Editorial Archives • St. Luke's School

2026-2027 CHOOSE Act Timeline Released

St. Luke's Episcopal School — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:20:03 +0000

The Alabama Department of Revenue recently announced the timeline for the 2026-2027 CHOOSE Act year.

The application will open for renewing families on December 15th, new applicants on January 2nd, and will close on March 31st. Families/students who are awarded money through the CHOOSE Act will be notified on April 15th.

For more information on if you qualify, how to apply, or the general timeline, click here!

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St. Luke’s National Junior Honor Society

Joseph Tiemann-Mena — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Middle School Honors.

T
he National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at St. Luke’s Episcopal School recently held its induction ceremony on March 11, 2025. Families, friends, and faculty filled the auditorium to celebrate the achievements of the newest inductees, recognizing their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

The event was not just a formality but a meaningful tradition that honored students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. The ceremony kicked off with the current NJHS members processing in as music played, setting a formal yet celebratory tone. After everyone had settled, the attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the school prayer, reinforcing the values that the school and NJHS hold dear.

One of the most significant moments was the candle-lighting ceremony, where five students each represented a key NJHS quality. Cammie Moore spoke about scholarship, emphasizing that true learning requires dedication and perseverance. Campbell Tillman discussed leadership, noting that real leaders are not just confident but also willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. Service, a core tenet of NJHS, was described as assisting others without expecting anything in return. Kylie Gibbs addressed character, explaining how integrity, reliability, and respect for others define a person’s true self. Finally, Lamar Smith II spoke about citizenship, highlighting the importance of contributing to one’s country and community in meaningful ways.

After the lighting of the candles, it was time for the official induction. Each new member was called up and presented with an NJHS pin by Head of School Mrs. Suzy Banks and Upper School Director Mr. Arnold Tillman. The pinning ceremony served as a symbolic moment, recognizing the students' achievements and their responsibility to uphold the values of NJHS. Mrs. Banks took a moment to reflect on the significance of these five qualities, reminding students that being part of NJHS is not just about academic success—it’s about leading by example and making a lasting impact. Her speech encouraged inductees to take their new role seriously, not just as an honor but as an opportunity to serve their school and beyond. A student-led prayer followed, closing out the formal portion of the ceremony and allowing attendees to reflect on the responsibilities that come with this distinction. Faculty members who played a role in organizing the event were thanked, and then the newly inducted students and their families moved to a reception to celebrate the milestone.

For many of the inductees, the event was a mix of emotions. Some expressed excitement about being recognized for their hard work, while others looked forward to the opportunities NJHS would provide. When asked about the qualities that helped them earn their place in the organization, responses varied. Many credited determination, strong study habits, and a willingness to help others as key factors in their selection. The common thread among all inductees was a commitment to the values the NJHS represents.

For students hoping to join NJHS in the future, the inductees offered practical advice. “Work hard and do your work,” said Tucker Rone. Matthew Cote echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “Work hard.” While their words were simple, they highlighted an essential truth—academic success and good character don’t happen by accident. They require effort, discipline, and a willingness to push through challenges.

While the ceremony itself was a formal event, it also served as a reminder of what NJHS is all about. It’s not just an academic achievement—it’s a commitment to being a better student, leader, and citizen. The newest members now carry the responsibility of upholding these values, serving as role models for their peers, and making a difference in their school and community. With their induction, they join a long tradition of students who have not only excelled in their studies but have also used their talents and character to make a lasting impact.

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International Europe Trips

Shelby Stevens — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:11:40 +0000

Wildcats Invade Europe.

At St. Luke's, international trips provide students with an incredible opportunity to explore the world while enriching their academic experiences. Open to students who are in advanced history classes, these tours take place annually during Mardi Gras break, minimizing missed class time while maximizing cultural immersion. To ensure a seamless and well-organized experience, St. Luke’s uses Explorica, a trusted travel company that reserves spots, plans detailed itineraries, and provides professional tour guides. Due to limited availability, priority is given to Juniors and Seniors, with invitations extended to qualified Sophomores if space permits.

International study trips allow students to learn beyond the classroom, experiencing history, art, and culture firsthand. Many students may never have the chance to travel abroad otherwise, making these trips a life-changing opportunity. Walking the streets of Paris, standing before the ruins of Pompeii, or admiring the artwork of Michelangelo brings historical and cultural lessons to life in a way textbooks cannot.

For many years, Mr. Box and Coach Russell, both history teachers at St. Luke’s, have led these international trips with passion and dedication. Their leadership, along with faculty chaperones and a designated medical professional, ensures student safety and well-being throughout the journey. Dr. Lisa McDonough has been a valuable part of these trips for the past three years, providing medical support when needed.

In February 2023, students embarked on a 10-day journey through London and France, guided by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide named Freddy. He had been a world traveler and had great interest in history and geography. Some of the highlights of landmarks seen in London were Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Students traveled to Paris by train and were able to visit the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Versailles Palace, and Opera House. A moving experience was the visit to the Normandy D-Day landing beaches and the German Battery at Longue-sur-Mer.

The February 2024 trip took students through the heart of Italy, guided by Stefano Calcagni, whose expertise and inside knowledge made the trip unforgettable. Florence offered sightseeing tours at Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Leather Workshop, Gates of Paradise and more. Next, in Venice, students marveled at the Piazza delle Erbe, which is the Romeo and Juliet balcony, St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal, and a Glass blowing demonstration. A highlight of the trip was an authentic gondola ride, offering a beautiful view of Venice from the water. The journey continued to Rome where they visited St. Francis of Assisi Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other places. A guided excursion to Pompeii allowed students to witness firsthand the preserved ruins of the ancient city, providing a haunting and fascinating glimpse into the history that took place there. This trip concluded with an excursion to Capri and Blue Grotto, where students saw stunning caves and sailed through the shimmering blue waters. A few students decided to take an icy plunge and swim in the water.

February of 2025 offered a trip to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland guided by Johnny and Machieck. Switzerland offered the Sound of Music tour, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Albertine Museum. In Germany, students were guided through the Dachau Concentration Camp & Memorial Visit which offered valuable reflection time. Coach Russell led willing participants to run through the 1972 Olympic Park in Munich. The BMW Welt showroom was an interesting visit as well. Switzerland had several castles, covered bridges, and beautiful alps mountains to explore as well.

These international tours offer students an incredible mix of education, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether visiting the historic streets of London, the artistic treasures of Florence, or the ancient ruins of Pompeii, each trip creates lifelong memories and valuable learning experiences.

As students step beyond their classrooms and into the world, they gain more than just knowledge—they develop a global perspective, newfound independence, and a deeper appreciation for history and culture. These tours continue to be a transformative experience, preparing students for a future filled with exploration and discovery.

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Exploring the Cutting-Edge Biomed Program at St. Luke’s

Madisen Gabel — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:36:00 +0000

Biomed at St. Luke's.

L
As someone who is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, I want to share an inside look at the incredible Biomedical Sciences Program here at St. Luke’s Episcopal School. This program, which is spearheaded by the amazing Mrs. Diane McCleery, is a true gem for students interested in science, healthcare, and innovation. Mrs. McCleery, a registered nurse with an impressive track record, has worked tirelessly to secure grants and resources that make this program so impactful.

A Diverse and Dynamic Curriculum

The Biomedical Sciences Program is part of our broader STEM+M initiative—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. From day one, students dive into a variety of classes designed to expose us to different aspects of healthcare and science. Some highlights include:

Innovations in STEM+M and Biomed:

A class where creativity meets practical problem-solving in areas of biomedical engineering.

Biomed Fundamental I and II:

A progressive series that builds foundational knowledge in medicine.

Culinary Medicine:

Where food meets health science.

Sports Medicine:

Perfect for those interested in athletic health.

Interventions in Biomed:

A hands-on experience focusing on specialty skills like suturing, emergency response, and understanding hospital codes.

Senior Year Capstone: The Ultimate Challenge

Senior year in the Biomedical Program is where everything comes together. In our capstone course, we complete a 25-page research paper and deliver a 5–7 minute presentation. These aren’t just academic exercises—they’re real-world preparation. Each senior is paired with a mentor and completes at least four job shadowing experiences, although many of us go beyond the minimum.

The mentorship and job shadowing experiences are invaluable. They give us a chance to see what life in the medical field is really like and help us decide if this is the right path for us.

Trauma Week: Learning Under Pressure

One of the most exciting and intense parts of the program is Trauma Week, which takes place right after Thanksgiving. Each year, a realistic medical scenario kicks off the week, such as a pool drowning, a tib-fib fracture during a football game, or even a chemical bomb at a concert. Over the next few days, guest speakers guide us through the treatment process step-by-step. It’s an adrenaline-filled week that teaches us how to think and act under pressure.

Forensic Week: Crime Scene Investigation Meets Medicine

For those interested in the intersection of law and medicine, Forensic Week is a favorite. We learn from lawyers, deputies, and forensic experts while solving simulated crime scenes. Past scenarios have included car accidents, homicides, and courtroom trials. It’s fascinating to see how medical knowledge applies to the world of law enforcement.

Real-World Skills and College Prep

The Interventions class is another standout. It’s designed to mimic a college-level course, complete with weekly agendas, deadlines, and independent research projects. Students choose a medical specialty to focus on, create presentations and pamphlets, and even teach their peers how to perform a procedure related to their specialty.

To top it all off, we take field trips to places like the University of South Alabama’s biomedical library and participate in simulations such as Friday Night at the Emergency Room, where teams manage a hospital during a high-pressure 24-hour cycle.

A Testament to Leadership

None of this would be possible without Mrs. McCleery’s vision and dedication. She has created a program that prepares us not only for college but also for life in the medical field. As Avery, one of my classmates, said, “We’ve been waiting three years to get this far, and we’ve been prepared every step of the way.”

The Biomedical Sciences Program at St. Luke’s is more than just a collection of classes—it’s a launchpad for future medical professionals. As I prepare to take the next step in my academic journey, I know that the skills, experiences, and confidence I’ve gained here will stay with me forever. Thank you, Mrs. McCleery, for making it all possible!

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The Journey to College

Arianna Ori — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:16:05 +0000

A Journey to College.

A
pplying to college can be an overwhelming and daunting process, but the guidance and support I received from St. Luke's Episcopal School made all the difference. Applying to college is the main card to the future for students to advance their education and careers and the beginning of my college application process was not my senior year. It began with good grades, participation in school clubs, and leading a healthy lifestyle back when I was at St. Luke’s Lower School. I have been putting everything together all through my life to create a well-rounded person to impress the admissions committee. From the very first steps of researching potential schools and programs that best suit my interests and career goals to devising a personal essay with a strong feature on my unique abilities and viewpoints, each stage of my application process was highly elaborate as it required not only a lot of time and effort but also thorough planning.

Start the Journey Early

I started working on applying to college in the 2nd semester of my sophomore year, and learned every single piece so far such as: getting my school’s college counselor to write me a recommendation letter, sending my transcripts to the colleges I was applying to, and while attempting to have a better academic record I would meet all the tight deadlines despite the pressure to rush the course. While the college application may have been a long and slightly difficult process, with the help of my counselors and the preparation I conducted over the summer and past years, I was able to drive myself to apply to 8 colleges in the same month that college applications were first released. The college application was a process of significant growth that required my peers and me to deeply reflect upon our dreams and showcase the best of ourselves outside of high school.

Take a Literal Journey

An aspect that solidified my college list and where I was going to apply was all of the different college tours that I went on as they helped me get a feel of different college campuses’ atmospheres and get a feel of what I would get myself into when I graduate high school. My top 3 favorite tours were from the University of Notre Dame, Auburn University, and The University of Alabama in Birmingham.

My Top 3

Taking a college tour through the campus of Notre Dame was a magical experience that lets incoming students take part in the history and rich essence of this well-known institution. As I set my feet on the scenic field, my attention was immediately taken up by the reaching spires of the white Basilica of the Heart of Jesus. While walking the quads, I felt the friendship and spirit of the students who were dressed in the university's gold and blue. From the state-of-the-art research labs of the Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering to the patriotic atmosphere of the glamourous football stadium, the Notre Dame tour was a good mix of academic excellence, extracurricular passions, and community pride that has been a characteristic of the university for many years. At every corner, I was awed by the university's combination of honor for the past and joy for the future. When the tour was over, it was clear to me why Notre Dame is so venerated as one of the most prestigious and transformative college experiences in the U.S.

The tour of Auburn University was very interactive. The student ambassadors gave a tour with enthusiasm while presenting insight into several of the newest facilities, from cutting-edge engineering labs to the huge performing arts center that hosted world-famous musicians and speakers. While school is in session, tours are allowed to sit in on a sample lecture to get a taste of how the teaching methods fostered dynamic discussions and active learning. Unfortunately, I did not get this experience because I toured during Thanksgiving Break. Between the dining halls, modern fitness center, and student clubs and organizations, I realized that Auburn nurtures a dynamic, engaged, and diverse community that gives students endless opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

As I toured the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the whole experience was fun and enlightening. The tall academic buildings lend an impressive backdrop that hints at the vast facilities that are available for the education of students. My tour guides carried me throughout their research labs, inventive learning spaces, and medical amenities that give UAB a strong position as a leading research educator of healthcare, engineering, and sciences. Yet, the campus experience extended far beyond the campus. During my visit, I also learned what's available in terms of student life. The dynamic in the latest recreational centers is tied to multiple types of organizations and clubs, therefore catering to all interests and passions. All along, I was entertained and accompanied by student ambassadors who were enthusiastic about taking me on the tour. They were able to share personal stories that helped me visualize many of the UAB experiences.

Seek Wisdom on the Journey

I reached out to a former St. Luke’s alumni, Kevin Ori, about his college experience and how St. Luke’s helped him get to where he is today. “I won’t lie, applying to college was a very long, stressful, and annoying process. Between rewriting my personal statement repeatedly, completing the supplemental essays of various colleges, and waiting for decisions to be released, I was constantly stressed throughout my senior year. With that being said, I am not a great writer in the slightest. I also made the entire process harder on myself than it needed to be. When I got my results back, I was accepted by 3 schools: Alabama, Auburn, and UAB. I was waitlisted at a few other schools; however, I didn’t feel like going through the hassle of waiting and chose to attend UAB. My end goal is to become a dentist, and so I believed UAB provided the best options to explore the field of science further as well as the opportunity to connect directly with people at the UAB School of Dentistry. Even though everything felt like a mess at the moment, I can confidently say that everything worked itself out, and I am where I needed to be.”

Concluding Advice:

Start early, take the ACT early - ask how the college is different.

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Three Trail Maids Chosen from St. Luke’s

Armahni Coleman — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:45:06 +0000

Congratulations to St. Luke's Trail Maids.

I
t's history in the making! For the first time in school history, St. Luke’s Episcopal School is incredibly excited to have not one, not two, but three students selected as Azalea Trail Maids: Caroline Hooper, Maddie Banks, and Ahja Wilder! The Azalea Trail Maids, a prestigious group of 50 senior girls, have proudly served as official goodwill ambassadors for the city of Mobile, Alabama, since 1949, embodying grace, poise, and southern charm. This year, Caroline, Maddie, and Ahja are making St. Luke’s history by joining this elite group, representing both their school and the city with honor and pride. Their selection is a reflection of their hard work, leadership, and dedication, and St. Luke’s couldn’t be more thrilled to see these outstanding young women shine in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Caroline Hooper is proud to represent her school and the city of Mobile as a new peach Azalea Trail Maid. She has embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, dedicating herself to learning about both local and international aspects of Mobile's rich history and culture. Caroline is already enjoying the experience, eager for the new friendships and memories she will create throughout the year. As an Azalea Trail Maid, she looks forward to developing her leadership skills and becoming even more engaged with her community, all while showcasing the beauty and traditions of Mobile.

Maddie Banks is thrilled to be selected as an Azalea Trail Maid, proudly representing her school, St. Luke’s, alongside two other exceptional young women. As part of this prestigious group of 50 senior girls, she is excited to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the city of Mobile, Alabama, a role that has been a dream of hers since childhood. Maddie is grateful for the support of her friends and family, who helped her reach this milestone. She is already enjoying the experience of meeting inspiring young women and looks forward to building meaningful connections and making a positive impact on her community. Maddie admires the poise, kindness, and grace of the Azalea Trail Maids and hopes to inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams, all while proudly wearing her lavender dress as a symbol of this new chapter in her life.

Ahja Wilder is thrilled to be selected as a green Azalea Trail Maid, a role she has always dreamed of and worked hard to achieve. Excited beyond words, Ahja feels incredibly blessed to have this opportunity, knowing that many girls aspire to be in her shoes. She is eager to make the most of this experience, forming new friendships and creating lasting memories along the way. With a deep sense of pride, Ahja hopes to be a role model for younger girls who, like her, aspire to become an Azalea Trail Maid. Through her journey, she looks forward to embodying the grace and leadership that the Trail Maids represent, while honoring the hard work that brought her here.

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St. Luke’s Robotics

Joseph Tiemann-Mena — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 20:34:00 +0000

Robotics.

O
ne of the most fun clubs at St. Lukes has always been Robotics. In Robotics, team members work together to construct a robot to market and contest with other robots in a statewide competition known as the “BEST competition.” The robot’s construction is under harsh time constraints. Students must apply concepts from math, engineering, and physics. According to BEST Robotics, the organization that holds these competitions, students also learn skills such as abstract thinking, teamwork, project-management, and leadership. Many students gain an interest in these fields because of Robotics, some even going into related majors after high school. The program is almost entirely student-driven, with mentors there only for supervision and help.

Every year’s contest is themed uniquely, and 2024’s theme is “Low G,” its premise being that “the world is preparing to return to the moon. This time with the intent to stay.” The goal is to “perform critical exploratory tasks and prepare the way for future human habitation.” These tasks include collecting moon rocks, extracting core samples, repairing a collapsed radio antenna, and constructing a habitat site. All this must be done while traversing hilly terrain. These tasks may seem simple on their own, but the subtle differences of each task make building a robot for all of them quite difficult.

The team began with a brainstorming and designing session. How are we going to design a claw using as few servos as possible? Should our wheels include suspension? Can we 3D-print this, or should it be made of wood? Once a rough design was complete, the team moved on to construction. Using a CNC, a device meant to cut complex shapes out of different materials, wheels and gears were carved out of wood and cardboard. A base was made from plywood. The best math students were tasked with calculating each part’s location and the exact blueprint of the robot. Two motors were wired to a control module and battery, before being attached to the wheels. Soon, the robot’s base was fully functional and could be driven with a controller. However, the claw still posed a challenge. One problem encountered was that the design placed too much tension on itself, and the wood frequently snapped. The claw had to be re-made out of a more tensile plastic, and many parts of it were 3D-printed As of the writing of this paper, the robotics team has not yet completed the project, though it is obvious the team’s intellect and creativity will result in an exceptionally competitive robot.

Many students are very passionate about robotics. The team’s captain, Zane West, who first joined robotics in the 6th grade, enjoys the students’ independence at Robotics. “I love the freedom that it gives the students. When students come through the door, they're treated like adults. They’re trusted and valued. They’re given the freedom to understand that what they put in is what they get out.” Ackley Hoffman is also a major component of the team; he spoke about his great appreciation for “the creative environment and the good people who participate.” He has learned a lot since joining too, such as “useful life skills, how to operate machinery, how to cut straight and be a good handyman.” Despite not being an especially prominent or flashy club, robotics is definitely one of the most gratifying.

In conclusion, robotics is not only an educational club but also one of the most fun. Students discover that math and engineering are really not that intimidating when actually applied, and may even go into related fields in their adulthood. They can learn while having a blast. Oliver Lyons described his favorite part of robotics best: “meeting new people, making new friends, building new possibilities.”

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Veteran’s Day 2024

Megan McDonough — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:18:00 +0000

Saluting Our Veterans.

J
oin us on Monday, November 11, 2024 for a special Veteran's Day program at St. Luke's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama.

Every year the school puts on an extremely touching Veterans Day program to recognize and celebrate the sacrifice U.S. veterans have made for us. Both our Japonica and University campuses display a unique and personal ceremony for our veterans. Head of our school, Mrs. Suzy Banks, organizes and prepares this celebration. Mrs. Banks has been a member of our St. Luke’s family for thirty-five years. She has a special place in her heart for veterans, especially since her grandfather, father, and son all served in the military. She and her former colleague, Mrs. Nellie Dowdle, came together and decided that since St. Luke’s was in session on Veterans Day, they should have a service to recognize the veterans and educate their students on the importance of recognizing it. This is how our Veterans Day program was born.

We just want to encourage people to say thank you. Sometimes it is the simple things in life, we don't have to be flashy or extra. We just want to remember people for what they have done, and this is just our simple way of saying thank you.
Mrs. Suzy Banks

Mrs. Banks serves as the backbone of our school and this program. She oversees all activities and decorations for our program. Mrs. Banks designed this program to leave everyone in the building feeling loved and honored. This year's theme is “We Remember”, as a reminder of our ongoing love and appreciation for our veterans. Right now, Mrs. Banks states that “we are in, what I like to call, The Planning Period.” She is in the middle stages of organizing, planning, and finding people and decorations to make this service perfect. During our program, there will be a speech given by one of our alumni, Micheal Holland, whose children also attended St. Luke’s.

Some of the things that make our program unique come directly from our students; our band will be performing patriotic songs, our Center Stage will put on a heartfelt performance, our Art program will create handmade ornaments as a gift for our veterans, the history classes will write letters and articles about the importance of Veterans Day, our Dining Hall will prepare a well-rounded breakfast for after the service, and there will be a memorial presentation to end off the whole presentation.

All of our students have a role in showing their respect, admiration, and appreciation for our veterans. What makes it special is that we publicly express this appreciation by recognizing them with a personalized video and an ovation as we play each branch's medley. When they stand up for their branch, it gives our students to recognize our veterans and actively express their appreciation.
Mr. Mike Box

The Veteran's Day program is also continued on the Japonica Campus. The Lower School will present a music program by our fifth graders. Veterans will also be presented with handwritten letters and there will be essays displayed, written by our students about the veterans in their lives. This service is especially heart-touching due to the genuine love that our students have for our veterans.

We are extremely thankful for the sacrifices veterans have made for our country. We hope to properly recognize and thank them for all they have done. We invite all to attend our ceremony.

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Spooktacular St. Luke’s

Arianna Ori — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:04:00 +0000

2024 Fall Fest.

BOO!
Did I scare you? I know that I probably didn't, but I do know that the 5th graders did! As the leaves turned and the days grew shorter, excitement grew at St. Luke's Japonica Campus, where the annual Fall Festival was held in a season of celebration. Among the many activities that bring the St. Luke’s community together, one tradition is the haunted house hosted by the 5th graders every year. This remarkable festivity not only provides thrills and chills for attendees but also fosters a sense of teamwork and creativity in the young participants. The haunted house crafted by the 5th graders has evolved into an immersive experience, involving much planning, creativity, and hard work.

The students began their plan early in the month with students brainstorming themes for their haunted house. Some popular themes have included classic horror stories and ghostly schools. Eventually, they came to terms with mummies and an Egyptian-themed atmosphere for their haunted setting. While each initial theme was different, the common goal is to create an engaging experience that encapsulates the spirit of Halloween! From cobwebs to skeletons, each element helps to transport guests into a different world. Spooky sounds added an auditory layer to the experience, heightening the sense of suspense, and dim lighting and flickering effects created mysterious shadows and unexpected jumpscares!

When the festival date finally approached, the excitement among the students reached a peak, and they participated in final preparations. To get ready for the haunted house, students practiced their roles and got acquainted with their props. The Fall Festival’s haunted house at St. Luke’s is more than just a spooky attraction. It celebrates creativity, hard work, and community spirit. Each year, the event draws in visitors who leave with not just a scare but with a sense of joy and connection.

This tradition educates the students in teamwork and creativity and strengthens the community's bonds. As they continue to refine this beloved tradition, one can only imagine the exciting, scare-filled experiences that await at future festivals. It's a perfect blend of fright and delight that serves as a hallmark of the season. Highlight remains the haunted house, and it's an attraction that has developed its lore over the years.

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St. Luke’s Day 2024

Armahni Coleman — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:21:49 +0000

Celebrate St. Luke's Day.

S
t. Luke’s Day is upon us! It's the day to celebrate the patron saint of physicians and the person who shares a name with our beloved school. Although we are named after Saint Luke, it is a lot more than just sharing the name and a passion for the medical field. It is about realizing what such an honorable person he is through the scripture which is attributed to him.

On the surface, Luke was known for a variety of reasons such as being a physician, artist, author of two books of the Bible: The Gospel According to Luke and The Acts of the Apostles. But as mentioned, this was only scratching the surface of who he truly was. In the process of truly analyzing his attributed books, it is clear to see that he wanted people to know him as someone who wants to help the outcasts. He writes about Jesus as Savior for all people especially those who have been ridiculed because of things that make them special. All in all, Luke's message urges everyone to extend their love for people who need it because everyone deserves it.

While I was figuring out who Luke was, I had the amazing honor of having an interview with Bishop Russell of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Going into this interview I was really nervous about how the conversation with him would go being that I am not Episcopalian. But once I asked him the first question, all of my nerves and butterflies went away. In the interview I learned a lot about Luke other than general information.

Bishop Russell Kendrick
Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

Bishop Russell shared with me how Luke was the only writer which shared the story of Christmas the way he did. He emphasized the importance of Mary in the story which was not previously mentioned in the Bible. He also shared with me some scripture which truly shows the person Luke was and why he chose to write his gospel the way he did. In Luke 4:14-21, Jesus shares how he was sent by God to set free those who feel oppressed. In this scripture, Jesus returns to his hometown and reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophecy about bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind. This really stuck with me because it shows that no matter who you are or what religion you are, you deserve the love of God.

In conclusion, St. Luke’s writings invite us to reconsider our understanding of community, compassion, and belonging. His portrayal of Jesus as a savior for all reminds us of the amazing power of inclusion and love. As we reflect on St. Luke's Day, we are encouraged to actively seek out and embrace those who are often sidelined, living out the Gospel's call to bring hope and healing to a world in need. Through his stories, Luke teaches us that there is indeed a place for everyone at God's table. As St. Luke’s Episcopal School we should all try to truly honor the person Luke was. It is truly special to be named after him and I feel like it would only be right for us to live the way he describes in the scripture.

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