Akridge, whose poem “Where Currents Meet” was selected as the winner in the Community Glow Night Poetry Contest sponsored by the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department. MPRD Activities Specialist Lee Callaghan attended Phillips’ Honors Program in May to recognize Eva.

Baker High School’s Kendall Brown was named Mobile County Female Athlete of the Year by the Mobile County Coaches Association. Kendall has been named to the All-County teams for both indoor and outdoor track and field each of her four years in high school. She has won three AHSAA state championships, has been named a 2025 Adidas All-American, and holds the school record in the long jump and triple jump. She graduated in May with a 3.5 GPA and will attend Jacksonville State University in the fall.

Field Day at St. Ignatius is a BIG DEAL, specifically, the tug-of-war. There’s no competition quite like homerooms going head-to-head across 10 activities to claim the title of Field Day Champion! The day begins at 9 AM and ends at 2 PM with an intense tally ceremony and the presentation of a trophy to each grade level. Field Day is one of the best days of the year at St. Ignatius, and it’s a great way to close out the year. St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body, and spirit, and I'd say body and spirit rank high on the list for Field Day!

At the end of first grade, St. Ignatius gifts blessed Missals to all students as they look toward second grade and prepare for the sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion.
In our faith, the Missal serves as a guide for the celebration of the Mass, providing the prayers, readings, and rituals that structure the liturgy. Similarly, Jesus guides our students by leading them in faith, wisdom, and moral development. St. Ignatius is where academic excellence meets faith formation.
We look forward to celebrating Mass with our first grade class and their families tomorrow. All are welcome to join as we bless their Missals and send them to “Go forth and set the world on fire.”- St Ignatius of Loyola.
St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. #thecatholicdifference #hispaththeirfuture #hispathstartshere #impalapride
#catholicsbuildcharacter

Congratulations to the graduating class of St. Dominic Eagles! Our community celebrates these future leaders!

Mobile Christian’s Senior Class celebrated graduation at the Mitchell Center on May 16th.

Mobile Christian’s Kindergarten class celebrated the school year with a program and graduation ceremony on May 8th.

Field Day creates so many challenges. But staying cool is not a challenge when the game is the “wet sponge relay”. This game is always a favorite and creates memories for years to come. Even if your team comes in last, everybody wins with this game.

During the month of May, rising middle school students campaign for election to the Student Government Association. Posters, stickers, and slogans galore adorn the campus. Candidates deliver their speeches in front of the voting body, made up of fourth- through eighth-grade students, during the last pep rally of the year. Each student gets a ballot and submits their vote. Students learn what it’s like to prepare and execute a campaign while exercising their public speaking skills. St. Ignatius had around twenty students run for office. The leadership skills formed at St. Ignatius gave students the confidence and ability to stand in front of their peers and shine. Congratulations to these students who were voted St. Ignatius Student Government Association Leaders for the 26–27 School Year: Sam Zoghby, President, Lila LaCour, Vice-President, Molly Robinson, Treasurer, Jimbo Beckmann, Secretary, Mary Helen Pritchard, Historian, and Margaux LaCour, Religion Officer. St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit. #thecatholicdifference

Cassie Williams is a rising 8th grader at Denton Magnet School of Technology. As a member of Denton’s History Club, she conducted research and interviews to create an award-winning documentary, Voyage of the Clotilda – Ocean of Tears. The documentary tells the story of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to come to America. She competed at the regional level of National History Day and took 1st place; at the state level she placed 2nd . These wins elevated her to the national History Day competition in Washington, DC in June. Her documentary was then selected for special recognition by the Smithsonian’s National African American History & Culture Museum for a special viewing of her documentary in their Oprah Winfrey theatre the week of the national contest.