Spencer Gayles
McGill-Toolen Class of 2011
Spencer Gayles is the epitome of a well-rounded student. He excels in the academic arena with an all Honors and AP curriculum. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has a 3.63 GPA. He received full scholarships to LSU and Springhill College and received the Spirit of Auburn Foundation Scholarship. He has chosen to attend LSU where he will march in the Tiger Marching Band.
Spencer is also dedicated to serving the community and living his Catholic faith. He is an active member of the Servants of the Poor, Pro-Life Club and Campus Ministry. He volunteers much of his time to community service. He was recently awarded the Development Office “Jacket Jubilation Meritorious Award” for his countless hours of service which are often done behind-the-scenes for no other reward or recognition other than helping and serving others. He is also a Student Ambassador and is a favorite on the McT Road Shows at his alma mater, St. Ignatius. He is the perfect student to speak on the topic of extracurricular involvement since he is involved in so much at McT!
But the thing Spencer is most passionate about is his music. He plays the violin, the guitar, and saxophone. He is a member of the McT Marching Band, Jazz Band and Symphoic Band. He attributes his self-motivation and persistence to his being a self-taught musician. “Regardless of whether it is learning an instrument or climbing the corporate ladder, it is ultimately up to one’s self to decide whether or not success is plausible.” Spencer feels he learned the importance of teamwork and self –discipline through being a part of the McT marching band. He says, “You have to have a lot of trust in your teammates when you have eighty band members walking backwards and anticipating being in the correct spot at the correct time”. He is also a member of the Chamber Singers, utilizing his musical talents in even another medium.
Spencer is a student who can “do it all and do it well”. His dedication to academics, service to others and his music will take him far in life.
Technology Courses
COMPUTER LITERACY - ½ credit
A freshmen level course that will teach the students the essentials of computer use. Students will learn and master the keyboard with speed and accuracy as well as how to use various software. Students will also demonstrate the use of the computer as an instrument of research. This is a required course for freshmen.
PHOTOSHOP I - ½ credit
A one-semester course designed to teach students how to edit, retouch, and colorize photos. Students will also learn to work with special effects, separate color, and merge images for print, multimedia and web projects using Adobe Photoshop CS4.
PHOTOSHOP II - ½ credit
Students will use Adobe Photoshop CS4 to learn advanced techniques and use tools needed for photo correction and preparation for files for the web and production of other media. Prerequisite: Photoshop I.
WEB DESIGN I - ½ credit
Using Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, this course will teach students the basics of designing web pages. Students will work with texts, images, links, forms and tables to design a web site.
WEB DESIGN II - ½ credit
Students will learn advanced web techniques using Adobe DreamWeaver CS4. Prerequisite: Web Design I.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY I - ½ credit
This course introduces students to the Information Technology (IT) hardware and systems software concepts. Topics include data, information, computer hardware, operating systems, system software, hardware and software integration, operating procedures, system performance, security/safety, and compatibility. Also, included are IT program concepts such as ethics, the importance of effective written and oral communication, continuous learning and technology monitoring / evaluation. Student labs and hands-on activities will include Windows, system utilities and software tools.
VIDEO JOURNALISM - ½ credit
This class will teach students the fundamental concepts of video broadcasting and will include live announcements, advertising, school promotions, sports promotions and much more. Students will learn to edit film with Microsoft and Apple based editing programs as well as build animated graphics.
YEARBOOK JOURNALISM - ½ or 1 credit
This course provides a combination of academic classwork with hands-on experience in photography, writing, graphic design, leadership and computer desktop publishing at a professional level. This course is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students may elect to enroll in Yearbook for one semester or the entire school year. Editors must enroll for full year.
GRAPHIC DESIGN - ½ credit
This course will teach skills needed to create printable layouts, which can also be incorporated in yearbook and Photoshop. Students learn to create business cards, letterhead, advertisements, etc., for newspapers or magazines in 2 or 3D graphic form. Photoshop I is recommended.
Voted
BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL IN MOBILE
2007-2008-2009-2010
