Spotlight Archives • St. Luke's School https://slesmobile.org/category/news-and-events/spotlight/ Mobile's Top K2-12 Private School Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:20:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://slesmobile.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-SL-Hi-Res-32x32.png Spotlight Archives • St. Luke's School https://slesmobile.org/category/news-and-events/spotlight/ 32 32 St. Luke’s Graduate Evelyn Cummings Places Among Top 60 at National Speech & Debate Tournament https://slesmobile.org/st-lukes-graduate-evelyn-cummings-places-among-top-60-at-national-speech-debate-tournament/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:20:46 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=20138 St. Luke's Episcopal School graduate Evelyn Cummings earned a Top 60 national finish in Humorous Interpretation at the National Speech & Debate Tournament and will continue competing at the University of Alabama.

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St. Luke’s Episcopal School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of graduate Evelyn Cummings, who recently earned national recognition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia.

Competing against some of the nation’s most talented student speakers, Evelyn placed among the Top 60 competitors in the United States in Humorous Interpretation, a remarkable achievement at one of the most prestigious speech and debate competitions in the country.

Evelyn’s success reflects the dedication, communication skills, and confidence she developed throughout her time at St. Luke’s. Her accomplishment also highlights the strength of the school’s commitment to academic excellence, public speaking, and leadership development as part of its college preparatory education.

As a leading private school in Mobile, Alabama, St. Luke’s Episcopal School encourages students to pursue opportunities that challenge them to grow as thinkers, communicators, and leaders. Evelyn’s achievement on the national stage is a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to compete at the highest levels of speech and debate.

This fall, Evelyn will continue her speech and debate journey at the University of Alabama, where she will join the university’s Speech and Debate Team.  We are excited to see her continue to build on this success and represent the values of excellence, determination, and leadership that define St. Luke’s students.

Congratulations, Evelyn, on this outstanding accomplishment.  The entire St. Luke’s community is proud of you and looks forward to following your future success.

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St. Luke’s Students Attend HOBY Leadership Seminar at Troy University https://slesmobile.org/st-lukes-students-attend-hoby-leadership-seminar-at-troy-university/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:36:35 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=20132 Three St. Luke’s Episcopal School students attended the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Troy University, developing leadership, service, and community engagement skills through this nationally recognized program.

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Three rising juniors from SLES recently participated in the prestigious HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) Leadership Seminar held on the campus of Troy University.

Kenlee Hamilton, Atli Johnston, and Dylan Driskell were selected to represent St. Luke’s for their demonstrated leadership, service, citizenship, and commitment to making a positive impact on their school and community. The HOBY Leadership Seminar is designed to inspire and develop high school students into confident, ethical leaders prepared to make a difference locally and globally.

Throughout the week-long program, the students joined fellow student leaders from across Alabama in interactive leadership workshops, team-building activities, and small-group discussions. Participants also attended presentations led by accomplished professionals, community leaders, and motivational speakers who shared insights on leadership development, civic engagement, and personal growth.

The students were accompanied by St. Luke’s alumni counselor, Megan McDonough, who served as a facilitator during the seminar. Together, participants explored Hugh O’Brian’s mission of leadership through service and completed community-focused projects that emphasized collaboration, responsibility, and servant leadership.

As a leading college-preparatory school in Mobile, Alabama, St. Luke’s Episcopal School is committed to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and to encouraging leadership, character development, and community involvement. Programs such as HOBY help students build the skills and confidence needed to become future leaders in their schools, universities, and communities.

We are proud of Kenlee, Atli, and Dylan for representing St. Luke’s at this outstanding leadership program and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make throughout their high school careers and beyond.

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Still the Champions: St. Luke’s Girls Soccer Reflects on a Historic Season for the Ages https://slesmobile.org/still-the-champions-st-lukes-girls-soccer-reflects-on-a-historic-season-for-the-ages/ Mon, 18 May 2026 19:29:34 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19842 Kiley Hawarah, photo courtesy AL.com

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St. Luke’s Episcopal School celebrated a historic milestone as the girls’ soccer team, led by Coach Austin Beatty, captured the Alabama Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship in dominant fashion.

The Wildcats defeated St. John Paul II 5-0 in Huntsville to secure the first girls’ soccer state championship in school history and further establish St. Luke’s Episcopal School athletics as one of the premier programs among Mobile private schools.

Leading the championship effort was senior standout Kiley Hawarah, who delivered an unforgettable performance on Alabama high school soccer’s biggest stage. Hawarah scored four goals in the state championship match and earned Tournament MVP honors as the Wildcats completed their remarkable season.

With 237 career goals, Hawarah now ranks as the second-leading scorer in Alabama girls soccer history across classifications 1A-7A. The West Georgia signee leaves behind one of the most accomplished careers in Alabama high school soccer history.

The Alabama 4A girls soccer championship victory was years in the making for this senior class (Kiley Hawarah, Presley Jackson, Ally Grace Lowell, Evelyn Cummings, and Emma Trammell). In seventh grade this group set their sights on winning a state title, while elevating the St. Luke’s girls’ soccer program across multiple competitive classifications.

Their journey reflected the continued growth of both the team and St. Luke’s Episcopal School athletics:

  • Freshman year: first playoff appearance in program history
  • Sophomore year: first Final Four appearance
  • Junior year: first appearance in the state championship match
  • Senior year: AHSAA Class 4A State Champions

As the program transitioned from the 1A-3A classification into 4A competition, the Wildcats continued to rise among Alabama high school soccer programs. By their senior season, this determined group left no doubt that St. Luke’s girls’ soccer belonged among the state’s elite teams.

After the opening whistle of the championship match, the Wildcats played with confidence, intensity, and purpose, determined to finish the journey they had started four years earlier.

The historic championship not only highlights the success of St. Luke’s girls’ soccer program but also showcases the strength of academics, athletics, leadership, and student opportunities at St. Luke’s Episcopal School.

For the players, coaches, families, and supporters who helped build the program, the championship represents more than a title — it is the culmination of years of perseverance, teamwork, and belief.

And for St. Luke’s Episcopal School, the blue map is now forever part of Wildcat history.

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St. Luke’s Alumni Make History with Army Officer Commissioning https://slesmobile.org/st-lukes-alumni-make-history-with-army-officer-commissioning/ Fri, 08 May 2026 19:26:51 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19811 St. Luke’s is proud to celebrate a historic and exciting milestone as alumni Natalie Costanza and Dylan Hale (Class of 2021) will commission together as Army officers during Saturday’s ceremony with the Jaguar Battalion. According to Battalion leadership, the Jaguar Battalion has only had two Baker High School cadets commission together in the same ceremony before, making it especially meaningful ... Read More

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St. Luke’s is proud to celebrate a historic and exciting milestone as alumni Natalie Costanza and Dylan Hale (Class of 2021) will commission together as Army officers during Saturday’s ceremony with the Jaguar Battalion.

According to Battalion leadership, the Jaguar Battalion has only had two Baker High School cadets commission together in the same ceremony before, making it especially meaningful that two St. Luke’s alumni are achieving this honor together. Even more exciting, Dylan and Natalie will become the first two Army officers in St. Luke’s history — an incredible accomplishment!

St. Luke’s also currently has four alumni serving in the Jaguar Battalion, including Brody Hale and Audrey Fendley from the Class of 2024. We are so proud to see our graduates continuing to lead and excel beyond their years at St. Luke’s.

Congratulations to Natalie, Dylan, Brody, and Audrey for representing St. Luke’s with excellence. We thank them for their service and wish Natalie and Dylan all the best as they begin this exciting new chapter as Army officers!

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From St. Luke’s Biomedical Sciences Program to Samford RNTP https://slesmobile.org/from-st-lukes-biomedical-sciences-program-to-samford-rntp/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:43:30 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19759 Anne Marie Bentley, a St. Luke’s Episcopal School alumna, is continuing to build on her passion for serving others through her work in the nursing field. A member of St. Luke’s from K3 through 12th grade, Anne Marie built a strong foundation both academically and personally during her time on campus. While at St. Luke’s, she was actively involved in ... Read More

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Anne Marie Bentley, a St. Luke’s Episcopal School alumna, is continuing to build on her passion for serving others through her work in the nursing field.

A member of St. Luke’s from K3 through 12th grade, Anne Marie built a strong foundation both academically and personally during her time on campus. While at St. Luke’s, she was actively involved in athletics, competing in both tennis and cross country—experiences that helped shape her discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence. She also participated in St. Luke’s Biomedical Sciences Program, where she further developed her interest in the medical field and gained early exposure to healthcare-focused learning.

Now a nursing student at Samford University, Anne Marie has been selected as part of a competitive Registered Nurse Training Program (RNTP), an initiative designed to strengthen clinical readiness and expand opportunities for nursing students entering the profession. The program focuses on preparing students for work in acute care settings while equipping them to address critical needs such as health equity, health literacy, and patient-centered care.

As part of the program, Anne Marie is gaining valuable hands-on experience through additional clinical hours in hospital settings, working alongside experienced nurse preceptors. She is also participating in advanced simulation training and completing specialized coursework aimed at improving care for diverse populations. These experiences are helping her grow both professionally and personally as she prepares to enter the nursing field.

In a recent spotlight feature, Anne Marie shared that her passion for nursing began early. She felt called to pursue a career centered on serving others and providing comfort during difficult times. That sense of purpose continues to guide her as she develops the skills needed to care for patients with compassion and excellence.

Anne Marie credits her time at St. Luke’s, along with the strong faith-based community she found at Samford, for helping shape her path. Her commitment to service, paired with her drive to learn and grow, reflects the values instilled in her throughout her years as a Wildcat.

We are incredibly proud of Anne Marie and look forward to seeing the difference she will make in the lives of others. Her story is a meaningful example of how St. Luke’s students continue to pursue lives of purpose, leadership, and service well beyond graduation.

*All photos and information courtesy of the Samford University RNTP Spring Newsletter*

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Senior Ella Bentley Wins Regional Bryant-Jordan Scholarship https://slesmobile.org/senior-ella-bentley-wins-regional-bryant-jordan-scholarship/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:31:19 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19755 St. Luke’s Episcopal School proudly celebrates senior Ella Bentley for being selected as a 2026 Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship regional recipient. Bentley was chosen as the Class 2A, Region 1 Scholar-Athlete winner, distinguishing herself as one of the top student-athletes in Alabama. This recognition places her among an elite group of seniors who have demonstrated exceptional performance both academically and athletically. ... Read More

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St. Luke’s Episcopal School proudly celebrates senior Ella Bentley for being selected as a 2026 Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship regional recipient.

Bentley was chosen as the Class 2A, Region 1 Scholar-Athlete winner, distinguishing herself as one of the top student-athletes in Alabama. This recognition places her among an elite group of seniors who have demonstrated exceptional performance both academically and athletically.

The Bryant-Jordan program, presented through the Alabama High School Athletic Association in collaboration with the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, highlights students who embody leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Regional recipients are selected from schools across the state and honored at an annual awards banquet in Birmingham.

Named in honor of legendary coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan, the program has become one of the most respected student-athlete recognition initiatives in the country. Over the years, it has supported thousands of students in pursuing higher education while celebrating their success in both academics and athletics.

Ella’s achievement reflects not only her dedication in the classroom and in competition, but also her character and leadership within the St. Luke’s community. Her selection is a testament to the support of her coaches, teachers, and family, as well as her own hard work and determination.

St. Luke’s Episcopal School congratulates Ella Bentley on this outstanding accomplishment and is proud to recognize her as a true example of the Wildcat spirit.

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Coach Szymanski Earns His 700th Career Win https://slesmobile.org/coach-szymanski-earns-his-700th-career-win/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:15:15 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19738 Legendary baseball coach Mike Szymanski earned his 700th career win yesterday as the St. Luke’s Wildcats defeated Clarke County, 11–0. Throughout his career spanning almost four decades, this milestone adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments: multiple state championships, a 64% win percentage, and active MLB players such as St. Luke’s alumnus Jeremiah Jackson. Beyond the numbers, Coach Szymanski ... Read More

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Legendary baseball coach Mike Szymanski earned his 700th career win yesterday as the St. Luke’s Wildcats defeated Clarke County, 11–0.

Throughout his career spanning almost four decades, this milestone adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments: multiple state championships, a 64% win percentage, and active MLB players such as St. Luke’s alumnus Jeremiah Jackson.

Beyond the numbers, Coach Szymanski leads a program defined by hard work, consistency, and a commitment to developing student-athletes, both on and off the field.

St. Luke’s is proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and the lasting impact Coach Szymanski continues to make on the Wildcat baseball program.

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Camp Wildcat 2026 Registration https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KgNGaZL_MEPlAs0wJp2U0dO9mH8va1XF/view?usp=sharing#new_tab Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:52:50 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19729 Click here for the necessary paperwork to register your child for Camp Wildcat!

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Wildcats Soar at the State Speech and Debate Competition https://slesmobile.org/wildcats-soar-at-the-state-speech-and-debate-competition/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:23:00 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19702 This past weekend, three St. Luke’s students traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to compete in the Speech and Debate State Tournament. Seniors Joanna Junaid and Evelyn Cummings, and Junior Jenna Simpson all qualified for the state tournament at previous competitions, and we are so proud of their hard work throughout the season! Evelyn Cummings placed first in Humorous Interpretation which qualifies ... Read More

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This past weekend, three St. Luke’s students traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to compete in the Speech and Debate State Tournament.

Seniors Joanna Junaid and Evelyn Cummings, and Junior Jenna Simpson all qualified for the state tournament at previous competitions, and we are so proud of their hard work throughout the season!

Evelyn Cummings placed first in Humorous Interpretation which qualifies her to compete in the National tournament in Richmond, Virginia this summer. Evelyn was also selected as Alabama’s 2026 Student of the Year for Speech and Debate and has received the Alabama’s District nomination for the National Student of the Year for Speech and Debate which will be decided later this summer.

Congratulations to our Speech and Debate Team!

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St. Luke’s Students Soar at the UA Hall of Fame Speech and Debate Tournament https://slesmobile.org/st-lukes-students-soar-at-the-ua-hall-of-fame-speech-and-debate-tournament/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:19:19 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=19601 The St. Luke’s Speech and Debate team traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama last week to compete in the University of Alabama Hall of Fame Speech and Debate Tournament. The students who represented St. Luke’s at the tournament were Evelyn Cummings, Rishi Gupta, Ashton Roberts, CJ Roberston, and Jenna Simpson. These students competed in a variety of events at the tournament and ... Read More

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The St. Luke’s Speech and Debate team traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama last week to compete in the University of Alabama Hall of Fame Speech and Debate Tournament.

The students who represented St. Luke’s at the tournament were Evelyn Cummings, Rishi Gupta, Ashton Roberts, CJ Roberston, and Jenna Simpson. These students competed in a variety of events at the tournament and represented St. Luke’s wonderfully.

They even walked away with some awards…

Jenna Simpson made it to the final round in Poetry, placing 5th.

Evelyn Cummings placed first in the final round of Humorous Interpretation.

Congratulations to our Speech and Debate team. We are so proud of you!

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