
Treasure of the Bluff
October 2024
Treasure of the Bluff
October 2024
HITTING THE FIELD AND SETTING THE POINT
MEET THE NEW CREW OF JUBILEE
THIS YEAR’S CLUB FAIR
THE SECRET LIFE OF MR. SMALL
THE NEW PHONE POLICY
This year is special. It’s different. As the new school year rolls in, so does the Jubilee Staff. With new writers, editors, and photographers, the Jubilee staff starts fresh. All quarter our staff has been working around the clock to bring Upper School students the magazine they deserve. Now that the leaves are turning to orange, it’s time to flip the page. Together, we hope this magazine is enjoyable not only to our student readers, but to the community as well. Thank you all for creating the stories we put on the page. Go Admirals!
Read this, read this, and read this. Did you read that? Great, I now have your attention. As a Bayside junior who works on behalf of the Jubilee magazine team, I would like to share a little slice of my life. My interests include aviation, aerospace, robotics, and industry. I love to be with my friends and family as well as to be a part of my community.
Joining Jubilee, I’d like to say that I already knew what went into making a magazine; however, this is far from the truth. ere is so much more to being a part of a magazine than just writing articles. I nd myself learning something new every class period, whether it be Photoshop or new terms, such as pica.
Hey give me some room to talk! Jeez. Working with you guys is stressful enough as is, but giving me this little bit of room to talk? at’s just the cherry on top. As the self-elected Chief Designer, it is my job to make sure that this magazine is set up for all of you to read!
Handling school and life is like being on a reality show except there’s no script and way more co ee. If you see me with a co ee in hand, just know I’m using it to stay on top of my game and avoid getting voted o the island. It’s my way of making sure my dog doesn’t eat my homework and make me the star of a new reality show called “ e Homework Heist.”
P.S. I don’t even have a dog.
I’ve always been fun and outgoing, ready to try new things. I love traveling and exploring the outdoors. I’m always willing to try something new whenever I’m on the move.
a place for everyone and a fun event for all
BY MARY BURTON MERCHANT
From sailing at Fairhope Yacht Club to setting up lights in the Pilot Center or playing pickleball at Lott Park, Bayside’s student-led clubs instill excitement and enthusiasm into the school’s community. e Club Fair, which took place during Community Time in early September, enables students to further their academics and become more involved both on campus and o . is year is no di erent as Admirals eagerly signed up for clubs at the annual gathering of the club fair; Key Club, Pickleball Club, and Speech and Debate were among the most popular choices for student sign-ups this school year.
Key Club, a national organization that works to serve the community, continues to be one of the largest clubs in the Upper School. Year a er year, it receives a steady ow of new members, with 2024 sign-ups proving to be as strong as in years past. e service organization secured roughly 80 members for the school year, which is consistent with the number from last year. is year, however, Service Club, one of the school’s oldest and most respected clubs, combined with Key Club, and in doing so, streamlined club community service e orts and increased volunteer opportunities for its members.
Pickleball Club proved a popular choice among students as well. e club’s table hosted a constant swarm of students eager to sign up throughout the Club Fair, resulting in 74 members this school year. e 2024-2025 Pickleball team captain, Lynnen Hackney ‘25, states, “I’m excited to motivate the team and watch everyone improve and grow together.”
Speech and Debate does not disappoint as it gained numbers. Members may choose to compete at competitions throughout the year to gain experience and induction into the National Forensic League honor society. Speech and Debate members, with a supportive community and various events to compete in, are positioned to signi cantly improve their public speaking and argumentative skills. Each club, whether the focus is service or sports, drives Bayside’s student involvement.
how the new building will affect the bayside community
BY MARY BURTON MERCHANT
As students return to campus, the anticipation for the upcoming middle school building is high. is new addition will signi cantly bene t the entire Bayside community, although many initially focus on its positive impact on our middle schoolers.
As one of Bayside’s core values, community is essential. Every day, Admirals spend their community time receiving extra help from teachers, completing make-up work, attending club meetings, and socializing with their friends, many choosing to sit on the blu . With the completion of the middle school building, the remainder of Mitchell Hall, the former middle school area, will be torn down, creating new greenery. According to Taylor Houser, Advancement Director, “[Tearing down Mitchell Hall] will create more green space on campus, which all students can enjoy for many di erent activities.” In upcoming school years, students can anticipate spending time together making lasting memories in these new spaces and increasing their sense of community. is building will not only enhance those in the Upper School, but it will also strengthen bonds within the middle school community. Bayside Academy’s new middle school is set to feature two porches suitable for seating the entire 5th-8th grade population as well as common areas that will allow for full grade-level collaboration and meetings. In addition, these updated classrooms will provide even more educational opportunities than previously available. e enhancements to the renowned Mitchell Hall allow for unique learning experiences and heightened sense of community across grade levels.
Moving forward, “Bayside’s campus will transform to be more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing,” according to Mrs. Houser. is improvement will ensure safety in classrooms while promoting higher learning. Bayside families can look forward to a more pristine view when entering Bayside via Dryer Avenue, beginning Fall of 2025.
f you’ve driven past Chick- l-A in Daphne lately, you’ve probably noticed it’s getting a serious glow-up. And it’s not just having a quick faceli — they’re going all out. e Jubilee sta got the inside scoop from owners Mr. and Mrs Daniel Nance, and here’s what you need to know about when we can nally get back to satisfying our chicken cravings.
Mr. Nance says they’re hoping to reopen in December, but with all the rain delays, it’s more likely we’ll see the doors open in early 2025. “It’s looking more like January 2025,” Nance shares. So, even though we’ll have to wait a bit longer, the upgrades will be worth it.
In addition to the renovations, Chick- l-A also purchased the Wacky Shrimp property next door. While it might be sad to see a local spot go, this move will make room for much-needed parking and improve the drive-thru experience. “With the new plans, the
reasons for the renovation + more
BY ZOË LANGLEY
drive-thru won’t intersect with the parking lot,” Nance explains, which will make things a lot easier for customers.
One of the business’s main challenges has been keeping the team together during the construction. e owner said many employees have been working at other locations, and some have even helped open new Chick- l-A spots across the country. “ ey’re hoping to head to Canada next before returning to get Daphne reopened,” Nance mentions. at’s a pretty cool opportunity for the team!
As for why the big renovation? e building was 25 years old, and with Chick- l-A’s growing popularity, more space and updated equipment were needed to keep up with demand. “We needed more space and modern equipment,” he says. Bayside students are counting the days until January’s grand opening.
Tdriving our way to victory
BY AMELIA HICKS
he 2024 football season is underway. Games started in August, and so far so good. Friday nights are lled with touchdowns and cheers for the Bayside Admirals football team. Starting quarterback Bo Miller ‘27 lights up the eld with his electric plays. Miller said, “What excites me the most about playing football is just getting touchdowns and getting wins.” It’s good to have a goal-oriented player, especially in a leadership position. With hundreds of eyes watching, the pressure can get intense. at’s why proper preparation for a game is essential to success. Players’ summer calendars were lled with long and hot practices, but Miller says, “What makes the hours of a hot summer practice [worth it] is knowing and being prepared for Friday nights because if we don't go through the tough times, we will not do well when it means the most to our team. We also have to discipline ourselves in the summer so we can push ourselves in the game.” Putting work in early is never a bad idea, but how about right before a game? Adding on to his pre-game preparations, Miller said, “How I get pumped for a game is just getting ready and putting on all my football gear and just listening to music in the locker room.” Brainpower and concentration are skills every quarterback needs, and it’s nice to know Bayside’s quarterback has a system for getting into his game-winning mental zone. Home games are roughly every other week, so make sure not to miss out on the electrifying excitement on Freedom Field. Go Admirals!
one stride at a time
BY SEBASTIAN WINSTEAD
This cross country season has been a blast for Bayside. e team has earned multiple top 25 nishes for their races amongst hundreds of competitors. Catherine Doyle ‘25 and Annie Midyett ‘25, both seniors, have continued to shine with multiple individual accolades. e leadership of the seniors has been instrumental in guiding the younger runners, fostering a strong team culture that is not only focused on individual success but also on the collective achievements of the entire group. Coach Swagart has praised the team for its hard work, emphasizing that this season’s success is the result of rigorous training, a commitment to excellence, and the supportive environment built within the team. e athletes’ strong bond has been evident not just in their results, but also in the way they motivate each other during practices and meets. Annie states, “As a senior, I de nitely have a di erent mindset this season. While I am sad about it being my last year, I feel less emotional in the sense that I’m not as stressed as I was with previous seasons. I can relax this year and trust in the work I’ve put in the last 3 years.” Bayside’s Cross Country Team looks forward to carrying this momentum into upcoming regional and state competitions, with hopes high for more podium nishes and perhaps even state championship contention.
1.Leadingthefootballteamontothe
2.Alwaysaheadofthegame,HaleyRobinson‘26lightsupthecourt.
3.Posingwiththeirmedals,Avery errell‘29 andAnnieMidyett‘25 are allsmilesa erdoingwellintheirrace.
4.AfewsailorsnavigateMobileBayonC420sailboats.
volleyball’s hot start to the season
BY AMELIA HICKS
Bayside’s volleyball team is ready for action this season. With an appetite for success, the girls hit the court. e team’s desire to win is leading them into the 2024 season strong. ere are no shortcuts; in fact, the best path to victory is through nonstop training. ese girls train year-round to be ready for their season. Not only do they attend daily practices on campus, they also nd time to continue their conditioning through workout sessions at the No O Season gym. Julia Savage ‘27 said, “We would practice every Monday, Tuesday, and ursday at Bayside from eight to ten and [then] NOS from ten to eleven.” Early in the morning, quite o en that is, Savage attends workouts and practices to train with her teammates. Switching over to in-season training, Sara Sahlie Marcato ‘26 said, “We don’t go to NOS that much, and we practice ve times a week unless there are games or tournaments.” Early in August, the volleyball team set out to North Alabama for its rst tournament in which they placed seventh. Sahlie added her prediction for the year, “I think we’re going to be really good. I’m excited.”
“I started sailing since my dad windsurfed professionally... I sailed a little growing up, so when Bayside started a team, I got really exited. I hope to always nd time to sail because I truly love it.”
- Lanee Imperato ‘25
Team Captian
“I started sailing with a friend of mine from a different school a er he got me into it. Once I heard Bayside was starting a team, I joined. I’m undecided about sailing a er high school.”
- Jackson Go net ‘26 Senior Member
Haley Robinson ‘26 announced her commitment to Samford University for volleyball this August and Robinson, along with her teammates and classmates, are thrilled. is star player has been starting on varsity for years and is an inspiration to other Bayside athletes hoping to play at the collegiate level. Robinson said, “I’m really excited. I love the coaches and everything [...] I’m going to be really close to my family and [some] friends.” Haley has been playing all over the country in tournaments, so it’s no shock that she was pursued by college coaches. Robinson talked about the whole process saying, “[ e coaches at Samford] noticed me at our nationals in Las Vegas, and then they emailed me and we stayed in contact. June 15th-that’s when I o cially contacted the coaches and talked to them. In August, they started talking to me and started showing the most interest.” While on her o cial visit to the campus, the Samford coaching sta o ered a spot on the team to Robinson. It’s only been the rst quarter and Bayside already has a committed Division One
why change was necessary
BY ZOË LANGLEY
In August, the ‘24-‘25 school year started o as usual with course syllabi, the ice cream social, and reconnecting with teachers and friends students hadn’t seen consistently for the last couple of months. However, there was one change that has made a marked impact on both academics and student life: Starting this year, Bayside’s administration implemented a new rule that changed students’ ability to access their phones during the school day. We now lock up our cell phones in the morning and don’t get them back until we leave campus at the end of the day.
Here’s the scoop: As soon as you get to school, you drop o your phone into a secure locker where it stays until 3:30 (3:00 on Fridays). Seniors can check theirs out if they leave campus during lunch for their senior privileges.
e goal is to cut down on distractions and help us stay focused on academics and each other. e cell phone ban allows students to take a break from things like social media that can distract from learning. Mr. Campbell, who helped lead the policy change, said, “Phones just add to the stress students already feel at school. By having this policy, it makes it easier for them to focus and feel better during the day.”
Some students are worried about not having their phones in an emergency, while others are curious if it will help them concentrate better. Mr. Campbell also mentioned that the rollout has gone better than expected: “I’m really proud of how students have adapted. It’s gone surprisingly smooth.” While it might take some getting used to, the policy is about creating a more focused and community-centered environment. Mr. Campbell added, “It’s about making students more comfortable throughout the day without the distraction of their phones.”
It was weird getting used to not having my phone, but I eventually got over it.”
-Cruz McMurry ‘27
I kind [of] like the phone policy. Yeah, [the policy] is annoying but it’s not too bad. My only complaint is that I used to write my homework down in my phone.”
-Gracie Eason ‘25
I like it. I feel like I can do everything on my computer that I used to do on my phone, but wihtout the distraction.”
-Sophie Hester ‘27
I love it. I’m a fan! I thoroughly love it. I don’t like my phone. I miss the easy access to my music, but that’s really my only complaint.”
-Lanee Imperato ‘25
My efficiency level without my phone has dwindled, and I’m less productive overall. I’m probably the exception, but I would use my phone to help get things done, and now I have to wait until I get my phone back after school to do certain things.”
-Mai Mai Chatwood ‘25
I miss my music and texting my friends about where to meet. I wish we could store them in each class in those door pockets like last year.”
-Kathryn Bowman ‘27
1. Donning the Bayside “B,” Shands Nebrig ‘27, puts his phone in Locker “F” early in the morning before Friday’s gamedayfestivitieswhereNebrig could be found participating in pep rally games, most famously being his gymnastics debut.
2. Ready to cheer at Friday’s homegame, Gracie ompson ‘27, takes out her phone before she joins her teammates on the eld. ompson can be seen lighting up the stadium with her cheers.
3. Walking to his phone locker, Forrest Smith ‘26 passses by other lockers used by students.
Asummer’s hottest game the community around bayside expands
BY SEBASTIAN WINSTEAD
er over a decade of anticipation, the legendary NCAA College Football series made a triumphant return: NCAA College Football 25. e last installment, released in 2012, le a legacy among sports fans, but it wasn’t until 2020, when fans' voices grew louder, that the demand for a new installment reached a fever pitch.
e clamor for a new college football game didn’t go unnoticed by EA Sports. Recognizing the demand, EA reached out to the NCAA to rekindle the partnership that had produced one of the most beloved sports games of all time. However, negotiations with the NCAA proved to be slow and complex, dragging out the process much longer than anticipated. EA quietly worked behind the scenes, assembling a team of top-tier developers and using songs from modern day artists to cra a soundtrack that would resonate with today’s players. For years, the development of NCAA College Football 25 remained shrouded in secrecy.
Fans speculated and rumors swirled, but EA Sports remained secretive. It wasn’t until the o cial announcement that fans learned the full extent of what was to come: a game featuring current players from nearly every NCAA team, meticulously recreated to capture the essence of college football. When NCAA College Football 25 nally hit the shelves, the response was nothing short of insanity.
Within days, the game saw a peak player count of 1.2 million online at once, slowing EA servers down to a 30 minute login queue spanning across all platforms. e game’s release exceeded the expectations set by its fan base. e gameplay, graphics, and attention to detail in NCAA College Football 25 have been widely praised, with many already hailing it as a strong contender for Game of the Year.
e return of the franchise has reignited the love for college football gaming and set a new standard for sports games in the industry. In the end, NCAA College Football 25 didn’t just live up to the hype—it surpassed it, cementing its place as a legendary comeback story in the world of video games. All fans, old and new, now have the chance to experience the excitement of college football like never before.
BY ZOË LANGLEY
Starbucks has finally opened closer to Bayside! Whether it’s your morning coffee before school or a last-minute study session, this is the go-to spot. The cozy atmosphere and friendly baristas make it feel like a second home. e Morning Go-To: Starbucks
Chill Hangout: Cloud Mountain Co ee
If you want a more relaxed vibe, Cloud Mountain Coffee is the spot. With soft lighting, indie music, and a chill atmosphere, it’s the best place to unwind or catch up on studying. Don’t miss their specialty lattes like lavender or honey cinnamon.
BY AMELIA HICKS
Country Music has made a worldwide comeback. To most Southerners, it was never gone, but the billboard charts don’t lie. Sparked by Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, pop stars have put their own spin on country music. Post Malone also has released music in this genre with well established country and folk singers Morgan Wallen and Noah Kahan. With this global trend on the rise, Zach Bryan has earned recognition for his e orts. Since 2022 with the hit song “Something in the Orange,” Zach Bryan has been a country music star. Bryan’s North American tour has attracted Bayside music connoisseurs to cities around the country. According to Virginia Merchant ‘26, “It was really fun; the crowd knew all the songs, so [that] was really good. He’s just a really good performer, like he keeps everyone entertained the whole time and it ies by.” Merchant has attended two of Bryan’s concerts: the rst one in Birmingham with pit tickets and the other in San Antonio. Even though she does not go to concerts o en, Merchant said, “I’m going to Post Malone at the Wharf. I’m excited, but I’ve heard he’s doing his country songs, and I don’t really know them.”
Another avid fan, Gracie ompson ‘27 said, “I saw [Zach Bryan] in Atlanta Georgia… It was really fun. My friend [Maddie Craig ‘27] and I went. It was really last minute, but we had a really good time. e atmosphere was just really great.” Bryan excites the crowd by bringing up attendees on stage for songs, and for having ten minute encores. His most notable encore is to the song “Revival.” ompson added, “My favorite part was when he came on this little stage and played ‘Revival’ for ten minutes.” ere is no doubt Bayside students will continue to be big country music fans for many tours to come.
it really is a smal world...
BY BRODY GWALTNEY
have a secret to tell you... Did you know Mr. Small had a secret life before establishing a career teaching science at Bayside? In a recent interview with Mr. Small, a member of Jubilee uncovered fascinating stories of Mr. Small’s life before Bayside. Believe it or not, while Bayside’s beloved chemistry teacher attended Tulane University, he worked security at a comedy show.
In 1992, Sam Kinison's stand-up comedy at the Grove eatre in California was kept secure by our very own Mr. Small. He maintained an eye on the stage and, as he described it, "Walk[ed] back and forth across the front of the stage." One evening when Kinison’s show concluded, Mr. Small congratulated him while standing in the doorway of Kinison's limousine. A er thanking Mr. Small for his e orts, Kinison departed for his home, and, unbeknownst to him, the nal journey of his lifetime.
Soon a er his departure, Kinison collapsed upon his deathbed following a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Kinison’s nal words, "Why now? I want to live, not die!” were pronounced to Mr. Small. In the end, Bayside’s science teacher was the last person Sam Kinison spoke with before he passed away in 1992 at the early age of 38.
In our second story of Mr. Small’s secret life, we learn that he spent holidays in his early years with his brother and two cousins at an elegant summer home in Atlanta, Georgia. Every day, they enjoyed playing together and hanging out. Years later, though, they discovered something about their childhood neighbors that could never be forgotten.
Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes Band had once lived in the very vacation home that Mr. Small now visited. e two brothers created the Black Crows Band in 1984 and gained attention and immense notoriety for their distinctive style of rock music and preformances set them apart from other musicians in the ‘80s. A er winning scores of accolades and gaining worldwide popularity, the Black Crowes remain renowned among both older and younger generations as inspirational gures of the rock genre.
showing in the pilot center theater this november
BY LAURA BUFFINGTON
The 2024 school year ushered in lots of new construction and a few new teachers. While Upper School Admirals have had opportunities to enjoy our impressive concession stand under the Friday night lights and the crisp, clean gym renovations while representing their graduating class at Founders Day, they may not have yet had the opportunity to get to know all the new teachers, so let’s dive right in and start by introducing two new faces in the History Department.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Mrs. Gayle Henshaw moved here from Gulfport, Mississippi not only to teach history, but also to take care of her family, especially her parents, as they grow older. In addition, she has two sons, one of whom is an accomplished chef that cooks for her when he visits. Her other son is attends college in Oxford at Ole Miss. When asked what she likes about working at Bayside, Mrs. Henshaw stated, “I like the kids, I like the people that I work with, and it’s just a really nice, positive environment.” Mrs. Henshaw initially became a teacher because of her mother who was also a teacher and inspired her to follow in her footsteps.
Another addition to the history department, Mr. Tyler Fields, moved to Bayside this school year. In his government class, Mr. Fields intentionally incorporates a lot of collaboration and likes when students help each other in their learning activities. In order to do well in his class, you have to perform well on major assessments like tests and projects and stay on top of assignments and activities in class. One thing Mr. Fields likes about history is that it’s always changing and uent. “I’ve always heard really good things about Bayside, and it has a great reputation and community,” said Fields, who wanted to become an educator so he could teach his favorite subject while supporting students in reaching their goals. His cat, Mrs. Norris, is named a er Filch’s gray cat in “Harry Potter.”
Both of these new faculty members are welcome additions to the Upper School. If you like history and want to have a great conversation about it, get to know Mrs. Henshaw and Mr. Fields.
showing in the pilot center theater this november
BY BRODY GWALTNEY
During this school year, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” will be performed at Bayside Academy on November 14, 16, and 17 at 6:30 p.m. on ursday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Audiences are in for a treat with one of the most hilarious and engaging satirical plays ever to be performed on stage. From start to nish, we anticipate a laughter- lled audience as a result of the play’s British humour emphasized throughout “Spamalot.” Mrs. Ottolino, Bayside’s Upper School theater director, stated, “I wanted to do a comedy because last year we had two dramas, and I thought we could bring some levity. “Spamalot” is nothing but a comedy based on Monty Python’s search for the Holy Grail.” Since this parody centers around the medieval Arthurian world of Camelot, “a lot of the kids [have] talked about it; they have seen the movie, and they got excited. I had a lot of freshmen boys who were interested in the play.”
Overall, “Spamalot” narrates King Arthur’s quest to locate the Holy Grail but does so with a twist. e well-known legends of King Arthur from British literature are spun into a lighthearted and highly enjoyable production through a satirical standpoint.
Upper School students starring in the play under the direction of Mrs. Ottolino include Hudson Wilmott ‘25, Lee Ginger ‘27, and Austin Pete Williams ‘28, alongside numerous others. Portraying a variety of unforgettable roles such as Sir Lancelot and the Lady of the Lake, this production is sure to be a memorable one. Bayside student Evan Sta ord ‘26 stated, “I am excited for ‘Spamalot’ because I have always liked the Monty Python series. I am excited for what the play’s [cast] has to o er, and I cannot wait until the performance. Remember, ‘‘Tis but a scratch!’” is last bit references a particularly humorous scene from the play. Evan is really looking forward to this performance and is thrilled to watch the humor captivate the entire audience in Pilot Center eater. In fact, the entire Bayside community waits in eager anticipation of the upcoming performance.
Man
Acrost the shadows, Untouched by light, a spirit hides beneath what’s known.
- John Normann ‘25
The moon-litten waves
Tell me long hidden secrets of pasts forgotten.
- Emerson Gwin ‘27