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.
Development
Capital Campaign | Annual Fund | FAQ
Scientia Pro Amore DeiKnowledge for the Love of God
Capital Campaign Pledge Form
Scientia Pro Amore Dei is the campaign that will enable McGill-Toolen Catholic High School to attain its newest level of excellence. Our vision is to offer the highest quality education, especially in science and technology, complemented by a curriculum that establishes an active dialogue with the moral concepts implicit in the Catholic faith. Our vision extends beyond the education we offer. In this competitive age, we must not only be the best, we must look our best. The new look of our campus, new facilities, and new programs funded by Scientia Pro Amore Dei will make our vision a reality.
Campaign Goal: $15,000,000
For more Information, contact Kathy Killion at (251) 445-2939.
A Fundraising Campaign for Phase II
Scientia pro Amore Dei… Knowledge for the Love of God is the campaign to raise monies necessary to implement the second phase of a two-part plan recommended by the McGill-Toolen School Board to bring McGill-Toolen Catholic High School to a new level of excellence. Phase I, completed in summer 2004, provided for cosmetic changes to the McGill building entryways, classrooms, and gymnasium, and initial installation of the ornamental fencing that will ultimately enclose all McGill-Toolen campus and parking areas. Phase I was funded by a $500,000 grant from the Archdiocese of Mobile. Fundraising for Phase II began in summer 2005.
Phase II is an exciting, comprehensive plan that includes the facilities, technology, and development programs that McGill-Toolen needs to insure that its students receive a well-rounded education characterized by excellence in all areas. The greatest focus of Phase II is the commitment to a new level of science education, science with a faith and morals curriculum, combined with integrated classroom technology and a program designed to provide the highest level of qualified classroom instruction.
Phase II is committed to excellence in science, technology, and faculty development.
Scientia Pro Amore Dei will fund a new Master Center for Science and Technology that will include eight state of the art science labs, housed in their own wing, with appropriate support technologies; new Classroom Technology that integrates McGill-Toolen's wireless capability with a new telecommunications system that transforms every classroom into an information technology suite; and forward funding to advance McGill-Toolen's signature Master Teacher Program, an incentive program that encourages continuing faculty excellence in course design and teaching methods by offering professional certification, recognition, and salary bonus rewards.
Phase II is committed to excellence in student activities and fine arts.
Scientia pro Amore Dei will fund a new Student Center that will provide cafeteria and banquet facilities for students and parents, but that will additionally serve as space for concerts, special programs, dances, and meetings for groups and seminars. Opening onto the entry agora, the Student Center will also feature a separate, private, dining space for more intimate gatherings. The new chapel, also opening onto the agora , will be large enough to accommodate four classes of students for Mass. Scientia pro Amore Dei will also fund a new Band Room and a renovated Chorus Room that will be acoustically designed to accommodate instrument and voice; a Bookstore; a new Faculty Workroom and Lounge; and additional office space.
Phase II is committed to excellence in athletics.
Scientia Pro Amore Dei will fund a new state of the art Athletic Fitness Center that will be available for both team and general student use; four new locker rooms for use by Basketball and Volleyball programs; and a newly rebuilt Front Practice Field that includes new sod, crown, drainage and irrigation systems, and landscaping.
Phase II is committed to excellence in learning environment.
Scientia Pro Amore Dei will fund an exciting redesign of the campus that will provide for a beautiful and comfortable environment for learning, teaching, and working. Architectural styling of existing, new and renovated facilities will adapt the Spanish Mission architecture of the Bishop Toolen and St. Mary's Church buildings, giving the campus a unified look better suited to our location in an historic district. The new design places the main entry into the McGill-Toolen campus on Lafayette Street. The front doors will open into an airy, two-storied entry space called the agora , that will lead to the new Student Center on its north side, and the new Chapel on its south side, and to the new bookstore, classrooms, and office space on its east and west sides. Other enhancements include a revamped heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, a new, two tiered, canopied walkway joining the McGill and Toolen buildings, reworked parking areas, new landscaping, new courtyards and walkways, art gallery, Hall of Honor, and completed installation of ornamental fencing throughout the campus. The total cost of Phase II projects is $10,000,000. Funding for all Phase II projects will be raised through the Scientia Pro Amore Dei campaign. Construction of new facilities is scheduled to begin December 2007.
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| The spacious courtyard between the McGill building and the new science building will be used for additional seating for the cafeteria |
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| From Catherine Street the New Science Building is very impressive. The beautiful stairwell carries out the theme established by the cupola. |
Contacts
Danna Jones
Director of Development
(251) 445-2910
jonesd@mcgill-toolen.org
Marian Watts
Alumni Director
(251) 441-0809
wattsm@mcgill-toolen.org
Kathy Killion
Foundation Director
(251) 445-2939
killiok@mcgill-toolen.org
Paul Knapstein
Director of Enrollment
(251) 445-2934
Knapstp@mcgill-toolen.org
Ashley McDonald
Office Manager
(251) 441-0809
mcdonaa@mcgill-toolen.org
Mary Kay Rasp
Secretary
(251) 445-2911
raspm@mcgill-toolen.org
