Student Spotlights – October 2025

Ogletree Elementary School has kicked off its PTO fundraising efforts with an exciting pep rally featuring staff-choreographed dances. The All-Stars are working toward their goal of $35,000! In addition to fundraising and the associated prizes, students will also give back to the community by writing notes to local first responders and nurturing the school garden. This year’s donations will support: Field trips for every grade level, the purchase of black backdrop curtains for fine arts productions, and enhancements to the playground. ACS is proud to see OES shine bright with school spirit!

Yarbrough Elementary School held a pep rally for faculty and staff to reveal which nest they belong to, complete with choreographed dances and cheers! The Nest System is inspired by the Ron Clark Academy House System and designed to build a positive and inclusive school culture. Each nest represents a core character trait, symbolized by a raptor and color. Later, students will discover their nest through a sorting ceremony. Fifth graders will participate in leadership meetings to discuss their role as leaders at YES before the 4th and 3rd graders join their respective nests.

Pick Elementary 5th graders became engineers for a day at Auburn University! Through the AU Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Outreach program, students explored the exciting world of engineering with hands-on experiences and campus activities. They kicked off the day by designing and racing their own wind cars in a mechanical engineering challenge. Next, they worked together in a breakout box scavenger hunt, touring various engineering departments and observing AU students in action as they 3D printed, field-tested, and built innovative projects. This field trip provided PES students with a real-world perspective on problem-solving, teamwork, and the creativity that drives engineering. ACS is grateful to AU Engineering for providing this incredible learning opportunity for our students!

Auburn High School Principal Dr. Gregory D. Moore, Jr., was recently recognized at Samford University’s 10th annual Learning for Life Dinner, where he received the Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award! This award honors Dr. Moore’s 25+ years of service as an educator, coach, and school leader, as well as his unwavering commitment to fostering character and creating opportunities for student success. From his first year of teaching in the classroom to his current role as Principal at Auburn High, Dr. Moore has made an immeasurable impact on countless students and educators throughout his career. ACS is proud to celebrate Dr. Moore and the passion for leadership he brings to Auburn High!

Auburn High Cross Country dominated Panthers Stages 3K! The Auburn High School boys and girls Cross-Country teams delivered a strong showing this week in Smiths Station, capturing first place in both divisions. In the ninth-grade boys division, Connor Schoonover led the way with a winning time of 10:09, followed by teammates Elijah Dabbs, Parks Busbin, James Conroy, and Jordan Conroy, rounding out Auburn’s top five. The ninth-grade girls also impressed, with Siobhan Keane taking first place with a time of 12:04, followed by Holly McNeal, Bella Crow, Penny Fitchett, and Lundy Jackson to complete the top five finishers. In the varsity boys competition, Graham Matz crossed finished in first place with a time of 9:39, setting the pace for Auburn. Teammates Coleman Goodwin, Davis Alexander, Noah Dimick, and Dylan Wright secured the next four spots, highlighting the Tigers’ depth and consistency. For the varsity girls, Sarah Tole clocked a winning time of 10:51, followed by strong performances from Rylee Plexico, Audrey Erath, Abigail Hardee, and Natalie Schoonover, who filled out the top five. With both teams taking home the overall titles, the Auburn Tiger Cross-Country program continues to build momentum. Both teams will compete next in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on September 6th in Oakville, Alabama.

OCS second graders had a fun Friday morning with Libby Liberty! They kicked off the hands-on Liberty program to become Super Citizens. Over the next several months, they’ll learn about civics, character, financial literacy, and the American story. Today, they started with the history of the Statue of Liberty.

Tiger Mochas at Auburn High School partnered with the Auburn Police Department to host Coffee with a Cop. Events like these give students and staff the chance to connect with local law enforcement officers, building strong community relationships while supporting the safe and secure learning environment we all value. Thank you to the Auburn Public Safety Department for their continued partnership and presence in our schools

ACS fifth graders participated in the 2025 Adventures in Art program at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. This year’s theme, “My Muscle Shoals,” is immersing students in the rich musical heritage of Northern Alabama’s Muscle Shoals, famously known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Students enjoyed special performances and workshops led by Muscle Shoals music veteran Russell Gulley, while exploring historic photography from FAME Recording Studios, and creating hands-on art projects inspired by the sounds and stories of Muscle Shoals. Adventures in Art connects history, culture, and creativity, giving students a chance to experience the power of music and art in shaping communities. ACS thanks Auburn Parks & Recreation for hosting our students.

A celebration of a century of rivalry, tradition, and community among the Auburn High School and Opelika High School teams. Opelika and Auburn came together at Bulldog Stadium to commemorate the 100th game between Opelika High School and Auburn High School. Commemorative footballs were presented to city and school leaders, Mr. Leon Cooksey was honored for attending 76 consecutive rivalry games, and The Orthopedic Clinic was recognized for 45 years of supporting student-athletes.
What a night to celebrate history and community pride!

Dean Road Elementary held their first Dad’s Breakfast of the school year with a special guest, Auburn University Gymnastics Head Coach Jeff Graba. Coach Graba gave the audience a sneak peek at the upcoming gymnastics season and, as a proud father of five, shared meaningful wisdom on teamwork and accountability. Events like Dad’s Breakfast remind us of the influential impact father figures have on children’s lives, offering support, encouragement, and guidance that help students thrive. A big thank you to Coach Graba and Auburn University for helping make this morning one to remember!

Pick Elementary kicked off the second week of school with an exciting Team Reveal Day celebration. Every PES student and staff member is a member of one of the 7 Habits teams as a part of the school-wide positive behavior system. Students earn team points throughout the year for demonstrating the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, leadership, and school pride! The team with the most points earns a “POP Party” on the last Friday of each month, “Pick Priday!” During the celebration, all third graders, as well as new PES students and staff were VIP’s awaiting the countdown to open their envelopes to discover what team they would be joining. Then, each group went to their designated team area for the first team meeting of the year. PES looks forward to growing student leadership throughout the year!

At tonight’s September Board of Education meeting, Auburn High School’s Ambassadors were recognized for their service and leadership. These outstanding students represent AHS as official hosts for guests, visitors, and new students. From leading campus tours to welcoming families at events such as Curriculum Night, football games, and Board meetings, AHS Ambassadors embody the spirit of hospitality and excellence at Auburn High School. Congratulations to this year’s Ambassadors:
Youssef Abbas, Joy Ahn, Alaina Cannon, Adeline Clark, Cate Cleveland, Maggie Shaw Cox, William Ellard, Audrey Erath, Abby Farr, Destini Fortson, Alex Gamston (Not pictured), Kate Ha, Lilia Grace Hall (Co-Captain), Chrysten Hill, AK Jackson, Raena Jeck, Jamye Johnson, Reese Kelley, Joshua Knight (Co-Captain), Amy Lee (Co-Captain), Keylee Levett, Hadleigh Lorton, John McCurry, Chris Min, Molly Cate Middleton, Amoriana Nelms, Isaiah Nash, Eithar Omer, Chloe Park, Tony Park, Lauren Quansah, Prather Reaves, Riley Reetz, Addie Robertson, Natalie Schoonover, Reed Thompson, Wake Wages (Not pictured), Jackson Weaver, Tori Williams, and Sophia Wyatt. A special shout-out to sponsor AHS Media Specialist, Elizabeth Lundey, for her leadership and support of this program!

Sixth grader Amy Zhao has been named the 2025 Logo Design Winner for the Alabama Association for Gifted Children (AAGC) Conference. Amy’s design beautifully captures this year’s theme, “Navigating Gifted Journeys.” Her work will be prominently featured on t-shirts, stickers, and within the conference app in October. ACS is proud of Amy for showcasing her creativity!

Plenty of new Warrior cheerleaders took the field for their first time Friday night! The LSA Cheerleaders’ annual Kiddie Cheer Clinic with Lower School students was a hit. We’re so excited to see many of these girls cheering on the Warriors on the sidelines in the years to come!

7th Grade students recently did a penny drop lab with Mrs. Davis. Students were tasked with seeing how many drops of water will fit on the heads side and the tails side of a penny. They had to predict which side they thought would hold more and then perform the test to see if their hypothesis was correct or incorrect.

Senior students in Mrs. Chancey’s Economics classes recently participated in a simulation called “Ducks and Bucks.” This activity demonstrated how goods, services and money flow through a market economy with “real life” circumstances!

Lee-Scott Academy 6th Grade classes had a fantastic time at Camp Marannook! The students had a full day learning team-building skills, participating in tons of fun activities and having an absolute blast. Thank you to the team at Camp Marannook for hosting LSA and always encouraging our students well!

Every Friday, 2nd Grade students wrap up the week with Flashlight Friday! Mrs. Miller’s, Mrs. Bass’ and Mrs. Gibbs’ classes enjoy completing their work or reading tucked under their desks with the glow of their flashlights. It is a cozy and creative way to celebrate learning and finish the week on a high note.

The annual trip from Honey Bear to Lee-Scott Academy K4 classes’ Teddy Bear Picnics happened! Students got to talk, hug, take a picture and dance with LSA’s favorite Honey Bear while learning about bears. Add a snack of Teddy Grahams on top and it sounds like a “bear-y” good day for these boys and girls!

An early phonics foundation paves the way for life long readers. Trinity aims to cultivate students who will seek truth, goodness, & beauty in His word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Auburn Classical Academy was pleased to partner with Women’s Hope in their Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraiser. ACA students and their families raised over $700.00 to support this life-affirming ministry.

The Upper School is participating in the “Medal of Honor” Character Development this year and will have “Medal of Honor” Mondays in their curriculum on the last Monday of each month from now throughout February. Each month, students and teachers will be focusing on a particular character trait. “On Medal of Honor” Mondays, all students and teachers will learn about remarkable heroes from our military that have received this Congressional recognition from US Presidents. In August, we recognized students that exemplified integrity. These students were nominated by their teachers for the way they continue to demonstrate integrity in their classrooms and among their peers: Robin Debardelaben, Addie Littlepage, Tupper Colley, Max Shiver, Colten Zachry and Austin Barron. Congratulations to these students!

Upper School students were introduced to many new concepts that made connections to the world around them in a Vex Robotics Lab with Coach Ozment. Students explored how robotics and artificial intelligence influence sports, such as soccer. They were introduced to robots that were used to help develop algorithms through the use of sports and games. Students also worked together to devise strategies that led to success in scoring goals using a robot!

Upper & Middle School students had the opportunity to find a new extracurricular activity this week!
As part of the annual club fairs, both Middle & Upper School students have their own time to sign up for clubs catered to their ages and interests. There are so many talented students at LSA and we’re excited to see how these clubs help them explore more of those gifts!

Our faculty & staff worshiped together, in the hallways, and covered each class in prayer! Open House at Trinity Christian School was full of excitement and God’s goodness! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Checkmate in the Light Lab! Our 6th graders teamed up with Coach Cooper to practice strategy, movement patterns, and thinking a few moves ahead. Big thanks to our amazing FSO for supplying the chess boards and a magnetic teaching mat to keep our Crusader minds sharp and playful!

We are thrilled to introduce Trinity Christian School’s official mascot, “Swoop”! He is all set to soar into action at TCS events, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome this new member to our TCS family!

The 6th grade drew caravel ships that the Explorers used to navigate the seas in the 15th century. We learned the dangers and hazards of sailing. “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.” Psalm 104:24-26

What an exciting week we’ve had at Trinity. We kicked off the year with our first Dress Chapel, hosted our inaugural TCS Football game, and enjoyed Watermelon Day! To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:21

Our ninth-grade Biology students gained hands-on experience with laboratory equipment by collecting creek water samples and observing microorganisms under a microscope. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.
Psalm 104:24-25

Rebecca Reese, 1st grader at Auburn Classical Academy, had her painting “Yellow Flowers” accepted and published into national art anthology Celebrating Art which features young artists across America

Auburn Classical Academy sixth graders Bailey Elizabeth Mazzola and Isla Long began their Junior Cotillion training in August through the National League of Junior Cotillions, Lee County (AL) Chapter.