The Academies at Baker
December News and Fall Semester Highlights
The Spirit of Excellence
Principal of the Year
We would like to extend congratulations to Principal John Poiroux, who has been recognized as Principal of the Year for District 1 by the Alabama Association of Secondary Schools. Under his leadership, the dedicated faculty and staff at Baker have successfully improved our proficiency rating on the Alabama State Department of Education Report Card, rising from 79 in the 2022-23 school year to 82 for the 2023-24 term. We are proud of Mr. Poiroux and this achievement.
Coach of the Year
Baker's Head Football Coach, Juan Johnson, has been recognized as the 2024 7A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Football Coaches Association. Under his leadership, the Hornets advanced to the second round of the 7A playoffs this season. Coach Johnson credits the team's success to a strong focus on developing both team and individual character, fostering a robust work ethic, and instilling a mindset geared towards success.
Program of Distinction
Baker High School's exceptional counseling team has been recognized as one of 22 school counseling teams honored with the Program of Distinction award by the Alabama School Counselors Association. We extend our gratitude to Ms. H. Weaver, Ms. C. Matthews, Ms. J. Lee, Ms. K. Melton, and Ms. L. Smith for their commitment to excellence at Baker High School.
Ambassadors
MCPSS Ambassador Training at USA
Iron Sharpens Iron
Strengthening the HIVE
Sports-tacular!
Football earned a 2nd round seat of the 7A State Playoffs
Both Cheer teams earned Divisional First Place Awards at Regionals
The Boys Cross Country Team Competed at State
Signature Academy
AP Capstone
Our Busy Academies
Early Childhood
Students of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Academy have been working toward college credit through their courses provided at Baker. Recently, they participated in a Future Teachers of Alabama initiative presented by Faulkner University. Faulkner is offering a unique opportunity for our students to attend their ECE residential summer program. This program provides free tuition and guarantees acceptance into their Bachelor of Science in Education program.
Engineering
FAME (Fine Arts, Media, and Entertainment)
Students from the FAME Academy are achieving remarkable accomplishments. The Theatre Department successfully concluded its fall production of "Alice in Wonderland," delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 State Trumbauer Theatre Festival, and participated in a tour of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Additionally, eighteen students from Baker's Chorus have been selected for the Alabama All-State Choir. Jalen Granger received the MCPSS Outstanding Male Vocalist award, while Claire Bradley was honored as the MCPSS Alabama Vocal Association's recipient of the Music Education Award. Also, a record number of band members from Baker have secured positions in the MCPSS 2024-25 Honor Band.
Trumbauer Awards
Catherdral Caverns- Alabama
Claire Bradley and Jalen Granger
Health Sciences
The Patient Care Technician students of Baker's Health Science Academy utilized a significant portion of the semester to apply their classroom skills through internships at Providence Hospital. As part of this experience, students practiced medical safety procedures, proper usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and monitored patients while checking vital signs and transporting patients.
Hospitality and Tourism
In addition to the various culinary and event planning activities that Baker's Hospitality and Tourism Academy has conducted on campus, the students have also had the opportunity to extend their hospitality to the residents of Mullherin Home during the holiday season. They engaged with the residents by providing treats, participating in games, and performing seasonal music and dance, contributing to a joyful celebration of the season.
Marketing
Marketing students have been exploring various business disciplines. This semester, some students have been learning Rotoscope Animation, which involves creating GIFs. Rotoscope Animation is a technique that produces animated sequences with lifelike characteristics, similar to the effects used in the original Star Wars movie for lightsabers. Other students have benefited from insights shared by industry professional Terry Edeker of Pixallure Design about branding and logo designs. Additionally, some students have created vision boards after conducting market research on global vacation and resort destinations.
Rotoscope Animation: How to create GIF's
Terry Edeker of Pixallure Design, LLC
Resort Story Boards
MAZES (Marine, Zoology, and Environmental Sciences
Students at the MAZES Academy have engaged in numerous collaborative opportunities this semester with The University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. They have studied marine life and animal structures, as well as their habitats and ecosystems, to promote sustainable environments along the Gulf Coast and the Alabama Tensaw River Delta. The upcoming spring semester will provide additional opportunities for aspiring scientists to excel.
ROTC
Welcome
Retired LTC Marcus Young began leading the Baker JROTC Program this month. His last assignment was Deputy Brigade Commander of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade located at Fort Whiting in Mobile, AL. He is a Hornet alumnus, class of '89 and we are happy that he has rejoined The HIVE.
Academy of Craft Training and the Bryant Career and Technical Center
Parents and students, please be on the look out for invitations to recruitment visits for the Academy of Craft Training and for the programs offered at Bryant CTC for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested in the manufacturing industry, aviation, cosmetology, or teacher training, please complete the career interest inventory or see Ms. Evans for more information.
Thanks for Your Help with Senior Mock Interviews
Seniors at Baker participated in a simulated interview process, which included preparing resumes, practicing interview skills, and dressing appropriately for their respective career path interviews. Community leaders and industry partners from American Foods Distribution, Academy of Craft Training, Alabama Power, Bishop State Community College, and Caldwell Banker Smith Homes contributed their time and expertise to assist with nearly 600 mock interviews for seniors. Additional support was provided by Junior Achievement, JW Professional Services, K & R Staffing, MCPSS Administrators, Mobile Parks and Recreation, Remington College, and the University of South Alabama. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their invaluable contributions.
We would like to give special recognition to the Mobile Area Retired Educators for bringing a large team of representatives to enhance student engagement during this event.
Thank You for Assisting with Mock Interviews
Workplace Simulation Works
Students Benefit from Real-World Practice
Partner with the Academies at Baker
Snack and Learn
We invite interested students to participate in a "Snack and Learn" opportunity aimed at exploring various industries and professions. Small group sessions will be conducted weekly from 10:00 to 10:30 AM. We encourage you to share your business insights and expertise with the students at Baker as they seek to enhance their understanding and prepare for their future careers.