July 2023 Student Spotlights

Kaydence Comalander was selected as the Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet of the Year for the State of Alabama. Cadet Comalander is completing her junior year at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette where she serves as the AFJROTC Corps Commander and leads the Color Guard at the highest profile events. She also recently earned the Daedalian’s Award for her Outstanding Citizenship and Excellence in Academics.

Pine Grove Elementary has three new eMINTS graduates on its staff. Teachers Kayla Waite White, Sondra Dunn and Sarah Doerr have completed certification through the program. Each year, Baldwin County teachers are selected through an application process to join a two-year professional development designed to inspire educators to use research-based instructional strategies in a technology rich environment, engage students in inquiry, collaboration, and the excitement of learning, enrich instruction to dramatically improve students’ problem solving skills and performance in any subject area at any level.

Congratulations to the Gulf Shores Middle School students that were chosen to be published in the Fall/Spring National Celebrating Art Contest. This is a huge honor as only the best artwork is chosen for publication out of thousands of entries. Mahileit Derstine received a High Merit award for the competition. The High Merit Award is given to exceptional pieces that are of the top 20% submitted.
Pictured:
7th grade:
Davis Sinclair
Grace Hartzler
8th grade:
Mahileit Derstine
Kori Hager
Jayden Dennis
Tereza Mojs
Arabella Gilbert
Haven Spruiell
Dasha West
Katelyn Garner
Copeland Bender
Liliana Grandy
Phoenix Wallace
Amelie Walker
Mylah Howard
Not pictured:
8th grade:
Quinn Duncan
Zoe Dumas

Excellent guest speakers taught everyone about Costa Rica, India, The Philippines, France, and Germany. International Week taught us about different cultures and reminded us that, despite our differences, we are all the same on the inside.

FEES third grader Paxton Rodgers has been hard at work collecting aluminum can tabs for the Ronald McDonald house. She and Mrs. Lucas would like to send special thanks to Fairhope VFW Post 5660 for their contributions as well.”

Fourth grade students at Perdido School have learned how to garden this school year as part of their studies. Led by science teacher Jackie Presley, the students planted and tended to the vegetable garden during class time. The students planted strawberries, okra, tomatoes, squash, green peppers and cucumbers. After several weeks of maintaining their garden, the students were able to collect the fruits of their labor. “My fourth grade science classes rotate maintaining the garden daily. They’ve also learned about plants and soil,” Presley said. “They absolutely love it and they’ve done well.” The teacher said the garden has been very successful and she hopes to add to it in the future.

Bay Minette Middle School Cheer recently took part in the UCA Cheer Camp, held at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. The squad won third place in sideline cheer, received two blue ribbons for cheer and dance evaluations, and won three sprits sticks. Squad members include Layla Allen, Adia Bufford, Chrislyn Geck, Ansley Guy, Levynne Harville, Cadence Long, Kaylin Lundy, Annabelle Maske, Blaklee Pearson, Brooke Powell, Kiley Sellers, Austyn Smith, Jill Smith, Morgan Till, Kenzlie Williams and Laiken Wilson-Withrow. Four members were also received All-American honors: Jill Smith, Blaklee Pearson, Levynn Harville, and Adia Bufford. “They really did a good job and worked hard this week,” said Coach Catherine Ann Brooks. “We are super proud of our BMMS cheerleaders.”

Baldwin County High School’s Trevor Murphy was named the Midtown Optimist Club’s “2023 Player of the Year”. Murphy ended the season with a .451 batting average, which included 46 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs with accounted for 34 RBIs and 26 runs. On defense, he was a key pitcher and third baseman. On the mound he had six wins and 40 strike-outs. Trevor has signed a scholarship to play baseball at Bishop State Community College. Trevor was also recently named the Baldwin County Player of the Year. BCHS Coach Trenton Higginbothem praised the student-athlete for his work ethic, on and off the field. “Trevor put together one of the more impressive seasons that I have ever witnessed,” he said. “He is the definition of hard work paying off. It didn’t matter before or after games and practices he consistently lived in the cages! He has left BCHS a better place! Thank you for everything you did for our program.”
(His stats shared by Midtown Optimist Club)
3B/RHP
BATTING
.451..Batting Average
…46..Hits
…14..Doubles
…..2..Triples
…..7..Home Runs
…34..RBIs
…26..Runs
…15..Walks
…14..Hit-by-Pitch
…..1..Stolen Base
…..5 K’s in 133 PA
PITCHING
…..6…Wins
…..3…Losses
…..1…Save
.3.16..ERA
….40..Strikeouts
…..6…Complete Games

To celebrate the end of school and the start of summer, CubScout Pack 177 of Spanish Fort spent the night on the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship. Newly Webelo Scouts Finn Hoffman (left), Ashton Edwards (middle), and Kilean Collette (right) are pictured exploring the ship.

The Bay Minette Fire Department recently shared important fire safety and prevention tips with some local youth. Fire Department personnel visited the summer camp program offered through Bay Minette Elementary School. In addition to learning about fire safety and prevention, the campers were also able to see the fire truck up close and learn more about how the equipment functions.

A summer of fun (and learning) was underway at Pine Grove Elementary School in Bay Minette. The school hosted a summer learning camp in June where students enjoyed art projects, learning stations and fun games and adventures.

Christ the King Catholic School hosted their annual talent show in May to showcase their students! From piano playing, singing, playing guitar, dunking basketballs, to dancing, the students did a fabulous job showcasing their talents! It was so wonderful seeing students build their self confidence with performing, however, it was equally enjoyable watching the audience cheer their fellow peers on in a positive way! We are proud of all our students!

Christ the King Catholic School has so many wonderful traditions on campus throughout the year. This tradition was bittersweet as we prepared to say goodbye to our graduating 8th grade students. Pictures of their journey here at CTKCS decorated the tables and baby pictures of the students hung on the walls. It is a walk down memory lane for the students and teachers. Many 8th grade parents volunteered to make this breakfast such a success! We know our 8th grade students will shine in high school!

GSMS introduced the Dolphin Talk program during the 2022-2023 school year to enhance students’ learning experiences, foster effective communication, and establish strong connections. Dolphin Talks Days consisted of interactive sessions aimed at teaching students new skills or delving into their interests, passions, and potential careers. Each Dolphin Talk involved collaboration with community partners, outreach initiatives, or hands-on experiences to enrich the learning process. Students were empowered to select their Dolphin Talk topics based on their personal interests and passions. The program culminated in collaborative projects, showcasing the students’ knowledge and skills. The diverse range of topics covered included the Amazon RainForest, Bible Basics, Career Exploration, Chinese Jump Rope, Creative Writing Cafe, Disc Golf, Discover Mexico and Its Culture, Dolphin Encouragers, Fin Friends, First Aid and Safety, Gulf Coast Ecotourism and Sustainability, Life Skills, Naturalist, Photography, Poetry Portfolio, Sports, Teaching, and Ultimate Frisbee.
During the highly anticipated Dolphin Talk session, which marked the culmination of the year, students were treated to a showcase of exceptional culminating project presentations. This event not only celebrated their hard work and achievements but also provided a platform for students to engage with their peers’ projects and participate in the selection of winners across various categories. The winners were:
New Skill/Interest: Photography with Mr. Reetz, Community Partnership: Bible Basics with Mrs. Butler, Culminating Project: Mexico & Its Culture, Presentation Skills: Naturalist, Best Overall: Fin Friends.
We eagerly anticipate the continuation of the Dolphin Talk program, with its expanded partnerships, diverse topics, and transformative culminating projects. We are committed to providing students with unique learning experiences, strengthening communication connections, and building strong relationships within our school community. Through Dolphin Talk, we strive to nurture the talents, interests, and aspirations of our students, preparing them for success in their future careers and endeavors.

Congratulation to BCS freshman, Michael Heaton, for winning the 1A-2 State Championship in golf! Go Bayshore!

Summer Camp Fun at Robertsdale Elementary! We love seeing our students “Level Up” in Reading and Math.

Mrs. Morgan’s 2nd Grade Class at Belforest Elementary had the pleasure of getting a visit from former Daphne Mayor, Harry Brown. One of our own, Braxton, has always said he aspires to one day become the Mayor of Daphne. You have our vote, Braxton!

Teachers at Daphne East Elementary School were “Squeezing the Day!” with only 2 days left in the school year. Thank you admin for providing teachers with refreshing lemonade today!

Bayside Academy’s Key Club packed and donated Bags of Hope to the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Each of the 50 bags included a toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and tissues. Additional donations of each item were sent as well to be disbursed as needed. This was part of a grant the service club members wrote and received from the Kiwanis Club.
Pictured: Bayside Academy Key Club members Nathan Sadlock, Mary Helen Callaway, Head of School Scott Phillipps, Maysie Douglas, Susan Pittman, Reid Nagle, John Normann, Bowdoin Hammock, and Noah Breeland.

Bayside Academy’s commencement ceremony was held 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, on the beautiful Bayside Bluff. Sixty-four students graduated as the Class of 2023.

BCS Grammar School Field Day was the perfect way to end the school year! Wishing everyone a safe & blessed summer break!

Class Awards and Most Growth on Star tests for Mrs. Hannah’s class at Daphne East Elementary School

Bayshore Upper School Awards Day was a time of celebration and fellowship! One of the best aspects of Awards Day is the support given to all the students by their classmates.

Bayshore Upper School Field Day was a fun filled day! Students enjoyed water sports, obstacle course, and a Senior vs. Faculty basketball game!

Renaissance School’s Mrs. V had the opportunity to attend Wild Heart Teacher Retreat at the John Wesley Ranch in Colorado Springs. The focus was on student health and wellbeing. She also got the opportunity to hike, explore caves, paint, and learn about Colorado history. It was a great week! #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

A sweet ending to a new beginning….
Our first ever Saints Send-Off was a huge success! Graduating seniors that graduated 8th grade from CTKCS came back to their old stomping grounds for us to wish them well! Our current students got a glimpse into the future of what their hard work and dedication to their schooling will accomplish! We know the graduating seniors will go on to do wonderful things in the world and we are so proud of them! Once a CTKCS Saint, always a CTKCS Saint!

Congratulations to Fairhope High School’s own Ryley Harrison for being chosen as Alabama’s Miss Softball of 2023.

Daphne Middle School Science teachers were recently recognized with a Leadership Award for their use of Gizmo virtual labs to enhance instruction. DMS had the highest Gizmo virtual labs usage in Baldwin County.

Bayside Academy senior Maggie Britt is one of two recipients of the 2023 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships from the Original Oyster House. As a recipient of the award, Maggie earned a $1,000 scholarship from the Original Oyster House.
The 18th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship competition was open to high school seniors in Baldwin County with a 2.5 minimum GPA who have participated in a recent school or community art event. The students had to submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House brand in some way and could be displayed at the restaurant.
Maggie is the fifth-generation female in her family to live on the shores of Mobile Bay, and her painting is evocative of time spent with her grandmother on the shore of the bay gathering shells and other bay objects to create crafts. Her artwork is a colorful mixed media work that has layers of paint and various papers, some gold, and a think top coat of resin.

The Daphne Middle School family celebrated the retirement of Mrs. Debbie Miles. “To say she will be missed is an incredible understatement! Her leadership and friendship cannot be matched. We won’t be the same without you, but we are better for having had the opportunity to work along side you!”

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore Field Day 2023 fun! #ReawakeningEducation #RenaissanceSchool

Renaissance School’s Mr. Hovey and Mrs. Clemmons attended Alabama History Professional Development. They had the privilege of learning from the direct descendants of the Clotilda. #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

The annual Rockwell Elementary Talent Show was held in May for students. There was something for everyone: comedians, musicians, dancers, singers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and more. Over 20 performers entertained and delighted the cheering students. These superstar-talented students will certainly go far!

Congratulations to the following Fairhope High School Boys Soccer Team members for receiving All-County team status for the 2023 year.
Whieldon Smith
Jack Burns
Camden Carner
Jake Garner
Carter Willis
Max Reger

Congratulations to our newly elected National Elementary Honor Society officers! From left to right: Elaine Quinn, Louis Underwood, Savanna Gearhart, Connor Rodden, and Anna Elliott Dorman. They will be serving in their new roles next school year as sixth graders.

Congratulations to Daphne High School Trojans Anthony Dato, Abby Carlson, Shayne Bodalia, Abby Jordan and Maddox Marino for making All-County Tennis!

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore Inaugural Graduating Class graduates! #ReawakeningEducation #RenaissanceSchool

J. Larry Newton celebrated Coach Pharez during their end of the year celebration. She has been in education for over 30 years and has touched many, many lives. “We hate to see her, and her costumes, go. She will truly be missed. Thank you for your service!”

The Spanish Fort Middle School cheerleaders did such an amazing job this week at UCA Camp at Auburn University. The girls placed 3rd in the camp routine. Five 8th graders were selected as All American, and they came home with all blue ribbons!

Congratulations also to the following members of the Robertsdale High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team for their selection to the All-County Soccer Team: Madison Strauss (Senior) Emily Smith (Junior) and Maggie McNeil. Congratulations to Juniors Emily Smith and Maggie McNeil for earning Honorable Mention All State Honors.

Emily Evans represented Foley High School in the State Swim Meet at Troy University for Special Olympics. She received medals from placing in the freestyle and backstroke, and her relay team took home silver.

Congratulations to Daphne High School Trojan Olivia Tures for winning the Alabama Winds Future Instrumental Music Educator Scholarship! The scholarship was presented at the Alabama Winds concert at Thompson High School.

Celebrating Academic Excellence: The University of Alabama Early College Director’s List recognizes achievement in college level work. Emily Warner (Junior) has distinguished herself as a two-time returner to the Director’s List.

This year’s Ida White Award winner is Sherlin Saldana Rodriguiz. This award is given to an 8th grade student who was a part of the ESL program at some point in their school career. It is given in honor of Ida White who served the Foley community as a liaison to the ESL families in the area. This award recognizes a student who is a leader in the school. Thank you to Brenda Garcia Monroy, 2022 Ida White recipient, for being on hand to give the award.

A couple of Florence B Mathis teachers attended their students’ dance recital! Great job to all dancers!

Through a gracious donation by the Alabama Home Builders Association Foundation, the North Baldwin Tech building construction students were able to build a brand new chicken coop for Foley Elementary. It will serve Ms. Stradley’s 6th grade science program for years to come!

Congratulations to Rashaud Robertson from Foley Middle School who has been selected as the May 2023 Baldwin EMC Shining Star. Rashaud was nominated by his teacher Marilyn Ward who said he truly brings light to those around him and embodies character traits that make him a role model.

Congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School Varsity and JV Cheerleading teams at UCA camp at LSU. JV and Varsity received Blue Superior ribbons for both sideline/cheer and camp routines. JV received the Gold Superior ribbon for the sideline/cheer. During final evaluations both JV and Varsity received 1st Place trophies for the Camp Routine. Both teams also received the Superior trophy for overall superior performances during camp. 11 girls made All-American, 5 athletes were selected for the leadership “pin it forward” awards, and the teams received the spirit banana twice.

Mrs. Salter and Mrs. Doss of Stonebridge Elementary School were selected to attend the Empower Energy Education Workshop sponsored by PowerSouth and Baldwin EMC in partnership with The NEED Project in Destin, along with several other teachers from Alabama and Florida.

Ellie Richerson represented Spanish Fort High School at the HOBY Youth Leadership Conference. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership is an organization dedicated “to inspiring and developing our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.”

One of the most fun events of the year at J. Larry Newton is the Student vs. Teachers Basketball Game! This year the teachers won by 12 points.

BCBE celebrates Foley High School’s Emily Wolfe as the 7A State Shot Put Champion. Emily also placed 2nd in the state in discus and 5th in javelin.

Mrs. Hamby’s first graders of Silverhill Elementary wrote, illustrated, and published their own class book titled “Star of the Day”. They presented one to the librarian, Mrs. Bowman, to display in the school library.