Student Spotlights – August 2026

The Nature Connect staff underwent several days of camp training, covering curriculum development, behavior support, emergency procedures, first aid and CPR, site hazard identification, and outdoor skills. They reviewed safety protocols, participated in scenario-based roleplay, and practiced teamwork. Beyond technical training, staff engaged in nature exploration, team-building games, and storytelling to strengthen their connection to the outdoors. We are grateful to our educators, counselors, and assistants for ensuring a safe, enjoyable summer focused on a meaningful camp season. We hope to see you this summer!

Congratulations to Virginia Clark on placing 2nd at the USATF National Championships in High Jump. The future is bright at Fairhope High with Virginia getting ready to start her Freshmen Year.

Bayshore Christian School congratulates Isabelle Barr on representing our school at Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University.
Selected for this prestigious academic enrichment program, Isabelle explored health sciences and magazine publishing through college-level seminars, labs, research, and hands-on learning alongside outstanding students from across Alabama.
We are proud of Isabelle’s achievement and the way she continues to exemplify the pursuit of academic excellence.

The Baldwin County Education Coalition invites the community to tee off for a great cause at the 14th Annual Golf Classic, presented by Baldwin County Sewer Service, LLC, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope.
Recognized as one of Baldwin County’s premier golf tournaments, the event brings together local businesses, community leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition while raising funds to support education throughout Baldwin County. Proceeds from the tournament help the Coalition meet educational funding needs where public funds cannot, benefiting students, teachers, and schools across the county.
The four-person scramble includes lunch, dinner, complimentary beer and cigars, door prizes, cash prizes for the top three teams, and a chance to win a $10,000 Hole-in-One Grand Prize. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Sponsorship opportunities and team registrations are currently available.
To register a team, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit BetterBaldwin.com/GolfClassic.or email tburkle@betterbaldwin.com

What an unforgettable week at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference & Competition in Washington, D.C.! This was Daphne High School’s first time competing at the national level of FCCLA, and we couldn’t be more proud!
In just 6 days, we:
– Walked over 90,000 steps
– Traded over 200 state pins
– Visited 13 museums
– Brought home 3 Gold Medals
– Made countless memories
We’re incredibly proud of our outstanding competitors:
– Rylei Hamilton and Bella Semon earned 6th Place nationally in Event Management.
– Sloane Dyess earned 7th Place nationally in Leadership.
Beyond the awards, this week was filled with learning, leadership, teamwork, and memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to our amazing students for representing our chapter with excellence, professionalism, and heart. We couldn’t be prouder!

Congratulations to Bayshore Christian School seniors Blake Strickland and Libby Mayo on successfully completing the 2026 NextGen Docs Summer Program at Thomas Hospital. Through this unique experience, they gained valuable insight into the healthcare field while exploring careers in medicine and serving alongside healthcare professionals.
We are proud of Blake and Libby for embracing this opportunity and for continuing to pursue excellence, leadership, and meaningful service in our community.

The Alabama PALS Clean Campus Program helps schools educate students about litter prevention while encouraging hands-on involvement in campus and community cleanup efforts. Designed as a springboard for environmental education, the program makes it easy to incorporate litter awareness and stewardship into classrooms across Alabama.
In addition to providing free litter bags, recycling boxes, window decals, and an online curriculum, Alabama PALS offers on-campus educational programs led by Clean Campus Coordinator Shay Grant. These engaging classroom presentations help students understand the importance of protecting Alabama’s natural resources while inspiring them to make a positive impact in their communities.
Schools and students can also participate in Alabama PALS’ annual grants and contests, with opportunities to earn monetary awards for outstanding projects and achievements.
The Alabama PALS Clean Campus Program is offered at no cost to all Alabama schools. To schedule a classroom presentation, enroll or re-enroll your school, or learn more about available grants and contests, contact Shay Grant at shay@alpals.org, call 334-263-7737, or visit alpals.org.

Bayshore Christian School congratulates Jayden Thomas on attending Auburn University’s Youth Programs Veterinary Camp. During the week-long program, Jayden gained hands-on experience in veterinary medicine while working alongside Auburn professors, veterinary students, and instructors. He developed a variety of clinical skills while caring for both large and small animals.
The experience provided valuable insight into the veterinary profession and strengthened Jayden’s interest in pursuing a future in animal care. We are proud of Jayden’s initiative and congratulate him on this outstanding opportunity!

Last month, Jessica Vipperman attended professional development at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, where she participated in immersive, hands-on environmental education experiences. From stream ecology and field investigations to collaborative learning with educators from across the country, Jessica is bringing back new ideas and real-world learning opportunities for our students.
We are incredibly proud of Jessica’s dedication to continuous growth and her passion for creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
Because at RSES, we believe the best educators never stop learning.

The amazing Mrs. Joanne Clemmons has done it again!
Today, we had the privilege of celebrating our incredible student writers at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. This prestigious program is the nation’s longest-running recognition for creative teens, making today’s accomplishments even more meaningful.
We are thrilled to share that every Renaissance School student who submitted work received an award this year!
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when Mrs. Clemmons was surprised with a special recognition for her dedication to developing young writers. Her heartfelt acceptance speech moved many in the audience to tears and reminded us all of the incredible impact a passionate teacher can have on the lives of students.
Watching our students proudly hold their certificates, celebrate one another, and capture this milestone together made the day even more special. These moments are about so much more than awards—they reflect perseverance, creativity, confidence, and the courage to share your voice with the world.
To our students: We are incredibly proud of you.
To Mrs. Clemmons: Thank you for believing in every student, challenging them to grow, and inspiring excellence every single day. Your dedication is changing lives, one story at a time.
Congratulations to all of our winners! We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next. #RenaissanceSchool #ScholasticArtAndWritingAwards #StudentSuccess #CreativeWriting #AwardWinningStudents #ProudSchool #SmallSchoolBigImpact

Go Trojans! Congratulations to our Daphne Middle School dance team and coaches!

J. Larry Newton Elementary is delighted to be recognized as the first elementary school in Baldwin County to attain PLC Promising Practices status, an esteemed honor bestowed by Solution Tree and the AllThingsPLC network that showcases our school’s tireless efforts in collaborative problem-solving, team-driven leadership, and data-driven instruction, and we eagerly look forward to pursuing Model School status in the near future.

RSES is proud to announce our newest partnership with Arizona State University through Accelerate ASU!
This opportunity helps empower high school students with access to world-class college courses, giving learners the chance to explore future pathways, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward college and career readiness.
At Renaissance, our mission is to educate and empower both traditional and nontraditional learners through individualized, multisensory support — and this partnership is another way we are helping students reach their fullest potential.
Awakening Potential. Expanding Opportunity. Building Futures.

Bayshore Christian School congratulates Ace Hensley on making school history by becoming the first All-American in the BCS wrestling program.
After training with wrestling clubs across Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois, Ace earned All-American honors at the Midwest Nationals in Bloomington, Illinois, while competing against some of the nation’s top high school wrestlers.
We are proud of Ace’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the future.

The Foley Sister Cities Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that we were able to send the second group of Foley High School student and teacher delegates to their partner city of Hennef, Germany. Students returned home last week after experiencing a two-week exchange. The first delegation traveled in 2024 and are now active members of the Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Alumni Association.
The Foley High School teachers and students stayed with host families while visiting the cities of Cologne and Bonn, Germany, and Efteling and Maastricht, Netherlands. Students and teachers experienced the culture of the area by attending school, enjoying family time with their host families, and by visiting the surrounding area castles, cathedrals, Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum, Efteling Amusement Park, and the Haribo Gummy Bear Store. They also visited the Drei-Lander-Eck (“three-border-area”), a place where the countries of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany connect, along with several other outings.
Student delegate Cole Reid said, “It was great. Seeing the Cologne Cathedral in person was amazing and visiting the Drachenfelsbahn Castle was unbelievable. I liked all the hiking that we did, too.” Cole recommends it to everyone. Cole’s mother, Laurie, says “It was great. He would go again, and now his younger brother wants to go too.”
As McKenzie Beavers reflects on her trip, she reports “To me, Germany was a very eye-opening experience! It was so interesting and amazing to see all the differences between lives in Germany and America.”
McKenzie Beavers’ mother, Amber, says, “The exchange was amazing. They made such great friends. I could see it was tough when they had to say goodbye to their new German friends.”
All delegates agreed that there was an unbelievable warm reception from the Hennef families and citizens. Many stated they have built relationships for a lifetime. Students described this trip as a life-changing experience, and they have gained a lifetime of connections.
Foley Sister Cities Commission, along with their title sponsor Riviera Utilities, will host their inaugural “Foley Sisters Cities, Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree” on Friday, October 23, 2026, at GlenLakes Golf Club in Foley. The golf tournament will conclude with a full-blown Oktoberfest event including food, beverages, and a seven-piece German band playing from 5-9 pm. Tickets are available to the public, but sponsorships and golf teams are running out quickly. This fundraiser will assist in raising funds for the Sister Cities’ initiatives such as future student trips, art and culture exchange, and other projects.
If you wish to be a sponsor, have a team or want to learn more, go to www.foleysistercities.com or email foleysistercities@gmail.com.
The Foley Sister Cities Commission exists to promote cultural, educational, and commercial relationships through international leadership, friendship and understanding developing citizen diplomacy. Ultimately, “Building Peace Through People”.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Jennie Gartman back to Renaissance School for another amazing year!
Mrs. Gartman will be teaching 1st–5th Grade Social Studies, Science, and Literature, where she loves creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore, discover, and develop a love of learning.
Mrs. Gartman graduated from Leavell College and is the proud mom of four wonderful children, all of whom attend Renaissance School.
This summer, Mrs. Gartman invested in her own professional growth by spending six days at Jacksonville State University participating in an intensive Civics Seminar for Alabama K–5 educators. Throughout the week, she studied primary source documents through small-group discussions led by nationally recognized professors, attended lectures from leading experts, and explored new civics curriculum designed to inspire young learners.
One of the highlights of the week was visiting the Freedom Riders National Monument and The Legacy Museum, experiences that deepened her understanding of American history and strengthened her passion for bringing history to life in the classroom.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll likely find Mrs. Gartman spending time with her family at the beach or making memories together at OWA.
Mrs. Gartman is excited to bring everything she learned this summer into her classroom and looks forward to partnering with families for a year filled with curiosity, growth, and meaningful learning.
Welcome back, Mrs. Gartman! We can’t wait to see the incredible experiences you’ll create for our students this year! #RenaissanceSchool #AwakeningPotential #welcomeback2school #WelcomeBackTeachers