January 2024 Student Spotlights

Foley High School would like to congratulate and recognize senior, Bradley Thach, for his Questbridge match with Dartmouth College. As one of approximately 9% of Questbridge applicants to match and receive early admission, Bradley will receive a scholarship worth up to $200,000 to pay for his education. Congratulations, Bradley!

Officer Sawyer and his wife, who the students of J. Larry Newton call “Mrs. Officer Sawyer,” were blessed to be able to take Elisha from Ms. Cerruti’s 2nd grade class on a shopping trip as part of the Fairhope Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program. Mrs. Sawyer is a reading instructor at J. Larry Newton.

Daphne Middle School is proud to celebrate exciting news about their very own Mrs. Tillman who received her National Board Certification. This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects her hard work and dedication to her students. Congratulations Mrs. Tillman!

The Toys for Tots drive led by the Stapleton School National Elementary Honor Society students was a tremendous success. They collected an astounding 490 toys—an average of nearly 2.5 toys for every student on our small campus! We are so grateful to our thoughtful and generous community which never fails to support the charitable efforts of the students. A special shoutout to Misty Jerkins and her colleagues at International Paper who were major contributors to the drive. Thanks to our supporters, our students were able to make a positive difference for needy families this Christmas season. We appreciate you!

Loxley Elementary School is so proud of their 6th grade band students. They gave their first concert alongside Silverhill Elementary tonight under the direction of Mrs. Lepa. Ms. McClure joined in the fun and played with them. Congratulations for a job well done!

A big congratulations to Fairhope High School senior Lena Amare. She is the 6A/7A 200 IM state champion! And congrats to Noah Greeh who placed 3rd in the 200 Free! The pirates showing up and showing out at the state swim meet!

Congratulations to Spanish Fort High School students Brandon Mort (percussion) and Eli Wielkens (bass clarinet). They applied for and were accepted into the University of South Alabama’s Honor Concert Band who held a clinic and concert. Bravi!

The principals in the Baldwin County Public Schools feeder patterns gathered to celebrate the holidays at the annual breakfast prepared by the culinary students at South Baldwin Center for Technology. Principals and Central Office staff listened to the Spanish Fort High choir led by Miss Caroline Womack and heard a message from Superintendent Eddie Tyler before returning to their schools.

The Baldwin County High School Band had 5 students participate in the University of South Alabama’s Concert Band Festival this weekend!! Becca Bryars (1st chair Clarinet and soloist), Landon Roberts (1st chair Oboe and soloist), Payton Ball (1st chair Alto Sax), Kathryn Daniels (1st chair Tenor Sax), and Brodie McKenzie (6th chair Trumpet). The band was led by guest conductor Dr. Chad R. Nicholson, Director of Bands at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. Congratulations to these talented students!!

The W.J. Carroll Student Lighthouse Team and National Elementary Honor Society did a fabulous job organizing the annual canned food drive. Each homeroom had two boxes, one for Alabama and the other for Auburn. Students placed the donated items they brought into one box thus giving that team a vote. The school goal was 750 items, and the result was 918 items all donated to Prodisee Pantry. Alabama beat Auburn by way of donated items.

Florence B Mathis Elementary School wishes a big congratulations to their very own Mrs. Carpenter on earning her fireworks this weekend! This means she is now a National Board Certified Teacher! National Board Certification is the highest and most respected professional certification that an educator can receive.

Mrs. Orfanello’s Food and Nutrition Classes competed in the first annual Fairhope High School Cupcake Wars. Groups worked hard building and decorating displays. They created recipes for their cupcakes and icing. All the groups did an amazing job. Many thanks to the judges, cafeteria staff, and custodians!

A special “Thank You” to the B.S. ( Blayne Shakelford) Foundation for gifting Bay Minette Elementary School teachers Mrs. James’ first grade class and Ms. Hastings PreK class with the classic Christmas story, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Blayne was the class of 2020 graduate from Baldwin County High School and was a member of the golf team. The foundation was created in his memory to spread joy and kindness after losing him in a tragic automobile accident. Blayne’s light continues to sine in the community he loved with all that his foundation does for others.

Congratulations to Foley Elementary School teacher Mrs. Kasey Peterson. She received fireworks yesterday and is now a National Board Certified Teacher! National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students, and schools. It was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

The Peer Helpers at Bay Minette Middle School have been busy the past few months. In October, they attended a training at Dream Catcher Farm. The training was divided into two sections. The first part of their training was spent with Mrs. Susan Foster, who is PATH certified (Professional Association Therapeutic Horsemanship) as a Therapeutic Riding Specialist and Eagala certified as an Equine Therapist. The Peer Helpers worked with Mrs. Foster and her horses to build upon their skills of connecting, building trust, and forming relationships. During the second portion of training Mrs. Mitchem and Ms. Dean worked with the Peer Helpers on empathy and team-building. On November 9th, the Peer Helpers attended the annual Peer Helper Jubilee in Orange Beach. They heard from Daniel Truelove, Crystal Vallee, and Brian Williams on topics related to our youth and were able to network with Peer Helpers from other schools.

Congratulations to Spanish Fort High School senior Lexi Hinote for being named an Optimist Club Runner of the Year! After a remarkable cross country season this Fall, she was recognized at the Optimist Club Luncheon as an outstanding student and athlete. Thank you to the Optimist Club for hosting Lexi at this special event!

The Spanish Fort Middle School students have done it again! Over 200 toys were collected for their Toys for Tots! Spanish Fort Middle is very proud of their students and the community for helping make Christmas happen for some local families!

The Elberta Middle School Chapter of FCCLA went on their third annual Angel Tree Shopping Spree. Their goal for the year was to raise at least $800, which would sponsor 10 children from the Elberta Police Department Angel Tree. They met their goal and went on shopping after school.

Congratulations to Mrs. Holder of Rockwell Elementary School for being one of the 2023 Star Light Award winners! The Baldwin EMC Charitable Foundation presented Star Light Awards to 37 local teachers and school faculty members. She received a grant to help bring innovative projects and programs to Rockwell!

Congratulations to the Lady Raiders Basketball team and Coach Lori Rider at Perdido School on finishing their season undefeated and as 1A Champions!
Presley Roberts and Maddie Hill-All County
Ashlynn Gregson-Most Valuable Player