University Archives • St. Luke's School https://slesmobile.org/category/university/ Mobile's Top K2-12 Private School Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:33:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://slesmobile.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-SL-Hi-Res-32x32.png University Archives • St. Luke's School https://slesmobile.org/category/university/ 32 32 Academic Insights: October 2024 https://slesmobile.org/academic-insights-october-2024/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:32:56 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17283 Understand the importance of accreditation in education. Discover how academic accreditation ensures quality standards in K-12 schools.

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The Importance of Accreditation.

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s St. Luke's continues to support its mission to prepare students for college and life, it is important to provide continuing education to parents, students, and the community on the ways that the school is accomplishing its goals. Each quarter, we will release an informative article on this progress. Our inagural issue will feature important information on accreditation.

What is academic accreditation?

Academic accreditation signifies a school's commitment to quality. The process to receive this certification requires that the school meet research-based performance standards that are measurable and meaningful to K-12 education. It is a voluntary process involving self-study and evaluation including a peer review by top educators from other independent schools.

Why is it important to be an accredited school?

Accreditation for a K-12 school is essential for guaranteeing educational quality, building trust with parents, and fostering continuous improvement in the school’s educational practices.

What are the types of accreditation available to K-12 schools?

There are several types of accreditation including Regional, National, State, International, Specialized, and Faith-Based.

What types of accreditation does St. Luke's hold?

  • Regional: Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
  • Regional: Cognia (formerly known as AdvancED)
NOTE: We are currently pursuing Specialized STEM Accreditation through Cognia and the National Institute of STEM Excellence.

How does this impact you/your student?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recognizes SAIS and Cognia in determining athletic eligibility for incoming student-athletes.

Students who attend a regionally accredited school may have advantages over those who do not. These include recognition of the diploma, increased chances of college acceptance, credit transfer, financial aid eligibility, institutional stability, and curriculum standards.

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Fall at St. Luke’s https://slesmobile.org/fall-at-st-lukes/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:08:18 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17211 Celebrate the arrival of fall at St. Luke's. From the joy of pumpkin spice to the excitement of Halloween, embrace the essence of the season.

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It's Fall at St. Luke's.

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s the cooler weather begins to emerge, the arrival of the wonderful fall season is on everyone's mind. To me, fall embodies a collection of comforting and exciting experiences: pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, the excitement of football season, and, of course, the fun of Halloween. Although fall technically starts on September 22nd, in Mobile, Alabama—where I live—fall doesn't truly begin until the temperatures drop, usually toward the end of October. On campus, I personally define the start of fall as the time when we can comfortably wear our jackets or blazers all day without needing to take them off as soon as we step outside the classroom.

During the fall months, high school students, including myself, spend our Friday nights cheering on our Wildcat football teams with an abundance of school spirit. One of my favorite parts is dressing up in theme and taking cute pictures beneath the stadium lights. While my outfits may seem a bit dainty, I’m always fully immersed in the game, cheering loudly and blowing my horn after every touchdown, incredible pass, or game-changing tackle. Win or lose, our Wildcat pride never diminishes. In this tight-knit community, Wildcats always support each other, and that sense of pride is what makes our school so special.

The fall season also brings two major holidays, each filled with wonderful memories. The first, of course, is Halloween. Finding the perfect costume is always an adventure, and everyone approaches it differently. Some people aim for cute costumes, others prefer spooky looks, and some go for humorous outfits that guarantee a good laugh. Personally, I enjoy creating funny costumes—something unique that no one else is likely to wear. My costumes might be a little difficult to move in or even slightly embarrassing to some, but I love making people laugh. Last year, despite Halloween falling on a school night, my friends and I couldn’t resist staying out late to go trick-or-treating. At St. Luke’s, we have some fantastic Halloween traditions, like trunk-or-treat and an out-of-uniform day where everyone gets to dress up in costumes.

The second big holiday in the fall is Thanksgiving. For me, Thanksgiving is all about enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal and spending quality time with family. The break from school during Thanksgiving week is a much-appreciated bonus. My family usually stays in town to celebrate, gathering with loved ones to enjoy the holiday meal, but I know others who take advantage of the time off to travel and visit extended family. Both of these holidays perfectly capture the essence of fall, representing a season of fun, laughter, and meaningful time spent with family and friends.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a few St. Luke’s students who experienced the fall on the Japonica campus and were eager to share their fond memories. Presley Jackson recalled her favorite fall activity: carving and painting pumpkins. She loved that her parents were able to join her on campus and spend time together while they carved pumpkins as a family. Another student, Ahja Wilder, spoke about the excitement of participating in the campus’s haunted house tradition. Each year, the 5th graders would design a haunted house, and during the fall festival, students and parents alike would walk through and enjoy the spooky experience. Ahja vividly remembered her 5th-grade year when they created a Harry Potter-themed haunted house, complete with representations of the various Hogwarts houses. Lily mentioned how much she cherished the annual Thanksgiving Feast tradition. The students would dress up as either Native Americans or Pilgrims and share a Thanksgiving meal with their parents, creating lasting memories.

Though it's not fall in Stars Hollow, fall at St. Luke's in Mobile holds just as many fun traditions and beautiful weather. St. Luke's hits its stride in fall, leaves and all.

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Class of 2025 Senior Privilege https://slesmobile.org/class-of-2025-senior-privilege/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:31:29 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17111 Join the Class of 2025 in celebrating their senior privileges. Learn about the memorable Senior Privilege Ceremony at St. Luke's Episcopal School.

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Celebrating Senior Privileges with the Class of 2025.

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he annual Senior Privilege Ceremony was held in the Auditorium on St. Luke’s Episcopal School’s University Campus on Friday, September 13, 2024. This day marks a significant milestone that the Class of 2025 looks forward to each year. All forty-four members of our senior class were proudly seated on the stage, wearing our new white senior t-shirts, facing the eager student body, faculty, and parents in attendance.

This ceremony officially presented us with our senior privileges. These privileges allow us to leave campus during our lunch period to grab a meal nearby, with the understanding that we must return in a timely manner for our next class. Seniors with a study hall during the seventh period can even leave school early. Additionally, we have access to the Senior room during any free period, a space to hangout and relax that is reserved exclusively for seniors. Once a month, senior parents collaborate to serve lunch for our entire senior class as another special treat.

During the ceremony, we were honored to hear from our guest speaker, Edmond G. Naman, a Circuit Judge for the Mobile County Juvenile Court. He delivered a powerful speech warning us us of the dangers and consequences of abusing the privileges we were about to receive. Judge Naman shared a personal story from his childhood that inspired his journey to become a judge. He served as an assistant district attorney for about 12 years. He told us more stories and touched on many cases that he had overseen in his career. It became evident that he had a passion for helping young people get back on their feet. In his conclusion, he reminded us to show gratitude to our community and our families who have cared and sacrificed a great deal to invest in our education.

Mrs. Alicia Matthews also addressed our class, sharing heartfelt insights about our new role on campus as leaders. She encouraged us to guide underclassmen in making positive decisions and to strive for our goals while holding each other accountable. Mrs. Matthews inspired us to leave a lasting legacy at St. Luke’s. After her speech, each member of the Class of 2025 received a key chain with our own initials personally engraved on the back as a token of remembrance.

After the ceremony, we were finally granted the privilege every student anticipates: leaving assembly first. Once we exited the auditorium, a reception awaited us and our parents, complete with decorated tables and delicious refreshments.

Everywhere I looked everyone was eating and laughing along with their friends, and I felt proud of the Class of 2025 because we have made it so far. After all these long and stressful years, we have finally made it to our final year. Receiving our senior privileges felt like a reward for all of our efforts that we have put into this school over the years. I truly believe that these privileges will bring us closer together and unite us as a class throughout this final year.

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HOCO 2024: Socks https://slesmobile.org/hoco-2024-socks/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 21:17:25 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17074 Who knew that socks have such a wild backstory? See Intern Joseph Tiemann-Mena's sort-of-true deep dive into socks.

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More Than Silly Socks.

Homecoming week is a staple of high school tradition. Every day has a different fun theme to it, such as “Character Day” or “Pajama Day.” However, one of the class’ favorites has always been “Silly Sock Day.” It involves the expected: people wearing the silliest socks they can find. Students can be seen sporting dill pickle socks, beer pint socks, TMNT socks, and Catholic saint socks. Daniel Newman, a senior at St. Lukes, spoke on his enjoyment of Silly Sock Day, saying “Silly Sock Day is the goofiest day of the year!” The history of socks extends far beyond St. Lukes, however.

Socks have existed for millennia, since their invention by John Sock during ancient times. Back then, society dealt with major issues due to a lack of socks. Chafed, sweaty, and cold feet were all commonplace. Something had to be done, so with a stroke of genius, the first socks were created. Early models were very rudimentary, simply being animal skin that was tied around the feet. However, sock technology steadily advanced, and an updated version was released by the Romans around 200 BC, known as udones. These were the first fitted socks, now made of cloth instead of skin. Being cheaper and much more comfortable, they spread throughout all of Rome.

Socks saw their next major improvement centuries later during the Industrial Revolution. Socks could now be produced six times faster, and their dirt cheap price meant even rural peasants could enjoy them. Nylon started being incorporated into socks starting in 1938, meaning socks were now more durable and elastic. Rubber bands were also added to socks, meaning garters were no longer needed to hold them up. A famous journalist from the Foot News Network commented “Socks have been greatly improved in recent years. I recently purchased a pair of white stockings, and was impressed with the superior craftsmanship, convenience, and luxury.”

This leads us to today’s modern sock, the culmination of millennia worth of innovation. They are extremely affordable, almost anybody can purchase them. They keep feet dry in sweaty conditions. They are durable enough to withstand the most active lifestyles. Socks are often unnoticed despite the convenience they bring us and the incredible technology they are constructed with. “Silly Sock Day” at St. Lukes is not only a day for students to have fun, but one to commemorate one of the most invaluable articles of clothing in our lives.

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HOCO 2024: Rhyme Without Reason https://slesmobile.org/hoco-2024-rhyme-without-reason/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:55:30 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17069 Experience the excitement of Rhyme Without Reason at St. Luke's homecoming week. Dress up, celebrate, and have a blast!

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Rhyme Without Reason Tuesday.

The Wildcat football team faces Bayshore this Friday for their homecoming game. The Saturday following, St. Luke’s students will get to attend the homecoming dance. Leading up to these events, St. Luke’s tradition is to have a week full of dress up prior. Some typical themes can be pajama day, twin day, spirit day, or even celebrity day. This year St. Luke’s hopped on a trending idea for their most recent homecoming theme.

Rhyme without reason has recently become a internet sensation. Rhyme without reason is has been used for schools homecoming weeks across the nation along with other parties or events. The idea of this theme is to dress up with a partner or group of friends in costumes that rhyme, but don’t connect.

Considering St. Luke’s students are always in uniform, people take dress up days very seriously. People plans the costumes way in advance and with meticulous detail and creativity. A few creative duo costumes were, Kanye West and Overdressed done by CJ and Ashton, Travis Scott and Swat worn by Colbie and Luna, and Icee and Spicy done by Carsten and Ryland. Presley and Lily took two recent memes and made a rhyme with it. Presley was Nina, a Tiktok and youtube sensation, and Lily was Meena, an elephant from sing who was recently memed on Tiktok. A few students put there elementary school educations to use and were able to come up with three rhyming costumes. Alina, Hannah, and Baker came up with a creative trio idea which was, Slim Shady, Tom Brady, and Big Baby. Another creative trio was Gym Bro, Tennis Pro, and Frat Bro, worn by Turner, Lauren, and Millie.

Most students would probably say rhyme without reason was a success and maybe want to see the return of it next year. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the rest of the themes are crazy socks, pjs, and spirit wear. Expect lots of spirit and creativity leading up to the football game and homecoming dance!

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HOCO 2024: Movie Star Monday https://slesmobile.org/hoco-2024-movie-star-monday/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:15:56 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=17023 Movie Star Monday.Homecoming Spirit Week is a busy and exciting tradition that all students look forward to. School spirit is generated by the student body engaging in school activities like themed dress up days, school pep rallies, and the homecoming game and dance. Each day offers a fun new theme where students can creatively express themselves and show their school ... Read More

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Movie Star Monday.

Homecoming Spirit Week is a busy and exciting tradition that all students look forward to. School spirit is generated by the student body engaging in school activities like themed dress up days, school pep rallies, and the homecoming game and dance. Each day offers a fun new theme where students can creatively express themselves and show their school pride by dressing up.Movie Star Monday during HOCO 2024 Having this opportunity to appear in something other than the traditional uniform to school and dress up for one of these themes creates a bond among everyone. This year, the themes include Movie Star Monday, Rhyme Without Reason, Crazy Socks, Pajama Day, and Homecoming T-Shirt Day. The fun is not limited to students alone. Faculty and staff also enjoy this opportunity to play along and enjoy the festivities.

Movie Star Monday is definitely one of the most popular themes of Homecoming Week. Fans of movies and tv shows had the opportunity to impersonate the characters they adore following on the screen and social media. It was a fun challenge to try to identify the character each student was portraying. Who did we see walking down the halls of high school, or should we say the “red carpet”? Some of those characters were Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Jenna Ortega in Wednesday, Adam Sandler or Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls to name a few.

One did not need to spend a lot of money on purchasing costumes from big box stores to dress like a movie star. All that was required was some imagination and creativity. There were several do it yourself ideas that were just a Google search away. The perfect attire may have already been in a student’s closet, their parent’s closet, or a local thrift store. An Audrey Hepburn look could be easily pulled together with a black dress, black gloves, and wearing your hair up in a bun. A minion costume could be accomplished with a yellow shirt, goggles, and blue overalls. Adam Sandler costumes were simply composed of baggy basketball shorts, long baggy t-shirt, and tennis shoes. Barbie costumes were easy to outfit with a pink shirt and pants and accessories such as a purse and heels.

It was amusing to see some students join together as a group and choose to participate and dress up like the cast of Mean Girls, Disney or Pixar films, Marvel, Top Gun, Adams Family, or Great Gatsby. Overall, this day provided the perfect opportunity for both students and faculty to show off their favorite movie star.

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2024 Homecoming Week https://slesmobile.org/2024-homecoming-week/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:04:22 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=16988 It's finally here, HOCO 2024! Get ready for a week of celebrating, Wildcats!

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HOCO Traditions.

H
omecoming Week is here and there are hundreds of people who work behind the scenes to make it all possible! Specifically, St. Luke’s very own Student Government takes the task of Homecoming day and preparations by horns and dives right in starting in early July. The members of the Student Government began planning this ongoing tradition amid their summer break. They developed an outline for themes, venues, games, and more! This year, the Senior members of the Student Government have made it their mission to create more of an involved student body, including the Wildcats down at the lower campus.


I’m really glad that SGA was able to be more involved this year. I think that all of SGA was very committed to figuring out the themes and we were able to get a lot of student feedback. I hope that the success SGA had with the planning of homecoming week will continue and I look forward to working with the SGA and the rest of the student body this year.
Gavin Leege,SGA President

Another way our Student Government has become embedded into the development of our spectacular homecoming week was through marketing and selling the homecoming T-shirts. The head of the homecoming committee, Diane Swearingen, has been working hand in hand with our Student Government to help market and fund our homecoming dance. They collaborated to develop a theme and design for the dance and T-shirts. Since the T-shirts served as one of the homecoming committees' main sources of funds for the dance, sales needed to be through the roof. For the first time, Homecoming T-shirts were being sold exclusively online, resulting in an obstacle for promoting sales on the Japonica Campus. Realizing the importance of these sales, the Student government took action, volunteering their own lunch breaks to design and create advertising posters for not only the University Campus but also the Japonica Campus. With the assistance of these devoted students, they were able to sell over three hundred T-shirts, within the last week of the polls.


The SGA has been very welcoming with all the new people and makes sure to not leave anyone out with the ideas and the fundraisers. It has been fun getting to know everyone…and what it takes to put all the events together for Homecoming.
Kenlee Hamilton, Freshman SGA Secretary/Treasurer

On the last day of Homecoming week, all of these Students' hard work finally pays off. This Friday will be filled with immense school spirit, laughter, and a school-wide competition. The Student Government has developed an activity-filled schedule for each student on the upper campus. From relay races to the highly anticipated Homecoming Pep Rally, no one will be bored. There will be an option for every student to be active and find joy on this celebratory day. There will be the continuation of our school, teacher versus senior student volleyball game, which is never without a little laughter. But most exciting is the action-packed powderpuff game.


Powderpuff is one of the most exciting events on homecoming day. It brings out the competitive tendencies between the Junior and Senior girls and provides a humorous halftime show performed by the junior and senior boys. Being a part of the group who has worked diligently to develop this Homecoming day, has made me appreciate everyone who works behind the scenes.
William McDonough, Senior SGA Secretary/Treasurer

We are so thankful to every person who has helped and supported the St. Luke’s community throughout the development of our very own unique homecoming experience. There are so many faculty, parents, and staff who go unnoticed for their dedication and sacrifice to make homecoming a truly memorable experience. The Wildcat family is unlike any other and we can never express our gratitude for you all. We hope to see you all dressed up in your wildcat fashion this Friday on our very on field. Go Wildcats!

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Senior Year, 2025 https://slesmobile.org/senior-year-2025/ Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:47:00 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=16853 It's senior season at St. Luke's! Get an inside look at the class of 2025 as they navigate senior year traditions and more.

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Senior Season 2025.

L
ook Out... It’s Senior Season!! The class of 2025 has been stepping forward to embark upon their newest adventure, Senior Year! As the new rising royalty of the campus, they are working diligently to fill the large shoes of the previous classes. Starting the 2025 senior season strong, they have self-organized and come together to live out the senior year aspirations of their younger selves. Embarking on the many different St. Luke’s traditions developed by the senior classes who have come before them and leaving their mark on the Wildcat timeline.

The seniors at St. Luke’s have been and will continue to be held near and dear to our hearts. This forty-four-student class has been able to mature and create strong bonds as they take the next steps of their lives together. Many of our students have been able to grow up together. Some since Mother’s Day Out and some joining us just last year. Nonetheless, each one of them has left a permanent mark on our school. The emotions are strong as we watch the young children who used to push each other on the swings apply to college and advance into adulthood. Although this class may end up scattered all across the country, they know that they will always have a family waiting for them back at St. Luke’s.

One of our school's favorite traditions of senior season originated only a few years ago. The unveiling of the painted senior parking spots has become a major highlight at the beginning of the school year for all the students. Over the summer, the senior class is called to design and paint their parking spot. They are allowed to embrace their own creativity and unique personalities. They were able to turn tape and paint into show-stopping pieces of art. Walking around the parking lot and witnessing the vast variations of designs shows the unique qualities and character that make up our senior class. One of the fan-favorite parking spots is Abe Elshoura’s artistic display of his Egyptian heritage.

Almost hidden by the shade of the large oak tree resting near the top of the parking lot, Abe’s spot ensnares the attention of every person who wanders into its gaze. The detailed eagle and bright colors of the flag of his homeland create an emotional and nostalgic aura, which demands appreciation.

2025 Senior Sunrise tradition at St. Luke's on Dauphin Island

Another one of St. Luke's more common senior traditions is the Senior Sunrise. The whole class gathered on an agreed early morning and enjoyed each other's company as they breathed in the last moments of their summer. They bask in the ambiance of the beautiful sunrise over the calm Dauphin Island waves. Arianna Ori recounts her experience at Senior sunrise as, “...As the sun rose, that's when it officially hit me that I had finished rising and I was officially a senior. I was at the top, just like the sun.” Providing a perfect moment to step into their final year at St. Luke’s. This tradition holds a special place in many seniors' hearts as it marks the beginning of the end.

It felt like we were all freshmen all over again and it was just us against the world.
Madisen Gabel, Class of 2025

It represents how this grade will arise into the responsibilities as the leaders of the campus. They spent the morning reminiscing on the past adventures and memories of students who have been attending St. Luke’s all of their lives. They spend the rest of their afternoon together, creating new memories while they design their Senior Crowns for their “Last First Day of High School.” Andrew Thomas, who has been a student at St. Luke’s since Pre-K Three describes his first day of senior year as, “.. (It) truly helped me encompass the idea that I’m a senior now. I couldn’t even comprehend how fast time had gone by and how my high school days were coming to an end. Spending all my time at St. Luke’s has made me cherish everyone around me along with the memories I’ve made.”

In the spring, after their last day of senior year, the soon-to-be graduated class will reconvene on the St. Luke’s football field to watch the sunset over their beloved alma mater for the last time. Symbolizing the end of their longest and final journey as St. Luke’s students and marking the beginnings of their lives as the newest St. Luke’s alumni.

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HOCO 2024 Upper School https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kClqieeiJnKfH7YCzjg5BErcDWVuXEBu/view?usp=sharing#new_tab Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:00:16 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=16740 🥁 📣 Get your 2024 HOCO INFO for Upper School, grades 9-12. 🏈

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HOCO 2024 Middle School https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3piHQnDSKEcWoT2lSbw19aHeUZqOpG7/view?usp=sharing#new_tab Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:52:03 +0000 https://slesmobile.org/?p=16737 Get your 2024 HOCO INFO for Middle School, grades 6-8 on the University Campus. 🏈 🐾

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