Going Overboard in APUSH

Mrs. Hughes’ AP United States History class captured the pirate booty during pirate week.

by: MaryEllis Killough, junior

As a way to celebrate finishing summer reading and to take a break from the constant note taking, Mrs. Hughes gave the junior history class a pirate day! Each class period of students came together as a single “crew” to complete an assortment of tasks under the watch of their trusted “captain”. Soon after choosing who would command our “ship”, which we named La Skibita, we divided into groups to work. Some students immediately teamed up to complete the complex math problem together, while others grabbed atlases and tried to map out various coordinates. One of my favorite activities was defining some of the notorious pirate vocabulary words like “scallywag”, “marooned”, and “seadog.” The most challenging tasks were definitely listing questions about a typical pirate’s life. We wrote out what we thought might be the typical ship’s rules and punishments. We also had to list what might’ve been a man’s reasoning for becoming a pirate. After completing all of these tasks, we reported back to our captain. The captain handed in our answers to Mrs. Hughes, who will compare them to the other classes, or “ships,” answers. Whichever team scores the highest is sure to get some booty tomorrow! Overall, it was an enjoyable day, filled with community and fun! #wearesaintjamesschool

Invention Convention in Real Life: Civil Engineering

Mr. Brad Williams is the Deputy State Construction Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation

The future engineers of Saint James School learned about the field of engineering from a real life civil engineer! Mr. Brad Williams is the Deputy State Construction Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) with over 20 years of experience and holds a bachelor’s degree of Civil Engineering from Auburn University. He has over 13 years as a Bridge Designer and 7 years as a Bridge Construction Engineer. In his current role, he assists in the general supervision of all contract construction work of ALDOT’s construction program currently in excess of over 300 active projects at a contract amount of approximately $2 billion dollars.

In addition to his Civil Engineering occupation, Mr. Williams is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama Army National Guard with over 28 years of experience and serves as the Battalion Commander.  He is also a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot with over 2,200 total flight hours and over 650 combat flight hours.

Students tested the weight capacity of their bridges

To put their new knowledge to use, students paired up to compete in a bridge building activity. Using various materials, students designed and crafted trusses, arches, and beams. The bridge that held the most weight won top prize! This was a fun, hands-on activity that applied engineering principles.

Invention Convention bridge building champions

Mrs. Whigham’s Invention Convention class enjoyed hearing from Mr. Williams and asking questions about engineering. This exploratory class is all about problem solving, brainstorming ideas, and learning hands-on. Engineering is one of the many fields these students will explore during the semester. Activities emphasizing the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and music are included. Invention Convention is one of the many electives offered in middle school.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Developing Core Values that Resonate with Your School Community

Saint James was featured in the Southern Association of Independent School’s October e-newsletter, Signals. The article titled “Developing Core values that Resonate with Your School Community,” discusses the intentional extension of core values. We are so grateful to be featured in this national publication!

by: Amber Irizarry, SAIS Director of Brand and Communications

Independent school mission statements often stretch beyond student academic gains to focus on developing the whole child. Yet, shaping students’ character, while admirable, is difficult to measure.

Dr. Larry McLemore, head of school at the Saint James School in Montgomery, AL, considers, “How do you live out character? How do you develop it?” For Saint James, which serves students in Pre-K2 through grade 12, everything the school does stems from the mission and core values. By employing concrete activities that guide students in living out the school’s core values, Saint James is helping students build character to ultimately impact their school, their surrounding community, and the culture at large.

Crafting Core Values

Through its mission, Saint James has been committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement. “You’re part of something positive at Saint James,” McLemore shares. “We care about you and your heart and focus on character over the relentless pursuit of achievement. While achievement is a part of the school’s culture, it’s not central to who we are as a school community. Rather, it’s an extension of the core values and is the result of consistent habits that are formed when the values are prioritized.”

Just how did Saint James craft authentic core values? Through an interactive process, they considered their mission and the elements unique to their school culture, then gained feedback from their stakeholders. By taking the long view, Saint James did not rush the process. In 2018, the school devoted a year to developing core values, following a theme of building a community of character to develop the whole child, inspired by articles written by David Brooks. 

The process of choosing and refining the core values involved the entire school community, seeking feedback from all constituents. An informal survey was distributed to faculty and staff, as well as middle and high school students asking several key questions: What do we want to see in our students? What values transcend academic achievement? What traits and principles do we value most? 

After collecting hundreds of responses, the results were distilled, revealing several common themes that have been refined into the school’s current values: character, commitment, courage, and community. These simple and succinct values help students connect the mission to their everyday choices. 

Notably, Saint James makes a concerted effort to continually revisit the values. Kate Bartlett, director of communications, marketing, and engagement, says, “We keep asking ourselves, are these values authentic, relevant, and lasting?”

Drafting core values and executing on them is not without its challenges. For Saint James School, such challenges included making the values concrete and putting them into practice. The school had to focus on messaging that would be relevant across all grades levels, from lower to upper school. They also had to prioritize allowing planning time for meeting with faculty and staff. Finally, follow-through is critical for success so that core values become woven into school culture, rather than a task to complete.

For schools seeking to begin the process of crafting core values, McLemore reminds school leaders to “start where you are. Don’t judge your school by another. Instead, be true to your community.” Creating core values and being intentional about focusing on them through service, curriculum, and programming is worth the effort. “Authentic core values that are lived out daily change the context of everything, strengthen your school community, and give students and faculty a clear sense of purpose,” attests McLemore.

Service as Extension of Core Values

A focus on service is an intentional extension of both the Saint James School’s mission and all four core values. To lay the groundwork and reinforce these values for middle and upper school students, the school hosts quarterly “Values Assemblies” focused on one of the four core values. McLemore shares, “The more students see the core values lived out in the day-to-day, the better it is for their well-being, helping them to reach their potential. There’s a focus on helping students become their best self.”

Trojan Character, Trojan Commitment, Trojan Courage, Trojan Community

Through diverse extracurricular activities, community service initiatives, and special interest clubs, Saint James encourages students to play a role in something greater than themselves and to discover a sense of confidence in their abilities. Further, the school emphasizes community engagement and promotes meaningful learning experiences for students while strengthening partnerships within the community. From the youngest learners in elementary school to high school seniors, students grow through giving, stewardship, and connection.

The Saint James mission and values are an integral part of the day-to-day life on campus. Bartlett says, “Our mission guides every decision we make, and classroom lessons and daily interactions help bring the core values to life for our students.”

#wearesaintjamesschool

A Great Start to a Great Year: Freshman Retreat

by: Emily Trock, 9th grade

Camp Butter and Egg was one of the best bonding experiences I have ever had at Saint James School. The retreat is an annual activity for freshmen, along with their peer leaders, to travel to Camp Butter and Egg. We had a great time with all the activities including: team building activities, competitions, ziplining, and canoeing in the lake. It was an amazing field trip that I will never forget.

The zipline was a favorite!

At 8:00 we boarded the bus and headed to Troy. Once we arrived, we were sorted into groups based on our advisories and played games against each other. With our teams, we had to work together to complete the various tasks. We threw bean-bags into small pillars, teamed up with a partner and used a magnet to move a ball into a hole, and unscrambled words to make sentences, to name a few. My favorite activity was a blind matching game, which consisted of team captains instructing their teams on how to position the objects correctly. The twist was that only the captains could see the desired position however, they couldn’t position the objects themselves. It was all competitive, which really made it exciting! 

Then, once we had broken the ice, my advisory headed over to complete team building exercises. This was a great way to bond with my class. Some activities included: playing the floor is lava, using pool noodles to transport balls at a rapid pace, and describing pictures to put them in order. These games helped us improve our relationships with each other and we had fun along the way!

Students enjoyed team building and bonding!

Lunch was delicious burgers, baked beans, chips, and sugar cookies. After lunch we headed to go ziplining! This was definitely my favorite part of the retreat. There were three ziplines. The first one was a smooth-sailing ride. The second one was through trees and was set at a much faster pace. The third one was my favorite. It went over the lake and had an incredible view of the whole camp! I even got to see some of my friends canoeing under me. Then we went down to the lake and got to chat with friends while on canoes and paddle boats. A couple of people got wet but we all had fun just the same.

High Ropes provided a great bonding experience.

This trip to Camp Butter and Egg was a wonderful experience which I won’t forget anytime soon! I look forward to an amazing freshman year; Camp Butter and Egg has been a great start!

The Saint James Peer Leaders are a group of seniors who serve as mentors to the freshmen for the first half of the year. The Peer Leaders meet with their assigned freshman advisories once a week to lead lessons on how to acclimate to high school. This program not only helps with the social and academic transition to high school, but builds relationships and enforces our Trojan Core Values. #wearesaintjamesschool

"Fierce Rivalry and Newfound Camaraderie" at the National Youth Judicial Competition

By: Michael Phan, junior

STJ students at the Minnesota state capitol.

This summer, I had the chance of a lifetime to travel to St. Paul, Minnesota with my team for the national youth judicial tournament. As soon as we landed, a whirlwind of excitement and nerves swept over me. The trials were looming, and the competitive atmosphere was palpable. Yet, outside the courtroom, the scene was unexpectedly warm and friendly. It was a strange mix of fierce rivalry and newfound camaraderie—where we were rivals in the courtroom but friends once the gavel came down.

I had expected every team to be a formidable opponent, and many were. But to my surprise, some teams seemed disorganized and flustered, which underscored just how much our summer of preparation had paid off. Our team of eight—five witnesses and three lawyers—had spent countless hours preparing, working on objections, and fine-tuning our examinations. We were committed to our principles, with strong arguments and unwavering testimonies. Our lawyers expertly managed objections and delivered compelling arguments that made a lasting impression on the evaluators. One moment that stands out vividly was during a cross-examination. Our witness, Jordan Rossell, managed to use up 14 of the 20 minutes allocated to the opposing counsel. Her strategic handling of the situation disrupted their plans and gave us a significant edge. The evaluators were notably impressed, especially with our closing arguments and the strength of our witness testimonies. But the trip was more than just the trials. It was a chance to connect with high school students from across the nation, sharing stories about our different school experiences. These conversations were a reminder that, despite the competition, we were all there to learn and grow. The journey itself was filled with excitement.

Eight students represented STJ at the National Youth Judicial Competition in St. Paul, MN: Jaden Rossell, Jordan Rossell, Alex Ruona, Carter Miller, Will Alexander, Michael Phan, and Ava Donaldson.

The Mall of America was a highlight—an immense playground of shopping, roller coasters, miniature golf, and endless food options. It was the perfect escape from the tournament’s intensity and a chance to unwind and have some fun.

Reflecting on the trip, I realize how profoundly it impacted me. This experience was not just about competing; it was about sharing a journey with people who have become some of my closest friends. Spending those final trials with my team, who have been my partners in countless late-night practices and intense debates, felt like a culmination of so many shared efforts and dreams. Each argument, each witness testimony, and each strategy session was a testament to our dedication and unity.

STJ youth judicial students at the YMCA national youth judicial competition.

As we wrapped up the tournament, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with a group of people who pushed me to be my best, who shared my triumphs and my anxieties. These were moments of joy, frustration, and ultimate pride that we experienced together. The laughter we shared in the quiet moments between rounds, the camaraderie in the face of fierce competition, and the unwavering support we provided each other are memories I will cherish forever. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as I realized that this chapter of our lives was closing.

The reality of moving on to new challenges and paths loomed large, but so did the profound sense of having been part of something truly special. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment of this trip—for the victories, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and most of all, for the people who made it unforgettable. As we go our separate ways, I’ll hang on to all the memories of this summer and the incredible team that made it so remarkable. I’ll miss you all more than words can express, but I’m happy knowing that our experience together is something that we will never forget. Here’s to the future and to the friendships that will last beyond our time together. #wearesaintjamesschool

Lifelong Lessons at Girls State

By: Lily Everett, senior

Lily pictured with Judge Anna Manasco, STJ class of 98.

Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), Alabama Girls State is a week-long premier youth leadership program which offers a one-of-a-kind experience for its delegates.

It was such a humbling experience to represent Saint James School this summer at the 2024 Girl's State Program. Admittedly, I was a little nervous about going away for a week with 371 other young women from the state, but it wasn't long until I realized that this was going to be the most amazing week of my life!  The program teaches us about being good citizens, role-models, encouragers, and about how to be involved in our local and state governments.  It was truly a week of us all building each other up through compelling speakers, team time, olympic trial games, a "Red, White, and Boots" dance, and even a formal inaugural dinner! 

I met so many great female leaders from around our state including Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Kate Britt, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Judge Anna Manasco, who is an STJ Alumna!  I want to thank Saint James for this experience and I plan on working every day to put into practice the lessons I learned at Girl's State."

“I plan on working every day to put into practice the lessons I learned at Girl’s State.”

— Lily Everett, Saint James Girls State Delegate

"Understanding, Empathy, & Purpose" at The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Saint James School students at The National Memorial for Peace and Justice: the nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.

Each year, Saint James tenth grade students visit the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The Legacy Museum, established by Bryan Stevenson and the EJI, tells the story of slavery in the United States and the lasting effects it has had in history.  In confronting the past, we know our students are today becoming ready to act with character, courage, and knowledge in the future. 

Annually, STJ English teacher, Mrs. Joanna McCurdy, assigns an essay prompt for her students to complete reflecting on their experience. Please find excerpts from some of the essays below.

Saint James students at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

After a trip to the museum, I have been given insight into how I view myself and the way that I interact with others. The field trip has shown me that as a society we take a lot for granted. Overall, the trip was a fundamental experience in teaching me how much a person’s ancestry and generational trauma goes into their identity and how it is sometimes easy to overlook that background…This trip was enlightening in many ways. The Legacy Museum is such an important part of our community. It brings up conversations that are uncomfortable, but deserve to be talked about.” -Jakiyah Hyman, class of 2026

“The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice stand to remind people from all backgrounds to advocate for a safer world.”

— Haley Hust, class of 2026

“The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice impacted my thoughts and life by giving me more knowledge to understand identity, empathy, and the purpose of knowing history.”

— Jack Caradori, class of 2026

Purple Potato Plants

Who would love to add some color to their lunch? Saint James Community Garden Coordinator, Ms. Elizabeth Harber, led several elementary school students in the planting of a unique, brightly-hued variety of sweet potato. Purple potatoes contain antioxidants and are an excellent source of vitamins. They are delicious roasted, steamed, or even made into chips!

Saint James School’s community garden provides a vibrant, outdoor space for learning, enhances opportunities for community-building and recreation, strengthens lessons on environmental stewardship, and gives students ownership in growing healthy produce. #wearesaintjamesschool

Alabama Youth in Government- My Favorite Time of Year!

by: Ava Donaldson, class of 2024

The 2023-24 Youth Judicial “Top Team” Award- STJ!

2024 Scholarship Recipients. I was honored to be presented with the Bill Barringer Memorial Scholarship.

One of my favorite things that I have had the privilege to be a part of in my many years at Saint James is ALYIG. Alabama Youth in Government is a program run through the YMCA where students from all across the state participate in mock trials and debate legislation. I initially got involved with the program in seventh grade with their Junior Youth Legislator, little did I know that it would become my favorite time of the year. Flash forward to my freshman year where I joined a team of seven other freshmen where we competed in a mock trial on zoom for the first time. Although we did not win any of our three rounds of debate, fellow senior Will Alexander and I promised we would qualify for nationals by our senior year. This first year on a glitchy zoom call is where I first met some of the people I would soon call my best friends. Throughout the next four years I made sure I was at every youth in government event. Youth Judicial in November, Youth Legislator in February, and Youth in the City in April, I was at all of them! Year after year my public speaking skills improved tremendously and I became incredibly outgoing. These conferences were what I looked forward to every year because I got to see all of my friends and we could reminisce about all of our terrible speeches and the many times “decorum!” was yelled through the speakers. Aside from all of the unserious and funny moments of these conferences, my ever-changing Youth Judicial team became one to beat at state. In my final year myself along with seniors Will Alexander, Alex Ruona, Carter Miller, Jordan Rossell, Jaden Rossell, Madison Walton, and sophomore Micheal Phan we finally achieved what we had worked so hard for: nationals. This upcoming July we will take on the National Youth Judicial competition in Minnesota. I am so incredibly grateful to my teachers that have helped me throughout my years and all of my friends I made along the way. #wearesaintjamesschool

Science Fair- Biology Meets Art

by: Shelly Taliaferro, AP Biology teacher

left to right: AP Biology students Harrison Allen, Cole Williams, Addison Seale, Reilly Taylor, and Rylee Richardson, with their poster entitled “A comparison of fine-art faunal diversity among two museum communities - a model to utilize Simpson's biodiversity index for AP Biology.”

Recently, AP Biology students participated in the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held at AUM, where they received third place in the Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Engineering category. They advanced to the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair, held at Auburn University, where they placed third in the Animal and Plant Sciences category and also won the Biological Sciences Award for Creative Application of Biological Principles. Students received a certificate, a medal, and a monetary award. 

The science project involved AP Biology students conducting an inventory of animal "species" found in artwork at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (Auburn), then calculating and comparing a biodiversity index between the two museum "communities." Due to constraints of time, transportation, suitable habitat, and weather, AP Biology classes usually use types of cars in the parking lot, different varieties of dried beans, or colorful beads as "organisms" for calculations of community diversity. To our knowledge, this is the first time an AP Biology class has utilized artwork animals for these calculations. Our approach includes a more organismal focus to the biodiversity calculations as well as known benefits of integrating art with science, such as increased student engagement, learning, and retention.

#wearesaintjamesschool