Student Spotlights – October 2024

At CTKCS, 1st-grade students practice reading fluency each morning with their 3rd-grade Fluency Friends! This daily routine not only provides valuable reading practice for the younger students but also helps 3rd graders develop leadership skills. The students cherish the time they spend together every morning!

BCS 5th graders learned the importance of respect, duty, and honor as they mastered the proper way to fold the American flag. It’s their privilege to raise the flag each morning and lower it each afternoon, a responsibility they carry with pride. We’re so proud of these young leaders as they grow in their love for our country and their understanding of what it means to serve.

Bayshore Christian School’s inaugural Varsity Football team kicked off their season in August with a strong victory over McIntosh. The Eagles showcased their skill and determination, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting debut season.

Londyn Norris, Adley Watson, Lori Hymel, and Jill Nichols all represented Fairhope High School in Baldwin County’s Distinguished Young Women program. Each won $48,000 for the University of Mobile! Adley Watson won $1000 (Has Beens Award), Lori Hymel won a 2-year Coastal Alabama Community College Scholarship Award, Jillian Nichols won $500 (Community Service Award). Congratulations to these amazing young women!!

Congratulations to Bayshore Christian School representatives Suzanne Rainer and Grant Kelly for their selection into the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Foundation Youth Leadership Program! This remarkable achievement highlights their dedication and leadership potential. We are proud to see their hard work and commitment recognized in such a prestigious program!

Fairhope West Elementary students Damian Lazarevic, Logan Long, Kensi Mccovery, and Harper Mercer learn about the physics of marbles in Mr. Mcduff’s 4th grade science class.

It’s true that not all classrooms have four walls. Nature Connect School kindergarteners enjoy reading books under the trees, and this week, they are studying ecology.

The 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Seattle, WA, from June 29 – July 3, drawing more than 8,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers.
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
We are thrilled to share that Avie Busby, Ryleigh Fogos, Michlynne Shaver, and Emma Franks proudly represented Elberta Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA. They competed in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (Busby, Fogos) and Sports Nutrition (Shaver, Franks) STAR Events and achieved remarkable silver medals and placed within the top ten of all competitors in the country in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.

Christ the King Catholic School 2nd-grade students released butterflies they had cared for since they were little caterpillars. This heartwarming moment was captured when one butterfly flew back to a student for a final goodbye before taking off to explore the world!

Congratulations to Belforest Elementary 6th grader, Henry Turner. Henry won 1st place in the 2024 Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Orlando – Male / Junior 2 / Grey / Ultra Heavy. He attends Checkmat Daphne for Jiu-Jitsu.

Congratulations, Grant Barnhill!
We are thrilled to announce that Grant Barnhill has been named the 2024-2025 Red Ribbon Award Winner for Central Baldwin Middle School!
Grant is an exceptional student and athlete, showcasing outstanding character in everything he does. His dedication, hard work, and empathy make him a role model for both his peers and adults alike. Whether he’s on the field or in the classroom, Grant consistently leads by example, follows the rules, and steps up to lend a helping hand.
We are so proud of Grant for his accomplishments and are honored to have him as part of our school community.
Way to go, Grant!

Spanish Fort High School’s own Krystle Smith, who teaches Superhero Sociology and Psychology presented at the American Association for State and Local History Conference. Krystle works with another local teacher Melissa Motes, the Alabama Department of Archives and History and Alabama History Institutes to put on award-winning History Institutes throughout the state during the summer. They were able to share with museum professionals around the country on how they’ve built a program that gets teachers involved in state and local history while putting engaging lessons and primary sources in Alabama classrooms!

J. Larry Newton celebrated by awarding 604 certificates to students in grades 3rd-6th that demonstrated academic excellence by scoring a level 3 or level 4 on the 2024 ACAP Assessment in either ELA or Math or both. In addition, nine students were recognized for scoring a perfect score on the assessment.
Each student that received a certificate also received a coupon for a free cookie at Subway and/or a coupon for a free ice cream from Cammie’s Old Dutch both located in Fairhope. Newton would like to thank both businesses for their generous donation making these achievements even “sweeter!”

Congratulations to the Robertsdale High School Lady Bears and the coaches on winning the first Flag Football game of their inaugural season!

We are so proud of these Spanish Fort Elementary School 3rd through 6th graders for scoring double and even triple 4s on their ACAP state tests! Your commitment and effort have truly paid off, and you’ve set the bar high! Keep reaching for the stars and shining bright!

Alyssa Corbitt, a devoted Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Adviser at Elberta Middle School, has been honored as a recipient of the prestigious FCCLA Adviser Mentor Award. This accolade recognizes Corbitt’s outstanding dedication and commitment to mentoring new advisers within the FCCLA community.
The FCCLA Adviser Mentor Award celebrates advisers who have achieved Master Adviser Recognition and have devoted two years to new adviser assistance, assumed adult leadership roles in FCCLA, conducted adviser workshops, attended training workshops, and utilized national and state FCCLA resources. Corbitt’s exemplary contributions in these areas exemplify the qualities of an exceptional mentor and leader within our organization.
Corbitt has been instrumental in promoting FCCLA throughout Baldwin County by encouraging other advisers to attend state conference, participate in local and state competitive events and community service projects, and, most noteworthy, founding and directing Baldwin County’s FCCLA STAR Events Competition.
Corbitt was recognized and presented with the 2024 Adviser Mentor Award during the Adviser Recognition & Fashion Show General Session at the 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA, this summer. This session, attended by thousands of FCCLA members, advisers, and supporters, celebrated Corbitt’s outstanding contributions to the FCCLA community.

Congratulations to the 24/25 RHS Homecoming Court Standing left to right: Jordan Lymon, Peyton Bentley, Andrew. McDaniel, Trenton Pouncey, Evan Smith, Spencer DeAngelo, Ava Claire Brown, Madison Wilson
Sitting left to right: Brooklynn Martinez, Dixie Baggett, Hope Giardina, Lily Kate Sharp, Whitney Wells, Ashton Archer

Congratulations to the Spanish Fort Middle School September Teacher of the Month, Curtis Hixon and Employee of the Month, Ms. Katie Knight! Both these individuals have a desire, vision, and focus to keep their bus moving in a positive direction! We are so, so proud and lucky to have these two working with our students.
Thank you, Daniela Nielsen for the gift cards and our SFMS PTA for the yard signs!

Ordo Amoris students honored their grandparents and grandpals with a special Grandparents Day breakfast and presentation. We are so grateful for the impact our school’s grandparents have on their students. The godly wisdom, guidance, and perspective that a grandparent can bring cannot be overestimated. We are thankful to be able to partner with Christian families who can testify to God’s faithfulness over generations.

St. James Episcopal School students are “Going Gold” to show support for children battling cancer and to raise awareness for childhood cancer. For the school’s monthly service project, students are collecting pop tops for Ronald McDonald House.

We are so proud of these outstanding students who will be representing Central Baldwin Middle School at this year’s Homecoming! Let’s show them all our support and school spirit as we celebrate this exciting event. Go, CBMS!
7th Grade:
Addalyn Miller, Allyson Pouncey (not pictured), Bryleigh Martin, Kennedee Lymon, Natalie Foy, Patience Smith
8th Grade:
Brenley Dean, J’Keyah Mims, Jasmine White, Kamryn Foster, Kyllie Adkins, Londyn Lace Brill, Sam Teem, Ximena Arellano

Congratulations, Trojans! Daphne Middle School Cross Country showed up and showed out at the first Cross Country Meet of the Year.

Introducing Daphne High School’s Project Outreach 2024-2025

Daphne, Ala., September 3, 2024 – Five Bayside Academy students have been chosen to participate in the 2024–2025 Eastern Shore Youth Leadership Program sponsored by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The selected Bayside students are juniors Ava Blackwell and Isabelle Daniell and seniors Audrey Douglas, Madeline Dudley, and John Normann.
According to the foundation, “This elite seven-month program is designed to provide high school students from the Eastern Shore with the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of their community, develop strong leadership skills, and enhance self and social awareness.”
The program covers a wide range of topics including law and government, business knowledge, health and human services, environment, and tourism.
We are proud of these students and know they will benefit greatly from participating in this prestigious program.
Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in Grades PK3–12.
Cutline: Bayside Academy students Madeline Dudley, Audrey Douglas, Isabelle Daniell, and Ava Blackwell. Not pictured: John Normann

Christ the King Catholic School recently hosted a special Mother/Daughter event with Kari Kampakis, a renowned author and girl mom guru. Kari spoke to girls in grades 4-8 about the importance of kindness and being a good friend. Afterward, the girls enjoyed a journaling breakout session while Kari shared an inspiring message with the moms about how deeply loved their daughters are by God.

Daphne East Elementary School Peer Helpers held their annual New Student Breakfasts for 1st-6th grades. Peer helpers practiced asking questions and making the new students feel welcome. Everyone enjoyed a yummy pancake! Thank you PTO for providing the food and drinks!

St. James Episcopal School 1st grade students enjoy their bi-weekly visits to the Fairhope Library. The children’s librarian has a lesson and activity for our students and then the students check out books.

W.J. Carroll would like to introduce you to the 2024-2025 Peer Helpers!

Bayshore Christian School is thrilled to share that Jeffrey Johnson has been recognized as one of the 2023 CLT10 Distinguished Award Winners! This prestigious honor highlights Jeffrey’s hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NSMC®) announced that Bayside Academy senior Leila Seelhorst has been named a Semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Leila joins other academically talented high school seniors in the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. About 95% of Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February, they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in Grades PK3–12.
Cutline: Bayside Academy senior Leila Seelhorst been named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Mrs. Shrader’s Pre-K class at Stonebridge Elementary School had an exciting time learning from some amazing community helpers! A big thank you to Mr. Colin, a real-life firefighter, for volunteering your time and showing the little ones what it’s like to be a hero.
The young firefighters also had fun practicing their letter recognition by putting out ‘letter fires’ and worked on their fine motor skills by making edible fire trucks.
We are so grateful for these special visits from the Loxley Police Department!

Foley High School is excited to present our fall play, Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson. The play will run October 7-9 at the Foley Civic Center. While this play is not well known it has a beautiful message and is based on a true story.
“When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.”
Tickets may be purchased online or at the door

Ordo Amoris students had tons of fun at the Back to School Bash! There was food, fellowship, and lots of excitement as the students were sorted into their Halls. Students in Knox, Owen, and Bunyan Halls will foster student leadership, mentorship, competition, and camaraderie.

As a part of their study of the Roman Empire, Ordo Amoris Logic Students acted as campaign managers for a Roman Emperor to try to convince the audience whether their emperor deserves to be the ruler of Rome. In the spirit of the presidential campaign season, students presented a campaign poster, slogan, mock social media posts, and of course a compelling speech! Who will it be?

Students in Mrs. Norton’s class at Fairhope East Elementary School have been learning about superhero vowels. Superhero vowels always say their name!

Congratulations to Ordo Amoris Classical Academy’s first Varsity Cross Country Team for their excellent performance in the Snook Invitational. Our Women’s Varsity Team won second place overall, with Anna Dernlan taking first place. Senior Zeke Dernlan took second place in the Men’s Varsity Division.

Both the JV and Varsity Girls Cross Country teams for St. Michael Catholic High School WON the Azalea City on September 7th. We are proud of these swift girls!

Today officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Fairhope High School is proud to have two National Merit Semifinalists! Congratulations to Meredith Bates and Cassidy Frater! We are so proud of you!

Congratulations Robertsdale Elementary School’s Adan Gaytan for being selected by his peers as the 2024/2025 RBDE Red Ribbon Leader!

Congrats to the Spanish Fort Middle School Cross Country Teams for competing and winning in the rain! The boys placed 1st and the girls placed 3rd!

Congratulations to the 2024 Daphne High School Homecoming Court!

Congratulations to St. Michael Catholic High School senior, Natalia Pyatt, for her incredible accomplishment as being named a National Merit Semifinalist!
1.3 million juniors nationwide take the PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test and only 16,000 are named semifinalists.
Natalia will now have the chance to advance in the National Merit Scholarship competition which awards over 26 million dollars each year.

“Perfection: where effort meets excellence.”
J. Larry Newton Students with perfect scores on the 2024 ACAP Assessment enjoyed a private lunch hosted by the JLN administration.
In addition to receiving certificates and free item coupons to local businesses, each student was mailed a handwritten letter from Principal Tonya Harrelson, personally congratulating them on their hard work and dedication.

On Monday, September 16, the Bayside Academy held a Buddy Reveal for 1st and 8th graders. One of Bayside’s oldest traditions is the 1st & 8th grade buddy program, as it began in 1970 during Bayside Academy’s first year. Both grade levels look forward to experiencing this long-standing tradition, and events are held throughout the year for the buddies.
Pictured: Bayside Academy 1st & 8th grade buddies meet for the first time on Monday, September 16.

Spanish Fort High School is excited to announce that they have three National Merit Semi-Finalists this year! Less than 1 percent of students across the nation earn this honor. We are so proud of these hard-working, intelligent Toros!
Basia Czarkowska, Rob McFadden, Heinz Williams

Congratulations to Alex Homan and Kim Smith for being selected as Baldwin County High School Employees of the Month for August! Their coworkers had the following to say about them: “Mrs. Homan is an incredible teacher. She works hard and is a beacon of light at BCHS. She is so organized and to be honest, she is the heartbeat of our school. I’m not sure what we would do without her.”
“Mrs Smith handles all the spinning plates of her job with a smile and a great attitude. She deals with multiple situations going on all at the same time and manages them all very well.”
A BIG Thank You to Southern Gyp Boutique for sponsoring August’s Employee of the Month. Southern Gyp has a wide variety of items to treat yourself or someone else! We appreciate their continuous support!

St. Michael Catholic High School stadium was dedicated and blessed by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi on August 30th. St. Michael is thrilled to finally have their Cardinals competing on campus! We look forward to seeing our community at “The Nest” under the Friday night lights.

Congratulations to our WJC Leaders of the Month! Our leaders enjoyed snow cones, coloring bookmarks, and other fun activities!
We would like to thank the Kudulis family for sponsoring our Trojan Room Leaders of the Month!

Exciting times in our 6th grade STEAM lab! Today, our students got hands-on with Makey Makey and took their creativity to the next level by designing and building their own game controllers. It was amazing to see their faces light up as they turned everyday objects into interactive tools for their favorite games. Proud of these young innovators!

Daphne Elementary School had a blast at the DES Pep Rally! Thanks so much to the Daphne High School Cheer Team and Dance Team! The DES students loved watching you perform. Go Trojans!

Bayside Academy Upper School students attended the Honor Assembly on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, where each member of the student body signed the honor pledge, formally recognizing their allegiance to Bayside’s honor code to not lie, cheat, or steal.
Guest speaker Colby Cooper P’29 spoke to the students about the importance of integrity throughout life. Mr. Cooper’s impressive background includes experience as Chief Operating Officer of Hix Snedeker Companies, Chief of Staff for the City of Mobile, Director of Corporate Communications at PepsiCo, and Chief of Staff to Condoleezza Rice at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He graduated from Bucknell University and was the university’s first recipient of The Young Alumni Award for Distinguished Citizenship.
At Bayside, we firmly believe that integrity matters, and it is a core value of the school. As Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Russ Connell said during the assembly, “We collectively agree that the honor code is not merely a set of rules, but it is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct.”
Pictured: Bayside Academy Upper School students sign the Honor Pledge while Dean of Students Ryan Campbell looks on.

Five Bayside Academy students have been chosen to participate in the 2024–2025 Eastern Shore Youth Leadership Program sponsored by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The selected Bayside students are juniors Ava Blackwell and Isabelle Daniell and seniors Audrey Douglas, Madeline Dudley, and John Normann.
According to the foundation, “This elite seven-month program is designed to provide high school students from the Eastern Shore with the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of their community, develop strong leadership skills, and enhance self and social awareness.”
The program covers a wide range of topics including law and government, business knowledge, health and human services, environment, and tourism.
We are proud of these students and know they will benefit greatly from participating in this prestigious program.
Pictured: Bayside Academy students Madeline Dudley, Audrey Douglas, Isabelle Daniell, and Ava Blackwell. Not pictured: John Normann