My Trip to Camp ASCCA

by: Dresden Merritt, class of 2030

Every year, the fifth graders take a three day field trip to Camp ASCCA, and it seems like we have been looking forward to this trip since we were in first grade!

Dresden and his cabin mates at Camp ASCCA

Day 1: My trip to camp began with me hopping out of my carpool and taking my VERY heavy bag to the gym. We met up at the gym and put our bags on the floor. We then stretched our legs and played games like basketball for 30 minutes. I remember throwing a frisbee with my friend and then playing soccer, too. After that, we finally got to go to our cabins and see who we would be with for the next three days. We had around 15 minutes to get settled and get our things set up before we met back up at the gym. Once everyone got to the gym we were assigned our activity groups. There were four groups, and Groups 1 and 2 went to team building while Groups 3 and 4 went canoeing. I was in Group 3. We went to lunch around 12:00 pm, and afterwards the groups rotated through activities. One thing I liked about team building was how kind our instructor, Amber, was. Amber never got annoyed with us, no matter how bad we were at the games or how long it took us to find the solution. After team building, we went to our cabins or stayed in the gym for free play. We ate dinner around 5:30 and had more free time until around 6pm. After that, our counselor Justin took us to the “bck4t,” which basically a child’s dream playroom. The bck4t had a bunch of arcade machines, some nerfs, two beach balls, a movie theater, and relaxation items scattered around. After a very fun hour or two, we headed back to our cabins for shower time. After that, my cabin had around 15 minutes of quiet time before lights out.

Saint James 5th graders at Camp ASCCA.

Zip line was a favorite activity!

Day 2: I woke up to an alarm clock, took a shower, and did all of the other morning routine things. We met up outside the cafeteria around 8:00 am and recited the pledge of allegiance in front of the flag. We then went inside and enjoyed our delicious breakfast. After that, we went to the gym and were told our daily activities. My group started off with the zip tower. I remember looking at the rock wall and getting a bit scared, but I brushed it off and was the second one to climb up. Near the top of the tower, I panicked and just hung there, saying to myself “I need help.” and “I’m not going to make it.” With a little bit of encouragement from a camp counselor, I gave it one last push and grabbed on to the top of the wall and pulled myself up! I then got hooked up to the zipline and was ready to jump. I leaned forward and soared through the air with the wind hitting my face! It was one of the best feelings ever. After that, we went fishing, and although I didn’t catch anything, my friend caught a bass. After fishing, we ate lunch and then went to forestry, where we talked about animals and animal furs. We went on a nice nature walk and talked about trees and plants after that. After forestry, I went and changed into water shoes for The Living Streams activity. One thing I can remember was how the water was freezing cold, and it just kept getting deeper as we moved forwards. I didn’t catch any bugs, but again, some of my friends did. We hiked back up to our cabins, and I changed back into my nice, warm, DRY shoes. We then headed to the gym and played kickball and other outdoor games for about an hour before we went to karaoke in the back outpost. Karaoke made me think about how fun this whole experience was. I got to hang out with my friends for three whole days with no work! Karaoke was so fun and was one of my favorite experiences at camp ASCCA. We sang until the ipad with the lyrics died, and then we headed up to the campfire and made s’mores. I sat down with myfriends, and we talked for a while. We then headed back to our cabins and said goodnight. At this point, I was so tired I basically passed out as soon as I laid down.

Nothing ends a day of camping like S’mores

Day 3: The last day was like a fun headache. I did my morning routine and packed up as fast as I could. I loaded all my stuff into the back of my carpools’ car and headed to the gym to hang out with my friends for one last time. We eventually did our last camp activity: the bungee trampoline. The bungee trampoline was fun, but it was hard to control yourself on it. After that, we did a cabin sweep and then got in our cars. My carpool had lunch at Chick-Fil-A, and as soon as I finished eating, I fell asleep for the rest of the car ride home.

#wearesaintjamesschool

"Where do you Call Home?" Reflections from a Military Kid

by: Campbell Wright, class of 2025

April is a month dedicated to celebrating military children. Being a military kid myself, I understand the sacrifice and dedication of all military families. Whether it is worrying about a loved one or getting used to living in a new place, all military families must sacrifice. That sacrifice includes leaving behind extended family, losing loved ones, and missing parents as they take on missions far away. My journey as a military kid has taught me so many things, but the most important is how to make the best out of difficult situations. These difficult situations include moving to foreign countries, trying to fit in at new schools, and even adapting to new environments around me. 

Brussels, Belgium Age 8

Heidelberg, Germany Age 10

London, England Age 10

After England, we were sent to what we now know as our final destination in Montgomery, Alabama. Our whole family was a little hesitant when we got the orders because it was such a new place for us. Due to the amount of recommendations we received for Saint James, we decided to apply. Once we were accepted, it was time for the first day of school. We were all so nervous to come to a new school and try to  make friends, but as soon as we showed up for the first day, Saint James became our new home. From the moment we walked into the doors, we were welcomed with open arms. I never felt the anxiety of being the “new kid” like at every other school we attended. For what was only supposed to be a year, we are now in the place we call “home.” 

In September 2022, my dad retired from the United States Air Force. I am so thankful to stay in Montgomery and graduate from Saint James. All throughout my life I have been asked questions like “where are you from?” or “what place do you call home?” and now I can confidently answer that my home is here in Montgomery, Alabama at Saint James School. 

Mildenhall, England Age 11

I have faced all of these challenges through my journey of leaving every three to four years to find a new place called “home”. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved a couple years later at the age of two. After Albuquerque, the military brought me to my next “home,” Woodbridge, Virginia. Here, I made some of my first real friendships. Leaving these friends behind was incredibly difficult, but even today, my family and I are still close with them.

Inverness, Scotland Age 8

After Virginia, my family faced one of the most difficult transitions and we were sent to Mildenhall, England. Not only was it challenging to leave our new family in Virginia, but moving all the way across the world was tough. In England, our family had to get used to the time change, the cultural differences, and the lack of Chick-Fil-A. Even in this difficult transition, we made the best of the situation and ended up with friends we now consider family. Not only did we make friends in this new place, we were able to travel to countries all over Europe that I had never heard of before. Traveling allowed me to experience the world and opened my eyes to new cultures as we went from country to country.

Montgomery, AL 10th grade

#wearesaintjamesschool

A Very "Ribbiting" Science Lab

by: Emily Darby, 7th grade

Emily with her lab partners.

Would you like to dissect a frog to find out what is inside?  Well, that is exactly what the seventh grade did in science class today.  Our teacher, Mrs. Wingard had us dissect a frog to find out more about the organs and bone structures.  She put us into groups, gave us our materials, and we started working.  The frog had many interesting parts inside its body that we got to have a closer look at.  First, we got to look at the liver which was way bigger than most of us thought it would be.  It was a greenish color which I for sure did not expect.  Next, we looked for the stomach.  The stomach looked like a giant J shape and was connected to the esophagus. We also looked for the kidneys, gallbladder, heart, ears, eyes, large intestine, and small intestine.  Also, we got to see the backbone of the frog, which was behind all of the organs.  This frog dissection was one of the most interesting dissections our class has gotten to look at.  

Seventh graders in the middle school science lab.

Seventh graders in the middle school science lab.

The frog has many adaptations to help it not just live in its environment, but thrive too.  The frog has adapted in many ways to make sure it has a way of surviving in both land and water.   For example, when frogs are young, they have gills to help them breathe underwater.  Yet as they grow older, they develop lungs to breathe air.  Frogs can still absorb the oxygen in the water through their skin.  This way they can still breathe underwater even in adulthood.  Frogs also have a tail that

helps them propel themselves through the water when they are tadpoles, but as they get older they grow strong legs which help them jump on land and swim in water.  Frogs have also

developed a very sticky tongue that helps them catch flying and swimming prey.  Frogs’ skin also helps them to survive in their tough environment.  Their skin helps them blend in from both the top and bottom, so that predators have a harder time spotting them.  On the bottom, frogs have lightly colored skin to blend in with the lightly colored water, but on the top, they are dark, so that they blend into the dirt and ground.  Frogs have adapted in many ways to help them survive in their environment. #wearesaintjamesschool

When I Grow Up- 8th Grade Career Week

by: Sarah Moncrief, Middle School Counselor

A longtime flagship event of 8th grade at Saint James School has been Career Week.  This nationally recognized program is one our students have looked forward to each year since its inception over 30 years ago. 

During our first semester of 8th grade, students research careers that fit their interests. They learn how to construct a resume, write a cover letter, and fill out an employment application. Students discuss proper etiquette and practice professionalism through mock interviews.

In November, students participated in two zoom meetings. During these sessions, students heard from professionals why they chose their career, the path they traveled to arrive where they are now, and what their job entails. Students were given the chance to ask questions and hear real-life stories about these professions.

Afterward, students shadowed three professionals of their choice. When conducting their shadowing experience, they interviewed professionals in that career position and learned a great deal about all things related to the career they were shadowing. Students shadowed professionals in the medical field, architecture and construction, engineering, design, military personnel, law and the judicial system, first responders, accounting, veterinary medicine, information technology, and so many more.  

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

Cabaret 2023: We Got Your Number!

by: Selina Sun, senior

The cast of Cabaret “We Got Your Number” during the closing song.

Selina Sun playing the cello during Cabaret.

Another year, another Cabaret! This year’s theme was “We Got Your Number,” so the set list was filled with all-time favorites that have numbers in the title, such as Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and Taylor Swift’s “22.” Starting from the beginning of second semester, about 110 elementary, middle, and high school students met in the PAB after school almost every day to learn the lyrics, harmonies, and dance moves of all the songs. The dance ensemble worked hard on their upbeat numbers, such as Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U,” and small groups of cast members mastered their vocal parts for more emotional songs like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” and Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One.” The Rising Stars of the elementary brought the energy to all their rehearsals as they learned songs such as “Zero to Hero” from Hercules. This year’s show was extra special with Regina Spektor’s “Two Birds,” a small group number that featured ASL. I also had the privilege to play my cello in a rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” After learning the tune and choreography of about 20 songs in one month of rehearsals (which was about as hard and hectic as it sounds), the cast was ready to put on a Cabaret worthy of the STJ stage for three nights in a row—February 9-11. All three nights’ tickets sold out fast as the STJ family showed their support for this year’s Cabaret, put together by directors Mr. Harrison and Dr. York, stage manager Lily Everett, 15% of the entire STJ student body (including cast and crew), and many others. The show nights were full of song, dance, excitement, and tears, especially on the last night—when the seniors performed on the Cabaret stage “one last time.” As a senior and a student who has been part of the STJ Performing Arts for about 6 years, I especially cherished Cabaret 2023 and all the sweet friends and amazing memories I made. I am so grateful that Saint James showcases the talent of its student body and celebrates the performing arts. #wearesaintjamesschool

photos by Mary Catherine Phillips

Buzzin’ at the County Spelling Bee

Abby White, Emily Trock, and Angelina Huh at the Montgomery County Spelling Bee February 6th held at Frazer Church.

Seventh grader Emily Trock won the Saint James Middle School Spelling Bee in October 2022 and competed in the Montgomery County bee last month. Students Abby White and Angelina Huh, who tied for first runners-up in the Saint James bee, attended in support of Emily. It was an exciting event and Emily placed sixth in the county! She did an excellent job of representing our school with her vibrant smile and confidence. Eighth grader Abby White has been Saint James's first runner-up two years in a row which is quite an accomplishment. Sixth grader Angelina Huh was a strong competitor, tying Abby for first runner-up in the school bee. The two younger students, Emily and Angelina will still be eligible to participate again next school year, and they look forward to doing so. Abby will be going on to high school where she will be sure to make good use of her excellent spelling and vocabulary skills.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Read, Write, Create: Black History Biographies

Students in Ms. Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class

During the month of February, students in Ms. Elizabeth Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class selected influential Black individuals to research. Students chose subjects with a wide range of talents and influence, including an astronaut, judge, athlete, entrepreneur, and an activist to name a few. Using a variety of online sources, students learned about their selected subject’s life, impact on society, and meaningful legacy. Finally, students created slide presentations which they presented to the class. Read, Write, Create is a semester-long 6th grade elective that focuses on writing and presentation skills, as well as literary criticism and research.

Students in Ms. Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class

Read, Write, Create combines both reading and writing workshop models with student-directed research projects. Students read and discuss a wide variety of literature developing appreciation of structure and style. Through writing activities, students become more skillful and confident authors themselves. Research and digital presentation techniques are learned as students conduct and share their non-fiction projects. Student hone presentation and public speaking skills and tailoring content for specific audiences. Peer feedback and self-reflection are also important features of this course.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Model United Nations

by: Elaine Vo, junior

Elaine, with teammate Austin Oh, at the Model UN Confrence.

Saint James students participating in a vote at the Model UN Conference in February.

Last week, I, along with other Saint James students, had the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations conference. Model UN is a great opportunity for students to engage in debate and diplomacy. This conference allows students to gain a better understanding of how the world is interconnected. Students are assigned countries within a particular committee to solve real world issues. The committees can range from the traditional United Nations General Committees to specialized committees such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). In each committee, students act as their assigned country by writing position papers, delivering speeches, and debating. STJ students who attended the Model UN conference were Preston Phillips, AJ Kavlick, Michael Phan, Jaden Rossell, Anna Dickey, Brooke Bender, Amolika Mishra, Jake Poling, Austin Oh, Jimmie Thompson, and Henry Haughery. These students were assigned countries such as UAE, Nepal, Guyana, China and many more to represent in their committees. While these students were debating, Henry Haughery and Jimmie Thompson served as justices on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) committee. Henry and Jimmie picked out punishments as well as arrested delegates who committed crimes. These punishments included karaoke, burpees, musical chairs, rap battles, and more. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve as a reporter in the Press Corps committee. I was able to document the Model UN experience and listen to other committees debate. It was fun to watch different committees solve global issues in a unique way as well as the ICJ committee arresting people. This was Saint James' first time participating in Model UN, and it was a success! During the closing ceremony, Brooke Bender, AJ Kavlick, Jake Poling, Michael Phan, and Preston Phillips were recognized for their outstanding work in their committee. These students represented Saint James so well. Model UN was such a fun experience for us students, and we look forward to continued participation in this conference! #wearesaintjamesschool

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Congratulations to the following Saint James art students for being named Gold and Silver Key Scholastic Art and Writing award recipients! The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes talented young artists and writers from across the United States though the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. #wearesaintjamesschool

Gold Key

High School Gold and Silver Key winners.

Katie Irving - Photography (HS)

Silver Key

Emerson Hagen - Mixed Media (HS)

Charlie Jenkins - Drawing & Illustration (MS)

Stella Sponseller - Mixed Media (HS)

Cole Williams - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Honorable Mention

Middle School Silver Key winner, Charlie Jenkins.

Sullivan Bixby - Digital Art (HS)

Phu Lam - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Natalie Magee - Art Portfolio (HS)

Matthew Ohliger - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Mae Puckett - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Wendy Stombaugh - Mixed Media (HS)

Tiffany Tran - Mixed Media (HS)

Elaine Vo - Sculpture (HS)

Madison Walton - Digital Art (HS)

ASL Club- Bringing Language to Life

The Saint James ASL (American Sign Language) Club welcomed guest speaker, LaShawn Washington to last week’s club meeting. Ms. Washington spoke to the students about growing up deaf and deaf culture. She involved the students in a fun game of ASL telephone, then ended with questions and door prizes of hand-made merchandise.

LaShawn Washington with Mrs. Evelyn Shoults’ ASL club.

Ms. Washington is a native of Richmond, VA. Her biggest achievements during her school years were being a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority during college and participating in several pageants. She was crowned the 1995 Miss Deaf Virginia, her high school homecoming queen in 1996 and the 1997 Miss Washington DC Black Deaf Advocates queen. She graduated from Gallaudet University (a deaf college) with a BA in Social Work. She is currently the president of Alabama Black Deaf Advocates. Before becoming a case manager for the deaf she has been the independent living skills teacher for the deafblind for 5 years. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, spending time with family, hiking, and crafting. LaShawn resides in the Birmingham area with her husband, who is also a case manager for the deaf, and their 3 children.

Ms. LaShawn Washington presenting to the STJ ASL club.

High school clubs meet weekly during advisory time. Over twenty clubs, including service clubs, honor and academic clubs, and special interest clubs, are available to choose from. Extracurricular organizations, like clubs, add to the positive student experience at Saint James. The ASL Club is led by high school art teacher, Mrs. Evelyn Shoults.

#wearesaintjamesschool