GACS Today Magazine

GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

today

ELECTION SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS FEVER 12 4 BRADFORD DREAM TEAM CENTER 30 8 CONDITIONING GRADUATION VALUE 22 20 ANNUAL ALUMNI REPORT NEWS

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summer 2013

We are unique, each made in God's image.

We live our lives glorifying Him through the individual gifts we were given, the talents we build upon, the lives we impact.

We are academic, mission-minded, and artistic, and we embrace and serve our neighbors both near and far. We lead by example as Jesus teaches us to do. We plan for the future and count our blessings each day.

We welcome you to hear

O U R S T O R Y.

contents

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VOLUME 13 SUMMER 2013 NUMBER 1

FRONT COVER

School lockers are nostalgic for many of us. Locker magnets and stickers celebrate students' interests and gifts at GAC.

EDITOR

Jill Morris

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Jamie Dalton

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

Bill Burton, Dr. David Fincher, Jill Morris, Dr. Misty Overman, Mandy Richey, Katherine White

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ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Dalton, Lori Davis, Beverly Dowdy, Tammy Hughes, Soyoung Kim, Lauren Roberts, Ronnalee Strickland

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Fritz Miller and Danny Flanagan for Fritz Miller Studios, Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Clark, Langhorne Fazekas, Gwinnet Daily Post, Walter Kirk, Jennifer Lofton, Mario Lozano, Glenn Martin, Tina Martin, Amanda McMaster, Dana Pritchett, Kristy Shelton, Anne Tan, Jessica Terry, Tina Torrance, Mary Wilson

PRINTING

Data Supplies, Inc.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

GACS Today is published semiannually in winter and summer by the Office of Community Relations at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

RANDALL JACKSON

MAILING ADDRESS

SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS

1575 Indian Trail Road Norcross, Georgia 30093-2614

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DREAM TEAM

WEBSITE

AFTER HOURS

www.greateratlantachristian.org

GRADUATION

Greater Atlanta Christian School practices a non-discriminatory policy of admissions.

CELEBRATION DINNER

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ALUMNI NEWS GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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An Epic Tale

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

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e all love stories. We’ve adored them since our parents first sat by our bedside, and said those magic words “Once upon a time”… and off we went to another place.

The range of tales we love is countless, from three bears and a little girl, to epics of Tolstoyan proportions.

I won’t try to define all the reasons we hunger for stories. But I believe a key reason is we are looking for that one true story, that overarching meta-narrative God built into us…His Story lived out in us. In every tale we hear, from Goldilocks to War and Peace, from a manger, to a cross… then the wonder of an empty tomb, we are searching for meaning, in a greater saga to which we belong – and where there’s room for the entire universe as well.

That’s not the common theme these days in western culture. In a postmodern world, there’s no place for that overarching story. Instead, everyone’s individual stories, interesting, but disconnected little pieces, stand or fall alone– and no one should look for anything larger.

Sadly, too many children today hear only those pint-sized stories…nothing greater exists.

In this issue, you’ll see part of His cohesive story in the focus on healthy transitions for GAC children across various ages and school levels (“Dream Team”, p. 8). You will meet four very differently gifted seniors who’ve blossomed in their GAC story (Senior Highlights, p. 4). You will get a glimpse of “After Hours,” and how learning and growing keeps right on going for GAC kids after the regular school day ends (“After Hours”, p. 16). Get ready to meet seven young men – for whom the phrase “Be Prepared” is an opportunity for God’s story to guide their lives (p. 21). And you’ll have a chance to reflect on two men who embraced His story, and how He used them: one to begin GAC (the late Burton Landers, GAC’s first Board Chair, p. 35), and another to guide us with wise stewardship for decades (retiring Vice President of Finance Randall Jackson, p. 3).

Yes, The Story of Us, our theme for this issue, is all part of His Story. He has a beautiful True Tale waiting for every single GAC student and family for today…and tomorrow. We can’t wait to be part of it…and see what God will do with His jewels on our campus and the superb Christian school He is still building.

Join us, and help write The Story.

GAC stands in contrast to that philosophy. We have no doubt that our work is an integral part of His Story, every single day. Our students hear it, and they participate in it. GAC teachers, students, and leaders “get it” that we have a greater purpose than ourselves, that we’ve been called to the paradox of greatness and servanthood simultaneously; that excellence and humility can be one; and that a Christian school can be more…much more, and can educate her children literally to change the world.

DR. DAVID FINCHER, PRESIDENT

“God knew what we needed – and when we needed it. He would raise someone up to do the deed. He knew how and when. It’s been a blessing to watch Him work.” – Randall Jackson

“Usually serving behind the scenes, Randall Jackson has been the very backbone of GAC operations, making it possible for teachers, principals, and me to focus on our mission for students. He’s given his heart, soul, mind, and strength to help GAC thrive. We’ll build on his work in future years – but what he did for GAC will never be forgotten.”

– Dr. David Fincher, GAC President

First hire: Joyce Gatz for Accounts Payable.

She stayed at GAC for 25 years.

He serves as an Elder at Campus Church of Christ.

First day at GAC in 1978: Randall saw kids gathered on the floor counting money – a confusing sight for an accountant. This was his introduction to the GAC Magazine Sale. From day one, he saw a great spirit within GAC.

Randall will be remembered for his perseverance.

His precious wife, Nancy has worked, volunteered with, and supported Randall. She has been an integral part of GAC life for 35 faithful years.

First computer: Radio Shack TRS80 11-64K, purchased for $600, one of the earliest mass-produced personal computers.

In the early years of GAC, tuition payments sometimes came in the form of coins, grave plots, property, boxcars, and even a horse.

Sometimes small, faithful installments were made. Other times tuition came “paid in full” with more funds to be given to educate a family’s children’s children.

Randall and Nancy have 2 grown children, both GAC alumni.

“The relationship between school head and business officer must be one of trust and support. I have been fortunate to work with two leaders, Jesse Long and David Fincher. Jesse gave me a chance as a young man.

It was an honor to work alongside him for 20 years.

David was ‘raised up’ under Jesse, and GAC has seen growth for 15 additional years. I’m so fortunate to have worked with these two godly men.” – Randall Jackson

Randall helped set up the first $100,000 endowment in late 1984 with the selling of school property across Indian Trail. Today GAC’s endowment surpasses $37 million.

Guiding GAC’s Finances Through

Decades of Change

Randall Jackson, Vice President of Finance (1978-2013) PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk

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STEVEN SMITH Q uiet, modest, unassuming. Recent graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian, Steven Smith, is the kind of guy you just want to be around. He is also undeniably brilliant and has epic test scores. Recently completing his Eagle Scout project, Steven is an extremely well-rounded student who has spent his time at GAC deeply involved in all areas of school life.

Senior High English Teacher, Brad Denton, shares, “Steven, with his unassailable GPA, carries with him a secret that very few have seen, and perhaps none would guess. Steven is one of the world’s greatest face painters of five- and six-year-olds. And – he can juggle.” Such hidden talents were

revealed as he participated in the GAC spring mission trip serving a Title I school in the Bronx, New York City.

As one of seven Eagle Scouts at GAC this year, Steven's Eagle project reflected a depth of a college-level civil engineering student in its inception, planning, and execution. His project was complex and not only revealed Steven’s intelligence but also his big heart for service. He directed the rebuilding of an aging, virtually unusable chapel at his family’s church. He restored the interior altar and seating area and landscaped for aesthetics and sustainability. This crowning achievement to his service in the Boy Scouts adds to many years of assisting with clothing and food drives,

cleaning up litter in area parks, assisting with fundraisers for the needy and the sick, and helping the nuns in the monastery.

Most will recognize Steven as the first chair euphonium player in the GAC Band or as a top cross-country runner. Most recently, however, Steven was named as GAC’s Class of 2013 Valedictorian. His many achievements, and a bright future, will follow him next year as he attends Rice University.

ACADEMICS 4

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk

MISSIONS

LILLIE RUSSO L

illie Russo is passionate. She is passionate about her friendships and her family, passionate about her music and her academic future, and passionate about the mission work that has become so dear to her while in Senior High. One of the mission leaders, Jessica Terry observed, “While in Greece, Lillie led our team to serve the refugee outreach, Hellenic Ministries. She was bold and brought unity to our group.” Lillie is known as a young woman who consistently plans,

brainstorms, and raises support. She has ideas that make the mission trip to Greece more successful each year.

As a junior and senior, Lillie served as a small group leader both during the Spiritual Retreat and during the school year for underclassmen. Her efforts in leading her classmates to discover God’s plan for their lives is both heartfelt and effective. She is fair, intelligent, resourceful, and creative. Lillie is also an accomplished cellist in the GAC Senior

High Orchestra and a founding member of Stradivarius Strings, a student ensemble. Her American Literature teacher, Tami Miller, commented, “Lillie has a vitality that is infectious and yet her exuberance never gets in the way of her intelligent and attentive nature.

She is very outgoing and generous with others.”

Lillie will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall.

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SERVICE A

student at GAC since the sixth grade, Anna Bass has shown a passion for service and leadership from the start. Earlier this year, Anna was named to the State All-Star Cast for her role in Jim Leonard Jr.’s one-act play, And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson, but no matter what role she plays, Anna is a servant at heart.

Anna’s passion for service shows as she has volunteered for three summers at Camp Big Heart, an overnight camp for mentally challenged children and adults. Frequently on Friday nights, Anna leads GAC students to serve the homeless at Atlanta Mission, where she serves on the Junior Board.

As president of the 440-member Beta Club, Anna coordinated student volunteers for Special Olympics and GAC's annual Grandparents' Day last year. She also serves as President of the National Honor Society.

Anna traveled with a GAC team to Rwanda last summer where they helped students learn English through “Africa Reads.” Anna's skills in acting and improvisation made her the perfect teacher for this task. Faculty advisor Angelique Allen identified Anna’s contribution as “simply brilliant.”

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Her passion for acting and serving extends beyond stage performances, as shown through Anna’s contributions to Senior High chapels. This past year, Anna wrote and produced a chapel program with vignettes of people suffering from homelessness, human trafficking, and other difficulties. Students experienced an opportunity to discover and support organizations fighting these ills. One GAC administrator observed, “It was one of the finest programs I've seen in my experience.”

Atlanta INtown selected Anna as one of their “20 Under 20,” a feature highlighting Atlanta “students who have gone above and beyond to give back to the community.”

This year’s recipient of the Atlanta Journal Cup, Anna will attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall and will continue to find ways to serve.

ANNA BASS PHOTOGRAPHED BY Mario Lozano

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s President of the GAC National Art Society, Soyoung Kim coordinated the annual Black & White Gala where over 600 guests enjoyed a night celebrating the arts with refreshments, music, and a talented display of sculpture and paintings. One entire wall of the gala was dedicated to her own art. Creatively integrating different art mediums, Soyoung is never short on fresh ideas as shown by her Daliesque space-scape dominated by deep shades of grays and browns, and a black-andwhite 1880s locomotive that might have been drawn

by M.C. Escher himself. “Soyoung always puts much thought into her artistic solutions for projects, never complains about tight deadlines, and has taken on the responsibilities of student leadership within the art department,” says Elaine Adams, GAC’s Visual Arts Department Chair. Soyoung has won many awards for her artwork, including a Scholastic Gold Key Award.

SOYOUNG KIM

Soyoung is published in the Research Journal of Chemical Sciences for a research project in conjunction with a chemistry teacher at a local university on the antioxidant capacities of coffee and black tea. Their work was presented at the Southwestern Regional meeting of the American Chemical Society in November 2012.

Her interests extend beyond arts and science. She has traveled to Vienna, Austria, to give assistance to refugees from the Middle East and North Africa.

She takes advantage of many opportunities offered in GAC’s College Counseling office, such as the International Studies European tour and enrichment programs at Columbia University, Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Soyoung is Co-Salutatorian for the Class of 2013.

Although she has a passion for art, Soyoung plans to integrate her creativity into a career in engineering.

She will begin her studies at Columbia University in the fall of 2013.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk

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DREAM THE LEARNING INNOVATION CABINET IS A GROUP OF GAC ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS WORKING TO RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENT THE BEST LEARNING SOLUTIONS FOR GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STUDENTS.

TEAM Mandy Richey, Junior High Dean of Academics

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY Mario Lozano

Brad Schultz, Dr. Betty Morris, and Scott Harsh review the results of a brainstorming session.

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hat image is conjured in your mind when you hear the words "Dream Team"? Many of you see the 1992 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team made up of players that were a coach’s dream.

You might see Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird receiving gold medals on a podium in Barcelona, Spain.

Defeating their opponents by an average of 44 points a game, the Dream Team is often considered the greatest sports team ever assembled.

But there are other Dream Teams – teams that aren’t only a dream when assembled but are active dreamers. Walt Disney founded an animation enterprise in 1923 that grew to become The Walt Disney

Junior High students scouted locations around campus and planned installation sculptures.

They created tape models of themselves to fit specific environments.

Company. Starting with only a few thousand dollars, the company has grown to create yearly revenue totaling in the billions of dollars. Walt Disney’s achievement began with a philosophy of “Dream. Believe. Dare. Do.” As chief dreamer, Disney cultivated talented and dedicated people, encouraging them to unleash their imaginations, execute with excellence, and create products and experiences of substance.

GAC is a Dream Team of active dreamers. Dynamic and pioneering leaders set a vision for student growth and development K-12. Dedicated and nurturing faculty

continually create innovative teaching and learning experiences. Gifted and talented students engage in rigorous, Christ-centered curriculum while dreaming of their future in a brave, new world. Steadfast parents and volunteers give of their resources in an effort to make GAC a school focused on making a difference in the lives of her students.

And what exactly are we dreaming of for our students at GAC? We are dreaming of a connected learner. We envision a student whose learning is connected from Kindergarten through 12th grade. We are

“ALL MEN DREAM, BUT NOT EQUALLY. THOSE WHO DREAM BY NIGHT IN THE DUSTY RECESSES OF THEIR MINDS, WAKE IN THE DAY TO FIND THAT IT WAS VANITY: BUT THE DREAMERS OF THE DAY ARE DANGEROUS MEN, FOR THEY MAY ACT ON THEIR DREAMS WITH OPEN EYES, TO MAKE THEM POSSIBLE.” – T.E. LAWRENCE GAC administrators regularly meet to plan learning initiatives for students.

L to R: Scott Harsh (SH Principal), Dr. Betty Morris (SH Dean of Academics), Mandy Richey (JH Dean of Academics), Dr. Misty Overman (JH Principal), Troy Bendickson (SH Dean of Students), and Brad Schultz (Elementary Assistant Principal)

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The Senior High Chapel Class, including members of the Senior High Chapel Band, creates meaningful worship experiences for students and faculty.

Learners Create

dreaming of learners who are linked to each other and the world through technology and digital tools. We are dreaming of learners motivated by options and real-life, meaningful work. We are dreaming of students who can manipulate and create and think using the mountain of information at their fingertips. We are dreaming of worldchanging individuals who love Jesus Christ and are passionate about showing His love across the globe.

From the first moment of K3 in the Early Childhood Village to a graduation ceremony in Long Forum, each student’s story at GAC is one of “dreamedabout” events. What events and learning

experiences have been dreamed about for this learner K-12? How do these dreamedabout events focus and shape a connected learner?

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Learners Imagine n the Early Childhood Village, learners imagine. Students experience literacy and the excitement of learning through innovative events like Fairy Tale Day. Children and teachers dress up as fairy tale characters, joust like knights in a tournament, and search for the fair maiden whose foot fits the magical glass slipper. Through imaginative play, reading and writing, and math connections, students imagine and dream of what was in the past, what is in the world today, and what could be in the future.

In the Elementary School, learners create. Students in grades 4 and 5 develop friendships and practice teamwork through community houses -- think of Harry Potter and Gryffindor. Children are encouraged to “think outside the box” and work together to solve problems in programs like BOOST. Learners present information using iMovie, Keynote presentations, and Pages documents, all created on their iPads. Responsible digital citizenship is emphasized in Media Literacy. Throughout the elementary years, learners are asked to participate and grow through creative learning experiences.

Learners Collaborate In Junior High, learners collaborate. Preteens, who are by nature becoming social butterflies, are encouraged to sit at tables and work together in teams to accomplish goals and meet academic standards. The New PLUS1 program offers students additional opportunities to work with other learners – young and old, local and global – while exploring real-world subjects such as visual arts, coding, and engineering. By thinking critically, communicating, and creating in group settings focused on helping others learn, students in Junior High at GAC live out the philosophy of “the more you teach, the more you learn.”

BOOST (Building On Our Students' Talents) classes are designed to help students work in groups to create solutions for both real world and imaginary problems. Emphasis is placed on cooperation, collaboration, and learning from mistakes.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY Jennifer Clark, Mario Lozano, and Anne Tan

Learners Lead In Senior High, learners lead. Eleventh graders experience leadership development uniquely through curriculum focused on discovering their life calling and on using tools that can help them fulfill their purpose. Students are encouraged to lead by expressing their passion and strengths in classrooms, on athletic fields, in the orchestra, or in a play. Teams of students work together to serve others and show the love of Christ on international mission trips to South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The Chapel Class creates daily spiritual experiences for Senior High students with

an emphasis on student-led praise and worship. By using their God-given talents, both inside and outside the classroom, students in Senior High are leading with excellence.

isolation. Every day all GAC students imagine, create, collaborate, and lead in age-appropriate ways. And every day all GAC students connect current learning with past learning K-12.

f course, the creativity of the Elementary school would be severely diminished without the imagination of the Early Childhood Village. Leading cannot happen in Senior High without the collaborative skills emphasized in Junior High. None of these skills live in

What’s next for the Dream Team of GAC? We will make our dreams a reality. And what’s after that? We will dream some more. Our commitment to continued growth and improvement at GAC will drive us to dream bigger and work harder to provide a unique learning experience for our students. ■

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These members of the Class of 2013, affectionately known as GAC Lifers, started their education at Greater Atlanta Christian School in the Early Childhood Village.

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SUSTAINABILITY WORKS Responsible Repurposing

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ook around our campus. GAC has literally “recycled” entire buildings by repurposing them - Bradford Gym, Senior High, and now 1500.

Rather than building a new facility, the Bradford Gym was repurposed into Bradford Center with interior renovations that transformed it into a useful venue for athletics and performing and visual art activities. The renovated Senior High Complex, our original Tidwell and Long buildings, added needed space for administrative offices and for expanded classes without tearing down structures.

There are plans for additional recycling of existing buildings. As part of GAC’s Strategic Plan, the school purchased the 1500 building across Indian Trail, allowing ancillary services to move across the street, freeing up buildings in the core campus for expanding educational needs. The costs of repurposing are 1/3 the cost of starting new, without even adding in the price of land.

student Initiatives Over the past several months, GAC students have explored alternative energy sources by building models in Elementary BOOST classes, conducting building energy audits in Junior High, planning a “blackout” campaign in Senior High to raise sustainability awareness, and developing a GAC-specific list of environmentally friendly best practices. As outlined in GAC’s comprehensive Strategic Plan, we are striving to implement campus-wide sustainability education and practices.

LOOK AROUND CAMPUS: • • • • • • •

Elementary Teaching Garden Conversion from styrofoam to plastic cafeteria trays 90% reduction of campus waste Drought-resistant plants Use of well water for 90% of irrigation Synthetic turf athletic field Environmental Learning Center

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GAC has reduced its disposal waste by 90% by implementing effective recycling practices, resulting in significantly less landfill disposals and cost reduction in waste hauling. Students are planning additional efforts in recycling, reducing waste, and water conservation.

In the coming year, Elementary students will build small versions of model homes, exploring energy savings away from school. Junior High and Senior High students will explore and plan for the retrofitting of the current GAC Fields Science Hall by taking the building off the power grid through the use of LED lighting and solar power. Senior High will offer an AP class in Environmental Sustainability, encouraging students who want to pursue a career in this field.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Jennifer Clark

Days 60 Prayer

OF

for the

Nations

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Mark 11:17 Flags waved in Hollis Smith Quadrangle to remind students of their commitment. Students in Senior High, led by the Senior High Chapel Class, started a prayer movement committing to pray for a different nation each day for 60 days. “We prayed for a nation’s spiritual relationship with Christ, their economy, and current issues they may be facing. The 60 Days helped us become more aware of global concerns,” says Olivia Julian, a vital part of the Senior High Chapel Class and a member of the recently graduated GAC Class of 2013.

Leading the way to experiential worship through small groups, Senior High Chapel Band worship, special speakers, and guest musicians like Gideonz Army, Aaron Keyes, and Brett Younker, Senior High Chapel is designed to make worship real. Students partnered with Operation World (www.operationworld.org) to kick off the 60 Days of Prayer as a constant reminder of a larger, more global perspective.

As our eyes are opened to the needs of others, we realize just how fortunate we are and how we don’t need to take our privileges as Christians for granted.” – Olivia Julian, GAC Class of 2013

JUMP ROPE for Heart

Village and Elementary students raised over $41,762 for the American Heart Association during the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. With hearts for service, the students collectively made the decision to give their prizes and toys to GAC mission teams to take to the children they would

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Amanda McMaster and Kristy Shelton

serve. T-shirts, jump ropes, playground balls and other fun prizes were given to kids in Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Kenya, Jamaica, Ukraine, and the Bronx, New York.

Rita Davis, an American Heart Association

representative said, “They get it. They just get it.” These kids not only raised money, but they turned it into a dual mission to bring joy to children all over the world.

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SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

FINE ARTS

Band The Marching Spartans, Drum Major, Color Guard, and Percussion earned Superior Ratings and 2nd place Class AA at the Georgia Contest of Champions.

Jazz Bands earned Excellent Ratings at the GMEA Jazz Performance Evaluation.

Concert & Symphonic Bands earned straight Superior Ratings at the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation.

Drama

15 students selected for the GMEA District 13 Honor Band

4 students selected for the Georgia All-State Band

Sander Schierer (11th grade) - First GAC student to earn a chair in the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony - First Chair Tuba – Georgia All-State Band - Awarded a full scholarship to attend the Interlochen Music & Arts Camp in Michigan

Choir

Austin Crute (11th grade) Shuler Award Winner – Best Actor as “Scarecrow” in The Wiz

Literary Trio – 1st place GHSA Region 6AA Literary Competition Meghan Maxfield, Emma Pitts, and Charlotte Russo

One Act Play And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson

SH Choir received 4 Superior Ratings at the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation.

- Cast won 1st place in Region 6AA competition - Charlotte Russo (12th grade) and Sam Casey (10th grade) were named Best Actress & Best Actor.

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JH Choir received Superior and Excellent Ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin and Amanda McMaster

Orchestra GMEA District 13 Solo & Ensemble Evaluation 4 soloists received Superior Ratings 6 Ensembles – 5 Superior Ratings, 1 Excellent Rating GMEA District 13 Large Group Performance Evaluation JH Philharmonia Orchestra – Superior Ratings in both Prepared Selections and Sight Reading

Black & White

GALA Blessings: Overflowing

GAC’s 9th annual Black & White Gala showcased a caliber of self-directed, passionate talent that our GAC students create in classrooms every day.

Energy filled Crump Gallery as students escorted visitors on display tours and musical performances drew audiences into Jones Theater. Displayed artworks – all created by Junior High and Senior High students – included paintings, drawings, mixed media, prints, sculptures, pottery, encaustics, batiks, linoleum prints, and photography.

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

FINE ARTS

DANCE 1st place in the Performing Arts Division at the Georgia High School State Dance Championship.

3rd place in the Dance Team Division and the Pom Category.

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Over 275 students take advantage of private music lessons.

Jeanne Giager, GAC School of Music Director, and Kristi Loveless, GAC School of Ballet instructor.

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AFTER

Jill Morris, Director of Admissions and Community Relations &

HOURS Jamie Dalton, Communications & Project Assistant

Children are not limited to being involved in only one activity at GAC. Busy parents can provide their children the opportunity to experience a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Sports, drama, dance, music, chess, and more – all on one 80-acre campus.

With unpredictable traffic patterns and rushed schedules, many parents depend on GAC after school. After-3 o’clock activities give added dimension and value to students’ lives and help nurture children following a rigorous day. With School of Music, School of Ballet, Kids’ Time, and Discovery Activities, the campus offers students time to connect, form friendships, and engage in a world of new experiences.

“Over 275 students take advantage of afterschool private music lessons”, shares School of Music Director, Jeanne Giager. Students learn technical skill and musical expression from over 20 gifted professionals. “Of that number, 125 students in grades K3-5th are able to fit once-per-week lessons in their daily recess periods.” This allows those same instructors to offer Junior and Senior High students private lessons after school – it’s a popular program.

Sophomore Keegan Musser has been taking drum and piano lessons since the

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk and Jennifer Lofton

fifth grade. He believes it has given him a definite advantage in Marching Band and Symphonic Band. Musser plans to continue playing in college. Assistant Band Director, Robert Turner, compares private lessons to tutoring preparation for the SAT. “Taking private lessons allows you to get ahead. For example, over 95% of those who make AllState Band take private lessons in addition to during-the-school-day band classes.”

Sixth grader Aldain Dorsey credits School of Music lessons for his A average in math.

“In clarinet lessons I learn about rhythm and beats, which makes me better in math. I have a 95 average.” he shares.

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Mom of three, Debbie Colehower, is “pleased with the excellence and convenience,” as all of her daughters have been in the music program for five years taking piano, violin, and French horn. Her freshman daughter Rebecca has been so successful in the program that she has been called upon as a leader to help with recitals and to assist in introducing the School of Music to new GAC students.

“I believe taking lessons has made all the difference in Rebecca’s success in the GAC Orchestra,” shares Mrs. Colehower. “My girls truly enjoy and benefit from this afterschool program.”

With 100 students in Kids’ Time and 125 students K3-5 in Discovery Activities, after-school care is popular with GAC families. From drama to tumbling, from science to self-defense, students explore new interests without leaving their familiar environment.

Fifth grader Ruth Rippy has participated in cheerleading, golf, and Radkids (a selfdefense class sponsored by Keep Georgia Safe). “In Radkids I learned to defend myself, and in cheerleading I felt good about the new moves I learned. Kids get their belts in karate and win awards on the chess team. There are lots of things kids can do.”

D

irector of After-School Programs, Jennifer Lofton, shares, “Our quality teachers make GAC Discovery activities the best place for enrichment. Children are walked straight from their classes to Kids’ Time where they eat their snack and are taken to their Discovery Class.”

Just across campus in the newly renovated Bradford Center, 134 dancers gather in spacious studios in the School of Ballet. Dance instructors bring impressive resumes and experience in all areas of

From drama to tumbling, from science to self-defense, students explore new interests without leaving their familiar environment.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk and Mario Lozano

Each after-school program is continually looking ahead to ensure the most innovative classes and activities are available to students. ballet, jazz, pointe, Irish dance, and yoga.

Dance instructor and former Atlanta Ballet principal dancer, Kristi Loveless, shares how special it is that accomplished dancers can take many hours of dance each week and not miss out on student life - “A serious dancer can spend anywhere from 10-15 hours a week in the studio. Having a school of ballet on campus makes it possible for dancers to enjoy a well-rounded school experience as well as serious training. Many of our girls have been seen at a football game supporting their friends with a ballet bun in their hair!”

Whether you are a working parent or love the atmosphere of the Williams Fine Arts Center or Bradford Center, GAC offers activities that awaken growth and inspire a child while providing a comfortable surrounding similar to going home in the afternoons…only better. A father of a GAC Senior High student shares, “My son has different friends in different classes each semester, different teachers and emotions to face each semester. But, year after year, he can come to the Fine Arts Building after school where the same faces greet him with love, support, teaching, and guidance.”

Beth Griffin, GAC mom of four girls, credits the dance teachers with her daughters’ growing love of dance, “We absolutely love the School of Ballet. All four of our daughters (12, 9, 7, 5) love their dance teachers and enjoy taking dance more than anything else they do at school. Since the dance lessons are immediately after school, I have the time to help my daughters with their homework in between their lessons. It’s convenient, a fun environment, and our girls are becoming great dancers at several different skill levels.”

GAC truly is the place to be after hours.

This is just a glimpse of the current offerings on campus. Each after-school program is continually looking ahead to ensure the most innovative classes and activities are available to students. Come visit us After Hours! ■

COMING SOON: New Discovery Activities • Foreign Language • Lego Robotics • Babysitting Certification

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GAC Academics

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

AC A D E M I C S

National Merit Finalists

VALEDICTORIAN

CO-SALUTATORIAN

CO-SALUTATORIAN

Steven Smith GAC Class of 2013

Soyoung Kim GAC Class of 2013

Andy Irwin GAC Class of 2013

Juwon Drake (12th grade) Steven Smith (12th grade) Christine Wilson (12th grade)

STARS at GAC

Star Student Christine Wilson (12th grade)

Star Teacher Terry Beasley Sr. High Math Teacher

Christine Wilson, the 2013 Star Student, made a cake so that her AP Calculus AB class could celebrate after their exam. Cakes in themselves aren’t unique, but Christine made an exceptional cake to mark her final. Teacher Terry Beasley shares, “I assumed that she would make a ‘regular’ cake, but as with everything she does, Christine went above and beyond expectations.” Christine’s mom shared with Mr. Beasley, “I kept asking Christine if she should be studying instead.

Christine kept on saying that she didn’t need to because ‘I KNOW the material’.”

That makes a teacher proud.

The STAR Student is the senior having the highest SAT score at GAC.

Senior High Awards Night Highlights

Varsity Math Team placed 2nd in Class AA at the GCTM Varsity State Math Tournament (Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics).

Georgia Certificate of Merit – GAC Juniors: Alicia Brown, Megan Eberhart, Elizabeth Harper, Myles Ingram, Hannah O’Hara, Jaimisha Patel, Sander Schierer, Sam Weyen

Varsity Academic Team placed 3rd in the Georgia Academic State Championship.

Atlanta Journal Cup: Anna Bass (12th grade) Ray Kroc Award: Olivia Julian (12th grade) Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award: Sam Weyen (11th grade)

The 2011-2012 GAC yearbook received a Superior Rating in Concept and Organization, Coverage, Photography and Design, and Copy from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association.

Governor’s Honors: Myles Ingram (11th grade), Sam Weyen (11th grade) Scholar Athlete Award: Brianna Cummings (11th grade), Andy Irwin (12th grade) Mr. & Miss GAC: Charlotte Russo (12th grade) & Andy Irwin (12th grade)

National Hispanic Achievement Award – Nomination: Sam Weyen (11th grade) Bryan Collins Demonbreun Scholarship: Taylor Price (12th grade) Excellence in Citizenship Award: Daniel Parow (12th grade)

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SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

Mr. & Miss Spartan: Conner Conkel (8th grade) & Isabel Stecher (8th grade) PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin, Dana Pritchett and Mary Wilson

JESSICA JOY

MAX MUSSER, GRANT HILL, STEVEN SMITH

GAC is proud of the seven young men who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. These young men have exemplified leadership, accomplished goals, and demonstrated high standards of character and service. These exceptional students are indicators of the high caliber of students at Greater Atlanta Christian and join the ranks of other notable leaders.

Class of 2013 graduate and Samford University Presidential Scholar, Jessica Joy, models leadership in her service to others.

She exhibited her accomplished skills as a project manager and servant leader for her Girl Scouts’ Gold Award project. Recruiting and managing hundreds of volunteers, Jessica oversaw the organization and shipment of personalized care packages to deployed soldiers, as well as the delivery of encouragement packages to soldiers’ families. For her extraordinary efforts, she was awarded the highest achievement in Girl Scouting – the Gold Award.

Minister Ken Snell of North Atlanta Church of Christ says, “Jessica’s leadership set is a model for future student leaders.”

Other Notable Eagle Scout Leaders: Neil Armstrong Astronaut Michael Bloomberg Mayor of New York Gerald Ford President of the United States J.W. Marriott, Jr. CEO Marriott International Mike Rowe Host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” Steven Spielberg Academy Award-winning Director

SAM MCLEAN, JONATHAN EDWARDS, ANDY TABELING, SANDER SCHIERER PHOTOGRAPHED BY Walter Kirk and Mario Lozano

Sam Walton Wal-Mart Founder

GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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CLASS OF

2013

LEARNERS • CHAMPIONS • CREATORS • MISSIONARIES

176 graduates accepted to 170 different colleges and universities nationwide.

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ANDERSON UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BAYLOR UNIVERSITY BELMONT UNIVERSITY BERRY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CORNELL UNIVERSITY COVENANT COLLEGE DAVIDSON COLLEGE DEPAUL UNIVERSITY DUKE UNIVERSITY EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY ELON UNIVERSITY EMORY UNIVERSITY FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY FURMAN UNIVERSITY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA COLLEGE GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HARDING UNIVERSITY HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY HOLY CROSS COLLEGE HOWARD UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT BLOOMINGTON JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY LEE UNIVERSITY LEHIGH UNIVERSITY LIBERTY UNIVERSITY LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY MARYVILLE COLLEGE MERCER UNIVERSITY METHODIST UNIVERSITY MIAMI UNIVERSITY MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY MONTREAT COLLEGE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY OHIO UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY PACE UNIVERSITY PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY PIEDMONT COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE PURDUE UNIVERSITY QUEENS UNIVERSITY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE RICE UNIVERSITY ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SAINT ANSELM COLLEGE SAMFORD UNIVERSITY SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA STETSON UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON UNIVERSITY OF DENVER UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANACHAMPAIGN UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE – CHATTANOOGA UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE – KNOXVILLE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY WINGATE UNIVERSITY WINTHROP UNIVERSITY WOFFORD COLLEGE

“GOD HAS SURROUNDED YOU FOR 18 YEARS WITH OPPORTUNITIES AND BLESSINGS – AND NOW WITH EXPECTATION FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. LISTEN CLOSE…GOD IS SPEAKING TO YOU – HE’S LAUNCHING YOU TODAY FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, IN YOUR OWN GENERATION.” – Dr. David Fincher, 2013 Commencement Address

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SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin

Heart of Service Award – Krista Jenkins

H.A. Fincher Bible Award –

Jonathan Edwards

Jesse C. Long Award of Excellence – Christine Wilson

Jacqulin Long Bible Award – Olivia Julian

Class of 2013 received $9,217,000 in scholarship offers.

“THE CLASS OF 2013 HAS TRAVELED ACROSS ATLANTA, ACROSS 5 CONTINENTS AND 17 CITIES IN JUST THE LAST TWO YEARS TO SERVE OTHERS. FOR THEM, IT’S BEEN LESS ABOUT THE TRAVEL AND SITES, AND MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY’VE MET – SOULS WHO THEY CHANGED, AND SOULS WHO CHANGED THEM.” – Dr. David Fincher, 2013 Commencement Address

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Name Here

GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

23

CLASS OF 2013 ANNUAL FUND HONOR LIST As the GAC Class of 2013 embarks on the next stage of their lives, family and friends reflect on their experiences and accomplishments. The following families chose to honor a 2013 graduate with a gift to the school through the GACS Annual Fund 2012-2013.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to watch members of the Class of 2013 grow during their time at Greater Atlanta Christian. We rejoice with them and send them best wishes for success in the future.

In honor of Jenny Almand Mr. and Mrs. Joe M. Almand, Jr.

In honor of Courtney Czentnar Ms. Carla M. Czentnar

In honor of Griffin Holcomb Mr. and Mrs. Chris L. Holcomb

In honor of Chris McCarter Mr. Thomas and Dr. Diane McCarter

In honor of Kevin Roughgarden Mr. and Mrs. Keith W. Roughgarden

In honor of Whit Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Anderson, III

In honor of Jill Danner Ms. Leonore Danner Mr. and Mrs. Mark Danner

In honor of Hannah Holcomb Mr. and Mrs. Bryce W. Holcomb, Jr.

In honor of Jennie McCarty Mr. and Mrs. B. Graham McCarty

In honor of Charlotte Russo Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Russo

In honor of Cheryl Hord Dr. and Mrs. Allen H. Hord

In honor of Sarah Carter McClanahan Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. McClanahan

In honor of Lillie Russo Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Russo

In honor of Celine Andre Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Andre In honor of Zachary Andrews Mr. Brent J. Darst In honor of Mollie Arrendale Mr. and Mrs. Dan F. Arrendale In honor of Catherine Barker Mr. and Mrs. James D. Barker In honor of Ashley Barnard Mr. and Mrs. William K. Barnard In honor of Taylor Barndt Mr. and Mrs. Clay Williams In honor of Andrew Bartolomei Mr. and Mrs. John T. Bartolomei In honor of Christopher Bartolomei Mr. and Mrs. John T. Bartolomei In honor of Mae Barton Mr. and Mrs. Reed A. Barton In honor of Anna Bass Ms. Theresa A. Lang In honor of Sarah Becker Mr. and Mrs. Mark R. Becker In honor of Peyton Berry Mr. and Mrs. Carlton D. Berry In honor of Brittany Blanz Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Blanz, Jr. In honor of Hayden Boone Mr. and Mrs. Douglas P. Boone In honor of Bryan Brick Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Brick In honor of Skyler Brody Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Brody In honor of Madison Browning Dr. and Mrs. Donald G. Browning, Jr. In honor of Sawyer Buce Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Buce Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Buce, Sr. In honor of CiCi Buford Mrs. Amanda Jones In honor of Greg Burland Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Burland In honor of Stewart Butler Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Butler In honor of Shelby Cagle Ms. Merideth D. Cagle In honor of Jamie Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Campbell, III In honor of David Chi Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Chi

In honor of Emma Davis Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Davis In honor of Morgan Davis Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davis Ms. Nancy Wiley In honor of Tim Desmond Mr. and Mrs. Timothy C. Desmond In honor of Brendon Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Bryan M. Dickerson In honor of Jordan Dudek Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Dudek In honor of Abby Duvall Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth T. Duvall In honor of Jonathan Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Steven G. Edwards In honor of Taylor Endres Ms. Kellie E. Endres In honor of Kathryn Fazekas Mr. and Mrs. Courtney E. Fazekas Mr. and Mrs. Alex E. Fazekas In honor of Conor Finneran Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Finneran In honor of Ali Floyd Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Floyd In honor of Brittany Ford Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. In honor of Jules Foxworthy Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Foxworthy In honor of Landyn Foxworthy Mr. and Mrs. Jay A. Foxworthy In honor of Rachel Garcia Dr. and Mrs. Gaston Garcia In honor of Max Gomas Mr. Parfait and Dr. Oksana Gomas

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In honor of Kayla Jolly Mr. and Mrs. Warren Jolly

In honor of Brianna Milan Mr. and Mrs. Tracey L. Milan

In honor of Jessica Joy Mr. and Mrs. John B. Joy, III

In honor of Austin Miller Mr. and Mrs. Tap C. Miller

In honor of Olivia Julian Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan M. Julian

In honor of Lilli Mimbs Mr. and Mrs. John D. Mimbs

In honor of Michelle Kendall Mr. and Mrs. Errol O. Kendall

In honor of Meghan Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Mitchell

In honor of Soyoung Kim Mr. and Mrs. Sang Joon Kim

In honor of Justin Mohling Mr. and Mrs. Ron R. Mohling

In honor of Chris Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Gregory H. Bowman

In honor of Maddie Grace Moore Mr. and Mrs. Randy Moore

In honor of Zoe Knight Mr. and Mrs. Darrell E. Knight

In honor of Maddie Moore Mr. and Mrs. Randel S. Moore

In honor of Christine Kommu Mr. and Mrs. Ameena V. Kommu

In honor of Kayin Mujahid Mr. and Mrs. Jerome L. Gray

In honor of Michael Lamb Mr. and Mrs. Byrne R. Lamb Mr. and Mrs. Willis A. Lamb

In honor of Max Musser Mr. and Mrs. Eric W. Musser

In honor of Tiffany Liu Mr. and Mrs. Allen Liu

In honor of Elizabeth Hamil Judge and Mrs. R. Timothy Hamil

In honor of Addison Long Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Long Mr. and Mrs. William J. Long

In honor of Grant Hill Ms. Patricia A. Hill In honor of Jasmine Hill Dr. and Mrs. Isiah J. Hill, Jr. In honor of Makenzie Hobbs Mr. and Mrs. Allen W. Hobbs

SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

In honor of Jared Metzger Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Metzger

In honor of Stephanie Middlebrooks Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Middlebrooks

In honor of Haylee Grizzard Mr. and Mrs. Claude H. Grizzard, Jr.

In honor of Drew Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. McNeil

In honor of Jaedon Melcher Dr. and Mrs. Travis L. Auxier

In honor of Daniel Johnson Mr. and Mrs. S. Stephen Johnson

In honor of Andrew Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Lewis

In honor of Paige Hankerson Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hankerson

In honor of Sam McLean Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. McLean

In honor of Max Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Meyer

In honor of Conner Grimes Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Grimes

In honor of Amber Hammond Mr. and Mrs. Len J. Lancaster

In honor of Jordan McDavid Mr. and Mrs. James M. McDavid

In honor of Brandon Jhin Mr. and Mrs. Eddie K. Jhin

In honor of Ethan Langston Mr. and Mrs. Kevin D. Langston

In honor of Sam Harte Mr. and Mrs. Brett K. Harte

In honor of Connor Crumrine Mr. and Mrs. John H. Crumrine

In honor of Krista Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Shawn E. Jenkins Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. DeMonbreun

In honor of Kenny Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Wynn

In honor of Stephanie Collins Mr. and Mrs. J. Carlton Collins Mr. and Mrs. William B. Watson, Jr.

In honor of Corris Crockett Ms. Deborah T. Crockett

In honor of Justin Jarrells Mrs. Alysia Pennington

In honor of Jasmine Green Mr. and Mrs. James Green

In honor of Teresa Hansen Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Hansen

In honor of Nick Creviston Mr. and Mrs. Jim Creviston

In honor of Andy Irwin Mr. and Mrs. James D. Irwin, Jr.

In honor of Weatherly Langsett Mr. and Mrs. Kevin S. Langsett Mr. and Mrs. James M. Pate

In honor of Sam Childs Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Childs

In honor of Brendan Corley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Corley

In honor of Myles Humphrey Mr. and Mrs. Karl T. Humphrey

In honor of Heather Long Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Long In honor of Catherine Mainous Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Mainous, III In honor of Karan Makim Mr. and Mrs. Shripal K. Makim In honor of Megan Malone Mr. and Mrs. Kevin P. Malone In honor of Hunter Martin Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Martin In honor of Gabby Maury Mr. and Mrs. Ruben D. Maury In honor of Meghan Maxfield Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Maxfield In honor of Sydney McCall Ms. Veronica McCall

In honor of Annelise Nutt Mr. and Mrs. James K. Nutt Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Burkett In honor of Megan O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. O’Brien In honor of Caroline Oglesby Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Oglesby In honor of Daniel Parow Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey G. Parow In honor of Katie Paulk Mr. and Mrs. Randall L. Paulk In honor of Chris Petrus Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Petrus In honor of Kimi Pham Mr. and Mrs. Cong Tu Pham In honor of Bentley Phelps Mr. and Mrs. Mike Phelps In honor of Emma Pitts Mrs. Katherine M. Pitts In honor of Sarah H. Pond Ms. Helen S. Pond In honor of Taylor Price Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Price In honor of Braxton Pugh Mr. and Mrs. Barry R. Pugh Mr. and Mrs. James B. Stanley, Jr. In honor of Tahir Riggins Mr. and Mrs. Willie Riggins, Jr.

In honor of Kyle Scales Mr. and Mrs. William A. Scales In honor of Trent Scates Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Scates, III In honor of Halie Schouten Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schouten In honor of Travis Shumard Mr. and Mrs. Curtis L. Shumard In honor of Maileka Slayton Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Slayton In honor of Steven Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce W. Smith In honor of Trent Smith Ms. Denise D. Smith In honor of Kevin Steele Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Steele In honor of Patrick Stone Mr. and Mrs. Randy S. Stone In honor of Troy Sutherland Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Sutherland In honor of Collin Swinton Mr. and Mrs. John J. Swinton In honor of Andy Tabeling Mr. and Mrs. William J. Tabeling, Jr. In honor of Anne Tan Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tan In honor of Emma Taylor Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott Taylor In honor of Olivia Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Thomas In honor of Jake Tracy Drs. William and Shannan Tracy In honor of Rebekah Trotti Mr. and Mrs. James F. Trotti In honor of Nick Trujillo Ms. Nancy C. McInnis Trujillo In honor of Taylor Wagnon Mr. and Mrs. Chris R. Wagnon In honor of Matthew Waters Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Waters In honor of Matthew Watts Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Watts In honor of Elizabeth White Mr. and Mrs. R. Donovan White In honor of Peter Whiteneck Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Whiteneck In honor of Christine Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James R. Wilson In honor of Hannah Witkin Dr. and Mrs. Gene Witkin In honor of Brett Wylie Mr. and Mrs. James E. Wylie, Jr. In honor of Katie Yoder Mr. and Mrs. Leon D. Yoder In honor of Daniel Yoon Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Yoon In honor of Jack Zuckerman Mr. and Mrs. Gregg I. Zuckerman

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin

Simply

Stated

Every four ye ars, The Sou thern Assoc Colleges an iation of d Schools (S A C S), visits G assimilate, ev AC to aluate, interv iew, and repo our school is rt on how educating he r students the guidelines and following to maintain our accredit ation status .

“Confi dence in prod uct an d transp arency with constit uents.”

“Communicates vision to its community.”

“Demonstrates a strong level of collabora tive learning.”

GAC receive d accreditati on renewal this year. The accreditation evaluation team had the se things to s ay….

“Demonstrates a strong level of collaborative learning.”

“Beautiful campus with spirit, involvement and leadership.”

“Is glo bal educa tionand minist ry-min ded.”

“Succinct improvement plan guided by a Strategic Plan”

“Well-balanced academics, arts , athletics, etc.”

“All in clusiv e…C a wid aters e spe to ctrum comm of the unity .”

“Families exhibit a confidence and trust in the school.”

“Integrates faith and learning.”

“GAC evid ences a cult ure that cares about something gr eater than themselves.”

“Genuin e spirit ual transfo rmation of studen ts.”

Greater Atlanta Ch ristian School is ac credited by the So Independent Scho uthern Association ols (SAIS), and the of Colleges and Sc National Christian hools (SACS), the So School Association uthern Association (NCSA). of Figures drawn by Soyoung Kim, GA C Class of 2013 GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

25

GAC was honored to have SEVEN

Whit Anderson Boys Lacrosse

Rachel Garcia Girls Soccer

Maileka Slayton Girls Track & Field

Max Gomas Boys Soccer

The Gwinnett Daily Post sportswriters picks a Super Six in each sport at the beginning of each sport season. With input from high school coaches, the sportswriters choose the top 6 athletes in Gwinnett County who are predicted to lead their teams to victory and lead the county in statistical categories. With so many public and private schools in the county, it is a distinct honor for a student to be selected as a Super Six athlete.

Athletic Scholarships Peter Whiteneck University of Pennsylvania Football

Daniel Yoon Saint Anselm College Football

Andrew Lewis Virginia Military Institute Football

Emma Taylor Freed-Hardeman University Volleyball

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SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

Max Gomas Emory University Soccer

Skyler Brody Montreat College Basketball

Jasmine Hill Lee University Basketball

Jordan Dudek George Washington University Baseball

Mollie Arrendale University of North Georgia Soccer

Daniel Johnson University of Maryland Soccer

Greg Burland Maryville College Baseball PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin and Tina Torrance

SUPER 6 Athletes in 2012-2013.

SPARTAN

Kayla Puzas Girls Soccer

Bailey Tardy Girls Golf

Taylor Wagnon Girls Soccer

SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS

Rachel Garcia University of Georgia Soccer Taylor Wagnon Auburn University Soccer Kayla Puzas Mississippi State University Soccer

Max Gomas Emory University Soccer CiCi Buford Winthrop University Basketball Courtney Czentnar Anderson University Softball Whit Anderson Mercer University Lacrosse PHOTOGRAPHED BY Name Here

GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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BASKETBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL AA State Champions

Girls Basketball AA All-State Team of the Year CiCi Buford & Brianna Cummings

LACROSSE

28

Whit Anderson Gwinnett County Player of Year at Attack GAC Records: • most assists in game (7) • most career assists (103) • most points (goals + assists) in game (10) • most points (goals + assists) in season (95) • most points (goals + assists) in career (233) SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

Trent Smith • 2nd Team All County as Defender • Best Spartan Defender with a GAC record for over 100 ground balls

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Gwinnett Daily Post, Glenn Martin and Tina Torrance

The Boys team won 3rd place at the State AA Track & Field Meet State Champion - Darius Slayton –– 100 Meter & 200 Meters; High Point Trophy for scoring the most points in AA at the state track meet.

State Champion – Micah Abernathy –400 Meters

Coach Brad Kinser – inducted into Gwinnett County Track Coaches Hall of Fame

Andrew Bartolomei – 2nd place - Discus Micah Abernathy, Darius Slayton, Chris Williams, Javon Largie – 2nd place - 4x400 Relay

TRACK & FIELD

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS The Girls team won 2nd place at the State AA Track & Field Meet State Champion - Maileka Slayton 100 Meter & 200 Meters State Champion - Kayin Mujahid Discus; 2nd place – High Jump State Champions - Maileka Slayton, Kayin Mujahid, Stephanie Reynolds, Kennedy Street 4x400 Relay

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Name Here

GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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SOCCER

Varsity Girls Soccer AA State Runner Up Region 2AA Champions Rachel Garcia A-AAAAA Girls’ Player of the Year Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year Gwinnett County Goal Club Scholar Athlete – Elizabeth White

Members of Gwinnett Goal Club A-AAAAA All-County Team Rachel Garcia Kayla Puzas Taylor Wagnon

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS

Varsity GIRLS Golf AA State Runners Up Region 6AA Champions Bailey Tardy Gwinnett Daily Post Female Golfer of the Year 2nd place low medalist in AA State Tournament

Varsity Boys Golf

GOLF

30

3rd Place in Region 6AA Championships

SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Langhorne Fazekas Gwinnett Daily Post, Glenn Martin and Tina Martin

Mr. & Miss Spartan

Spirit: Collin Swinton & Charlotte Russo

2013 All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Andrew Lewis and Kayin Mujahid

GAC’s Lightning Girls (2nd-4th grades) 2013 Gwinnett Lacrosse League Champions This is the first team from GAC to win a youth lacrosse championship.

GAC 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team Buckhead Rotary League Champions

Wrestling Aiden Jarrett (9th grade) Freshman All-American at the NHSCA (National High School Coaches Association) National Wrestling Championship PHOTOGRAPHED BY Name Here

GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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You will know them by theirMathew fruit.

7:16 A key ingredient in the GAC community is expressing appreciation for years worked, for accomplishments, and for going the extra mile.

On May 3 at Château Élan, the following faculty and staff members were recognized by their peers.

H.A. Fincher Award

Dana Davis, Freshmen Dean • Exhibits selflessness and devotion to students • Demonstrates outstanding professional qualifications • Inspires excellence in students • Provides many years of service to GAC • Promotes spiritual direction for students • Goes above and beyond their responsibilities

Retirees

Donna Love, Senior High Teacher 25 years

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SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

Donna Holladay, Director of Counseling 33 years

Eudene McFaddin, Early Childhood Village Teacher 27 years

Randall Jackson, Vice President of Finance 35 years PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin

Ministry Milestones

Outstanding Elementary Educator of the Year

10

Monica Schultz 3rd Grade Teacher

YEARS

Outstanding Junior High Educator of the Year Joe Edlhuber Junior High Science Teacher

15

Outstanding Senior High Educator of the Year

YEARS

Jenny Runkel Senior High English Teacher

20

Renee Arnold Jill Baker Mitchell Baker Sherry Bolling Karen Cherry Peggy Holzgrefe Teresa Howard Lola Ingram Melanie Joseph Veronica McCall Amanda McMaster Jenny Runkel Crystal Tarpley Denise Tate Jodi Wheadon Katherine White

Terry Beasley Larry Boyd Jami Denton Alan Henderson Marsha Horne Cindy Lawrence Lori Montgomery Julia Osteen Charles Ray Shelly Thomas Rhonda Hawkins Kim Vick

YEARS

Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Larry Boyd Supervisor of Maintenance

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Kathy Hollywood

The Board of Trustees announced the naming of the Randall Jackson Finance Center in GACS 1500, in honor and appreciation of Randall's 35 years of dedicated service to Greater Atlanta Christian School.

▼

25

YEARS

30

Mike Adams Ben Born Beth Christian Donna Love Dr. Betty Morris Diane Jones René Melson

YEARS

35

Randall Jackson

YEARS

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New Responsibilities

Greater Atlanta Christian is blessed with a depth of leaders that many K12 Christian schools long to replicate. While many schools rely on importing their next generation of leaders from somewhere else, God grows leaders among us. This makes our story unique. As we dream and plan the next phase of our ministry, it's time to assign new responsibilities to some of God's servants at GAC. We are pleased and thankful to announce the following new roles beginning with the 2013–14 school year.

Scott Harsh, Vice President of Strategic Planning & Senior High Principal

Dr. Misty Overman, Vice President of Learning Initiatives & Junior High Principal

Josh Thomason, Director of Finance • Graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology

Executive Team

• Certified Public Accountant

Katherine White, Bill Burton, Dr. David Fincher, Scott Harsh, Dr. Misty Overman, Josh Thomason Scott Harsh, Troy Bendickson, Dr. Betty Morris, Brian Dolinger

Senior High Team

• MBA candidate

Dana Davis, Dr. Misty Overman, Mandy Richey, Charles Edwards

Junior High Team

New Roles:

New Roles:

Brian Dolinger – Freshmen Dean • Graduate of Texas A&M • Doctoral candidate.

• Founding director of two different international schools in Kigali, Rwanda

Dana Davis – 8th Grade Dean Build links between Junior High & Senior High Concentration: Works with JH and 8th grade leadership team to provide academic, social, and spiritual guidance to students as they face life’s transitions

Concentration: Works with incoming freshmen in areas of student life, academics, and discipline as they transition to Senior High

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Katherine White, Vice President of Development

SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

Charles Edwards – Junior High Dean of Students & Director of Diversity • Graduate of Vanderbilt University Concentration: Guides peer-to-peer interaction, JH social and spiritual development, student discipline and advisement, and diversity PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin and Mario Lozano

A PIONEER OF GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL C. B U RT O N L A N D E R S ( 1 9 2 3 - 2 01 3 )

E

arlier this year, the GAC family bid farewell to one of our earliest benefactors and supporters.

Charles Burton Landers passed away on January 18, 2013, at 89 years old. It is with deep appreciation for his passion, guidance, and leadership that we remember him.

For those of us at GAC, Burton Landers holds a unique place of distinction in our hearts. His invaluable tenure of 40 years of leadership includes serving as the first Chairman of the Board (1961-2001), working with Jesse Long and other leaders during the early years in establishing GAC, securing the school’s property, and building the first facilities.

While we could easily write pages outlining details of his service to us, Burton never demanded a spotlight for himself.

Burton Landers. Burton was the one that kept the dream of Christian education alive in the late 1950s. It was appropriate that he was the first Chairman of the Board and continued in that role for forty years.”

– The Early Years – A Memoir, Jesse Long Chancellor of GAC “I served on the GAC Board for many years with Burton, and then as Vice Chair during which time Burton mentored me well to eventually take his role. That’s a record of service that will likely never be broken.” – Jim Combee - Chairman of the Board, GAC His positive, jovial, caring outlook will always be with Greater Atlanta Christian, and those are the traits we will strive to emulate as we carry on what he helped to begin.

“Of all the people who have worked with our school, none has been more valuable than

“From my earliest days as a young GAC teacher and principal until his final years as Chair, Burton Landers was a regular encourager and informal advisor. His heart was loving and his support for GAC’s mission was unwavering.” – Dr. David Fincher – President, GAC

GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE DEDICATION OF THE STAGE IN THE CLIFTON JONES THEATRE. On March 30, the stage was named the Matthew McAfee Stage, in loving memory of Matthew Braden Roberts McAfee by an anonymous GAC family. In September 2000, Matthew’s life was cut short at the age of 17 in a car accident at the beginning of his senior year in high school.

and making friends easily, Matthew was a wonderful son, brother, and Christian friend. The family hopes that his story will teach other students to realize how precious the gift of life is and to make each day a blessing.

The Matthew McAfee Stage will host many joyful visual and performing arts events at Greater Atlanta Christian School and will honor the memory of a life taken too soon.

Matthew was very involved in school in Tennessee, where he served as Senior Class President and Student Council President. An active member of FCA, Matthew was also a vital part of his youth group at church. Always bringing warmth to a room

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Glenn Martin

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CONNECT

a lu m n i n e w s

summer 2013

ALUMNI NEWS INSTAGRAM:

Follow "GACSAlumni"

GAC Alumni Website:

www.gacsalumni.com

FACEBOOK:

Like the "Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni" page

Twitter:

Linkedin: Join the "Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni" Professional Networking Group

Follow @alumniGACS

Save the Date

Attend the GAC Alumni Homecoming Cookout before the Spartan Football Homecoming game.

Fri., Oct. 25 at 6PM 36

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25

Where are they now?

Help us find the following GAC alumni – Class of 1973

Class of 1974

Ted Carter Craig Edwards Cynthia Ann (DeFreese) Heery Ricky Jones Pam (Bennett) Post Steve Sheehy Stephen Smith Nathan West Tom White

Debbie (Miller) Downs Brian Graves Tim Goodwin Vickie (West) Jackson Wendy Worthen Wes Wright

Class of 1976

Mary (Himes) Campbell Rene’ (Oswalt) Connally Sandra (Cole) King Melinda (Cato) Hay Diane (Daugherty) Tucker Pamela (Smithwick) Whitehead

Class of 1977

Chuck Douglas Keith Dunn Jann (Smith) Moore Ruthie (Jones) Nichols Chip Williams

Jeff Chitwood

Class of 1979

Polly (Chandler) Alexander Brian Armstrong Kelly Bolick Kirk Bunn Julie Hollingsworth Rick Johnson Rick Meier Rick Newton Mark Wallace Mike Watkins Linda (Hearn) Winters

Class of 1980

Dianne (Johnson) Baus Jim Cherry Andy Garner Michelle (Reneau) Kelley

Class of 1981

Patrick Crump Stan Hudgins Ronnie Marks Heather (Porter) Nicholson Susan Stephens Rick Yarbrough

Class of 1982

Alesia (McAlpin) Childress Jody Horsman Melanie (Murphy) Moore Loretta (Hatcher) Wright

Class of 1983 Cindy (Lee) Baker Matt Brown Steve Cherry Carol Forrester

Class of 1984 Bess Barnett Jeff Campbell Jack Eades Jeff Shaw

Class of 1985

Cynthia Blue Pam Cummings Tori (Densmore) Floyd Jeff Hilburn Billy Linn Gail Nelson Stacey Newman Henry Scheidel

Class of 1986 Craig Atkinson James Beaver Leianne Clements Janet Denker Michele Gayler Russ Schlenker Lynn Smith Brad Spence Philip Story Kelly Ward

Class of 1987

Tanya (Zimmerman) Barnett Mary Ann (Watkins) Perkins

Class of 1988

Laura Brooks Chrischel (Spence) Cole Susan Greene Daniel Hayward Mike Jamison Ryan Lumpkin Matt McCormick Charles Spraggins

Class of 1989

Class of 1993

Kristie Ash Jeffrey Chesser Cristen Curd Laurie Dunham Kyle Hamby Sean Hester Jay Lake Tad Touchton

Stephanie Atchison Jason Babb Alex Lapkin Vincent Lee David Lewis Jennifer Wilkinson

Class of 1994 Russell Jones

Class of 1990 Alyson Cooper Sissy Drumheller Roger Gerpe Turner Jenkins Beau Lyons Kelly Martin Paula McCannon

Class of 1995

Class of 1991

Steve Grubbs Paco Medina Kyong Park Brooke Stinson

Nicholas Cameron Karin DiVecchio Corie Kim Emanuel Neiconi

Class of 1996

Karyn Blasi Craig Curtis Monica (Huguley) Danielson Peter Hsiao Michael Jamison David Jumper Fred Park Bethany Reed Jennifer Tanner

Class of 1992 Russell Carroll Christine Chan Philip Clapper Mark Dunham Robbi Kenney Jinna Lostocco Marianne Plemons Kazumi Uchida Lisa (Jumper) Vickery

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Class of 1975

Class of 1978

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Michael Ellison Fred Jones John Lacy Tim Morgan Greg Smith

Class of 1997 Betsy Andrews Michael Lu

Class of 1998 Laura Wilson

Class of 1999 Gina Kim

Class of 2000

Diane (Chapman) Alderman Rusty Brown

Contact information can be updated on

www.gacsalumni.com.

HAVE YOU HAD A BABY?

Let us know! We have a gift for you.

Ronnalee W. Strickland ‘83 Alumni Relations & Foundations Officer rstrickland@greateratlantachristian.org

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CLASS OF 201 2 Sierra Lawrence was named to the 2013 Junior Women's National Softball Team roster. She will play in the International Softball Federation Jr. Women's World Championships this summer in Canada. Sierra currently plays on the Women's Softball Team at the University of Michigan and was recognized as a Big 10 Freshman of the Week. »

CLASS OF 2011 Katie Sisco graduated from The Process Institute of Cosmetology in December 2012. She passed her state board exams in February 2013 and is currently employed at Kathy Adams Salon in Buford, GA.

CLASS OF 2010 Lindsay Adams is engaged to David Lundeen, a cadet graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2013. A June 2013 wedding is planned. « LINDSAY ADAMS AND DAVID LUNDEEN

CLASS OF 2009 Kelsey Gainey graduated from Lipscomb University in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Relations and Psychology. She plans to attend graduate school in Fall 2013 to earn her Master’s degree in professional counseling.

SIERRA LAWRENCE

Colton Chapple was awarded the 2012 Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. Colton was quarterback for the Harvard Crimson football team where he was second in the nation in passing efficiency for the 2012 season and named Unanimous Choice All New England by the New England Football Writers Association. He received the New England Division I FCS Gold Helmet award as the region’s Player of the Year by the New England Football Writers’ Association. Colton was named the College Football Performance Awards National Player of the year.

Colton graduated from Harvard University in May 2013 with a degree in Psychology. »

KELLEY ZARRETT, GAC Class of 2007 Since graduating from GAC in 2007, my English studies have continued in a fantastic way. I spent three years in Cardiff, Wales, completing my B.A. in English Literature from Cardiff University and highly valued the experience.

I teach 7-11th grade students in Downside School near Bath, U.K., run a Newspaper Club with 8th graders, and do community service with the 11th & 12th graders. This coming year, I’m moving to Dauntsey’s School, a Christian boarding school in Wiltshire. I will be a resident tutor, live in the boarding house, and teach English.

I may be a long way from GAC now, but it’s in my thoughts daily – especially past teachers like Mrs. Fincher and Mrs. Love – I appreciate everything I was taught. To this day, my Jesse C. Long award hangs in my room.

Kelley received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Cardiff University. She received a Master’s degree in Arts, English Literature (Renaissance Literature) and Postgraduate Certificate of Education in English with Drama from the University of Exeter.

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Ellen Begley was recently accepted to the Mercer University Law School and is waiting on responses from other law schools. She graduated from Mercer University in May 2013 with two degrees in Psychology and Public Leadership & Service. With a law degree on the horizon, Ellen has plans to work for the Environmental Protection Agency.

REUNION

5 YEAR REUNION

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CLASS OF 2008 TOM REES

5-year reunion is being planned!

Contact Sara Collins for details at saracollins@deloitte.com.

summer 2013

Dylan and Alex (Shelton) Parker were married in December 2012. Alex graduated from Harding University in December 2012 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Art and plans to enter graduate school in the fall. The Parkers currently live and work in Searcy, AR. » Tom Rees graduated from Clemson University in August 2012 with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. During the summers he completed Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. After graduating, Tom accepted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. His next step is to attend The Basic School in Quantico, VA, for further training. Currently he is a Tactical Officer at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. » Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby graduated from Lipscomb University in December 2011 with a degree in Ministry & Theology and a minor in English. In June 2012, Amy married Nathan Sheasby at North Atlanta Church of Christ where her dad, Don McLaughlin, performed the ceremony. In August 2012, Amy and Nathan moved to Abilene, TX, where Amy is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Abilene Christian University’s Graduate School of Theology.

Nathan completed culinary school in Atlanta before the couple moved to Abilene. He currently cooks for ACU and Bonterra Blu, a restaurant and catering group. Nathan also works as a private chef for various events around Abilene. When they are not working, they enjoy playing music together. They are heavily involved in worship ministry at Highland Church of Christ and lead worship with a band on Sunday evenings. Once Amy completes her graduate studies, she hopes to pursue doctoral studies and full-time ministry. » Jenna Wood graduated from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.

She is employed by UPS as a Financial Specialist. Jenna is engaged to Tyler Linderman and will be married in August 2013. Tyler will graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology in August 2013.

Jenna and Tyler plan to live in Marietta, GA. »

COLTON CHAPPLE

NATHAN AND AMY MCLAUGHLIN SHEASBY

JENNA WOOD AND TYLER LINDERMAN

DYLAN AND ALEX SHELTON PARKER

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Ted Wieber, GAC Class of 2005

I

think the most fascinating aspect of the Christian life is its ability to surprise and confound by introducing unexpected adventures. I never would have imagined, graduating from GAC in 2005, that in the next eight years I would study and work in Houston, TX; write speeches for the Deputy Mayor of New York City; and work in Christian higher education in Boston. The truth of Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course; but the Lord establishes their steps” – is daily affirmed for me. While I firmly believe that Christian adventure doesn’t require geographic movement – many are called to be anchors and innovators in a fixed location – for me, the post-high school path has been an itinerant one.

Throughout this journey, I’ve drawn heavily on the perspective that fourteen years at GAC shaped in me.

Being a Spartan gave me a moral foundation and a biblical literacy that have provided a useful framework for grappling with the world’s complexity.

For example, because so many of the practical Christian understandings of power, sex, money and success are countercultural, understanding why these teachings matter (or don’t) in relation to secular society is important to wrestle with while you are young. And when your friends are Brooklyn and Boston hipsters, having Christian views on these subjects makes for some fascinating coffee conversations. Talented teachers and memorable chapel speakers at GAC knew how to pose the right questions by teaching their subject well and also exploring its intersection with faith and culture.

My time as a Spartan facilitated deep friendships with some amazing classmates, many of whom I keep in close contact with today. Knowing people through elementary school, Junior High, Senior High, and college, and having seen their high points and low points in these periods, creates a depth of intimacy with them that endures. I’m struck by how natural reunions with most GAC classmates feel, even if we have spent a long time apart.

After graduating from Rice University, Ted worked for the City of Houston Planning & Development Department, the City of New York Office of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and the City of New York Department of Consumer Affairs. Ted currently serves as Aide to the President at Gordon College in Wenham, MA.

Whatever the next adventure that’s in store might be, I feel fortunate that a GAC education gave me the grounding to embrace it with confidence. ■

GAC

ALUMNI HIGGHLILIGGHT HI

CLASS OF 2006 Jeremiah and Sarah (Gwyn) Wood were married in May 2012.

They currently live in Philadelphia, PA where Sarah is in the doctoral program for Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania. «

SARAH GWYN WOOD

JOHN AND DANA MAYFIELD WOOD

JHART, YO YO MA, AND BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR

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JJ Abrahart, known as JHart in the music industry, was recently awarded the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Contemporary Music. His career flourished upon moving to Los Angeles, CA in May 2011. Songwriting for pop, dance, country, rock, R&B, and gospel has provided JHart many opportunities. Recently, he has written songs performed by Justin Bieber, Trey Songz, Mya, Jason Derulo, and DJ Paul Oakenfold. « John Wood married Dana Mayfield in November 2012. John graduated with honors from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and is employed as a consultant with ComplianceMetrix. Dana is a paraprofessional with the Cobb County school system. John and Dana currently live in Smyrna, GA. «

CLASS OF 2005

CLASS OF 2004 Britt and Brandi (Boyd) Bartley welcomed their first son, Logan Carter, in October 2012. Britt is currently contracting for Westinghouse Electric Company on their AP1000 Nuclear Plant design as a Piping Engineer. Brandi is a stay-at-home mom. The Bartleys live in Pennsylvania. »

BRITT AND BRANDI BOYD BARTLEY

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Craig Cormack graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He currently works as a Senior Pre-Sales Solution Consultant for PowerPlan, Inc., selling enterprise asset accounting software in the United States and Canada. Craig and his wife, Pam, celebrated the first birthday of their twins, Ewan and Annabelle, in February 2013, and were blessed with another son, Peter, in March 2013. » KURT JONES AND LINDSAY LICATA

EWAN & ANNABELLE CORMACK

Ashley Van Ryn “AVR” was named to the USA Team Handball Roster in January 2013. She is very thankful and excited for the opportunity to represent the United States. For more information about AVR’s journey and Team USA’s goal of the 2016 Olympics, visit avrusa.com. »

ASHLEY VAN RYN

summer 2013

Chris Moore is working with Mercy Ministries in Athens, Greece, a nonprofit organization helping the displaced and homeless, the persecuted and needy. Follow his blog at www.lightmebright. blogspot.com. »

CHRIS MOORE

Lindsay Licata and Kurt Jones were married in May 2012. Lindsay is a National Sales Manager for AlliedPRA. They live in Atlanta, GA. »

REUNION

CLASS OF 2003 10 YEAR REUNION 10-year reunion is being planned!

Contact Rachel Garrett for details at rachel.v.garrett@gmail.com.

JEREMY AND MAREN O’BRIEN CHUPP

Jeremy and Maren (O’Brien) Chupp welcomed son, Parker Samuel, in September 2012. Jeremy is a Regional Sales Manager for Starfish Retention Solutions. Jeremy, Maren, Macey (3), and Parker live in Franklin, TN. » Taylor (Callahan) and Jonathan Beck (‘01) welcomed son, Callahan Harper, in September 2012. Jonathan is a neurosurgeon at North Fulton Hospital. The Becks live in Milton, GA. » Reed and Gretchen (Gailey) Davis welcomed their first child, Ansley Elizabeth, in January 2013. »

ANSLEY ELIZABETH DAVIS

JONATHAN AND TAYLOR CALLAHAN AND BECK

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CLASS OF 2002

summer 2013

SHERILL BAKER

KINLEY AND CAROLINE GRACE CONNETT

Sherill Baker was inducted into the Gwinnett County Athletic Hall of Fame in March 2013. She played for the University of Georgia where she earned All-SEC and All-American honors and set school records for steals in a career and steals in a season. Sherill was drafted 12th overall in the 2006 WNBA draft and played offseason stints with professional teams overseas. She is currently the Director of Basketball Operations for Auburn University. « Mark and Melea (Scott) Connett welcomed their second daughter, Caroline Grace, in December 2012. Caroline joins big sister, Kinley (4). The Connett family lives in Duluth, GA. «

CLASS OF 2001

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Chuck Efstration is a private attorney after working four and a half years in the District Attorney’s Office in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Zach and Catherine (Odom) Hawkins (’02) started a non-profit organization. The Sibling Society connects siblings of children with chronic and terminal illnesses with other siblings who are currently going through, or have gone through, similar circumstances. www.thesiblingsociety.org

CLASS OF 1998 TRIPP AND TIJEN TUNALI OWINGS AND SONS

JERRY AND KRISTEN BELL ZULLI

JASON AND LEEANNE GIDDENS SEELY

Tripp and Tijen (Tunali) Owings celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in February 2013. Tijen owns Crème Events, an eventplanning company in Atlanta, GA. They recently moved to Wichita, KS for Tripp’s job as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning for Wesley Medical Center. Tijen is opening another location of Crème Events in Wichita. They have two wonderful little boys who keep them very busy – Thomas “Dock” Owings V (5) and Tucker Tunali Owings (18 months). « Leeanne (Giddens) and Jason Seely live in Dallas, TX with their two sons, Owen (3) and Wyatt (6 months). Jason works for the Dallas Mavericks, and Leeann works from home with Rodan+Fields Dermatologists. The Seelys are members of the Village Church and love having friends visit them in Dallas. « Jerry and Kristen (Bell) Zulli welcomed daughter, Zoe Madelyn, in November 2012. Kristen is a physical therapist at an outpatient clinic specializing in neck and spine injuries. Jerry is an Assistant Baseball Coach at the University of South Alabama. The Zulli family lives in Mobile, AL. «

LEAH MANLEY FERNANDEZ

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Leah (Manley) Fernandez has been featured by People magazine, 20/20, Good Morning America, Jenny Craig, and throughout the media for her amazing journey in losing over 100 pounds this past year. Leah continues her healthy lifestyle by staying active with her two children – T.J. (7) and Sophia (5). Leah is the Director of Communications at Campus Church in Norcross, GA. «

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IBRAHIM “IBBY” NASMYTH GAC Class of 1998

A

s I think back on my seven years at GAC, I’m humbled by all of the privileges my classmates and I enjoyed.

To be honest, I find myself a little embarrassed by it all – particularly when I think about how I spent my time on campus. I mean, if I had only known how extraordinary those circumstances were, I might have handled myself differently and taken less of that privilege for granted.

my afternoons on the practice field with coaches who prayed over our team; adults in our community demonstrating service to us and others by leading mission trips; counselors who knew me well enough to deliver a sincere and thoughtful endorsement on my college recommendations.

GAC

My wife and I are just now considering schools for our 4 year old, so all of the benefits and challenges of our local education system are at the top of our minds. I realize that the greatest privileges I experienced at GAC are the very same that we pray our own girls will experience – a great education at the hands of faithful, caring faculty. I think we’d be much better off if all kids had such privilege.

ALUMNI HIGGHLILIGGHT HI

Now that I have the wise perspective of a young father with two daughters, I can see clearly that what we all experienced at GAC was so rare and so special.

And I’m not talking about new facilities, winning athletics and tech– laden classrooms; all of that stuff was good, but it wasn’t what made my time on campus great. Instead, my years at GAC were made memorable by the quality and faith of our faculty and staff - spending

It is a rare opportunity to have been educated by great teachers who were called to challenge us both academically and spiritually – called to cultivate our love for God.

Ibby graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Communications Studies & Psychology. In 2008, Ibby received his MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He is currently a Senior Vice President in Digital Sales & Marketing for Bank of America. Ibby, Erin, and their daughters live in Charlotte, NC.

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REUNION

CLASS OF 1983 30 YEAR REUNION Plans are being made for the 30th reunion for members of the Class of 1983.

For more information contact Ronnalee Strickland at rstrickland@greateratlantachristian.org.

LEW AND AMY GILL LECKRONE AND FAMILY

Angie Haynes was appointed as a Dean in the School of Nursing at Shorter University this past fall. »

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Monty and Melanie (Barnes) Joseph adopted their daughter, Emma Sophia Wen Joseph, from China in November 2012. Emma joins siblings – Molly (13), Connor (17) and Aaron (Class of 2010).

The Josephs live in Lawrenceville, GA. « AARON, MOLLY AND CONNOR JOSEPH WITH NEW LITTLE SISTER EMMA SOPHIA WEN

CLASS OF 1994 Dave and Amanda (Fincher) Lange welcomed their third child, Payton Ivie, in September 2012. Payton joins big sister, Alyssa, and brother, Aidan. The Langes live in Elkridge, MD.

»

Amy (Gill) Leckrone is co-owner of Camp Mommawatchi, an online business specializing in at-home camp curriculum for moms with preschoolers and school-aged children. Amy lives in Zionsville, IN with her husband, Lew, and two sons, Will (9) and Jake (7).

REUNION

CLASS OF 1993

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20 YEAR REUNION Don’t miss the 20-year reunion of the Class of 1993! Weekend of October 25!

Contact alumni@greateratlantachristian. org for details. Join the GAC Alumni Facebook group to stay connected!

SUMMER 2013 | GACS TODAY

ANGIE HAYNES

CLASS OF 19 78 Charlie and Becky Elkins live in Dallas, TX where Charlie is a Senior Managing Director at Aviall (A Boeing Company). Their daughter, Abigail, married Scott Sawyer in February 2013. They live in Houston, TX, where Abigail works in marketing at an online retail company and Scott works for a firm as a civil engineer.

CLASS OF 19 74 Michael and Cynthia White live in Knoxville, TN. They have three children – Leah, Laura, and Daniel. Leah lives in McMinnville, TN with her husband, Trysten Sherwood. They have 3 children – Reese, Owen and Daycey. Laura graduated from the University of Tennessee Nursing School and is an RN at Warren County Health Department. Daniel is married to Kelli McNicoles and has 2 sons – Eli Grey and Jude Lawrence. Daniel works with his father at HGW and Associates.

Submit your alumni updates to alumni@greateratlantachristian.org

by Sept. 1 to be included in the Winter 2013 GACS Today magazine.

SHOP THE GAC SPARTAN STORE

Walter Kirk

spartanstore.greateratlantachristian.org

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GACS TODAY | SUMMER 2013

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GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

1575 INDIAN TRAIL ROAD NORCROSS, GEORGIA 30093

PAID

Norcross, GA Permit #11

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Greater Atlanta Christian School Incorporated admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other administered programs.

THIS YEAR I WILL ATTEND... spartan2gether Thursday, Aug. 8 Grandparents’ Day Friday, Nov. 8 Spartan Festival Let’s Light the Night

Saturday, Dec. 7 Check out more GAC events! www.greateratlantachrsitian.org