Film About Our Co-Founder! Graduate Success Story! Good News!

Dr. Audrey Evans, left, and Natalie Dormer, the actress who portrays her in the movie Audrey's Children

In Theaters Now: Film About St. James Co-Founder Dr. Audrey Evans

Writer and Producer Julia Fisher Farbman knew Audrey well and had her blessing to make the film

Audrey’s Children, a feature film billed as “the untold story of trailblazing physician and co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Dr. Audrey Evans,” opened in theaters March 28 and has earned a 98% “Popcornmeter” rating.

Set in Philadelphia, the movie doesn’t mention that she co-founded St. James School in 2011 because it is focused on the years from 1969, when Audrey began working as Chief of Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, through 1974, when she co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House.

Audrey, who passed away at age 97, would have been 100 this year. At her insistence, a 90th birthday celebration for her in 2015 became an annual fundraising event for St. James. The next Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit will be held on May 20th.

A preview film screening in Manayunk drew 92 people from the St. James community, including CHOP Pediatrician Amy J. Allen, MD, FAAP, and her husband, The Rev. W. Frank Allen, St. James Board Chair and retired rector of St. David’s Church, Radnor.

Amy met Audrey 36 years ago as a young pediatric resident doing a rotation with CHOP Oncology. “I could tell right away that she was a strong, intelligent, in-charge doctor who loved her patients and her job,” Amy said. “Pediatric Oncology is a tough career choice, especially back then, since there were few treatments for children with cancer.

“Dr. Evans never let any barrier stop her from doing what she thought was best for ‘her’ kids and their families,” Amy added. “This movie is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable, faithful woman that only scratches the surface of all her amazing accomplishments in an amazing life lived well!”

St. James President and Head of School Dave Kasievich, who was hired by Audrey and her co-founder, The Rev. Sean Mullen, said after watching the movie, “I was reminded of how Audrey’s bold vision and relentless determination made the impossible possible — whether pioneering cancer treatment, founding the first Ronald McDonald House, or co-founding St. James School.

“To help break the cycle of injustice, we opened a tuition-free school on an abandoned church campus, with no endowment or alumni support. Looking back, it felt a little crazy — but Audrey’s clarity of purpose made us believe it could be done.”

While Dave highly encourages adults to see the film, he cautions that it might be too intense for some young children. “We invited our 7th and 8th graders to the preview, but not the younger students,” he said, “because the film honestly portrays the grim prognosis for pediatric cancer patients in the early 1970s.”

Younger students were welcome if they came with a parent. Chris, a 4th grader, came with his mom. He told Dave afterward, "I thought the movie was special. Dr. Evans helped kids with cancer. I am glad the movie is out there so her story gets out there.

"Next," Chris said, "they should make a movie about St. James!"

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Former owners of Royal Electric Supply (L to R) Rob Schimmel, Larry Schimmel, and Rich Morris inside the building

Honoring Royal Electric Supply for a Lasting Investment in Education and Community

The owners of Royal Electric Supply made a decision in February 2024 that will shape the future of our North Philadelphia neighborhood. With great intention, they chose to sell their property, not to the eager developers who wanted it, but to us!

“For years, we’ve built relationships with the staff, directors, volunteers, and students at St. James and have been inspired by their dedication,” the Royal Electric team shared. “Recognizing their need to expand, we saw an opportunity to help.”

By giving St. James the opportunity to buy the only non-residential property adjacent to the school campus, the Royal Electric owners are enabling us to grow in ways that directly benefit students, families, and the broader community.

We are now preparing to transform the space into a hub for learning and community engagement. Preliminary plans include a gymnasium, a community food pantry, workshop areas for teaching trade skills, and administrative offices, ensuring the building remains a place of purpose and impact.

“With the right support and opportunities, St. James students are prepared to succeed, not only in school but in future careers,” the Royal Electric team said.

In recognition of their commitment to the future of North Philadelphia, we are excited to honor Royal Electric Supply owners Larry Schimmel, Rob Schimmel, and Richard Morris at our 2025 Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit on May 20^th.

To learn more about the Royal Electric purchase, CLICK HERE to watch our video!

To become a Benefit sponsor or purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

Jana graduating in the St. James Class of 2021

Jana Feels She Was ‘Set Up for Success’ in Boarding School and Ivy League Summer Programs

When students leave St. James School, they don’t leave behind its community, its care, or its commitment to their future. Through our Graduate Support Program, they receive continued mentorship, academic guidance, and financial support when needed as they take their next steps into high school and beyond. For many students, this wraparound support makes a world of difference in accessing new opportunities and thriving in new environments.

Jana, a 2021 graduate, is one such student. Her story reflects the powerful impact of belonging to a community that believes in you.

Jana attends the Perkiomen School, a boarding school in Pennsburg, Pa. There she has access to the full range of AP classes and a network of peers from all over the world. Among other things, she participates on the cross-country team, manages the swim team, leads discussions in class, and bakes for the school bake sale. Jana credits St. James for preparing her to thrive academically and as a Black student at a predominantly White institution.

“St. James set me up for success,” she shares. "It wasn't hard to make friends when I got to Perk. I didn’t think the communal structure at Perk was weird, as some of my classmates did, because St. James is a community. I feel comfortable talking with my advisor and other trusted adults.”

Jana in 5th grade portraying Maya Angelou in the Living Wax Museum

Attended Two Pre-College Programs

Thanks to the opportunities Perkiomen offers and her ongoing relationship with Graduate Support, Jana has continuously explored new possibilities.

“Ivy league schools weren't on my radar, then Mr. Guess (a Graduate Support Associate) recommended the Harvard Pre-College Program to me,” she says.

That summer at Harvard she met new friends, enjoyed the English class discussions, and fell in love with the campus. The next summer, she attended the Brown University pre-college program.

These experiences, facilitated by St. James, helped her form relationships with professors at these elite institutions who offered to read her college application essays and provide guidance. Currently, Jana is reviewing all her college acceptances and financial aid packages, and working with the Graduate Support team to narrow down her post-secondary choices.

Space for Black Joy and Black Success

When she is home on breaks, Jana visits the Huskies Hangout, a dedicated space for graduates on the St. James campus. One of her fond memories from middle school is the Living Wax Museum, in which students dress up as and speak about Black achievers who inspire them. “I like that St. James makes space for Black joy and Black success,” she says.

Jana’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when students are equipped with a strong foundation and a community that continues to show up for them. From her time at St. James to her experiences at Perkiomen, Harvard, and Brown, Jana has taken each opportunity and made it her own — growing not only as a student, but as a leader, thinker, and young woman with a powerful sense of identity and purpose.

Her story reminds us that investing in St. James students doesn't end at graduation — it evolves, deepens, and continues to bear fruit in the lives they lead and the dreams they chase. At St. James, we are proud to walk alongside Jana, and can’t wait to see where she goes next. Stay tuned to see where our graduates are headed this fall, whether high school, college, or career!

Neighbors, staff, and church partners enjoy a pasta-making class taught by local Chef "Greenbeard" through the Welcome Table’s Adult Education program

Wrapping up a winning season, each member of the Huskies basketball team receives a certificate from coaches and brothers Kevin (left) and Eric Todd

Among the 4th graders presenting at their first Living Wax Museum are (L to R) Kaleb (as George Washington Carver), Malaysia (as Bessie Coleman), Nala (as Barack Obama), and Jayson (as John Lewis)