Student Spotlights – June 2024

Bravo to the incredible cast and crew of the BCS Theatre Department for bringing the timeless classic “Little Women” to life on stage! A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this production successful!

Last month, BCS’s senior class traveled to the Mobile Federal Courthouse for the Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions Program. Judge Murray and several local volunteer lawyers presented the Bayshore students with a court case involving the First Amendment. The students, as prosecutors, defendants, and jurors, had to argue the case and come to a resolution.
We appreciate the Mobile Federal Court for taking the time to build our community.

Congratulations to BCS senior Peter Gardner for being awarded the 2024 Belforest Water System Scholarship Program! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, Peter. Here’s to a bright future ahead!

It is with great pleasure that The Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Fund announces the 6th recipient of the Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Scholarship. Please help us congratulate 2024 award recipient, Rylee Elizabeth Davis! Rylee will be attending college this fall majoring in Criminal Justice. She will receive a certificate along with a check for $1,000 presented at the Fairhope High School awards night. The scholarship committee focused on how the financial support may be able to help a graduating Senior in the transition to college and how they exemplify the attributes of Hardy E. Calloway. In the application, Rylee shared her perspective on teamwork, honoring our Veterans, and being a leader amongst peers.
Thank each one of you who have supported this scholarship to make this possible and to continue remembering and honoring Hardy E. Calloway.

Dareon Maynard, 10th grader at Bayshore Christian School, has been scouting since 1st grade. During his time, Maynard has held several leadership positions including being inducted into the Order of Arrow, the National Honor Society for BSA where he currently serves as the Chapter Chief for Baldwin County for OA, making him the first African American to hold this position. Most recently Dareon earned his Brotherhood in OA.
Furthering his scouting journey, Dareon is working on his Eagle Scout. The project he has selected allows him to combine his love of scouting with his love of chess. When Maynard was a student at Daphne East Elementary, he proposed starting a chess club then served as its first President. Under the guidance of teacher sponsor Mr. Terrance Watts, the club participated in tournaments and ultimately earned 1st place trophies. During this time Dareon earned designation as the top elementary school chess player in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Maynard wants to encourage other students to engage in the game of chess so he is making plans to construct a concrete chess board at Daphne East. To fund the project, he is hosting a brick fundraiser. Personalized bricks will be placed at the base of the chessboard. Bricks are 3 5/8 x 7 5/8 and include up to 3 personalized lines with up to 18 characters per line. The cost per brick is $125. To purchase and personalize your brick or for more information on this project email, dareon.maynard@bayshorechristian.org.

Congratulations to Fairhope High School Art 1 student, Gabriel Olmedo, for receiving 2nd place in the Mixed Media category in the ASAMA Annual High School Art Competition. A reception to honor the students was held May 8th at the United States Sports Academy. His linocut of a wrestling match captures the intensity of the moment.

There was a huge turnout this morning (Wednesday, May 1) for the “Walk & Roll to School Day” at Bay Minette Elementary. Participating students, teachers and parents met at the Bay Minette Municipal Pool to begin their trek to BMES, making their way down the sidewalks along East 12th Street to Hoyle Avenue and then turning into the school campus on East 8th Street. Families and friends joined together for the walk as part of the annual event, which is held to raise awareness for the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling. Sponsored by the Safe Routes to School Coalition, the event also emphasizes the importance of increasing physical health among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment.
This event was the fourth initiated by the Baldwin County Safe Routes to School Coalition and marked the first time for BMES to participate. Special thanks to all those who came out in support of this great new event!

Bayshore Christian School’s Track and Field team accomplished something truly remarkable last month! Despite consisting of just 8 athletes, they brought home a total of 8 medals from the state championships: 6 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
The girls’ team secured an impressive 5th place finish in the state, while the boys’ team claimed the 4th spot. Their outstanding performance is a testament to their talent, determination, and teamwork.

Congratulations to Fairhope High School’s graduating class of 2024!

Fairhope East Elementary School had an exciting week in their 6th-grade STEAM class! The students took on the role of educators and taught preschoolers all about Earth and Space! From weather patterns to constellations, they engaged the little ones with hands-on activities, weather tools, and even Ozobots! Their creativity soared as they explored rockets, planets, and built models of the Earth’s layers, inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers!

Baldwin County High School presented Academic Banners to 41 students who have dedicated themselves to excellence in academics and involvement in their school and community. To receive the banners, the senior students must have a 20 ACT score or better, one or more AP/DE classes, Career Ready Credential, and at least two of the following: 3.5 GPA or better, National Honor Society, and member of club or extracurricular activity. Those receiving Academic Banners included Madison Anderson, Payton Ball, Linsey Brinkman, Saylor Bryant, Emily Byrd, Savannah Cale, Conner Cash, Jackson Cassady, Taylor Chain, Kaydence Comalander, Kathryn Daniels, Ruby Day, Lauren Donald, Eli Emmons, Daelyn Fine, Joshua Graham, Marissa Greco, Alfonzo Griffin, Angelina Grubbs, Payton Guy, Bailey Harris, Whitney Jernigan, Elias Johnson, Ciera McReynolds, Rae’unna Mims, Alyssa Moorer, Tyler Musgrove, Matalynn Padgett, James Phillips, Joshua Rice, Katie Rieben, Hannah Robinson, Kinsey Seals, Maranda Singleton, Kaiden Smith, Kensley Smith, Madison Smith, Shelby Stewart, Quincy Walters, Stacie Wilson and Eli Woody. On graduation night, the banners will be hung from the graduate’s chair as their final recognition of their hard work at BCHS. During today’s presentation ceremony, each banner recipient shared their college or career plans. This marks the third year for BCHS to award Academic Banners to students.

Go, Pirates! Fairhope principals, Mrs. Angie Hall of Fairhope Middle School and Mrs. Tonya Harrelson of J. Larry Newton, were awarded the Baldwin Proud Employee Award! We are Pirate Proud of you both!

At Fairhope East Elementary School, Mrs. Alman and Mrs. Anderson’s 5th grade classes made banners thanking the Fairhope Fire Department for their hard work and for keeping the community safe!

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School’s annual 100 Point Club Field Trip took place recently. The eligible students got to watch the Pensacola Blue Wahoos play the Birmingham Barons. What a great day to celebrate accomplishments!

Daphne Elementary School had a lot of fun during Teacher Appreciation Week! Daphne Elementary loves their teachers. They do such a great job with the students every day!
Daphne Elementary made its way through the decades from the 50’s to the 90’s with themed dress-up days. Big thanks to the PTO for providing treats each day during the week and a tasty duty-free lunch at the end!

The W. J. Carroll Intermediate School PTO and parent volunteers ended Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week with 90s style and a duty-free lunch from Newks! Thanks to all that helped honor and celebrate such amazing faculty and staff for the week!

Congratulations to Violet Turner, 8th grader at Daphne Middle School, who won first place at the FBLA State for Career Exploration.

Fairhope West Elementary School 5th grader, Trinity Barnes, has been selected as the winner of the school’s annual school counseling essay contest. Trinity received a gift card to Chick-fil-A. Way to go, Trinity!

Belforest Elementary School’s Sunshine Club painted ceramic birds for the Brennity residents. The Brennity residents sent back a video wishing the students a happy summer and sent Chick-fil-A gift cards in sundae dishes and desk pets.

Congratulations to the Daphne East Elementary School Math Team! They competed at Belforest Elementary recently.
Olivia Zheng-1st in Speed Round
Amalie Weidman – 3rd in Speed Round
Olivia Zheng, Aubrey O’Brian, QiNan Ou- First Place Group Competition,
1st Place Individual Test- Olivia Zheng, 3rd Place Individual – QiNan Ou
Thanks Mrs. Bethay and Mrs. Dunbar for sponsoring the team and thanks Mrs. Redden and Mr. McGhee for helping out!

Congratulations to the Daphne Middle School students of the month! Alanis Watson and Naomi Guzman are shining examples for their peers and we appreciate their efforts to succeed and lead at Daphne Middle School.

From Senior Picnic to Senior Sunset, Daphne High School celebrated a beautiful day for the Class of 2024. Everyone graduating will certainly be missed. A big thank you to Mrs. Hudgins for all the planning and work she put into for this year’s seniors.

Daphne High School senior Blakeney Wells was a 2024 recipient of the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship, Daphne High School senior Emma Lopez as a recipient of the 2024 AEA Partnership Scholarship, and Daphne High Teacher Katie Clarke as recipient of the 2024 Josh Hall Memorial Scholarship!
“Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarships were presented last night at Baldwin County Virtual School’s Pelican Hall. Over 40 scholarships were given to students pursuing a degree in education. Family members, co-workers, BCBE staff members, and friends joined in the awards celebration.
The scholarships, originally developed by the BCBE HR Department, recognize high school seniors who aim to enter the field of education and become one of Baldwin County’s future teachers.
Also handed out at the ceremony were the Josh Hall Memorial Scholarships. The scholarships were developed to honor former colleague Josh Hall, for an employee who is enrolled in a teacher certification program or for an employee’s child who is enrolled in a teacher certification program.
The AEA, Alabama Education Association, presented two scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in education. The final $1000 award will become a recurring award called the Superintendent’s Award.
Congratulations to all award recipients and best wishes on your future careers.

Fairhope High School seniors and J. Larry Newton kindergarten students, hand in hand, proudly paraded through the halls, adorned in caps and gowns, celebrating their graduation together! Congratulations to all the graduates!

Our 8th graders showcased their knowledge with games and activities, all rooted in physics principles. Seeing the younger students having a blast while learning how things work was fantastic. Huge shoutout to our creative 8th graders for an outstanding job!

Our 2024 Saints Send-Off was a huge success! Graduating seniors who graduated 8th grade from CTKCS in 2020 were welcomed 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! Pictured are some of the graduating seniors and their siblings who attend CTKCS. Once a CTKCS Saint, always a CTKCS Saint!

Bayside Academy senior Nina Dowhan won first place and senior Mia Bindon won fourth place in the 2024 Congressional High School Art Competition for Alabama’s First Congressional District. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Students submit entries to their congressional office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning artworks are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Nina and Mia were recognized by Congressman Jerry Carl at a reception in early May, and Nina will be recognized later this year at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Pictured: Winning artwork by Nina Dowhan ’24 and Mia Bindon ’24

Bayside Academy is very proud to announce the results of the Region-at-Large competition of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. We congratulate our students who have been honored with a Scholastic Art & Writing Award in one of the most prestigious art competitions for high school students in the United States.
Since 1923, the Scholastic Awards have recognized some of America’s most celebrated artists when they were teenagers. This group of distinguished alumni includes, among others, artist Andy Warhol, author Truman Capote, portrait photographer Richard Avedon, poet Sylvia Plath, actor Robert Redford, and clothing designer Zac Posen. Bayside’s Visual Arts Department is excited to have some of our creative students join this group of artists.
Each year, students across America submit more than 300,000 original works in 29 different categories of art. Outstanding works are honored with Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and honorable mentions. Gold Keys are awarded to work demonstrating the highest level of achievement in originality, personal voice, and technical skill, and these winners advance to the national level of judging in New York City. On average, only 5% of all regional submissions (260,000-plus) are recognized with Gold Keys and advance to the national competition.
This year, six of our talented students were rewarded for their artistic endeavors.
Bayside’s 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners
Gold Keys
Junior Molly Hagan
Junior Sophia Haines
Silver Keys
Senior Mia Bindon
Junior Sarah Sommerville
Honorable Mentions
Senior Isabelle Rutland (two awards)
Sophomore Garrek Snell
We are so very proud of these talented students who have put in many long hours to create their art. Pictured: Bayside Academy students Isabelle Rutland, Mia Bindon, Garrek Snell, Sarah Sommerville, and Molly Hagan display their award-winning work. Sophia Haines is not pictured, but her Gold Key-winning photograph of camels is in the center.

What an amazing Teacher Appreciation Week at Renaissance School! We truly felt appreciated. Thank you to all of the incredible students, families, and businesses that participated!#RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

The new, in campus athletic stadium is nearing completion on the campus of St. Michael Catholic High School, and will be ready to host games when football season kicks off in August.

The St. Michael Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 30 new members on Wednesday, April 17th after Mass. The current officers spoke and lit candles to represent the Four Pillars of the National Honor Society – Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character before swearing in the new members. We are proud of these hard working students!

CTKCS middle school students worked hard in the fourth quarter to create and illustrate fun, engaging stories. Younger students were treated to these stories during the CTKCS Author’s Celebration. It was entertaining to watch the middle schoolers’ storytelling come to life.

Bayside Academy held its commencement exercises on the bluff on Thursday, May 16, 2024. With the addition of the 73 members of Class of 2024, Bayside alumni now number more than 2,000.
Pictured: Bayside Academy’s Class of 2024

The Silverhill Elementary School library celebrated their students who earned their Reading Point Club goals during second semester with a movie celebration, pizza, and popsicles! The students also had so much fun on their walking field trip to Brodie’s Cream and Bean for students who met their yearly reading goal! Way to go readers!
A special thank you to our wonderful Silverhill Elementary PTA for sponsoring the AR program again this year!

The St. Michael Catholic High School girls team was the runner up in the AHSAA 4A state championship. We are proud of these hard working Cardinals!

Nature Connect School’s kindergarteners celebrated graduation and are ready for their next chapter. Congratulations, graduates!

Congratulations to Foley Middle School’s Mrs. Esposito, Ms. Murphy, and Ms. Putt on receiving a grant for their classrooms through the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. We are so excited to see all of the fun lessons and experiences that they have planned for their students!

Foley High School was recently able to recognize 120 of their graduating seniors! The students earned $8.7 million in scholarships and 43 of them earned their seal of biliteracy! We are so proud of the Foley High School Class of 2024!

Renaissance School 2024 Decision Day was a success! Congratulations to all of the amazing Seniors. We can’t wait to see what you do next! #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

Renaissance School 9th graders enjoyed applying their knowledge at Weeks Bay Estuary! #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

At Florence B Mathis Elementary School, Mrs. Carpenter’s class project, Kids in the Kitchen, was chosen as one of the Chamber grant recipients. This grant submission required the teacher and students to outline a classroom need and their proposal for its direct effect on student learning. They are excited to improve math and science skills through hands-on learning while cooking!

Congratulations to the winners of Foley High School’s first annual Literary Lions Magazine contest!
Poetry Division:
1st Place: Waverleigh Ethridge
2nd Place: Diya Patterson
3rd Place: Skyler Thompson Cali
Art Division:
1st Place: Fynn Stanford
2nd Place: Maggie Smith
3rd Place: Toprak Saylak
Best Short Story: Luke Michael
All winners received gift cards to Drowsy Poet, and their work will be published in this year’s edition of Foley Lions Pride & Poetry Magazine. Way to go!

Congratulations to Daphne East Elementary School students Xavier and Ben! They competed and placed at the Baldwin County Chess Tournament. Congratulations!

St. James Episcopal School congratulates their 2024 Kindergarten graduates.

Congratulations to Bayside Academy’s girls track & field team and boys soccer team for their respective state championships! Go Admirals!! Pictured: Bayside Academy State Champions

Fairhope West Elementary School’s 2nd Annual Lemonade War was a huge success! The young entrepreneurs learned about economics, marketing and so much more! Congratulations to Mrs. Arnold’s class for selling the most!

Silverhill Elementary School recently had their End of the Year 6th grade band concert, conducted by Mrs. White! We are so proud of all the accomplishments throughout this year!

The 5th & 6th Grade Project Jubilee’s Chess Team placed 3rd in the district’s chess tournament! Congratulations!

Congratulations to Renaissance School 2024 Peer Helpers! You did an amazing job supporting your peers through their emotional, social, and academic needs. #RenaissanceSchool #ReawakeningEducation

Congratulations to Robertsdale High School’s graduating class of 2024!

Congratulations to the newly elected Student Government Officers at St. Michael Catholic High School
Back row: L-R Andrew Kiernan (VP), Jameson Calvery (President), Jack Garrison (Parliamentarian), Grace Rivers (Sacristan/Chaplain), Samantha Kokoszka (Secretary), not pictured Cooper Kurth (Treasurer).
Front row sitting L-R: Madi Taylor (O’Sullivan – Communications/Sacristan) and Nora Ruffin (O’Sullivan – President) LeeAnn Bonner (Portier – Communications/Sacristan), Katherine Robinson (Portier – VP), Lina Ramps (Portier – President) Marianna Barragan (Allen – President), Dayla Anderson (Allen – Communications/Sacristan) Justin Barfield (Quinlan – VP)
Not pictured: Franklin Kasch, Fisher Key, Natalia Pyatt and Lily Kerbl

South Baldwin Center for Technology held its annual awards and certificates program at the Robertsdale Coliseum. BCBE Superintendent, community leaders, principals, parents, and family members were on hand to congratulate the seniors on their accomplishments.
Awards were presented for Outstanding students in each program area as well as scholarship announcements for students. The Garrett Phillips Memorial Vocational Scholarship was given to five students, the annual scholarship is awarding $20,000 in scholarships in 2024 to recipients.
Coastal Alabama Community College presented cords and certificates to students who have completed dual enrollment programs with the college.
The National Technical Honor Society members were also recognized and received honor cords and certificates were given to all seniors who have completed their program requirements. Congratulations to all seniors and best wishes on a successful career.

Foley Elementary School Student Kadriana W. was honored at the Superintendent Art Show! Her art will be displayed at central office for the whole year. Congratulations Kadriana!

It was a spectacular night at Central Baldwin Middle School for the last dance with our 8th graders! Congratulations to Mr. and Miss CBMS, Mr. Talon Foley and Miss Abby Watson on their well-deserved recognition!

The 7th and 8th grade Central Baldwin Middle School Band Spring Concert was amazing! They are such a talented group of students. Thank you Mr. Collins for your dedication to the CBMS Band Program.

The Bay Minette Middle School TSA students competed in the Technology Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. Emily Parker, Josiah Stevens -Problem Solving 3rd place; Catherine White– Goose Chase 1st place, Ava Fowler– Goose Chase 1st Place; Catherine White– State Pin; Marcus Baker, Catherine White, Cameron Spillman– Vex Robotics; Alton Powell, Ava Fowler, Collin Peak -Vex Robotics; Noah Gardner, Madison Likeley– Problem Solving; Madison Likeley -Safety Poster; Emily Parker -Safety Poster; Alton Powell-Safety Poster all placed in the top ten. Mrs. McFadden and Mrs. Markulj would like to congratulate these students on their superior performance!

Congratulations to Foley Middle School’s Coach Pryor! He was named the BCMSAA 2A Football Coach of the Year! We are thankful for Coach Pryor and his dedication to the growth of the Foley Lions!

Kidz Eats presented Foley Elementary School with a donation! Kidz Eats is a program started by a group of retired teachers who saw the need for helping children experiencing food insecurity. They provide 63 food bags each week to Foley Elementary totaling approximately $20,000 a year! We are so thankful for the Kidz Eats Program, the volunteers that make and deliver the food bags each week, for the food, and for the donation! Thank you, Kidz Eats!

Belforest Elementary School students showed off their musical talents! Belforest’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Strings classes performed recently as well as the 6th Grade Band students!

The second-grade classes at Stonebridge Elementary School enjoyed playing the cello and violin with Ms. Overby.

Two Spanish Fort High School students were selected in the top 25 artists to be displayed in the ASAMA Annual High School Art Competition: Justin Pablo and James Middleton.
Congratulations to James for receiving the overall prize! He will receive a $250 gift card and $1,000 for our school’s art program! His drawing is incredible!

Fourth grade students at Stonebridge Elementary School participated in the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day learning about electrical safety, sun/beach safety, pet safety, cyber safety, and much more. The day was filled with hands-on experiences and lots of information!

Attendance Matters! At Spanish Fort Middle School, Mrs. Price’s homeroom won the best attendance for April! They will get a Chick-fil-A breakfast! Congratulations!

Robertsdale Elementary School’s Avriel Edwards was honored at a reception for The Superintendent’s Art Show. Her beautiful artwork will be on display in the BCBE Central Office in Loxley for the next year! What an honor! We are so proud of you, Avriel!

Congratulations to the Spanish Fort Middle 7th and 8th grade choir and band students, staff, and directors for a fantastic performance at the 2024 Spring Concert. Student solos, choirs, drum lines and band ensembles performed a variety of music. Students were also awarded participation certificates and received award recognition at the event. Congratulations to Band teacher Ms. Hughes and Choir teacher Mrs. Stewart for a great event!

Spanish Fort High School held the Class of 2024 Senior Awards and Honors event. Scholastic honors, honor cords, community scholarships and recognitions, military recognitions, and academic awards were presented. Congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School Class of 2024.

At Spanish Fort Elementary School, Mrs. Clarke’s 1st grade class has had a blast learning about the chicken life cycle over 3 weeks. They were able to witness 5 of the 10 chicks hatch, while the other 5 hatched during the night. What an engaging and memorable learning experience for all!

Congratulations to Robertsdale High School students Addison Hardy and Hope Giardina for being nominated to represent Robertsdale High School in the first ever Youth Leadership South Program. Youth Leadership South is a new opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors offered through the Office of Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Andi Kent at the University of South Alabama. The program is designed to help students enhance leadership skills, interact with faculty, staff, and student leaders, and learn more about the opportunities available through higher education.

Sending a huge congratulations to the Rockwell Elementary School principal, Mr. Robbie Owen, for being recognized by his peers as an Employee of the Month for the Baldwin County Public Schools. It goes without saying he deserves this award every month!

At Rockwell Elementary School April is Purple Star Month. Purple Star schools show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Active and retired duty parents joined their students in the cafeteria for a special celebration and recognition. All branches of the military were represented at the event.