Alumni Spotlight: Blake Pawley (Class of 2010)

St. James School Alum Blake Pawley’s Journey of Global Impact and Exploration

St. James School (SJS) holds a special place in Blake Pawley’s heart, filled with cherished memories like the eighth-grade class trip to New York City and the joy of annual field days. Surrounded by classmates and teachers, these experiences fostered a strong sense of community and lasting friendships.

Reflecting on his nine formative years at SJS, Blake credits the school with instilling the values of hard work and fostering a global perspective. The diverse and worldly curriculum, combined with the rich teachings of the Catholic faith, laid the foundation for his success in high school, college, and beyond. These early influences inspired Blake’s passion for exploring the world, which ultimately led to a fulfilling international career.

One of Blake’s proudest achievements is co-founding Outbound Travel Agency with a close friend. Drawing from over six years of living in Europe, Blake has helped clients plan unforgettable trips across four continents, including honeymoons, family vacations, and solo adventures. From exploring Machu Picchu to honeymooning in Panama or embarking on month-long retirement trips through France, helping others experience the world and fulfill their travel dreams has been incredibly rewarding.

Currently residing in Madrid, Spain, Blake has embraced the challenges of living abroad by building a strong expat community. Surrounded by people who share mutual trust, respect, and values, Blake has found a sense of belonging far from home. He credits these meaningful relationships as a “cornerstone of happiness and success while living in a foreign country.”

Blake would like to encourage our current SJS students to build good connections with their teachers. “They’ll provide extra help, prepare you for future paths, and might even become lifelong friends,” Blake said. 

SJS is proud to celebrate Blake Pawley’s inspiring journey, a testament to how the lessons learned here continue to shape lives long after graduation.