Staff Spotlight: Cpl. Josh Huffaker

February 09, 2024 by Kathryn Bartlett

My Title/ Department : Assistant Director of School Safety

I've been in this role for: This is my first week. I recently retired from the Montgomery Police Department after 20 years of service. I spent 10 years in Patrol Division and 10 years as an Accident Investigator/Traffic Homicide Investigator ending my career as the Hit and Run Investigator for the City of Montgomery. Also while in the traffic division I was a part of several college football team escorts, VIP escorts including Presidential Motorcades.

Hometown: Wetumpka, AL

High School: Robert E. Lee High School

College/Degree/Training: Montgomery Police Academy - APOST Certification

Alabama Trooper Academy - Accident Investigation/Traffic Homicide Investigation Certification

Favorite Book: The Bible

Favorite Movie: Smokey and the Bandit and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

Favorite Food: Steak

Spouse: Stephanie Huffaker (high school sweetheart) we have been married for 24 years.

Children/ ages : Jackson (21) works full time / Brody (18) Senior at Wetumpka High School

Favorite thing about working a STJ: The positivity of everyone, faculty and parents, that is surrounded by this school and how much STJ is a family orientented atmosphere.

Fun Fact: I love to joke around and an occasional prank. My wife and I are part of the “Wetumpka Griswolds” during Christmas. We dress as the characters -I am Art and my wife is Francis. We are the parents of Ellen Griswold from the movie.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Barry Prim

January 09, 2024 by Kathryn Bartlett

My role: I am the new CFO

I have been at STJ for: 5 months

Hometown: Montgomery

High School: Jeff Davis

College/Education: Auburn - Economics, UAB - MBA

Favorite Book: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Favorite Movie: Mary Poppins

Favorite Food: Anything Italian

I am married to: Jeana is my wife and we have been married for 33 years!

Children: Emily (29) and Dodge (19). Both are STJ grads

Favorite thing about STJ: I love this school and this faculty and staff. It's such a great, big family!

Fun Fact: I LOVE music. Especially Steely Dan or stuff from the 70's and 80's. Big jazz and R&B fan, too.

Thirteen Schools that Led Me to STJ

November 13, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

by: Cora Wojak, class of 2024

***Age 3, saying goodbye before my dad deployed to Afghanistan***

Being a military child is what defines me; it is all I have ever known. My dad was sent off to Air Force Dive School five weeks after I was born and still actively serves to this day. I have lived in ten different military bases in the United States, Japan, and Europe. My education has been spread out over thirteen different schools, so change is all I experience. Every two years, my family has to pack up our lives and move to either a different state, country, or continent with only a few months' notice. At every duty station at the end of a family’s tour, it’s calculated how long the veteran in the family was away. For my dad, whether he was deployed to Djibouti, the Philippines, or Afghanistan for the third time, he was gone 60% of the time that we lived somewhere. However, these changes that have defined me have given me a unique perspective on life and taught me lessons I will forever work to remember.

A trait that military children are practically born with is adaptability. I have been to thirteen different schools in my twelve years of education, but I have never had a problem of being able to adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Walking into a new school over and over again was nerve-wracking because I never knew who I was going to meet. From first grade to freshman year, I went to military schools, so all the kids were in the same boat as me. We knew to never get too close because the goodbyes that were sure to come would break us. So, we kept to ourselves and refrained from opening up.

But then came sophomore year when we got stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. Being a military family means you live in a small world, and coincidentally the Wright family, who we knew in England, lived here. We reached out to them and immediately began talking about school and they had only amazing things to say about Saint James. My parents toured STJ and sent me an application within minutes. Next thing I knew, I was taking my entrance exam, getting accepted, and choosing my class schedule. The second I moved here, I began cheer practices and met some of the sweetest girls in my entire life.

They welcomed me with open arms and helped me through my transition to Saint James. The staff understood my situation and helped me through any difficulties I had while starting out. Saint James is the school that almost every military family chooses and it is easy to see why.

Now I am in the first semester of my senior year, I am beyond excited for what is to come, but I will forever miss this school and the opportunities it gave me. I’ve accomplished so many things academically that I never thought I would, like becoming an AP Scholar and receiving my biliteracy certification in Spanish. I am so proud to say that I get to graduate from Saint James and I will always cherish the experiences and lessons I was taught while being a Trojan. #wearesaintjamesschool

“These changes that have defined me have given me a unique perspective on life and taught me lessons I will forever work to remember. ”

— Cora Wojak

High School Career Panel: Called to Serve

November 07, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

Lt. Col. Dex McCain, Seaman Jessica Davis, MST1 Katherine Posey, and Col. Keo Bailey

Throughout the school year, our high school counselors host several "Careers and Professions" discussion panels centered around various lines of work. The most recent panel featured careers in the military. Saint James has families proudly representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces as well as many parents and grandparents who are veterans. We also have many international families with a parent attending Air War College who have a wide range of military experience in their home countries.

High school students had the opportunity to ask questions after the panel.

This panel featured three Saint James parents: Lt. Col Dex McCain (ret.), USAF officer and dad of seniors Hope and Hannah; Col. Keo Bailey, USAF officer and dad of sophomore Karly; and Colonel Ali Albalushi of the Air Force of Oman, dad of STJ senior Faris and sophomore Rawdha, sixth grader Mai, and first grader Maha. We also welcomed MST1 Katherine Josey and Seaman Jessica Davis of the United States Coast Guard.

Our panelists discussed their careers in the military as well as educational benefits and pathways to service after high school. Students asked questions and had great conversations about life in the military. Thank you to our panel of STJ parents and our guests from the US Coast Guard who made this experience so fruitful. The high school counseling office will host additional career panels featuring other professions and fields later this school year. #wearesaintjamesschool

Trojans of Character

November 02, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

As Trojans, we believe that responsibility calls for strong character. We also believe that achievement is the result of consistent commitment and courage. Recently, several Saint James students and employees were recognized at our values assembly. These individuals have exhibited genuine marks of a positive mindset, kindness, respect, gratitude, humility, and honesty. We are proud of honor these Trojans who demonstrate our values daily. The recipients were nominated and chosen by their peers. Congratulations to the Saint James School Trojans of Character!

Elementary School recipients: 2nd grade: Ben Rabon; 3rd grade: Brielle Maxwell; 4th grade: Evie Dum; 5th grade: Hunter Gamble

STJ elementary school Trojans of Character recipients signed their names on the Core Values banner displayed in the school hallway.

Middle school recipients:

6th grade: Qaice Hijaz. This sixth grader was nominated for his excellent character. People stated he helps others, is a really good friend, and makes everyone laugh and smile. It was also mentioned how respectful he is to his teachers and fellow students.

7th grade: Jiyu Shin. This seventh grader has shown to be a helper in several ways including holding doors for others and picking items up off the floor. It was mentioned how kind and joyful she is and how she always focuses and tries her hardest in everything she does

8th grade: Jacob Taylor. This eighth grader was called out for being nice and caring to others. He is also helpful and always respectful to adults and friends alike.

STJ middle school Trojans of Character recipients were recognized at the recent middle school/high school assembly.

High School Recipients:

9th grade: Dev Greene; 10th grade: Jesse Johnson; 11th grade: Jaxon Mason; 12th grade: Cole Williams

STJ high school Trojans of Character recipients were recognized at the recent middle school/high school assembly.

Two faculty members were also recognized. High School principal’s assistant, Mrs. Bethany Shalayda works tirelessly to keep the high school running smoothly each day. She is selfless, dedicated, and always does what is best for the students. Mr. Will Reese, elementary music teacher, was also awarded the faculty Trojan of Character. He bring enthusiasm, care, and passion to his classroom. He is a role model to our tiniest Trojans and demonstrates our core values each day.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Principal Poplin pictured with upper school Trojan of Character recipient, Mrs. Shalayda. Principal Harris pictured with elementary school Trojan of Character recipient, Mr. Will Reese.

Freshman Retreat: Trojans Building Up Trojans

October 02, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

by: Sam Hipp, 9th grade

Sam (right) and his classmate, Benton, at the Freshman Retreat.

Camp Butter and Egg was one of the best experiences I’ve had at Saint James School. The class of 2027, along with our peer leaders, went to Camp Butter and Egg in Troy, Alabama. We had so much fun with all of the activities including fishing, canoeing, team-building activities, and ziplining. We all had a great time from the bus ride there to the bus ride back. We left at 8:00, wondering what they had planned for us at Camp. When we arrived, we were immediately split into our advisory groups. First, we played a game where we matched different papers with letters on them into categories. For example, a town we had visited or a food we liked. We also played a game where we tried to make a tennis ball touch everyone's hand in the shortest possible time.

Students participated in team-building activities like the zip line.

After a short break, our advisory split into 3 groups and we played more games versus each other. One of my favorites was a memory game where we had to remember how different random objects were set up. One or two people per group would go up to a curtain, which would be lifted to reveal about 10 items in a random place. We tried to describe it to our groups and whoever got it right the fastest would win. We played lots of other games, which were very fun! For lunch, we had a burger, beans, chips, applesauce, and a very good brownie.

Students enjoying the paddle boats at Camp Butter & Egg.

After lunch, we all went to the zipline and the tree trek course. My group did the tree trek course first. We had to walk across a bridge, hang on to ropes to get across a line, and at the end we went on a zipline to get down from the course. It was very fun, but I preferred the zipline course.

There were three ziplines. The first one was not very long, but a good first zipline to prepare for the rest of the course. The second one was through the forest and was pretty fun. My favorite one was next, which was the one that went over the lake. It was exhilarating, to say the least, and I really enjoyed it. After that, I went back to get all of my gear off and went down to the lake. Since all the canoes were taken, one of my friends and I went up to the lodge for a little bit. After some time, we went to play volleyball, which was very fun. Sadly, this was the last thing we did and we got on the buses to go back to STJ. This trip was one of the best I have ever been on.

Everything from the team bonding games, zip lines, tree trek course, and volleyball was amazing. I would love to go back someday. I will never forget the memories I made and the things I learned.

#wearesaintjamesschool

An All-American Homecoming

September 21, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

Camberwell Girls Grammar School students on Carlisle Field with STJ football players and cheerleaders.

Last week, Saint James School welcomed 37 students and five chaperones from Melbourne, Australia to attend our annual Homecoming festivities. Camberwell Girls Grammar School is an independent girls school founded in 1920. The group is participating in a visit to the American Southeast, including a 5-day NASA Space Camp experience, tour of Montgomery’s Civil Rights museums and memorials, and a visit to Universal Studios. During their time in Montgomery, they wanted a first-hand look at how their American peers spend a Friday night- what better time to experience a Southern high school football game?

Camberwell Girls Grammar School students on Carlisle Field after the 2023 Homecoming game.

In addition to witnessing the Trojans’ 49-14 win over Greensboro, the group enjoyed listening to the marching band, watching the cheerleaders and Trojanettes perform, and seeing the crowning of the STJ Homecoming Queen, Reilly Taylor. They even got a shout-out during halftime and had a chance to take photos on the field after the game. Of course, no visit is complete without commemorative t-shirts. Thank you for visiting Saint James, Chamberwell! Next time, we will come to visit you in Melbourne! #wearesaintjamesschool

Camberwell Girls Grammar School students and chaperones wearing STJ t-shirts.

Dr. McLemore and Camberwell students in the stands at Carlisle Field.

"Dear New 5th Grader"

September 08, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

At Saint James School, the fifth graders are the leaders of the elementary school, which serves students starting as young as PreK2. Soon, these students will graduate to middle school, where they will start their sixth grade year as the youngest in the division. This experience is a unique rite of passage for our young Trojans and no one is more equipped to pass down advice than the students who just lived it themselves. Current sixth graders wrote words of wisdom to this year’s fifth grade class. These notes gave a little encouragement and some pointers for the “seniors of the elementary school.” #wearesaintjamesschool

“5th grade is the last year of recess...it is also one of the most fun years.”

— Qaice, 6th grade

Trojans of Character

August 24, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

Lt. Col. McCain with his daughters, Hope and Hannah (‘24)

Last week, middle and high school students gathered for the first Core Values Assembly of the year. Saint James will host a special assembly once per quarter for students grades 6-12. Our core values serve as the foundation for our mission and ideals at Saint James.

This quarter, we focused on our first core value: character. Saint James School Board Chair, Lt. Col. Dex McCain (ret.), addressed students with insights about integrity, compassion, dedication, and leadership. Col. McCain spent over 27 years serving in the United States Air Force and spoke from experience, giving practical advice to our students.

Please enjoy excerpts from his speech below.

“To me, a person’s character is lot like a compass—a compass is designed to guide you and tell you what direction you’re going in, it is one of the most important tools in navigation. In my view, character is combination of guiding principles that lead you through the ups and downs of life. It’s a person’s true North when faced with challenging decisions and moments of doubt. A person without good character, is like a ship without a sail or a rudder—it’s near impossible to steer and the ship is at the mercy of the sea and can being easily tossed around by the waves and the winds—that’s true for a person lacking character as well. ”

— Lt. Col. Dex McCain

Saint James middle and high school students at our first core values assembly of the year.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Summer Professional Development - Always Learning, Always Growing!

July 27, 2023 by Kathryn Bartlett

This summer, school was in session for our faculty! While June and July are filled with rest, travel, and family time, it is also a season for learning and growing. Many of our teachers took advantage of professional development opportunities all over North America. Various seminars, conferences, trainings, and sessions help faculty hone skills, enrich pedagogy, and enhance classroom strategies. Professional development is critical to advancing student success in and beyond the school building. Saint James teachers know we are always learning and always growing. #wearesaintjamesschool

Mr. Jeremy Turner, middle school STEM teacher, attended The Vex IQ Workshop in Auburn, AL in July.
High School English teacher Dr. Catherine Winn visited Western Kentucky University’s AP Summer Institute. Dr. Winn will be teaching our brand new section of AP Psychology this 2023-24 academic year.
High School AP teacher Dr. Amanda Ousley served as an AP Chemistry reader in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grading AP exams allows faculty to see the other side of the AP Exams process and were able to offer their expertise in their subject fields.
High School history teacher Kiki Hughes attended the AP Summer Institute at Howard University. Mrs. Hughes will be teaching our brand new section of AP African American Studies this 2023-24 academic year.
Venna Everett, Middle School history teacher, presented at the Innovative Schools Summit in Atlanta. This K-12 conference focuses on transforming school climate and innovative teaching strategies.
Dr. Amanda Ousley attended the ChemEd Conference at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. This biannual conference for chemistry teachers focuses on innovative teaching methods, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Elementary music teacher, Mr. Will Reese, led sessions during the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts Music Institute in June.
#wearesaintjamesschool

Dr. Catherine Winn visited Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the AP Summer Institute.

“Offering AP Psychology is such an exciting opportunity for me and for all of the Saint James students, and learning more about the course through the AP training seminar has only made me more eager to get started! In addition, Kentucky was a beautiful state with incredible people, and I am so grateful that I was able to explore Mammoth Cave and visit the Corvette Museum while I was there.”

— Dr. Catherine Winn, at the AP Summer Institute at Western Kentucky University

Mrs. Hughes at the AP African American Studies Summer Institute at Howard University in Washington, DC.

Mr. Jeremy Turner at the VEX IQ Coaches Refresh Workshop at Auburn University.

Mrs. Venna Everett was a session leader at the Innovative Schools Summit in Atlanta.

“I presented “Are There Any Humanities Growing Amongst The STEM’s?” at the Innovative Schools Summit in Atlanta. In this presentation, I took the opportunity to discuss the importance of teaching history in our schools because it is lacking! We need to bring history to life for our students because that is how they learn wonderful life lessons from people in the past and events from the past. They can learn what to do and what not to do. it was an exciting opportunity!”

— Venna Everett, MS History Teacher