Development Archives • St. Luke's School

SLES Grilling Champion, Cammie Moore

Shelby Stevens — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:08:36 +0000

One Wildcat Lights Up Competitive Grilling.

St. Luke’s has a very talented young student named Cammie Moore who is currently in the 8th grade. Not only is she a dedicated honor student, Student Council Vice President, National Junior Honor Society Vice President, but she is also a grilling champion. In addition to her culinary talents, Cammie enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and track.

Cammie Moore began her hobby of grilling when she was in the fifth grade at just nine years old. She discovered her love for grilling after taking her first kid’s barbecue cooking class at Loblolly Farm in Semmes. It was during this class that she learned about the different cuts of meat as well as how to properly trim, tie, season and cook them. She found the experience both fun and inspiring, igniting a passion for grilling that has only grown over the years.

When asked what she loves most about competitive grilling, Cammie highlights the creative process of developing seasoning combinations for different meats, and testing out what flavors complement each other. She loves sampling her grilled creations and sharing her recipes with her mom. In addition to competing in grilling competitions, she has participated in local cook-offs, further expanding her culinary expertise.

Cammie has achieved remarkable success in her grilling ventures. Recently, she was one of 16 teams competing in The Grilled Cheese Meltdown in October of 2024. She placed 2nd in People’s Choice for her Dragonfly Dust Seasoning Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese and took 3rd place for her Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese and Bacon Grilled Cheese. Impressively, she was the only kid competing in the event. At the Gulf Coast Mac Down, Cammie secured 1st place for her Cheeto Mac N Cheese and 2nd place for her Veggie Mac featuring Cauliflower.

When it comes to her personal grilling preferences, Cammie’s favorite food to grill is pork chops. She finds them easy to cook and believes they have the best flavor when prepared with her special seasoning blend. However, she also enjoys grilling a delicious ribeye or New York strip steak.

The same seasoning combination could win 1st place in one competition and land in last place in another.
Cammie Moore

There is a significant difference between grilling for fun and competitive grilling. Casual grilling is relaxed and allows for personal preferences, whereas competitive grilling requires precise execution. Competitions are judged on various factors, including temperature, flavor, appearance, texture, and overall presentation. Additionally, competitions are timed, and cooks must anticipate what the judges will enjoy, not just their own preferences. For example, if a judge dislikes salt and a dish is heavily seasoned, it may result in a lower score—even if another judge would have loved it. Cammie acknowledges that the competition is fierce, but she thrives on both the challenge and the fun.

For those interested in competitive grilling, Cammie offers some valuable advice: “One ‘bad’ score doesn’t mean you’re a ‘bad’ griller. Every competition and every judge is different. The same seasoning combination could win 1st place in one competition and land in last place in another. It all comes down to personal preferences. The key is to keep your head high and keep trying.”

Cammie encourages young grillers to start wherever they are, emphasizing that practice is key. She began as a 9-year-old with no prior experience near a 600-degree grill. With dedication and practice, she quickly became an accomplished competitor. She firmly believes that anyone can improve with effort and determination.

Cammie’s hard work has already paid off in a big way. In her first Ancillary Contest for the Steak Cook-Off Association (SCA), she placed 2nd and won her Golden Ticket to the World Championships. She is proof that dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Cammie’s next big competition will take place on May 3, 2025, at the Mobile’s Best Burger Championship at Loblolly Farm in Semmes, AL. She is currently seeking sponsors, vendors, and competitors—including kids' cooks, food trucks, restaurants, and backyard BBQ enthusiasts. A portion of the sponsorships will support St. Luke’s Tuition Assistance Program, helping more students receive a quality education.

Follow Cammie on her grilling journey on Facebook and Instagram at Griller Girl Cammie and support her as she continues to shine in the culinary world!

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Grade Level Challenge

Madisen Gabel — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:37:43 +0000

2025 Grade Level Challenge.

This week Wilkes the Wildcat made a surprise visit to our students at the University and Japonica Campuses. He was there to take pictures for the Grade Level Challenge. The 2025 theme is Paws Together.

This annual event was created to be a fun way for the entire St. Luke's community to participate in giving to our school. Every grade at St. Luke’s will compete against each other in raising funds. The contribution size does not matter at all. The grade that raises the most money will have a special surprise and the teacher of the class will receive a gift card.

As if participating in such a great cause wasn’t incentive enough, there are also fun rewards for getting involved! The class with the highest participation rate will be recognized with a special prize. But perhaps the most important reward of all is the satisfaction of knowing that, by working together, we can achieve something great for the community.

If you cannot give, just post on social media and spread the word. By doing this you can get friends and family involved and can receive participation that way. The parents have helped the most with a total of ninety five percent of the donors being parents. The "Paws Together" Class Challenge reminds us that even the smallest actions, when combined, create a powerful impact. It’s about more than just donations—it's about fostering a spirit of collaboration, supporting our children, and encouraging kindness and generosity. Each effort, whether it's donating, spreading the word, or rallying your child’s class to get involved, makes a difference. We can only succeed by putting our paws together.

So thank you to all the parents, grandparents, and others who have donated. Let's put our paws together for a successful 2025 challenge! Whether you’re participating as a family or supporting your child’s class, you’re helping to build something amazing. Together, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact.

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Honoring a Legacy: The John Wesley Holt Legacy Run

Arianna Ori — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 02:41:51 +0000

2025 John Wesley Holt Legacy Run.

O
n February 18, 2023, the community of Mobile, Alabama, lost a bright young life in a tragic hit-and-run accident. John Wesley Holt, an Eagle Scout, a sophomore electrical engineering major at the University of South Alabama, and a beloved member of St. Luke's Episcopal School's Class of 2021, was taken from us far too soon. However, in the wake of his unfortunate passing, the Holt family and the wider community have come together to celebrate his life and ensure his legacy lives on.

To honor John Wesley's memory and his commitment to excellence in all areas of life, the Holt family established the John Wesley Holt Legacy Scholarship. This annual award is given to a senior at St. Luke's Episcopal School who exemplifies the same passion and dedication that John Wesley displayed in his life through his character, academics, and athletics. The scholarship is not only a recognition of his achievements but also a beacon of inspiration for future generations of students striving to make a positive impact in their communities.

One of the most important events that pays tribute to John Wesley's memory is the John Wesley Holt Legacy Run. This annual event brings together people from all over Mobile to celebrate the life of a young man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. The Legacy Run is a 5K race and Fun Run, open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The event begins and ends at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, where John Wesley’s journey started and where his impact continues to be felt.

The Legacy Run is more than just a race. It is a community celebration. It serves as a reminder of John Wesley's dedication to excellence in every facet of his life and provides a space for others to honor that spirit. The proceeds from the event directly benefit the John Wesley Holt Scholarship Fund, helping to ensure that John Wesley’s legacy of academic and athletic achievement, coupled with strong character, will continue to inspire future students.

The John Wesley Holt Legacy Run is designed to be a fun and engaging event for participants of all ages. There are two main components to the race: the 5K course and the Fun Run. The 5K race is suitable for both serious runners and casual participants, while the Fun Run provides a more relaxed option for families, children, and anyone wanting to enjoy the day. The event’s location at St. Luke's Episcopal School offers a scenic and safe environment for the entire community to come together in celebration.

Race day was filled with activities beyond the race itself. The event featured inflatables for children, face painting, and appearances by Southpaw, the University of South Alabama's mascot, along with the USA cheerleaders, creating a festive atmosphere. Food trucks were on-site offering a variety of delicious options, and a car wash station was available for participants. The car wash and a portion of food truck sales also benefit the John Wesley Holt Foundation, further supporting the scholarship and the legacy of John Wesley Holt.

The car wash fundraiser is an integral part of the Legacy Run. With volunteers offering to wash cars throughout the event, the car wash serves as both a fun and practical way to raise funds for the scholarship while also giving back to the community. This initiative offers a simple yet effective way for attendees to contribute to the cause. Whether it's before or after the race, participants can get their cars washed while knowing that their donation is directly benefiting the John Wesley Holt Foundation. The foundation continues to support the scholarship, ensuring John Wesley’s legacy of integrity, hard work, and passion lives on in future generations.

The John Wesley Holt Legacy Run is more than just a race. It is a way to remember and celebrate a life well-lived, a life that impacted so many people. John Wesley’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Through events like this, the Holt family and the community ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

In honoring John Wesley’s memory, the Legacy Run gives everyone an opportunity to come together, reflect on his life, and support a cause that embodies the values he held dear. It’s a day of joy, remembrance, and community, and one that continues to touch the lives of everyone involved.

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Give Day 2024 This Week!

Shelby Stevens — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:09:57 +0000

About St. Luke's.

This year the Give Day will take place on October 16-17, 2024. This is a very important day for St. Luke’s Episcopal School for many reasons. Our school has so much to celebrate as one of the leading independent schools serving the community. Financial gifts from parents, faculty, alumni, and students help ensure the continued operations of our beloved school.

Dr. Rachel Banks currently serves as the Director of Advancement and Community Engagement for St. Luke’s Episcopal School. She is very passionate about leading the efforts for fundraising opportunities to help our school grow, and she has a clear vision and purpose. I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Banks about ideas she wanted to share regarding this year’s event. She has created a new theme for this year’s Give Day. It is called “4 the Future”. This campaign encourages each donor to give at least $104.00.

This will be Dr. Banks second year leading this annual fundraiser, and she intends to make it as memorable as possible. Last year, she raised awareness about the need for Give Day. A promotional video was created which explained how tuition only covered 82% of the school expenses. They calculated how much it costs to teach a student for one minute to help others understand how crucial their gift donations are to the school. Last year’s campaign was very successful in educating our families about the importance of giving, and this year is sure to have the same if not even more meaningful impact.

This year’s Give Day will be utilizing a new app called Give Campus to facilitate raising funds. This new app will allow people to view the money being raised in real time. Another interesting feature is a display of which group, whether it is students, faculty/staff, parents, alumni, or grandparents, will be leading in gifted donations. There is even an option to share this link on social media to share your gift with your friends. This specific feature will help promote and encourage others to give a gift as well. The best part is that every gift helps our school cover expenses and provide a better tomorrow for our students.

St. Luke’s is a college preparatory school that empowers students to excel in both academics and personal goals. The positive impact on countless lives speaks for the dedication of its educators and the supportive community that surrounds it. Fundraising has made it possible for our school to provide the resources that will enrich each student both in and outside the classroom. Your financial contributions help bridge the gap for families who may face financial challenges, ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. Also, these gifts ensure that our school is able to retain and recruit the best teachers, provide more resources for classroom learning, support athletic and performing arts programs as well provide a competitive STEM+M environment. Higher participation in fundraising and donations also strengthens St. Luke’s case to secure foundation grants. Supporting St. Luke’s Episcopal School not only enriches the educational experience for students but also offers the benefit of tax-deductible contributions. Your generosity helps enhance programs, facilities, and opportunities for all students, making a lasting impact in the community.

Every contribution counts and makes a difference! You do not want to miss out on this incredibly important opportunity to help provide a better education for our students.

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Realtor Open House RSVP Form

aabel — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:05:15 +0000

A

ll realtors are invited to hear about the great things happening at St. Luke's. Learn about our unique programs and why St. Luke's is a small school with BIG opportunities.

Breakfast will be provided.
Bring a business card for a chance to win $100 gift card to Ruth's Chris Steak House!

April 16, 2024
9:00am
1400 S. University Blvd.

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Cheesecake Fundraiser

aabel — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:43:34 +0000

Center Stage Fundraiser.

S
t. Luke's Center Stage annual cheesecake fundraiser is back by popular demand!

Support our Theatre and Fine & Performing Arts Departments with your order of delectable cheesecakes that will arrive just in time for the Thanksgiving Holidays.

Cheesecakes make a great gift and a perfect easy dish to take to your Thanksgiving gathering. They can be frozen for up to one year or placed in the refrigerator for two weeks.

Support St. Luke's cheesecake fundraiser by placing your order now through October 27, 2023. Cheesecakes will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

ORDER NOW

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Casino Night 2023

aabel — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:30:21 +0000

October 14, 2023 is Casino Night at St. Luke's!

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Leave a Legacy

aabel — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 22:43:17 +0000

Opportunities to Leave a Legacy.

There are many opportunities for our friends, families, and community members to be involved in our efforts to continue providing the top-tier educational experience we are known for throughout the region. Some come with permanent interior or exterior recognition, social media and print recognition, event recognition, website recognition, signage, and banners among others.

For questions concerning donations such as gift acknowledgment, anonymous contributions, and cumulative/life-to-date recognition, please contact the Development Office at dmccleery@slesmobile.org or 251.666.2991 ext 8140.

Leave a lasting legacy of your years at St. Luke’s Episcopal School.
Congratulate a graduate or future graduate.
Recognize a faculty or staff member who has made a real difference.
Promote your business and wish our Wildcats success.

Bricks & Pavers

Commemorative brick pavers are engraved with personalized messages that honor someone or something special in your life. Your choice of 4” x 8” brick and 8” x 8” paver sizes are available. Business logos are available in the 8” x8” paver may and may be placed in the courtyard on the Japonica Campus or near the entryway of the Louise R. Moorer Center for Performing Arts on our University Campus.

Theater Seats

Theater seat plates are engraved with individual, family, or business names. The 1” x 4” recognition will be placed on the back of the seats located in the Louise R. Moorer Center for Performing Arts on the University Campus.

Pillars of Support

These 12” x 15” plaques are mounted on the brick columns along the walkways on both campuses and have space for recognizing the donor, honoring someone special, or promoting a business. You may leave a lasting inspirational or motivational message to be viewed daily by our students, faculty, and visitors to our Japonica or University campuses.

Order a brick, paver, or seat

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Color Run Signup Extended

aabel — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:37:54 +0000

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Golf Tournament 2022

aabel — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 21:04:02 +0000

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