A Rock & Roll Road Trip to Remember

by: Haley Hust, class of 2026

Haley (left) and classmates at the world-famous FAME music studios.

On an early and frigid morning, both current and past History of Rock and Roll students joined Dr. York and Mr. Harrison on a four-hour bus ride to Muscle Shoals, AL. What seems like a random small town is actually an epicenter of rock history. From the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin, to Demi Lovato, Chris Stapleton, and Alicia Keys, tons of artists recorded parts of their famous discographies in this town. There is a musical magic in Muscle Shoals, and we had to experience it firsthand. 

Our first stop on our tour of the historic Muscle Shoals was the iconic FAME Studios. Started in 1959 by Rick Hall, FAME Studios became a site of history. When we walked in, the smell of wood and coffee enveloped us. The building felt homey on such a cold day. 

Students pose with iconic photo of Duane Allman shaking hands with legendary producer and songwriter Rick Hall.

We entered Studio B in awe of how tall the walls were. Our tour guide explained how the room's acoustics worked. The walls were slightly slanted, the floor was carpeted, and slats lined the walls, all in an attempt to make the sound feel still. It was amazing to see the original pianos and microphones used by famous musicians years ago. 

We then ventured into Studio A, the original studio. The sound felt completely different in comparison to Studio B. It was livelier, and the paneling was distinct. Our tour guide played us music from various artists who had recorded right where we stood. It was a unique and fascinating experience to hear the music while visualizing where they were. We heard artists from the 70s all the way to this year. It was so intriguing. 

After buying some merch, we boarded the bus again and headed to the second studio, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Famous for their “Muscle Shoals Sound,” the studio's founders were known as the Swampers. The Swampers were a group of studio musicians who were renowned for their ability to create hit music. With collaborations with Paul Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Rolling Stones, the Swampers created a significant name for themselves. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Elton John, and Willie Nelson all traveled to or hired studio space to experience the town's classic, magical sound. 

Students enjoyed a tour of the space where “The Swampers” helped create some of the most beloved music to ever come out of Muscle Shoals.

Our tour guide offered up stories, songs, and facts about the studio, and when our tour was done, Dr. York had the opportunity to play on the historic piano where hits like “Free Bird” and “Kodachrome” were created. It was an amazing experience. Learning about Rolling Stone’s illegal recordings and Paul Simon’s perfectionism was fascinating. No one wanted to leave after our tour of the studio finished, but sadly, our hunger had gotten the best of us. 

We boarded the bus and headed to the Pie Factory, an outstanding pizzeria that had specialty dishes inspired by the artists who recorded in the local studios. Their calzones and pizzas were a hit with our group, and it was an outstanding way to end our trip.

For the last time, we boarded our bus and headed home. Our experience in Muscle Shoals was absolutely fantastic and filled with memories I will never forget. Listening to rock music, hanging out with the best teachers, and learning about local history is the best way to fill a day. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and this was a rock & road trip for the books. 

Saint James "“History of Rock & Roll” students with their teacher, Dr. Sallye York.

Career Week 2025

What do you want to be when you grow up? For more than thirty years, Saint James 8th graders have taken their first steps toward that question during our signature 8th Grade Career Week. With extraordinary support from our parents and the wider community, students spend time shadowing professionals and gaining a real-world look at a variety of careers. The program has even earned national recognition from the National Middle School Association for its effective middle-level practices.

This November, our 8th graders once again stepped into workplaces across our community as part of Career Week. They met with professionals, asked questions, and explored paths they may never have considered. Below, hear directly from a few of our students as they reflect on what they learned.

Keagan Cantrell shadowed Mrs. Megan Deal, STJ Kindergarten teacher.

“My fellow classmates and I got to do a thing called career week, where we got to shadow three people. I had so much fun! One of the careers I shadowed was a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Deal. I was so honored for the chance to get to know all the kids. They truly made my day. I got to watch their play practice and we got to make really cool headbands that showed what you are grateful for. It was so cool getting to see all of the things kindergarteners get to do. It was like I was just in kindergarten. All of the kindergarteners showed me something special! They made me realize that we can take life for granted a lot and that we always need to find the joy in life, and they also showed me to be so grateful for what we have!”
— Keagan Cantrell, class of 2030
“Ever since I was in 6th grade and heard about my brother doing career week in 8th grade, I was super excited for the opportunity. One of the jobs I shadowed was Dr. Jay Robertson at Montgomery Dentistry. Although I always have had some interest in this field, this visit made me realize that dentistry is a career path that I may want to follow. I had the chance to stand and watch multiple operations, from wisdom teeth being taken out to ordinary checkups. I shadowed Dr. Robertson with some of my friends, and we got to create little molds of our teeth. I learned a lot from this experience and it gave me a new perspective on pursuing this career.”
— Miles Bleiberg, class of 2030

Miles Bleiberg shadowed Dr. Jay Robertson, dentist with Montgomery Dentistry.

Addison Brunson shadowed Dana Fitzpatrick, Occupational Therapist with Baptist Health.

Saint James School’s Career Week Program allows students to explore careers they might be interested in; which in turn, helps students with course selections in high school and also college choices. Our students truly enjoy going out into the workforce and learning about life beyond middle and high school!

#wearesaintjamesschool

“I shadowed Dana Fitzpatrick who is a physical therapist that works at Baptist East Hospital. I learned that there are three levels at the hospital, Physical Therapy, OT, Pediatric OT, and Speech. An OT helps people learn how to do daily activities if something happens to them like a stroke. Putting on clothes could be a challenge, so they teach you how to put on your clothes again. I got to watch a child speech therapist session go on. The lady worked on pronunciation and comprehension. I also got to watch a Pediatric OT help a 8 month old baby to continue her growth. She has scoliosis which makes her lean a certain way. The OT was working on her crawling, because 9 month olds start to crawl, he wanted to make sure she developed the correct way. The last thing I got to do was go up to the NICU. I got to watch the doctor feed and check out the baby to make sure everything was going right. I learned about the bed the baby sleeps in, the bed mimics the mothers movements, which helps the baby’s temperatures and other features. The doctor also let me feed the baby! I was so excited I got to shadow her and learn a lot about physical therapy.”
— Addison Brunson, class of 2030

Quality Time with the Class of 2029

by: Abigail Huynh, class of 2026

In early August, the freshman class of ’29 had a blast on their annual retreat to Butter and Egg Adventures in Troy, Alabama. Although the weather proved to be a challenge at the beginning of the day, the freshman didn’t allow that to dampen their high spirits and utter excitement. The day started off with group based activities in which the students were divided into three different groups based on their advisory classes. Each station consisted of different team building activities and challenges. These survivor inspired series of obstacles were part of the outside course. The freshman got to participate in word puzzles, ring and bean bag toss, and the thrilling minefield challenge. The minefield challenge was very entertaining to watch, because the freshman struggled quite a bit at the start and really had to come together to solve the puzzle. The rules stated that only one person could be in a section at a time while the collective group held hands to make it to the other side. Many giggles were shared between the freshman, peer leaders, teachers, and our Butter and Egg guide as the freshman had to problem solve ways to navigate the string course in order to get across.

The next station was brain puzzles where the classmates joined hand and hand to be the quickest team to finish the puzzle. The games challenged the freshmen with their ability to be efficient while staying calm in the midst of chaos. Some games consisted of how fast a ball can travel around a circle of hands, touching all the bases as quickly as a group can, and card games.

Records were broken left and right as each group kept outdoing the one before. After wrapping up this station, yummy burgers and sides were being served in the dining hall. As everyone walked in the smell of delicious burgers, tater tots, chips, beans, and some fudgey brownies wafted in the air. Lunch was filled with smiling faces and tons of chitter chatter. As lunch was coming to an end the owners of Butter and Egg, surprised everyone with popsicles and cookies, just before we were ambushed by a giant rain storm. We were guided to the dome to take cover, but the guides made sure we had plenty of activities to do inside. We had cup stacking games, rock, paper, scissors relays, card games, Simon says, and grabbed the cone. The freshmen’s competitive spirits came out because they wanted to be victorious and the ultimate winner.

As time passed, the rain cleared and we were allowed to go outside and participate in the ziplines, canoes, ropes course, and paddleboating. Watching the freshman have fun on the zip lines was the highlight of my day. We were surrounded by yells of excitement and yelps of nerves, but overall it was a total hit with the freshman. Canoeing was also a fan favorite as people raced and got a water front view of people going on the zip lines. Two of our faculty members even took an unexpected dip in the lake! After about an hour and a half of constant outside activities we had to load the bus for departure.

This was also a productive time for the new Peer Leaders to spend quality time with their mentees, providing them with helpful advice and tactics for being a successful student at STJ. The students shared plenty of laughs and created memories that will stick with this grade for years to come. Thank you Butter and Egg Adventures for the fun trip, and see you next year with the class of 2030! #wearesaintjamesschool

Rewind to Elementary: Trick or Treat That Took Us Back to the Place We Began

By: Lucy Hwang, class of 2026

Me, Lucy Hwang, with my co-buddy MaryEllis Killough and our kindergarten buddy dressed up as Silver Mist and Rosetta from Tinkerbell. Our buddy even spray painted her hair! 

Every year, the seniors participate in trick-or-treating with their kindergarten buddy. This year, it was colder than usual, so we huddled together like penguins trying to stay warm while waiting for our buddies to arrive in the quad. It felt funny and a little surreal because Elsa, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and the Addams Family were all hugging each other like a movie crossover. We had been talking about costumes for weeks, sharing ideas and guessing what everyone would wear, so it was extra fun to finally see them. 

We hyped each other up, traded compliments, and for a moment it felt like we were five again. 

Seniors Madison Jackson and Breyonna McKinnon with their kindergarten buddy dressed up as the Addams family.

When our buddies arrived, we set off to trick-or-treat starting from Furlong Hall, Science building, Humanities hall, the High School, and then the Middle School. Walking with our buddy through the places where we study and rush to class felt tender, like showing them a map of who we have become. Moving from high school to middle school and back to elementary felt like rewinding a tape, each doorway opening to an earlier version of us.

Back in elementary, we brought our buddies to their classrooms. The tiny desks, the cubbies, and the toys rattling on the floor brought up old memories. We remembered our own senior buddies and the steady hands that once guided us through crowded hallways. Watching our buddies slide into those little chairs brought a warm, protective feeling. For a moment, we felt like the adults in the room. 

After the candy run, we headed to the parking lot to grab our bags and change back into uniforms. Climbing into our cars felt surreal. A few minutes earlier we were holding tiny hands. Now we were unlocking the car, checking mirrors, and walking back to our classes. That jump from little desks to car keys made the day feel even more special. It reminded us how far we have come and how sweet it is to share that with the ones just starting out. It also made graduation feel a little closer, like the next doorway we will walk through, and for a second we wanted time to slow down so we could hold on to this feeling. #wearesaintjamesschool

Teaching Our Teachers: Faculty Professional Development Day

Elementary school counselor, Mrs. Laura Gibson, and Elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Patti Pelham, led a breakout session about preventing burnout and reducing stress. They led a bilateral drawing exercise to demonstrate an easy way to reset and promote emotional regulation. Bilateral drawing is a mindfulness technique that involves using both hands simultaneously to make marks on paper to calm the nervous system and promote mental balance.

On Tuesday, October 14th, Saint James School faculty participated in our Professional Development Day. All teaching faculty, across all divisions PreK2-12th grade, attended teacher-led workshops, sessions, and talks. From topics ranging from technology in the classroom to mindfulness, our teachers were able to not only strengthen knowledge to be effective in the classroom, but also rejuvenate them to best care for students’ hearts.

Dr. Sallye York, STJ Director of the Arts, led an interactive session about forming relationships with students. All teachers strive to connect with students and form a team out of a classroom.

Throughout the year and over the summer months, our teachers participate in a variety of conferences, seminars, and workshops to develop skills and enhance student outcomes. These activities help educators refine their strategies, learn new methodologies, and stay current with best practices. Our teachers have learned from experts all over the country (and the world!), so they brought their knowledge back to campus to share with colleagues. Twenty of our teachers led breakout sessions and shared their experiences to benefit our entire staff. Teachers received a professional development certificate of completion, which goes toward the required state certification requirements.

At Saint James, we are focused on the important calling we have as educators. Our purpose is to build up every child from the inside out, to encourage each heart, to build character, and to elevate potential. #wearesaintjamesschool

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field

Intro to Canvas for Teachers

Teach Like Walt Disney

Kahoot in the Classroom

Walking Your Way to Better Health

Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom

Orton-Gillingham in Action!

OnCampus, On Purpose!

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

Discovering New Features in Seesaw

Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships

Fun and Challenging Learning Center

Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom

Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies

Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices

Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management

Coaches Wear Many Hats

Developing Cross-Enrichment Units

You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field Intro to Canvas for Teachers Teach Like Walt Disney Kahoot in the Classroom Walking Your Way to Better Health Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom Orton-Gillingham in Action! OnCampus, On Purpose! John Wooden's Pyramid of Success Discovering New Features in Seesaw Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships Fun and Challenging Learning Center Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management Coaches Wear Many Hats Developing Cross-Enrichment Units You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students

Elementary technology teacher, Mrs. Tina Waggoner, led a session about utilizing the Seesaw app. Seesaw is an online classroom platform for students to document and share their learning through creative projects, and for teachers to assess and provide feedback.

Preschool teachers and assistants attended several breakout sessions focused on classroom management and implementing thematic units in grades PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4.

On Air: Adam in Alabama

Recently, STJ English teacher and AP Coordinator, Mr. Adam Osborn, joined host Karli on the podcast Coordinated, which spotlights superstars and unsung heroes in education. In this episode, Karli kicks off the state-by-state series in Montgomery, Alabama, highlighting Mr. Osborn’s dedication to celebrating student success and keeping the AP program shining bright.

Since joining the Saint James faculty in 2021, Mr. Osborn has made a significant impact on students both in and out of the classroom. He teaches English and Public Speaking, and serves as the Saint James AP Coordinator, guiding students through the school’s robust Advanced Placement program.

Approximately half of Saint James high school students enroll in the school’s 21 offered AP courses, taking more than 220 AP exams in 2025 alone. Thanks to the rigorous curriculum and dedicated instruction, Saint James students consistently score above state and national averages. In 2025, the school celebrated a 92% pass rate—meaning the majority of students scored a 3 or higher on their exams. AP courses are offered starting in ninth grade, and students may take as many classes as they qualify for, with an exam required in each course.

Listeners can hear important updates, best practices, and inspiring stories from AP coordinators and educators around the world. Press play to hear how Mr. Osborn reminds fellow coordinators just how much their work matters, while celebrating the achievements of Saint James students along the way.

Mr. Osborn earned a BA in English (minor in History) from Tulane University, and attended the University of Chicago, MA Program in the Humanities (Middle English Literature).

“Over the summer, I attended the APAC conference in Boston. I attended AP Coordinator sessions all day on both days I got to ask questions and learn best practices, but also meet and converse with AP Coordinators from all over the country. That’s how I ended up getting asked to do the podcast; one of the organizers of the sessions for experienced AP Coordinators suggested me to the producers of the Coordinated podcast!”
— Adam Osborn

Saint James Students Shine at YMCA Youth Judicial District Tournament

Youth Judicial Students with alum Atchison Hubbard ’17

On Saturday, October 4, three teams of Saint James students showcased their talent, teamwork, and critical thinking skills at the YMCA Youth Judicial District Tournament.

In this hands-on learning experience, students prepared both sides of a legal case—ready to serve as either attorneys or witnesses when called upon. With guidance from local attorneys, they learned how to craft persuasive opening statements, cross-examine witnesses, and perform effectively on the stand. The tournament gave students a first-hand look at the courtroom process and the importance of preparation, confidence, and collaboration.

Youth Judicial students with alum Mikal Webb ’15

Saint James was also proud to have two alumni, Atchison Hubbard ’17 and Mikal Webb ’15, return to campus to mentor the teams. Their real-world legal insight and encouragement helped the students bring professionalism and poise to each round of competition.

Two students, Haley Hust and Bailey Woods, served as judges during the trials, assisted by bailiffs Zach Rains and Hampton Johnson.

Two of the three Saint James teams qualified for the state tournament, where they will compete against teams from across Alabama in November.

District Tournament Teams

  • Kaleigh Soto, HeeSoo Cho, Mary Ann Coon, Chloe Song, Arya Pate, Kevin Hwang, Lucas Kang, Abby White

  • Maggie Harris, Kenley Roedl, Lily Stanford, Max Ward, Banks Henderson, Della Skelly

Congratulations to these outstanding students on their impressive showing and continued commitment to learning and leadership, on and off the witness stand! #wearesaintjamesschool

Youth Judicial students with faculty sponsor Mrs. Kiki Hughes.