Student Spotlights – March 2025

The staff at SMCS are dedicated, compassionate and talented individuals who come to school each day to do the work of the Lord. We love our students and are dedicated to providing them with a quality educational experience in a Christ-centered environment. A special THANK YOU to the restaurant EL JEFE in Auburn, a SMCS family-owned restaurant, for providing a delicious lunch for staff today! We enjoyed every bit of it!

First graders across the district are barking about being 101 days smarter today! As they celebrate the 101st Day of School, students are practicing their counting skills, number patterns, and place value—all essential building blocks in math. Just like with the 100th Day of School, milestones like these help young learners see how numbers grow, reinforcing the importance of counting and problem-solving in a fun, engaging way. ACS is proud of our first graders and encourages them to keep counting, learning, and having fun!

We recognize and celebrate our SMCS parents for their selfless dedication to their children’s education. The sacrifices you make to send your children to our school, your commitment to the principles of a Catholic education, and your unwavering support for their academic and spiritual growth are a shining example of your love and devotion, and we are truly grateful for you!

The 2025 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit results are in, and Auburn City Schools has three students who placed among some of the best young artists in Alabama! Submissions at the state level are judged based on a rubric that focuses on originality of design, technical skill, expression, and composition. ACS congratulates the following students and their Art Teachers:
3rd Place in the K-2 division: Karmen Powell from Richland Elementary School, with her piece titled “The Ricest Flower Cactus.” Art Teacher: Rebecca Wall
3rd Place in the 5-6 division: Anna Heo from J.F. Drake Middle School, with her depiction of “Beautiful Big Ben.” Art Teacher: Julie Speir
Honorable Mention in the 11-12 division: Jacks Dyer from Auburn High School, with his eye-catching entry titled “A Small World 1.” Art Teacher: Randalyn Henry

Opelika, AL–– Opelika High School proudly recognized eight student-athletes who signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level during a National Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The event at the Opelika High School Indoor Practice Facility honored athletes from multiple sports, including softball, wrestling, track, football, and bowling. Family members, coaches, teammates, and school administrators gathered to celebrate this important milestone.
Signees and Their Commitments:
● Sam Washburn – Track, Columbus State University
● Katie Harrelson – Softball, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
● Brady Campbell – Wrestling, The Citadel
● Nina Mendoza – Bowling, University of Mobile
● David Miller – Football, Arkansas Tech University
● Jakii Lightfoot – Football, Andrew College
● Karson Moss – Football, Kennesaw State University
● Calvin Hughlet – Football, South Dakota State University
“These student-athletes have demonstrated incredible dedication and perseverance both on
and off the eld, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments,” said Principal Kelli
Fischer. “We can’t wait to watch them succeed at the next level.”
Opelika High School remains committed to fostering athletic and academic excellence,
preparing students for future opportunities in collegiate athletics and beyond.

Protocol is a cherished annual tradition at Trinity Christian School, where students are trained in the social graces of etiquette and formal dance, for the purpose of redeeming culture. Friendships are a gift from God and are important. These events remind us of how we can show love to one another through dancing, conversation, and socializing all for the glory of God.

Second graders learn about animals by engaging with God’s amazing creation through various hands-on experiences. While learning about birds they read, examined feathers, analyzed the composition of nests, wrote about their favorite bird, and shared their findings. They even took binoculars outside to enjoy bird watching.

The Auburn Choral Company had a great showing at the Capital City Classic in Montgomery!
VARSITY SINGERS:
– Best Solo within a Show – Duke Rice
– Best Show Design
– Best Visuals
– Best Vocals
– 1st Place Large Mixed Division
Overall GRAND CHAMPIONS
ELAN:
– Best Solo within a Show – Lizzy Lovell
– Best Show Design
– Best Vocals
– 2nd Place Women’s Division
MEN AT WORK:
– 2nd Place Men’s Division
ACS is proud of the Auburn Choral Company for their dedication to continually creating new and exciting shows!

Students across the elementary campuses in Auburn are celebrating being 100 days smarter. Gray hair, glasses, and wrinkles were abundant today, with staff and students dressed up as 100-year-olds to mark a milestone in the educational experience of the 2024-2025 school year. This special day isn’t just about having fun—it’s a creative way to reinforce essential math concepts, reflect on progress, and build a sense of accomplishment among young learners. From counting to 100 to engaging in themed activities, students are strengthening their skills while making lasting memories.

Mayor Ron Anders presented a special proclamation to Auburn City Schools’ CTE Director, Dr. Silvia Scaife, in recognition of Career Technical Education Month. This honor highlights the incredible impact of CTE programs in preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. From engineering and healthcare to business and skilled trades, CTE students in Auburn are gaining real-world experience to make an impact on the future. ACS thanks the City of Auburn for recognizing the importance of Career and Technical Education in our community. Here is a list of the 15 CTE offerings in ACS:
Advertising Design, Agricultural Environmental Science, Army JROTC, Building Construction, Business Marketing, Career Coach, Education & Training, Food, Wellness, & Dietetics, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Machining, PTLW Engineering, Television Production, and Work-Based Learning.

Yarbrough Elementary School Music Makers Choir brought their talents to Woodland Pines Elementary School, filling the halls with music and excitement. Under the direction of Tracey Oprandy, these young performers shared their love for music with K-2 students, inspiring the next group of YES Mountaineers to explore the world of music education. This special performance was a collaboration between sister schools and a way to introduce younger students to the opportunities that await them in grades 3-5.
Auburn City Schools is proud to offer dedicated music teachers at every school, ensuring that all students have access to the benefits of music education, from creativity and teamwork to confidence and self-expression!

Ethan Zou, a seventh grader from East Samford School, has been crowned the 2025 Lee County Spelling Bee champion for the second year in a row! With 24 students from schools across the county competing, Ethan clinched victory in the 10th round by correctly spelling “incessant.” As the Lee County champion, Ethan will advance to the Alabama State Spelling Bee, where he’ll compete against top spellers from across the state for an opportunity to qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, making Ethan’s journey even more special! Auburn City Schools was honored to host this event and commends all student spellers for their hard work, dedication, and impressive performances. Thank you to Brad Law for being the pronouncer, Dr. Jason Bryant for being the recorder, and Beth Witten, Laura Cooper, and Jay Jones for being judges!

Dean Road Elementary School students learned about Lunar New Year in a presentation led by Auburn University’s own Min-Yuan Tsai from the Office of International Programs. Students were captivated by the tale of Nian, the mythical beast central to the celebration, and eagerly participated in calligraphy activities, crafting characters that symbolize the festivity. ACS thanks Auburn University and Ms. Tsai for bringing this experience to our young learners. Introducing students to diverse cultures broadens their horizons while giving them a deeper understanding of the world!

ACS had the privilege of having author and illustrator Lori Nichols visit elementary schools. Lori’s love for illustrating began in the second grade when she won the Humane Society poster contest at her school, which led her to a successful career in producing several picture books for children, including the award-winning series about Maple and Willow. Through interactive presentations, Lori showed how you can use the letter from your name to create art. For example, a “c” can serve as an ear, and an “m” serves as a good shape for a top lip. Thanks to a partnership with Dr. Mark Wilson and the Caroline Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, students in ACS had the opportunity to engage with Lori Nichols and gain insight into the creative process of being a children’s book author.

Seventh graders at East Samford School had a learning opportunity as the COACH Center for Opioid Research, Education & Outreach presented on the dangers of drugs, especially fentanyl. Dr. Haley Phillippe and Dr. Brent Fox from COACH led the discussion, educating students about the risks and consequences of substance use. Students and teachers also participated in a hands-on activity using impairment goggles to simulate an altered state of being. ACS was proud to have Dr. Leigh Ann Ross, Dean of the Harrison College of Pharmacy, House Representative Joe Lovvorn, and ACS Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring in attendance to support this critical initiative. By equipping students with knowledge, they can make more informed, healthy choices for the future!

Kolayah from Auburn’s Best After School and Summer Camp was awarded and recognized as AEEC’s (Auburn Early Education Center) Tiger Club of the Month!

Pick Elementary School opened its doors to families for an event called Read S’more Books. More than 300 students, family members, and guests joined in a camping-themed night of reading fun. There were rotations to choose from on a menu of exciting reading activities, which included reading with Aubie, book tastings, crafts, and bilingual read-aloud in Spanish and Korean. As families departed, they could select a book to take home and continue s’more reading. The books were provided through Pick’s Title 1 Parent Involvement allocation, and the PTO donated hot cocoa and snacks for quality reading time together!

The Upper School STEM Showcase Night was a fantastic evening of learning and hands-on challenges.
Thank you to Ms. Haylee Dorrill from Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for sharing insights on engineering pathways after Lee-Scott Academy! Parents and students teamed up for an exciting build challenge, putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. The night wrapped up with interactive demonstrations, including an impressive robotics showcase. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and inspiring event!

Each month, Lee-Scott Academy Director of Technology, Mr. Kyle Christian, gives out a Junior Technician Award. The award is bestowed to a faculty/staff member, nominated by their peers, who are actively innovating new technologies in their classroom that assist with classroom engagement and learning, solving difficult technical problems that affect many users or teaching other faculty and students how to better use technology. January’s Junior Technician Award is given to 1st Grade Teacher, Mrs. Jessica Bodine! When studying Antarctica, Mrs. Bodine allowed her students to use virtual reality to explore the continent. The class learned about the animals, weather, and temperatures that exist in Antarctica through this unique and interactive way!

The Auburn High School JROTC Drone Team, proudly known as the “Blue Sky Brigade,” had success at Auburn University’s “Drones Over the Plains” aerial drone competition. The team secured 3rd place in the Teamwork Mission and won the prestigious Airmanship Award, highlighting their commitment to excellence in judgment, skill development, and strict adherence to drone safety rules and regulations. The Blue Sky Brigade is now preparing to participate in the 2025 National JROTC All-Service Aerial Drone Championship at Fort Moore, April 4-5, 2025. ACS is proud of the JROTC program at AHS as well as the drone team’s dedication to innovation, teamwork, and excellence as they soar to new heights!

Lee-Scott Academy 5th Grader Parker Dobbs competed at the Lee County Spelling Bee. The total field consisted of students all the way to 8th Grade. Out of 26 students competing, Parker was in the Top 5 and made it to the 7th round – incredibly close to the championship 9th & 10th rounds. Way to go, Parker! We’re so proud of you representing yourself & LSA well!

Congratulations to our 13 basketball & cheer seniors! Once a Warrior, you’re always a Warrior. Thank you for all you’ve done for Lee-Scott Academy!

Lee-Scott Academy’s Lower School KICKS (Kids Involved in Community Kindness & Service) Club, started the new year with a book drive to donate to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama. Students were asked to bring in gently used books to put in the hands of children at the Boys and Girls Clubs for a “print rich” home environment. By advertising the drive in Lower School classrooms and among the community, KICKS was able to donate 1,524 books. Club members were delighted to partner with this amazing organization and give the books over today!

Students in 6th Grade celebrated the culmination of all they’ve been learning about the 1920s. The ‘20s fashion was on full display as they paraded the halls. Students also heard from LSA parent and Bright Investments’ Chief Investment Officer, Mr. John Bright, about his experience trading stocks. The day was complete when students got to explore and take pictures with a car made in the 20s! Thanks to all who made 1920s Day the “cat’s meow” for these 6th Grade students!

First graders are currently learning the books of the Bible and developing skills to locate them. They are also mastering how to find specific chapters and verses. Recently, the class successfully located and read Psalm 100! Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

The Sixth Grade showcased exceptional creativity by imagining technologies and solutions tailored to the distinct challenges of life on Mars. Their ideas featured solar panels for energy, hydroponic farms for food production, and water filtration & recycling systems for waste management. Each proposed ecosystem was unique and highlighted the group’s ability to apply their understanding of Mars’ characteristics.

Auburn High School senior Will Bao has been recognized as a Top 300 Scholar in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search. This honor places Will among the nation’s brightest high school seniors in science and math. Each scholar receives a $2,000 award, with an additional $2,000 going to their school. The Regeneron STS, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, empowers young innovators to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

Congratulations to Journey Pinkard, a fourth grader from Morris Avenue Intermediate School, for being runner-up in the Lee County Spelling Bee! We are incredibly proud of Journey’s hard work and dedication.

Wrights Mill Road Elementary School hosted #1 New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman. Korman, who published his first book at the age of 12 and has since authored 105 books over a 47-year career, shared his journey from a young writer to a celebrated author. He captivated students with stories from his childhood, detailing how his experiences, research, and the driving question of “what if” have shaped his writing process, seamlessly transitioning between humorous and adventure novels. During the visit, Korman engaged with students by fielding their insightful questions, promoting his latest book, “Old School,” and providing an exclusive preview of his upcoming release, “Snoop.” Bringing in authors like Korman, whose books are currently being read by students, offers invaluable benefits. It deepens their connection to the stories, enriches their understanding of the writing process, and inspires a love for reading and creativity. Such interactions make literature come alive, fostering a lifelong appreciation for storytelling.

Our celebration of SMCS began with celebrating student leaders that took on the role of Mass Greeters. We were joined by special guests today who spoke about their careers.

Lee-Scott Academy was well-represented when awards were handed out at the 2025 AISA State Science Expo! We’re incredibly proud of these students, their teachers and all the hard work that has led them to this moment!
Reverse Engineering:
Second Place: Ethan Anglin – “Exosphere”
Science Fiction:
First Place: Chloe & Peyton Clinard – “Unknown Origins”
Second Place: Jay Collins – “Multiverse”

The Alabama Art Education Association (AAEA) Board recently met at East Samford School to enhance learning opportunities for students. ACS is well-represented on this Board with Rebecca Wall (RES) in the role of President-Elect, Tricia Oliver (ESS) serving as the Newsletter Coordinator while holding the title of AAEA Art Teacher of the Year, Betsy Logan (ACS retired) as the Parliamentarian, and Andrea Newman (DRES) working as the Central Alabama Regional representative. AAEA is a Professional Organization dedicated to the leadership, advocacy, professional development opportunities, and overall support for visual arts education in Alabama.

The Opelika City Schools Board of Education honored our teachers of the year last night at the January board meeting. Thank you to this outstanding group of educators who go above and beyond for our students every day!
Leigh Moore – Fox Run School, Rachele Weaver – Opelika Middle School, Palina Luangkhot -Carver Primary School, Tracy Tidwell – Opelika High School(OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year), Anna Grizzard – West Forest Intermediate School (OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year), Emily Beauchamp -Jeter Primary School, Danielle Rosener Northside Intermediate School, Teresa Swann – Morris Avenue Intermediate, and Kirstie Brooks -Southview Primary School.

Students at Creekside Elementary School recently celebrated a Kettle Connect Day by focusing on the word Dependable. The afternoon began with small-group discussions where students explored what being dependable means to them. Next, they paired up for a fun activity—one student gave dependable directions while the other carefully added eyes and buttons to a snowman. The whole school then came together to watch an inspiring video message from 2012 Olympic gold medalist Tyler McGill before wrapping up the day with exciting winter-themed games. Students and teachers alike joined in on the fun, building soft skills and strengthening the CES community.

January was School Board Appreciation Month, and the city proudly celebrated the Opelika City Schools Board of Education for their unwavering dedication to ‘Building Tomorrow’s Future.’ From shaping policies to ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed; their leadership makes a lasting impact on our schools and community.