50th Factoids
Fun Facts about St. Martin's
The second rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church was the Rev. Samuel T. Cobb, who served from 1956 to 1965. Canon Cobb decided to take advantage of additional space at the church and begin a small day school. On Sept. 8, 1959, a 4-year-old and kindergarten program was begun under the leadership of Mrs. Hazel Gaillard. “Miss Hazel” served as the school’s director and kindergarten teacher until her retirement in 1965. During her tenure, the school grew from 40 to 96 children in one 4-year-old class and four kindergarten classes.
In October 1965, the Rev. Martin Dewy Gable became rector of St. Martin’s Church. Fr. Gable provided continuity and support for both the church and school for more than 24 years. He always viewed the missions of the church and school to be interrelated. Fr. Gable appointed Mrs. Jean Bailey as school director. “Miss Jean” served as school director and teacher of the oldest kindergarten class from 1966 to 1975.
The school’s second director was “Miss Ormond” Caldwell, who served from 1975-1978. During her tenure, Gable Hall was built. Additionally, after school and enrichment classes were begun. These classes included nature study, creative movement and art.
Miss Millie Foote was school director from 1978-1986. During this period, enrollment reached 250 students. Two-year-old classes were begun in 1980, and the elementary school was inaugurated with its first class in the fall of 1983. By the fall of 1986, the school had added grades through the 4th grade.
In the summer of 1986, the Board of Trustees made the decision to seek a permanent Headmaster for the school and appointed Fr. David Dye as Interim Headmaster for the 1986-87 school year. In January 1987, Dr. Neely Young was announced as the school’s first permanent Headmaster, beginning in the fall of 1987.
In the summer of 1986, the Board of Trustees made the decision to seek a permanent Headmaster for the school and appointed Fr. David Dye as Interim Headmaster for the 1986-87 school year. In January 1987, Dr. Neely Young was announced as the school’s first permanent Headmaster, beginning in the fall of 1987.
During Dr. Neely Young’s tenure as Headmaster, enrollment reached 485 (in 1997). A building program was completed in January 1998, which added six new classrooms, a library/media center, and administrative offices. Numerous curricular and co-curricular innovations were made, including the introduction of religious instruction and drug education, the appointment of a computer coordinator for the school and the establishment of a student government.
SMES was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in December 1990. It was re-accredited in 1995 and 2009. Throughout the years, SMES has become a member of many associations including the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools, the Georgia Independent School Association, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Association of Episcopal Schools and the Mid-South Independent School Business Officers Organization.
In 1990-91 Miss Patti Pitoscia was awarded Teacher of the Year. That year, her students had the following to say about her:
- “She lets us do fun things.”
- “She cares about us.”
- “She’s always happy.”
- “She’s cool.”
- “She helps you a lot.”
- “She understands kids and likes to have fun.”
- “She’s the awesomest teacher.”
