The Legacy of a Teacher: Honoring our STJ family

Dr. Wayne Flynt, historian and author, with historian and STJ Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore

This afternoon, Saint James School welcomed several members of the Saint James family to campus to honor one of our own. Mrs. Sharon Andress, who served as a member of the STJ history faculty for 17 years, passed away last month. Current and former faculty members, along with school administration, held an intimate ceremony in the library to honor Mrs. Andress and the impact she had on our school. Mrs. Nancy Anderson, local instructor of Southern literature and expert on author Harper Lee, and Dr. Wayne Flynt, renowned author and historian, presented two publications to be housed in the library’s permanent collection. Both Mrs. Anderson and Dr. Flynt were close friends and colleagues of Mrs. Andress who taught To Kill a Mockingbird to Saint James students for many years. Saint James high school English students still study the classic novel each year.

Today was especially meaningful to our Head of School, Dr. Larry McLemore, who was a student of Mrs. Andress and has fond memories of her courses. She taught AP United States History, Southern Cultures, and served as the junior class sponsor for many years. She was a member of the STJ faculty from 1990-2007.

Dr. Flynt, signing a copy of his book for Dr. McLemore.

Mrs. Nancy Anderson is a distinguished fellow at Auburn University at Montgomery, where she has taught Southern and American literature for over 40 years. She is a leading expert on Alabama author Harper Lee. She is a recipient of the AUM Faculty Service Award and Chancellor’s Warhawk Spirit Award.

Dr. Wayne Flynt, Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University, has won numerous teaching awards and been a Distinguished University Professor for many years. Dr. Flynt is a Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of over a dozen books. Saint James Head of School, Dr. Larry McLemore, calls him “the most important historian of the state of Alabama.” What an honor to have both Mrs. Anderson and Dr. Flynt join us on campus today to honor Mrs. Sharon Andress.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Members of the Saint James School family in the high school library, where two signed books will be housed in the school’s permanent collection, to honor past STJ faculty members Mrs. Sharon Andress.

Students Helping Students: STJ Peer Tutors

by: Foster Rasmussen, Peer Tutor

The Saint James Peer Tutor program has developed into an amazing asset for students at Saint James. Even though the writing center is still new, peer tutors have been able to assist many students and help with various assignments. Mrs. Ramsey, our awesome librarian, saw a need amongst students for an efficient and trustworthy tutoring center. Since last year, the program has expanded to both Senior and Junior tutors, who can connect with all different types of students. This year’s peer tutors are Foster Rasmussen, Selina Sun, Anna Dickey, Taylor Schofield, Jordan Wesley, Kelsey Shaffer, and Kiya Jupiter. Mrs. Ramsey selected this amazing team to help with essays and other writing assignments. The Writing Center team meets roughly once a month to discuss major upcoming assignments in any English classes, and to also break down certain scenarios they have encountered in order to improve as tutors. The tutors are skilled writers and are proficient in their English classes. Peer tutors also participated in training over the summer, and under the guidance of Mrs. Ramsey, prepared for situations they might encounter with students. 

Peer Tutor, Foster Rasmussen, with sophomore student Logan Hartson

Most of the students seeking assistance are looking for help with English essays, and tutors typically help with works cited pages, thesis development, and essay structure. Since last year, arranging an appointment has become even easier and students can now go directly to their desired tutor. Students can make an appointment with a tutor by signing up on a Google Doc or by simply emailing the tutor they wish to meet with. Appointments last for around thirty minutes and are typically held in the library before school, though students can arrange for a zoom meeting on most days. Peer tutors enjoy helping students who are eager to improve their writing skills, and we all share a common goal of making lasting writing habits that will carry on throughout the rest of their schooling. We look forward to helping students with all of their writing needs, and go Trojans!