Student Spotlights – May 2024

Daphne Middle School’s annual themed mural won first place this year. The Jimmy Buffett murals were voted on by the 200 vendors that come to Fairhope for the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. During the festival, the murals were displayed in a storefront, and now, for the next year, will be on display at Fairhope Chocolate in Fairhope. There was a recent art reception at Fairhope Chocolate, and all teacher/student murals were recognized, and the Daphne Middle School art program received $500 for winning first place.

A very special ceremony took place at Baldwin County High School as four seniors have answered the call for a career in education as part of the Future Teachers Signing Day. They include: Molly Caruthers, Jameia Brooks, and Derriana Bishop, who will be attending Coastal Alabama Community College, and Whitney Jernigan who will attend Troy University.
As part of the ceremony, each student shared their college and career plans as well as their motivation to become a teacher. Many cited the desire to make a positive influence on students as their driving force, the impact teachers had made on their own lives, and to help students excel to their full potential.
BCHS teacher Chantelle McPherson serves as an advisor for the Future Teachers of Alabama chapter. She shared with the signees that teaching is a mission that not everyone is called to enter. “Your mission is to educate and inspire the next generation. It is an important mission and it can’t be taken lightly,” she said. “Your mission is more than teaching math, science, reading, English or history. You are teaching life and inspiring your students to fulfill their purpose.”
Future Teachers of Alabama is an organization within the Aspiring Educators/Student Division of the Alabama Education Association (AEA). It is for middle and high school students who have expressed an interested in the field of education as a career choice. The purpose of holding the Future Teachers’ Signing Day is to build statewide excitement about reducing the teacher shortage in Alabama and celebrating the seniors who are ready to take on the challenge of educating future students.
The program was implemented at BCHS in 2021. In addition to taking part in job shadowing of educators, the FTA members also take part in various service projects throughout the school year. FTA Advisors at BCHS include Chantelle McPherson, Misty Byrd, Diona Davis and Vickie Locke.

Fairhope High School inducted 188 new members into the National Honor Society today! Fairhope is so proud of all of these scholars!

Daphne Elementary School students rocked it at the Special Olympics! We’re so proud of our participants! Great job!

Robertsdale HS NJROTC Cadet Haley Wheeles competed this week in the Junior Olympic Rifle Championship at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Overall, 178 athletes came from around the nation to compete in either the Under 21, Under 18, or Under 15 categories. Cadet Wheeles competed in the Under 18 category which included 93 shooters.
The match took place over two days and Cadet Wheeles’ total was only 63.1 points less than the Junior Olympics National Champion, shooting 95% as many points as the national champion who has been shooting longer. As a result, Cadet Wheeles has drawn early interest from shooting coaches of several universities.
Noteworthy is that Cadet Wheeles practiced just once before qualifying at the state match and this week’s match is just her second 60-shot standing match ever! In addition to being a great shooter, she carries a 4.00 GPA as a junior at Elberta HS and is a Company Commander within the Robertsdale HS NJROTC program, a Leadership Academy graduate, an Alabama Girls State nominee, the Vice President of the EHS FFA, a varsity athlete, and a leader in community service. She serves as just another example of the great students involved in RHS NJROTC.

BCS seventh and eighth-grade students enjoyed a magical evening filled with laughter and dancing at this year’s Logic School Cotillion. Thank you to everyone for making this night so memorable.

BCS Upper School students enjoyed a spectacular evening dancing under the stars at the annual Spring Formal event! The night was brimming with laughter and camaraderie, creating unforgettable memories for all.

The first time proved to be the charm for Beta Chi Sigma. The Baldwin County High School step dance team took part in the 21st annual Battle of the Bay Step Show on Saturday, March 16, and walked away as winners. This marked the team’s first time entering the competition, sponsored by Mobile Kappa League at USA Mitchell Center.
Taking top prize on their first try was exhilarating, said sponsor Kayland Lamar. “The girls were beyond excited! We all put so much time and energy into creating a show that we were proud of so the fact that all that hard work paid off was truly amazing,” she said.
Beta Chi Sigma is an elite service organization that was established in 2019 on the BCHS campus by Kayland Lamar and Norleisha Lewis. The organization is built on the principles of C.L.A.S.S. (Character, Leadership, Attitude, Sisterhood, and Scholarship). The purpose of Beta Chi Sigma is to promote positive interaction between young ladies who exemplify excellence through leadership, social and cultural awareness, character development, sisterly relations, and academic success. The team performs for pep rallies, sporting events and other school and community events.
The timeline to prepare immediately followed basketball season, which gave us just under six weeks. This was a time crunch,” Lamar said. “The ladies rose to the challenge and practiced 3-5 days a week and on some days sacrificed their lunch period to do run-throughs.” That dedication paid off in a big way. “They worked diligently to produce a concept, create the routine, and fine-tune it. They truly committed themselves to the process and pushed their bodies to the limit.
The sponsor credited team president Derriana Bishop for her leadership and said the team’s greatest advantage was that each member contributed to the show in their own unique way which “brought a personalized flair to the truly unmatched show.”
Team members were quick to thank those who have supported them along the way and who had provided additional support heading into the competition, including local businesses, school personnel, and alumni members. Their one-of-a-kind costumes were designed and created by Kennedi Grace, a junior at BCHS and member of the group’s Big Sister, Little Sister Mentoring Program.

The 3rd-grade classes at Bayshore Christian School delight in commemorating their year-long learning journey with a cherished Roman Day celebration! Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Well done, students!

BCS Upper School students didn’t let a little cloud cover ruin their solar eclipse experience! Students were thrilled to witness the eclipse and made the most of this remarkable event last month!

On March 12th, Ordo Amoris students were blessed with a presentation from author Eleanor Stewart (pen name D.E. Partridge). Author of the beloved “Dimension Chronicles”, Ms. Stewart shared her story of writing and publishing her novels as a young teenager. While speaking on the process of authorship, she inspired our students to glorify the Lord in their writing. Thank you, Ms. Stewart!

Christ the King Catholic School fourth-grade students journeyed through time at Fort Conde, delved into Mobile’s past at the History Museum, and ignited excitement at the Phoenix Fire Museum on an unforgettable field trip.

The students and teachers at Daphne Elementary School dressed up as their favorite book characters for the Book Character Parade to celebrate Read Across America Week! What a fun day!

Central Christian had CPR instruction day and certification is on the way! These Health class students learned how to perform CPR on children and infants, as well as the Heimlich Maneuver for children and adults. Well done, guys!

Congratulations to your newly inducted 7th and 8th-grade NJHS at CTKCS! These students are committed to scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post 199 has chosen Reese Adams and Alysa Shamo from Fairhope High School to receive full scholarship to Alabama Girls State this summer. Girls State will take place on the campus of Troy University in June and is a unique experience designed to develop a love for our state and country. Congratulations Reese and Alysa!

Ordo Amoris Classical Academy students wrapped up their study of Ancient Greece with a school-wide Greek Olympics Day! Our upper schoolers led the teams of Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Macedon in games such as javelin throwing, archery, discus, arm wrestling, relay races, and a host of other activities. This was the perfect way to bring ancient history alive to our students!

CTKCS third graders soared through history at the National Naval Aviation Museum. They explored over 150 restored aircraft, dove into immersive films, and even hopped into the cockpit for an unforgettable experience!

The Fairhope East Elementary library was recently awarded a grant for 18 VOX books from the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF). VOX books are unique as they are the first books to combine audio and print in one resource. We are thankful to be supported by FEEF!

The Drama Club at St. Michael put on a wonderful musical performance of “Cinderella” on April 12th and 13th, the first theatrical performance in the school’s history. Bravo Cardinals!

Foley Middle School’s own Ainslee Parr represented Foley Middle and FCCLA well at the Alabama Beef Cook-Off in Hoover, Alabama. Ainslee took second place at the state level. We are so proud of you!

Central Christian’s fifth grade class traveled to Montgomery and explored various historical landmarks such as Old Alabama Town, the First White House of the Confederacy, The State House, and The State Capitol. They also enjoyed a riverboat cruise on the Alabama River & were excited to have the opportunity to observe both the House and Senate in session at The State House.

Congratulations to Megan Wolter for being recognized as Stonebridge Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to the Daphne High School Students of the Month and Teacher of the Month!
Freshman Lydia Pruitt
Sophomore Chiyo Culbertson
Junior Cullen Thomas
Senior Zoie Pratt
Biology Teacher Angela Shaw

How do you organize a solar eclipse party?
You planet!
The 2nd graders at J. Larry Newton Elementary School enjoyed celebrating Space Day! They learned so much about the solar eclipse, worked on space phonics, took pictures with their favorite admin astronaut, and took pictures in their special space photo booth!

Fairhope West Elementary School’s fifth grade recently took part in a contest to design an anti-litter campaign poster for the City of Fairhope. Mayor Sullivan surprised the winner at Fairhope West Elementary. Congratulations Madolyn Haddan, from Mrs. McPhillip’s class! Madolyn will be recognized at the annual Earth Day Mobile Bay celebration. All of the Fairhope West Elementary School 5th graders signed a pledge to not litter, to educate others about littering and its negative impacts, and to be a role model to others by cleaning up in front of their house. We hope to see all the 5th graders sporting their new t-shirt with Maddie’s design at the Fairhope Pier Park for the City of Fairhope’s Earth Day celebration!

Congratulations to Fairhope West Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Haley Norris! There was a special night of celebrating sponsored by the Baldwin County Coalition. Fairhope West Elementary is so proud of you Mrs. Norris! Thank you for being amazing, loving, nurturing, encouraging, and teaching such fabulous kids!

The 6th grade GEP students at J. Larry Newton Elementary School have been studying the Medieval Era. Students finished their unit with a fun “faire” where they played Bocci ball and practiced their archery and jousting skills. Sir Clay of Newton made a guest appearance and was dubbed a knight.

Florence B Mathis Elementary School is proud to be celebrating their Best of Baldwin teacher Alana Carpenter! She was recognized at the Teacher of the Year Banquet for receiving her National Board Certification! Congratulations, Mrs. Carpenter!

Congratulations to Daphne East Elementary School’s Mrs. Roberson! Mrs. Roberson was recognized at the Baldwin County Teacher of the Year banquet. Daphne East Elementary is so proud of you!

Congrats to Daphne High School student Morgan Hewes! She won 1st Place Intermediate Open X Strut, 2nd place Show Twirl, 3rd place Intermediate Open Solo and 3rd place overall Intermediate Pageant. Daphne High School is so proud of her passion for the sport of baton twirling!

The PreK class at Bay Minette Elementary School had guest speakers recently! Nursing students from the University of South Alabama taught students about the importance of dental hygiene. After discussing all about “Dental Health”, students were able to demonstrate the correct way to brush their teeth. Students were treated with a goody bag filled with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, dental flosser, etc. Special “Thank You” to the future RN’s, Madison Hastings (former Bay Minette Elementary School student alum), Gillian Langham, Ella Kate Osmer, & Addie Fuller for taking time to come teach our classes all about Dental Hygiene. We also want to congratulate each of the young ladies on their upcoming graduation in May!

Congratulations to Belforest Elementary School’s Math Coach, Ms. White. She won a SEEDS (Supporting Educational Excellence in Daphne Schools) grant which will fund all Kindergarten and First grade students to make their own 100-bead string! With these 100-bead strings, students can relate numbers to the number line, work with a unit of ten, realize the size of numbers compared to other numbers, and so much more! After attending an OGAP Math training, the teachers were able to really see the benefits in a 100-bead string! They learned how to incorporate it into their student’s every day learning experience!

Congratulations to St. Michael senior Samir Crooker, who was presented the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s newest scholarship, the W. Edgar Welden Service Award, at the Scholarship Banquet held on Monday, April 15tth in Birmingham. This $5,000 scholarship is also a prestigious honor!

Renaissance School student Tristan Wallace enjoys a pancake brunch benefitting Dr. Susan Hall’s mission trip to Africa where she will provide veterinarian care to animals in need. #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

Renaissance School Student, Anderson Sparks competes at the state level in archery with Coach Clarke. Great job, Anderson! #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

The Fairhope East Elementary Choir provided a wonderful acapella performance at the 2024 Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. FEES music teacher Mrs. Tierney Moore directed the 4th-6th grade students as they entertained the audience with a variety of songs. The delightful performance showcased their love of music to the visitors and community of Fairhope.”

Congratulations to Renaissance School student, Anna Catherine! She received a perfect score in her Public Speaking dual enrollment course with Coastal Alabama Community College. Her wonderful instructor sent Anna Catherine a beautiful email to congratulate her and acknowledge that she has NEVER awarded such high scores. We are so proud! #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

Renaissance School’s amazing Science Teacher, Mrs. Jenny built a sun and moon to scale and demonstrated the eclipse. Students also enjoyed their special eclipse glasses. #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

Spanish Fort Middle School is so proud of Mrs. Monica Shaner who represented Spanish Fort Middle in the Baldwin County Teacher of the Year Banquet! Lots of amazing educators all being recognized for their hard work and efforts inside and outside the classroom.

Foley Elementary School students in Mrs. Storey and Ms. Franklin’s classes were excited to receive their pen pal letters from students in Foley’s Sister City, Hennef, Germany. Students have gained an appreciation for other languages, cultures, and countries, while improving their writing skills!

Spanish Fort High School’s annual talent show featured some awesome performances! Congrats to the winners: Chase Riley, Gary Simmons, and Josh Summers won 1st 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Congratulations to Bay Minette Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Winifred Riley! She was honored, along with many of the greats, at the Baldwin County Teacher of the Year dinner in Pointe Clear.

Foley High School student, Kolton Nero, is the 7A winner of the Bryant Jordan Student-Athlete Achievement Award! Way to go, Kolton!

The Bayside Chess Admirals steamrolled their way to state titles in high school and middle school divisions of the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championships held March 23 in Pike Road, Alabama.
The high school team captured the U1300 rating category title, marking back-to-back championships after winning the U1200 title last year. The format is a combination individual and team event, with the top four scores counting as the team score. The chess Admirals battled players from Hoover High School, Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy (Birmingham), Phillips Preparatory School, and Contemporary Education Academy (Huntsville), among others. Although Bayside’s three-year streak of a player winning the individual title was broken, the team prevailed to take the crown. Team members are Rhett Montgomery, Jacob Stallworth, Boyce Magli, Evan Stafford, and Colt Hancock, all of whom finished in the top ten and took home individual medals.
The middle school team played in the highly competitive U1100 division, featuring 36 players. Bayside dominated teams from Bumpus Middle School (Hoover), Discovery Middle School (Huntsville), Hayden Middle School (Warrior), and Foley, clinching the title after four rounds in the five-round event. Team members are John Stephen Klimjack, Huan Chen, Don Chen, Elias Blossom, Ben Freeman, and Eli Solomon. Klimjack finished with four points out of five and took home a fourth–place medal. Don Chen had 3.5 points and finished ninth. This is the first middle school state championship for Bayside since 2004.
Michael Klimjack played in the open section, a two-day event, and took seventh place overall.
With these titles, Bayside Chess now has a total of 14 State Championships, more than any other school in Alabama. Of these, nine are high school, three middle school, one junior varsity, and one elementary. All of them are in the 7A classification, since there are no divisions by school size in chess.
Pictured: Front row left to right: Don Chen, John Stephen Klimjack, Bayside Academy Chess Coach Eric Nager, Elias Blossom, and Ben Freeman. Back row left to right: Huan Chen, Evan Stafford.

Congratulations to the Foley High School Choir students who traveled to Tallahassee to participate in the Alabama Vocal Association Solo & Ensemble Festival. They had three groups receive Excellent ratings and for the first time, they had three soloists participating.
Landon Browder-Excellent rating
Lillian Bender-Superior rating
Leo Perez-Superior rating

Renaissance School had a great time visiting Troy University! Preparing for our future is not just our main focus, but it’s also our favorite thing to do! #ReawakeningEducation #RenaissanceSchool

Ms. Johnson’s creative writing students at Spanish Fort High School have become published authors. They have written and illustrated their book titled, The Cryptic Chronicles!

Bayside Academy’s Key Club has been named Alabama’s Key Club of the Year. They received the J. Whit King Outstanding Club Award which is awarded to the most outstanding club in the Alabama District of Key Club International. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are so proud of our students and their hard work under faculty sponsor Rochelle Tripp.
Additionally, the Bayside Key Club received the Social Media Award for their Instagram page.
On Monday, March 25, Key Club Division 14 Lieutenant Governor Jillian Nichols visited Bayside to officially present the awards to the club officers.
Pictured: Bayside Academy Key Club officers receive official recognition from Key Club International as Alabama’s Key Club of the Year. Pictured are Bayside Key Club officers Colt Hancock, Virginia McCrory, Jack Roussos, Ava Bindon, and Amelia Hicks with Key Club Division 14 Lieutenant Governor Jillian Nichols.

Robertsdale High School had a great day in Fairhope at the Baldwin County Championship Meet. Kynzie Foster finished 3rd in high jump, Noah McDaniel finished 3rd in the 3200m, Kyleigh Kitchens finished 2nd in the javelin, and the girls 4×800 relay finished 3rd as well.
Robertsdale High also had two school records fall! The girls 4×800 of Laila Cooper, Ryan McGilvray, Zoe Galloway, and Jessica Welch set the new school record in the relay and Whitney Wells now holds the school record for the 100m hurdles! Great job everyone!

Mrs. Siler’s Sixth Graders of Foley Elementary School have just received their published class book, and the excitement is contagious! Each student poured their heart and soul into crafting a unique page, writing heartfelt letters to their future selves and illustrating their dreams. Today, these sprouting authors and illustrators proudly hold their published work in their hands, a testament to their creativity and dedication!

Spanish Fort Middle School held their very first Showcase Night highlighting many of the elective classes. The Spanish Fort Middle students are so talented and creative! They did an amazing job showcasing their hard work. Spanish Fort Middle would like to recognize their teachers who helped make this event such a success.
Mrs. Caylen Stewart – Choir Director
Ms. Natalie Hughes – Band Director
Ms. Heather Hall – Theatre Director
Mrs. Kristina D”Aquisto – Art Teacher
Ms. Michelle Sikes – Spanish Teacher
Ms. Linda Grant – Creative Writing Teacher
Mrs. Paige Wilson – Curriculum Leader

The Visual Arts Department of Bayside Academy is proud to announce their students who juried into the 2023–2024 Virtual Art Competition of Alabama (VACA) sponsored by the Alabama Arts Education Association (AAEA). The students with an asterisk beside their names also received awards in the show.
The Virtual Art Competition is a juried student virtual art competition for Grades K–12 sponsored by the AAEA to give students the opportunity to more broadly showcase their art. The show is open to all public and private schools in Alabama, and the selected artwork may be viewed in the VACA online gallery at https://www.myaaea.org/vaca.
Virtual Art Competition of Alabama Winners
1st Grade
*William Bahouth “Continuous Line Me” — Second Place Ribbon Winner
4th Grade
*Brooks Blackmer “Sea Taker” — Second Place Ribbon Winner
Louis Westbrook “Wanderer”
7th Grade
Lizzie Noble “Pink Tree”
Addy Fribourg “Printed Floral”
Alice Ogburn “Moonlit”
9th Grade
Penny Snell “Mon Papillon”
10th Grade
Garrek Snell “Burning Blue”
Reed Fugard “Dragon”
11th Grade
Luke White “Bauhaus Ball”
12th Grade
Isabelle Rutland “Fattoa Mano”
*Isabelle Rutland “La Pacchiana” — Honorable Mention
*Elizabeth Ernest “Home” — Second Place Ribbon Winner
Nina Dowhan “Fossilized Fauna”
Mia Bindon “Entangled Materials”
We are so proud of these talented students! Pictured: “Home” by Elizabeth Ernest

Last month, our St Michael sailing team competed in the Wet & Cool High School Regatta held at FYC. There were 11 teams competing from across the Gulf Coast.
Nate Hartwell & Fisher Key sailed in Division A and won first place in that division. Graham Rose, Anna Christian Moore and Lucy Hartwell sailed in Division B with a fourth-place finish. Overall, the St Michael Cardinals finished in first place, which is first in St. Michael history!

First graders of Belforest Elementary School spent the day at Linda’s Learning Farm! The students expanded their study of animals and their offspring, by having hands-on experiences including looking for similarities and differences among the animals and learning how the animals have behaviors that help them survive. A hayride, black-eyed pea planting, popsicles, playground time, and a picnic lunch were also enjoyed!

Former Spanish Fort Elementary School student Kensey Collins, the reigning Miss Alabama Teen USA, spent a morning speaking and reading to Spanish Fort Elementary first and second graders. She encouraged them to “fill each other’s bucket” with kindness. She even shared her crown a little! Spanish Fort Elementary School is so thankful for the bright light she is in the state and Spanish Fort community!

Mrs. Smith of Spanish Fort Elementary School hosted a reading challenge that ran through the month of March. If a student got five in a row on their reading Bingo board, they could turn it in for a prize. The class concluded the challenge with over 200 boards turned in! That’s incredible! From the bingos, they drew 20 students to receive a book coin. Congratulations to Rhett, Henry, Owen, Mills, Reece, Emmery, Evan, Luke, Hattie, Kyndal, Addison, Riley, Marthabelle, Keegan, Kseniya, Marion, Ellie, and Toni. (Not pictured Adeline and David)

A special congratulations goes out to 15 of our Bayside Academy Admirals who participated in St. Michael Catholic High School’s Fourth Annual Spring Model UN Simulation held on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Eighth graders Hugh Ashurst, Savannah Cochran, Bax Fargason, Holden Gray, Cutler Grice, Petro Benassi Monegatto, and Austin Pete Williams served on the Special Political (SPECPOL) Committee with the topic of addressing Outer Space Colonization and Conquest of Mars. Seventh grader Arya Amin joined 8th graders Lila Clark, Mary Campbell Elmore, Caroline Ernest, Allison Hagan, Anna Heiser, and Penny Hood, along with freshman Amelia Hicks, on the Social Humanitarian (SOCHUM) Committee with the topic of addressing cultural diversity.
Over 100 high school and middle school students from 14 schools took part in this conference. All of our delegates represented the Bayside Academy’s student talent very well. Advisor Elizabeth Mulligan was proud of their dedicated effort in preparation for and in engagement during the Model UN conference. In addition, Amelia Hicks was recognized during the closing ceremony and received an Honorable Mention award for her position paper and an Honorable Mention Best Delegate! In the past four years, Bayside Academy delegates have won an impressive six awards at the Spring Cardinal Model UN Conferences.
Picture 1: Front row left to right: Mary Campbell Elmore, Arya Amin, Penny Hood, and Amelia Hicks. Back row left to right: Caroline Ernest, Allison Hagan, Lila Clark, Anna Heiser, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mulligan.
Picture 2: Front row left to right: Austin Pete Williams, Savannah Cochran, Holden Gray, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mulligan. Back row left to right: Pedro Benassi Monegatto, Cutler Grice, Bax Fargason, and Hugh Ashurst.

As a part of the “Sharing Our He’Arts” program, Silverhill Elementary School faculty participated in the “Self Care Through Art Production” professional development session, featuring artist Anne Carr. The State Board of Education Representative for District 1, Jackie Ziegler, took time from her busy schedule to join as well. Everyone embraced their inner artist. This wonderful event was sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education.

The Baldwin County Schools Teacher of the Year Banquet was a night to remember! Huge congratulations to Mrs. McShane on her well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to the Central Baldwin Middle School March Employee of the Month, Tressa Wimpee, for her outstanding work as Cafeteria Manager! She consistently goes above and beyond in ensuring that students and staff are well taken care of every day!

Mrs. Ryan’s class at Robertsdale Elementary School had an awesome day at a Music Glow Party! Pasta or Composer was a hit! They matched music symbols, composed music, played symbol skeet ball, and played Music Choice Boards!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Robertsdale Elementary School National Elementary Honor Society!