Epistle Winter 2024

2023-2024

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2023-2024

The

Epistle II Magazine

FEATURE

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Rise Of The Machines

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Saints Light Up The World

St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s Journey in BEST Robotics: Inspiring STEM Careers and Achieving Success in Regional Competitions

Decades of Service Impact: How St. Paul’s Community Service Department Transformed Lives and Communities

IN THIS ISSUE

05 SAINTS SCHOLARS

Highlighting our school’s five National Merit Scholars

10 HONORING ALL WHO SERVED

The School’s annual Veterans Day Assembly celebrates service and dedication

12 HOMECOMING 2023

A visual recap of our Homecoming festivities

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.

Dr. Scott M cDonald

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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. J. Guy Helmsing, Chairman Mr. Scott T. Delaney, Vice-Chairman Mr. T. Bragg Van Antwerp, Jr., Secretary Mrs. Kate M. Conwell, Treasurer Mr. G. Robert Baker, Jr. Mr. Russell C. Buffkin Mr. Thomas B. Clement, Jr. Dr. Jeffery M. Conrad Mrs. Kate G. Courtney Mrs. Eleanor S. Edwards

Mr. Robert D. Hinckle Dr. W. Day Gates III The Reverend Lydia K. Johnson Mr. Goodman G. Ledyard Mr. Charles A. Marston IV Mr. Joshua R. McElhenney Mrs. M. Kathleen Miller Mr. E. Luckett Robinson II Mr. Jonathan H. Rudolph Mrs. Emily H. Shell Mrs. Karen J. Sullivan Dr. E. Gaines Thomas Dr. Nancy O. Wood Mr. Matthew R. Zarzour

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 SPORTS

Fall sports highlights showcasing our athletic achievements and school spirit

22 FALL SHOW

The St. Paul’s Players presented ”The Play That Goes Wrong”

24 6

TH

GRADE PLAY

The 6th grade class presented ”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

26 GIRLS DAY OUT

This community event was truly a girl’s day full of shopping, fellowship, and delicious cuisine

28 THE LYON LEGACY

The Establishment of The Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. Memorial Fund at St. Paul’s Episcopal School

31 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honorees

37 ALUMNI GIVE BACK

Alumni Council generously gives $41,000 grant to student groups

38 WHAT’S NEWS

Welcoming new Saints and alumni wedding announcements

43 FOUNDATION UPDATE

Foundation highlights and overview

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL, DR. SCOTT MCDONALD

2023

Finalist

Gratitude Dear Saints Family,

in the years to come.

As we embark on another chapter in the journey of our beloved school, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. Our community of Saints students, families, faculty and staff, and greater alumni is a testament to our values and a standard of excellence, compassion, and spirit that define St. Paul’s.

As we look ahead to the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values that define us as a communityintegrity, respect, and service to others all in the love of God.

At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to nurturing the whole student in all of our pillars, as well as personal growth and character development. Every day, I am encouraged by the dedication and passion exhibited by our students as they pursue their hopes and dreams while striving for excellence in all their endeavors.

To our families, thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your unwavering support and involvement in our school community are instrumental in creating a nurturing and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

To our students, you are the heartbeat of our school and you are loved. Your curiosity, creativity, and determination are the driving forces behind our mission to foster lifelong learners and compassionate leaders. I am continually inspired by your resilience, kindness, and willingness to embrace new challenges with courage and grace.

To our esteemed alumni, thank you for embodying the spirit, pride and sacrifice of St. Paul’s Episcopal School long after graduation.

Your achievements, contributions, and continued engagement serve as a source of motivation and pride for our entire community. We are grateful for the enduring bonds that connect us across generations and look forward to celebrating your successes

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National Merit

Together, we have the power to shape a brighter tomorrow and make a positive impact on the world around us.

In the words of St. Paul, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” May we continue to inspire, uplift and support one another on this incredible journey of learning and growth.

It’s always a great day to be a Saint!

Fondly,

Dr. Scott McDonald Head of School

Bennett Brown

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

One word I would use to describe St. Paul’s is supportive. You truly feel loved as a student here, and it feels like you can do anything when you have that support behind you. It’s hard not to be your best when everyone is helping you be your best.

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

My words of wisdom would be to go out of your comfort zone and make connections with people you usually wouldn’t. What I wish I did earlier was genuinely interact with all the people here, whether its faculty or students across all grades. When I leave St. Paul’s, what I will miss most is those small interactions. Those small, meaningful conversations build genuine connections and can make someone’s (or your) day.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received was from a mentor of mine, who told me, “You don’t know what the right decision is until you make it, so the right decision is often making a decision and moving on. No matter what you choose, you can make said decisions the “right” one with how you handle the outcome. Nothing can’t be fixed, nor is it the end-all-beall. So don’t be intimidated by big choices, because it will all be ironed out in the end.”

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

My favorite thing to do outside of school is training for triathlons. It’s been a recent passion of mine, and there’s nothing I love more than swimming, biking, and running. It’s a great outlet for me to obsess over and stay both physically healthy and mentally strong Do you feel any one person, family or teacher, has been your inspiration for education?

I think all my teachers have inspired me to nourish a passion for education, but specifically Mrs. Smisson and Mr. Goff have made a huge impact on me. Mrs. Smisson taught me how history isn’t bland facts, but a comprehensive examination of human behavior across time, and introduced me to philosophy and art, two of my now favorite topics. Mr. Goff has helped me understand and appreciate the role of literature in our lives, both in terms of the “academic” side of books as well as the joy that can come from reading. They both helped me understand the value of the arts in both education and life.

National Merit

2023

Finalist

William Carnes

2023

National Merit

Finalist

Haydn Sayner-Oubre

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

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

Driven.

One word I would use to describe St. Paul’s is dedicated.

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

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

Do not be afraid to ask questions and learn from your mistakes.

Focus on your schoolwork and listen to your teachers, they are always willing to help, and want you to succeed

What is the best advice you have ever received?

All progress and growth come from knowing yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received was, whatever you put into something you will get the same out.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I love to draw random objects in my room.

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

My older brother has always been incredibly hard working and determined. He is my role model for school and life in general.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

My favorite thing to do outside of school is to go running with my friends or go hunting.

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

My mom has probably been my inspiration for my education, because of her constant hard work to support me, and her own dedication to education through being a professor.

The final play of The Little Mermaid my junior year and hearing all of the applause from the crowd.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

My proudest moment to date has either been winning the outdoor track state 4x800 meter relay, or becoming a national merit semifinalist.

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2023

National Merit

Finalist

John Shell

2023

National Merit

Finalist

John Collier Tierce

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

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

Dedicated

My one word to describe St. Paul’s would have to be competitive.

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

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

Teachers are not your enemy, no matter how much you may think they are.

Always push yourself. People are capable of doing quite a bit and as a student, you won’t know your real ability unless you push a little and find it.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Just do it dude.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I love to run and listen to music, especially on very hot days.

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

Mrs. Natasha Kendall inspired my future education goals.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

When I got into Dartmouth, yeah that was pretty exciting.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received was to be on top of things.

Whether it be communicating with teachers, completing make-up work, always staying ahead and being in control of what you are doing is the best thing someone has told me.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

My favorite thing to outside of school is to teach myself new things. For the past year, that has been trading stocks in the stock market.

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

My brother has definitely been an inspiration to me. He set a great example and made me want to be at his level in high school.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

My proudest moment was earning enough money to buy myself my dream car at age 15, (it was only $1000 dollars and poor condition). I worked at St. Paul’s for the maintenance crew and saved up enough to buy a cherry red Mazda Miata with pop up headlights.

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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 10th in the A.S. Mitchell Gymnasium. 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, Susan Robinson, and prayer led by Junior Class Chaplain, Maddox Bethea. 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 juniors, Ginnylu Howard and Virgie Martin. Essays and poems were read by grade level winners Virginia Brown (2nd Grade), JB Bramblett (6th Grade), and Audrey Kate Smith (11th Grade), followed by the 2nd grade’s sign language presentation of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

St. Paul’s alumnus Marshall Clay ’97 was the guest speaker.

Marshall was born and raised in Mobile, where he graduated from St. Paul’s. Marshall is currently a Partner and Senior Advisor at The Welch Group, a wealth management firm in Birmingham, AL with over $2.5 billion in assets under management and a focus on money management and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and wealth accumulators. In addition, Marshall is a frequent guest on local television stations as an expert on various financial planning matters.

Prior to joining The Welch Group in 2012, Marshall attended The United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated in 2001. During his time at West Point, he earned a degree in Human and Regional Geography with a minor in Environmental Engineering. He was also a four-year letter winner on the tennis team. He was ultimately voted the most outstanding male athlete in his graduating class.

After graduating, Marshall served seven years in the army as a Field Artillery and Civil Affairs Officer. He performed multiple overseas tours of duty, including two combat tours in Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, and one tour of duty in the Republic of South Korea.

Following his army career, Marshall went on to earn a law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Marshall and his wife Dailey are the proud parents of three boys: Charles (5), Jones (4), and Harris (3 months).

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

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HC2 3

SAVE

THE

DATE

HOMECOMING 2024 OCTOBER 25

GO SAINTS!

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2023 Fall

Varsity Sports Highlights CHEERLEADING • The cheerleading season commenced in early August with rigorous two-a-day practices on Bennet-Quigley field

• Teams dedicated extensive hours perfecting sideline material and coordinating with the marching band for game day ambiance

football and basketball teams throughout the fall, including electrifying performances at pep rallies with exceptional fan engagement

• The Varsity and JV cheer teams combined

• Secured 8th place at the 7A State

to form a 27-member team, showcasing their talent at the AHSAA Regional Gameday Competition

• Despite numerous 6 am practices, they

delivered a show-stopping performance at the Mobile Civic Center, earning a bid to the ASHAA State Gameday Finals

• In December, the team executed a flawless

routine at the state finals, securing the highest finish in the history of St. Paul’s Cheerleading, placing 6th in the 5A Gameday Division

CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS’ HIGHLIGHTS: • Won the County Championship, with senior Emily Miles clinching the individual county title

•Junior High Team secured the

JH county championship, with 8th grader Sarah Moore as the individual champion

• Triumphed at the 7A Section 1

Championship and secured 8th place at the 7A State Championship meet

• Noteworthy performances in 3 out of 9

meets entered, with top 3 finishes in 6 of the 9 meets

• Special recognition:

The Epistle II Magazine

Most Valuable: Emily Miles Most Improved: Zoe Druckenmiller Rookie of the Year: Alice Moore Straw that Stirs the Drink: Stella Gallaspy BOYS’ HIGHLIGHTS: • Achieved runner-up position at the county championships and emerged victorious at the 7A Section 1 Championship

• Remarkable support was provided to the

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• Awards at the team banquet:

All County: Neely Benton, Emily Miles, Alice Moore, Audrey Kate Smith, GG Webb All Region: Emily Miles AHSAA All Star Team: Audrey Kate Smith Larry Hall Memorial Award: Emily Miles

• Two All-State players: Senior

AVCA Region 3 team: Clarissa DuPree AVCA All-American Honorable Mention: Clarissa DuPree

• Asher Hale represented the team in the

SWIMMING & DIVING

Offensive Lineman, Asher Hale, and Sophomore Linebacker/Defensive Lineman Anthony “Tank” Jones Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game

• Coach Barnett acknowledges the seniors for their exemplary leadership during the season

Championship meet, with the junior high boys winning the Junior High County Championship

VOLLEYBALL • Ended the season with an impressive 42-

• Junior Estan Wrights finished

• Secured notable wins against top

as individual runner-up at the 7A Section 1 Championship

• Notable performances by junior Daniel

Gill, ranking as the 5th fastest cross country runner in the school’s history

• Victories in 5 out of 9 meets entered, with top 3 finishes in 7 of the 9 meets

• Special post-season recognition:

All County: Daniel Gill, Philip Gill, William Gill, Wesley Robinson, Haydn Sayner-Oubre, Estan Wrights All Region: Daniel Gill, Philip Gill AHSAA All Star Team: Wesley Robinson, Estan Wrights Carole F Bentley Sportsmanship Award: Philip Gill Charlie Spencer Memorial Award: Bennett Brown

• Awards at the team banquet:

Most Valuable: Philip Gill Most Improved: Hollis Martin Rookie of the Year: Judd Peavy Straw That Stirs The Drink: Wesley Robinson Coaches’ Award for Perseverance: Alden Park

FOOTBALL • Finished the season with a 7-4 overall record and 5-3 in 6A Region 1 • Notable victories over rivals UMSWright, McGill-Toolen, and Faith Academy

12 overall record

teams like Enterprise (twice), Jasper, UMS Wright, Mobile Christian, Spanish Fort, Oak Mountain, Hoover (twice), and McGill-Toolen

• Claimed the regular season 7A Area 1 Championship

• Became the 7A Southern Super Regionals Runners Up

• Finished 5th in the State tournament

• Ranked 7th in Alabama and 3rd in 7A

by MaxPreps

• Celebrated multiple individual award

winners, including: AHSAA All-Star: Clarissa DuPree Mobile County Players of the Week: Clarissa DuPree & Bennett Boulo Area Tournament Team: Blake Ferguson, Sydney Conrad, Clarissa DuPree (MVP) All Mobile County Team: Ashley Park, Blake Ferguson, Clarissa DuPree, Sydney Conrad, & Bennett Boulo 2023 AVCA Best & Brightest Girls Award: Ashley Park 2023 AHSVCA All-State Team: 1st team – Clarissa DuPree, 2nd Team – Sydney Conrad & Blake Ferguson AL.com 7A All-State: 1st team – Clarissa Dupree, Honorable Mention – Blake Ferguson

GIRLS’ HIGHLIGHTS: • Harper McLean, Ella Ferguson, Abby Lane Everette, and Susan Robinson set a new school record in the 200-medley relay, and tied the school record in the 200 free relay and finished as the State Silver Medalists

• Harper McLean led the girls team in individual scoring, finishing Top 5 in both of her races - the 50 and 100 freestyle

• Reagan Costello was 6A-7A Girls State Champion in 1m diving with a score of 357.90, which is the second highest diving score in school history

• Abby Lane Everette finished

11th in the 500 Free and 12th in the 200 free

• Susan Robinson finished 12th in the 100 free and 16th in the 50 free

BOYS’ HIGHLIGHTS: The 200-medley team of Charleston Webb, Maddox Bethea, Cole Coleman, and Roberto Pineda finished 5th Maddox Bethea, Cole Coleman, Charleston Webb, and Roberto Pineda finished 4th in the 200-freestyle relay Cole Coleman led the guys team in individual scoring, finishing Top 5 in both of his races - the 200 and 500 freestyle Maddox Bethea was the State Bronze Medalist in the 100 Breaststroke and finished 12th in the 50 freestyle Clay Partridge finished 13th in the 100 freestyle Roberto Pineda finished 14th in the 50 freestyle 2023-2024

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RISE OF THE MACHINES

Inside the World of St. Paul’s BEST Robotics Co-authored by Dr. Stacey Burt and Bri Wrights

Competitive robotics teams offer a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond the realm of robotics itself. These teams foster a collaborative environment where students learn the importance of teamwork and effective communication. In the process of designing, building, and programming robots, team members must coordinate their efforts, share ideas, and resolve conflicts constructively. In the fast-paced world of robotics competitions, teams often encounter unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and creative solutions.

These experiences not only prepare students for future careers in STEM fields but also instill valuable interpersonal skills that are essential in any professional setting, something we want for all of our Saints.

Students who participate in competitive robotics develop resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset. They learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and to celebrate their achievements with humility and gratitude.

These experiences not only build confidence but also promote a passion for lifelong learning and innovation, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world at large. In essence, competitive robotics teams, like BEST Robotics, provide a dynamic platform where students can develop essential skills, forge lifelong friendships, and embark on a journey of selfdiscovery and personal growth.

We look forward to many more successful BEST Robotics competitions. If you think your Saint might be interested in BEST Robotics, please reach out to Dr. Stacey Burt, Mr. John Morrow, Ms. Amanda Youngblood, or Mrs. Anna Thomas.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School is proud to once again participate in BEST Robotics, an intense 8-week program that requires students to design, build, and program a robot around a predetermined theme for competitive play. BEST stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, and is a national program with local competition sites in eighteen states. During the pandemic, we briefly paused our competitive seasons, but, beginning in 2022, St. Paul’s initiated a new team with new sponsors and rejoined the BEST program.

The mission of BEST is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in a competitive robotics program that fosters knowledge, teamwork, and communication. In addition to the robot, the team is also required to write a 60-page engineering

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BRI WRIGHTS

9th Grade

IZZIE GREEN

9th Grade

Bri Wrights, current member, has been on the notebook writing portion of the team for the past two years. She and Izzie Green wrote a notebook that placed third at South’s BEST in Auburn our very first year!

“I had little knowledge of robotics or technology. The tech fair was one of my most dreaded events throughout my middle school career. So, whenever I heard about this new robotics club, I immediately dismissed it; I did not consider myself a “techy” person.

With Dr. Burt and Izzie’s encouragement, I joined the 2022 team and began using my writing skills to help compile the notebook that later received 1st place at Troy. This year, I realized how far I could push myself and work with others to create something that demonstrated all our hard work. Moreover, these past two years on the BEST Robotics Team allowed me to improve my research and literary skills, envision multiple career opportunities, and get the chance to contribute to something greater. BEST Robotics has been an eye-opening experience, and I cannot wait for the future years to come to see even more progress.”

notebook, create a team educational exhibit and interview, prepare a marketing presentation, and develop strategies for spirit and sportsmanship.

The team consists of middle and high school students who, after 8-weeks of hard work, compete at Troy University, our local hub serving students from southeast Alabama, for the opportunity to win the coveted BEST award and advance to the regional championship, South’s BEST, hosted at University of North Alabama. At South’s BEST students compete against 50 teams from 5 different states. For the past two years, St. Paul’s BEST Robotics has swept the awards at Troy University and advanced to South’s BEST. We watched our 2022 team grow from 21 members to 63 members in 2023.

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SAINTS LIGHT UP THE WORLD

Empowering Compassionate Leaders: Two Decades of Impactful Community Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal School 18

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service opportunities for students, and setting up activities like out of uniform days and after school snack sales to fund the department’s projects. In 2010, Alumnus Alan Franco ’80 provided funding to create a Philanthropy Ambassadors program to engage grades 5-12 in Community Service. In 2012, to honor the former Head of School Bob Rutledge, the program was renamed the Rutledge Fellows of Philanthropy and since then hundreds of students across all grade levels, under the leadership of faculty sponsors, have participated in supplemental service projects every year.

Over the past two decades, St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s students have had a profound impact on hundreds of agencies and countless people in our community through the school’s Community Service department. The impact is not only on the receivers of the service; those who serve are themselves also deeply impacted and changed as they develop an awareness of those in need of, our responsibilities as citizens to help care for those who can’t care for themselves, and the realization that our Saints can all make changes, large or small, to make the world a better place.

The vibrant Community Service department had its origins in the 90s as an idea of then English teacher Brenda Davis.

With support from administrators Bob Rutledge, Pat Taylor, and Palmer Kennedy, the concept of helping students serve the community eventually became the Service Leadership class led by much-beloved senior English teacher Lou Courie. As the commitment to service grew through the school’s Spirituality pillar, in 2002 the administration hired a full-time Director of Community Service, Leslie Lerner, to oversee the Service Leadership class.

Bringing boundless energy and a commitment to helping those less fortunate, Leslie began offering and monitoring 20

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As the program grew, clear constructs were developed to provide the most comprehensive service education for our Saints. Each grade, PreK-12, has a service focus in areas such as the elderly, the homeless, special needs individuals, or the environment. Activities and services are tailored to meet the ages and ability levels of the students so as they progress through the grades at St. Paul’s, they not only learn about a variety of needs and agencies, they also gradually take on more responsibility for organizing projects and making personal choices about whom they serve.

Thousands of people have benefitted from the efforts of our students, and since 2012 students and faculty have completed almost 400,000 hours of service to our community.

Portia Green, principal of Prichard Preparatory School, writes, “St. Paul’s Leadership Class and Mrs. Lerner have been a blessing to Prichard Preparatory School. It is more than a class for seniors graduating. It is a partnership where real relationships are developed and students are impacted in a positive way. We are so grateful for this partnership to continue educating our students academically, spiritually, and culturally. Executive Director of Wilmer Hall and SPS past parent Pratt Paterson states, “St. Paul’s Community Service program is a key part of one of the four pillars of a St. Paul’s education - Spirituality. The impact that St. Paul’s students’ outreach has had at Wilmer Hall is nearly immeasurable. From their work in our food pantry, to their work on our residential campus, St. Paul’s students have truly been Saints to Wilmer Hall.”

Pat Hall, President of Mobile Urban Growers, Inc., helps match our students with local community gardens for a service day every year. Her thoughts: “For several years now, the students from St. Paul’s Episcopal School have been volunteering their time helping in our Community Gardens. It is amazing to see how our gardens are transformed during the time the students are there. We are so very grateful for the gift of time and cheerful work in our community gardens that is

lovingly given by the students.”

Janet Daughdrill, Activity Director at Ashland Place Health and Rehabilitation, writes “Words are inadequate to express what the visits of your precious students, caring parents and teachers mean to everyone at Ashland Place! All of you taking the time and effort to visit us is truly immeasurable. “Leslie Barnes, Resident, states “I like when the children come to see me, it makes me feel like they care about me.” Jane Reeves, Resident, “As a grandmother, it’s like having my grandbabies to hug again!”

A goal of the Community Service program is to cement a love of service as our Saints become alumni and enter society. In the words of this year’s Distinguished Alumna Award recipient, the late Lexi Mestas Mayhall ’12, “I learned from my experiences that what we gain from performing service to others far outweighs what those in need gain from our service. It is an experience that is like no other.” Seline Morrissette Renfroe ’16 states, “My time at St. Paul’s planted the seed for my desire to have an ongoing impact on the community around me. I left St. Paul’s and carried my enthusiasm for volunteering to the University of Alabama, where I continued to tutor and mentor Tuscaloosa youth. A couple of years after my college graduation I felt a call to pursue a different career that would allow me to make a positive impact every day. I cannot emphasize enough that the foundations I learned and my experiences in Service Leadership Class propelled me towards this career change.”

Our current Service Leadership Class (SLC), a group of twenty-three seniors, shared some of the life changing experiences they have had this year in service at St. Paul’s. Tommy Ford states, “Service leadership has had an incredible impact on me. I have gained a new perspective on what matters in life and how helping others can be a source of true happiness. Jay Martin writes, “Service Leadership has been the most important class I have taken at St. Paul’s. I have learned so much about talking to people and learning how to serve others, the class is irreplaceable. I’m glad I was lucky enough to have this experience before I go to college.” Ava Myles shares, “Service Leadership has made me realize being selfless, helping others, and seeing the positive impact on others’ lives is one of the most fulfilling feelings there is.”

Current parent and faculty member Alicia McKee shares, “Both of my older children love service days and projects, but the biggest impact I’ve seen is on my youngest. She is definitely my most introverted child, yet I’ve seen her eyes light up when she tells me about how she “helped someone”. Leigh Schottgen, past parent and staff member states, “The community service program at St. Paul’s for sure changed my children’s lives. This program exposed them at an early age to the many needs of our community and made them aware of those less fortunate. Now that they are young adults they still use the skills they were taught by the Community Service program here at St. Paul’s to enrich their own journey in life by still helping others and those in need.”

The Community Service department at St. Paul’s Episcopal School stands as a testament to the power of service in shaping compassionate, engaged leaders. As students step into the world equipped with empathy, awareness, and a commitment to making a difference, the legacy of service at St. Paul’s continues to inspire and uplift communities far and wide.

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THE ST. PAUL’S PLAYERS PRESENTS

D I R E C TO R C H I P G O F F A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R K AY L E E S TA N F O R D A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R TA M M Y N I C H O L A S

Step into the uproarious world of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as The St. Paul’s Players brought to life “The Play That Goes Wrong” in our very own Monte L. Moorer Theatre. Our audience was treated to a night of laughter and chaos as this talented group of performers navigated through a 1920s murder mystery with a twist.

In “The Play That Goes Wrong,” we witnessed everything we never expected in a theater production—hilarious mishaps, a set that seemed to have a mind of its own, and a cast that embraced the unexpected with comedic flair. From a leading lady with a concussion to a corpse that just wouldn’t cooperate, this play was a delightful journey into the absurdity of live theater.

With each scene filled with side-splitting antics and unexpected surprises, “The Play That Goes Wrong” kept us entertained from curtain rise to curtain fall.

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St. Paul’s 6th Grade Players Presented

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

The 6th grade class at St. Paul’s Episcopal School proudly presented “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a heartwarming play that captured the essence of the holiday spirit. Directed by Mrs. Tammy Nicholas, this year’s production delved into themes of redemption, perspective, judgment, and tradition.

As one of the four pillars of St. Paul’s, the performing arts program continues to inspire creativity, teamwork, and personal growth among our students. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” exemplified the magic of live theatre, reminding us of the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and the joy of coming together during the holiday season.

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Thank you to the following merchants for offering a fun, in-person shopping experience: Beautycounter by Louise McCown, It’s Inviting, Park & Rebowe Med Spa, and RISE Boutique.

Thank you to the following local businesses who donated to our raffle packages: Beautycounter by Louise McCown, Guest House Salon, Dr. Madelyn King, Dr. Lauren Metzger, Mobile Bay Massage, Hemline, Chuck’s Fish, Hummingbird Way, POST, Southern Whit Designs, Print King, Jordan Mathis Photography, LBH Designs, Plant Therapy by Jade, TCT Monograms, Maids-A-La-Mode, Rich’s Car Wash, Purposefully Organized, Surge Entertainment, MOBSNO, P.S. Taco Company, Tiny Tent, The Balloon Momma, Dipped & Baked, Riley Bridges, Karen Lea Sandifer, Cotton Capers, Oushak Chic, Cait Waite Designs, James Farmer, St. Paul’s School, Cheers with Cherish, Sarah Otts, Ivy Cottage, A La Cork, Dianne Pearce, Midtown Mobile Chef, The Holiday, Morgan Masters Training, Peak Pilates on the Hill, 1031 Meals, Hotworx, Southern Charm Mahjong, Squad Jewelry, E.Z. Sleep Training, Megan Adams Photography, Tiny Town, Gifts by Elbie, and Chicken Salad Chick.

Girls Day Out 2023 was the ultimate Sunday Funday! On Sunday, November 12, St. Paul’s moms were invited to attend a day out at current parent Rachel Burton’s beautiful home. The event included retail shop pop-ups, amazing raffle items, drinks, jazz music by Rebecca Barry, and food by: Tony Reynolds of The Battle House, Wildflowers & Fresh Food, Sukar Bakes, Dipped & Baked, Piggly Wiggly, and Miranda McDaniel. Spectacular decor was provided by: The Balloon Momma, Beautiful Things Design Co., Flower Fete, Lights By The Bay, and Port City Rentals. Every attendee went home with a flower arrangement from Flower Fete’s flower cart. The event would not have been possible without our hardworking committee members, generous sponsors, local businesses, and surrounding community.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS: Presented by:

Napkin Sponsor:

Flower Cart Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

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If Gaylord were sitting with us, what would he say about St. Paul’s Episcopal School?

Janet: Gaylord would say it was a proud honor and privilege for him to serve as a member of St. Paul’s School Board and Foundation Board because of his ongoing dedication and love for the school. He was so proud that our four children attended St. Paul’s. At one point, our youngest child was in kindergarten and our oldest was a senior. That was a very busy and exciting time for our family!

Gray: I remember that year well. One of my favorite memories was the Landing of the Mayflower. My youngest brother, Richard, and his kindergarten classmates were dressed up as pilgrims and I was there with my senior classmates helping the Mayflower “land” on the Skillet. I love that St. Paul’s continues that tradition still to this day!

Over the years, Gaylord volunteered his time and served our School in many different capacities. How has this made an impact on you?

The Lyon Legacy St. Paul’s Episcopal School Foundation Establishes The Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. Memorial Fund Through the generosity of friends and family, an endowed fund has been established at St. Paul’s Episcopal School to celebrate the life of Gaylord C. Lyon Jr., a cherished supporter and friend of the School. Having dedicated over thirty years of service on the School’s Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Gaylord demonstrated steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to the core values and mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal School.

professional pursuits. Under the guidance of Dr. Jane Herrin, the AIP/IP has transformed the lives of hundreds of students and is recognized as a leading program of its kind in the Southeast.

With the earnings provided by The Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. Memorial Fund and The Excellence In AIP Fund, St. Paul’s will provide additional professional development opportunities, access the most current curricular materials and student resources, and enable every Saint to reach their highest potential.

The Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. Memorial Fund aims to provide, on an annual basis, programmatic support for the School’s Alternative Instruction Program (AIP) and Individualized Program (IP).

Rooted in data-driven research, both comprehensive instruction programs are designed to address the diverse learning needs of students, fostering their excellence in future academic and

In March, Carrie Ashbee, Director of Advancement, sat down with Gaylord’s wife of 47 years, Janet Lyon, and their oldest daughter, Gray Lyon Garrett ’96, current parent and member of the Foundation Board of Directors, to discuss Gaylord and the legacy that he has left behind at St. Paul’s.

Gray: My dad served on the School Board of Trustees or the Foundation Board of Directors for over 30 years. Throughout this entire time, he was dedicated to the students and their success at St. Paul’s, even after his four children had graduated and before four of his grandchildren became Saints. Dad was fortunate to be able to contribute his time to St. Paul’s, and my family and I will continue the giving tradition he has created and instilled in each of us. Recently, I was asked to be a member of the Foundation Board. I feel lucky and deeply honored to have been asked to serve in his seat. This position has allowed me to keep my dad’s passion for St. Paul’s close and have something tangible to hold onto in his honor.

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Our contribution to the Student Commons Building was the most meaningful and perhaps the most impactful. Gaylord was so proud to be involved with that campaign, to help bring this state-of-the-art facility to campus. We chose to name an office within the Spirituality Suite. I believe David Armstrong, Director of Spirituality, currently uses the space to counsel and lead the students individually and in small groups. We are very proud of that space and its purpose.

Gaylord has certainly left his mark on our community of Saints. To honor his memory, your friends and family have established The Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. Memorial Fund, an endowed fund that will provide perpetual support to the AIP/IP at St. Paul’s.

Janet: We were so honored and humbled to learn that an endowment has been established in his memory. I have seen first hand how transformational the AIP and IP programs have been to my own family. I am proud that the endowment will support not just one generation, but multi-generations of Saints just like mine.

To contribute to the lasting legacy of Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. and our community of Saints, please visit stpaulsmobile.net/donate or scan the QR code below.

Scan to Make A Difference Questions?

Carrie Ashbee, Director of Advancement cashbee@stpaulsmobile.net 28

For 35 consecutive years, your family has been incredibly supportive of St. Paul’s. Janet, can you recall a gift that was especially meaningful to you and Gaylord?

Gaylord Lyon’s wife Janet pictured with their four children Gray Lyon Garrett ’96, Jody Brinson ’03, Richard Lyon ’07, and Clark Lyon ’00

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>

giving

SAINTS DAY OCTOBER 10, 2023

1993-2023

Distinguished Alumna of the Year ONE DAY • ONE GOAL • ONE ST. PAUL’S GOAL: $74,000

Lexi was exuberant, hilarious, ambitious, bold, opinionated, truthful, and generous from the time she was tiny – qualities her family celebrated through every season of her life.

DONORS: 306

As a child, Lexi enjoyed reading, soccer, and food, which influenced her adult life as a lifelong competitor, teacher, and food enthusiast.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a 13-year-old Lexi and much of her family moved to Mobile. In Mobile, she attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School, where she made many lifelong friends, led her peers as junior and senior class president, and began dating her soulmate, David Martin Mayhall. While at St. Paul’s, Lexi earned more service hours than any St. Paul’s student to date and was awarded the Headmaster’s Award upon graduation for the student who best exhibits the spirit of St. Paul’s and brings honor to the school.

We are thrilled to announce that in addition to exceeding our goal of $74K, 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.

Lexi and David Martin both attended Loyola University New Orleans, and they were married in New Orleans in the spring of 2016, during their senior year. Lexi majored in political science with a minor in Middle East Peace Studies. She earned high academic honors while working full-time and making time to work with the homeless and teach English to new immigrants in New Orleans.

TOTAL RAISED: $90,800.79 + $25K MATCH EARNED

Thank You!

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Lexi was born on September 13, 1993, in Gulfport, MS. Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast made a lasting impact on Lexi throughout her life.

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SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2024

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ovarian cancer. A rare subtype of ovarian cancer, low-grade serous disproportionately impacts younger women and is usually caught at a late stage.

After her diagnosis, Lexi leveraged her social media platform to inform thousands of the symptoms and signs of low-grade serous ovarian cancer. She raised not only awareness but nearly $100,000 in donations toward research to expand treatment options for these patients, met with congressional representatives, and was interviewed for multiple podcasts. Nonprofits dedicated to low-grade serous like STAAR and Cure Our Ovarian Cancer recognized Lexi’s passion and sought her social media savvy and fundraising prowess. Lexi’s activism was on display for the whole world when her beautiful face was shown on a billboard in Times Square honoring World Ovarian Cancer Day. Adopting Valentino (“Val”), an 11-year-old pit bull/terrier, was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.

After finishing chemotherapy, Lexi and David Martin moved back to Mobile to be closer to family and spend more quality time on their beloved Gulf Coast. While in Mobile, Lexi continued to fundraise and be a source of strength for other ovarian cancer patients. She received care from low-grade serous expert Dr. David Gershenson in Houston, Texas, at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Lexi was feeling better. She returned to full-time work for Visit Mobile, decorated her and David Martin’s beautiful midtown home, spent time at Fowl River with her in-laws, attended best friends’ weddings, and participated in a camp for young adults with cancer in sunny Hawaii, where she learned to surf and got a tattoo showcasing a nickname one oncologist gave her: “Firecracker.”

Lexi and David Martin studied abroad in India for most of their junior year. David Martin’s marriage proposal to Lexi was a fitting end to a semester abroad that proved to be a defining time in their lives and relationship. While traveling across the subcontinent, Lexi fell in love with Indian culture and reconnected with her childhood love for cooking. She was an avid fan of Anthony Bourdain, realizing the power of food in bringing people together. This informed her educational path as she studied food policy and food insecurity in Rome, Italy as a graduate student.

In 2016, Lexi pursued a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Food Studies at the American University in Rome. While in Rome, Lexi made lifelong friends and learned from experts in sustainable food systems, which guided her career when returning to the states.

Her master’s thesis and field study were conducted in her beloved New Orleans and focused on food injustice. Lexi established deep 32

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friendships and traveled throughout Europe during her time in graduate school, arguably living more in her short life than many of those her senior.

After Lexi graduated from AUR in 2017, she and David Martin moved to Philadelphia. She began her postgraduate career applying her learnings from AUR directly in one of the country’s most underserved communities, Camden, New Jersey. As a FoodCorps service member and later as the county supervisor of Rutger University’s SNAP-Education program, Lexi taught children and adults practical ways to eat healthily, even while on government benefits. Ever entrepreneurial, Lexi devised innovative ways to assist the community, including a partnership with Google’s Virtual Reality team and writing her own e-cookbook.

On February 15, 2021, Lexi was diagnosed with low-grade serous

In the summer of 2022, Lexi and David Martin felt ready to move to New York City, which had long been a goal for the young couple. They moved into an apartment in the East Village and jumped into NYC’s bustling culture. Lexi quickly became a Broadway enthusiast and soaked up the city’s diverse food scene.

All the while, Lexi continued to fundraise and support other patients with comfort and clarity. She received care at Memorial Sloan Kettering, a renowned cancer hospital in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Shortly after arriving in New York, Lexi’s cancer began causing complications in her lungs, abdomen, and legs. She received highly attentive care from a team of doctors at MSK, led by Dr. Ying Liu. Ultimately, these complications compounded and disrupted Lexi’s breathing and blood flow to the heart, which led to her passing in the early morning of June 4, 2023.

Lexi was a loving wife, a thoughtful and engaged daughter, a devoted sister, and a doting aunt. She is survived by her husband, David Martin Mayhall (Class of 2012), her parents, Pete and Lisa Mestas, her sisters, Heather Duffy, Liana Mestas (Class of 2008), Raven Mestas (Class of 2015), Rachel Mestas (Sterling), and Alina Christen, her maternal grandparents, Robert and Joy Dean, and paternal grandmother, Clarissa Avila Moore.

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Distinguished Alumni in the Arts

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

jeni herrera-mullar

justine herlihy bixler

Class of 2001

Jeni Herrera-Mullar was a member and valedictorian of the Class of 2001 at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. She pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Iowa as a Presidential Scholar and music scholarship recipient, where she majored in violin performance.

After completing her sophomore year, she transferred to the University of Memphis to continue her music studies as a scholarship recipient under Professor Timothy Shiu. During her college years, she achieved significant milestones, winning the University of Iowa Chamber Music competition and becoming a finalist in the University of Memphis Concerto Competition. She graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian of the College of Fine Arts in 2005 and then moved to Baltimore, MD, to study with Violaine Melancon at the Peabody Conservatory. There, she earned a Master’s degree in violin performance and pedagogy, followed by a Doctorate of Musical Arts in 2011.

In 2006, Jeni was selected as the sole recipient of the Peabody Preparatory Pedagogy Internship under Rebecca Henry. Subsequently, she became a faculty member of the Preparatory Institute in 2007, where she taught hundreds of violin students over eight years. During this period, Jeni also contributed to the community as a teacher with BRIDGES, an inner-city strings program, and developed a curriculum for group violin classes at the Odyssey School, which catered to children with dyslexia. Her passion for music extended to her involvement in various regional orchestras, including the Maryland Symphony, the Howard County Concert Orchestra, the Lancaster Symphony, and the York Symphony. She was a prominent advocate for contemporary music, regularly performing with Baltimore’s Evolution Contemporary Music Series.

In 2009, Jeni assumed the role of an adjunct professor of violin and viola at York College of PA, a position she still holds. Her accomplishments include solo performances and guest appearances with multiple ensembles, such as the Mobile Youth Symphony, the York College Wind Ensemble, Garth Newel Music Center, and the Five Seasons Chamber Music festival. She is featured on albums with the Memphis Baroque Ensemble and singer-songwriter Cameron Blake. Jeni continues to be an active participant with the York Symphony and is a founding and current member of the York College Piano Trio, now known as the York Chamber Players.

Reflecting on her time at St. Paul’s, Jeni said, “Eighth grade was a transformative time for me at St. Paul’s. I think we all go through a little uncertainty during middle school, and this was the year Holly Compton called to ask me if I’d like to join a new chamber music class she was starting. I vividly remembered early lessons with Ms. Compton in the closet of Ms. Bailey’s 1st-grade classroom. I’d continued to take private violin lessons for years with various teachers, and I was a member of the Youth Symphony, but never had the opportunity to play chamber music regularly at school. It was during this year that everything started for me. I fell in love with chamber music, and I made some of my closest friends as part of this program. My confidence as a musician soared, too. Getting to play almost daily in this class was incredible. Ms. Compton did an amazing job finding performance opportunities for us in those early years and challenging us. I’ll never forget performing Vivaldi on the stage of Carnegie Hall my senior year. My five years in this program no doubt influenced my decision to study music in college and graduate school. To this day, chamber music holds a special place in my heart.”

Jeni also holds a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland Medical School and has been a board-certified genetic counselor since 2013. She credits her introduction to genetic counseling to Mr. Mutchnick’s AP Biology course at St. Paul’s.

Currently, Jeni serves as a Principal Clinical Scientist for Ambry Genetics, where she researches genes associated with hereditary cancers.

She reflects on the impact of her music education on her career, saying, “So much of what I have learned about being a performer and teacher – the discipline required, the attention to detail, the ability to accept criticism and change/better oneself, and especially the need for excellent time management – translates to all aspects of my life and has helped me succeed even as I pursued a second career path. Music is and will always be a central part of my life, and I am so lucky to have found two vocations that I can practice simultaneously.”

Jeni currently resides in Parkton, MD, with her husband Jason, their two sons Julian and Nicholas, and their dog Ruggles. When she’s not making music, Jeni enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, running, hiking, and traveling with her family.

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Class of 2007

Justine Herlihy Bixler was born and raised in Mobile and has a deep passion for the city of her birth. She attended The University of Alabama and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology. After graduation, she returned home to work directly with the people and businesses that were impacted by the 2010 BP Oil Spill as a paralegal at Cunningham Bounds, LLC. In 2015, Justine followed her passion for her city and became the Development Director at Mobile Baykeeper.

She was responsible for fundraising efforts, including major donor development, membership cultivation, hosting special events, and building corporate partnerships to ensure future generations have clean water, clean air, and healthy communities.

In 2019, Justine joined the United Way of Southwest Alabama as the Vice President of Resource Development.

She tackles current obstacles with health, education, financial stability, and the basic essentials our community members need to be successful by working to obtain the financial resources necessary to provide this critical support. She utilizes her background in Psychology and Sociology to build strategic partnerships to strengthen the communities they serve in Mobile, Clarke, Choctaw, and Washington Counties. Justine is proficient in revenue generation, strategic planning, and civic engagement, which enables her to mobilize resources that are the foundation for a better life. From an early age, she learned that by serving others first, she singlehandedly has the ability to improve the quality of life of the people and communities around her. She remains true to this tenet each day and consistently works to serve the community that she loves.

Justine has now been named as the CEO and president of United Way of Southwest Alabama. She is the youngest person ever to serve in this role. She has dedicated her life and career to public service.

Justine is very active in the community and has served as the Chair of the Alumni Council for St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Secretary for the University of Alabama Alumni Chapter in Mobile, and a Big Sister mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has also served on several local boards and committees for organizations, including Mobile United, Mobile Baykeeper, Mobile Arts Council, and James T. Strickland Youth Center. She is a graduate of the City of Mobile Citizens Police Academy, FBI Citizens Academy, Visit Mobile’s Tourism Ambassador Program, Mobile Historic Development Commission’s Preservation Leadership Class, Mobile United’s Connect Mobile Class of 2016, and Leadership Mobile Class of 2018. She was recently one of 30 individuals selected out of 13,000 applicants to participate in United Way Worldwide’s 2021 Fellowship Program. In her free time, Justine remains active in the community, spends quality time with family and friends, and enjoys boating, kayaking, hunting, and fishing.

Please nominate our next year’s Distinguished Alumni by email to bgewin@stpaulsmobile.net, Blair Gewin, Director of Alumni and Special Events

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Alumni Council Gives Back

HALL FAME of

class of

2013

This fall, the Alumni Council had the pleasure of giving $41,000 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 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.

The groups that received funding this year are: ESPORTS NATIONAL JUNION HONOR SOCIETY 2ND GRADE TEACHERS STRINGS ISTEM TRACK AND FIELD THESPIANS SOCIETY BROADCASTING BEST ROBOTICS BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF

CLASS OF 2013 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME HONOREES CARTER ALBRECHT ALANA BABINGTON JEB BOUDREAUX COOPER BROWN JARED HOLLOWAY 36

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JORDAN HUFF CHANEL KRAUSE LINDSAY LANDRY MACKENSIE MOSLEY TURNER

BRADLEY PADGETT ROBBY SHELTON BRYAN SLATER KYLEN TOWNER MACKENSIE WILLIAMS

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

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Bless These Babies

Cayce Sherman ’03 and wife, Madelyn Maury, welcomed Peter Cayce Sherman III on December 20, 2023.

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Ashley Kalifeh Benson ’05 and husband, Matt, welcomed Owen Dean Benson on June 28, 2023.

Lauren Courtney Jackson ’06 and husband, Charles, welcomed Edward Courtney Jackson on September 12, 2023.

Jeffrey Adams ’04 and wife, Mary Helen, welcomed Frederick Arlington Adams on January 30, 2024.

Michael Barnett ’05 and wife, Jane, welcomed Jane “Janie” Benton Barnett on October 11, 2023.

Ann Marie Russell Brooks ’06 and husband, Clay, welcomed Clayton “Clay” Howard Brooks, Jr. on January 30, 2024.

Alex Fleming ’04 and wife, Courtney, welcomed Charlotte May Fleming on October 4, 2023.

Adelaide Smith McAleer ’06 and husband, Joe, welcomed Robert Francis “Frank” McAleer on December 12, 2023.

Sydney Johnston ’07 and wife, Leanne, welcomed Percy Johnston on September 9, 2023.

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Dr. Madelyn King St. John ’08 and husband, Jeffrey, welcomed Samuel ”Sam” Benejam St. John on December 7, 2023.

Kristen McElroy Cunningham ’09 and husband, Caldwell, welcomed Sara “Sadie” Brook Cunningham on October 16, 2023.

Mary Katherine Zarzour Williams ’10 and husband, Davis, welcomed “Grant” Davis Williams on July 29, 2023.

Bill McRae ’08 and wife, Rachael, welcomed William “Mac” McRae on November 17, 2023.

Lisa Elcan Fawcett ’11 and husband, Reid, welcomed Mildred “Millie” Marie Fawcett on December 8, 2023.

Mary Angela Martin Griffith ’11 and Hunt Griffith ’08 welcomed Robert “Preston” Griffith on March 19, 2024.

Bailey Magee Cashia ’09 and husband, Bryant, welcomed Benjamin Bryant Cashia on February 17, 2024.

Kimberly Barnett Etherton ’09 and husband, Guy, welcomed Katherine “Katie” Raue Etherton on December 5, 2023.

Margaret Harkness Morgan ’11 and husband, Zach, welcomed Margaret “Mae” Esther Morgan on October 25, 2023.

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Not pictured: Courtenay Martindale Harvey ’09 and husband, William, welcomed Mary Bellendon “Belle” Harvey on December 11, 2023.

Mary Margaret Griffith Finkbohner ’14 and husband, Patrick, welcomed Frances Lee Finkbohner on August 29, 2023.

Courtney Harkness Hearin ’11 and husband, Preston, welcomed Preston Brock Hearin, Jr. on September 5, 2023.

Caroline Hunt Kelly ’13 and husband, Patrick, welcomed Edward Hunt Kelly on September 21, 2023.

Bailey Cockrell ’13 married Shane Petrie on February 17, 2024 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Emmalie Cottrell ’16 married Franklin Aldag on October 28, 2023 at the bride’s family bay house in Belle Fontaine with a reception afterwards.

Lee Bonner ’14 married Andrew Friedman on December 16, 2023 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at the home of the bride.

Seline Morrissette ‘16 married Charlie Renfroe on November 11, 2023 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at 23 East.

In Other Alumni News

Anna Bradley Cleveland ’16 married Chandler Andrews ’16 on September 6, 2023 in Le Pradet, France.

J.D. Foy ’97 was promoted to the prestigious rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

Sonny Radcliff ’11 and wife, Mignone, welcomed Merritt Mignone Radcliff on December 11, 2023.

Jackson Klyce ’14 and wife, Elizabeth, welcomed Georgia Anne Klyce on August 15, 2023.

Clara Stimpson ’17 married Mac Mostellar on January 20, 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at the home of the bride.

Going to the Chapel

Sophie Eldred ’10 married Paul Strickland on December 2, 2023 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at Stewartfield.

Mary Ball ’12 married Dawson Harris on October 21, 2023 at Scared Heart Chapel with a reception at her family bay house in Point Clear.

Mary Lindsey Hannahan ’12 married Clayton Stansell on October 7, 2023 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church with a reception at The Country Club of Mobile.

Lee Tonsmeire ‘15 married Bailey Castle ’15 on November 4, 2023 at Fairhope United Methodist Church with a reception at the bride’s grandmother’s bay house in Point Clear.

John Warren Jeffries ’15 married Anna Cate Smith on March 23, 2024 in Kiawah Island, SC.

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

Natalie Douglas ’20 married Luis Calderon on February 24, 2024 at Covenant Presbyterian Church with a reception at Stewartfield.

Not pictured:

Sumner Adams ’13 married Caroline Lum on November 18, 2023.

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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!

David Anthony | Class of 2007 Graysi Gartman | Class of 2007 Angelica Howard | Class of 2007 & Faculty Danual Laan | Current Parent Claire Jones | Current Parent Evan Parrott | Current Parent Hawk Sindel | Class of 2005 Grant Stone | Current Parent Peter Susman | Class of 2004 & Current Parent 42

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History of the St. Paul’s Foundation | Tribute to Jimmy Hirs On January 28, 1997, James M. Hirs was slated and unanimously elected as the first president of the St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s Foundation. Joining him on the Foundation’s Board of Directors were Ben Stimpson, Sr., Broox Holmes, Bob Williams, and Teresa Smith. After the Foundation was established, Mr. Hirs continued to serve as president for 16 years overseeing remarkable growth in the endowment. His dedicated service to the School and invaluable contributions to our community are gratefully acknowledged.

James McDavid Hirs October 12, 1934 - February 6, 2024

The St. Paul’s Foundation •

Established in 1997

•

Purpose: The Foundation exists to secure a sound economic future for the School

•

Mission: The Foundation will manage and expand its holdings and diligently support the mission of the School through annual distributions

•

The Foundation is comprised of the General, Financial Aid Fund, Faculty Development Fund, Accumulation Fund, and Named Funds.

•

Currently, there are 29 Named Funds that support students, faculty, and/or programs, as designated by the donor, and can take the form of a scholarship or an award, among many other options.

DECEMBER 31, 2023 BALANCES: General Endowment $2,433,431 Named Fund Endowments $2,779,066 TOTAL: $5,212,497.16

Foundation Named Funds:

The Paula Harrison Armstrong Community Service Award The Linda Bowman Memorial Scholarship The Ashley Graham Brown Memorial Award The Dawson Faculty Excellence Award The Excellence in AIP Endowment Fund The Faculty Development Award The Kaleigh and Madison Floore Endowed Award The Greene Family Fund Award The Frank Winter Hardie Memorial Fund Award The Helmsing Endowed Scholarship The Victor Helmsing Alumni Scholarship The Brittany Huber Memorial Award The Josh Justice Memorial Award The Keappler Family Fund Award The Robert G. Kendall Scholarship The Dr. Edwin L. Lamberth, Jr. Memorial Scholarship The Leslie Lerner Community Service Endowment Award The Dr. Dottie and Dr. John McGehee Memorial Scholarship The Max Emery Miller and Marguerite Galloway Miller Scholarship The Padgett Family Fund The Alex Parkman Memorial Scholarship The William Bradshaw Radcliff Fund Award The Robert H. Rutledge Faculty Chair of Excellence Fund The Chad Saucier Memorial Scholarship

Newly Established in 2023-2024 2023-2024 Foundation Board Members Mike Stashak, President Robbie Baker Katie Courtney Jamie Elcan Jake Epker John Ferguson Alan Franco Gray Garrett Chris Gill

Victor Helmsing Catherine Hunter John Jeffries Eddie McDonough Melissa Morrissette Robert Rouse Ginny Russell Betty Stone Edie Terreson

The Beverly Bell Walton Memorial Award The Browning Endowed Military Award The Gaylord C. Lyon, Jr. Memorial Fund The Sanford “Sandy” Philip Santoli Memorial Award The Vivian Malone Scholarship

Interested in supporting the Foundation or creating your own Named Fund? Please contact Carrie Ashbee, Director of Advancement at cashbee@stpaulsmobile.net.

161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, Alabama 36608

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

Change Service Requested

1947 LEGACY SOCIETY

“St. Paul’s importance to both my family and the Mobile community can not be understated. A gift through a will or bequest ensures the future of the school and its legacy.”

Ginny Russell

FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER

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. 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. Planned gifts can benefit scholarships, faculty, athletics, or other areas important to you, with potential tax savings. Contact Carrie Ashbee at cashbee@stpaulsmobile.net or 251-461-2185 for more information.