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

"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

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

Prom 2024- A Night at the Disco!

Campbell (second from right) and some of her classmates from the STJ c/o 2025.

by: Campbell Wright, class of 2025

Earlier this month, the Saint James junior class hosted our annual prom. The theme for this year was “A Night at the Disco.” It was a night full of dancing, great music, and incredible decorations. I am a member of the prom club led by Mrs. Ward, along with other junior girls and officers. Our club spent the year planning out and organizing details and ideas to create this magical Prom night. The Friday before Prom, our club ensured the seniors had the best last Prom by setting up fabulous disco decorations, creating memories and sharing laughs as we set up for the night.

The Warehouse at Alley Station was groovy with disco balls, silver accents, and lots of sparkles!

Prom night began for me at Wynlakes Country Club where the entire Junior class took pictures. My friends and I had the best time taking pictures together, capturing our memories of an unforgettable night. After pictures, the class split up for dinner, delicious food combined with excitement and anticipation for the night to come. When it was time to arrive at the Warehouse, we were greeted with our beautiful decorations and a room full of disco fever. The room had a snack bar, photo booth, and stage with a perfect dance floor. Soon after arrival, the bittersweet senior leadout began and we watched our seniors close out their final high school Prom.

The sadness quickly ended when the fabulous Park Band started their music and everyone began dancing. The band kept the excitement high the entire night and everyone was sad to leave. This year’s Prom was an unforgettable night with new memories I will cherish forever.

Saint James students and their dates before Prom 2024.

Spanish Club - Lenguaje y Cultura

Cristian Pintovidal, STJ Commons Dining Coordinator- Chile. Pictured with STJ Spanish Club students and club sponsor, Rhea Grate.

The Saint James Spanish Club gives students an opportunity to learn more about the language and culture outside of the class period.  Guest speakers, discussions, celebrations of holidays, food, and art/cinema are explored in this weekly club.

Students work to develop their speaking, listening and reading skills through Spanish Club. This dynamic and enriching way of practicing the language is supplemental learning outside of class time. Spanish teacher and Spanish Club sponsor, Sra. Rhea Grate, invited several members of the Saint James family to visit the club period and talk to students about their home countries.

Marisa Dana, Pre-K3 teacher assistant - Argentina and Maria Light, Pre-K4 teachers assistant and STJ parent -Colombia

Reyna Girdner, parent of STJ high school student - Honduras

Students learned about customs, traditions, and holidays from our guest speakers. They discussed the climate, currency, and heritage of their home countries. Students enjoyed hearing traditional music and learning about traditional dress.

STJ Spanish Club is one of the many special interest clubs and organizations at Saint James School. High school students choose two clubs to participate in each year. During advisory time, students attend club meeting and work on special projects for their organizations.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Candygrams for a Cause!

by: Ella Reid Rodgers, senior

The STJ high school SGA

by: Ella Reid Rodgers, senior

At Saint James, our Student Government Association is extremely involved in creating exciting fundraisers that benefit our school. This year the SGA is led by Mrs. Kathryn Hughes, President Gracie Sommer, and Vice President, Logan Hartson, and includes many other members from grades 9-12. For 3 years now, the high school SGA created candy grams for Valentine’s Day. These candy grams were $1 each, and could be sent to any high school

Ella Reid passing out treats to STJ PreK students

student, as well as all faculty and staff. Each candy gram could be anonymous or include a name, and had the option to write a note to the person receiving the candy. When buying the candy gram, you were to select between hershey kisses, starbursts, and fun dip. The SGA gave all of high school 2 weeks to purchase these candy grams. During these 2 weeks, members of the SGA worked hard on purchasing the candy, writing the given notes, and wrapping up the bags of candy to distribute to students and staff. On Valentine’s Day, all of SGA handed out the candy grams to those who received one at lunch. A big number of students purchased candy grams for several of their friends, and some teachers purchased them for their students. Not only this, but seniors were able to give their kindergarten buddies candy as well. This year, the SGA raised a total of $610, which was a new record! Mrs. Hughes said, ““The SGA worked extremely hard this year creating over 600 candy grams that were distributed to the high school on Valentine’s day!” The proceeds from this fundraiser go towards the Trojan Scholarship that is given to one 9-11th grader. The Trojan Scholarship is a $1000 scholarship that is rewarded to a student and goes towards their tuition for the following year. This SGA fundraiser proved to be successful once again!

Ella Reid has been a Trojan since PreK4. She is a member of the National Honor Society, SGA, yearbook staff, Trojan Cheerleading, and serves as a Student Ambassador. #wearesaintjameschool

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

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

More Than a Run

by: Keagan Cantrell, 4th grader and GOTR participant

The girls are on the run!  GOTR is a physical activity-based development program that inspires 3rd-5th grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.  The program uses a fun and experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running with serving the community. The Saint James School GOTR team meets twice a week for 10 weeks. Our runners completed a community impact project this season that was extra special to our students. The STJ Commons dining staff works hard to serve over 900 meals daily to students, faculty, and staff. The STJ Girls on the Run participants made cards and treats to thank them and show their gratitude.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Last Saturday, the students ran a 5K to end their season. The STJ cheerleaders were there encouraging our runners and showing support.

STJ Girls on the Run participants with the STJ cheerleaders at the celebratory 5K on April 30th, 2022.

STJ Girls on the Run participants made cards and treats for the Commons dining staff.

“I can’t say enough positive things about GOTR. I just finished coaching my 10th season and I am continuously encouraged by these girls. I love building relationships with the students and witnessing them grow into young leaders. More than anything, I love being able to see them realize what they are capable of. As a coach, it is my role to lead and guide them, but they make a tremendous impact on me. I am so thankful to be able to be part of GOTR! ”

— Ann Aman, GOTR coach and STJ alum ('01)

FCA: Fellowship of Christian Athletes

FCA faculty advisors with guest speaker Charlie Trotman

FCA guest speaker Charlie Trotman

by: Anna Fett, senior

The FCA club is back! Every Tuesday the club meets to discuss the future gatherings of the big FCA meetings which includes all middle school and high school students. At these large meetings, students gather in the big gym for breakfast, worship, and listen to a special guest speaker. During the club time on Tuesdays, the club members sometimes have small Bible studies, and they also have smaller meetings with former athletes to speak to the group. FCA is not just for athletes, it’s for anyone who wants to grow closer and learn more about the Lord!

We were blessed to have Charlie Trotman come speak to our FCA. Charlie is a former Auburn quarterback who currently is a real estate developer in Montgomery. He was open and spoke to our kids about his struggles and gave our students hope and encouragment. Thank you, Charlie, for the great message.

-Dane Hawk, FCA advisor