School News
Students use STEM knowledge to help community member
VALDOSTA — A recent project let two St. John Catholic School students put their STEM knowledge to work helping a member of the community. A community member reached out to St. John School with a request, the school said in a press release about the project. The man, whom the school identified only as Grady, needed a special component to house his stylus and connect his communication device to his wheelchair. Facilitated by Arlene Manning, the school identified two students, Cole Hamilton and Parker Staton, who were eager to take on this challenge using their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The students met with Grady and took the time to assess his requirements carefully, the school said. They listened intently as he detailed his needs, noting everything from the dimensions of the space available on his wheelchair to the specific functionalities that the component would need to support. This initial meeting was not just a formality; it was a vital step in ensuring that the students understood the real-world implications of their project.
With their newfound knowledge in hand, students brainstormed and drafted design concepts that would meet Grady’s needs. Leveraging the new technology they learned about in their STEM classes, they turned to TinkerCad, a user-friendly 3D design software. With a vision in mind, the duo crafted their prototype, aligning their creativity with technical skills acquired through their studies.
“The real magic happened when they brought their design to life using the school’s 3D printer,” the school said. “The first prototype was an exciting milestone in their project, but the students soon realized that further modifications were necessary to better serve Grady’s needs. This iterative design process was an invaluable learning experience, teaching them the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in engineering.” Email newsletter signup Sign up for our daily email newsletter
After several rounds of testing, adjustments, and refinements, the students were thrilled to present the final component to Grady. It successfully met the requirements set forth, marking a new chapter in Grady’s ability to communicate more effectively, the school said.
“The project exemplifies the core values of St. John School’s STEM program: innovation, collaboration, and community service,” the release said. “By merging education with real-life application, students not only gained hands-on experience but also learned the profound impact their skills can have on someone’s life.”
Read more at: https://valdostadailytimes.com/2025/07/10/students-use-stem-knowledge-to-help-community-member/
School announces 27th Annual Reverse Draw Gala
VALDOSTA — St. John the Evangelist Catholic School announces the theme for their 27th Annual Reverse Draw Gala, an esteemed black tie fundraiser for the school. This year, the gala will embrace the thrilling world of espionage with a captivating 007 theme, promising an unforgettable evening of elegance and entertainment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 6:30 p.m., at The Patterson. “This event always proves to be a wonderful night full of surprises and excitement,” said Cheri Carter, principal. “The 007 theme adds an element of fun and sophistication that our community has come to expect from this event. We encourage everyone to don their finest agent or villain attire and join us for a night filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and a shared commitment to supporting our students.”
Read more at: https://valdostadailytimes.com/2025/01/11/school-announces-27th-annual-reverse-draw-gala/
St. John Middle School celebrates back-to-back winning soccer seasons
Valdosta, GA – St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (SJCS) is proud to announce the
success of their middle school soccer team in the recently concluded season. Coaches
Stacie Zimmerman-Staton and Matthew Nelson have led the wonderful team to victory
with their dedication and hard work.
The team, consisting of students from grades 6th to 8th, has shown exceptional skills
and sportsmanship throughout the season. These students have not only excelled on
the field but also off the field, SJCS has rigorous academic standards the students must
uphold to play sports. Students are accustomed to balancing tests, quizzes, homework,
practice, and additional extracurricular activities. Their commitment and
determination have brought them to the top of their league, making SJCS proud.
“The mission of St. John is to, ‘Glorify God in all that we do.’ These students have lived
that statement. Their sportsmanship and virtues were apparent in how they played the
game of soccer,” says Coach Zimmerman-Staton. “Their hard work and perseverance
have paid off, and we are thrilled to see them achieve such success in the soccer
season.”
The school community is proud of the team's achievements and looks forward to seeing
them continue to excel in the future.
Local School Gives Away $10,000 at 26th Annual Fundraising Event
Valdosta, GA – St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (SJCS) hosts the 26th Annual
Reverse Draw and Gala. This year’s Back to the 80s themed event will be held
Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at The Patterson.
The reverse draw has become a highly anticipated event for the St. John the Evangelist
Catholic School community and the surrounding area. This year's theme, Back to the
80s, will bring a new level of excitement and entertainment to the event. Attendees are
encouraged to dress up in their best 80s attire and get ready to dance the night away to
classic hits from the decade. The reverse draw format adds an element of excitement
as attendees have the chance to win $10,000 while also supporting a great cause.
Other activities during the night include a live auction, door prizes, Steel’s Jewelry
Raffle, 80s Prom King and Queen crowning, and of course, a chance to WIN $10,000.
Greg Moore will auction off incredible live items including beach vacations, a hunting
package, a fine art portrait, and other exciting packages.
The event is SJCS’s largest fundraiser and helps provide tuition assistance to students,
fund community service projects, and continues the school’s mission to empower ALL
students to reach their full potential and to follow the model of Christ. Last year’s
funds were used to assist with the addition of a state-of-the-art STEM lab and to
update the T. J. LaHood Memorial Library and Media Center.
“Thanks to the support of our local community, we are celebrating 26 years of our
Reverse Draw and Gala,” said event chairwoman Celine Gladwin. “We welcome the
entire community to enjoy a black tie evening filled with suspense as numbers are
drawn to reveal the guest who will walk away with the $10,000 grand prize.”
Mrs. Carter, principal, stated, "This event not only raises crucial funds for our school
but also allows us to come together and have a great time while doing so. The support
of our community makes a huge difference in helping our students reach their full
potential. We are thankful for the support because our students are our future which
benefits our entire community. This year's theme, 'Back to the 80s,' is sure to make
for a memorable evening."
Tickets to attend this amazing event are on sale now for $150 and include dinner for
two, two drink tickets, and an entry into the drawing for $10,000. Entries into the
drawing only are also available for $100. Tickets are available at St. John Catholic
School (229-244-2556) or online at SJCSvaldosta.com.
For information about donating or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Celine
Gladwin at celinegladwin@gmail.com
Thank you to our SJCS 2023-2024 annual sponsors including: Dr. and Mrs. George
Staton, Joel and Cheri Carter, Mike and Lisa Murphy, Sam Dennis Law, Ben and
Kimberly Mackey, David and Donna Nolan, the Gladwin Family, the Puckett Family,
Hamilton Trust & Estate Elder Law, Eddie Felders Country Meat Market, Universal
Roofing & Remodeling, Nail Expressions, and SJCS Alumni.
In addition, we want to thank our Reverse Draw sponsors including Hester & Morris
Orthodontics, Steel’s Jewelry, Mr. and Mrs. John and Angela Storrings, Traditions
Floorings, Mrs. Mary Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Majeski, Katherine A. Gonos and Stephen
G. Adkins, and our very own SJCS Special Area Teachers.
Students of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School Honored Veterans at Recent Event
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School recently hosted a Veterans Day program to express gratitude to the veterans in the community. The event included a patriotic procession led by the pre-K 3 and pre-K 4 classes, who recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The school band performed the Armed Services March, and the fourth-grade students sang the National Anthem. Attendees enjoyed refreshments as a gesture of appreciation.
Reflecting on the importance of the program, SJCS Principal Cheri Carter stated, “With many of our students having an active duty or retired military parent, our Veterans Day program takes on added meaning. We believe it is essential to convey our gratitude to the veterans in our community in a meaningful way. This event exemplifies our commitment to teaching our students about the importance of service and expressing appreciation for others.”
A notable moment of the event was when sixth-grade student Addison Kiggins read the poem "We Honor You Today" to the many veterans, active members of the military and families in attendance. The heartfelt words resonated with attendees, underscoring the collective sentiment of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by veterans.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School remains committed to fostering a spirit of gratitude, service, and community engagement among its students, and the Veterans Day program stands as a testament to these values.
St. John Volleyball Team Raises Donations for Staff Member Affected by Breast Cancer
Check Presented in Memory of SJCS Parent
Valdosta, GA – The St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (SJCS) volleyball team recently raised donations in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During a recent match, the volleyball team collected donations to benefit a SJCS staff member affected by breast cancer. The team presented a $1,300 check to the fellow Eagle family member in memory of SJCS mom Stephanie Nelson and all those battling breast cancer.
"At the heart of the game, our SJCS volleyball team displayed not only their athletic ability but also their big hearts,” said SJCS Volleyball Coach Corey Wolford. “With all of the SJCS teachers, classmates, and families cheering on, the team came together to help a fellow Eagle fighting cancer.”
The SJCS volleyball team raised $1,300 from the money raised at the breast cancer fundraiser game, in addition to bake sale donations at school and after Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
About Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, located at 800 Gornto Road in Valdosta, Georgia, provides students Pre-K 3 – 8th grade with the highest quality education in a Christian setting. The school offers electives including Spanish, digital arts, music, band, art and computers as well as religion, in addition to extracurricular activities like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and student council. For more information, call the school at (229) 244-2556 or visit sjcsvaldosta.org.
###
SJCS Volleyball Donation - SJCS Volleyball team present a check for $1,300 to SJCS custodian Julie Hier who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The team raised funds during a recent game as well as bake sale donations at the school and Church.