columns SUMMER
14
a publication for students, alumni and friends
inside
Saint James School
Legacy of Leaders Trojan Tally Making a Difference
COLUMNS SUMMER 2014
1
from the Head of School As we reflect on our past, present, and future, Saint James School continues to set the standard for building a legacy of leaders. The last sentence in our mission states, “We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement.” The pure joy of watching our students develop each day is heightened when they receive so many accolades for their achievements. As our exceptional teachers continue to “pull the talent” from our students with extraordinary parental support, it is no surprise what we have accomplished. The investment we are making in these young men and women will pay off for many years to come. We are entering our twentieth year as a partner to The Alabama Institute for Education in The Arts. I remember well when we were among the first schools in Alabama to receive training in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Several of us participated and I am so proud our efforts have continued to train all of our teachers to teach the arts in their classrooms. For the last few years, we have been honored to host the arts institute on our campus for one week in June. What a pleasure it has been to watch our students develop their talents in the arts as they excel in both visual and performing arts! Our recent The Wizard of Oz production was a reminder that extraordinary talent is evident with students of all ages. It is particularly special to see the legacy continue with the arts as our current students perform just as many of their parents did several years ago. It was, indeed, a glorious day as we celebrated our designation as an Apple Distinguished School! Receiving this award was such an honor after the planning, research, and hard work to create the sort of technology environment our students will face as college freshmen. Our teamwork to create our iBook application was truly a reminder of the progress we have made in technology. Many of our fifteen precollege major electives such as Music Composition and Robotics/PreEngineering simply would not be possible without our technology. We are setting the standard for how schools should teach technology within an extraordinary academic environment. Perhaps the most valuable lessons we teach our children are about compassion and caring for others less fortunate. I remember Ethan Whittington (’04) well as a student at STJ. He and his brother, Kyle, are the sons of Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Whittington. They were truly an involved STJ family and I am so proud of the national recognition Ethan received for his efforts recently to help a homeless man in Boston. Imagine my pleasure at reading and hearing the numerous news stories about his amazing story. Thank you, Ethan, for living what you were taught at home and at school and for making a difference in our society. You have challenged us all to do good deeds. I look forward with energy and enthusiasm to the upcoming school year as I serve my final year as Head of School. I announced my retirement earlier this summer to be effective June 30, 2015. What an honor it has been for me to serve as the leader for this great school since 2008! I will have completed thirty-two years of dedicated service and cherish each year. I am indebted to The Board of Directors for trusting me to serve and look forward to the best year ever. We have an amazing board and I am so grateful to them for supporting my vision for the school. My husband, Bill, and my children, William and Mary Catherine and their families have given me so much strength to do this job. Many of you have as well and I am indebted to you for supporting us with your time and gifts to realize unlimited possibilities for our children. I am thrilled to say the legacy continues as our granddaughter will begin the STJ three-year-old program in the fall of 2016! We are Saint James School!
Melba Richardson, Head of School
[the cover]
inside
CLASS OF 2014 SENIORS (l) Jared Hunter, Hamp Hoover, Channing Glenn, Nick Farmer, and Tait Holder line up for that all-important walk across the stage, but there’s always time for just a few more laughs before the seriousness of the moment sets in. (Photo by David Robertson, Jr.)
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Around the Columns
$6.8 Million for the Class of 2014!
Winner’s Circle
Students break records on several fronts in 2013-14.
Trojan Tally
Success stories abound. And, what’s on the horizon?
Alumni Notes
Alumni achievements make us proud.
9
[Continuing a Legacy of Leaders] STJ is leaving its mark on the city, the state, and the nation.
11
[Lions, and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!] Getting to the Emerald City is no easy feat.
14
[Oh, What a Day! ] International computer giant Apple thinks STJ is pretty swell.
15
[Making a Difference] An ’04 alum pays it forward and makes national news.
INSERT
Need details about STJ reading lists, lunch menus, uniforms, or general school information? Visit stjweb.org and click on the Parent Information tab!
[Giving for Continued Excellence]
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Saint James School Editor: Sandra Polizos Writers: Sandra Polizos, Meagan Ashner ’14, Jared Hunter ’14, Gillette Slaton (Alumni Notes) Photographers Sandra Polizos, Bob Corley, David Robertson Jr., Bryan Carter, Hayley White ‘14
Head of School Melba Richardson, mrichardson@stjweb.org Academic Dean Susan Atkins satkins@stjweb.org
Marketing/Public Relations Director Lani Ashner lashner@stjweb.org
Dean of Admissions Cathy Pearson cpearson@stjweb.org
Alumni Relations Director Gillette Slaton gslaton@stjweb.org
Director of Advancement Dr. Larry McLemore lmclemore@stjweb.org
Business Manager Elizabeth Fritz efritz@stjweb.org
mission: Saint James is an independent, nonsectarian, college preparatory school with a student body broadly representative of college-bound students. We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement.
Saint James Board of Directors HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE WOODEN HORSE, STJ’S OWN GIFT SHOP IN THE FIFTH GRADE POD OF LEU ELEMENTARY?
With gifts galore, you’ll find the perfect wedding, shower, or birthday surprises, and have them gift-wrapped free! You can also find the newest styles in STJ apparel (no uniforms). And, purchases made at STJ’s Wooden Horse gift shop directly benefit our school!
Helena Duncan, Chair
Tull Gearreald
Mark Moody
Sam Colson
Andy Grigsby
Barry Prim
Jennifer Crumpton
Jon Killough
Christy Pruitt-Haynes
Art Frawley
Jamie Loeb
Scott Talkington
Monet Gaines
Gip Meadows
Trip Walton
Michael Gallops
Greg Miles
Laura Wright
Columns is published yearly by Saint James School, 6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 and is distributed free to alumni, and to parents of students, as well as to other friends of the school. Address changes may be sent to the Alumni Director, 6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116, or to gslaton@stjweb.org Saint James admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at
Want to know all the latest STJ news? Visit Saint James School’s Facebook page, or follow STJNews on Twitter to stay connected! (Type in “Saint James School” and look for our STJ logo!)
the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
[around the]
6.8
$
Million! The Class of 2014 broke all school records when they received $6.8 million in merit-based college scholarships to an impressive list of colleges and universities across the country. The awards were received by 50 students (57 percent) of the 88-member class. Other class accolades? A National Merit Finalist, a National Achievement Finalist, seven AP Scholars, two U.S. All-American Marching Band
members, two State Forensics champions, State 1-4A Wrestling Runner-up team members, State 4A Boys and Girls Tennis Runners-up team members, a National Scholastic Art Gold Key winner, one of two state delegates to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, a State Trumbauer Theatre Arts First Place individual winner, and the Outstanding District Female Choral Student. Well done, Class of 2014!
Wacky Waldos A highlight of first grade, STJ six-year-olds scout the campus each spring in search of miniature Waldo characters. From elementary, to middle school, to high school and even Furlong Hall, the halls and quad are a mad mix of red and white. Will the real Waldo please stand up?
ALL-AMERICAN MARCHING BAND Madison Smith and Alexander Chung, both 2014 seniors, performed in the U.S. All-American Marching Band during January’s Army All-American Bowl, the nation’s premier high school football game. Smith and Chung were the only Alabama students selected for the prestigious 125-member band, chosen from more than 1,300 nominees representing 47 states. “It was great because I got to know so many more people and spend another great weekend with band,” Chung said.
As members of the honor band Smith and Chung (who performed in the Color Guard and played the mellophone) flew to San Antonio for a week–all expenses paid–to rehearse and play with other All American Band members. The highlight of the trip was participation in the halftime show, televised live from the San Antonio Alamodome by NBC to an estimated 2.5 million television viewers. “It’s such an honor to be an All-American,” Smith said. “It’s almost like being an Eagle Scout in music.”
“To be around people who share your passion is a great feeling,” Smith said, “and to all be working toward a common goal was very special.”
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FURLONG’S NEW FACES
Visitors to Furlong Hall wishing to make a gift to the school, ask about a scholarship, or even share materials for the STJ Facebook page, will be greeted by a trio of familiar faces with new responsibilities. Dr. Larry McLemore (’00), previously Dean of Student Programs in the high school, has been named Director of Advancement, in addition to continuing to teach high school AP American History. McLemore’s new position incorporates the Development Director job vacated by Kim Hendrix (now Director of Media Ministries at Frazer Church), but also assumes responsibility for advancing STJ’s mission by facilitating communication between the school’s admissions, marketing, alumni and development programs. McLemore, who received his Ph.D. in History from Auburn University, holds a M.Ed. degree in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s degree from Auburn University, with undergraduate degrees in History and Political Science from Huntingdon College. Mrs. Elizabeth Fritz replaces the retiring STJ Bill Furr who spent 17 years as STJ Controller. Elizabeth and husband Michael Fritz are the parents of two Saint James students, 2015 senior Michael and freshman William. Immediately prior to her position at STJ, Fritz was the Business Manager at Holy Cross School for 13 years. She graduated from AUM in 1994.
PLEASE DROP IN AND MAKE THESE FAMILIAR FACES FEEL WELCOME IN THEIR NEW POSITIONS!
Mrs. Lani Ashner assumes the position of Marketing/Public Relations Director for the school, replacing Sandra Polizos (who retired to continue her work on Prime, a local lifestyle magazine she owns with husband Bob Corley). Ashner comes to STJ from Stamp Idea Group where she was an award-winning Senior Account Executive overseeing STJ’s account, along with many others. A longtime STJ parent, Ashner’s daughter Meagan (‘14) is an ingoing freshman at George Mason University and son Nathan is a 2014-15 high school freshman. Ashner received her BA degree in Speech Communications from the University of Georgia.
NATIONAL WINNER
V
My Favorite Things
Mrs. JoAn Adams’ first grade class wrote letters and sent packages to alum Forrest Hull (‘04) while he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013-14. Among the information the children dispensed to the serviceman was advice on what he should do when first arriving back home. In early May, Hull and his family visited the first graders to say thanks and to apprise them of which events he’d already completed, and what items were still on the “to-do” list. The top suggestion made by the first graders? That Hull should take his family for ice cream, of course!
Kathleen Cunningham, a 2014 senior, won a National Scholastic Art Gold Key Award for her drawing “Mysterious,” a large self-portrait. Kathleen, who is also a 2014 National Merit Finalist, was one of only three gold key winners in visual art in the entire state of Alabama.
FACULTY SUPERLATIVES FORENSICS COACH DR. IAN TURNIPSEED ELECTED
BAND DIRECTOR SUSAN SMITH ELECTED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF
ALABAMA FORENSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
THE ALABAMA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION, THE UMBRELLA
PRESIDENT FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM…
ORGANIZATION FOR ALL MUSIC EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA…
[around the] LEE TAPPED FOR MIT PROGRAM Justin Lee, a 2014 junior, is participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC). The prestigious MOSTEC program is free of charge to students who are selected and provides an enriching, mostly online, experience from July 2014–Jan 2015, as the students submit their college applications. The purpose of the MOSTEC program is to develop a national group of students who are equipped to have a successful college and lifetime career in technical disciplines. As part of the honor, Lee participated in an exclusive five day/ four night conference in late July, held on the MIT campus. There he presented completed project coursework, engaged in engineering workshops, toured the lab and industry facilities, attended a college admissions panel, and met MIT faculty, staff, and students. When the summer ends, students enter the Enrichment Phase (August–January) and continue to learn more about science and engineering, interact with college faculty and staff and receive online mentoring from undergraduate and graduate students, and industry professionals.
M AT H M A R V E L S ! Saint James students swept the Montgomery area district in Round One of the Alabama Statewide Mathematics Contest in Feb. at Auburn University Montgomery. STJ won all three testing areas: the Geometry and Algebra II/Trig competitions, and the Comprehensive Test. In the Geometry contest, STJ students not only took the First Place team honors but also had the top five individual scores, with Sean Seo’s score ranked sixth (out of approximately 115) in the entire state. On the Algebra II/Trig competition, along with the First Place team, Saint James students won several individual honors. On the Comprehensive test, the STJ team not only placed First, but also qualified the school for the second round of competition, where Saint James students finished seventh in the state from a long list of schools located throughout Alabama.
MOST PHOTOGENIC
ROBOT
STJ’s Robotics team proved that robots, too, can be “pretty as a picture” when the school’s team-designed robot won “Most Photogenic” at Auburn University’s B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition in Auburn in November. In addition to the Most Photogenic, the team won the Third Place trophy for their robot’s performance, after 13 rounds of competition. The First Place award for the CAD design notebook, and the Second Place award for best t-shirt were also awarded to the Saint James School team.
STJ Robotics team members: Duncan Blackwell, Shaun Lewis, Matthew Garnett, John Kim, Justin Lee, Justin Peifer, Allison Rutherford, Anna Siddiq, Jongwon Lee, Kathleen Cunningham, McLean Stewart, Peter Wang, Daniel Lim, Emma Frakes, Urmee Podder, Mary Villageois, and Ivan Villageois.
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INFO ON THE GO Have you downloaded STJ’s updated app? Perfect for today’s lifestyles, parents and students can find out what books are on the required reading list, email a teacher, and even get a display of the month’s lunches–and much, much more! To download the app on an iPhone go to http://tinyurl.com/stjiphoneapp For an Android phone, visit http://tinyurl.com/stjandroidapp
Forensics’ Fabulous Year! Ending a very successful regular season, Saint James School students received the top individual awards at the Alabama Forensics Educators State Tournament in April. The team captured Second Place, Overall, as well as State Champion in Individual Events, and Second Place Winner in Congressional Debate.
V NEED A LITTLE TRIM? Elementary Librarian Benji Martin challenged students to read more words than he did in 2013-14, and, if any students did, the librarian would allow them to shave off his beard at year's end! Fourth grader Malcolm Sim proved worthy of the challenge, reading 9,030,416 words, or the equivalent of 100 full-length novels. Malcolm's total broke the school record, set last year. True to his word, Librarian Martin allowed Malcolm to shave off his beard, during the Elementary Reading Awards Ceremony in May. Talk about a creative reading incentive program!
McLean Stewart, a 2014 junior, was named Alabama Forensic Student of the Year, as the tournament’s most outstanding competitor. Hayden Cavanaugh, also a 2014 junior, received the Outstanding Competitor of the Year Award, reserved for the student earning the best scores in a total of three events. Team sponsor Dr. Ian Turnipseed was elected the Alabama Forensics' Educators Association President—a position he will hold for the next two years. “In addition to these stellar awards we also came away with six state champions,” said Turnipseed. “Almost every single person we brought placed in their events.” STJ’s state champions are Meagan Ashner, Pearce Barringer, Maya Smith, Hayden Cavanaugh, and double champion McLean Stewart. The Saint James’ Forensics Team won the area’s District Tournament at the Deep South tourney hosted in the Capital City in February by Montgomery Academy. STJ received First Place Overall and First Place in Individual Events.
T N H O E SET T E I UQ
!
COMING THIS FALL: STJtv, an educational, entertaining, and encouraging broadcast for Leu
Elementary students, put together by the STJtv production staff! The brainchild of elementary instructor Zach Beard, the 22 fourth and fifth graders on the production staff were selected after applying and submitting try-out videos. STJtv will air every Friday morning, beginning with the 2014-15 term. The production team will script, record, and edit all news segments, skits, interviews, commercials, and special features. Keep up and be a part of STJtv by following the team’s blog at stjtvblog.blogspot.com where polls, viewer suggestions, bloopers, and archived episodes will be posted.
FACULTY SUPERLATIVES JEREMY VAN EGMOND WAS SELECTED AS THE
MIDDLE SCHOOL AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHER VENNA EVERRETT
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT IN INSTRUCTIONAL
ATTENDED TULANE’S SOUTHERN INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION IN JULY, ONE
LEADERSHIP BY THE AUM SCHOOL OF EDUCATION…
OF ONLY TEN TEACHERS IN THE SOUTHEAST CHOSEN FOR THE HONOR…
[around the]
DAR GOOD
CITIZEN
for
SOUTHEAST
ALABAMA Not only was Abigail Greenberg honored as the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Chapter winner for STJ in 2014, but the 2014 senior was also the Southeastern Conference winner in the annual statewide competition. The latter title indicated Greenberg was one of the top four Alabama DAR winners. The DAR Good Citizen is a senior who demonstrates qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The student is required to write an essay within a two-hour time limit on an unknown topic assigned to them. Students' grades, activities, test scores, and letters of recommendation are also considered.
TIP
PING OUR HATS
Seventh graders were again recognized by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), for their excellent academic performance on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
Will Moore qualified for Grand Recognition and was honored in a ceremony hosted at Duke University on May 19, with other Grand honorees from across the country. This is the highest level of recognition, with honorees scoring at-or-better-than 90 percent of all high school juniors and seniors nationwide who took the college entrance exams. Seven STJ students, Salena Bulls, Kylie Eng, Cleophus Gaines III, Travis Hamilton, Lizzy Headley, Will Moore and Bea Richardson, qualified for State recognition and were honored in a ceremony at the University of Alabama on May 5.
Greenberg was presented with her award in April, at the annual DAR luncheon.Â
1080 HOURS IN A DAY? High schoolers volunteered at 13 area non-profit organizations in April for a total of 1080 hours of community service. Between cleaning stalls for MANE, doing activities with the elderly at Elmcroft, playing with children at The Children's Center, sprucing up the grounds at Reamount Cemetery, helping the Montgomery Clean City Commission tear down a house, and working with officials at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (just to name a few), the work was fulfilling to students and worthwhile for the agencies they assisted. Best of all, the event was entirely organized by the students themselves, led by 2013-14 SGA President Abigail Greenberg and Vice President Borden Cater.
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CONTINUING A
positions throughout the school’s illustrative 59-year existence. From
A D ER
S
L have held exemplary leadership
E
L
aint James School students
Y
AC G E
Montgomery’s Youth Mayor, Alabama’s Youth GovernorElect, Alabama’s Girls State Governor, and one of the two Hearst U.S. Senate Youth Delegate positions for
Girls Nation President to Outstanding
the state.
Senate Statesmen honors, Saint James has strong bragging rights in the youth
In receiving these leadership honors, STJ
leadership arena.
continues to put an indelible Saint James
But those bragging rights were off the charts
School stamp on youth leadership in
in 2013-14, when, in a single year, Saint
Montgomery, in Alabama, and even in our
James students claimed the positions of
nation’s Capital.
READY TO SERVE!
A WINNING GIRLS STATE GOVERNOR Win Woodson was elected Governor of Girls State in early June. Sponsored by the American Legion, select high school juniors from across the state participate in the week long Girls State event aimed at giving young women "hands-on" experience in governing.
Delegates to the YMCA’s 66th Annual Alabama Youth Legislature elected junior Cassie Sadie as the 2015 Youth Governor during the February statewide event held in downtown Montgomery. The mock student government program allows 300 Alabama high school students to “take over” the operation of Alabama’s state government functions for a weekend while teaching them executive, judicial and legislative operations. Sadie, who will serve in the position 2014-15, is the first Youth Governor to represent Saint James School.
MAYOR KREHER, IF YOU PLEASE Margaret Ann Kreher (junior '14) was selected Montgomery’s 2013-14 Youth Mayor during the annual Youth in City Government Program held in November. Other STJ students also serving in high-level positions included Haley White and Jared Hunter, both elected as City Council members during the event. The students presided over the city for a day, in the City Council chambers, where they wrote and debated ordinances and learned from guest speakers about the challenges in operating city government.
{Ed. Note: Jared Hunter (’14) was one of only two Alabama students selected to represent the state in the prestigious U.S. Senate Youth Program, funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In addition to a $5,000 college scholarship, Hunter received an all-expense paid week-long trip in March to tour Washington and meet the President as well as other prominent civil servants in the nation’s Capital. Below are excerpts from a detailed diary Hunter kept about his Washington experience.}
D.C. Diary
by Jared Hunter ('14) March 10—Monday Justice. Scalia. I met Justice Scalia. We filed into the Supreme Court in groups of 15 at a time. Scalia is very personable but also very devoted to his “originalist” views of the Constitution. He was riveting and enthralling!
Photos by Jakub Mosur, United States Senate Youth Program
Gosh, I’m tired after a long trip up to D.C. on Saturday (complete with delays) and sightseeing yesterday. Today was our first real day of "Washington Week." March 11—Tuesday The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Madame Lagarde, walked into the room during breakfast, and an instant hush fell over us all. I still can’t believe that someone so internationally prominent made time to speak to us. Then it was off for a 60-second tour of the Capitol Building! It couldn’t have been much longer–ending in the rotunda where every state is represented by two statues. Alabama’s statues are Rosa Parks and Jefferson Davis, positioned directly across the room from each other. Our tour guide explained, “Rosa Parks keeps an eye on the Old South, while Jefferson Davis keeps an eye on the New South.”
The last stop of the day was National Archives, where we saw the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and even the Magna Carta. The Constitution is barely legible due to its age. March 12—Wednesday Tonight was the flagship event of the week: the Senators’ Reception. Though Jeff Sessions couldn’t stay very long, he walked in and shook our hands before he had to go. Richard Shelby stayed a little longer and talked with us. Regardless of the short visits, it was still a good opportunity to personally meet our state senators. (I spent the rest of the time at the reception gawking at other well-known senators, like Rand Paul and Susan Collins!) March 13—Thursday Today was the day. The day everyone has asked me about, the day most anticipated. The day I got to meet the President of the United States. The weather was cold, but the chill didn’t bother us. We stood outside about 20 minutes, until we finally made it through the first wave of security. Two more security stops, and I was hanging up my coat in the White House. After a quick tour of some of the rooms, we filed into the East Room, where we waited… and waited.
Finally, he arrived. Walking down the famous red carpet, President Obama greeted us with a wide smile and a “Well, I hope you haven’t been waiting too long!” Of course, we were all star-struck. He spoke for only a short time, but it was a once in a lifetime experience. Leaving the White House, I knew I was incredibly blessed and lucky to meet with the most powerful man in the world. March 14—Friday The last official day of Washington Week began with one of the most unique experiences (other than meeting the President, of course). Brian Lamb, founder of C-SPAN, came, not to talk to us, but with us! As a part of the channel’s Q&A program, we were interviewed in a public forum. I was the last to speak (and even got to make a fashion statement on the returning trend of bow ties!). The final events were dinner, farewell remarks, and a slideshow of our week. It was sad. We were all disappointed that this unforgettable life experience was ending. Nevertheless, we ended our Washington Week with a bang–a dance in the Mayflower Hotel basement. I found out these top-achieving, Harvard-accepted, scholarshipearning kids can dance!
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Lions
&
Tigers
&
Bears
oh my!
The 2014 staging of the classic musical about Dorothy’s colorful and exciting trip to Oz is the most demanding show ever attempted by STJ's Performing Arts Department. With a total of 96 actors and support staff, the show easily also earns the distinction for the largest cast and crew ever assembled for an STJ production.
By the Numbers
14 52 30 47 2 27
Youth Chorus performers
cast members
crew members
songs
acts
scenes
orget the fact that everyone knows the story of The Wizard of Oz because of the movie’s incredible success. Forget, too, that one of the characters is a dog, and on-stage for most of the production. And what about that pesky witch, who randomly throws fireballs and disappears, with nary a concern for the difficulty in making those special effects take place? “The Wizard of Oz sold out every night,” Lonny Harrison, STJ’s Director of Theatre, says, smiling. “It really pushed our kids in every area, and that’s a good thing. We had 75plus people backstage at any given time, with only a fivefoot wing area. It was definitely a large production for our venue. And we utilized more of the stage fly system than we ever have for a single show. There were backdrops flying in and flying out, and lots of scenery moving on and off between scenes.” “Casting dozens of elementary students in the main production was another first for us,” says Lis Donaldson, the show’s musical conductor and STJ’s Choral Director. “They were the Munchkins. They came into rehearsals, saw what the older kids did, and blended to fit right in. They were just great. Gracie Branham, who played the Coroner of Munchkinland, routinely got the biggest audience response in the show when she pronounced the Wicked Witch of the East ‘… not only merely dead,’ but ‘really most sincerely dead.’ Gracie had that voice and performance worked out from the first rehearsal.”
and Scarecrow have only a minute before they’re back on stage as the farm hands, with no evidence of their previous makeup. We had to work with the music and add what was needed to give them enough time to get that makeup off.” One of the most pressing concerns related to producing The Wizard of Oz at Saint James was cost. Performance rights, scenery rental, and the need for elaborate costumes worried the show’s planners from the beginning. “It was the most expensive show we’ve ever done here. And it also made the most money,” Donaldson says with a grin. Harrison says the primary purpose of the Department’s annual Cabaret in 2014 was to raise money for production of The Wizard of Oz. “I knew in advance it was going to be a costly show. The costumes were either rented, borrowed, or sewn. Our parents in the Performing Arts Guild (PAG) were vital in helping us get the costumes; the production couldn’t have been done without them.” And what about Toto? “Everyone loved the dog,” Harrison says. “Sophie was a superstar and definitely got the Emerald City treatment.” Does the overwhelming success of The Wizard of Oz make organizers apprehensive about future STJ productions?
The extensive makeup required for some characters posed additional challenges.
“We’re in an amazing situation right now,” Donaldson replies. “Schools go through an ebb and flow with talent. It’s just a cycle. But we’re at an apex coming into this next Performing Arts season. In 2013-14, we had the strongest senior class yet. But put on your seat belt, and just wait for next year. It’s going to be quite a ride.”
“When Dorothy suddenly finds herself back in Kansas at the end of the show,” Donaldson explains, “Tin Man, Lion
Wizard of Oz photos by Capitol Filmworks COLUMNS SUMMER 2014
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the Winners’circle
2 0 1 3 - 1 4 S A I N T J A M E S S T U D E N T S A R E C I T Y, S TAT E , A N D N AT I O N A L L E A D E R S
L E A DE R SH I P
AT H L ET IC S
Youth Governor-Elect for the State of Alabama Governor of Girls State
75% of students in grades 7-12 participated in interscholastic teams in 2013-14
Hearst U.S. Senate Youth Program, Alabama Delegate (1 of 2)
State 1-4A Wrestling Tournament, State Runner-up
Youth Mayor of Montgomery
State 1-4A Wrestling Tournament, 2 Individual State Champions
District DAR Good Citizen Winner YMCA Big Buddy of the Year
State 4A Tennis Tournament, State Runners-up, Boys and Girls State 4A Tennis Tournament, 2 Individual Boys State Champions
AC A DE M IC S $6.8 million in merit-based college scholarships awarded to 57% (50 students) of the 88-member class 1 National Merit Finalist 1 National Achievement Finalist 22 AP Scholars State Forensics Student of the Year
State 4A Tennis Tournament, 1 Pair, Boys State Doubles Champions State 4A Tennis Tournament, 1 Pair, Girls State Doubles Champions State 4A Track Meet, 1 Individual State Champion & Record Holder Montgomery Advertiser’s All-Metro Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year
State Forensics Competitor of the Year
Montgomery Advertiser’s All-Metro Track & Field Athlete of the Year
State Forensics Tournament, 6 Individual State Champions
Montgomery Advertiser’s All-Metro Golfer of the Year
State Forensics Tournament, Team Runner-Up District Forensics Champions
A RTS
Regional Science Olympiad, 3 Individual Event Champions
100% of students in grades 9-12 participate in a visual or performing arts program during their high school career
Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge, 1st Place Team
Bands of America Super-Regional Class A Champions
Statewide Math Contest, District Division: 1st Place, Geometry
Outstanding District Female Choir Student
U.S. Army All-Americans, 2 Marching Band Members
Statewide Math Contest, District Division: 1st Place, Algebra II w/Trig
National Winner, Scholastic Art Competition, 1 Gold Key
Statewide Math Contest, District Division: 1st Place, Comprehensive Test
Regional Winners, Scholastic Art Competition, 6 Gold Keys
Auburn University State TEAMS competition (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) 1st Place Team
State Trumbauer Theater Festival, 1st Place Individual Winner 2014 All-State Choir, 4 Members 2014 All-State Show Choir, 4 Members 2014 All-State High School Bands, 5 Members 2014 All-State Middle School Band, 5 Members
With Saint James School’s sixtieth year approaching, we have generations of teachers, students, parents, and school leaders to thank for laying the foundation of excellence that makes our school the leader in Central Alabama. Through the years, Saint James faculty members have left lasting legacies in the lives of their students. These powerful legacies have put students on trajectories of success and achievement. For many Saint James students, their teachers’ guidance and nurturing led them to be awarded scholarships and to have the knowledge and skills to rise to the top in their college studies and career fields. Whether you are a current student, an alumnus, a parent, or a grandparent you know that Saint James School has meant a great deal to you and your family. Surely, you can name people at Saint James who taught you or your student some of life’s most valuable lessons. Who was that teacher or coach that transformed your life and led you to achieve something special or to find a passion for the first time? Outstanding teachers and students create a momentum of excellence that defines Saint James School, while leaving legacies to inspire future generations at our school.
You can be part of the momentum of excellence and help Saint James continue to pass on powerful legacies to the next generation by contributing to our Annual Fund. Your gifts to our “Giving for Continued Excellence” Annual Fund drive are vital to fulfilling budgeted expenses and keeping Saint James School at the top. In recent years, your gifts have funded improvements in technology, science labs, various academic programs, equipment and support for our band as well as our visual and performing arts programs, and athletic teams. Building on the momentum of recent progress, our work continues. Your gift of undesignated funds empowers Saint James to take our exceptional programs to even higher levels. With every gift you give, more opportunities are available for Saint James students. For the past several years, 100 percent of our faculty, staff, administration, and board have made a gift to Saint James School’s Annual Fund. More than half of our parents have given to GCE in recent years. This year, you can leave a lasting legacy for the future generations of the Saint James family by making your contribution to GCE.
Here at Saint James we give thanks for those who have made their mark and have added to the momentum of excellence. We are grateful to parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends who have contributed to our Annual Fund. Saint James School is moving in the right direction. It is amazing to see what we can do when we all pull together. Be a part of the momentum of excellence this year by giving to the Annual Fund. With your support, we will create lasting legacies as well as new opportunities for our students. With gratitude for you and great hope for the future,
Dr. Larry McLemore Director of Advancement
giving
givin giving
Dear Saint James family and friends,
for
CONTINUED EXCELLENCE
Giving for Continued Excellence (GCE) Saint James School
Contributors J U LY 1 , 2 0 1 3 – J U N E 3 0 , 2 0 1 4
Thank you to the following parents, grandparents, friends, businesses and organizations for their support of the 2013-2014 Annual Fund Drive and Endowment Fund. This list reflects gifts received from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. The names of the donors whose cumulative gifts have earned them a permanent position on the Donor Wall of Honor are listed in the lobby of the high school gymnasium. “MGC” denotes companies that have contributed matching gifts and “MG” represents those individuals responsible for bringing these gifts to the school. “HS” denotes grandparents who have earned recognition in the Heritage Society by contributing $500 or more since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2013.
Circle of Excellence ($20,000.00+)
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Talkington Mr. and Mrs. Trip Walton
Gold ($10,000.00+)
Mr. Gene and Dr. Cindy Bonner Mayor and Mrs. Todd Strange (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Sherman J. Talkington (HS)
Blue and Gold ($5,000.00+)
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Baggett Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Crumpton Mrs. Marian H. Kent (HS)
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Kwan Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Loeb, Jr. Mrs. Margaret L. Means
giving giving giving giving
giving Trojan ($1,000.00+) Mr. and Mrs. Steve Adams
Mr. James Dickens
Mr. and Mrs. Terry McCollum
Dr. and Mrs. Reza Seirafi
Anonymous (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Duncan, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Randy McNeill
Mr. and Mrs. John Seo
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Barna
Dr. and Mrs. Bob Engles
Mr. and Mrs. Gip Meadows (MG)
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Ty Beasley
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Galassini (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Miles
Judge and Mrs. Burt Smithart
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Blackwell
Gulf State Distributors, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Caudill Miller
Mrs. Anita Steele
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Brantley (MG) (HS)
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Hastey
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moody
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Taylor
Lt. Col. Don Brewer (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Shirald Hendrix (MG) (HS)
Dr. and Mrs. Jason Parker
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Webb
Mr. Henry D. Cobb (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. David Hughes
Mr. Eric and Dr. Tammy Prater
Wells Fargo Foundation (MGC)
Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hughes (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pritchett
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wright (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Coon
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Kent
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Reed
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wright
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Deemer
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Killough
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Dees (HS)
Mr. Jerald Labovitz
Ms. Becky Dickens
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Livings (MG)
Ronald McDonald House of Central AL
David and Leslie Marcus Foundation (MG)
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Irving (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pearson
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Johnston
Mr. Arthur Ray and Judge Kelli Wise
Dr. and Mrs. Bill Richardson River Region General Surgery
Patron I ($500.00+) Mr. and Mrs. Dale Alexander Mr. and Mrs. John C. Argo Mr. and Mrs. Bill Atkins Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Blankenship (HS)
Mrs. Adrianne Dugan (MG) Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dunaway (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Edwards (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Buce
Mrs. Cam Fox
Ms. Elizabeth Burt
Mr. Arthur and Dr. Margaret Vereb Frawley
Mr. and Mrs. Winton Bush (HS) Mr. and Mrs. David Byrd Mr. and Mrs. Larry Capilouto (HS) Mrs. Pat Cherry (HS) Chevron Corporation (MGC) Dr. and Mrs. Bob Coggin (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Sam Colson Mr. and Mrs. Bob Corley Mr. Wayne and Lt. Col. Judy Dailey
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kennedy (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Dongkil Lee Mr. and Mrs. Keith Maddox Dr. and Mrs. David Marcus (MG) Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mathews (MG)
Mr. Jacob Fuller
Dr. and Mrs. Larry McLemore
FUMC–The Pines Sunday School Class
Mr. and Mrs. James McLendon Mr. and Mrs. Julian McPhillips
Mr. and Mrs. William Furr
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Meadows (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Furr (MG)
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Murphy
Dr. and Mrs. Tommy W. Garnett
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Naftel
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Mark Glenn (MG)
Dr. and Mrs. Herman Noe, Jr. (HS)
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hagen (MG)
Dr. and Mrs. Bryan Oliver
Dr. and Mrs. Tim Holt
Pearson Education (MGC)
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Richardson (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Rockman (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. David Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Ron Skoneki (HS) Mr. and Mrs. Scott Skoneki Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Slaton Mrs. Helen Stewart (HS) Dr. and Mrs. Mark Thomas (HS) Turner & Eaves Ins. Agency (MGC) Vmware (MGC) Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Ward (HS) Mr. John and Dr. Lisa Williams
Patron II ($100.00+) AL Municipal & Environmental Engineers, Inc. Anonymous (7) Mr. and Mrs. Rick Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Van Atkins Ms. Margo Baker Mr. Bruce Bannister Col. and Mrs. Broni Baranowski Mr. and Mrs. Joey Barton Mr. and Mrs. Doug Baxter Mr. and Mrs. Zach Beard Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Blackwell Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Blamires Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Blancett Mr. and Mrs. Tom Borden Mr. and Mrs. James Braye Mr. and Mrs. Jim W. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Browning Mr. Glenn Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Everett Card Mr. and Mrs. Nigel Card Mr. Chester Carr Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Carr Ms. Martha Cavanaugh Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Cherry, IV Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chinoski Mr. and Mrs. Eric Christie Ms. Vicky Christie Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Clark Col. and Mrs. Ralph O. Clemens, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cobb Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Conner Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Copeland Mrs. Betty Cramer Dr. and Mrs. Shane Cunningham Ms. Connie Daniel Mrs. Megan Stephenson Deal Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dean Mr. Charles and Dr. Bess Diebel Dr. and Mrs. Ireneo Domingo Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Dubina Mr. and Mrs. Craig Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Joe Eichelberg Mr. and Mrs. Al Elebash Dr. Robert and Dr. Phyllis Engles Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Essig Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Everett Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fain Mr. and Mrs. Phil Festoso Col. and Mrs. Frank Fields
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fields
Rev. and Mrs. Tim Meadows
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Skier
Ms. Therese Ford
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Mike J. Frakes
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Montiel
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Somerville
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fritz
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Montoya
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Spivey
Mr. Luis and Dr. Maryluz Fuentes
Prof. and Mrs. Bradley Moody
Mrs. Jean Stafford
Ms. Debbie Funderburk
Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Moody
Mr. and Mrs. Draper Stanford
Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Gaines, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Lou Mullikin
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Stanley
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Gallion
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Murray
Mr. and Mrs. Al Steineker
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gallops
Mrs. Kay Newman
Dr. and Mrs. Allen Stern
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Gaylor
Mr. Jeff and Dr. Lynn Norman
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stover
Dr. and Mrs. John Geis
Mr. Erick Orellana and Ms. Rosanna Gensini
Mr. and Mrs. John Stowers
Mr. Jay Gilliland Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Gilliland Mr. and Mrs. Paul Griggs Mr. and Mrs. James D. Gunter Mr. Nelson Hall Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harris Mr. and Mrs. Lonny Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Scott Haven Ms. Judy Hayner Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hayner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Henry Judge and Mrs. Perry Hooper, Sr. Mr. Justin Housman Mr. and Mrs. Harold Howard Mr. and Mrs. Rick Howard Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Hubbard Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ippolito, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Jones Mrs. Gloria Jones Mr. and Mrs. Justin Jung Major and Mrs. Adam Kersey Mr. and Mrs. Hwanyong Kim Mr. and Mrs. Jin Kim Mr. and Mrs. Tae Ho Kim Mrs. Edith Lane Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Lee Mr. and Mrs. Mark Limbers Mr. David Long Mrs. Betty Lott Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Love LPL Financial (MGC) Mr. and Mrs. Keith Lucky Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Madison, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Madore Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Majors Lt. Col. and Mrs. Darrell Mann Mr. and Mrs. Roger Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mascolo Mr. and Mrs. Innes McIntyre, IV Mr. and Mrs. Jeff McIntyre
Mr. Bill Oswalt Dr. Amanda Ousley Mr. and Mrs. Ed Parish Mr. and Mrs. Frank Parquette Ms. Judy B. Pate Mr. Phillip Pelham Mr. and Mrs. Richard Phelps Ms. Samantha Pieper Mr. and Mrs. Junior Potts
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stults Mr. and Mrs. Chris Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Jake Sullivan Ms. Erika Tatum Lt. Col. and Mrs. Glenn Taylor Ms. Takenya Taylor Mr. Tim Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Jim Terry Mr. and Mrs. Charles Trexler
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Prim
TripAdvisor Matching Gift Program (MGC)
Mrs. Christy Pruitt-Haynes
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Trolinger, Sr.
Dr. and Mrs. James Rabon
Troy University/Air Force ROTC
Mr. and Mrs. Radney Ramsey
Mr. Jeremy Turner
Mr. Martin Register
Dr. and Mrs. Ian Turnipseed
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Reifenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Vigilant
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Richardson, Jr.
Volkert, Inc.
Ms. Renee Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Wadkins
Mr. and Mrs. Rod Ritter
Mr. and Mrs. Clark Waggoner
Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Rosone
Ms. Jackie Walker
Mr. and Mrs. David Rudd
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ward
Ms. Betty Ann Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Ward
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rutherford
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ward
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sadie
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Webb
Mr. and Mrs. Vijay Samant
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Weil
Mr. and Mrs. Art Samuels
Major and Mrs. Billy Whigham
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Saunders
Mr. and Mrs. Ray E. Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Don Seale
Mr. and Mrs. Russ Wilsford
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sewell
Mr. and Mrs. Justin Wilson
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sexton
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woodson
Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Sharp
Mrs. Jane Woodson
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Sharpe
Mr. and Mrs. Brandt Wright
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shepard
Dr. and Mrs. Martin Wybenga
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Sherlin
Mr. and Mrs. Sungwon Youn
Dr. and Mrs. Sheridan Shirley Mr. and Mrs. Ben Shoults Mr. and Mrs. Harry Simon Mr. and Mrs. Bill Simpson Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skelley Mr. and Mrs. Jim Skelley
Patron III ($99.00 and under) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Allen
Dr. and Mrs. Rex Forehand
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Martin
Mrs. Ann Sherman
Anonymous
Ms. June Garzon
Ms. Caroline Mathews
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Snider
Mr. Allen and Dr. Kelley Argenti
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Grate
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sommer
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Bass
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Greenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Mike McDowell
Mr. Jay Stubbs
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beavers
Mr. and Mrs. James Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Moncrief
Ms. Jean Therkelsen
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Berry
Mrs. Elizabeth Harber
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Moore
Mrs. Doris Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Boland
Mr. and Mrs. James Henderson
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Mullikin
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tsekouras
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Bostic
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hunt
Lt. Col. and Mrs. Drew Norman
Ms. Melba Turner
Mrs. Kellye J. Bowen
Mrs. Karen Jabour
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Olree
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy VanEgmond
Mr. and Mrs. John Bowlin
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Perry Otis
Mr. and Mrs. Hieu Vo
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Braswell
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Keene
General and Mrs. Allen Peck
Ms. Denise Walker
Dr. and Mrs. Frank Buckner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelley
Ms. Madeline Pendley
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells
Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Butterbaugh
Mrs. Mary King
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Perry
Ms. Rose White
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Chambless
Ms. Natalie King
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Phillips
Mr. Charlie Wilkerson
Ms. Kim Clenney
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kirkland
Ms. Sarah McElvy Plummer
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Clinton
Mr. and Mrs. Joey Latham
Lt. Col. and Lt. Col. Doug Pohlman
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Wise
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Copeland
Mrs. Kristy Keene Lytle
Mr. and Mrs. Jake Ray
Ms. Lis Donaldson
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Mann
Mr. and Mrs. Denny Rea
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dykema
Mr. and Mrs. Blake Markham
Mr. Lazaro Saavedra
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Echols
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Martin
Mrs. Lucinda Sanders
Mr. William Earl Byard
Mr. Jesse Ledbetter
Josie and Larry McLemore
Ms. Helen Steineker
Melba and Bill Richardson
Karen and Jay Keene
Melba and Bill Richardson
Cathy and Joel Pearson
Memorials Mr. Calvin W. Cherry, III Pat Cherry Mr. Clif Dixon
Kristy Keene Lytle Melba and Bill Richardson Jennie McConnell Stowers Mr. Philip Lutzenkirchen
Ms. Susan Mock Melba and Bill Richardson Mrs. Nellie Gray Parker
Melba and Bill Richardson Gillette and Crawford Slaton Mr. Harry (Bud) Sutter
Ann Markham
Debbie, Hanly and Wes Funderburk
Mrs. Voncile Redding
Joann and Ed Reifenberg
Josie and Larry McLemore
Debbie, Hanly and Wes Funderburk
Melba and Bill Richardson
Mr. Jay McCollum
Ms. Barbara Rowan Josie and Larry McLemore
Debbie, Hanly and Wes Funderburk
Mr. Stan Godwin
FUMC-The Pines Sunday School Class
Sharon and John Chambless
Mrs. Elizabeth McCurdy
Mr. Steven Steele
Mr. Donald Terry
JoAn and Steve Adams
Melba and Bill Richardson
Sharon, John and Maisey Chambless
Mrs. Gwen Windham
Joann and Ed Reifenberg Mrs. Nellie Faulkner Melba and Bill Richardson Mr. Steve Fox Melba and Bill Richardson
Debbie, Hanly and Wes Funderburk Josie and Larry McLemore Joann and Ed Reifenberg Melba and Bill Richardson Mr. Shawn Hughes Jennie McConnell Stowers Mr. John Walton Jenkins Hobbie and Leslie Dees
The Saint James School Family Mr. Logan Markham
Debbie, Hanly and Wes Funderburk Mrs. Dorothy McCracken
Debbie and Wes Funderburk
Melba and Bill Richardson
Josie and Larry McLemore
Mr. Henry McNeill Margaret and Randy McNeill Mr. Thomas Mercer Nancy and Bob Martin
Colleen Murphy Cathy Pearson Melba and Bill Richardson
Mr. David Swedenburg
Hobbie and Leslie Dees
Honorariums For Their Dedication to Saint James
Bill Furr
Cathy Pearson
Clare Simon and 5th Grade
Josie and Larry McLemore
Pam and Tom Sexton
Joann Reifenberg
Kylie Harmon Upon Her Graduation
Samantha Pieper and HS Girl’s Club
Cindy Somerville
Melba Richardson
Joann Reifenberg
Kim Hendrix
Sandra Polizos
Gini Majors
Josie and Larry McLemore
Josie and Larry McLemore
Colleen Murphy
Sabrina Hubbard
Virginia Register
Sandra Polizos
Emily Register
Hobbie Dees
Gini Majors
Melba Richardson
Josie and Larry McLemore
Pam and Tom Sexton
JoAn Adams Kellye Bowen Bill Furr Jay Gilliland Kim Hendrix
Becky Saunders Cindy Somerville Melba and Bill Richardson JoAn Adams Josie and Larry McLemore Jamie Fields, Kay McGaughey, Cindy Somerville and Y Club Joann Reifenberg
Sandi and Allen Stern Mary and Paul Miles Mary Anne and Dick Johnston Colleen Murphy Josie and Larry McLemore Emily Register Melba Turner
Lazaro Saavedra and Key Club Joann Reifenberg Becky Saunders Josie and Larry McLemore
Josie and Larry McLemore Laura Spivey and MS SGA Joann Reifenberg Sue Stanley Britt and Paul Griggs Al Steineker Pam and Tom Sexton Sandy and Randy Watson Melba and Bill Richardson Marti and Frank Woodson Jane Woodson
Carla Sewell Britt and Paul Griggs
Seniors Honored by Their K5 Buddy
K5 Honored by Their Senior Buddy
Coleman Adams
William Setzer
Ella Finklestein
J. B. Braswelll
Grayson Eaves
Miranda Grace Therkelsen
Slade Methvin
Jake Sharp
Abdullah Irfan
Ford Bass
Eli Sommer
Hayden Tan
Regan Riddle
Lacie Vette
Sophie Shoults
Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor
Abigail Greenberg
Kaiser Sabir
Jimmy Dickens
Grayson Eaves
Kane Davenport
Grandparent Honors Ms. Margo Baker
Mr. and Mrs. James Braye
Ms. Vicky Christie
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dunaway
Tony Amerson
Salena Bulls
Caroline and Wes Christie
Sarah Kate Newton
Colonel Don Brewer
Col. and Mrs. Ralph Clemens
Mr. and Mrs. John Dykema
Hayden Cavanaugh
Lucy, Mason and Sam Edwards
Tucker Byrd
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brown
Mr. Henry Cobb
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Edwards
Ben and Henry Olree
Katie Cobb
Lucy, Mason and Sam Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Winton Bush
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Coggin
Brooks and Brunson Bacheler
Maggie and Zane Harris
Bennett and Mae Morgan Blankenship
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Capilouto
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Copeland
Eli and Gracie Sommer
Catherine and Sarah Claire Loeb
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Borden
Mr. Chester Carr
Mrs. Betty Cramer
Borden Cater
Kayla Carr
Sydney Cramer
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Brantley
Mrs. Pat Cherry
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Dees
Maddox Trumbly
Amanda and Wes Cherry
Bailey and Brely Dees
Marley Beard Col. and Mrs. Broni Baranowski Bailey Woods Mr. and Mrs. Steve Berry Caleb Russell Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Blankenship
Nate and Virginia Meacham Mr. and Mrs. Al Elebash Gage and Ways Holloway Dr. and Mrs. Robert Engles Abbey, Brooke and Lindsey Engles Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fain Grayson Morgan
Grandparent Honors (Continued) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fields
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Lee
Mr. and Mrs. Denny Rea
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stover
Catherine and Sarah Claire Loeb
Will Lee
Clint Thames
Abigail Dismuke
Miller Waid
Ms. Therese Ford
Mrs. Betty Lott
Carter and Miles Hinton
Jake Maddox
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Richardson
Braxton and Wynston Redden
Dr. and Mrs. Rex Forehand
Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Madore
Mayor and Mrs. Todd Strange
Kathleen Wright
Mitchell and Spencer Madore
Bea, Camilla and Susannah Richardson
Mrs. Cam Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Mann
Channy, Duncan and Mason Blackwell
Quinton Mann
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Galassini Jack and Sophia Caradori Ms. Judy Hayner Frankie and Giovanni Hayner Mr. and Mrs. Shirald Hendrix Annie Skoneki Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Adeline and Parker Henry Mr. and Mrs. Harold Howard Carson and Jackson Howard Mr. and Mrs. Dean Irving Katie Irving Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Jones Nathan Baxter Mrs. Gloria Jones Kevin Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kennedy Hoke and Will Brantley
Mrs. Linda Hartson Marshall Logan Hartson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mascolo Sumner Brown Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McDonald Joseph and Virginia Morris Mr. and Mrs. Todd Meadows Hayden and Taylor Meadows Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller, Sr. Carter Miller Mr. and Mrs. Ed Montoya Hayden Ward Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Moody Knox Moody Dr. and Mrs. Herman Noe Noah Cox Mr. Jeff and Dr. Lynn Norman Braylen, Kaylin and Makenzie Corley
Mrs. Mary King
Mr. Bill Oswalt
Robby Bradford
Caton Oswalt
Mrs. Marian Kent
Ms. Judy Pate
Colton Alter
Anna and Emma Colson
Emily, Olivia, and Whitman Kent Mrs. Edith Lane
Mr. Phillip Pelham Walker Wise
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Richardson Will Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Rockman Kira Butterbaugh Ethan and Grant Darwin Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Rosone Frankie and Giovanni Hayner Ms. Betty Ann Russell Gracie and Zac Russell Mr. and Mrs. Vijay Samant Tara Samant Mr. and Mrs. Art Samuels Emma Williams Mr. and Mrs. Bill Scott Taylor Oswalt Mr. and Mrs. Don Seale Addison and Jacob Seale Dr. and Mrs. Sheridan Shirley Morgan Elizabeth Maulden Mr. and Mrs. Jim Skelley Della and Warren Walker Skelley Mr. and Mrs. Ron Skoneki Annie Skoneki Mrs. Jean Stafford Will Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Al Steineker Hanan Miller Mrs. Helen Stewart
Andrew and Mackenzie Mullikin
Jay Spivey
Gifts in Kind AG Lighting/Jill Garmon
Mr. James Dickens
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Shoults
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Allen
Dr. and Mrs. John Geis
Mr. and Mrs. Fajie Sun
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Whit Joyner
Walker 360
Cake Designs
The King’s Table/Al Steineker
Ms. Denise Walker
Cohens Electronics and Appliances
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Naftel
Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Ward
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pritchett
Mr. John and Dr. Lisa Williams
Mrs. Christy Pruitt-Haynes
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woodson
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Colson Dr. and Mrs. Shane Cunningham
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Savage
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stults
Emilee and Sara Arrington Jack and Sara Turner Burt Jordan Crumpton Mr. and Mrs. Jay Stubbs Matt and Tyler Mardis Ricky Seeber Mrs. Doris Thomas Cole Nelson Dr. and Mrs. Mark Thomas Grace Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Ben Trolinger Adam and Andrew Trolinger Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Wadkins Gabe and Luke Robbins Ms. Jackie Walker Chase Walker Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Ward Jaxon Mason Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ward Hayden Ward Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells Michael and William Fritz Mr. Charlie Wilkerson Ellie Kate and Mason Wilkerson Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Williams Cole Williams Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wright Caroline Wright Kathleen Wright
Giving for CONTINUED EXCELLENCE
A Legacy of Excellence Your gifts of Undesignated Funds to GCE empower Saint James School to offer students new opportunities and to take our exceptional programs to even higher levels. With every gift you give, our students are given the tools they need to continue the legacy of excellence Saint James has created over the past 59 years.
2013-2014 Annual Fund: $257,916.50 Designated Gifts $122,480.56 (48%)
In recent years, your Undesignated Gifts have funded advancements in technology school-wide, our science labs, across our academic programs, needed equipment and support for our band as well as our visual and performing arts programs and athletic teams. Building on the momentum of recent progress, our work together continues.
THE
SAVE DATE FALL FESTIVAL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST GAMES, FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Endowment $6,281.09 (2%) Gifts in Kind $17,388.35 (7%) Undesignated Gifts $111,766.50 (43%)
HOMECOMING
2014
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH THE CLASSES OF 1974, 1984, 1994 AND 2004 WILL KICK OFF THEIR REUNIONS AT THE ALUMNI BBQ BEFORE THE GAME!
OH, WHAT
A DAY!
C
APPLE INC. HONORS STJ
omputer giant Apple, Inc. presented its prestigious Apple Distinguished School award to Saint James, in a school-wide ceremony in late January. Mayor Todd Strange, the Saint James Board of Directors and other prominent guests were on hand for the happy occasion. “Of the many schools that I work with that are Apple Distinguished Schools, Saint James School is among the very top,” said Apple’s Adair Caperton in presenting the company accolade. As an Apple Distinguished School Saint James joins a select class of American institutions recognized by the computer giant as exemplary learning environments displaying high levels of innovation, leadership and educational excellence. “This distinction is the result of long hours, weeks, and even years of planning to create a technology model that complements and supports our already engaging curriculum,” said Head of School Melba Richardson. “The most up-to-date technology tools are integrated into our curriculum, across all grade levels, K-12. The tools have changed the classroom dynamic, making learning a more student-centered and student-driven activity. We know we’re preparing our graduates for success in college, and in life.“
technology has impacted learning at Saint James. Original music composed in the school’s iMac Music Lab and a special "live" art presentation by middle school's Emily Kent were also integrated into the program. The video segments and music used are elements of an iBook created by the school as their application for the Apple Distinguished School honor. (To see online video of the awards ceremony, go to http://tinyurl.com/STJApple.) Fewer than 200 schools across the nation have received the title of Apple Distinguished School, an accolade designated for public and private schools and universities meeting strict criteria. To receive the honor a school must demonstrate visionary leadership, an infrastructure that supports an Apple learning environment, engaging teaching and learning methods, one-to-one computer access, ongoing professional development for instructors, and established systems to routinely collect qualitative data confirming success of the school’s academic programs. Development of Saint James School’s 21st Century Learning Initiative began in 2010, starting with a year of nation-wide research and planning by administrators to determine the best technology path for the school to pursue.
Short video clips from students and teachers provided a variety of perspectives on how the innovative
Fewer than 200 schools nationwide have received the Apple Distinguished School honor, given only to schools displaying high levels of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.
COLUMNS SUMMER 2014
14
MAKING A DIFFERENCE PAY “W ” IT FORWARD
By Meagan Ashner ‘14
HEN ETHAN WHITTINGTON FOUND OUT THAT A HOMELESS MAN IN BOSTON DISCOVERED MORE THAN $42,000 IN CASH AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED IN THE MONEY TO POLICE—RATHER THAN KEEPING IT FOR HIMSELF—HE DECIDED IT WAS ONLY RIGHT TO REWARD THE MAN.
–Boston Magazine
The story of Boston’s “Good Samaritan,”–who discovered and turned in a backpack he’d found containing $42,000 in cash and traveler’s checks– was as incredible as the sum of money he meritoriously turned in to authorities. Like wildfire, word of Glen James’ moral action spread throughout the country in September 2013. Media outlets from the Boston Globe to ABC News, and even the Today show carried stories about the event. The internet, too, was ablaze with news of the homeless man’s good deed.
“ I
T SAYS A LOT ABOUT HUMANS WHEN WE COME TOGETHER TO HELP ONE INDIVIDUAL.
”
Ethan Whittington–a 2003 STJ alum and now a Richmond, Virginia marketer–heard the story and was touched. Deeply. “When people come across stories like that, it makes them feel good. It makes them want to help out. It reassures them there’s still hope and good people in the world. He [Glen James] didn’t have anything to his name... or a place to stay...or clothes, and he did the right thing. Finding that amount of money is just amazing. Instead of benefitting himself he thought about the good of others.” Within a few days Whittington says the idea to crowdsource a fund to help James began to take shape in his mind. Determined to reward the Boston hero for his remarkable act, Whittington
turned to GoFundMe.com, a popular website used to raise money for individuals or organizations. Although he’d never used the site before, Whittington quickly set up an account for James. Using his own cell phone and the internet, Whittington spread the word to friends and family, asking they donate to the worthy cause in hopes of raising at least a “…couple hundred dollars for Glen.” To Whittington’s surprise, the donations began to quickly pour in, bolstered by the internet frenzy and media fascination with James’ story. That’s when the 28-year-old realized the fund was going to far exceed his initial expectations. In less than a week, the fund Whittington created had reached almost $150,000. Bombarded by the media, some reports applauded Whittington’s effort while others began questioning the idea of giving a large sum of money to such a financially inexperienced man. Undeterred by the reports, Whittington continued to do everything he could to help James. “There was an overwhelming amount of support coming out of the Boston area,” Whittington said. “I contacted a financial planner and my older brother (Birmingham financial planner Kyle
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Whittington, ’01) helped me too. We also got in touch with Home At Last, a small organization that assists Boston area individuals to move out of poverty. They helped me contact a social worker so we could set up the distribution, and I found a lawyer to help.” “We were scared Glen would donate all the money to the Boston homeless shelter, so we had to reassure him it was okay to keep the money for himself," Whittington said. "We set up a trust fund and he gets the money in small increments.” While he has been involved in charitable work before, Whittington is quick to point out he is not a full-time philanthropist though he does like to help others when he has the opportunity. “I’ve fed some folks in Richmond, and done stuff through my church. In Montgomery I went on mission trips with Frazer Church and I did the required community service at STJ, through volunteer projects and interpersonal development class. Several teachers helped me with service projects throughout high and middle school.” One of Whittington’s STJ teachers, Cindy Somerville, was thrilled with his involvement in the Glen James story, particularly seeing that her former student was still giving back to others. “At school we’ve always
held service days, teaching students there are people less fortunate than you and that paying it forward and doing for others makes you feel better. But this really caught my attention. Ethan did something for someone that he’d just heard about. He not only raised money for the man but made sure that the man was treated right. I really respect him for that.” And how does Whittington himself look back on his center-stage involvement in the much-publicized Glen James story? “I can’t thank the people who donated enough. It says a lot about humans when we come together to help one individual. There’s a whole lot more that can be done. If we can help this one guy out we can help others. Basically, my faith in humanity has been restored.”
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TALLY
TROJAN
CCC TOURNAMENT CHAMPS Junior Varsity Volleyball and Middle School Volleyball teams competed in and won their respective 2013 Capital City Conference titles. Shown: the STJ Junior Varsity team, with Coach Geoff Waring, celebrating its success after the competition.
DOUBLE THE FUN! The Varsity Boys and Girls teams both won State Runner-up trophies at the 4A AHSAA Tennis Tournament in Decatur in April. The girls secured their team's first State Runner-up title, while the STJ boys brought home their third team Runner-up title in as many years. The boys competed against ten Alabama high school teams. Mason Blackwell (Line 1 Singles) and Aaron Skier (Line 3 Singles) were both awarded individual State Championship titles. Channy Blackwell and Aaron Skier (Line 3 Doubles) were also awarded a State Championship title.
“We will miss him terribly” In June, the entire Saint James School family mourned the tragic death of former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen, who had been helping coach Trojan tight ends and fullbacks on a volunteer basis during the spring and summer. While at Auburn, Lutzenkirchen was the top scoring tight end in the program’s history, playing from 2009-12. In remembering him Head of School Melba Richardson said, “Our football players are better people because of Phil Lutzenkirchen. We looked forward to him coaching with our coaches this fall. He loved being a part of the Saint James family and we will miss him terribly.” (Lutzenkirchen, right, with STJ Head Football Coach Jimmy Perry.)
RECORD HOLDER AND STATE CHAMPION
The varsity girls competed against the same Alabama high school teams as the boys to claim their title. The doubles team of Cassie Sadie & Clayton Waring (Line 2 Doubles) were awarded an individual State Championship title.
Rachel Yergensen, a 201314 junior, participated in her first Alabama State Track and Field Tournament i n M a y, w i n n i n g t h r e e medals, including a State Championship in the 4A 3200 meter run. Yergensen’s 11:16:06 run in that event broke the existing state record by 16 seconds.
In late June Trojan Tight End Jalen Harris announced he’d play for the Auburn Tigers after he graduates from STJ in 2015. WSFA-TV in Montgomery carried the announcement live. In addition to Auburn, the 6'5", 237 pounder also had offers from a variety of top notch Division 1 programs, such as Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, Miami, Vanderbilt, and Nebraska. Harris is the second STJ player in three years to be courted by Division 1 schools.
V
A WINNING SEASON!
Photo by Amanda Sowards
HARRIS TO PLAY FOR AUBURN
After a strong regular season, STJ’s Varsity Golf team, coached by Aubrey Blackwell, advanced to the State Championship Tournament in May, finishing Third overall. Junior Wells Hooper finished Second in the individual rankings in the event held on the Robert Trent Jones course at Capitol Hill. Prior to their State Championship outing, the Varsity Golf had a series of very significant wins, including: the South Section 1 Tournament, with Wells Hooper, (shooting a 67) named the medalist; the Second Round of the post-season, hosted by STJ at Lagoon Park, where Walker Carr medaled with a 71; and the Capitol City Conference Tournament, where STJ’s top four players finished First, Second, Third and Fourth. Coach Aubrey Blackwell says the Varsity team will be returning seven of its eight team members in 2015. “With Guntersville moving to 5A and UMS Wright graduating three of its top five players, Saint James will enter the 2015 season as the favorite to win the 4A title.”
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BOYS, GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER HIT THE MARK IN “SOUTHERN SHOOTOUT”
Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer teams both won the 2014 Southern Shootout Elite Flight Soccer Tournaments in February, marking the first STJ Girls shootout win since the team began participating in 2011.
JUMPING FOR JOY! STJ equestrian Jordan Crumpton advanced to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s Zone Finals in Savannah, Georgia in April, an impressive accomplishment for a team only two years old. The STJ Jumpers are the only schoolsponsored team in the entire state.
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TROJAN TALLY
BOYS BASKETBALL The Boys Varsity team advanced to sub-regionals, finishing with their best record in 10 years (17-9). Jaylen McCoy was named to the Montgomery Advertiser’s First team All-Metro and also received Honorable Mention, All-State. Coach Nigel Card says the team is poised to win the Area in 2014-15 and advance to the State Playoffs.
GIRLS BASKETBALL The Varsity Lady Trojans finished the season with an 18-10 record advancing to out of area play for the twelfth time in the last 13 years. The Lady Trojans placed second in the CCC tournament, and had big wins against top ranked Montgomery Academy and Trinity. With six players returning, Coach Katie Barton says the team seeks leadership from its seniors. The JV team won the CCC tournament, besting MA 35-30 in the championship game.
CHEER At Universal Cheer Camp in June the Varsity team won First Place in Extreme Routine, Second Place, Overall, and Third Place in both the Cheer and Game Day competitions. The varsity team also received the top “banana,” an award Saint James has never received. Alexandria Ray, coach for both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, said the JV also had excellent results at the competition, winning First Place in Extreme Routine, Game Day competition, and First Place, Overall, as well as Second Place in Cheer.
BASEBALL "Though the 2014 team was very young, they advanced to the state playoffs," says Coach Keith Lucky. "The team battled hard," he added. "I can't wait to see how they do moving forward."
FOOTBALL Frank Moody set the all time single season rushing record for STJ. Tight end Jalen Harris was courted by major college teams across the country, before he announced his intentions to play for AU after graduation in 2015. Coach Jimmy Perry says the 2014 Trojan football team will be in the hunt for the state championship.
GOLF Advertiser All-Metro Golfer of the Year, Wells Hooper, was also named to the all-tournament teams for the Azalea City Classic, the Joe King Memorial, and the Blue-Gray Tournament.
SOFTBALL Ranked Third in the Area, there are high expectations for the STJ team in 2015. “The team lost only two seniors, who admittedly leave big shoes to fill,” says Coach Heather Chinoski, adding, “There is wonderful talent to fill these spots.”
BOYS TENNIS Mason Blackwell, a 2014 sophomore who went undefeated in 14 singles matches in 2014, was named the Montgomery Advertiser’s All-Metro Player of the Year for the second straight year.
TRACK & FIELD Rachael Yergensen was named the All-Metro Girls track & Field Athlete of the Year by the Montgomery Advertiser in June. In addition to winning the Class 4A championship in the 3200, she won silver in the 1600 and bronze in the 800.
TROJANETTES POM SQUAD The Trojanettes, a new, spirited STJ dance team, competed in Auburn in June, receiving a blue ribbon for their home routine.
State Wrestling Runner-Up STJ’s wrestling team was named the 1-4A State Runnerup in Feb. at the state meet in Montgomery, with Austin Johnson (108 pounds) and Stephen Kwan (140 pounds) achieving State Champion titles in individual events.
alumni
[notes]
1975
1980
Alan Levy lives in Asheville, NC in a home in the country where he enjoys watching the seasons evolve in the North Carolina Mountains. The owner of Gentlemen’s Gallery and Principessa, clothing boutiques for men and women, he said that “Life is good! Need I say more?” Alan and his son Ariel, now in college, share time together by attending movies, watching Alabama football, hiking and scuba diving. He maintains close relationships with two of his younger brothers, Bill and Bob, both Saint James graduates. Alan is active in the Big Brother Big Sisters organization where he volunteers as a mentor and serves on the board.
Vaughn Gallacher lives in Grapevine, TN and just retired from the Department of Defense after 28+ years. He and his wife, Jena, are looking forward to enjoying retired life to the fullest by traveling and scuba diving the world with their daughter. Vaughn also anticipates completing his Ph.D. and adding to his vintage guitar and amp collection.
1977 Rick Dole lives in Saint Augustine, FL and owns his own photography business. He and his wife of 25 years have four beautiful daughters. Rick travels throughout the United States and world photographing auto racing and sporting events for a wide variety of corporate and editorial clients. His work has taken him to Beijing for the Summer Olympics, Paris for the French Open tennis tournament, the rainforests of Brazil, the high rise and modern skylines of Dubai and Shanghai, and virtually every place in between. Rick said he is fortunate to have a career that he is still passionate about and that every assignment is different and provides him the opportunity to work with creative and interesting people.
1979 Steven Kean has worked for the city of Tyler, TX for almost 25 years, and currently serves as Deputy City Attorney. Steve serves on the City of Tyler Firemen’s Pension Board and is primarily responsible for Planning & Zoning, Engineering, Airport, Transit and Public Information Requests. A graduate of Tyler’s Leadership Academy Program and the Tyler Apprentice Program, he was on the original City University Board of Regents, and is a past recipient of the City of Tyler’s Blueprint Award of Excellence and the Texas City Attorney’s Association Galen Sparks Award for Outstanding Public Service. Rob Pinkston lives in Montgomery and is in management for Kyser Office Works. Most of Rob’s weekends are devoted to volunteering for the Scouts. He recently accompanied the Venture Crew, which he helped start on Maxwell AFB, to the Boy Scouts of America Sea Base in the Florida Keys for a high activity adventure. Rob is also very proud of his own “boy,” Robby who is 24. Rev. Cameron Reeder lives in Decatur, AL and is married to fellow alum, Sherry (Hicks) ’81. Sherry is the office manager at First Christian Church and Cameron splits his time between his pastoral ministry and his sales duties at Acme Brick Company. His evangelistic ministry, Give Me A Sign, takes him around the United States to music festivals, Talladega and college football games to share the gospel. They are blessed with two children, son Christian and daughter Phoenix. Phoenix married this past June. Twyla (Phelps) Williams, a substitute teacher in Dothan City Schools for over 15 years, just finished working for “Yes We Can! Dothan,” an education movement, in which she has passionately served since its inception five years ago. She and her husband Mike have been married for more than 30 years and they have two grown children, Ryan and Haley. Haley was an assistant middle school girl’s basketball coach at Saint James last season.
Richard Norris is the Chief Operating Officer for Oncology Hematology Associates in Newburgh, IN. He and his wife, Tina, have two boys Christopher and Craig. Thomas Steiner and his family recently left the cool air of Delaware to move to Bay St. Louis, MS. Thomas accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer with Hancock Medical Center, a part of the Ochsner Health System. His wife Joscelin is a teacher at Coast Episcopal School. Joining Thomas and Joscelin in this transition are their three boys, Camp, Will and James.
1981 Scott Godwin and his wife Vicki live in Wetumpka with their two children Dominic and Dylon. Scott is employed by McKean & Associates, Architects as project manager.
John Carroll is the Director of U.S. Sales for Assa Abloy in Coppell, TX. Assa Abloy is headquartered in Sweden, with global operations in more than 70 Countries. They are the largest global supplier of intelligent lock and security solutions. One in every ten lock and security installations worldwide uses their product. John’s wife, Anne is the CFO for Enginetech. Their daughter, Beth Anne just completed her senior year of college and their son Jay completed his freshman year.
1983 Dawn (Lindsey) McCord teaches in the Auburn City School system. She has three children: Brantley is in college, Maxwell just graduated high school and Emily-Anne will be a junior in high school this coming year.
1984 Cathy (Wiggins) Little is a legal clerk for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Her husband Eric works for the Montgomery County Commission in the engineering department. They have two children, Jess and Sarah.
Major General Edwin Wilson has been in the US Air force for 33+ years and is currently Director of Space Operations. He has been working space and cyber missions his entire career, but said that the best part of his job continues to be impacting young Airmen and their families in a positive way! He and his wife Lisa have been married for more than 28 years and have lived in the Washington, DC area for three years. Their daughter, Jordan, will soon be leaving to attend Biola University, a Christian liberal arts school outside of Los Angeles to major in Art. Their oldest, Burke, has just completed the application/interview process and is waiting to see if he’ll become a State Trooper in Colorado. While Ed and Lisa enjoy having kids around the house, they are excited to see what being empty-nesters will be like.
1982 Norm Baker has had an internal job change within his company, McKesson, and his new position allows him to work from home. With wife Betsy working from home too, he says they could live anywhere in the world they wanted! So they promptly put their Johns Creek, GA home on the market. Their family put several years of traffic jams and high property taxes in their rearview mirror and settled in Troy, AL. Norm and Betsy live in a close-knit neighborhood, convenient to Troy University and they frequently gather with neighbors on game days to tailgate and watch games. Daughter Chelsea is getting married this summer, and son Rhodes is very active in sports and Norm helps coach his teams. Jef frey Brenner is Vice President for Business Development for Pelucida Glass. He and Joe Dumas also own Stone Boat Farm, a Bed and Breakfast in Jamaica, VT. (www.stoneboatfarm.com) that sits on more than 40 acres in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Located only a few miles from Stratton Mountain Resort and surrounded by multiple other mountains, their location is perfect for winter sports, hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
Mark Moody (‘94, parent of son Knox, incoming K5) and Michael Gallops (‘00) were elected as Alumni members of the Saint James School Board of Directors in the spring. As former students, Moody and Gallops will provide a valuable perspective to Board members.
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Class of... 1985 Richard Hare has been married for 20 wonderful years to his wife, Charlotte, and they have two girls, ages 10 and 14. Richard is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Carmike Cinemas and has successfully lead multiple capital transactions and played an integral role in the company’s balance sheet improvements, leverage reduction as well as its current growth/acquisition. He is excited that Carmike is opening a new theater in east Montgomery. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Richard serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the River Center for the Performing Arts. Richard holds an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University and B.S. in Accountancy from Auburn University. He is also a CPA and an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Kelly McGehee works as the Sales Manager for Corporate Business Solutions for AT&T. He and his wife Pam live in Madison, MS with their three children Tae’, Parker and Clayton.
1988 Ben Freeman is manager for Sabel Steel Service in Dothan. His wife Michelle is a physician with Dothan Pediatrics Clinic. They are the proud parents of two high school daughters, Mary Lynn and Anna Beth. Anita (Hollon) Rowland recently returned from a one year mission trip to Thailand with her husband and three boys. They are now home in Kent, AL trying to reestablish themselves. Anita is a stay at home mom, homeschooling their youngest son. They are planning to enter the mission field full time sometime in the near future and are currently raising support and setting up their ministry.
1989
1986 Jody Ortega and his wife Trixie live in Birmingham, AL with their three children, Sullivan, Cooper and Andrew. Jody is a physician with Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Last year Jody was gracious to share his medical experience with the Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine PreCollege Elective class from Saint James.
1987 Jacqueline Pratt Austin-Trucks resides in Mountain Brook, AL and is an attorney with her mother, Jacqueline Austin, whose office is still in Wetumpka. Pratt and her husband, Christopher Cole, have two children, Turner, 6th grade and Smith, 1st grade. Pratt remains active in charitable organizations in the Birmingham area, co-chairing the Hope Gala for the American Cancer Society in 2013 and 2014 and serving as a member of the American Heart Association’s Heart Guild Board and as a member of the Children’s Art Guild. Kiersten (Wilbanks) Caballero loves living, teaching and relaxing in Texas. She is an ESL Pre-K Teacher for the Spring Branch Independent School District and her husband Al is an oil and gas pipeline designer. They have two daughters, Kayla and Caroline. Kiersten and Al have been traveling this summer, and enjoying attending educational workshops that will continue to enhance her teaching career.
1991 Janet Chambless spent thirteen years in Chicago working for Coca-Cola and L’Oreal. Last December she moved back to Alabama and is so happy to be back in the South! Janet lives in Birmingham and is the Marketing Manager at Red Diamond, managing the company’s wholesale distribution business in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Janet said she hopes to attend plenty of Saint James events now that she is so much closer geographically. Kathryn (Elam) Dorlon is the Director of Membership and Ministry at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham. She and her husband Todd have two children, Coleman and John Wilson. Todd works for TMD landscape Designs, LLC as the owner/designer. Nicole (Freeman) Miller is the Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama. Nicole and her husband Mickey live in Birmingham with her two children, Cole and Patrick.
Todd Johnson (TJ) is VP of Sales for Palomar Insurance in Montgomery and sells commercial insurance for businesses around the Southeast. He and his wife Beth have been married for 19 years. Their two children, Wesley and Maddie are active in sports, primarily rodeo. Todd says he may have graduated from Saint James in 1985 but he started in kindergarten at Saint James on Court Street! April (Hager) Jones works for Goodwin Brothers, Inc. in Montgomery as a sales consultant /account representative for the restaurant equipment and supply business. Her daughter, Martha-Claire graduated from Saint James in 2009.
Stacie (Meehan) Vande Wetering is the executive chef at The Lakewood Golf and Country Club at the Grand Marriott Hotel and Spa in Fairhope, AL. She also owns her own catering company, Cheffy by the Bay. Her husband Glen is a machinist for Standard Furniture Company. Stacie has two fabulous step-children and adores living on the Eastern Shore, where, in her spare time, she is an avid glassblower.
1992
Leslie Claybrook is the assistant commissioner of the South Eastern Conference. She was honored as the Trojans’ all-time leading basketball scorer and rebounder on Jan. 31, in between the school’s Boys and Girls victorious varsity matchups against Trinity. Leslie was named Miss Basketball in 1989; the event marked the 25th anniversary of her title. After leaving Saint James, Leslie continued her on-court career, playing for four years at the University of Alabama. She is the only Montgomerian to be named Miss Basketball. The school retired Leslie’s No. 44 jersey, giving her an additional distinction as the only woman to achieve that honor. Shown: (l) STJ Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Katie Barton, Leslie’s husband Perry Robinson, Leslie with daughter Lillian, and Head of School Melba Richardson. Valerie (DiMaggio) Shonts loves living in Michigan! Her husband, Eric, is the lead engineering project manager for Continental Corp. She said that this is her first and only marriage to a Christ-loving widower and husband. They have four “beautiful blessings.” Valerie said that they “love the beauty of Michigan, love our family, church family, snowboarding, skiing, traveling and ALL sports.” She welcomes her classmates to visit anytime in the Great Lakes state!
1990 Arch Lee lives in Montgomery with his wife Charlsi and their four children, McDowell, 13 and the 10-year-old triplets, Arch, McKay and lone daughter Anne Layton. Arch is in governmental affairs with Arch Lee & Associates and also serves as a Montgomery City Councilman. His wife Charlsi is executive assistant for Senator Billy Beasley.
Jay Berry is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. His wife Sarah is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. They have three children, Brian, almost 2, Josh, 5 and Griffin, 8. Foster Dickson teaches creative writing at Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery. When he is not teaching or grading papers he spends time toting his children to ballet practice or soccer games. He and his wife Vicki are “on the go” with their children Jehle and Henry. Lynn Watson published her first novel, A River So Long, in 2012 and is currently working on her second novel while teaching creative writing at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. In her spare time Dr. Watson is working on her hot air balloon pilot’s license. Maria (Huffstetter) Wiggins is the owner/photographer for Lola Photography and Portrait Studio in Montgomery. Her husband Clay is the owner/IT systems engineer for The Rosewood Group and also owns Nebulous Vapors. They have two children, Breanna (who graduated from Saint James this past May) and son Gabe who will be a Saint James junior this year.
1993 Susan (Pirtle) Johnson and husband Brad are both nurse anesthetists at Premier Anesthesia in Montgomery. Their two children, Jenny and Jesse are both Saint James students. Last October, Jesse served as crown bearer to the Saint James Homecoming Queen! Dan Mangis has had Foreign Service postings in Mexico, Sweden, Iraq and Spain. Dr. Mangis started a two year assignment as the Senior France Desk Officer at the U.S. State Department headquarters in Washington, D.C. this summer. He now deeply regrets not taking French while at Saint James. He and his wife, Susan, welcomed their baby girl, Lucia, into their family in 2013.
alumni 1994 Josh Jenkins lives in Birmingham and is an Application Specialist for EMD Millipore. Keeping it in the family, his wife Brooke is an Account Manager at the same company. EMD Millipore is a $13 billion company that manufactures everything from liquid crystals to pharmaceuticals. Josh’s division makes water purification systems for laboratory use and he sells them to research labs, biotech, and clinical labs. Corey Ziemniak is a freelance film and TV editor in Los Angeles, CA. He earned an MFA in Film and Television production from the University of Southern California in 2005 and has been working in LA as an editor since 2006. Corey is currently in his third year editing the NBC series “American Ninja Warrior,” and has previously worked on shows such as “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” as well as the hair-raising “My Cat from Hell.”
1995 Jan Loeb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and specializes in working with children and adolescents. She has her own practice where she works mostly with teens in Bath, ME and the surrounding areas. In addition, Jan also is the school counselor for Chewonki Semester School and provides clinical counseling services for other parts of Chewonki’s organization. “I miss being connected to Saint James. My time there (1st-12th) was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today.” Alice (Barganier) McCollum owns and operates Mellow Mushroom Pizza. She and her children, Ware and Lawton make their home in Montgomery.
1996 Jonathan Carr and his wife Kirsten joyfully announce the birth of their first child, son Jackson, born January 2014. Jonathan is an attorney for Quinn Emanuel LLP and Kirsten is the program director for the Council of Chief State School Officers. Their family resides in Washington, D.C. Ryan Chapman received a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in May. Ryan performed lead trumpet on a special recording, which was released in February and included on a PBS show that also featured Grammy winning artists Chick Corea, Terence Blanchard, and Bobby McFerrin. Ryan has also played trumpet on projects with George Benson, Kevin Spacey, Steve Miller, Frankie Valli, Arturo Sandoval, James Torme, Renee Olstead, and Monica Mancini, among others. He won a soloist award at the Next Generation Jazz Festival in February and will be performing with the Frost School of Music Concert Jazz Band at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September. Ryan lives in Miami (with his wife Lena) and freelances as a trumpet player. James Dickens is a real estate attorney and partner with Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A. in Montgomery. His two children Elizabeth and Jimmy just finished 3rd grade and K5 respectively at Saint James. James just completed his sixth and final year on the Saint James Board of Directors.
Meredith Hitch attended the University of the South on the Captain William Baldwin scholarship. She played varsity volleyball all four years and graduated in 2000 with a B.S. in Biology and a Religion minor. From there, Meredith headed to Grenada, West Indies where she attended St. George’s University School of Medicine. She conducted her Pediatric Residency in Louisville,, KY at Kosair Children’s Hospital and Pediatric GI Fellowship in St. Louis, Missouri at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In 2011, Dr. Hitch returned to Alabama to work at Children’s of Alabama in the division of Pediatric Gastroenterology. Leigh Kennedy was selected to be an instructor/trainer at the U.S. Army National Training Center (NTC) in Ft. Irwin, CA. NTC validates units before they deploy overseas. NTC simulates a real world deployed environment with an actual opposition force to help units develop and implement techniques to defeat a conventional threat in preparation for deployment. Leigh and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Maggie Rose. Matt Lawrence lives in Greenville, SC and works for Fortis Riders. He and his wife Stephanie, have three children.
1997 Gwendolyn (Majors) Beslow and husband Brian live in Morristown, NJ. Gwendolyn founded her own staffing company and works with companies nationally to help with their hiring needs. Brian is the CFO of Velocity Diagnostics. In April of 2013 they welcomed their twin boys, Jason and Wolf.
Alexandra Martin graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Masters Degree in Social Work in August 2013. She is now a medical social worker for the Emergency Department at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL and the Oncology/Infectious Disease Unit at Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital in LaGrange, IL. In August 2014 Alexandra will marry Jeffrey Colaianni, a Chicago consultant and they will reside in Chicagoland. Marta (McLellan) Ross along with her husband Robert and daughter Maggie relocated to Tokyo, Japan this past January. Robert was detailed by his Washington, D.C. law firm to work for Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. for the next two years. Marta will be starting a fellowship with the Council on Foreign Relations, a policy think tank based in New York and D.C. After more than four years of working in the U.S. Senate as a defense and foreign policy adviser, Marta will be focusing her research on the U.S.-Japan security alliance, and studying the current political debates in Japan and their effect on the alliance and security in Northeast Asia. In addition, Robert, Marta and their daughter Maggie are looking forward to the arrival of the newest addition to their family this August.
1999
Carmel Reid works in hospitality for the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC. Her husband, Nicolo D’Angelo is the Culinary Director for Mountain Fresh Grocery.
Emily (Faulkner) Boles graduated from Samford University and then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and their extension center in Birmingham. She received her Master of Arts in Christian Education and is putting that degree to good use as Director of Children’s Ministries at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham. Emily and her husband welcomed their little girl, Catherine “Eley” Boles in 2011.
Erin (Capilouto) Sommer can be seen at Saint James frequently. She and her husband Bob have two STJ students, Gracie an upcoming 3rd grader and Eli an upcoming 1st grader. Erin works as an account executive for Merchant e-solutions and Bob is the owner/manager of Sommer’s Place Restaurant.
Alyssa (Noles) Daniels practices law in Birmingham with Cory, Watson, Crowder and DeGaris. Her practice focuses on product liability and personal injury litigation. Her husband, Stephen, is with Regions Investment Management as an equity analyst. Alyssa and Stephen welcomed their pride and joy, James William (Will) Daniels, in January 2013.
Jessica (Russell) Sparks graduated from Ole Miss in 2001. She lived in Washington, D.C. for over six years working as a communications consultant. After deciding “life in a cubicle” wasn’t for her, Jessica moved back to Alabama to attend nursing school at UAB, graduating this past April with a dual MSN nurse practitioner concentration in AdultGerontology Primary Care and Women’s Health. She is working in Infusion Therapy at UAB as a chemo nurse while looking for NP jobs in Birmingham. She and husband Will have been married since October 2012. Will is the Assistant VP for Operations and Technology for Regions Inc.
Jorden Hill is pursuing his M.B.A. at the University of Florida. His wife Melissa is an emergency physician for Emergency Resources Group. They live in Jacksonville, FL with their daughter Madden.
1998 Anna Manasco is an attorney with Bradley, Arant, Boult Cummings, LLP in Birmingham, AL. She is the mother of three precious children, Beau, Isabelle and Teddy. Leslie (Gaston) Marcus is married to David, a radiation oncologist. They recently packed up their children, Elizabeth, almost 3 and Matthew, almost 1 and moved from Georgia to Carbondale, Colorado.
Alums met at Midtown Pizza in Montgomery’s Zelda Place in mid-April for appetizers and beverages. The Alumni Advisory Committee helped the Alumni Office plan the well-attended late afternoon event.
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Class of... 2000 To m B r o u g h t o n and his family recently moved back to Montgomery after nine wonderful years in Huntsville. He accepted the position of Market Executive for the central Alabama region with Cadence Bank, the second largest bank headquartered in Alabama. Tom is responsible for the bank's strategy and growth and said he is glad to be “home” with his wife Jana and two children, Thomas, 5 and daughter Reese, 4. Tom would love to hear from friends and fellow alums.
Alumni joined in on the fun at Homecoming when several participated in the revamping of an old tradition, the Homecoming Parade. In addition to strutting their stuff in the afternoon, alums gathered for the annual Alumni BBQ that evening, right before kickoff. 1999 (Continued) Jacob Kirkland and his wife Ryan live in Montgomery where Jacob is the Specialty Regional Manager for Forest Labs. Joining this family are Grace, Lucas and Alex. Grace just completed the 8th grade at Saint James and Alex will be starting in K3 next year. Jacob said “we have had someone from our immediate family at Saint James every year since the 1986-1987 school year!!!” Way to carry on the tradition. Grace (McPhillips) Lunsford lives in Chicago with her husband Corbett. Grace is an actress/producer for Sterling Rock Productions and Corbett is the managing director/ trainer for Green Dream Group. Grace recently completed her debut feature film, THE OTHER ONE, and brought it to screen at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery. While in town, Grace shared her short film, ECLIPSE, with the Saint James High School, where it was very well received. Grace’s husband Corbett co-wrote the music for both productions. They welcome any STJ Alumni to contact them if they are in Chicago, and say they’ll take them to the best pizza in town. Lauren (Petty) Moynihan and her husband Tim welcomed their son Michael in March of 2012. Lauren is a part-time esthetician/stay at home mom and Tim is an underwriter with CNA Insurance. They reside in Birmingham, AL. Brooke (Emfinger) Reid is an attorney in Montgomery with Ball, Ball, Mathews and Novak. She and her husband, Phelps, joyfully welcomed their daughter Alice to the world in February 2013. Jason Smoker is married to Rachal and is the co-owner of Counts Real Estate Group in Panama City Beach, FL.
Catherine (Thomas) Calligas is the editor for RSVP Magazine in Montgomery. Her husband, Louis is an attorney with Balch and Bingham. Their daughter Isabel joined the family in July of 2013. Jennifer (O’Connor) Crumpton married her husband Michael in 2014. Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist at Baptist Medical Center South and Michael is a duct mechanic for Bradley Heating and Plumbing.
Michael Gallops and his wife Jennifer moved from Pike Road to Millbrook to a home located on the Alabama River just north of downtown Montgomery. Michael is Vice President for Colonial Insurance Company. Jennifer works for Alabama Retail Comp. They welcomed their precious baby girl, Baylor in October of 2013. Michael was recently elected to the Saint James Board of Directors. Laura Lee (Thompson) Goree has been married to James Goree since 2006. Laura Lee has worked as a dietitian in nutritional research at UAB since 2006, where she serves in various leadership roles with the Birmingham District Dietetic Association and the Alabama Dietetic Association. James is a senior preconstruction manager with Hoar Construction in Birmingham. They are very active in their church, Faith Presbyterian, and are the proud parents of their almost two-year-old, Caroline. Jacqueline (Perkins) Hughes and her husband Will, reside in Pike Road, AL. Will is superintendent for Montgomery Landscape Contractors and Jacqueline is a pharmaceutical sales representative for Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals. In 2012 she was selected to serve on the National Training Team, as Gulf Coast District Trainer. Jacqueline also won the 2012-2013 Wockhardt U.S. “Most Valuable Player” award, which recognizes excellence in sales, leadership and teamwork. They have a four-year-old son Will and he is big brother to one-year-old Mary Winsett. Katie (Reifenberg) Womack is with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Her husband, Beau is an attorney with the State of Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Katie is active in the Junior League and Beau stays involved in the Kiwanis Club. “We have the most adorable puppy ever–Ally, 3.”
2001 Emily (Jones) Benton is married to Jason and they live in Montgomery. Jason is an engineer with Alabama Power Company and Emily is a senior consultant with Thirty-One Gifts. They welcomed their baby girl Becca in March of 2011.
Searcy (Yoder) Cunningham tied the knot with Will Cunningham this past May. They are making their home in Pike Road. Searcy is sales and marketing coordinator at Kowa Pharmaceuticals and Will is an attorney with Sasser, Sefton & Brown, P.C. Nigel Guntharp owns Guntharp Financial which specializes in investment advice. Nigel is also President of the Board of Directors for the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama. His wife, Haley, owns the Pink Room Boutique in Auburn. They live in Montgomery, with daughter, Bella who will be in K5 this year at Saint James. Anna Belle (Wilder) Norton and her husband Stuart moved to Tuscaloosa from Birmingham in July 2012 so she could take the position as a career law clerk for a federal judge. Stuart teaches history at Tuscaloosa Academy and is a realtor with Hamner Real Estate. They welcomed their son, Rhodes, to the family last December. Wells Robinson formed the law firm, J. Wells Robinson, PC. The firm practices in Alabama and Florida and is primarily engaged in civil transactional and litigation work. Beyond his commitment to serving clients, Wells is dedicated to community service and pro bono work. As an example, the firm coached the 2013 Saint James 9th Grade Youth Judicial Team to a 3rd place finish at the state level, which qualified the team for the National YMCA Mock Trial Competition in Chicago. Wells and his wife Megan live in Montgomery with their daughter Cate. They are expecting another addition to the family in September. Jodie (Russell) Schaap lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She is the Director of Operations for Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures/Aramark and her husband Brent owns Schaap Farms. Alyson (Rogers) Stanfa is a healthcare recruiter for Maxim Healthcare. Her husband Nick is a CPA and they live in Norcross, GA.
2002 Justin Bogie is married to Liz Laurie Bogie and they live in Washington, D.C. Justin is a budget analyst for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Budget and Liz is a special assistant at the Chertoff Group. Elizabeth (Thompson ) Hawke is the business development director for Seay Seay & Litchfield Architects in Montgomery. With some encouragement from the community, she began a new venture in October, 2013 as a professional artist. Her work may be found at local stores or on her website, www. onebirdsnest.com. Elizabeth is preparing for a local exhibition this November. Her husband, Harrison, is a producer for Thompson Insurance. Life has certainly been enhanced by the arrival of their daughter, Anne Helen, in October of 2012. Tyler Lankford moved to Austin, Texas upon receiving his certification. He works for Carpenter and Langford, P.C., a small public accounting firm that specializes in taxes and consulting for small businesses. On the side, Tyler is somewhat of a food and music connoisseur. He loves living in Austin because there is live music all over the place every day of the week. Tyler says there is a “huge outdoor vibe, over 200 restaurants and probably the same number of bars.”
alumni Lauren (Stabler) McClinton and her husband Mark are thrilled to announce the arrival of their first child, daughter Caroline, born this past May. Lauren teaches 4th grade for Mobile County Public Schools and Mark is in sales with Marine and Industrial Supply. Elizabeth (Smith) Melancon and her husband Trey live in Birmingham, where Elizabeth is an architectural representative for Daltile & Natural Stone. Trey is the Director of Financial Operations for Surgical Care Affiliates. Heather (Boland) Melsby lives in Eagle River, Alaska where husband Rob is stationed as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force and Heather is a contract specialist with the Air Force. They are loving raising their daughter, Harper and anxiously await the birth of Harper's baby sister, due in July. Kristin (Bridges) Reid and husband Hampton live in Mobile, where she works for Rx Advantage as controller and he is the owner of Southern Turf Landscape. Garrett Saucer and his wife Mary Everette welcomed their daughter Lowery in September, 2013. They live in Montgomery where Garrett is an attorney with the Law Office of Garrett. J. Saucer and Mary Everette is an account manager with HospiScript. Garrett keeps in touch with his alma mater by serving on the Alumni Advisory Board. Tyler Sexton lives in Montgomery and is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. He believes in identifying financial solutions that begin with a solid understanding of each client’s situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. His wife, Tara, is a paralegal with McArdle & Whitman, P.C. Greg Shaw finished his third combat tour (second to Afghanistan) last September. Captain Shaw is now the commander of J Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment in El Paso, TX. His wife Elise is a resident physician with Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Nathan Yates and his wife Ashley call Houston, TX home. Ashley is an attorney with Rice Energy and Nathan is a partner in Bell Media, offering out-of-home advertising products (outdoor billboards and indoor digital screen advertising, as well as social media management). With operations in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, the growth of Bell Media is keeping Nathan on the road.
2003 Ann (Thames) Chambliss is the commercial horticulture team and event coordinator with Auburn University Extension Agency. She and her husband Chase (with River Bank and Trust) live in Prattville. Daniel Davenport and his wife Emily live in Montgomery. Emily is a CSR with Alfa Insurance and Daniel is operations manager for To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company. Dawson McGough moved from Nashville to Knoxville to open two Zoes Kitchen locations and subsequently moved to Atlanta and opened four more locations–for a total of six Zoes stores. Dawson is the Training General Manager, where he trains all new managers Zoes hires for their locations in the Southeast. Arielle Schlesinger is an interior designer for Dunwody/ Beeland, Architects in Macon, GA. She is a registered interior designer in the state of GA, a professional member of the American Society of Interior Design, and member of the Leadership Macon Class of 2014.
2004 Christian Holcomb lives in Vestavia, AL with his wife Sonya. Christian is a physician’s assistant with Pegasus Emergency Group and Sonya is accounting manager for Concepts and Associates. Elliott Lipinsky is keeping it in the Saint James Family as he and Caroline (Handey) Lipinsky ’04 were married in May of 2013. Elliott is an assistant district attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Alabama and Caroline is the supervising pharmacist at CVS. They live in Montgomery, are active in the community, and are excited about the city’s future. Both Elliott and Caroline are avid supporters of Saint James School and the local community. Porter Reaves has been employed by Turner & Hamrick, LLC for six years. In September, 2013, he was promoted to be their Commercial Marketing Director. Porter recently received his Certified Insurance Counselor designation upon successful completion of the designation’s five CIC institutes. He lives is Montgomery and is excited to serve on the Alumni Advisory Committee for Saint James. Jack Simon works for Nolan Transportation Group in Atlanta, GA. Jack is a logistics specialist/broker.
2005 Brad Campbell lives in Montgomery and is a closing examiner for the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. Jade Currid graduated from Auburn with a BS degree in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Leadership. Jade writes resolutions for the Legislative Reference Service at the Alabama State House as well as stories for Alabama Farmer Cooperative Magazine. In her spare time, Jade enjoys running, riding horses, hunting and the outdoors. Colleen Forrer graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Environmental Science in 2009 and then completed her MS in Geography from the U of AL Graduate School in 2012. For her graduate thesis she used remote sensing imagery and a limited number of water samples to map the water quality of the reservoir that provides drinking water for the city of Birmingham. After graduation, she briefly worked for both the Montgomery Ballet and the Montgomery Academy before accepting a full-time position with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management as an environmental scientist. Colleen’s’ favorite things to do outside of work are hiking with her dog, traveling to see favorite musicians and spending time with her family and boyfriend.
Charlie Gibson graduated from Auburn University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He now lives in Nashville and will be married in August to Katie Harwell, an interior designer there. Charlie is in sales for RJ Young, which sells multi-function printing devices. He has a golden retriever and is a proud uncle to Dixon Craft, son of Alma Lacy (Gibson) Craft ‘02 and Alan Craft ’02. Genevieve Jordan graduated from the University of Alabama in 2009 with a B.S. in Fashion Retail and then earned a Masters of Science degree in Marketing in 2011. Genevieve moved to Austin, TX where she worked as a recruiter for 1½ years. She then moved to Los Angeles where she works as an assistant strategist for OMD, a media advertising agency. She encourages everyone to check them out as they do “pretty cool stuff.” Genevieve works on the Nissan team, so anytime you see a Nissan ad while watching college football, think of her! Jordan Kirkland relocated from Atlanta to Columbia, SC to take on a new territory as a sales consultant for Depuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson). Jordan sells and demonstrates the proper use of cranial, mandibular, and thoracic bone fixation products. His sales territory includes Columbia, Spartanburg, Florence and Rock Hill, SC. Katie (Smith) Loper is a senior financial analyst with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, NV. Her husband, Brandon, is the assistant general manager at Comme Ca at The Cosmopolitan. Tyler Mask lives in Hendersonville, TN and is an assistant project manager for Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC. His wife, Abbey, is an RN at Centennial Medical Center. Kevin Simpson lives in Pelham, AL with his wife Beth. He is an attorney with Smith, Tyra, Thomas & Haggard, LLC located in Alabaster. The firm’s practice focuses mainly on insurance defense litigation and workmen’s compensation defense.
2006 Andrew Harris is a Graduate Research Fellow at Vanderbilt University. His wife, Tiffany, is an aquatics specialist with PetCo. They live in Antioch, Tennessee.
Sally and Niko Corley ('01) and daughter Anna Robinson Corley, joined other alum families for the school's annual Easter Egg Hunt in April. The event is hosted expressly for children of alums.
COLUMNS SUMMER 2014
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Class of... 2006 (Continued) Winn Seay graduated from Duke University in 2010 with a BS in Biology. He subsequently attended Harvard Medical School and graduated this past May. Dr. Seay will return to Duke to begin his residency in Internal Medicine this July. Davis Snider is a sales representative for Capitol Container in Montgomery. She also is a valuable asset to the Saint James Alumni Advisory Board. Brian Wright lives in Auburn and is a field technician/CAD operator for Hi-Line Engineering. Sean Zeeck recently left the oil fields of Iraq. He was accepted this summer to begin his pursuit of his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
2007 Elizabeth Blake graduated in Interior Design from the University of Alabama in 2011. She then obtained her Masters Degree in Sustainable Practices from Lipscomb University in 2012. Lizzie moved to Jackson, WY in July 2012 and is a designer with Stockton & Shirk Interior Designers. Katie Bright left the bright lights of TV working at WSFA to accept the position of Assistant Commissioner of the Southern States Athletic Conference. Katie lives in her hometown of Montgomery. Jamie (Golden) Campbell is in her second year of law school at Faulkner Law. As a first year student she won the first year Moot Court competition and was elected secretary of the Student Bar Association. This summer she is interning for a federal judge and getting her daughter, Mary-Jane ready for K-4. Jamie’s husband, Newton is a sales consultant for KW Plastics. Jamie said that as she continues her education she appreciates more and more all the tools that Saint James provided her. She and her family live in Troy, AL. Lauren Carpenter attended Samford University in Birmingham where she earned both her Bachelors of Music with a concentration in voice and a Masters of Music Education. While working toward those degrees she worked for Marriott at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa managing the front desk for two years. She graduated in 2013 and now works as a teacher for grades 8-12 at Pell City High School. She leads the High School Choir and is the Show Choir Director. Taylor Gunter is the Advancement Coordinator for Auburn University Montgomery. After graduating from Saint James, Taylor received her B.S. at Auburn in Exercise Science, where she was involved in neurophysiology research. Afterwards she completed her Masters of Education in health promotion. After graduation Taylor lived in Atlanta as a health promotion specialist/disease educator at Bethesda Community Clinic and also worked part time, traveling with Chick-fil-A Corporate on a project, U.S. City Challenge. She then spent a period in medical sales, traveling within a territory which included GA and AL. Now back in Auburn, Taylor says she loves every second of being involved with the Auburn family again. Nathan Newton is a recreation assistant at Dawson Recreation Center in Birmingham. He is also a 2nd Lieutenant Chaplain Candidate with the Army National Guard. Fred Paul is the Associate Production Manager at the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, MD.
Allison (Wachs) Scott and her husband John live in Huntsville where John is in medical school at William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine and working on his 3rd rotation at Crestwood Medical Center. Allison graduated from Auburn in 2011 and then Troy University with her Masters in Health Care Administration. The Scotts will be moving back to Montgomery with their daughter Avery in the next few months. John will be completing his 4th year of medical school and Allison is interested in jobs in the health care field.
2008 Daniel DiLaura works as sales manager for Watts Water Technologies in Atlanta, GA. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells various water safety and flow control products for the water quality, water conservation, water safety and water flow control markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Daniels’ territory has him closer to home as his territory is the United States! Casey Johnson graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama with a degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies in May, 2013. This past year Casey has worked as a Graduate Administrative Assistant to the Senior Associate Dean at the College of Education while completing her Masters’ degree. She begins teaching ninth grade World History at Homewood High School this fall. Casey will also be coaching the JV Volleyball team! She is so looking forward to moving to Birmingham and starting her career. Robin Lewis graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science in December 2013 with a Masters of Science in Comparative Politics and a specialization in Conflict Studies. Following graduation, Robin moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as the Project Coordinator for the World Forum on Governance, a convening of public and private sector anti-corruption experts held by the Brooking Institution (a nonprofit policy research center) and Czech nonprofit Zaostreno in Prague, Czech Republic. This past June she began a new position as a Senior Research Assistant with the Governance Studies program and Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings. Brooke (Struthers) Mullins lives in Naperville, IL. with her husband Graham, in his fourth year at the Dental School at Midwestern University. In May Brooke graduated with her Masters in Speech Pathology from the University of Montevallo. She recently accepted a job at a school for children with autism. The Mullins plan to move “back south” when Graham graduates.
Justin Collier recently graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelors of Architecture. He was honored with the SGA Award for the Most Outstanding Student in the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. His thesis project was the James Gunter Visual Arts Center in Downtown Montgomery. “Its name is meant to honor my Saint James mentor and friend Mr. Gunter. It is because of the skills I learned from his art class, that I had any success early in architecture.” Justin now works with Williams Blackstock Architects in Birmingham, AL where he plans to practice for two years and then pursue a Masters of Architecture at Rice. Kaitlyn Gary just completed her first year at Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy. Instead of relaxing during spring break, Kaitlyn took a trip to our nation’s capital to combine her two passions: pharmacy and government. She was selected for a program called RxIMPACT through the National Association of Chain Drugstores, (NACDS). Kaityln represented Auburn as one of a group of students from around the country lobbying lawmakers on current issues facing the pharmaceutical profession. Kendall (Watson) Henderson lives in Lawrenceville, GA with her husband Matthew, who is with Southern Company-Georgia Power. Kendall is an RN at Emory University Hospital. Caroline Henley graduated Cum Laude from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2013 with a BFA in Graphic Design. She is now working with the creative team at the National Outdoor Leadership School as a graphic designer in Lander, WY.
2010 Kelley Jackson graduated with honors from the University of Alabama in May, with a degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She was on the university’s color guard for two years and made the Dean’s list every semester! This past year Kelly also appeared in a hair and clothing spread for Tuscaloosa Magazine.
2009
2011
Cyndy Bailey graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in June, 2013. Now living in New York, she has worked as a freelance assistant designer for Lily Pulitzer and TSE Cashmere and is currently working on designs for Banana Republic.
Kathryn Dismuke attends Huntingdon College where she is an Ambassador and has served as social chair for Chi Omega women’s fraternity, chair of Welcome Back Week activities for the Campus Activities Board, education director for Voice of Justice, and a senator for SGA. A psychology major, Kathryn found her academic passion at Huntingdon and intends to complete a doctorate in her field. Her academic achievement has been recognized on the Dean’s List of Honors and the Dean’s List of High Honors.
Michael Bird graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. After completing an internship with Jackson Thornton in Nashville he accepted a job to work with their firm in the Montgomery office starting this October. He just completed his Masters of Accountancy from the University of Alabama. Following graduation, Michael backpacked through Europe with fellow Saint James alums, Chase Eley and Clinton Freeman.
alumni Reed O’Mara completed her first year at the University of Alabama. She is double-majoring in German and Economics. Last August she was hired as a staff reporter and then promoted as the Culture Editor at The Crimson White, the school newspaper. She also received a job at The Outdoor Recreation Center, where she will be leading outdoor field trips, such as rock climbing at Palisades Park in Birmingham. She hopes to become a Wilderness First Responder this year as well. This summer, Reed, is studying abroad with the University in Berlin, Germany.
Wesley Smithart was inaugurated as the 2014-2015 Huntingdon College SGA President in March. She has also served as SGA Vice President, varsity cheerleader, Chi Omega treasurer, Judicial Board Justice, Countess of the Huntingdon Ball Committee Chair, Voice of Justice Presidents, and member of College Democrats, the Greek Honor Board and the Campus Activities Board. Wesley started a student organization known as Voice of Justice, which raises voices for victims of human trafficking by supporting the International Justice Mission and Stella’s Voice. Wesley has two majors, religion and communication studies and holds a 3.9 GPA. Shown: Judge Burt Smithart, Jon Smithart '15, Elizabeth Couey Smithart and Wesley Smithart.
2013
Kristin Vigilant is a senior at Auburn University majoring in political science and minoring in Spanish. She is the president of AU’s mock trial team and the chief justice of the Auburn University SGA Judicial Branch. Kristin spent the month of July studying abroad.
2012 Savannah Smith has been selected one of the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band (MDB) Drum Majors for 2014-2015. Finalists auditioned on Saturday, April 19 at “A Day” by conducting the MDB. Savannah is a Music Education Major at Alabama.
Amelia Hanan just completed her freshman year at Auburn where she is majoring in Biomedical Sciences in the pre-pharmacy track. Amelia was named an outstanding freshman for the College of Science and Math. After making a 4.0 the first semester, she was named to the Deans’ List as well as Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma. “I can honestly say Saint James made my transition to college very smooth academically, and I appreciate going there now more than ever. Thanks for all your help!”
Deaths Jesse Ledbetter (’05) passed away in Montgomery, AL on Aug. 28, 2013. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University and his Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University. While at Saint James he was involved in Science Olympiad and the National Honor Society, among other school activities. Shawn Hughes (’01) died on September 12, 2013. He participated in the Science and the Chess Clubs at Saint James. Thomas Mercer III (’13) passed away on February 6, 2014 in Montgomery, AL. He attended the University of Alabama and was an avid football fan. Saint James Performing Arts students dedicated one evening of the popular winter Cabaret, held in February, in Thomas’ honor.
THE
SAVE DATE HOMECOMING IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014! THE CLASSES OF 1974, 1984, 1994 AND 2004 KICK OFF THEIR REUNIONS AT THE ALUMNI BBQ BEFORE THE HOMECOMING GAME. MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!
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Editor’s Note: Class notes are submitted by alumni and are not verified by the editor. While we welcome class news, Columns is not responsible for information contained in class notes. COLUMNS SUMMER 2014
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