Student Spotlight 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!

The post SLES Grilling Champion, Cammie Moore appeared first on St. Luke's School.

St. Luke’s Athletic Intern Program

Joseph Tiemann-Mena — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:42:08 +0000

Athletic Department Interns Lead Middle Schoolers.

The St. Luke's athletic intern program allows seniors to assist in coaching 6th-grade PE and foster a fun and structured environment. These interns help organize games, maintain discipline, and serve as role models for younger students. Their presence ensures students stay engaged while allowing them to explore leadership skills and potential careers in coaching or education.

More than just assistants, these seniors bring energy and enthusiasm that make PE enjoyable and meaningful for the 6th graders. Senior Ethan Watts plays a key role in the 6th-grade PE classes. He describes his job as “helping monitor the kids and [teaching] them games” while ensuring they have fun. For Ethan, this experience is a stepping stone toward a potential career. “I’ve thought about teaching and becoming a coach,” he explains.

The interns also introduce new activities and ensure games remain structured, keeping students excited for class. By stepping into a leadership role, Ethan and his fellow interns gain firsthand experience in working with younger students, giving them insight into the challenges and rewards of coaching and mentorship. Bryce Jordan, another intern, sees his role as bigger than just setting up games. “I try to help them grow into better people,” he says. Being an intern was a way for him to give back to the school. “I wanted a chance to help and volunteer with my school.” Bryce finds it rewarding to watch the 6th graders develop, form friendships, and gain confidence.

The bonds formed between the interns and students often extend beyond PE class, reinforcing a sense of community. Interns also develop patience, communication, and leadership skills that will serve them well in the future. The lessons they learn—how to manage a group, encourage teamwork, and make physical activity enjoyable—will benefit them whether they pursue coaching or any other leadership role later in life. For the 6th graders, the interns make PE more enjoyable. Prince Fields appreciates the leadership aspect of the program, saying, “I think that it’s really fun that the seniors have an opportunity to coach the younger kids during PE because they have more responsibility.”

The interns actively participate in games, help enforce fair play, and add excitement to the class. Mathias Valverde notes that they “help by preventing cheating and joining in on the games,” making PE more engaging. Their energy and enthusiasm encourage students to put in more effort and develop a genuine appreciation for physical activity. With the interns on the field, students feel more encouraged to take part in games and improve their skills, knowing they have older mentors cheering them on. Beyond simply assisting, the interns bring a contagious enthusiasm to PE. “They’re energetic, they can play with us… it’s just fun to be around them and play,” Jackson Reynolds shares. Their presence makes the class both structured and lively. Popular activities like dodgeball, trench ball, and indoor soccer become even more exciting with the seniors involved. Their participation helps bridge the gap between competition and fun, as younger students see the seniors as both authority figures and friends.

The presence of athletic interns also allows PE teachers to manage the class more effectively, as having additional leaders ensures every student remains engaged and involved. Through this program, the senior interns enhance PE for younger students while gaining valuable leadership experience. The interns contribute to an environment where 6th graders can develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and an appreciation for physical activity. Whether organizing games, ensuring fair play, or simply having fun with students, their impact is clear.

As these seniors prepare to graduate, they leave behind a legacy of mentorship and teamwork that has made a lasting impression on St. Luke’s. By balancing responsibility and fun, the athletic intern program benefits both the interns and the students they mentor, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved.

The post St. Luke’s Athletic Intern Program appeared first on St. Luke's School.

Dylan Driskell Accepted Into All-State Choir Festival

Joseph Tiemann-Mena — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:56:55 +0000

Dylan Driskell Headed to All-State Choir Competition.

Dylan Driskell, a freshman at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being accepted into the prestigious All-State Choir Festival. This honor reflects not only his exceptional musical talent but also the dedication and passion he has poured into music throughout his life. Dylan’s achievement is a source of immense pride for the St. Luke’s Wildcat community, showcasing the strength of the school’s music program and the talent it fosters. His story also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of music and its ability to connect and inspire individuals.

The All-State Choral Festival, organized by the Alabama Vocal Association, is a three-day event that brings together the best young vocalists from across the state. Participants are selected through a rigorous audition process, competing against students from all over Alabama. The event provides these talented singers with the opportunity to work with nationally recognized choral clinicians, helping them refine their craft and broaden their musical horizons. The festival culminates in a professionally recorded concert at the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham, where the students perform challenging choral literature of the highest quality.

For Dylan, attending the festival represents a chance to push himself musically while collaborating with other exceptional singers. Dylan’s journey in music began early. At just five years old, he attended a gospel camp where he learned to sing in four-part harmony. This formative experience sparked a lifelong love for music and vocal performance. “It was very influential that I learned how to sing and four-part harmony at such a young age,” Dylan shared, reflecting on the significance of that early exposure.

His passion for music only grew stronger over the years, nurtured by his family’s deep musical roots. His father, Mr. Daniel Driskell, who serves as the band director at St. Luke’s, has played a pivotal role in cultivating Dylan’s talent. “We use it all the time,” Mr. Driskell remarked, emphasizing how music and four-part harmony are integral to their family’s daily life.

Dylan’s acceptance into the All-State Choir Festival is a reflection of his talent and hard work, but it also signifies his aspirations for the future. While he enjoys the immediate thrill of participating in such a prestigious event, Dylan has his sights set on long-term goals. He hopes to continue his musical journey by taking a choir class in college and potentially performing with larger musical organizations. “It gives opportunities for choir people to push themselves,” Dylan said, highlighting the unique value of the festival. Mr. Driskell echoed this sentiment, noting that the festival not only gathers the best high school singers from across Alabama but also provides a platform to showcase their dedication and skill.

Dylan’s accomplishment is a source of inspiration for the entire Wildcat community. His peers and teachers are thrilled to celebrate his success, recognizing it as a testament to the dedication and support of St. Luke’s music program. The school’s commitment to nurturing students’ talents and providing them with opportunities to excel shines through in moments like these. Dylan’s story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance, passion, and the willingness to embrace new challenges—qualities that the St. Luke’s Wildcats take great pride in fostering.

As the festival approaches, excitement continues to build within the St. Luke’s community. Dylan’s participation not only showcases his personal dedication but also reflects the collective pride and support of his family, friends, and educators. His journey highlights the importance of music in shaping young minds and creating opportunities for growth and connection. Congratulations to Dylan Driskell on this incredible achievement—we can’t wait to see where his musical journey takes him next! With his talent and determination, the future is undoubtedly bright for this remarkable young Wildcat.

The post Dylan Driskell Accepted Into All-State Choir Festival appeared first on St. Luke's School.

Biomed: Beyond Healthcare

Connie Jackson — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:27:31 +0000

Exploring Opportunities Beyond Healthcare in Biomedical Sciences.

Y
ou don't have to be solely interested in healthcare to find value in St. Luke's Biomedical Sciences program. The field of biomedical sciences offers a wide array of career paths that extend beyond traditional healthcare roles.

Senior Biomed student Hallie Dickinson has a passion for healthcare law and found an enriching experience by shadowing Mr. McDonough, an Assistant District Attorney whose work intersects with healthcare law. Her unique opportunity gave her an in-depth look at the different types of courts and the array of cases handled by the District Attorney's office.

The DA's officea prosecutes medical fraud and abuse cases, including Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance fraud. They also handle cases of medical malpractice and negligence, as well as those involving drug abuse or the illegal distribution of controlled substances. Additionally, the office addresses violations related to HIPAA and privacy alongside issues concerning mental health. Mr. McDonough's role at the District Attorney's office exemplifies how legal professionals can impact the healthcare sector.

The job shadow took place at the Mobile County Courthouse. Upon arrival, Hallie was greeted by Mr. McDonough and Fiji, a facility service dog trained to comfort victims testifying in court. They explored the district court's behind-the-scenes areas and observed various cases, primarily traffic violations. Other cases involved a murder trial, a complex domestic violence charge, and an assault case, which led to a request for a mental evaluation. Hallie learned that only circuit judges, not district judges, can order such assessments. She then had the chance to observe proceedings in the circuit courts and meet Judge Vicki M. Davis, rounding out her insightful experience in the legal system and its daily operations.

We are proud that our Biomedical Sciences program can provide foundational knowledge to thrive in numerous fields. Whether students are interested in impacting healthcare through law, technology, or business, our program offers pathways and support to help them achieve their goals!

The post Biomed: Beyond Healthcare appeared first on St. Luke's School.

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.

The post Three Trail Maids Chosen from St. Luke’s appeared first on St. Luke's School.

HOCO ’23: Day 5 – Pep Rally

Isabella Edmondson — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:53:29 +0000

Homecoming Week Wrap Up.

H
omecoming week has been so much fun! Monday was decades day. We sixth graders dressed as the 50’s! On Tuesday we got to wear our cozy pj’s and just literally roll out of bed. Wednesday was fun because it was the first time I’ve performed with the band at Chapel, on the stage! On the University campus, some students wore white shirts with a “little white lie”, like my friend Bronx, who wrote on his shirt, “I’m like 5’11”. And if you know my friend Bronx, he is very much not 5’ 11”. Thursday was dress as your favorite childhood toy so I dressed up as my favorite tiger stuffy. I wore tiger ears, gloves, and a tail.

Homecoming on the Upper Campus has been the most awesome and fun week this semester. I love it up here! This week I have mostly enjoyed being out of uniform and getting to use my imagination to choose what I wear everyday.

I think St. Luke’s hosts these fun days for Homecoming so that we can use our creative minds! We get to remember what it was like when we were younger and that it is still ok to be silly. I love homecoming week and each day makes me feel creative and free to let my imagination go wild!

The post HOCO ’23: Day 5 – Pep Rally appeared first on St. Luke's School.

HOCO ’23: Day 2 – Pajamas

Stella A. — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:15:00 +0000

Pajama Day.

T
oday was pajama dress up day. I saw a bunch of cool, funny, and fuzzy pajamas. The Japonica students had great pajamas. There were really good pajamas in 5th grade. We did this during Homecoming Week. I am sure the Japonica Campus loved it!

There were some pretty silly pajamas. Some people even brought slippers and robes. I wonder how parents and kids come up with this stuff. What really cracked me up was the Christmas pajamas. Some other people wore Halloween pajamas. I saw some Stitch pajamas that I thought were so cute!

I love how we have these fun and silly homecoming days. I love when laughter fills the halls on dress up days. I think it is special that we get to have these days. People come up with these crazy costumes. I really like when the teachers dress up. I am already excited for next year!

The post HOCO ’23: Day 2 – Pajamas appeared first on St. Luke's School.

HOCO ’23 Day 1: DECADES

Rose P. — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:30:59 +0000

Wildcats Are Timeless.

M
onday the 23rd was Decades Day. Fifth grade got 80’s and 4th grade got 70’s. The Japonica campus was covered with bright neon pants, crazy hairstyles, and the doors were decorated with all kinds of crazy stuff! Decades Day, all the grades got to dress up as a decade, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and more.

Jace in 4th grade had one of the most outrageous costumes. He was wearing a brunette wig and some funny glasses and a 70’s costume. Mrs. Morrow also had an outrageous costume too! She had a tie-dye shirt on and a headband with jeans. I think everyone got their costume ideas from Google and Amazon.

I think St. Luke’s hosts fun days to get us excited or hyped up. Homecoming is special to me because the whole school goes to the Upper Campus for the super fun pep rally. I love the Mr. Wildcat contest! The Wildcats will beat the Bulldogs Friday!

The post HOCO ’23 Day 1: DECADES appeared first on St. Luke's School.

St. Luke’s Biomed Student Saves Lives

Melanie Davis — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:01:29 +0000

L
ast year, Sean Breedlove, a St. Luke’s Biomed student, became CPR certified. He never thought that knowledge would come in handy, but it became a lifesaver when he least expected it.

One summer evening, Sean's family was in South Carolina for a soccer tournament. Sean, his parents, and siblings were enjoying a meal together when his dad suddenly started choking on his food. He lost consciousness and his face turned blue. Sean quickly checked his dad's pulse and found it to be very faint. He knew he had to bring back his Biomed skills.

Sean learning [CPR] from you saved our dad.
Katie Breedlove

Thanks to his CPR training in Mr. Bentley’s Fundamentals Biomed class, Sean immediately began performing CPR on his dad. He remembered the steps he learned in class and stayed calm throughout the entire process. An ambulance was called, and they arrived quickly to take his father to the hospital. Thanks to Sean's quick thinking and knowledge of CPR, he saved his dad's life. His father made a full recovery and did not suffer any lasting damage.

To show his family’s gratitude, Sean’s sister Katie sent this message: I want you to know

how extremely thankful we are for you, always but especially right now. While the rest of my family is in South Carolina for soccer, tonight our dad choked on his dinner. Sean gave him mouth-to-mouth and saved him. The doctor said he wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for that. Sean learning that from you saved our dad. I’m so thankful he has a teacher like you. Not only has he learned so much from you, but we are truly blessed because of you and what you have taught him. I just wanted you to know that you make an enormous impact on these kids.

Sean's family was grateful for his quick actions and proud of him for using his skills from Biomed to help his dad in a time of need. The incident proved that CPR training can be a valuable and life-saving skill for anyone to have.

We are so proud of Sean!

The post St. Luke’s Biomed Student Saves Lives appeared first on St. Luke's School.

St. Luke’s Students Visit WKRG

Melanie Davis — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:54:43 +0000

Wildcats Visit WKRG.

H
ave you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your favorite news station? St. Luke’s students, Lauren and Ally McGinnis did and had the opportunity to visit WKRG studios with anchor Cherish Lombard for a valuable learning experience.

It was news to the McGinnis girls how much goes on behind the scenes at WKRG. They enjoyed seeing firsthand the producers and other production staff who are an integral part of the show. One of their favorite parts of the tour was watching the “4 on 5” live in the studio. The 4 on 5 gives WKRG viewers an early look at developing stories of the day as they’re happening. It combines news, weather, traffic, and social media elements and a look behind the scenes of the news-gathering process. Lauren said, “It was cool to watch the cameras move around. They are like robots!”

At the end of their visit to WKRG, Lauren and Ally met chief meteorologist Ed Bloodsworth and pretended to do the weather. When asked if they had fun, they replied, “It was so fun! The best day EVER!”

The post St. Luke’s Students Visit WKRG appeared first on St. Luke's School.