Faculty Spotlight: Coach Aubrey Blackwell

I teach (subject/grade) or your department: Head Football Coach

I've taught for (length of time): 20 years

Hometown: Montgomery, AL

High school: Robert E. Lee Generals!

College/Degree: University of Montevallo, Masters of Education and BS in Kinesiology

STJ Extracurricular (do you oversee a club/activity?): Football and Golf

Favorite Book: Extreme Ownership

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

Favorite Food: Memaw's Home Cooking!

Spouse/Married for how long: Brandi Roberts Blackwell of Geraldine, AL - 18 years

Children/ages: Will 15, Kayla 13

Favorite thing about working at STJ: The Students

Fun Fact: Honored to have been inducted in the Robert E Lee and University of Montevallo Hall of Fame

Words Meet Art: AP English Language and Composition One-Pager Project

by: Lillian Archer, junior

For the 11th grade course, AP Language and Composition, students were given a unique and creative assignment that allowed them to visually and textually express their stance on a given argumentative prompt. This task combined both writing skills and artistic expression to represent a deeper understanding of the prompts and enhance the persuasiveness of their arguments.

The one-pager required students to formulate a clear thesis statement that presents their position on the given topic. This thesis was then supported by two solid reasons that provide a justification for their side. In addition, students were tasked with incorporating evidence to strengthen their argument. The evidence, which could have been current events, history, personal experience, literature, pop culture, science, and philosophy, allowed students to back up their reasons and make the argument more credible. This allowed students to practice integrating outside information into their own perspectives, which is a critical skill for the future AP Language and Composition Exam in May. The assignment is also visually appealing. Students had to use colors, a symbolic border, and five carefully chosen words to enhance the purpose of their argument.

This one pager encouraged students to think beyond a traditional essay assignment, offering them an opportunity to express complex ideas in an engaging manner. By being given this one-pager assignment, students learned how to show critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of arguments in a creative and visually appealing way. #wearesaintjamesschool

Exploring HBCU Life: A Parent’s Perspective on her Undergrad Experience

STJ parent, Megan Holston-Alexander, addressed high school AP African American Studies students.

In Mrs. Kiki Hughes’s AP African American Studies class, history isn’t just something to be read in textbooks-it comes to life through personal stories and experiences. Recently, students had the opportunity to hear from a parent in our school community who shared her journey attending Clark Atlanta University, one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Megan Holston-Alexander, a Saint James parent, visit offered students an inside look at the rich traditions, academic rigor, and vibrant campus life that define HBCUs. From her leadership in student government to her involvement in Greek life, she spoke about how these experiences shaped her both personally and professionally. She highlighted the deep sense of community she found at Clark Atlanta, where students were encouraged to strive for excellence while being supported by peers, faculty, and alumni.

Students were eager to engage, asking thoughtful questions about her college experience, the impact of attending an HBCU, and how it influenced her career path. After graduating from Clark Atlanta, Mrs. Holston-Alexander went on to earn an MBA from Stanford University and now works in venture capitalism, helping fund and support innovative tech businesses. Her story served as an example of how educational choices can shape future opportunities.

AP African American studies is one of the many academic electives offered at Saint James School.

Beyond the history of HBCUs, this discussion gave students a real-world perspective on college pathways, professional growth, and the power of community. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring learning beyond the pages of a textbook and for the unique parent engagement offered at Saint James.

Saint James was one of two schools in the state of Alabama to pilot AP African American studies, one of the newest College Board courses offered. Mrs. Hughes, history department head, attended a training at Howard University and has been teaching the class for two years. AP African American Studies is one of the 20 AP courses offered at Saint James.

Megan Holston-Alexander is a Montgomery native and partner at Andreessen Horowitz, a California based venture capital firm. She is the proud mom of Saint James kindergartener, Holston. #wearesaintjameschool

Mini Quilts, Big Learning: Pre-K3 Students Stitching Their Way Through Colors and Shapes

Our Pre-K3 students recently embarked on a quilting adventure. Armed with little sewing machines and big imaginations, they worked together to create their very own mini quilts. This hands-on project was not just about stitching fabric… it was a fun, interactive way to incorporate valuable lessons in color and shape recognition!

Each child selected their own fabrics, learning how to identify and sort by colors like red, blue, yellow, and green. As they sewed, they also worked to keep their lines straight, enforcing fine motor skills. It was fascinating to see how these young minds began to understand the relationships between the pieces as they pieced their quilts together.

The process encouraged fine motor skills, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while they learned about the importance of patterns and symmetry. The final result? Beautiful, one-of-a-kind mini quilts that reflect the creativity and academic growth of our little ones. We couldn’t be prouder of our Pre-K3 quilters, who not only learned valuable skills but also had fun doing it. They truly "stitched" together a masterpiece! #wearesaintjamesschool

A Holiday Convocation to Remember

Campbell (left) with her Kindergarten buddy and friends

by: Campbell Wright, class of 2025

The big man in red made a special trip to Saint James School!

Every year the Saint James family comes together to celebrate the holiday season at Convocation. Holiday Convocation is one of my favorite traditions every year as the student body, teachers, alumni, and parents come together to celebrate. First, our celebrations consist of a procession with seniors and their kindergarten buddies. Of course everyone is decked out in their best holiday outfits and ugly sweaters. Then our High School counselor, Mr. Clinton, begins the convocation with a holiday skit that brings lots of laughter and holiday cheer. As the celebration begins, the band and choir perform holiday pieces they have been working on all year for their showcase and the whole gym listens with awe. After the songs are finished, students come up and share their own Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, including a background of the holiday. I always learn something new from these students and enjoy hearing their own family traditions. After this, my favorite time of the entire convocation begins. The members of choir start a sing-along with the whole gym to everyone’s favorite christmas songs. My favorites, “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” and “12 Days of Christmas,” are always played and this year my kindergarten buddy and I were able to enjoy them together. During “The 12 Days of Christmas” this year, My senior class and I were finally able to say the cherished lyric of “5 months to go” as we begin our journey as second semester seniors. Finally, as the celebration began to end and “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” began to play, Santa and his elves made their appearance and surprised the entire student body. This was truly the best convocation I've ever had, making my last one the most special and a memory I will cherish forever. #wearesaintjamesschool

The 12 days of Christmas is a convocation favorite.

Growing to Give: Saint James School Key Club’s Collard Greens Harvest

The Key Club at Saint James School is putting their green thumbs to work in an effort to make a difference in the community. The students have dedicated a portion of their community garden plot to growing fresh collard greens, which will be donated to the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to service.

Collard greens, a nutrient-rich vegetable, are a staple in many Southern kitchens. The Key Club is addressing food insecurity in a way that provides both sustenance and comfort to local families. The fresh produce from the community garden will contribute to the Food Bank’s mission of distributing nutritious food to individuals and families who face hunger.

This project has also brought together members of the Saint James School community. Students across all divisions help in the STJ Community Garden. From preparing the soil to planting, watering, and tending to the plants as they grow. Beyond the physical work, the initiative has sparked important conversations about food security, community support, and the role young people can play in making a positive impact.

Key Club President Virginia Driver shared her thoughts on the project: “I couldn’t be prouder of how everyone came together to bring this garden project to life. It was a hands-on experience that not only taught us about sustainability, but also the power of teamwork. From planning to planting, each step was a reminder that when we work together, we can create a meaningful impact on our community.” 

The Saint James School Key Club is a student-led organization that helps high school students develop leadership skills through service.The organization's goal is to prepare students for citizenship by helping them learn to work together and live responsibly. The Key Club is led by faculty sponsor, Ms. Libby Conner. 
Partnerships like this one not only help meet immediate needs of our community, but also highlight the power of community collaboration and reinforce our Trojan Core Value of Community.

Making a PAWS-itive Difference: STJ Animal Club Gives Back

The STJ Animal Club with the Montgomery Humane Society and "animal ambassador.”

Over the holiday break, the STJ Animal Club made a meaningful impact by delivering donations collected throughout the fall semester for animals in need. These generous contributions were delivered to the Montgomery Humane Society, helping ensure that these animals have the supplies they need, from food and blankets to toys and other essential items.

Animal Club sponsors Mrs. Melissa Harris and Mrs. Haley Hart delivered a trunk load of donations to the Montgomery Humane Society.

The animal club welcomed a guest speaker from the Montgomery Humane Society to a recent club meeting. This special guest brought along an "animal ambassador," a well-behaved and adorable representative of the animals cared for by the Montgomery Humane Society. The presentation focused on animal safety, offering valuable insights on how to care for pets responsibly, recognize signs of distress in animals, and ensure their well-being. Club members loved meeting the animal ambassador, and learning more about the important work being done at the Montgomery Humane Society.

The STJ Animal Club is open to students in grades 3-5. The club focuses on animal welfare, advocacy, and fun opportunities to help our furry friends. #wearesaintjamesschool

Staff Spotlight: Officer Josh Stokes

Department: Safety Officer

I've been at Saint James for:   6 months

Hometown: Montgomery, AL

High school: Lee High School 

Past Experience: Retired Sergeant with the Montgomery Police Department (20 years)  Certified Police Instructor, Over 10 years as a Major Crimes Investigator 

Favorite Book: War and Peace 

Officer Stokes with his wife and daughter.

Favorite Movie: Jurassic Park Trilogy 

Favorite Food: Steak

Spouse:  Stephanie, married for 19 years

Children: Maya, age 17  

Favorite thing about working at STJ: The family atmosphere between students and faculty 

Favorite Quote: “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.”

Career Week 2024: 8th Grade Students Peek Into Professions

by: Waylon King and Grace , class of 2029

Waylon and his mom, who is a medical aesthetician.

I am so grateful that I had the amazing opportunity of being able to get an inside peek of the jobs of my choice for 8th grade career week 2024. My name is Waylon King and one of the professions that I shadowed was a medical aesthetician. I actually got to shadow my mom, Michela King, who runs her own aesthetician business. I started shadowing around 11:00am and was shown what her daily schedule looks like. She then showed me what kind of tools she uses to complete procedures and what their purposes are. We then had our first patient, who wanted a chemical peel, I was amazed by how fast the products started reacting. For the rest of the day, I was able to watch the many different procedures an aesthetician completes on a day to day basis. It was a blast to be shown the astonishing and exciting day of a medical aesthetician.

Grace with Deputy General Counsel for the Alabama Secretary of State, Meredith Blackburn.

Career Week was such a great experience for the class of 2029. My name is Grace Sykes and I shadowed the Deputy General Counsel for the Alabama Secretary of State. Her name is Mrs. Meredith Blackburn and is a close family friend of mine. I drove with her to the state capitol at 7:30am and took a small tour of the building. I got to meet the Secretary of State and go in his office. When I got back to Mrs. Blackburn's office, I went right to work. Mrs. Blackburn has many official duties and tasks she had to complete, so I helped her by putting previously used case files away and updating her code books. I had so much fun at the state capitol and would love to have a career as special and exciting as Mrs. Blackburn's.

Saint James middle school students have been shadowing careers during the 8th grade year for many years. Shadowing helps students explore potential career paths early, helping them identify their interests and strengths. It also provides real-world insights into various professions, connecting classroom learning to practical applications. This experience can inspire goal-setting and better decision-making for future education and career planning. Eighth grade career week is something Saint James students look forward to every year! #wearesaintjamesschool

Circle Your Wagons on the Oregon Trail

Quilt squares depicted scenes from the “Oregon Trail” journey

by: Olivia Patrick, class of 2026

After learning about the Oregon Trail and the Gold Rush, Mrs. Hughes introduced the game The Oregon Trail to the junior history classes! Each class period had around 5 “wagons” with 3-4 “wagon riders” that were given a certain amount of money to decide on what supplies they would need. They would consider which wagon they wanted, the amount of food they would need to survive the 6-month journey, and which weapons and tools would be useful, all while staying under budget. Students would then roll dice to see which scenario, defined in Mrs.Hughes’s slideshow, applied to their wagon. The wagons could encounter hostile enemies, rabid animals, treacherous storms, and deadly

diseases that would impact their journey. One of my favorite aspects about playing the game was that everything was left up to chance. At the end of the game, some wagons survived with hardly any issues in their journey, while others had completely lost all wagon members. A few days later, students were asked to color in a quilt square that described their journey on the Oregon Trail. They created symbols with definitions that represented the events they encountered. Mrs. Hughes then judged the quilt squares and put the best ones in the hallway to create one big quilt! Overall, this was such a fun way to interact with history and help us to understand the hardship that pioneers went through to form our great country. #wearesaintjamesschool