Our first faculty: What our students are saying

The founding faculty at St. Michael is making quite the impression.

(In the picture, from left to right, front: Coach Phelps, Mr. Blanchard, Mrs. Loegler, Coach Offerle, Mrs. Lindley, Mr. Pryor; back: Mr. Hall, Dr. Lindley, Mr. Scimeca, Dr. Doyle, Mr. Martin, Mr. Drake)

Their credentials are impressive: Dr. Keith Lindley (Romance Languages), taught university students for many years, before starting the school’s Latin program. His wife Suzanne, a veteran high school teacher, fluent in Spanish and French, teaches Spanish and is also the school’s Dean of Students. Jon Hall earned a graduate degree from the University of Chicago in Science, did research work at Georgia Tech and Emory, and taught for 20 years, before accepting an offer to start the school’s science program.  A.P. Geography teacher John Scimeca moved to Fairhope after teaching English to Spanish speaking students in Chile, where he became fluent in Spanish himself. 

Campus minister Philip Martin has a graduate degree in Theology and undergrad degree in Engineering. On the side, he writes poetry and short fiction. David Offerle had previously taught every math class in the high school curriculum before he was hired to teach math at St. Michael and begin the girls’ basketball program. Dr. Tom Doyle (Physics) served as Academic Director for the ACE program at Notre Dame, but is now teaching Honors Algebra II to the school’s sophomores. David Pryor directed bands for over 25 years before beginning the music program. Don Blanchard completed a distinguished career as principal and associate superintendent in Baldwin County before agreeing to become the school’s Driver’s Ed teacher.  Elizabeth Loegler (Media Center/Technology/Special Needs), Will Drake (English/Soccer) and Scott Phelps (P.E./football) round out an impressive founding corps. Altogether, they average 17.3 years of high school teaching experience. 

But it isn’t their credentials that matter most to the school’s first students—it’s the relationships they’re forming together: 

“Mr. Hall really wants us to succeed, and constantly encourages us to ‘use our noggins,” laughs Luke Farrell. “I love that we don’t use a textbook” adds Connor Cobb. “He teaches everything through experimentation, allowing us to thoroughly understand the topic.”

“Dr. Lindley teaches us at a college level, but it also feels like he really wants us to succeed in life,” Andrew Scott says. “ “He tries to build a home environment,” adds James Zapata, “not like some boring old classroom.” “He’s funny,” smiles Emily McDonald. “He loves oranges.” 

“Coach Phelps has a happy personality, and I love the way he challenges us every day,” remarks Colette Murphy.

Coach Offerle (see pic to left) doesn’t stop teaching until every single person understands the lesson,” says Marideth Hayes. “I’ve never been good in Math, but thanks to Coach O, that’s changing.” “His jokes always makes me laugh,” says Alexa Fucich.

“Chorus was not my first choice,“ admits Jamie Henry, “but I really enjoy Mr. Pryor’s class. He’s funny, relates well to us, and is a great teacher.” 

“Even though he’s hard on us, Mr. Drake is getting us prepared for college,” says Grant Murray. “My writing has really improved.” 

"Mr. Martin is a great teacher. He's also my advisor," says Gabriele Eslava. "He's funny. and tells good  stories as a way of giving us advice."   "Light-hearted, likes to have fun," agrees Alexander Vick.

“Mrs. Loegler is a great role model for me,” offers Nika Greenlay. “She’s gives us help when we need it, and she’s a great person to talk to.”

“Mrs. Lindley does everything she can to get us involved in class,” says Elise Bowab. “She’s always enthusiastic,” agrees LG Drago. “And uplifting,” adds Cameron Blanchard. 

“Mr. Blanchard is a good teacher and a good guy,” says Michael Brown. 

“Challenging as his class may be,” says Jacob Domning, “Dr. Doyle is one of the most kind-hearted, brilliant people I’ve ever met.”  “He’s always willing to help, “ adds Maddie Parke. “Fun, dynamic and challenging” agrees Caroline Zitnik. 

“Mr. Scimeca is very competitive and plays interesting games with us in class that connect to class material,” indicates Maggie Lollis. “Yeah, he’s fun,” agrees Maddie, “especially in the House contests.”

“This first faculty has really set the bar,"  principal Faustin Weber says, smiling. “They’re smart, hard-working and love being around teenagers. A large part of that is their faith, I think, which shows up in big and small ways. I think they understand, too, that we’re making history here. “

Weber continues: “You build a great school the same way you build a great baseball team—It begins with great players. For us, it starts with the faculty. We’re now in round two, hiring for next year, and so far, I’ve been greatly encouraged. We’ve hired a multi-talented young lady to start our Art program, coach, and teach a reading comprehension elective to help students prepare for the ACT. We’ve also hired a separate college counselor and personal counselor for next year, both of whom I believe will be excellent, and a second science teacher who’s had a distinguished career as a Chemistry teacher, Science department chair and an assistant principal. Among her credentials, she served as the academic dean for a John Hopkins University summer program, which drew gifted and talented students from all around the U.S. 

We’re still looking for additional full time teachers in English, Math, History, Theology and an assistant to Mr. Pryor in the music program. It’s been a busy time, but it's been very up-lifting.” 

To read more about current and future faculty members of St. Michael Catholic High, go here.