Jubilee Vol.3 No.1

ubilee J

Treasure of the Bluff October 2025

THE ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

SUNNY VACATIONS SUMMER OF ‘25

FINISHING TOUCHES

NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

FEATURES VOL. 3 NO. 1

STUDENT

LIFESTYLE

On the Covers

EDITOR’S NOTE

8/27/25, 2:26 PM

This summer, the tide brought in new students, teachers, classes, and friendships. Here we are once again on Bayside’s sandy shores! The upcoming year is full of possibilities in academic, athletic, and artistic areas. I am thrilled to have another year writing for the Jubilee Magazine; The would be nothing without our Bayside Community, and all of the wonderful events constantly occurring. I hope every student enjoys their first quarter back, and gets ready for another great year!

CONTRIBUTORS

I love expressing myself through writing, especially when given a topic of interest. On the Bayside Journalism team, I’m free to share Bayside events in my own words. Beyond writing, I’m drawn to robotics and aviation, aspiring to one day create groundbreaking technologies that shape the future.

Brody Gwaltney ‘26

Summer is ending, though with every ending, there is a new beginning. I am thrilled to experience my first year at Bayside Academy and am so excited to work with and write for TheJubileeMagazine; explore more deeply my artistic side through writing, theatre, and music; and find new adventures around every corner.

Poppy Reese ‘27

https://drive google com/drive/folders/1Q3rUIJcPP68TidctSSKdWc8d-puGldJ8

p As summer comes to an end and the slight breeze on campus invites the arrival of autumn, we welcome another year at Bayside. I’m excited to be a part of TheJubileeMagazine this semester. I am able to explore other facets of my artistic side through this opportunity to write for the Jubilee. I’m honored to be a part of this project throughout this school year.

Penny Snell ‘27

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

BY AMELIA HICKS

With colorful sprinkles decorating their sweet treats, Bayside students gather to kick-off the school year. From the seniors in blue with their aesthetic crowns to toddlers with ribbons, the bluff hosted over eight hundred students for the first day of school. New and old students alike were not only able to catch-up with their school friends, but also reconnect with their Bayside home. This year’s stormy weather posed threats to the sacred tradition of the Ice Cream Social, but with sheer luck, the dark clouds temporarily separated-- just enough time for socializing over a cold treat. The first day can be hectic, and even stressful as students are suddenly handed a list full of classes with different teachers and classmates. After spending several hours touring the campus and racing class-to-class for introductions, students were in need of a peaceful ending to a frantic day.

After years of growing up on Bayside’s Campus, the seniors finally take their place at the top of the school, and the first day is always a big event for them; it’s not just a first day, it is the last-first day of their lives’ first chapter. In a year, they will have graduated and moved on to new and bigger things, but for now, they preside over the school as scholars, athletes, performers, and friends. The Class of 2026 walked onto campus with colorful crowns and blue shirts, parading all the way from the track to the lower bluff. Happy for the new year, Annie Taul ‘26 said, “[...] it was so much fun walking to [the Ice Cream Social] in the Senior Parade! It made me really sad though because it is my last one.” As bittersweet as it may be, Taul reflects positively on her first day.

Summer, though meant to be a relaxing break, can be a busy time full of new experiences. Coming back to campus after a great summer of travel and friends, Mack DeLaney ‘27 remarked, “This year made my twelfth Ice Cream Social, and I really think it’s a cool tradition, because at the end of the first day you really get to relax, talk to people, and get ready for the school year.”

The Ice Cream Social is beloved by Bayside’s most seasoned, but even the newer students love the welcoming tradition. Though he may be newer than most, T-Bug Baker ‘27 celebrated his fifth Ice Cream Social this year. Grateful for the event, Baker stated, “Personally, I think it’s the perfect way to begin school because we have something to look forward to at the end of the day.” The Ice Cream Social’s success is a hopeful preview for a great school year.

1. Blue skies overhead, students from all grades and ages gather on the bluff for a cup of ice cream with friends.

2. Leading the Senior Parade, Wells Lambert ‘26, Major Thompson ‘26, and Bo Hammock ‘26 march through ES students.

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CONSTRUCTION: MIDDLE SCHOOL

an update on the long-awaited addition to bayside’s campus

WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE?

artificial intelligence and the regression of humanity

BY POPPY REESE

AI is transforming industries by automating repetitive work, crunching massive data sets, and delivering insights in real time. It frees us from mundane tasks so we can focus on creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. Likewise, integrating AI in schools enhances personalized learning, automates administrative tasks, and equips students with future-ready skills. A 2025 survey found that 86% of education organizations are now using generative AI—the highest adoption rate of any industry.

I bet you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I wrote that first paragraph using AI. Students across the globe are using AI to cheat in school, raising concerns among educators, and overshadowing any positives the usage of AI may have yielded. Jessica Tran ‘26 says, “people are starting to heavily rely on AI for information even when the sources AI [gets] information from is inaccurate or misleading […]AI doesn't have the complexities of how a human brain processes information, [so] when students use AI, it can cause a lack of the ability to process information accurately.” A study from MIT also found that overreliance on AI can reduce cognitive engagement and critical thinking, saying, “While LLMs offer immediate convenience, our findings highlight potential cognitive costs. Over four months, LLM users consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.”

After almost two years of construction, the new Middle School building now receives its finishing touches. This much needed addition to campus replaces half of the notorious Mitchell Hall; the other half is planned to be demolished. If the timeline is followed, the Middle School building will be in full swing by the end of first semester. Upper School faculty and students underwent large adjustments during the project due to a lack of classrooms for Middle School students. While the majority of the Middle School students were moved to the library or the remaining half of Mitchell Hall, the rest were sent to the bottom floor of the McLean Building. The six sacrificed rooms meant that several Upper School teachers were without a private classroom; instead, they became “Floating Teachers”. Having had three semesters of teachers floating from class to class, Audrey Haines ‘28 commented, “I really like [floating teachers], because I don’t have to be in the same classroom all the time.”

While some students enjoyed the change of scenery, others did not. Anticipating the project’s end, Allison Hagan ‘28 said, “I hope to get the whole high school back.”

With his desk directly facing the construction site, Middle School Dean of Students Wade Long keeps a careful eye on the building project. Mr. Long played an integral part in strategically moving students and faculty throughout the school. The task was not for the light-hearted, and Mr. Long remarked, “The biggest hurdle we had to face was relocating everyone to different classrooms during the construction process [..] That was stressful to all of us, including Upper School because Upper School teachers then had to float for us to take the classrooms, which I very much appreciate.” The reason for Upper School teachers floating and not Middle School teachers is, according to Mr. Long, “We decided that with the developmental level of middle schoolers that we should not have them going to different places at different times.” The decision was a consensus among several administrators, one of no surprise.

Awaiting the day when the doors are open, Mr. Long states, “It’s going to be much easier to adjust backwards because everybody’s classrooms are already assigned and with the new building we have all new furniture [...] we don’t have to move a whole lot into the building except for teachers’ personal stuff.” The new building will be stocked with classrooms for all core subjects; however, art, band, drama, and Spanish classes will remain in their current locations. The whole school is excited not only for the construction to end, but also for the Middle Schoolers to finally have their own building.

1. Boasting its presence, the new middle school building gets its final touches before opening to students.

2. A view of the new middle school building seamlessly integrating into Bayside’s campus

3. An AI generated image which was prompted with: “girl sitting at a computer”

UPDATES TO BAYSIDE

new coats of paint and new landscaping across campus

BY PENNY SNELL

Ushering into a new school year, Bayside welcomes the Freshmen class to the upper school as well as several new students and teachers. The school has also established additional classes such as CP physics, community engagement, pre-AP Biology, ACT prep, and Theater Productions, allowing a wider range of choices for high school students to explore. Over the Summer, Bayside has undergone significant changes such as the new paint job to the McLean Building, which brightened the campus and provided a better environment on the Bluff for student socializing. Additionally, the new flooring and paint job to the gym enhanced its atmosphere while motivating athletes to keep performing their best on the court. Keenly observing Bayside’s updates, Colman Klecker ‘26 mentions, “The changes on our campus reflect new beginnings for the school year that promote and motivate students mentally and educationally as well as show the development of the education system at Bayside.” With the new middle school currently under construction, Bayside prepares to welcome a year of change that will help encourage both our athletes and students to continue working hard in everything they do.

BLOCK, BUMP, ATTACK... MINE!

how admiral volleyball players build effortless teamwork

BY AMELIA HICKS

Volleyball requires an understood rhythm and intertwined collaboration among its players. Every practice strives for this flawless execution of teamwork through movement. Though countless drills and exercises are crucial for success on the court, so is spatial awareness. Muscle memory is over-powered by bonded teammates and defined positions; that’s the difference between a team that wins and a winning team. Understanding her role on the team, Reece Wilmott ‘27 comments, “I try my best to get a kill so that the work they put in works out for the best [...] we work hard for each other to make each other look good.” Just like any team sport, volleyball players take responsibility in finding the balance between giving and receiving. Each position relies on one another, and each position has the power to dictate the next point’s outcome. While their movements may be fluid and beautiful, their words are not so much. Volleyball is famous for its players shouting “Mine” countless times during a match. The yelling is loud and aggressive, yet required for a victory. Valuing communication, Julia Savage ‘27 takes the stereotype to heart: “I communicate by calling the ball so they know it’s mine and by yelling at the hitters where to hit.” Placed in the back row, Savage oversees the entire court; her job is to not only inform her teammates of what is coming over the net, but also to instruct them on how to respond. Her words, as expected, carry weight for Bayside volleyball players as they guide the team through their plays.

The fanbase for volleyball is divided by grade levels, but united in cheers. In each match and tournament, the echoes of fans and student-sections ring through every gym fortunate enough to hold the Bayside Volleyball team.

ONE RUN AWAY

BY BRODY GWALTNEY

In August, Shelby Fargason ‘26 ran the 3,000 meter race in 11:34, which was 48 seconds faster than second place. Nominated for the Alabama Runner of The Week, Fargason received countless votes from her peers, resulting in a win.

She commented saying, “I have a lot of confidence for this season, especially after my performance at the Alabama Allstars Race. I am very excited and trust my training, and ready to give it my all.” Bayside is proud of her contribution to the cross country team, and she hopes to see her success continue throughout the remainder of her senior season.

The secret to their success is none other than Coach Swagart. Swagart’s methodical coaching technique can be derived from his three points of teamwork, which are as follows: Team - We enjoy what we do with one another, building up one another through common experiences and trials. Excellence - We do all things to the best of our ability, disciplined to do all things the right way and all the way. Commitment - We always be there for one another, realizing this is what keeps us together and helps us reach our goals.

TOUCHDOWN OUT OF TOWN

admiral football’s quick turn-around to big wins

BY BRODY GWALTNEY

Only a handful of games into the football season, Bayside Academy has had a spectacular start. Though suffering a tough loss to Saint Michael, Bayside turned the tide with consistent wins that followed.

Covering Bayside's overwhelming victory of 41-19 over the Mulberry Bulldogs, Cooper Kohn ‘29 commented saying, “I thought it was very fun, did very well, and Bayside will continue to

Bayside’s Orange Beach game remains as a reminder of football’s unique play-style found in no other sports. Bayside's football team has demonstrated what it means to be dedicated to performance, and our enormous victory over Orange Beach

Then Bayside had another overwhelming victory: this time over Saint Monroe County 60-0. During the Monroe County game, Sitton Harcourt ‘28 quipped, “Pretty boring if I do say so myself. I left at half time, but it was fun to watch Ward Hix play.” Even with Sitton’s merciless and brutally honest comments, Bayside was outstanding with its performance during the game.

Bayside is proud of their hard work put into having a successful football season and look forward to keeping this energy throughout the football season as seen with the previous years.

1. Hyping each other up, Haley Robinson ‘26 and Julia Savage ‘27 share a high-five in between points.

2. Yelling at the sideline, coaches make sure the players are ready to jump on the field at any moment.

3. Heading for the wall, Boyce Magli ‘26 makes one last push in his event to secure a better finish.

SWIMMING HEADS FOR THE DEEP END

how admiral swimmers are smashing personal records this year

BY BRODY GWALTNEY

At the beginning of this year's swim season, a new US faculty member Dr. Reese took over the swim team; Ever since, the swim team has been beating records nonstop. Long-time swimmer and team captain Boyce Magli ‘26 has broken his old times by nearly 20 seconds in events such as 100 meter freestyle. Also crushing his times, Garrek Snell ‘26 is on track to qualify and compete in the Alabama sectional meet-- the precursor to the Alabama state championship meet in Birmingham. Snell looks forward to “getting in better shape than I was last year.” Looking forward to future meets, the Admirals still have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Bayside’s next meet will be at UMS-Wright on October 17th.

Snippets of Summer

how some admirals spent their summer break

BY SEBASTIAN WINSTEAD

Summer break is always a time for high schoolers to relax, travel, and make memories. This year, several students had especially exciting adventures. Ava Blackwell ‘26 traveled across Africa with her family, visiting five different countries and experiencing a wide variety of cultures and landscapes. On the other hemisphere, Farrah Lane ‘27 spent a portion of her summer at her family’s lake house in Maine, where she enjoyed the calm water and warm evenings. Exploring Colorado with his friends, Thompson Coker ‘26 headed west, spending his days hiking through the mountains and absorbing scenic views. Meanwhile, Mary Helen Williams ‘28 went to England with her family, enjoying the sights and experiences the country had to offer. Each summer was unique, but all of them were filled with new memories and stories that made each summer unforgettable.

Enjoying an adventerous hike, Farrah Lane ‘27 faces Mt. Katahdin.

Posing for a photo, Mary Helen Williams ‘28 enjoys the streets of England.

SONGS IN THE SOUTHERN SALT

Tyler Childers and the Red Clay Strays performed in Orange Beach, Alabama at The Wharf Amphitheater for the thousands of fans that flooded in to see them. Ava Bindon ‘27 exclaims, “It was so much fun! Definitely in my top ten best nights this summer![...]The best part was when he moved from the stage […] and we were about ten feet from him!”

Fans love Childers for his raw and poetic storytelling and, as Shands Nebrig ‘27 puts it, “how his lyrics talk about his struggles and drawbacks.”

Likewise, the Red Clay Strays’ performance lit up Orange Beach during the Fourth of July weekend. It drew tons of fans and was a true celebration. Bindon, who also attended the Strays’ performance, said, “One song was called “‘Moments’”[...]the lead singer walked through all the things he's seen and experienced through his life both good and bad […] the main message of the song was how all the moments in your life make up who you are and where you're going…”

A NEW ERA: SHOWGIRL’S ENGAGEMENT

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release date of Taylor Swift’s new album since her last release of TheTorturedPoetsDepartment in April of 2024, which gained large media attention, earning six-times platinum status in the U.S. and became the best-selling album of 2024. While more deliberately planned compared to her last release, Taylor Swift reveals that her 12th album will include an intentional twelve songs unlike TheTorturedPoetsDepartment's 31. On the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Taylor Swift announced the release of her next album on August 13th 2025 at 12:12a.m. The debut of Taylor Swift’s 12th album is scheduled to release on October 3, 2025 by the title of TheLifeofaShowgirl. Meant to express her mental exhaustion during The Eras Tour with the pressures of performing live, Taylor bases this album on the feeling of living like a show girl.

Working alongside Max Martin and Shellback to write and produce the album while photographed by Mert and Marcus, Taylor Swift embraces a glamorous and flamboyant visual style for the album artwork and surrounding marketing for the release, furthermore collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter which emphasizes these themes. Recently, Taylor Swift announced her engagement with Travis Kelce and hinted at wedding plans in Rhode Island which caused an increase in media engagement leading up to the unveiling of her new album. Media coverage of her engagement and the new album's official announcement leaves fans and music enjoyers alike anticipating TheLifeofaShowgirl’s release.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE

back-to-school trends coming into this school year

BY BRODY GWALTNEY

Even with a dress uniform in place, Bayside students are finding fresh ways to express themselves from new Stanley Cups to trendy backpacks. Students have put on their “A-game” when it comes to staying fashionable, leading to the question: What's in your backpack?

Stanley has produced another best selling 64oz cup, which is rapidly leaving stores. The cup’s ergonomic design features a double-wall vacuum seal enabling more comfort for holding drinks. Are Stanleys still relevant? According to Anna Heiser ‘28, “I feel like they could be popular, but I don't know, but possibly not as much as they were.” Over all the undeserved hype, Heiser says, “I would get something more simple and less chunky.”

Similarly, Gatorade has manufactured another popular product, the new squeeze bottle: a male equivalent to the Stanley obsession. What sets these water bottles apart, according to Sitton Harcourt ‘28, is, “They are higher quality and taste better.”

Lastly, the new Adidas Sambas released over the summer, inspired by the retro-look of the 70’s loafers. Evan Stafford ‘26 believes that “They look pretty well designed, they remind of some more classic shoes.” He also mentioned “I would wear them everyday, because the design fits my style”.

Despite trends changing over generations, personal style always finds a way to stand out.

TSTARS OF COMMITMENT DAY

bayside students become collegiate athletes BY

AMELIA HICKS

his year’s senior class is chock-full of future collegiate athletes. Some committing a year ago, others at the beginning of the year, Bayside’s student-athletes are taking their craft to another level. Their hard work and years of dedication are finally paying off, and their collegiate offer is a testament to all of their sacrifices on the field and the court.

Haley Robinson ‘26 committed to Samford University as a junior, and will start her next volleyball season a year from now. Competing at the Division I level, Robinson will soon be a member of the NCAA. Her accomplishments are unlimited in volleyball, and her Bayside community can not wait to see Robinson dominate the court at future organizations.

Within the first week of school, Noah Cain ‘26 had announced his full commitment to Shelton State Community College for baseball. As a leader of the varsity baseball team for several years now, it is no surprise that Cain will be continuing his baseball career at a collegiate level.

Bayside’s football team had a great 2024 season, making it to the third round of playoffs. Their success, while a culmination of great coaching and long practices, is thankful for athletes like Monroe Partin ‘26 and Brennen Yamane ‘26. Their love for football is now being carried over to the fortunate teams of Wake Forest University and Pomona-Pitzer University, respectively. Partin will be present for his final Bayside season, but he will leave at the start of second semester to begin training with the Deacons. With two players already committed, who knows what new heights this year’s football season will reach?

1. Showing the essentials a senior may need, a festive backpack a senior may wear is shown.

2. Breaking a tackle, Brennen Yamane ‘26 runs the ball for a gain of yards, fighting to get a touchdown.

3. Just before the next play, Monroe Partin ‘26 leads the team to the line of scrimmage..

4. Swinging at the ball, Noah Cain ‘26 hopes to hit a home run.

5. Setting up for defense, Haley Robinson ‘26 has a commanding view over the court.

Admirals vs. Cardinals

Bayside Academy and St. Michael Catholic High School have been head-to-head for years now. Bayside’s biggest game of every sport’s normal season is always the one against St. Michael. Recent years have led to an exponential growth in rival mentality, so it was no surprise that the first football game this year, between the two, was a community-wide event. The swarms of locals meant that every bleacher was filled, concession lines neverending, and student sections passionate. Bayside athletes and fans headed into the game strong, but sadly were met with a loss.

Being an admiral for over a decade, Autrey McMillan ‘27 remarked, “Deep down it’s all sportsmanship and it’s really just for the fun of the game, [...] we are all friends.” McMillan watched from the front row of the student section, accompanied by classmates and friends alike; perhaps the final score was unfortunate, yet not unfortunate enough to detract from a good night.

Likewise, Isa Johnson ‘27 won’t let a negative final score wipe off her smile. Grateful for the entertainment, Johnson reported, “Everyone was kind of nervous because we didn’t know if we were going to win or not; but no matter what, we were going to have fun.”

Bayside’s students maintained their composure and decorum, as expected, but the loss was upsetting nonetheless. The section-felt sadness led Caplan Pesnell ‘27 to comment, “I’m kind of disappointed we lost though.” This game yielded unwanted results; however, a comeback is always lurking. The rivalry will continue, and once again the Admirals will cage the Cardinals.

1. Playing a zone coverage defence, the Admirals make sure St. Michael can’t pass the ball.

2. In between plays, Noah Cain ‘26 converses with the sideline, being clear to understand what the next play will be.

3. Cheering from the sideline, Admirals of all grades are prepared to take the field if neccessary.

1. Clinging on to nature’s complexity, a red, ripe apple symbolizes a lively ecosystem. Can you find the Easter egg?

2. Watching the sun slip away, Savannah Cox ‘27 captures a stunning photo of Mobile Bay.

3. Going for a sunrise boatride, Mack Delaney ‘27 photographs an oil rig in the Gulf.

4. Contrasting urban streets, Miller Terry ‘26 illustrates a peeking courtier.

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1. Creating a sense of magical nostalgia, Caroline Ernest ‘26 designs a circus tent on a pleasant night.

2. The trees coating a boardwalk in shade, TJ Bailey ‘27 captures the essence of nature.

3. A collage of drawing and media, Murray Prickett ‘29 shapes a manequin with an owl perched on its limb.

4. Creating an illusion of a fish, Jay Halbert ‘29 builds a collage out of various items.

5. Drawing a captivating image, Alice Ogburn ‘29 showcases a woman looking onward.

6. Taking a photo of washed up roots, Rayford Garner ‘29 shows the aging and erosion of a tree.