Trojans of Character


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.

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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

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.

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Trojans of Character

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.

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