Epistle Spring 2023

OUR MISSION

HEAD OF SCHOOL

St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama is committed to providing the highest quality college preparatory education in a Christian environment.

Through a variety of experiences and activities, we encourage individual growth and achievement. By example, the St. Paul’s community fosters respect, integrity, responsibility, service, tolerance and the highest moral standards to prepare the whole person for a changing and challenging future.

N. Blair Fisher

OUR BRAND

You can know everything in the world, but if you don’t know what matters, then nothing does. At St. Paul’s Episcopal School, we know what matters.

Our academic program is outstanding. Just as important, though, are the values we teach: character, scholarship, creativity, and above all, love.

Saints know what matters.

Mrs. Eleanor S. Edwards Dr. W. Day Gates III The Reverend Lydia K. Johnson Mr. Goodman G. Ledyard BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Charles A. Marston IV Mr. Robert D. Hinckle, Chairman Mr. Joshua R. McElhenney Mr. J. Guy Helmsing, Vice-Chairman Mr. T. Bragg Van Antwerp, Jr., Secretary Mrs. M. Kathleen Miller The Reverend John H. Riggin Mrs. Kate M. Conwell, Treasurer Mr. E. Luckett Robinson II Mr. G. Robert Baker, Jr. Mr. Jonathan H. Rudolph Mr. Raymond L. Bell, Jr. Mrs. Emily H. Shell Mr. Russell C. Buffkin Mrs. Karen J. Sullivan Mr. Thomas B. Clement, Jr. Dr. Nancy O. Wood Dr. Jeffery M. Conrad Mr. Matthew R. Zarzour Mrs. Kate G. Courtney Mr. Scott T. Delaney

2022-2023

The

Epistle II Magazine

FEATURE

4

Fisher’s Farewell Remarks from the Head of School

20 Distinguished Alumnus Spotlight Alumnus of the Year, David Gauld ‘74

IN THIS ISSUE

08 NATIONAL MERIT Two students were named finalists!

10 VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY St. Paul’s takes pride in honoring our Veterans.

16 PERFORMING ARTS See photos from Upper School’s Fall Show and the 6th Grade Christmas performance.

23 SAINTS GIVING DAY One day, one goal, one St. Paul’s!

12 HOMECOMING St. Paul’s gets in the Homecoming spirit!

The Epistle II, a magazine for alumni, parents, and friends, is published by St. Paul’s Episcopal School. Its mission is “to capture the life of the school, to celebrate the impact that our students, faculty and alumni have on our world, and to serve as a forum for connection, exploration, and conversation.

CONNECT

facebook.com/stpaulsmobile twitter.com/stpaulsmobile instagram.com/stpaulsmobile

14 FALL ATHLETICS St. Paul’s athletics earned some incredible accomplishments this fall.

28 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ST. PAUL’S The school celebrates our 75th birthday!

32 OUR ENDOWMENT Learn how to help build the legacy of our School.

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL, N. BLAIR FISHER

Friends, As my headship at St. Paul’s concludes, I have done a lot of reflecting on the whirlwind years since I first pulled into the Horseshoe in 2017. They have been some of the best years in the long and storied history of St. Paul’s Episcopal School.

They have not been “challenge-free,” of course, ranging from those typical for schools everywhere to more unique ones such as our school’s stand for fairness and athlete protection in opposing the AHSAA’s “competitive balance” rule. I am proud that St. Paul’s helped effect positive rule changes to benefit our student-athletes.

A far greater challenge occurred in March 2020 with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many schools struggled to meet the challenge, St. Paul’s responded rapidly and effectively. Our virtual learning program was up and running within a few days of the mandated closure of our campus. Reopening in the Fall of 2020 required massive health and safety investments and a complete restructuring of our learning environment, but we were committed to in-person education. A community-wide team planned carefully and adjusted effectively, our fantastic teachers rose to every challenge, and our families partnered with patience and grace. The result reflected the best of St. Paul’s: Our students didn’t miss a single day of in-person instruction for the remainder of the pandemic. They continued to learn, perform, compete, and grow as young people. I am proud to have been part of the team that made it happen.

With our commitment to ever better serving its students, St. Paul’s did not pause in its elevation work despite the COVID challenge. We continued to improve the school’s curriculum and pedagogy, facilities, business processes, and schoolfamily partnership. Significant progress has occurred in every area of the School’s operations: We’ve significantly strengthened our academic program through a completely renovated math curriculum, a focus on experiment-based science, additional fine arts, STEM, and physical education offerings, and multiple new Advanced Placement and Honors-level courses.

Because of your generosity, our campuses have seen dramatic improvements as well. Over $10,000,000 has been invested into our facilities since 2017, and our students now enjoy a gorgeous new Student Commons Building, state-of-the-art science labs, a beautiful new Saints Square, an improved Bennett-Quigley practice field, renovated and expanded athletic facilities, new service learning spaces, and extensive 4

The Epistle II Magazine

safety and security improvements. We’ve also begun muchneeded improvements to classrooms and common spaces, and will continue these efforts in the years ahead.

We’ve committed to caring for our students in many other ways, including expanding our counseling team and support services and completely renovating our college counseling program. Both are now salient strengths of our school.

We’ve focused strongly on family partnership as a whole.

We’ve created a new school website, expanded our parentteacher conferences, added new community events, created a parent education program and resource library, and worked to ensure that all our families feel that St. Paul’s is their school through a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Finally, we have worked hard to operate in best practice in all business areas and to ensure the future sustainability of the school. To that end, we’ve reviewed and updated the school’s policies and procedures, implemented a new student information system, and rejuvenated the St. Paul’s Foundation.

The results of these efforts have been deeply gratifying.

This year, our opening day enrollment of 1252 students

represented the highest in nearly two decades and means that more young people benefit from a St. Paul’s education.

Thanks to you, our annual fund has set records each of the past several years, providing greater resources with which to serve our students. Alumni and community events routinely sell out. Crucially, the endowed funds of the St. Paul’s Foundation now stand at approximately $4.5 million – a more than 150% increase from 2017 and almost halfway to our goal of $10,000,000. These funds typically generate nearly $200,000 of non-tuition revenue annually; this will support the sustainability of St. Paul’s in perpetuity. Most importantly, St. Paul’s is now the #1 rated school in the entire region according to niche.com’s 2023 ranking of best schools.

As you can tell, St. Paul’s is on a roll! While many factors have contributed to the steady elevation of our school in recent years, by far the most important has been the dedication and hard work of the teachers, administrators, support staff, and trustees. Any good leader recognizes that the success of an organization starts with people. St. Paul’s is blessed with the best faculty, staff, and leadership of any school I know. In my opening talk in 2017, I stated that I had three main goals as head of school: to build and support the best possible faculty and staff, to ensure they recognize their importance and are philosophically aligned in their work, and to create systems and methodologies which help get the most from our efforts. Judging by the results, I think we’ve done a pretty good job!

While my tenure as head of St. Paul’s concludes this May, I am certain that its best years are yet to come. Dr. Scott McDonald is absolutely the right leader to continue to move St. Paul’s forward – he is smart, thoughtful, visionary, and loves both young people and St. Paul’s with an unmatched passion. Scott is surrounded by a highly skilled and dedicated administrative team, leads the best faculty and staff around, has the support of a talented and engaged Board of Trustees, and serves a close-knit community of families. The Knowing What Matters strategic plan provides a great game plan upon which to execute. In short, all the ingredients are in place for the continued forward momentum of St. Paul’s and thus even greater success for its students. I am honored to have played a part in the history of St. Paul’s and look forward to watching this wonderful school continue to help students thrive in the years ahead.

Go Saints!

N. Blair Fisher Head of School

Celebrating 75 Years

5

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL ELECT, DR. SCOTT MCDONALD

A Great Day To Be A Saint Dear Saints Family, What an honor it is to be named the next Head of School at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. I would like to thank the Board of Trustees and the entire school community for entrusting me to lead this wonderful school. I would also like to thank Mr. Blair Fisher for his steadfast leadership over the past years and his willingness to continue to mentor me and provide the school with a seamless transition.

St. Paul’s has been my home for the past 23 years. In the glorious year of our 75th birthday, we have a strong enrollment, a beautiful and inviting campus, an outstanding faculty and staff, and amazing students and families. I am humbled beyond words to have been given this extraordinary opportunity.

I understand and appreciate the deep culture and traditions of St. Paul’s.

During my tenure as Head of School, I will be committed to elevating our beloved four pillars and the entire school community. I will not lead in isolation, rather I believe it is imperative to be visible and accessible, while modeling an infectious work ethic. The academic, spiritual, physical, social and mental well-being of our student body, faculty and our community will remain my top priority.

Looking forward to the future, together as a family of Saints, we will continually find ways to improve our student-centered experience. We will share an unparalleled commitment to providing state of the art learning environments. We will continue to upgrade our facilities at all levels, with safety and security at the forefront, as well as the functionality

6

The Epistle II Magazine

and aesthetics that our students and faculty deserve. An emphasis will be placed on supporting and enriching our faculty and staff by enhancing professional development offerings. Every effort will be made to continue to uplift and support our students and families by providing resources to help navigate these precious years as a loving family should.

As a premier educational institution, St. Paul’s will uphold a standard of excellence in our attitude, in our actions, and in our accountability. We are a family of Saints; a close-knit community.

We will act as one family, everyone pulling in the same direction, united as one, together in the love of God. The expectation is to love one another; the expectation is to support one another; the expectation is to pick each other up when we are down and do so in a way that cultivates character, integrity and respect.

When we allow ourselves to authentically live up to those expectations our true Saint spirit will shine through, and our bond will be inseparable. These values are essential to the St. Paul’s experience.

It has been a wonderful 75 years, yet we are only scratching the surface. The best is yet to come.

Finally, I will leave you with this; it is ALWAYS a great day to be a SAINT!

Fondly,

Dr. Scott McDonald Head of School Elect

LETTER FROM ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL ELECT, DAN DRUM

Saints Relationships Last A Lifetime Saints, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve as your new Assistant Head of School. I have spent the last fifteen years serving St. Paul’s in multiple capacities, ranging from teaching math and Driver’s Education, coaching football and baseball, overseeing concession stands, Dean and Head of Middle School, to now, the Assistant Head of School. I am appreciative of this opportunity and for those who have helped me along in my journey; Marty Lester, for hiring me fifteen years ago, Betty Stone, for mentoring and introducing me to the unique qualities of Middle School, and Blair Fisher, who has helped me for the last five years navigate life as a Head of Middle School. Lastly, a huge thank you to Dr. Scott McDonald, who has been an extraordinary resource in my journey from math teacher to my current role. I know that we will both continue to grow and be a resource for one another as we lead the school in the years ahead.

During my time as Head of Middle School, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some incredible transformations. The Middle School now offers a new course, iSTEM, a hands-on makerspace learning experience for students in the 6th grade. We are also putting the finishing touches on The Collaboratory Lab, which will also serve as a makerspace area for classes, extracurricular clubs, and professional development classes. The Middle School faculty team is in the beginning stage of creating a Robotics suite, which will not only house and support our Robotics team, but also serve as home to two new electives being offered next year, History and Principles of Engineering and Exploring Programming. The goal is to build a more

comprehensive STEM program that will encompass grades PreK-12. I am proud of what St. Paul’s offers to our students - the ability to grow into wonderful young adults, well rounded in the four pillars of a St. Paul’s education.

I look forward to being a part of the continuation of growth and watching our beloved school continue to be a leader in the community, keeping learning current and relevant.

Within my own St. Paul’s experience, my fondest are the relationships I have formed along the way. I have been able to create lasting bonds in my time as a teacher, coach, administrator, and parent.

As a parent of two recent St. Paul’s graduates, I found that the accessibility of the teachers, staff, and administration helped make being a St. Paul’s parent feel special. It is my wish to pass this experience on to future parents and help make the St. Paul’s experience not only special for the students we serve, but for their families as well.

Many blessings for a wonderful and relaxing summer. I am looking forward to next year!

Go Saints!

Dan Drum Assistant Head of School Elect

2022

National Merit

Finalist

Macy Browning What one word would you use to describe St. Paul’s?

Family.

Any words of wisdom as a St. Paul’s senior?

My advice would be to take advantage of the many opportunities our school provides and cherish every moment. The four pillars of our school: academics, athletics, spirituality, and fine arts give us the opportunity to explore who we are, in addition to making us well-rounded. I have been blessed to take part in each of these parts of our school over the past 14 years, and I cannot believe how fast time has flown by.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Comparison is the thief of joy. Growing up, my mom would always remind me and my twin brother Matt of this phrase. It has stuck with me and is applicable in pretty much every challenge in life. People will make better grades, do better in sports, or have better hair days than you. But what matters the most is that you are doing your best, not anyone else’s.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I love going to eat and just hanging out with my friends. At least once a week you will find us eating at Villa del Rey, usually followed up with a quick stop for some ice cream. We are just trying to spend as much time as we can together before we spread out at different colleges.

Do you feel any one person, family or teacher, has been your inspiration for education?

My parents have always instilled in me and my brothers that our education comes before our other activities. They have helped us with countless projects, stayed up with us on those late nights of homework after away games, and given encouragement through the highs and lows. I am so thankful for them and also that they chose to place us at St. Paul’s in PreK. What has been your proudest moment to date?

8

One of my proudest moments to date is winning the 6A State Championship in 2021 for soccer. By that time, I had played with most of those girls for years so it was extra sweet to share such an accomplishment with them. I will never forget the feeling of genuine joy as we held up that trophy, cried happy tears, and The Epistle II Magazine exchanged hugs and beaming smiles.

2022

National Merit

Finalist

Mike Rosenthal

What one word would you use to describe St. Paul’s?

Dedicated.

Any words of wisdom as a St. Paul’s senior?

No class (except for AP Physics) is ever as hard as people say it is.

We are all just chronic complainers. You can take that either as a recommendation to try new things, or merely an indictment of the advice of your upperclassmen.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Be nice to people who handle your food.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I like to curl up on a couch with my dogs and read very long books.

What do you plan to study in college?

Ancient and Classical History with a focus on Culture and Mythology.

Do you feel any one person, family or teacher, has been your inspiration for education?

There is no one person—I’ve always enjoyed learning simply for the sake of knowing more. So, rather than any single figure, countless people I’ve met, or whose books I’ve read, have influenced me and driven my desire to learn.

If you are leaving Mobile for college, what will you miss the most about our city?

My grandmother’s farm and the menagerie of critters upon it.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

This one time, when I was like 4, I swam across the length of a pool without coming up for air. I haven’t topped that since.

Celebrating 75 Years

9

Honoring All Who Served St. Paul’s Episcopal School takes pride in honoring our Veterans and active duty military members who have sacrificed for our freedom. The school held its annual Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 11th in the E.E. Delaney Memorial Stadium. Students and faculty members greeted crowds of parents, grandparents, veterans, and active duty military members.

The Veterans Day program began with a welcome from SGA President, Matt Browning, and prayer led by Junior Class Chaplain, Lauren Parker. The colors were presented by the St. Paul’s Boy Scout Troop 147, and the Chamber Choir exuberantly sang the National Anthem. A Veterans Day reflection was read by Junior Class Secretary, Ashley Park.

Essays and poems were read by grade level winners William Wood (2nd Grade), Louise Williams (6th Grade), and Reese Flotte (11th Grade), followed by the 2nd grade’s sign language presentation of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

St. Paul’s alumnus Todd Oliver ’01 was the guest speaker.

Major Todd Oliver was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama.

After graduating from St. Paul’s Episcopal School in 2001, he attended Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in Business Administration. After graduating in 2006, he applied for and was accepted to Officer Candidate Course 195.

Major Oliver attended Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2007, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on August 10, 2007. He reported August 19th to The Basic School where he was assigned to Fox Company from August until March. After completing The Basic School, he reported to Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

2nd Lieutenant Oliver completed the FAOBC in 2009, and soon afterwards deployed to the Nimruz Province of Afghanistan with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task

Force Afghanistan as a High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems Platoon Commander in support of OEF. He again deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 with 1st Battalion 10th Marines as part of a composite artillery battalion.

Upon his return, Captain Oliver was assigned as the Fire Direction Officer/Assistant Operations Officer for 2/14 where he served for two years. In September 2013, he reported to Mike Battery 3/14 where he served as Guns Platoon Commander as well as Forward Observer for two years. Upon his return to 2/14 Captain Oliver served as the Executive Officer for Kilo Battery. Upon his promotion to Major, he returned to HQ 2/14 where he served as the HIMARS Planner for the Battalion. Major Oliver was then assigned to command Kilo Battery 2/14. During his command, he successfully deployed a platoon to Afghanistan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He was then assigned the billet of Future Operations Officer for 14th Marine Regiment.

Major Oliver’s current assignment is the Operations Officer for 2/14 where in the last year he has deployed two batteries to Okinawa in support of the Unit Deployment Program. Major Oliver’s personal decorations include the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. He is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School as well as Command and Staff College. In his civilian career, he works for Budweiser-Busch Distributing in Mobile, Alabama. He and his wife Maggie live in Mobile, Alabama.

To close the program, “TAPS” was played by St. Paul’s students Gianna Estrada and Virginia Merrick, and the assembly dismissed following Dr. Brian Doyle’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed on the bagpipes.

Celebrating 75 Years

11

Homecoming 2022 St. Paul’s Episcopal School

12

The Epistle II Magazine

Save the Date

Homecoming ’23 OCTOBER 28

Celebrating 75 Years

13

14

The Epistle II Magazine

2022 Fall

Varsity Sports Highlights SWIMMING & DIVING • Sophie Kiryk, Senior: Earned

silver medalist in two events, the 200 and 500 Freestyle

• Reagan Costello, Junior:

Earned silver medalist in 1M Diving

passion, and integrity throughout the year.”

• Alden Park, 7th grade,

CROSS COUNTRY

• William Gill, 8th grade, Junior

GIRLS’ HIGHLIGHTS: • Finished top 5 in 7 of 8 meets, Varsity

Individual JV County Champion High County Champion

• Mac Conwell, Stone Smith,

bronze medalist in the 200 Individual Medley

• 7A Section 1 Champions

Daniel Gill, Evan Wrights: Fastest team in St. Paul’s history, set new record for the fastest #1 through #5 team average in program history

• Maddox Bethea, Sophomore:

• Lydia Sayner-Oubre,

Earned bronze medalist in the 100 Breaststroke

Individual Junior High County Championship Winner

• Mac Conwell, Senior, Stone

• Harper McLean, Junior:

• Lucy Travis, Freshman, and

• Isabella Lord, Senior: Earned

Finished 5th in the 100 Freestyle

• Cole Coleman, Sophomore: Finished 8th in the 500 Freestyle

• Abby Lane Everette,

Freshman: Finished 8 in the 500 Freestyle th

• Seniors Elise Chastain and Isabella Lord joined Juniors Harper McLean and Susan Robinson to set a new school record in their state silver medal winning 200 Freestyle Relay

FOOTBALL • 1st time in St. Paul’s history St.

• Earned 2nd place in the Mobile County Championships

Emily Miles, Junior, earned Mobile Optimist Club Runners of the Week

• Lucy Travis, Freshman, Emily Miles, Junior, Audrey Kate Smith, Sophomore, Neely Kate Benton, Junior, and GG Webb, 8th grade, earned All County Team Team Award Winners: • Most Valuable: Audrey Kate Smith

• Most Improved: GG Webb • Rookie of the Year: Caroline McFarland

Smith, Senior, Evan Wrights, Senior, and Daniel Gill, Sophomore, Mobile Optimist Club Runners of the Week

• Mac Conwell, Senior: Charlie Spencer Memorial Award Winner, Coastal Alabama Runner of the Year (2nd year in a row), and Mobile Optimist Club’s 6A-7A Runner of the Year (3rd year in a row)

• Stone Smith, Senior: The

Carole F. Bentley Sportsmanship Award Winner

• Earned All County Team: Mac

Team Award Winners: • Most Valuable: Mac Conwell

BOYS’ HIGHLIGHTS: • Won 5 out of 8 meets, Varsity

• Most Improved: Charley

St. Paul’s, 13-0 shutdown win

• Finished Top 5 in 7 of 8 meets

• Rookie of the Year: Alden Park

• 1st time in St. Paul’s program

• Earned Mobile County

• “The Straw That Stirs the Drink:”

history: 6A Second Round Game Win, St. Paul’s vs Pelham, Final score 38-7

Champions, 7A Section 1 Champions, and Junior High Mobile County Champions

• Head Coach Ham Barnett:

• Mac Conwell, Senior,

“I will miss this senior group and am thankful for their leadership,

• Defeated Bayside and

Spanish Fort in regular season (both teams advanced in the finals of the 6A State Tournament)

• Advanced to Semi-Finals of 7A

State Championship, first season and highest classification

• Ended season with 35-14 record Local Awards: • Azalea Kiwanis Club Player of the Week: Julia Joyce, Caroline McLendon, Ella Vallas, and Clarissa DuPree

• AHSAA North/South All-Star: Ella Vallas

Caroline McLendon and Julia Joyce (Honorable Mention)

• Coaches’ Award for Perseverance:

•#1 Seed Carver-Montgomery vs

Up

• Earned All Region Team: Mac

• Game 6, St. Paul’s vs Spanish

Emily Miles

VOLLEYBALL • Bayside Tournament, Runners

• All Mobile County: Julia Joyce,

• “The Straw That Stirs the Drink:”

Fort, Triple Overtime with a loss; however, cited as the game that “turned the season around”

would like to extend many thanks to team moms: Anne Gill, Julie Gonzalez, Sarah Sayner, Christi Smith, and Roberta Swain for their dedication and support throughout the season

Conwell, Charley McCall, Stone Smith, Evan Wrights, Philip Gill, Hayden Sayner Oubre, Daniel Gill, and Estan Wrights

Paul’s vs Mcgill Toolen (Varsity), Coach Ham Barnett’s alma mater: 16-3 Win

Lucy Travis

• Head Coach, John Brigham,

Conwell, Stone Smith, Estan Wrights, Evan Wrights

McCall

Charlie Schwant

• Coaches’ Award for

Dedication: Daniel Gill

Caroline McLendon, Ella Vallas, and Hannah Pearce

• Al.com Coastal Region Award:

• Al.com Super State (all

classifications): Caroline McLendon

• Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association: All State 7A 1st team: Caroline McLendon and Ella Vallas 2nd team: Julia Joyce

• American Volleyball Coaches

Association Region 3 (national award): Caroline McLendon and Ella Vallas

Individual Mobile County Champion (3rd year in a row) Celebrating 75 Years

15

St. Paul’s Players

Directed by Chip Goff | Musical Director Jody Powell Assistant Director Kaylee Stanford 16

The Epistle II Magazine

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.com).

Celebrating 75 Years

17

THE 6TH GRADE THEATER ARTS STUDENTS

18

The Epistle II Magazine

Celebrating 75 Years

19

David Gauld ‘74 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Interviewed by Head of School, Blair Fisher

David Gauld, 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. A member of St. Paul’s first graduating class in 1974, David went on to Harvard College and Harvard Graduate School of Design. At Harvard, he was a student of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, who later hired Gauld to open his U.S. office in New York City. Over the course of ten years, Gauld worked with Isozaki on the design of several museums, including the Guggenheim Museum SoHo and the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. Gauld began his own office in 1997, named David Gauld Architect. His widely published and award-winning projects include retail stores, public buildings, and private homes throughout the country. Most notably, he was the architect for the recent $12 million renovation and expansion of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach.

Gauld lives in New York City with his partner of 36 years, but returns regularly to the South to visit family and friends, including some cherished St. Paul’s classmates. Growing up in Mobile, he spent many happy days on Alabama’s white-sand beaches, and now enjoys a beach house he designed at New York’s own version of Gulf Shores. In addition to his architectural work, Gauld is currently writing articles for magazines about some surprising family history he recently discovered.

20

The Epistle II Magazine

Exterior of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach Blair Fisher: You are a part of the first graduating class at St. Paul’s, a Harvard graduate, and a world - renowned architect. What led you to your decision to become an architect?

David Gauld: Thank you, but I am not world-renowned. That’s Arata Isozaki, the Japanese architect I worked for. He won the Pritzker Prize.

Unfortunately, he just passed away at the end of December. He is the world-renowned architect. I got to enjoy a little bit of the limelight because of him, and because of our work together on projects. I would say that I chose to be an architect because when I was a kid, I was always drawing houses and designing buildings. I even made a mold once of an airport. So, I decided when I was 11 that I was going to be an architect because it’s something I’ve always enjoyed.

Blair: Did St. Paul’s help prepare you for your career in any way?

David: Oh, well sure! St. Paul’s helped me get into Harvard. I was inspired at St. Paul’s to get involved in extracurricular activities, as well as my studies. And playing football and being in various student clubs.

Those are all things that Harvard looks at in the selection process. I definitely feel like it got me the first step.

Blair: A lot of St. Paul’s alumni say that they recognize how high the expectations were and how hard they made them work to meet those expectations. Did they have the same really high expectations when you were here as far as work ethic and discipline?

David: Yes, and I wanted that. I wanted to work hard. I wanted to learn. But I did find at St. Paul’s, that was the expectation and I was very happy with that. I came from a school where it wasn’t the expectation. I was really ready for St. Paul’s when I got there. I was very glad they challenged me.

Blair: So, David, what project are you most proud of in your career?

David was a member of the Varsity Football team

David: My favorite project is the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Celebrating 75 Years

21

Interior of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach

Beach, which I first worked on over 25 years ago as an employee of Isozaki, and then completed a new expansion 5 years ago as the primary architect. It’s really special to design a building that is open to the public, that the public uses and for a cultural purpose. For an architect, it doesn’t get better than that. I also love the private houses I’ve done, but they’re only enjoyed by a few people. One in particular is a house I designed on a mountainside in Asheville, NC. Because the client was my sister and brother-in-law, I get to enjoy the house as a frequent guest.

Blair: That’s fantastic. When you’re not working, what are your interests and hobbies?

David: That’s a good question. I really love to travel. I do consider that as part of my education as well. In the city, I love to go to museums, which is interesting that I’ve worked designing several museums - my own and with Isozaki. But I really love museums, and I love art, so that’s sort of like a weekend activity for me. And the beach! I’ve learned to love the beach, and the beaches in Alabama, Gulf Shores specifically.

Blair: You’ve been to Mt. Fuji and Qatar. Do you have any places still on your bucket list?

David: I tend to return to my favorite places now when I travel, like Paris, but I’m curious to see Angkor Watt in Cambodia and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Blair: So, David, you were named St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. What was it like returning to St. Paul’s? How was it different when you came back?

David: It was a great honor to be recognized in this way. Life has its peaks and valleys, and one can get discouraged at times. This day was one of the peaks. Being back at St. Paul’s brought back a lot of positive memories. It was gratifying to see how the school had grown not only in size, but also in excellence.

Blair: Thank you very much. My last question for you: 50 years! Next year is the 50th anniversary of your class. As a St. Paul’s alum, what advice do you have for the graduating class of 2023?

22

The Epistle II Magazine

David: Often the old wisdom bears repeating: life is short, so don’t hesitate to go after what you want. And try to find the right balance between accomplishment in work and enjoyment of life.

>

giving

SAINTS DAY OCTOBER 4, 2022

ONE DAY • ONE GOAL • ONE ST. PAUL’S GOAL: $47K TOTAL RAISED: $88K+ DONORS: 350+ In celebration of St. Paul’s historic 75th birthday, our family of current parents, alumni, grandparents, past parents, faculty and friends came together as a community of Saints during a 24-hour online fundraising event to fuel the mission of our school, one gift at a time. All proceeds benefitted our annual Saints’ Fund and ultimately our students.

Thank You!

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 10, 2023 Celebrating 75 Years

23

Distinguished Alumni Service Award carrie norris Class of 2000

Carrie Norris entered St. Paul’s in PreK and graduated in the Class of 2000. While there, she developed life-long friendships and filled her extra-curricular calendar by cheering for the Saints. She continued her education at The University of Alabama, where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. She was a member of Chi Omega and served as the sorority’s house manager. While at Alabama, the football team lost more games than they won, but they did secure a life-long Crimson Tide fan in Carrie.

Upon graduation in 2006, Carrie worked in Birmingham for United Cerebral Palsy as a Speech Pathologist. She worked primarily with children, ages birth to three, with special needs. Her impact on the lives of the children she served developed into lasting relationships with many of the families to this day.

While in Birmingham, Carrie became involved in the outreach ministries at Church of the Highlands. She served the Woodlawn community by leading outreach based small groups focused on caring for at-risk children. After working for two years at United Cerebral Palsy, Carrie joined the staff of Church of the Highlands to focus on helping people discover their purpose and passion within their jobs and in the church. Carrie helped launch the Greystone Campus of the Church of the Highlands and served as the Campus Coordinator for eight years. Her daily focus was to care for the needs of those at the Greystone Campus.

In 2014, Carrie moved to New Orleans as part of the launch team of One Hope Church. She currently serves as the Executive Administrator and Small Groups Coordinator for One Hope. One Hope’s focus is to help those who are far from God find hope through a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. Carrie spends her days at work caring for people who are hurting and are far from God. One Hope recently celebrated their eighth anniversary and is currently in the middle of a building project - a project Carrie is heavily involved in. Carrie leads small groups and outreach projects, teaches discipleship classes, and serves in any area with a need. The move to New Orleans also brought Carrie full circle, as she found herself again cheering for the Saints.

Carrie became a Louisiana certified foster parent in 2017. She supports biological families as they work though their case plans while providing a safe and nurturing home for kids until they can return home. Carrie has welcomed ten children into her home. Those foster placements have been in her home from a minimum of three weeks to a maximum of 19 months. She is in the process of adopting her 10th foster placement who is an absolute joy.

Carrie is active in Crossroads Nola, a local foster care organization. She supports a group of eight single foster moms by providing emotional and spiritual support while also helping them navigate visits with parents, the court system, and getting their everyday needs met so that they can better serve the kids in their home. Carrie also coordinates clothing, diaper, and toy donations for foster families throughout the New Orleans region.

She teaches foster parent certification classes to those who are seeking to become certified foster parents for the whole state of Louisiana. By educating potential foster parents on trauma-informed parenting, how to coparent with biological families, and the realities of welcoming a child from hard places into their home, Carrie is affecting the futures of hundreds of children who will be placed in foster care. She also teaches classes to judges, foster care workers, teachers, counselors, and foster parents from all over Louisiana focused on trauma-informed care to help serve kids in the foster care system.

Carrie has established a life-long pattern of serving wherever there is a need, and she credits that foundation in part to her education from St. Paul’s.

24

The Epistle II Magazine

Distinguished Alumni in the Arts rebekah phillips webb Class of 2002

Rebekah Phillips Webb returned to the Mobile Bay area after college in 2006 and settled into the Artist’s Colony known as Fairhope where she launched her fine art + design career, Rebekah Webb Studio.

Inspired by her Southern heritage and experiences growing up on the Gulf Coast, nature, water, and family are ever-present themes in Rebekah’s work which has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, Serena & Lily, and Well + Wonder Collective as well as in both private and public collections nationally and internationally. She has fine art representation locally, regionally and nationally with brick & mortar and online galleries including Sophiella Gallery, Mobile, AL; Goetze Art & Design, Memphis, TN; GalleryVibe, Naples, FL; Serena & Lily, online and retail stores nationally; Wexel Art, Austin, TX; Liza Pruitt, Richmond, VA and Well + Wonder Collective, Online.

With over 15 years of graphic design, marketing, and fine arts experience, she has collaborated with more than 100 local brands. She has developed a reputation as a collaborator among numerous advertising and public relations firms, local businesses, and various civic and governmental entities.

Rebekah is passionate about giving back and serving the community in which she lives and works. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Thomas Hospital Foundation since 2020 and was a founding member of the Order of Fuse, The Fuse Project in Mobile. An avid supporter of the arts, she is involved with the Eastern Shore Art Center, Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile Arts Council, Eastern Shore Repertory Theater Auxiliary, and Bayside Academy. She is a member of Fairhope United Methodist Church.

Rebekah received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Alabama and continued fine art studies at The College of Charleston and Lorenzo De’Medici - The Art Institute in Florence, Italy. Rebekah lives in Point Clear, Alabama with her husband, Lee, and two children, Alice and Edwin.

Saints Spirit Award Recipients

mr. irvin rentz, sr.

ms. robin sears

Celebrating 75 Years

25

HALL FAME of

class of

2012

CLASS OF 2012 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME HONOREES JORIM ALBRECHT-FRÜH EMILY MESSER ANDERSON LEXUS ANDREWS GOODWIN MARY BALL

26

The Epistle II Magazine

LACEY DENT DAN DREW MADISON FLOORE JACK GILMORE

JOE GOODWIN JOSH HARRELSON GRACE REBARCHAK DALTON RENTZ

Alumni Council Gives Back This fall, the Alumni Council had the pleasure of giving $44,900 to a variety of St. Paul’s student groups. To be considered, these groups had to complete an application and give a brief presentation to the Alumni Council Disbursement Committee.

The groups that received funding this year are: BEST Robotics Indoor and Outdoor Track Lower School Science Lab National Honor Society National Junior Honor Society Softball Service Leadership Class St. Paul’s Hunger Matters Program String Orchestras The Halo Yearbook Theatre Club and Thespians Upper School Journalism Upper School Science Department The Alumni Council hosts fundraising events throughout the year in order to provide additional support for St. Paul’s programs.

Some of these events include the annual golf tournament, tennis tournament, and the clay shoot tournament.

If you would like to get involved with the Alumni Council, please contact Blair Gewin at bgewin@stpaulsmobile.net or 251.461.2191.

Celebrating 75 Years

27

Happy Birthday St. Paul’s!

St. Paul’s students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees celebrated the school’s 75th birthday with a festive gathering on October 4, 2022. PreK through second grade students, led by the St. Paul’s Marching Band, donned party hats and carried shakers and noise-makers as they paraded to the Dogwood Lane campus and joined the rest of the student body in Saints Square. The celebration began with the St. Paul’s school prayer led by SGA President, Matt Browning. Head of School, Blair Fisher, then made remarks reflecting on the past 75 years while Head of School Elect, Dr. Scott McDonald, followed with comments about what wonderful things are to come in the next 75 years. The entire student body sang Happy Birthday to St. Paul’s. At the conclusion of the birthday song, the school mascot, Super Saint, jumped out of a giant birthday cake and the Board of Trustees, teachers, and cheerleaders popped confetti cannons. Cupcakes were served to all students after the party. It was truly a great day to be a Saint!

28

The Epistle II Magazine

Celebrating 75 Years

29

Girls Night Out ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Girls Night Out 2022 was a night to remember! On Thursday, November 3, 2022, all of our St. Paul’s moms were invited to attend a night out full of fellowship, drinks by POST, food by Noble South and Snacks by Sarah, music by Mitch Johnston, and amazing raffle items donated from local businesses.

The event would not have been possible without our hardworking committee members, generous sponsors, local businesses, and surrounding community.

Thank you to our sponsors: Presenting sponsor: Dr. Lauren Lambrecht with Azalea City Physicians for Women, Supporting sponsors: Budweiser-Busch Distributing, Conwell’s Pharmacy, The Galanos Firm, Hemline, and Allison Horner State Farm.

Thank you to the following merchants: The Holiday Place, POST Spring Hill, It’s Inviting, The Guest House Salon, Ann Ashley Jewelry, and Janie Long Photography.

Thank you to the many local businesses who donated to our raffle packages!

30

The Epistle II Magazine

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS! PRESENTING SPONSOR:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: BUDWEISER-BUSCH DISTRIBUTING CONWELL’S PHARMACY THE GALANOS FIRM HEMLINE ALLISON HORNER STATE FARM Celebrating 75 Years

31

The St. Paul’s Endowment WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT? Our most critical strategic asset, The St. Paul’s Endowment, is comprised of individual funds, each one a gift to the School from those deeply committed to the mission of St. Paul’s. Establishing an endowment at St. Paul’s is an investment in the future as it remains intact in perpetuity, forever supporting our faculty, staff, and most importantly, our students for generations to come. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of establishing an endowment is that it allows you to directly accomplish your philanthropic goals while helping St. Paul’s fund its initiatives. Additionally, creating an endowment may result in tax savings or other financial benefits that may enable you to give more than you might have thought possible.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF AN ENDOWMENT? When you establish an endowment, you will select how your gift will benefit St. Paul’s, providing a sense of fulfillment as the gift is an investment in something you are passionate about. An ongoing relationship with St. Paul’s is formed once your gift is endowed and links your intentions to the tradition and the future of the school. A gift can be named to honor a person’s service to a particular area or memorialize their name. Additionally, friends and family can add to the endowment at any time to carry on the legacy you have created.

32

The Epistle II Magazine

HOW TO ESTABLISH AN ENDOWMENT An endowed gift may take several forms, including an outright gift of cash, securities, real estate or tangible personal property. Endowments can also be created through a will, a charitable trust, retirement plan assets, or an insurance policy. Please contact Carrie Ashbee, Director of Advancement, for more information on how to make a meaningful gift to both you and the School.

“

The unique benefit of the Endowment is that monies are invested rather than spent. That means that every dollar invested provides a return in perpetuity.

As we grow the invested fund, we have an ever-increasing yearly distribution to invest in our students and teachers.

- MIKE STASHAK, PRESIDENT

ST. PAUL’S FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1947 Legacy Society Including St. Paul’s in your estate plan is a powerful way to maintain and enhance the School’s excellence for the next 75 years and beyond.

WHAT IS THE 1947 LEGACY SOCIETY? The 1947 Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have included St. Paul’s Episcopal School Foundation in their estate plans by providing a planned gift to the School. To make St. Paul’s a beneficiary of your will, revocable living trust, retirement plan, or your IRA account is to continue a historical path now extending 75 years. As with an outright gift to the School, you may direct your planned gift to benefit an area most important to you. Additionally, a planned gift may result in tax savings or other financial benefits that may not otherwise be possible.

INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING ST. PAUL’S THROUGH YOUR ESTATE OR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT? We invite you to join the 1947 Legacy Society, a distinguished circle of more than 60 committed families, by making a planned gift to St. Paul’s. Carrie Ashbee, Director of Advancement, stands ready to answer any questions you may have at cashbee@stpaulsmobile.net or 251-461-2185.

To learn more, visit stpaulsmobile.net/support-us/foundation.

Celebrating 75 Years

33

Bless These Babies

Chip Forrest ’00 and wife, Lindsay, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Forrest on March 2, 2023.

Chad Noblet ’00 and wife, Ashley, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sophia Louise Noblet on January 6, 2023.

Beau Fleming ’01 and wife, Elizabeth, welcomed the birth of their son, William Carlyle “Lyle” Fleming on February 8, 2023.

34

The Epistle II Magazine

Ricki Glenn Klyce ’02 and husband, Blake, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Blakely Anne Klyce on February 13, 2023.

John Shaw ’01 and wife, Britney, welcomed the birth of their son, Henry Shaw on September 12, 2022.

Charley Parden ’02 and wife, Bailey Nolan, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sabine Lloyd Parden on May 16, 2022.

Matt Zarzour ’03 and wife, Elizabeth, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Hayes Katherine Zarzour on September 12, 2022.

Brandi Fadalla Kent ’04 and husband, Jamie, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mary Ann “Mak” Kent on October 3, 2022.

Richard Alexander ’04 and wife, Anna, welcomed the birth of their son, William Harris Alexander on December 1, 2022.

Mary Kathryn Cunningham Levy ’05 and husband, Evan, welcomed the birth of their son, Henry Mitchell Levy on November 4, 2022.

Drew Salisbury ’06 and wife, Danielle, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Illa Anne Salisbury on December 2, 2022.

Downing Huffstutler Bronenkamp ’08 and husband, Cory, welcomed the birth of their son, William McDowell “Mac” Bronenkamp on June 30, 2022.

Mary Shannon Lewis Hocutt ’08 and husband, Hunter, welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas Lott Hocutt on January 2, 2023.

Carrie Haas Adams ’09 and husband, Strickler ’08, welcomed the birth of their son, Daniel “Haas” Adams on September 16, 2022.

Ebie Wilson Forwood ’09 and husband, Patrick ’09, welcomed the birth of their son, Wilson Forrest Forwood on December 2, 2022.

D.J. Gonzalez ’09 and wife, Bri, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ellyn James “Elle” on August 15, 2022.

Susan Courtney Latham ’10 and husband, Rad ’07, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Libba Latham on January 5, 2023.

Nene Stephens Byrd ’10, and husband, Haas, welcomed the birth of their son, Haas Byrd on December 5, 2022.

Celebrating 75 Years

35

Ellie Stimpson Edwards ’10 and husband, Jack, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alice Patricia Edwards on July 28, 2022.

David Crawford ’11 and wife, Virginia, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Marcia “Louise” Crawford on September 29, 2022.

Mary Angela Martin Griffith ’11 and husband, Hunt ’08 welcomed the birth of their daughter, Julia Elizabeth Griffith on January 27, 2023. Fellow classmate, Dr. Mary Carleton Johnson ’08 delivered her!

Not pictured: Les Buerger ’06 and wife, Emily, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lila Elizabeth Buerger on October 18, 2022.

Hartley Adams ’12 and husband, Glenn ’11, welcomed the birth of their son, Glenn Yelverton Adams, Jr. on December 27, 2022.

Bradley Bigler ’11 and wife, Mary Wesley Cade, welcomed the birth of their son, Bradley Christien Bigler, Jr. on September 14, 2022.

Tim Hasser ’07 and wife, Mary, welcomed the birth of their son, Oliver Hasser on November 16, 2022.

Going to the Chapel

Cayce Sherman ’03 married Madelyn Maury Downing on September 24, 2022 at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama.

Grace Williams ’12 married Connor Sharpton at Little Point Clear on January 15, 2022.

Dr. Lexus Andrews ’12 married Dr. Joe Goodwin ’12 on March 4, 2023 at the BraggMitchell Mansion with a reception afterwards on the front lawn.

Sarah Kitzmann ’08 married Dr. Daniel Kim at St. Joseph Chapel on the campus of Spring Hill College on October 1, 2022.

Ryan Zarzour ’08 married Beck Roney on December 17, 2022 at St. Joseph Chapel with a reception following at The Antoinette in downtown Mobile.

Claudia Hannahan ’14 married Wirth Doss on October 1, 2022 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at The Country Club of Mobile.

Send your alumni news to bgewin@stpaulsmobile.net, Blair Gewin, Director of Alumni and Special Events

Celebrating 75 Years

37

Under

FORTY

Congratulations to St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s distinguished alumni and current parents for being named to Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 Under 40!

Justine Bixler | Class of 2007 Brandon F. Bodie, M.D. | Class of 2005 Coby Harrison, M.D. | Current Parent P hillip Henderson, D.O. | Current Parent Taylor Johnson | Current Parent William R. Kleinschrodt, Jr. | Class of 2003 and Current Parent Zachary D. Reardon, M.D. | Current Parent Kristen Roberts | Current Parent B. Carter Thomas DMD | Class of 2003 38

The Epistle II Magazine

SAINTS S NEW F RIENDS • NEW ADVENTURE

Let us take your Saint on a summer time adventure where every day is an opportunity for friendship, fun, and discovery! Each week we will explore a new theme and immerse ourselves in learning and fun. We offer indoor and outdoor activities, creative art projects, dance, sports, games, science, technology, storytelling, dramatic play, special guests, and daily adventures.

Summer Saints Day Camp is open for rising 3K through rising 5th grade students. (rising 3K students must be enrolled in the EEC and rising PreK-5th grade students must be enrolled in St. Paul’s Episcopal School).

JUNE 5 – JULY 28 7:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. WITH AVAILABLE AFTER CARE FROM 3:00 - 5:30 PM Questions? Contact Mary Ashleigh Ivey at maivey@stpaulsmobile.net or Mindy West at mindywest@stpaulseec.com

REGISTER HERE:

161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, Alabama 36608 Change Service Requested

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1508 Mobile, AL 36608