Guests enjoying dinner from 12th Street Catering at The Fillmore

For 6th grader Kahliya, the best part of the Scholarship Benefit was being at the Black Girls Love Math (BGLM) station and “interacting with different people” to play the math game 24. For fellow 6th grader and BGLM student Aryanna, it was “the videos! I thought they showcased St. James really well.”

8th grader Zack came as a guest with his parent. “I liked talking with people about my high school choice,” he said. Zack is headed to Church Farm School. 4th grader Jamie said the best part was “seeing my uncle get the graduate award!” His uncle is Taki Leonard (Class of 2018). 



4th grader Trishtan most enjoyed seeing her older sisters on stage, one as an MC and one playing in the band. She enthused, “I can't wait to be in band!”

The annual Dr. Audrey Evans Scholarship Benefit, named for our co-founder (1925-2022), was held May 21st at a new, larger venue, The Fillmore in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood, with ample space to accommodate our 350+ guest list.

(Above left) BLGM Founder Atiyah Harmon checks in with 6th grader Gabby and 8th graders Zack and Kamajiah at the BLGM station. (Above right) 6th grader Niecey and bandmates play "Celebrate" on stage. (Below left) Raheem Coles (Class of 2021) and Chief Advancement Officer Angie McCole-Yun honoring The Rev. W. Frank Allen. (Below right) 8th graders and BLGM students Mariah and Journee honoring Atiyah Harmon. 

‘The best way to live out love’

The event’s “Leading with Love” theme was truly exemplified in our two honorees: Atiyah Harmon, Founder of BGLM, and The Rev. W. Frank Allen, St. James School Board President and Retired Rector of St. David's Church (Radnor). Both spoke with great passion about partnerships and relationships.

Atiyah shared that attending Girard College in her youth gave her tremendous appreciation for private schools like St. James that similarly provide a high-quality education to students in marginalized neighborhoods. Frank emphasized that aligning with the St. James mission of transformative loving relationships is the best way to live out love in this world. 

This year’s graduate award was likewise tied in to the Leading with Love theme. In her introduction of Taki Leonard, 2023 recipient Sydnee Reddy (Class of 2015) said he was nominated by the St. James staff “due to his astute ability to connect with everyone around him. He serves as a role model for his young nephews, and he is consistently working on making himself better so he can serve as a positive figure in people's lives.” 

Visibly honored and at a slight loss for words, Taki thanked the St. James community, the Carroll-Todds (St. James staff), Graduate Support, and his family, especially his mom for teaching him how to love. 

Jamie (4th grader, second from left) with his uncle Taki Leonard (Class of 2018, back center) and their family proudly displaying Taki's graduate award for Leading with Love.

Gratitude for all who contributed

Much of the credit for the event’s success in raising money for student scholarships goes to our more than 50 Lead Investors and Sponsors, as well as in-kind supporters including new food sponsor 12th Street Catering, introduced to us by Bill Mignucci and Di Bruno Bros., who supported this event for the past 10 years. We are also grateful to in-kind supporters Greg Moore of Moore Brothers Wine, 31st and Wharton beer, Vine Street Imports, Tom Verga Video, and Ron Nichols Photography.

Also contributing were the hundreds of guests who purchased tickets, winning bidders in the silent auction, and the 122 donors who made a gift or pledge during the event to the “Enrich Our Kids Challenge.” Our goal was $90,000 to provide afternoon enrichment activities for all students, but we raised over $140,000!

Mary Hopkins, long-time volunteer and supporter, summed up the evening: “It was a wonderful event, like a reunion.”

In case you missed it, you can watch Leading with Love videos and see the full photo gallery from the Scholarship Benefit.

“It feels great to be degreed up! At the same time, it’s a big relief to know that I get to relax now and not stress about a 12-page lab report! I earned it!”

– Tynae Drain (Class of 2016), who graduated from Holy Family University

“After graduating, I feel accomplished. My goal now is to find an opportunity that allows me to apply the engineering acumen and personal skills I’ve come to recognize while in school.”

– Joseph Cotton (Class of 2016), who graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for,’ so graduating is special to me because I worked hard. I didn’t get a chance to celebrate my high school graduation during the pandemic, which makes this even better. Now I’m working full-time as a carpenter with University City Housing.”

– Keenan Hellams (Class of 2016), who graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

St. James Welcomes New Chaplain:

Father Walter J. Thorne

Father Thorne previously served as Chaplain and Humanities Teacher at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. He led chapel services, taught religion electives, and provided pastoral care to students and faculty. His involvement included student advising, dorm community life, leading confirmation classes, and coaching JV boys' basketball and girls' crew.

His dedication to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement has been evident throughout his tenure at St. Paul’s. Asked what most attracted him to St. James, Father Thorne said, “I was struck by the clarity of St. James’ sense of mission and purpose and the infectious sense of joy I experienced during my visit. You do not need to spend much time at St. James before you realize that it is a holy place."

Committed to holistic education

Before St. Paul’s, Father Thorne spent seven impactful years at The Episcopal School of Los Angeles. He served as Associate Chaplain and Director of Facilities, managing significant projects including a major renovation and safe return to campus during the pandemic. His role also encompassed developing curriculum, teaching, and coaching, highlighting his multifaceted talents and commitment to holistic education.

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Father Thorne holds a Master of Divinity from The University of Chicago Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Religious Studies from The University of Virginia. His ordination journey began with his ordination to the Diaconate in June 2020, followed by his ordination to the Priesthood in January 2021 in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Father Thorne is excited to join the St. James community and looks forward to engaging with our neighborhood. “I am excited to live and serve in a place where dedicated and talented people are exploring what an Episcopal community can be and accomplish,” he said.

Father Kellner to pass the torch

Father Thorne’s arrival marks a new chapter of chaplaincy at St. James, after eight years of service by Father Andrew Kellner, who is now in his second year as Rector of the Church of Saint Asaph (Bala Cynwyd).

Father Kellner has been providing part-time chaplaincy services during this interim period and will help with the transition. St. James Board of Directors has retained the services of Father Kellner to continue as Director of the Servant Year Program, ensuring this program continues to thrive.

Passing the torch, Father Kellner said, “St. James is a place where we aim to help each person, from our students to graduates and team members, take their next most faithful step in life. It is exciting to welcome Father Thorne, as our community steps together with him, into living out our mission rooted in love.”

We look forward to the profound impact Father Thorne will undoubtedly have on our school community.

Annual Book Fair

The Annual Book Fair is the best way to ensure summer reading. Dedicated volunteers organized donated books, and helped students make selections from all genres to take home.

Saturday Community Conversations

Adults who love young people and the neighborhood have been meeting to create a summer calendar of events and activities to keep our youth safe, busy, and active this summer.

Reciting the St. James Student Pledge

Each school day ends with reciting aloud the St. James Student Pledge. It is a great reminder to students and adults that we can do this work and succeed.

Band's End of Year Concert

Band Director Allie Sinatra curated a repertoire that had people on their feet for a standing ovation! Our Community Room was full of family members, staff, teachers, students, and members of our community from near and far. Our musicians wowed the audience with a variety of pieces such as "Day-O," "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel," the theme songs from Harry Potter, and music from Pirates of the Caribbean while movie scenes rolled in the background.

Choir's End of Year Concert

Psalm 100 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all you lands" and joy was in the air during our year end choir concert. Parents and guardians beamed as students sang their hearts out during spirituals, soft shoe numbers, and songs in various languages. Shout outs to Javvieaus Stewart, Director of Choral Music & Music Education, and our soloists: JJ, Myelle, Tina, Shayla and James!

Neighbors on Campus

Saturdays are busy with neighborhood activities on the St. James campus. In addition to shopping at The Welcome Table farmers market, these include taking part in Adult Education classes such as Zumba, Financial Literacy, and Computer Literacy, and participating in meetings of the RAH (Ridge-Allegheny-Hunting Park) neighborhood association.

Saturday Academic Clinic

St. James offers an extended school week with Saturday Academic Clinic. Teachers and volunteer tutors coach dedicated students who are eager to improve their skills. The morning of academics ends with lunch and recess.

Mural Art on Community Fridge

St. James School, William Penn Charter School, Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church, and Mural Arts Philadelphia gathered to brainstorm and design a mural that will be painted on the wooden structure that is home to a refrigerator and shelf stable pantry. The mural will reflect what it means to have access to nourishment and food at all times in our community.

One Way to Help this Month

St. James School | 215-226-1276 | www.StJamesPhila.org