St. Elmo Center for the Gifted

🌟 St. Elmo Student Highlight 🌟

Today we’re celebrating rising 6th grader Syrai Brown, who attended St. Elmo while enrolled at Midland Academy!

When asked what she will miss most about St. Elmo, Syrai shared, “How St. Elmo pushed me.”

At St. Elmo, we strive to challenge gifted learners to think deeply, grow confidently, and reach their full potential. We are so proud of Syrai and all she has accomplished, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things she does in the future!

🍎 St. Elmo Staff Highlight: Karla Blackwell 🍎

Role: Teacher

Years at St. Elmo: 10

Education & Certifications:
• B.A. in Education – University of South Carolina
• M.Ed. – Columbus State University
• Endorsements: Teacher Support & Coaching, Gifted, Online Teaching
• Certifications: Elementary & Middle Grades

About Mrs. Blackwell:
Originally from South Carolina, she spent 12 years in Nashville before settling in Columbus. She enjoys gardening, reading (especially John Grisham), traveling, and time with her adult children and “grand pets.”

Family: Daughter Natalie (Birmingham, cat Leo) and son Nathan (Fort Lauderdale, puppy Miles)

Why she loves St. Elmo: She values helping students become independent thinkers through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Favorite quote:
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Favorite part of her job: Helping students take ownership of their learning and grow as problem solvers.

Thank you, Mrs. Blackwell, for 10 years of dedication to St. Elmo! 💙🐉

🌟 St. Elmo Student Highlight: Sierra Satchell 🌟

Sierra loves St. Elmo because there are other students here just like her! 💙💚

We have loved having Sierra as part of our St. Elmo family and know she will do amazing things in middle school.

Good luck, Sierra—we will miss you! 🐉✨

✨ St. Elmo Staff Highlight ✨

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Stephanie Spence Christenson to St. Elmo! She will be teaching many of our 1st and 2nd grade St. Elmo students.

Mrs. Christenson brings 27 years of teaching experience, including 19 years in Muscogee County, along with a Master's Degree from Kennesaw State University, a Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University, and her Gifted Endorsement.

When she's not inspiring young minds, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling to National Parks with her family, and spending time with her three dogs—Duke, Nelli, and Bella. She also loves music, sushi, and all things chocolate!

Mrs. Christenson says she loves St. Elmo because "it is a place where curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning are celebrated every day."

Welcome to the Dragon family, Mrs. Christenson! We are thrilled to have you at St. Elmo! 🐉📚✨

Don’t forget! Swag design submissions are due by this Friday, June 19! Submit student designs here:

https://forms.gle/8kEYhFnrBn61okMs7

The Giving Gardens at St. Elmo Center for the Gifted is partnering with MercyMed Farm to build 10 new beds in our current garden space. Students at St. Elmo will plant, grow and distribute fresh produce to needy families in Columbus, with the help of the experts at MercyMed Farms. Every donation helps us to grow our ability to feed more families.

To donate, please follow the link below. Thank you!

https://the-dragons-den-102514.square.site/s/shop

🌟 St. Elmo Student Spotlight: Gunnar Canzeroni! 🌟

Meet Gunnar, a rising 6th grader who attended St. Elmo this past year! 📚✨

When asked what he loves most about St. Elmo, Gunnar shared that he appreciates the dedication of our faculty and staff to working with children and the positive way St. Elmo helps shape and strengthen our community.

Thank you, Gunnar, for being part of the St. Elmo family. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish in 6th grade! 💙💛