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St. Luke’s Episcopal School’s Band had the incredible opportunity to showcase their talent and school spirit at the Senior Bowl Street Party Mardi Gras Player Parade on Friday, January 31, 2025. This exciting event, held in downtown Mobile, brought together marching bands, Azalea Trail Maids, college mascots, NFL cheerleaders, and esteemed guests to celebrate in true Mardi Gras fashion. The parade began at 6:00 pm from the Renaissance Hotel on Royal and Conti streets, then proceeded west on Dauphin Street, culminating in a lively end at Cathedral Square.

As thousands of fans lined the streets, eager to catch beads, MoonPies, and a glimpse of their favorite football players, the parade kicked off in grand style. The Order of the Myths, one of Mobile’s historic Mardi Gras organizations, led the parade, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Vibrant floats rolled through the streets, and the lively sounds of marching bands, including the Wildcat Band, filled the air. The Mardi Gras atmosphere, combined with the energy of the Senior Bowl festivities, made for a memorable night that captured the heart and spirit of the city. The colorful floats, dancers, and performers created an infectious energy throughout the crowd, uniting people of all ages in celebration.

As one of the many local high school marching bands selected to participate, the seventeen-member Wildcat Band, led by Daniel Driskell, proudly filled the streets with vibrant music and high energy. Some of the songs they played included “Bad Romance” and “Crazy in Love,” causing the crowd to clap, dance, and sing along. The band made a statement in their red tropical shirts, adding to the parade’s colorful and spirited ambiance, their music amplifying the festive atmosphere. Their upbeat and powerful performances helped set the tone for the entire evening, leaving spectators cheering for more.

For these students, this was more than just another parade performance. This was an opportunity to participate in one of Mobile’s most exciting football celebrations. The Senior Bowl, a premier showcase of college football talent, draws scouts, fans, and sports enthusiasts from across the country, making this parade a high-profile experience for all involved. The fact that the Wildcat Band was chosen to be part of this event speaks volumes about their dedication and skill. The students performed not only for their school but for the entire city of Mobile, adding their energy and talent to a celebration that draws thousands every year.

This moment was not just about music; it was about being a part of Mobile’s Mardi Gras tradition and an event that brings the community together in a celebration of both football and culture. These students experienced the thrill of performing for a diverse and enthusiastic audience, gaining valuable experience and creating lasting memories that they will carry with them for years to come. Their participation was a testament to the unity and spirit of the local community, where sports, culture, and tradition blend seamlessly.

St. Luke’s is incredibly proud of the dedication and exceptional performance displayed by the Wildcat Band. Their performance not only highlighted their musical excellence but also demonstrated their commitment to representing the school with pride. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and school spirit were evident in every note they played, and their presence added to the excitement of this beloved Mobile tradition. It was a moment to be celebrated, not just for the band, but for the entire St. Luke’s community.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the students, band directors, and supporters who contributed to making this event a resounding success. The Wildcat Band continues to make their school and community proud with their dedication, talent, and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next, knowing that this is only one of many milestones on their journey. With their exceptional work ethic and team spirit, there’s no doubt that the Wildcat Band will continue to shine brightly and inspire future generations of musicians at St. Luke’s.

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t. Luke’s Episcopal School has achieved a remarkable victory this past holiday season, winning first place at the annual Mobile Regional Airport's Christmas tree competition. This achievement is a testament to the artistic talent of SLES students and the dedication of Mrs. Cummings’ art classes, whose creativity and hard work made this win possible.

The competition at the airport invites schools and organizations to design and decorate a Christmas tree based on a unique theme. The trees are then judged according to a rubric that rewards creativity, participation, and craftsmanship. Additionally, there is an online voting component where the public can support their favorite designs. With around ten organizations/schools competing, securing first place is no easy feat, making SLES’s victory all the more impressive.

This year, SLES’s art students designed a tree celebrating cultures from around the world. Each Art I, 7th, and 8th-grade student selected a country and crafted four ornaments representing it. Pottery students contributed by sculpting famous landmarks from their chosen nations, including the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island statues, and Brazil’s Escadaria Selarón. Additionally, Art I students created miniature passports, while the 7th and 8th graders crafted paper figures representing people from different cultures.

Advanced Art students played a crucial role in bringing the theme to life. They designed a garland featuring letters to Santa from around the world, enlarged international stamps, and a tree skirt styled like a compass rose. The tree topper was a striking feature: a globe-shaped collage with a moving airplane towing a banner that read, “What a Wonderful World.”

Mrs. Cummings, the dedicated art teacher behind this winning project, expressed her pride in the students' work. “I think the students are great this year; they’re extremely creative,” she said, emphasizing the thought and planning involved in each aspect of the tree’s design. She also highlighted the significance of art education, explaining, “It’s a bridge that brings all the separate components together. It unifies every subject in one place, like math, literature, history, and science.”

Several students shared their thoughts on the art program and their experiences in class. Brayden Darby, a pottery student, described glazing as his favorite part of the process, saying, “It allows me to have a peaceful painting time which decompresses my stress.” Chris Washington appreciated the welcoming environment of the art room, where, as he put it, “I can be myself and socialize.” Jeremy Menhennett emphasized the personal value of art, stating, “Art is a way to express your true self.” The success of SLES in the Christmas tree competition highlights the school’s commitment to the arts and the incredible talent of its students.

The effort required to craft each ornament, landmark, and decoration demonstrates a level of skill and dedication that goes beyond a simple holiday project. The students involved in this endeavor learned valuable lessons in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

Art programs are vital to a well-rounded education, offering students an outlet for self-expression and critical thinking. At SLES, the art department provides students with opportunities to take on ambitious projects like the Christmas tree competition, encouraging them to push their creative boundaries.

This year’s victory at Mobile Regional Airport is not just a win for the school but a celebration of the power of art to bring people together and inspire joy. SLES’s first-place finish serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity in education. With talented students and dedicated teachers, the school’s art program will undoubtedly continue to thrive, producing incredible works of art for years to come.