Epistle II SUMMER
2017
For alumni, friends and family of St. Paul’s Episcopal School - Mobile, Alabama. Know What Matters.
Summer 2017 | 1
ON OUR COVER The 2017 graduating class participated in our annual baccalaureate service. We were able to reflect and focus on our students’ personal growth and achievement throughout their time at St. Paul’s Episcopal School.
06
FEATURES
06 Our Newest Alumni
See where the Class of 2017 is headed!
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Saints Inspire
23
Daddy Daughter Dance
26
Alumnus Spotlight
Our Fine Arts programs continue to thrive.
We had our very first dance!
Taylor Zarzour’s voice is heard all over the country!
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Epistle II MAGAZINE
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL SUMMER 2017 • WWW.STPAULSMOBILE.NET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04
From the Head of School
10
Grandparents Day
14
Spring Athletic Highlights
18
Service to Our Community
19
Faculty Spotlight
20
Something Different Something More Campaign
21
2016 Saints’ Fund
22
2017 Saints’ Night Out
24
Alumni Activities
27
What’s News
29
Saints Remembered
OUR MISSION 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. 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. OUR PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us in St. Paul’s School to live together in love and peace, patient with each other’s faults, mindful of each other’s needs, gentle in words and helpful in deeds. And may this school be as a field which Thou hast blessed so that all that is true, pure, lovely, and of good report may grow here, filling our hearts with joy, and our hands with usefulness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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The Epistle II is published by St. Paul’s Episcopal School. 161 Dogwood Lane • Mobile, Alabama 36608 For more information about St. Paul’s please call 251-342-6700 or visit our website at www.stpaulsmobile.net.
Summer 2017 | 3
FROM THE
head of school Dear St. Paul’s Community, I am delighted to have begun my tenure as Head of School for St. Paul’s. A change in school leadership invariably brings with it a host of questions. The biggest ones seem to be: “Who is this person, and what will he do to our school?” I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce myself, provide you with an initial view of who I am as an educator, and give you a conceptual outline of what I see as my work through the years ahead. When my wife, Jen, and I were considering opportunities, two things mattered the most to us—a strong sense of community and student-centeredness. St. Paul’s overflows with both. Our visits to St. Paul’s and our interactions with the people showed clearly that St. Paul’s is indeed a special place--a place where faculty and families work together in the type of partnership that allows children to thrive and grow into terrific young men and women of sound minds and positive character. Jen and I are thrilled to become part of the Sainthood. Three principles guide me as an educator: • The school will be child-centered. Every program, every practice, and every decision will be tested against the highest standard possible: “What is best for the students in our care?” • Our practices will be research-based wherever possible. Additionally, they must be thoughtful and reflective, thus ensuring that we operate at the highest possible level both as a school and an organization. • We will be success-oriented. When our students succeed, we succeed. If every child is learning and growing, we are accomplishing our mission; if any child is not, we must find a way to help that individual to succeed.
I have a clear vision of what educational excellence looks like, but my vision will not be the only driving force behind St. Paul’s in the years ahead. My role is to serve as a catalyst and a coordinator. I intend to facilitate a shared vision among the many talented and dedicated people who serve our students and to coordinate their work, thus gaining maximum benefit for our students. Our common, coordinated commitment to that vision will continue to elevate St. Paul’s as it evolves as a school of excellence. I eagerly anticipate falling in love with St. Paul’s in the years ahead, and I am confident that will be an easy thing to do! Even more, I look forward to partnering with you on behalf of our students, together keeping St. Paul’s at the forefront of education. I am both honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me. I pledge that I will work to earn that trust each day. Education is a noble endeavor—a calling. Your children deserve no less than our best. I wish for you a school year filled with wonderful memories. If you have the chance, please reach out and schedule an appointment - I would love to sit down and get to know you better. Sincerely,
N. Blair Fisher Head of School
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Congratulations Class
of
2017
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Our Newest Alumni Laura Rutherford Adams Bayley Harper Albinger Skandan Ananthasekar Hayley Elizabeth Baker Sean Bradley Baxter Meredith Mann Brewer Madelyn Turner Brown Benjamin Austin Bryars William Patton Bryars Anne Teresa Buffkin Parker Shawn Canada John Rawlins McIver Chaffe Carolyn Delaney Chambliss Andrew Patrick Chandler Ben Chard John Bradley Citrin Hannah Elise Collier Anna Catherine Collins Phyllis Boyd Conwell James Vickers Courtney, Jr. Claire Winifred Denton Caroline Weeks Dickerson John Hargrave Donahoe Jack Bradley Douglas Ashley Marie Dyas Jessie Marie Everett 6 | Epistle II
Washington and Lee University Auburn University Rice University Auburn University Auburn University The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of Alabama Auburn University University of Derby-UK Washington and Lee University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Belmont University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Alabama Georgia Institute of Technology
Bradley Joseph Flott Jacksonville State University Hannah Isabel Franklin University of Mississippi Edward Warren Gaal The University of Alabama Elizabeth Anne Gilbert University of South Alabama John Oliver Godwin Auburn University Divya Goel Tulane University Gabriel Eliu Gonzalez University of South Alabama Thomas Samuel Granade New York University Douglas Allen Greene, Jr. University of South Alabama Robert Barger Hanson III The University of Alabama Noah Mitchell Harrelson Cornell University John Simms Harrison The University of Alabama Shelby Cate Hodges The University of Alabama Guy Austin Holland Auburn University Mary Scott Hollingsworth Oglethorpe University Connor Griffin Hudson The University of Alabama Mary Ashleigh Ivey Birmingham-Southern College Sarah Hunter Jackson The University of Alabama Elizabeth Jane Jeffries The University of Alabama Ryan Alexander Johnson Stanford University Motoki Brewer Takushige Jordan Auburn University Colin Edward Kemmerly, Jr. Auburn University Andrew Stiles King Auburn University Katherine Conley Knott The University of Alabama Johannes Christoph Lackinger The University of Alabama Avery Wayne Lancaster The University of Alabama www.stpaulsmobile.net
Class of 2017 Daniel Richard Lane, Jr. Auburn University Joseph Kimble Carr Little Howard University Ann Bradley Long The University of Alabama Madelyn Claire Lott Auburn University Thomas Vance McCown Luce University of Mississippi Austin Cole Luttrell University of South Alabama Madison Lee Mace University of Mississippi William Pyron McEvoy Auburn University Trevor Hamilton McGill The University of Alabama Michael Warner McKean The University of Alabama Jacob Alexander McManus The University of Alabama Mallory Autumn Messer Samford University Jeremy Bacon Milling, Jr. The University of Texas at Austin Christopher Alexander Morgan Baylor University William Eugene Mote III University of Mississippi Jacob Ian Mowry Auburn University Elizabeth Grayson Mueller University of South Alabama Caroline Bell Myers The University of Alabama at Birmingham Sarah Lawrence Newby The University of Alabama Kathryn Olivia Nichols Auburn University Brantley Rudene Oldenburg The University of Alabama James Tyler Padgett The University of Alabama Elise Woodson Peeler Furman University Emilie Christelle Rihner Auburn University Lauren Elizabeth Ritchie Auburn University Elizabeth Hartley Robinson University of Mississippi
Hunter Christian Robinson Ann Brewer Rockwell Elizabeth Nicole Romanos Robert Myers Sankey Jackson Alexander Sessoms Spencer Tyler Shields Coleman Harper Singleton Megan Leigh Smith Tamaurice Tyshun Smith Kiley Melissa Spann Marshall Peyton Spires Clara Grace Stimpson Tenisee Gray Sulonma Sarah Marie Tonsmeire Jackson Henry Turnipseed William Dobbson Vickers John Robbins Volkman John Conner Watson Mary Catherine Watson Grace Catherine Whiston Loring Albert Wilder IV Konner Renee’ Wilks Sydney Renee Williams Madeline Ann Wing William Andrew Wing III
The Citadel University of Southern Mississippi The University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of Alabama The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Memphis Richmond-American International Univ. United States Air Force Academy The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Alabama Auburn University The University of Alabama at Birmingham Spring Hill College United States Air Force Academy Auburn University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Georgia The University of Georgia
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CLASS OF 2017 AWARDS
The A.S. Mitchell Valedictory Award
The Ben C. Stimpson Salutatory Award
SARAH HUNTER JACKSON
SKANDAN ANANTHASEKAR
Presented to the graduating senior who has displayed the highest academic achievement during the four high school years in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, World Languages and Science.
Presented to the graduating senior who has displayed the second highest academic achievement during the four high school years in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, World Languages and Science.
The William Stillwell Mann Award
St. Paul’s Alumni Award
MALLORY MESSER
MADELINE WING
Presented to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best displays the characteristics of the model St. Paulian.
The St. Paul’s Alumni Award is given to a student, who in the eyes of the senior class, represents a model St. Paulian.
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Baccalaureate MAY 14, 2017 • ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Graduation Ceremony MAY 20, 2017 • SPRING HILL COLLEGE
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Grandparents Day KINDERGARTEN • February 3, 2017
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Grandparents Day SENIORS • March 8, 2017
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Saints Once again Jody Powell created a masterpiece with his students’ performance of Beauty and the Beast. From the sensational singing and acting to the creative costumes and staging, St. Paul’s proved that its Fine Arts Program is second to none. Our new Head of School, Blair Fisher, was amazed at the quality, stating that “It was the most impressive school production I have ever seen.” Our 4th and 5th graders have also caught the passion for performing. The 4th graders had a blast with their performance of A Small Part of the World, and the 5th graders were sparkling with their version of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids. These students work all year during their weekly music class. They start with learning the music, then dialogue, choreography and blocking. This is all done with only two rehearsals with the entire class. As Melissa Laster, the Music Director for grades 3-5 explains: “It is definitely a challenge trying to think creatively to make it work. It is a bit like creating puzzle pieces and then hoping all those puzzle pieces will fit together once we have our two rehearsals in the theatre.” She credits her great students, parents, and teachers such as Kaitlyn Scott, for all of the hard work and extra details, including costumes and props that truly make the show spectacular. St. Paul’s is excited about its new elective Theatre Arts Program which will be offered to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The program will include all aspects of the theatre: on stage, backstage and everything that is required for a play to be performed. Additionally, a Theatre Arts Enrichment Program will be offered after school to our Middle School Students. Students will also enjoy a renovated theatre this fall. Our “Save-A-Seat” fundraiser and extra money raised through Saints’ Fund made the renovations a reality. Look for a new curtain, brand new seats, new carpet and freshly painted walls in the theatre.
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Our band, choral and strings students are also award-winners. Six band students scored superior ratings at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival: Elizabeth McEniry (flute solo), Isabella Mueller (clarinet solo) and Sarah Posey, Sarah Sternberg, Isobel Crumb and Sarah Byrd (clarinet quartet). Seven strings students advanced to the Alabama All State Orchestra Festival and Competition: Holt Templeton, Anna Weber, Anne Katherine Scott, Satoshi Kamei, Rebecca Wilson, Charlie Ramo and Margaret Zheng. Congratulations to all of our talented musicians! St. Paul’s visual arts program is equally strong. Our visual arts program wins awards every year at the state and national level. Three St. Paul’s students, Alex Swoboda, Laura Adams and Caroline Myers were honored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers as the National Award Recipients of the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These awards are more impressive when one considers they were competing against 330,000 other artists. Our art students and their talented teacher, Felicia Olds, earned five state awards and three scholarships, as well as the coveted Visual Arts Achievement Program’s Teacher Award. Jeb Milling, Caroline Myers and Sydney Williams earned three of the five scholarships awarded. Jeb, Caroline, Sydney, Gabriella Tropeano and Sarah Posey all won awards at the state level. Leigh Brown molds creative students. This year her AP Photography students enjoyed a secret project that honored their fellow classmates. They recognized students who demonstrated the values and character sacred to St. Paul’s: responsibility, character, creativity, love and service, who did not look actively for recognition. Seventeen students were recognized, and their portraits were taken, edited, and hung all around campus by the AP Photography students.
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Beauty and the Beast, Big Show
A Small Part of the World, 4th Grade Play
Visual Arts Achievement Program Winners
Disney’s 101 Dalmations Kids, 5th Grade Play
AP Photography students installing their secret project.
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SPRING 2017
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
Boys Golf State Champions BOYS GOLF
The Boys Varsity Golf Team claimed the 2017 5A State Golf Championship. The tournament was held at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National in Opelika, Alabama. St. Paul’s scored a 603 to defeat Guntersville (644) by 41 strokes. The team consisted of Will McFadden, Kyle Cornelius, Matthew Hunt, Blake Bahos, and Bill Johnson. Will McFadden played exceptional golf and also won the individual medalist honor. This was Head Coach Zac Lambrecht’s first season to coach the Saints to a state championship victory!
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Girls Indoor Track State Champions GIRLS INDOOR TRACK
The Saints ran away with an eighth straight AHSAA indoor track and field championship at the Birmingham CrossPlex, taking home the Class 4A-5A title. St. Paul’s has 24 indoor state titles, a state record. “Consistency and tradition have a lot to do with it,” said Tate, in his 39th season at the Mobile private school. “We have the sort of kids who buy into what we’re trying to do. They just work hard and love each other.”
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Boys Tennis Runner-Up State Champions
BOYS TENNIS
St. Paul’s Varsity Boys Tennis team capped off an excellent 17-4 season with a second place finish at the state tournament, garnering 51 points behind winner Briarwood’s 57. Sophomore Nathan Smith posted a 15-6 record in the tough #1 singles position, junior Jimmy Mackin played a strong #2 singles with a winning 17-4 record for the season and freshman Kessler Park was a workhorse in the #3 singles spot with a 14-5 record. Senior Jack Citrin anchored the team with a 19-2 record in #4 singles, including an individual state championship, sophomore Will Steadman played a strong #5 singles as he came in 16-4, and freshman Christopher Bowen rounded out the lineup in the #6 spot with a 15-5 season record. Senior Jack Sessoms contributed as an alternate in several matches as well, stepping in for both doubles and singles as needed. At the state tournament, Mackin advanced to the finals in singles and to the semis in #1 doubles with partner Jack Citrin to finish the season 14-6. Smith partnered with Park to go 19-1 in #2 doubles, including a state championship in that position. Steadman and Bowen, 9-5 in #3 doubles for the season, also accrued points for the team in both singles and doubles at state. Congratulations on an outstanding season!
Girls Track Runner-Up State Champions
GIRLS OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
Our varsity girls concluded the 2017 track and field season with a runner-up team finish in class 5A to Beauregard by a score of 9883 with 32 scoring teams in the division. This year’s team was very young; with no seniors and with 8 of our 13 state meet competitors in the 7th- 9th grade; there is every reason to be optimistic about next year and beyond. Fourteen varsity letter-winners are slated to return, including all six of our All-State performers from this spring one of which is our 5-time defending state pole vault champion Callie Radcliff. Our team competed in 9 varsity meets this spring, including the state championships, and finished 2nd as a scoring team in 5 of those meets in addition to winning the sectional team championship. Historically, this was our girl’s 8th team runner-up finish to go along with our state-leading 24 team championships.
Boys Track Runner-Up State Champions
BOYS OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
Undoubtedly, the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the year in state competition was our boy’s track & field team’s runnerup finish in the 5A state meet. Our Saints overcame a thin roster to finish 2nd in 5A boys competition over two tying 3rd place teams in the 39 scoring-team division. This determined group of young men turned in strong performances to earn our program’s 7th runner-up team finish along with our 17 previous state team championships. Two junior athletes, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Zackery Carmichael, contributed 44 points in 4 events to put us in contention in the meet. Congratulations are certainly due to these young men who competed ferociously as well as to our coaches and parents for their hard work and continued support. Last season was a tremendous accomplishment for our boys team! Summer 2017 | 15
2017
ST. PAUL’S SIGNEDPSAINTS
JAMES COURTNEY SWIMMING University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill BRADLEY FLOTT FOOTBALL Jacksonville State University MARY SCOTT HOLLINGSWORTH VOLLEYBALL Oglethorpe University RYAN JOHNSON FOOTBALL Stanford University TEE SMITH FOOTBALL University of Memphis PEYTON SPIRES BASKETBALL United States Air Force Academy ANDREW WING FOOTBALL University of Georgia 16 | Epistle II
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
COACH ANDY ROBBINS ALABAMA BASEBALL COACHES HALL OF FAME AND
800TH
CAREER WIN!
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Service Community
It was an incredible year for our Community Service program. A total of 24,304.75 hours were reported for grades K4-12th! According to the Independent Sector the estimated value of our service hours comes to a grand total of $586,716.66.
2016-2017
40
TO OUR
PREK • 100 Hours
Kindness to Animals
K • 180 Hours
Community Helpers
1ST • 315 Hours
2ND • 109 Hours
3RD • 325 Hours
The Environment
4TH • 495 Hours
Hearing & Visually Impaired
5TH • 445 Hours
The Elderly
6TH • 860 Hours
The Homeless & Hungry
7TH • 438 Hours
8TH • 541 Hours
9TH • 3142 Hours
10TH • 2614 Hours
Veterans & Active Military
Mentally / Physically Challenged
11TH • 3914 Hours
Veterans & Active Military
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The Elderly
Families in Crisis
12TH • 4284 Hours
Senior Choice
Children
The Environment
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS SERVED
15 Place Adopt-A-Platoon Allentown Elementary School American Cancer Society Animal Rescue Foundation Augusta Evans School Camp Rap-A-Hope Coastal Cleanup Community Gardens of Mobile Dumas Wesley Community Center Ella Grant Elementary School Feeding the Gulf Coast Food Bank Kate Shepard Elementary Keep Mobile Beautiful L’Arche First Light Marathon Little Sisters of the Poor McKemie Place Mobile Veterans Clinic Mulherin Custodial Home Most Pure Heart of Mary School Penelope House Prichard Preparatory School Raise the Roof Regional School for the Deaf & Blind Special Olympics Springhill Manor Nursing Home St. Elmo Elementary School Taylor Park The Joseph Project Via! Volunteers of America Wilmer Baptist Church Wilmer Elementary School Wilmer Hall
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ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Faculty Feature
HEATHER KRAUS
Heather Lee Kraus ‘89 has been with St. Paul’s since she was in pre- kindergarten over 30 years ago. She has been a student and is now a parent, alumna and Dean of the Lower School. Heather has been working at St. Paul’s for 13 years. She started as the school’s first full time speech pathologist in 2004. With her calm nature and welcoming smile, she was a perfect assistant with lower school admissions while continuing to work with students and their speech therapy. In 2015-2016, Heather served as Assistant Dean of the Lower School and after an extensive search, was named as Anne Davis’ replacement. Positive accolades from parents, faculty, administration and especially students are routinely heard about Heather. She is admired, trusted and loved by all. While there is no typical day in Lower School, Heather starts her morning unloading students from carpool. She visits classrooms daily, meets all prospective families and enjoys having frequent parent conferences. On occasion, she meets with students to discuss how to make better choices. Carpool ends her day with the students, but she continues to make contact with parents and faculty throughout the afternoon and evening. However, her family responsibilities eventually take over, caring for the needs of her three boys and husband, Bill. Wilson and Lee are twins who are seniors. Davis is a freshman and all three boys will be playing football for the Saints this fall.
Every day Kindergarten students are chosen to come to Mrs. Kraus’s office to read to her from their shared journal.
Like the past four decades of St. Paul’s students, Heather has fond memories of her teachers. She recalls Mr. Helmsing inspiring her to volunteer for the Republican National Convention in August 1988. Not only was the experience “amazing,” she received extra credit points from Mr. Helmsing. Heather is passionate about St. Paul’s, and that passion shines daily. Our new Head of School, Blair Fisher, commented on the large number of alumni who return to work at St. Paul’s, and he noted that a St. Paul’s education and experience is extremely impactful as evidenced by the alumni who return to teach. Heather embodies that impact, and St. Paul’s is certainly fortunate to have her leadership as Lower School Dean.
Mrs. Kraus knows how to have fun too! She and the Lower School nurse, Mrs. Robinson, dressed up as current students for the annual Lower School Halloween Parade! Summer 2017 | 19
SOMETHING DIFFERENT SOMETHING
MORE C A M PA I G N
The time is NOW. NOW. This is an exciting time in St. Paul’s history. We will celebrate St. Paul’s 70th birthday in August, and with such a momentous milestone, a grand gift is in order. What better present to our special school than a new building? The Student Commons Building is a much needed asset to our main campus, and it is soon to be a reality. We celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking with our new Head of School, Blair Fisher, on April 26th. Student representatives from each grade helped break ground in front of the entire student body, faculty, and families. The Reverend John Riggin prayed for this endeavor and led us all in asking God’s blessing on this project. The event was a moving celebration for all who are making this gift a reality. Construction will begin soon, and we look forward to celebrating St. Paul’s 70th birthday with bulldozers and concrete. While we have made great progress in raising the necessary funds, there is still an additional $2 million needed to complete the building and make it move-in ready for our students. Please consider a gift to ensure our students can fully enjoy the incredible space and opportunities in their Student Commons Building. Visit the website at stpaulsmobile.net/giving/studentcommons for more information or contact Katie Courtney at 251.380.0408 ext. 25.
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W H AT A D I F F E R E N C E
OPPORTUNITY MAKES
THANK YOU! For the fifth year in a row, you have helped us exceed our Saints’
Fund goal. Last year over $450,000 was raised with the support of over 1100 donors. Not only did we exceed our goal, but participation increased with our current parents and alumni. Your Saints’ Fund gift supplements our operating budget and provides the extras that make the St. Paul’s experience so special.
Fund Facts: •
Many thanks to our 2016 Chairs for their hard work: Christine and Jeff Conrad, Caroline and Brian McCarthy, Sharon and Eddie McDonough and Marion McElroy and Jason Bell. Our chairs wrote personal letters, made calls and provided the enthusiasm, creativity and support to accomplish and exceed our goal.
•
For the 10th year in a row, we had 100% participation from our faculty and staff and our Board of Trustees.
•
Our parent participation increased to 42%, with alumni participation following at 12%. We also had 9% of our grandparents and 7% of our past parents support Saints’ Fund.
•
Your gift provided additional faculty and staff, intensive faculty development, enhancements to our science department, enhancements to our arts and music curriculum, renovations of the gyms and fields and more!
Your support matters.
Saints’ Fund ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
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SNO
saints’ night out ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Saints’ Night Out was a huge success last year! The event was held on April 7th at The Admiral Hotel. With the leadership of chairs Bradee Scarborough and Sherry Archibald, and the SNO committee, the event generated over $150,000 in net proceeds to benefit the school. Guests were entertained by the Bay City Brass Band while bidding on a fabulous collection of auction items. SNO is the largest parent driven fundraiser for St. Paul’s, and the school is extremely grateful for our hardworking committee members, generous sponsors, and the St. Paul’s community who support this event.
Thank you to our corporate sponsors! TITLE SPONSOR:
Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, P.C. Allison Horner - State Farm Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Aull & Monroe Inc. Investment Management Bay Mortgage Corporation Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., Inc. Cassity Brothers Construction, Inc. Conwell’s Pharmacy, LLC Cornerstone Investment Management DocRX Donaghey Orthodontics Dr. & Mrs. Eniola Fagbongbe EGM, LLC Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery Firetrol Protection Systems GeoTerra Engineering, LLC Hancock Bank Industry Services, Inc. Joe Bullard Automotive LLB&B Inc. Real Estate Master Boat Builders, Inc. Nestor K. Delgado, MD - Gulf Coast OB/GYN Oakworth Capital Bank Old Shell Trolley Club Optera Creative Inc. R. Benjamin Coale, Financial Advisor - Morgan Stanley Rainbow Spring Water, Inc. Regions Bank Russell Thompson Butler & Houston, LLP Carolyn McKean, CPA ServisFirst Bank Sign-A-Rama The Center for Reproductive Medicine - Dr. George Koulianos The Everette Agency The Groves Family The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. The Park Clinic Urgent Care by the Bay Vallas Realty, Inc. Webjed Worthy Insurance Agency
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ST. PAUL’S TEACHER ADVENTURE benefitting Saints’ Night Out
The first Daddy Daughter Dance was held on Monday, May 8, at the Lower School. Girls in PreK through 2nd grade were escorted by their fathers as their dates. Among pink balloons and a sea of flowers, music played as the couples danced, made homemade paper corsages, enjoyed lemonade and cookies, and took silly pictures in a photo booth. This event was memorable for all, and we began a new tradition which will bring daddies and daughters together for a special night for many years to come.
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ALUMNI
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Alumni and their families enjoyed our annual Alumni Mardi Gras Party which was held on January 10th in Washington Square. Guests enjoyed food and drinks while being entertained by the Bay City Brass Band, who also led everyone in a secondline down to the parade. Special thanks to MCG Contracting and J.O. Acree Company, Inc. for sponsoring this event. Please save the date for next year’s party, January 26, 2018.
ST. PAUL’S
DAY OF SERVICE MARCH 2017
On March 25th, a group of alumni gathered for the first St. Paul’s Alumni Day of Service. St. Paul’s alumni partnered with the Raise the Roof Project to help restore a home in need of repair. Raise the Roof Project is a home repair ministry partnership of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama. Raise the Roof Project connects people in need with groups willing to repair roofs and build relationships in the South Broad Street community of Mobile. Thank you to the alumni who participated and to the Raise the Roof Project. 24 | Epistle II
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Special thanks to alumni, parents, committee members and sponsors who supported the 2017 St. Paul’s Alumni Council Golf Tournament held on April 27th at Azalea City Golf Course. Golfers enjoyed a variety of games along the course, great prizes and lunch provided by Wintzell’s Oyster House. With generous sponsors and a packed course of 116 golfers, the tournament generated over $13,500 in net revenue which will benefit the St. Paul’s girls and boys varsity golf teams, alumni activities and other St. Paul’s student programs. Thank you to the Corporate Sponsors:
Century Bank Coastal Patio & Home Delaney Development, Inc. DEX Imaging Hancock Bank Helmsing Leach, P.C., Attorneys at Law Hub International Lamar Advertising Springhill Medical Center Springhill Toyota Wintzell’s Oyster House
Save the Date! THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 For more information about sponsoring or playing in the Spring 2018 tournament, or if you would like to be on the Golf Tournament committee, please contact Kori Crawley in the Advancement Office at 380-0408 ext. 23 or kcrawley@stpaulsmobile.net. In addition to alumni, we welcome anyone who would like to be on the committee. www.stpaulsmobile.net/alumni Summer 2017 | 25
TAYLOR ZARZOUR The Man with the Golden Voice Written by Lou Courie You are walking off the Royal Birkdale golf course in Scotland, interviewing the British Open champion, Jordan Spieth. A few weeks later, at Quail Hollow you watch as Justin Thomas and the PGA gallery see Thomas’ putt hang precariously on the edge of the cup for ten seconds or more. The ball drops in the cup, the gallery roars and you and a vast television or radio audience celebrate raucously. You are Taylor Zarzour, St. Paul’s class of ’96, an accomplished sports broadcaster with the resonant voice of a seasoned pro and a vast understanding of several popular sports. Since his graduation from Huntingdon College (Communications, 2000) Taylor has made quite a name for himself, having interviewed Jack Nicklaus, the late Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Nick Saban and the aforementioned champion of three major golf tournaments, Jordan Spieth. Local sports enthusiasts may recall Taylor’s stint on the Mobile area’s afternoon “Sports Drive” program. He certainly stood out. His was the voice of authority, the voice that commanded attention. Even then, listeners knew, I think, that Taylor was destined for sports celebrity status.
addition to other community obligations, Taylor serves on the Board of the Steve Smith Family Foundation, an important Charlotte (and Baltimore) non-profit organization, whose mission is to promote family health and wellness and to heighten awareness of and work to prevent domestic violence. Taylor often provides fundraising ideas, helps plan events and serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Foundation’s programs. Our graduate is also a family man, married to Betsy Zarzour for fourteen years and living in Charlotte, NC. They have two daughters, Katie, 12, and Grace, 11. Although I never taught Taylor, I did enjoy teaching his siblings—all great-- and remember his entire family fondly. Mrs. Margaret Bramlett, who did teach him, remembers him well and tells me he was always kind, sincere, dedicated and sensitive to the plight of others. His volunteer work and his career success show us all that we have another graduate who embraces “Sainthood” values. To those among our faculty and staff who helped and influenced this young man, I say to you: “well done.” I wish I were numbered among you.
Major golf events, important football and basketball games, Nascar races—all are often broadcast in Taylor’s distinctive voice, one that resonates enthusiasm and energy and shows insightful analysis. The audience is simply compelled to listen. Currently, Taylor is heard on SiriusXM, hosting College Sports Nation, a national talk show, and on ESPN and Touchdown Radio Network. He has covered five college football national championship games, been to twelve basketball “Final Fours” and a “Stanley Cup Final.” Only fifteen years removed from college life, Taylor has achieved remarkable success. Does he have time for anything other than work preparation, on-air time, and travel? Apparently, he gives of the leisure time he does have. In 26 | Epistle II
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WHAT’S NEWS > CLASS NOTES 1995 Richard Rowan and wife, Brea, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Adeline Grace Rowan on May 14, 2016. Adeline joins her big brothers, Bennett and Peyton. The Rowans reside in Birmingham, AL where Richard works as a history teacher.
Louise Friedrich McCown and Robert McCown ’97 welcomed the birth of their son, Robert Friedrich “Fritz” McCown on May 25, 2017. Fritz joins big sisters, Charlotte, Weezie, and Jane. The McCowns reside in Mobile, AL. Glenn Smith and wife, Lacey, welcomed the birth of their son, Glenn Coker Smith on April 19, 2017. Glenn Coker joins big brother, Morris. The Smiths reside in Mobile, AL.
Addison McDaniel married Miranda Weber on February 4, 2017. The McDaniels reside in Mobile, AL. Jonathan Sellers and wife, Kim, welcomed the birth of their son, Nolan Dean Sellers on March 14, 2017. Nolan joins big sister, Maddie. The Sellers reside in Troy, AL.
2001 Ben Hatfield married Laurel Dawn on April 28, 2017. Kathryn Friedlander Trawick and Matt Trawick ‘99, welcomed the birth of their son, Charles “Charlie” Trawick on March 6, 2017. Charlie joins big brother, Will. The Trawicks reside in Mobile, AL.
1997 Paul Peevy and wife, Marissa, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Isabella EmRee Peevy on April 8, 2017. EmRee joins big brother, Cole. The Peevys reside in Mobile, AL. 1998 Erin Burns Schwant and husband, Troy, welcomed the birth of their son, William Riggin Schwant on February 10, 2017. William joins big brothers Jack, Charlie, Sam, and Robert. The Schwants reside in Mobile, AL.
2002 Katie Jeffreys Lee and husband, Jamison, welcomed the birth of their son, Grayson William Lee on March 29, 2017. The Lees reside in Birmingham, AL.
2004 Webb and Katherine Allen Thomas welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mabry Cawthon Thomas on March 22, 2017. Mabry joins big sister, Anne Sutton. The Thomases reside in Mobile, AL.
Elizabeth Little Nobles and husband, Ryan, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ann Ryan Nobles on May 2, 2017. Ann Ryan joins big sister, Eliza, and big brother, James. The Nobles reside in Fairhope, AL. 2003 Turner Outlaw Eleazer and husband, Forrest, welcomed the birth of their son, Wright Outlaw Eleazer on April 24, 2017. Wright joins big sisters, Louise and Hunter. The Eleazers reside in St. Petersburg, FL. 2005 Lucy Greer Cheriogotis and husband, Spiro, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Eleanore “Elle” Hughes Cheriogotis on May 2, 2017. Elle joins big brothers, Nick and Jack. The Cheriogotises reside in Mobile, AL. Trey Pollard married Katherine Sams on April 22, 2017. The Pollards reside in Vestavia, AL. 2006 Lacey Gail Mulroy and husband, Danny, welcomed the birth of their son, Daniel Jay Mulroy on September 7, 2016. The Mulroys reside in Nashville, TN.
1999 Patterson Shedd and wife, Tinsley, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Marion Patterson Shedd on May 22, 2017. Marion joins big sisters, Vivienne and Eleanor. The Shedds reside in Huntsville, AL. Curry Moore married William Price Stahl on May 6, 2016. The Stahls reside in Mobile, AL. 2000 Harrison Bixler and wife, Quin, welcomed the birth of their son, Marshall Harrison Bixler II on January 23, 2017. Marshall joins big sister, Flora. The Bixlers reside in Mobile, AL.
Edward Foster and wife, Maggie, welcomed the birth of their son, Henry Baxter Foster on February 21, 2017. Henry joins big brother, Jackson. The Fosters reside in Birmingham, AL.
Gaines Zarzour married Anna Meisler on March 25, 2017. The Zarzours reside in Mobile, AL. 2007 Paige Harkness married Parker Morris on May 6, 2017. The Morrises reside in Birmingham, AL. Gabby Hasty married Marshall Hodge on March 23, 2013. Their son, Dain Michael Hodge was born on June 3, 2014. The Hodges reside in Mobile, AL. Richard Martindale married Liz Legg on February 18, 2017. The Martindales reside in Birmingham, AL.
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WHAT’S NEWS > CLASS NOTES Dusten Doggett and wife, Britney, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Hollyn Jane on December 14, 2016. The Doggetts reside in Huntsville, AL.
Candace Wilson Mahoney and husband, Caleb, welcomed the birth of their son, Hudson Michael Mahoney, on May 4, 2016. The Mahoneys reside in Dalton, GA.
2012 Mackenzie Klyce lived in Thailand teaching English to children. She worked with a restaurant there and learned how to make traditional Thai dishes. Mackenzie returned to Mobile at the beginning of June and will attend the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado in August. David Mayhall is the Government Affairs Assistant at the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Josh Shapiro. Bren McMaken married Allyson Elizabeth Argo in May of 2016. Bren graduated from the University of Alabama in the spring of 2016, summa cum laude. He was on the President’s List every semester for four years and part of the prestigious University Fellows program. He was also president of the mock trial competitive team. Bren and Allyson reside in Tuscaloosa where Bren is attending the University of Alabama School of Law.
Graysi Gartman married TJ Ethridge on April 22, 2017. The Ethridges reside in Fairhope, AL. 2008 Drew Hennig married Jordan Stephens on April 1, 2017. Ashley Hudson graduated from UAB School of Medicine in May 2017 and will be completing her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas over the next four years. 2009 Johnathon Ames has been promoted to head tennis pro and manager of the facilities at the Atkinson Stern Tennis Center in New Orleans, LA. Katie Hudgens married Ben Lilly on March 18, 2017. 2011 Mary Frances Tanner married Craig Thomas Joseph on May 20, 2017. The Josephs reside in Memphis, TN.
2013 Tres Bodet was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Belgium where he will serve as an English teaching assistant.
Healing Saints
Proud moms with their daughters after UAB Match Day from left to right: Karen Calametti, Abby Calametti ‘09, Sandra Hudson ‘76, Ashley Hudson ‘08, NeNe Tisher and Neal Tisher ‘09.
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Congratulations to our alumni who matched for their residency at the University of South Alabama Medical School Match Day. From left to right: Cory McGee ‘06 - University of Colorado Denver in Internal Medicine, Lee West ‘07 - Brookwood in Birmingham in General Surgery, Margot Fontenot ‘09 - East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie, LA in Family Medicine, and Brenden Ingraham ‘08 - Mayo Clinic in Internal Medicine.
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Saints
REMEMBERED
St. Paul’s beloved teacher and counselor, Dottie McGehee, passed away at the age of 83 on May 2, 2017 surrounded by her daughters, Nancy Mostellar Martin ’75, Lucy Mostellar Boykin ’76, Laura Mostellar O’Connor ‘78, Jamie Mostellar Elcan ‘81, and Julie Mostellar Minto ’84. Dottie was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and grew upb in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was Valedictorian at both Sidney Lanier High School and Huntingdon College. She earned her Master of Arts from the University of South Alabama and her Doctorate of Education from Auburn University. Dottie was a teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School for more than 40 years. She taught religion to several generations, including her own children and grandchildren. She developed the school’s religion program, and taught students through the Class of 2017. She was also a co-honoree in the naming of The Mueller McGehee Chapter of the Junior National Honor Society at St. Paul’s. Dottie’s impact on many generations of Saints is immeasurable, and a small glimpse may be seen in the following quotes: Alumnus, Jeff Jordan ’80 fondly wrote, “Mrs. McGehee was one of my favorite and most impactful teachers I have ever had especially at an important time in my life. Her genuine approach to kids made her one of the rare people who can make a difference in childrens’ lives by simply being so approachable and understanding in a way that I felt I could talk to her and she would actually try and help. While I have not seen her for decades there are times that some little thing would bring her into my mind and cause a smile. Thank God for another person I can look forward to seeing again when the time comes.” Chad Harrelson, Varsity Boy’s Soccer Coach and 8th grade history teacher, remembers, “Not being a Saint by birth, it was Mrs. McGehee who taught me what St. Paul’s is really all about. For those that know my great love for Kanuga, it was Dottie that gave me that inspiration by showing me how important our role is not just as an educator but as a witness and connection to God’s love for our students. We do so many good things at our school for our children but our greatest contribution is that we send them out into the world not just as well-educated, well rounded citizens, but as Saints who carry the love of Christ to a world that needs it. May we all carry that dedication with us every day that we are here.” Dr. Dottie McGehee’s passing has left a hole in our community. To honor her memory, The Spirituality Suite in the new Student Commons Building, which will house office space and a conference room for our spirituality coordinator, Zac Lambrecht, will be named after her. On February 12, 2017, St. Paul’s lost family member Caroline Shedd. As a member of the school’s founding Board of Trustees, Mrs. Shedd profoundly influenced the lives of the St. Paul’s community and our city. Mrs. Shedd was the face of St. Paul’s in the front office for 24 years. Allison Moran Castle ’84 fondly remembers, “Mrs. Shedd was a second mom. She was there for anything you needed: a warm hug, frequent encouragement, or a little tender loving care on the days you were not feeling up to par.” She was always gracious to our students, our faculty, and our families; and her warm smile conveyed genuine fondness for all of us. In recent years, Mrs. Shedd was actively involved in the organization and arrangement of the extensive St. Paul’s archives, which are housed in the conference room of the Advancement Office on the Wilmer Hall campus. Mrs. Shedd is survived by her children, George Patterson Shedd, Jr. and Lil Shedd Bowab ’77; her grandchildren, Patterson ’99, Emily ’02, Caroline ’06, and Hannah Shedd ’08; Elizabeth, Mary, and Anne Bowab. Mrs. Shedd will be greatly missed.
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CLASS REUNION INFORMATION CLASS OF 1982 • 35 YEAR REUNION Homecoming Weekend Sept. 22-23 • Julie Lapeyrouse Hartley’s Home Questions: • Janie Howard Evans at janehevans@bellsouth.net For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/393013847427363
CLASS OF 2002 • 15 YEAR REUNION Homecoming Weekend Sept. 22-23 • Moes BBQ Downtown Questions: • Blair Bullen Gewin at blairgewin@gmail.com For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/224027965
CLASS OF 1992 • 25 YEAR REUNION Oct. 27-28 • Country Club of Mobile Questions: • Meg Lindsey Brown at meglindseybrown@gmail.com For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/stpaulsclassof1992
CLASS OF 2007 • 10 YEAR REUNION Homecoming Weekend Sept. 22-23 • Blue Gill Questions: • Paige Harkness at paigehharkness@gmail.com or Graysi Gartman at ggartman@mcg-contracting.com For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/144988035644200
CLASS OF 1997 • 20 YEAR REUNION Oct. 27-28 • Cedar Street Social Club Questions: • Tucker Frazer at tfrazer@itacsolutions.com For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/stpaulsclassof1997
CLASS OF 2012 • 5 YEAR REUNION Friday, Dec. 22 • Moes BBQ Downtown Questions: • Harry Eldred at h2901@icloud.com For More Info Visit Facebook: • www.facebook.com/groups/stpaulsclassof2012
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Homecoming AS WE KICK OFF
S EPT E MBER 22- 23, 2017
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Creativity
Saints are more creative than you might imagine. Creativity matters at St. Paul’s. You’ll hear it (and see it) in the halls and on the walls. In the fine tunes of the strings and drums. Everywhere you look, the arts are alive and kicking. In truth, you won’t find a more creatively inspired student body anywhere. We have the local, state, national, and international honors to prove it, including an upcoming performance by our band and chorus in Rome, Italy. To learn more, visit www.stpaulsmobile.net/arts. Better still, be sure to check out the band, choral and string performances this school year as well as the theatrical Fall and Spring shows.
Know What Matters.
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