Jubilee Vol. 1 Issue 3

Jubilee

March 2024

A TOTALLY TUBULAR 80S SADIE’S

TEARING DOWN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLING GOES FOR GOLD

Treasure of the Bluff

VOL. 1 NO. 3 FEATURES

STuDeNT liFe NeWS

2 - A Mountaintop Dream Starla Ou

2 - Year of the Dragon Predictions

Starla Ou

3 - Les Bons Temps Rylee-Ann Roberts

4 - Dressed to Impress Rylee-Ann Roberts

5 - Stars of the Swamp Amelia Hicks

SPORTS FeATuRe

7 - Soccer Superstitions

6 - On the Mat

4 - Under Construction Starla Ou Amelia Hicks

Kay Knoth

6 - Seniors Take the Court

Rylee-Ann Roberts

7 - Winning Innings

Rylee-Ann Roberts

8 - 80s-Sadie’s Isabelle Rutland

9 - The Cost of Being a Second Semester Senior Isabelle Rutland

liFeSTYle ARTS

10 - Stanley Sensation Amelia Hicks

11 - Be Mine

Kay Knoth

11 - Time to Hangout

Rylee-Ann Roberts

ART

SeleCTiONS

14 - Elizabeth Ernest ‘24

15 - Elin Backman ‘25

15 - Emma Atkinson ‘24

15 - Annie Midyett ‘25

13 - Admirals, Set Sail Kay Knoth

12 - To Sum It Up Isabelle Rutland

iN Cl ASS

17 - Clay-m to Fame

16 - Bringing the Drama

16 - It Takes Two

On the Covers

Jubilee

Front: With a theme of 80s Sadie’s, students found the Hot Wheels skate rink in Daphne a fitting place to go back in time from arcade games to gliding on the hardwood on March 16. Named after the Li’l Abner comic strip created by cartoonist Al Capp, the Sadie Hawkins Dance is an informal dance where the girls invite the boys.

Back: We turned graphic designer Starla Ou ‘24 loose on our back cover. Enjoy her expertise as she gives a tip of the hat to staff members and the publication.

EDITORS’ NOTES

“Spring is a bittersweet time for just about every senior. With graduation and summer on the horizon, we’re all trying to soak up these last few months together. Similarly, I’ve savored my part in this third issue of Jubilee. I hope the newness of spring is reflected in this issue, as we take leaps in our design and writing to explore what you like, and what we like. As with the previous two, I’m beyond proud of this issue––but as Captain says, ‘you’re only as good as the next thing,’ so I’m going to get back to my computer now.”

-Isabelle

CONTRIBUTORS

“Happy Lunar New Year! Fun fact, my Chinese name is “娜娜” (pronounced “Nana” in English). In the spirit of the holiday, I’ve been listening to some Chinese singers my mom likes. I really like Rene Liu. There’s also a Chinese drama called “Islands” that my mom convinced me to watch. It’s refreshing to take some time to explore something new.”

-Starla

“The hard work and dedication of our team is reflected in the pages of this issue of Jubilee. Isabelle and I have gone through many trials and errors attempting to perfect the magazine into something the student body has needed for a long time. With the help of Captain and his layout mastery, Starla’s eye for graphic design and our younger writers’ extraordinary contributions, we have reached the point where Jubilee can only be expected to get better. It has truly been an exciting journey watching this magazine take many forms the past three years. With one more issue left for Isabelle and me, it’s a bittersweet experience and I can’t wait to see how far it goes. Thank you Admirals!”

-Rylee-Ann

“Once upon a time, I stole far too many people from Mrs. Finch’s drawing class. After that, I bought a coffee. A caramel latte, in fact. Without coffee, life is simply not complete. You know what goes great with coffee? More coffee. Picture this: Drinking freshly made coffee on a balcony overlooking the city, a thin line of fog draped over the horizon. Coffee.”

-Kay

Amelia Hicks ‘27

“I’ve always gravitated toward fun and colorful magazines in waiting rooms. Staying up to date with recent news and looking at pretty pictures is a privilege I hope everyone gets to experience in the third edition. My articles are bright but my hair is brighter!”

-Amelia

Starla Ou ‘24

Kay Knoth ‘26

Isabelle Rutland ‘24

Rylee-Ann Roberts ‘24

A MOUNTAINTOP DREAM

SBY STARLA OU

tepping outside of your comfort zone, learning new skills, and making new friends is what Pine Mountain is all about. By junior year, everyone has settled into their own social circles, and no one takes the time to cross the invisible lines.

Leaving home and going out of state can often be difficult. Before their week-long trip to rural Kentucky this past December, many juniors expressed doubts about the idea of having to see their peers for more than seven hours a day.

“I was really nervous to spend that much time that close to everyone,” Emma Winkler ‘25 said, “but it was really rewarding. I wouldn’t do it again, but it wasn’t as bad as everyone says it is.”

“I was scared of the cold because I really hate being cold,” Sailor Watson ‘25 said, “but I was excited just to hang out with everyone and go on a little adventure.”

A big part of the juniors’ routine at Pine Mountain involved learning new crafts and working on their own creative projects. Watson enjoyed experiencing the activities the camp had to offer.

“I’m really good at basket weaving, and I hate blacksmithing,” Watson said. “The night hike was juniors returned from Pine Mountain with a new outlook and strengthened ties

cool; we went through a rock. It was fun being in the woods with my classmates and looking at the stars.”

Spending time with classmates outside of school allowed many to see sides of each other they wouldn’t have been able to see before. The juniors felt comfortable opening up to each other and most looked past their differences.

“At Pine Mountain, I learned that everyone has their own stuff that they’re dealing with, and that they aren’t the person you think they are based on what you see at school,” Winkler said.

“The biggest takeaway from Pine Mountain was that we got closer and knew each other better,” Watson said, “It’s just a testament to the fact that everyone goes through things and we’re all here for each other.”

Celebrate Lunar New Year by reading your horoscope predictions, based on the Chinese zodiac animal of your birth year.

1. Catching up on some much-needed Zs, Palmer Angermeier ‘25, Miles Uter ‘25, Burk Brown ‘25, and Kelan Stacey ‘25 opt for bonding in the form of a nap together. After an almost 10-hour bus ride up to Pine Mountain, it has become tradition for students to snap pictures of their sleepy classmates.

2. Donning their signature striped scarves, juniors follow each other up the steps to begin their next creative projects. From pillow-making to blacksmithing, the Pine Mountain staff had a plethora of unique crafts for students to try their hand at.

3. With clappers in hand and a festive handmade hat, Neo Giraldo Sanchez ‘36 enjoys the Mardi Gras parade on February 9. Bringing up the rear, seniors were invited to bring their own throws to spread the good times.

LES BON TEMPS

a season of celebration ended with a much-needed break

BY RYLEE-ANN ROBERTS

Traditions die hard on the Gulf Coast and the Mardi Gras celebration was larger than ever. Old Towne Daphne had local students in the mood for parades and catching throws. Fairhope and Mobile added to the festivities with families taking part. Harrison Foster ‘25 shared his experience watching his mom participate in the culture: “I felt proud watching [my mom] in the parades, it made me happy to see her do what she enjoyed.”

Not to be outdone, our campus was turned into a parade route on February 9 as lower school students

processed with their costumes and small floats in tow.

The holiday ended on Fat Tuesday while school was in recess for the week. Many families sought out the snow and mountains while others caught up on some much-needed rest. J

I felt proud watching [my mom] in the parades, it made me happy to see her do what she enjoyed.”

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DRESSED TO IMPRESS

it was time to make it formal

BY RYLEE-ANN ROBERTS

It was not your normal make-up picture day for seniors on

Monday, January 22. An official rite of passage is the formal drape and tux portrait for the yearbook. The Pilot Center became the impromptu place to touch up makeup, secure the drape on your shoulders, and attach your string of pearls.

Many of the pearls hold sentimental meaning: Georgia McInnis ‘24 said, “My grandmother passed down pearls to my mom that my sister Lillie wore, and now I wore them for my photos.”

Libby Ellison ‘24 also shared, “I got my great grandmother’s pearls on my sixteenth birthday like every other girl in my family.”

On the flip side, the boys flew in and out of their dressing room, bowtied and suited up. “I got ready like it was homecoming,” shared Thomas Hearin ‘24.

I got ready like it was homecoming.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

the sound of demolition rang across campus

BY STARLA OU

Across the street from the lower school building, in front of the ECC, and next to the middle school building, there’s a wide expanse of space sitting in the middle of campus. The plans for a new building were approved by the town hall, so sooner or later we are expecting to see a new addition to Bayside.

To accommodate the displaced students, some high school teachers were moved to fit in middle school classes. The library was modified to create temporary classrooms for the middle school.

According to Headmaster Doctor Scott Phillipps, students grade five through eight will have their own building by fall next year.

“We are trying to get the new middle school open and have kids in it by the fall of 2025,” Headmaster Phillipps stated. “In order to do that, we needed to get the building taken down to meet the construction time limit.”

By now, grass has covered the empty patch of land. After weeks of waiting, the school’s request to build a new building was approved by the town hall. With that decision, students were excited to see the project begin.

STARS OF THE SWAMP

Bayside thespians lit up the JTF stage

BY AMELIA HICKS

For one weekend each year, thespians from around the globe come to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF). This 2024 season was the 21st anniversary of the festival. Baldwin County’s local theater company, Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre, has been attending the competition for 10 years. Teams choose a selection of numbers from one show and narrow it down to fifteen minutes. Their adjudicators then meet to give out the awards. This year, they were awarded with the “Excellence in Dance” trophy.

Thomas Baker ‘27 said, “JTF is the greatest weekend of the year!” This year was Baker’s third

visit, and he played Pinnochio in ESRT’s performance of Shrek. Baker has made so many friends that he is still in touch with today: “I even have friends from Australia,” Baker added.

He isn’t the only one who is an avid JTF fan; Reagan Nelson ‘27 went for her first time this year. Nelson describes JTF as, “a festival where a lot of kids who love musical theater can gather together and celebrate.” Nelson doesn’t just love competing, but she’s a triple threat when it comes to acting, singing, and dancing. She explained her love for theater: “[it’s] a way to express myself, and it has really been a part of shaping me to who I am today.”

There is no denying the love that Bayside’s JTF performers have for theater.

JTF is the greatest weekend of the year!”

“We’re gonna have porches that will be big enough to fit all of our students grades five through eight in seating,” Phillips described, “And it will be consistent with the architectural continuity of the school.”

Bayside has been undergoing renovations that are in various stages of construction since last year, such as the new concession stand near the high school parking lot. As the campus continues to be reshaped and remodeled, students watched and waited expectantly for each new development. J

1. The chain link containment fence and the signage make it official: the new middle school is on the way. With an estimated completion date of Fall 2025, the middle years experience is getting more than a face lift.

2. While students rejoiced at an extra week off for the winter holidays, the campus was not empty from January 2-5. Heavy machinery and construction workers started the long awaited new middle school building by demolishing the old Mitchell Hall.

3. It wasn’t your normal school day picture for the seniors on January 22 as they donned bow ties and pearls to celebrate the ritual of formal pictures for the yearbook. Senior girls, including Georgia McInnis ‘24, struggled with the awkward drapes while smiling for posterity.

ON THE MAT

the wrestling team went for gold

BY KAY KNOTH

Team spirit was at an all time high on the wrestling team, with strong individual finishes leading up to the regional competition. With strength and dedication, the team wrestled their way to the top three in regionals. Gracie Eason ‘25 said, “In regional duals we beat some of the toughest teams.” Not only that, but Eason added, “We all have improved so much and gotten stronger.” Noah Breeland ‘26 agreed: “[we’re] doing great.”

Reed Fugard ‘26 reached out to any po-

tential new recruits: “[Wrestling is] good for you and builds character.” Breeland added that “[It feels] like a challenge. And it’s great because it’s definitely one of the hardest sports.” Eason encouraged prospective wrestlers by saying “It’s so good for you physically and mentally. It might be hard at first, but it gets easier, and if you want to be there it will be fun.”

No one could say it any better than Eason: “Do it! You only live once!” With a passionate team and solid performances, the newest sport on campus has become a mainstay.

SENIORS TAKE THE COURT

the tradition of honoring veteran players continued

BY RYLEE-ANN ROBERTS

The ball is in the seniors’ court, as they take their last shots here on campus. Senior night is a long held tradition at Bayside, honoring each senior who has dedicated hours to basketball. On the girls team, seniors Mia Bindon, Blakeley Robbins and Georgia McInnis took to the court against Gulf

Shores on February 1. McInnis played a strong game, “We went in strong with no pressure but just the thought that we had to play our best. [Gulf Shores] were ranked number four in the state. We gave them a run for their money in the first half by being head to head.” The varsity boys basketball team came out on top in the February 1 game against Gulf Shores, winning 56-42 and continuing a well played season.

1. With rain threatening on March 14 at Satsuma High School, Greta Deese ‘27 proves to be more threatening in the goal box as she faces off with the goalie before placing the ball in the corner of the net.

2. Celebrating Senior Night, Georgia McInnis ‘24 draws a foul against Gulf Shores.

3. After completing a drive into the lane, Misty Kate Smith ‘25 finds herself alone for a lay up against Gulf Shores on February 1.

4. With a home crowd in attendance, John Ben Wilkinson ‘27 takes his Mobile Christian opponent from a referee’s position into a double boots headlock for a point.

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THE HITS KEEP COMING

music kept things loose

BY RYLEE-ANN ROBERTS

With spring comes warm temperatures, flowers, and boys on the diamond.

Shortstop and pitcher Gatlin Pitts ‘24 shared his history with baseball, “I started playing baseball in general when I was six years old and earned a spot on the varsity team in seventh grade. It was a challenge for sure, I was 13 playing against 17 and 18 year olds,” said Pitts. “My

favorite part of baseball is pregame, when we listen to music on the speakers.”

PITCH PERFECT

Share the excitement with the Bayside baseball team’s seniors by listening to their walk-out anthems below.

Gatlin Pitts

“Get the Gat” by Lil Elt

Teague Broadhead

“Mr.Trouble” by BigxthaPlug

Carson Joyner

“Jesus Walks” by Kanye West

Tait Moore “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Maxwell Powell

“Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith

Wills Norton

“Many Men (Wish Death)” by 50 Cent

David Lilley

“Hells Bells” by AC/DC

“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits J

Miller Stokes

SOCCER SUPERSTITIONS

the varsity girls soccer team shared their quirky pre-game rituals

BY AMELIA HICKS

With more than 20 games on the schedule, the girls soccer team knew that hard work and practice would take them only so far. Jubilee set out to discover what the girls believe will give them luck this season.

Greta Deese ‘27 takes her pre-game rituals seriously. “Usually a couple days before a game, I will go for a run just to increase my running ability.” Of course, running helps improve endurance and strength, but how much does drinking Gatorade help? After a tiring first half, “I’ll get my dad to get me a purple gatorade, and I drink it usually during halftime,” said Deese. She isn’t the only player who has food-related rituals: “Savannah Cochran ‘28 eats a banana before every game,” added Deese. To make games more fun, Parker Pittman ‘26 mentioned, “Savannah Cochran dances before every game to lighten the mood.”

Pittman has more serious pre-game rituals that she has stuck with since middle school. To get into her competitive spirit, Pittman said, “I go out on the field and

shoot.”

What’s probably least expected is that “Virginia and Mary Burton belly bump and yell ‘Merchants squared’ before every game and after every goal,” added Pittman. The Merchant twins take their soccer games seriously, but they both love their creative joint celebrations.

Typically, Coach Dane, the varsity girls soccer coach, encourages clean and energizing meals before games. Virginia Merchant ‘26, however, prefers sweeter foods before playing in games: “Parker and I like to eat a chocolate chip muffin before every game.” Virginia’s favorite Bayside soccer tradition, however, is “[having] a prayer before every game.”

The girls soccer team has a handful of players who are good at balancing the mood of the team. Giggles and smiles are not a distraction come game time, however. It’s for certain that there are tons of crazy rituals hidden in the Bayside soccer program.

80s-SADIE’S

there was no standing around at the Hot Wheels rink

BY ISABELLE RUTLAND

Students traded their high heels and dress shoes for roller skates at the disco-fied Sadie Hawkins dance on March 16. Featuring a bodacious 80s theme and the unusual venue of Hot Wheels Skate Center, the Sadie’s dance returned with a bang after two years. “Ever since I first went to Sadie’s sophomore year, I’ve just been thinking 80s-Sadie’s, 80s-Sadie’s, ‘cause it rhymes,” said SGA President Emma Parvin ‘24, when asked where the idea for the decade-themed dance came from.

The Sadie Hawkins dance gets its name from the 1937 comic strip Li’lAbner, created by cartoonist Al Capp. Desperate to find her daughter Sadie a husband, Mayor Hawkins, of the fictional hillbilly town Dogpatch, organizes a foot race in which Sadie chases after the town’s eligible bachelors, and gets to marry the first one she catches. Sadie Hawkins (or Sadie’s) dances have gained popularity across the country because of their unique twist: the women must invite the men to the dance.

A great deal of planning by SGA was required to organize this year’s Sadie’s dance. Though Hot Wheels Skate Center was the perfect venue for an 80’s-themed dance, scheduling conflicts had to be resolved to make sure as many students could attend as possible. “I contacted [Hot Wheels’] owner, Mr. Eady, and I talked about what free available dates that they had coming up, and I matched those dates with [dates] Bayside didn’t have anything important going on,” explained Parvin.

While students could choose whether or not to don a pair of skates and brave the roller rink, SGA hoped that the venue would bring the added flair that the gym lacks. SGA member Ella Gray Snedeker ‘24 expressed her hopes for 80s-Sadie’s prior to the dance: “I think it’ll be something where people aren’t bored––like it’ll be interactive.”

Amateur and seasoned skaters alike joined in the fun, and the roller rink was a blur of retro colors and neon lights. Still, for those who simply chose to watch, it was not a night wasted. Parvin emphasized gratefulness for “the opportunity to spend time with one another outside of school and not just look at [Sadie’s] as a dance, but as a fun opportunity to hang out with friends.”

LEAVE IT TO THE PROS

Some students stood out as seasoned skaters. Carson Joyner ‘24 stunned onlookers with his backwards skating, as Damien Tate ‘26 speed in their blades. skates, which can be seen gracing the front cover.

Corsage/ Boutonniere: $20

Outfits:$50-200

SENIOR PICS

Hair+Nails:$120

Primping:$120

1. Skating was not the only ticket to punch at the Sadie Hawkins event on March 16. Students were able to play pool, arcade games. and take fun photographs like Katie Whitehead ‘25, Jack Wilkinson ‘26, Case Cramton ‘26, and Ramey Haley ‘26

2. With eyes on the floor and arms out for balance, Catie Sanders ‘24 is unsure on her first lap around the rink. “I had only been roller skating a couple times so many years ago, but I still wanted to try at Sadie’s. It took me the majority of the dance, but I eventually got the hang of it, and then I got too cocky and fell so I stopped. But, it was still so fun,” she said.

3. It’s back to the basics for Gatlin Pitts ‘24 as he finds skating is not the baseball diamond. However, he didn’t have to look too far behind him to see Conner Olsen ‘25 with arms in a swimming motion trying to defy gravity.

Tickets:$20

PROM SENIOR ADS

Dress+Shoes: $90-500

THE COST

Photographer:$100-400

FullPage:$360

Half-Page: $180

of being a 2nd-semester senior

Springtime is the home stretch for Bayside’s seniors, but the endof-high-school festivities can rack up a hefty price tag. Jubilee investigated just how much it costs to be second-semester senior.

GRAND TOTAL: UP TO $5000

Tickets:$280-2500

Shuttle Pass: $70

Primping:$120

Shoes:$50-150

HANGOUT BACCALAUREATE GRADUATION

Grad Fee: $550

Dress: $90-200

Dress: $90-200

Shoes: $50-150

Primping:$120

Est. Costs

Prom: $250-650

Senior Pics: $270-720

Senior Ads: $180/360

Hangout: $350-2570

Baccalaureate: $260-470

Graduation: $810-1020

STANLEY SENSATION

students gave opinions on the infamous tumbler

BY AMELIA HICKS

Stanley water bottles have been around since 1913, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they became a nationwide obsession. Originally, they were the first vacuum insulated hard steel bottles that could keep drinks either hot or cold.

Sold in a multitude of sizes, colors and styles, Stanley has collaborated with popular companies such as Starbucks and Target, gaining traction and increasing sales. In 2019, the Stanley company made $75 million, and in 2023 they racked up an astounding $750 million.

On January 3rd, the Starbucks x Stanley collab was finally stocked on shelves waiting for eager consumers. As soon as the doors were open, it was an aggressive race to get the large, pink tumblers before they disappeared. Jubilee asked the Bayside community’s opinion on the Stanley cup frenzy. Stanley cup connoisseur Ava Bindon ‘27 made a point that “You can really get your water intake every day because it is forty ounces.” In hopes of grabbing a limited edition Starbucks x Stanley cup, Bindon shared that she waited in line at 1:00 in the morning. Anna Flynn Hughes ‘27 added, “[Stanley cups are] very useful and a great way to stay hydrated.” However, Hughes couldn’t get behind waiting in line for one: “going at 1:00 in the morning is a little excessive.” Sure, Stanley cups seem to be all the rage, but many prefer other brands. For example, Yeti, Gatorade, Hydroflask, and Lululemon water bottles can be found in almost every Bayside student’s backpack.

On the other hand, Jack Koch ‘27 strongly dislikes the Stanley obsession. Unlike Bindon, Koch thinks it is ridiculous to wait in line throughout the night for a new drop. Koch stated that “It’s gone too far.” As if the massive cups weren’t enough, stickers and keychains now proudly decorate the water bottles. In response to the new wave of self expression, Koch just laughed.

The high profits don’t lie, and there is no denying the large obsession over Stanley tumblers. Their fun colors, textures, and sizes are attractive to a thirsty shopper’s eye, but does the weight and price ever steer a possible customer away? Sure, it’s a great way to stay hydrated, but is the clunkiness too much to deal with? Some favor the tumblers above all competitors, but others are annoyed with the long lines and sometimes unhealthy obsessions. With the increase in social media such as TikTok, trends spread like wildfire––especially in a small community like Bayside. It seems the only way to determine whether or not you need a Stanley cup is to give it a try. At the end of the day, hydration is the pro that outshines all cons.

[Photo: Isabelle Rutland ‘24] 1 J

1. In an aggressive shade of hot pink, the Stanley cups produced in collaboration with Starbucks sold out completely in a matter of hours. Now, the limited edition tumblers can be found on Facebook Marketplace, where some owners are renting them out for people to take “selfies” with.

2. With a sunny indie-pop sound and sing-along lyrics, Beach Weather brought perfect summer vibes to 2023’s Hangout Festival. The announcement of the Hangout lineup of artists is always one of the most anticipated dates of the year for die-hard festival-goers.

BE MINE

campus couples celebrated Valentine’s Day

BY KAY KNOTH

With the day of love planned out with dates that ranged from going out to dinner to international trips, many Bayside couples got excited to spend Valentine’s Day with their loved one. Sophie Weller ‘26 mentioned that “I got a really good gift [for Kyle]” and that “we're going to dinner.”

Kyle Cooper ‘26, her boyfriend, added that he would take her to “[a] fancy [dinner].”

Weller and Cooper have been dating for about 16 months, and Weller shared their confession story: “It was after dinner, and as our moms were talking he took me to the side and [said] I really like you, and I want to be more than friends.”

Wells Lambert ‘26 and Lynnen Hackney ‘25 were excited for Valentine’s Day, too, and

they “[Planned to] be in Costa Rica.” Lambert shared that they’ve been dating for “a little over 10 months” and Hackney “needed a math tutor, and she asked me for help in Spanish class.”

Even newer couples were excited for the day for romance. Virginia Merchant ‘26 and her boyfriend Amos McDaniel ‘26 mentioned that “We started dating in November. I asked him to the Winter Formal during the summer, and then we started texting and Snapchatting after that.”

She needed a math tutor, and she asked me for help in Spanish class.”

2 TIME TO HANGOUT

the beloved festival was announced

BY RYLEE-ANN ROBERTS

Pack your bags and get ready for a sunny staycation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Each year people come from all over the U.S to visit the white sandy beaches during the month of May to experience paradise - Hangout Festival. This year, on May 17 through the 19, artists Lana Del Ray, Zach Bryan, Dominic Fike, The Chainsmokers and many more will thrill sunburnt crowds gathered on the Gulf Coast.

It's not uncommon for Bayside students to receive a Hangout Festival ticket for Christmas, preparing far in advance for their action packed weekend. With graduation falling on the festival’s first day, seniors often join the fun by celebrating a once in a lifetime accomplishment with a once in a lifetime experience.

Sunscreen is really important!

Remember to pack wisely: “Sunscreen is really important; you have to buy water there, though,” said Susan Pittman ‘24. Grab a friend––or a few––Mary Lacy Radcliff ‘24 shared, “I’m staying with the majority of my friends at the beach, walking distance from the festival.”

TO SUM IT UP

the math teams had 99 problems, but the competition wasn’t one

BY ISABELLE RUTLAND

The limit does not exist for Bayside’s high school and middle school math teams, as they showed their academic prowess at the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) District Math Competition on January 9. Two formidable teams of “mathletes” were assembled by Coach Joe Swagart to compete against rivals such as St. Paul’s and UMS-Wright.

During the first round of competition, mathletes were allowed 90 minutes to individually complete 50 problems testing proficiency in several branches of math, from algebra to calculus. High school team member Michael Klimjack ‘24 felt more confident on some problems than others: “Since I took AP Calculus most recently, I think I’m best with a lot of the calculus stuff, versus some of the geometry concepts are kind of hard,” Klimjack explained. After the test, the four highest scores from each team were used to determine the school’s placement going into the second round.

The ciphering round proved to be the most nerve-wracking part of the competition, as four members from each high school team were called up one-at-a-time to answer four difficult problems. Solving

4. Things are always better with a little kindness. The upper school experienced a week of thinking about peers and friends and putting their feelings into words and art. The Peer Helpers picked February 19-23 as a time for students to share their feelings and beautify the campus.

5. With hand prints of students filling in the butterfly outline, Ryan Sophie Small and Seesin O’Hara ‘29 share a moment during the Week of Kindness.

the problem faster meant more points awarded to the team, but a hasty mistake could mean no points at all.

At the end of the head-to-head competition, Bayside’s middle school team finished in first place, while the high school team finished runner-up. Huan Chen ‘28 and Klimjack took home the titles of highest individual scorers for the middle and high school respectively.

The middle school team, along with Klimjack, traveled to Troy University on January 31 to battle it out at the AISA State Math Competition. With the stakes high, the middle school mathletes showed their work, and took home the title of first place––beating out the 2nd place team by more than 20 points. Coach Joe Swagart gave high praise: “Compared to the rest of the competitors, their average was outstanding.”

Their average was outstanding.”

ADMIRALS, SET SAIL

the sailing team hit the bay with a splash

BY KAY KNOTH

With an exclusive discount to the Lake Forest Yacht Club, the sailing team is tacking through adventure and fun with a little friendly competition. “[The sailing team gets] all the benefits from the Yacht Club, like you can eat there and you can hang out on the pier. They have a pool …you can have your boat out there and go fishing every single day,” said MJ Strickland ‘25. Not only that, but Jackson Goffinet ‘26 added, “[The best part of sailing is] all the people, honestly. It’s not as competitive and everyone’s friendly to each other.”

Besides discounts, the benefits of the sailing team include a fun group of people to sail with. Strickland said, “The team is a group of very funny people.” And that “all of us usually get along really well together, even though we’re from different schools.”

A chaotic team and fun benefits await future sailors, but that’s not all. Goffinet said, “It may seem very boring to watch, but it’s twice as fun to do. It’s awesome on the water because the boat goes really fast.” Strickland added that “The practice times are a little intense. It’s two and a half hours, twice a week. You’re out in the water for two and a half hours sailing, and the water can get really cold. So make sure to wear warm clothing that you can get wet.”

If you’re thinking of giving it a spin, Goffinet said, “It’s really easy to learn, but takes a few years to get good at.” And also that prospective sailors should “have a grasp [on] sailing first. Do a camp at the yacht club to learn at least, before trying [out for the team].” Strickland added that “last season, we went to Great Oaks, and we got third place, which is like nationals. We’ve been doing really well.”

1. With a school dismissal time of 3:30 and Daylight Saving Time a couple of weeks away, the sailing team had to race down to the Fairhope Yacht Club for afternoon practice on February 21. With the lengthening days, came the opportunity to improve their sailing skills and catch those final rays of Mobile Bay sunsets.

2. New crews always face the unexpected learning curves that show up when wind and water meet. It was no different for Courtney Baker ‘25 and Lanee Imperato ‘25 as they competed in their first competition as a crew in the Back-to-School Regatta at the Fairhope Yacht Club.

3. There were two more of our teams taking top honors in the state, and it required some new terminology: math-lete, noun, a person who competes in mathematics competitions at any level or any age. Braxton Bender

‘28, Don Chen ‘29, Joey Dorman ‘28, Huan Chen ‘28, John Stephen Klimjack ‘28, and Owen Swagart ‘29 were tops in the state on January 31 at the AISA State Math Competition.

P ortfolio

BY ELIZABETH ERNEST ‘24

Elizabeth Ernest ‘24 was awarded Second Place Printmaking in the 2024 Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Art Show.

Art Selections

BY ELIN BACKMAN ‘25

Elin Backman ‘25 was awarded First Place Collage in the 2024 Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Art Show.

Amorcita

BY ANNIE MIDYETT ‘25

Annie Midyett ‘25 was awarded First Place Painting in the 2024 Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) District Art Show.

BY EMMA ATKINSON ‘24

Emma Atkinson ‘24 was awarded Honorable Mention Printmaking in the 2024 Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) District Art Show.

BRINGING THE DRAMA

5. Channeling their emotions, Greta Deese ‘27 and Reid Nagle ‘24 practice scene partner work with a tense domestic squabble.

6. Facing off, Lily Lumpkin ‘27 and Reid Nagle ‘24 perform a scene for assessment. Drama teacher Tim Kirby’s students must memorize their lines as part of their grade.

IT TAKES TWO

4. Holding back smiles, friends Tucker Watkins ‘24 and Finn Nebrig ‘24 take on a familiar challenge: giving the weekly sports report on Admiral TV without breaking character. “Sometimes it takes us a whole class day to make a sports report,” said Nebrig. “We laugh too much.”

Sometimes it takes us a whole class day to make a sports report––we laugh too much.”

IN CLASS

1. With a steady hand, Katie Whitehead ‘25 paints glaze onto a colorful ceramic coral reef. Ceramics teacher Vikki Finch grades her students’ projects according to creativity, effort, and adherence to the assignment guidelines.

CLAY - M TO FAME 2 3

2. In the zone, Garrek Snell ‘26 leans in to sculpt the finishing touches on an aquatic-themed piece that won him an Honorable Mention in 3D Arts at the AISA Art Competition. With most art competitions placing limits on the number of submissions, art teachers must pick only their students’ best-suited pieces.

3. Smiling at her creation, Mary Lacy Radcliff ‘24 relaxes with the calming motions of ceramics. Art classes are an ever-popular elective choice for seniors, who enjoy taking a break from thinking about college to sculpt a giraffe or two.