GACS Today Magazine

greater atlanta christian school

today S E O D T WHA G N I N R LEAOK LIKE? LO ELECTION HAVE IT YOUR FEVER WAY

124 CHANGING LIVES

8 CONDITIONING PATH FORWARDVALUE 20 36 ALUMNI NEWS

42

summer 2014

What does learning look like?

energetic

successful

global

stimulating

inclusive

creative photographed by Mario Lozano and Frank Zayas

contents

VOLUME 14 SUMMER 2014 NUMBER 2

18 4 42 32 2

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

4 HAVE IT YOUR WAY 8 CHANGING LIVES. CHANGING US. 18 GRADUATION 22 ATHLETICS 32 CELEBRATION DINNER 36 PATH FORWARD 42 ALUMNI NEWS

FRONT COVER

Paige Schiepe (8th) is on a journey at GAC to discover and develop her God-given talents. With access to numerous resources in academics, athletics, arts, and missions, she is able to express her individuality and learn in her own, unique way.

CO-EDITORS

Jill Morris and Jamie Dalton

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David Fincher, Jill Morris, Dr. Misty Overman, Katherine White

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Dalton, Tammy Hughes, Lauren Roberts, Ronnalee Strickland

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Fritz Miller, Danny Flanagan, Lauren Roberts

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angelique Allen, Gary Crane, Jamie Dalton, Gwinnett Daily Post, Walter Kirk, Mario Lozano, Jessica Ly, Glenn Martin, Katie Martin, Gregory Miller, The Olympian Yearbook, Mandy Richey, Lauren Roberts, Megan Wilson, Frank Zayas

PRINTING

Data Supplies, Inc.

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

MAILING ADDRESS

1575 Indian Trail Road Norcross, Georgia 30093-2614 WEBSITE

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

gacs today | summer 2014

1

Whether your student chooses to begin school in the Early Childhood Village or Junior High, there is a teacher and curriculum that will change and ignite learning.

D

id you ever watch a Charlie Brown special on TV? If you can imagine, go back to school with Charlie. (If you can’t remember, watch the YouTube video “Charlie Brown Teacher Speaking” —and you will!)

The Teacher’s wha-wha-wha voice makes all of us, whether you are in education or not, cringe...or zone out. The Teacher may be teaching, but not much learning is going on for Charlie and his friends.

Charlie is a lot like all of us, and your children too.

They need far more.

Years ago, GAC committed to superb learning—not just teaching—and there’s the difference. And with that, the faculty of Greater Atlanta Christian is constantly learning too. They want to know—what works now in 2014 and 2020? What engages a student? What changes our children’s behavior, their thinking, their heart, and life direction?

GAC has made significant changes to embrace the best in learning. How, you say?

• We’ve invested in great new educational leaders (Dr. Misty Overman, Dr. Brad Schultz, and Brian Dolinger who will each lead in research and implementation); • We’ve added the Think Room in Elementary and the Environmental Center, where students will learn best practices in sustainability, food and water resources, and nutrition by doing—instead of simply listening or reading;

incorporating research and best practices in collaborative and creative learning.

And that’s just a sampling.

This issue of GACS Today asks the question: What Does Learning Look Like?

• Whether your student chooses to begin school in the Early Childhood Village or Junior High, there is a teacher and curriculum that will change and ignite learning (p. 4) • In academics (p. 16), athletics (p. 22), fine arts (p. 10), or heart-changing missions (p. 8), engaging opportunities are changing lives • Plans are underway with the Path Forward capital campaign to inspire students (p. 36) • Many families make learning possible (p. 34) Don’t you wish you could have learned in a life- and spirit-changing environment like this? I’m glad your children can, for both their joy and engagement now –not Charlie Brown’s world.

GAC is making a difference in children’s lives. Thank you for making a difference in GAC.

DR. DAVID FINCHER, PRESIDENT

• We’ve created four prototype rooms for engaged learning in Junior and Senior High,

2

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Walter Kirk

A fresh look for a new school year!

Connect with us on social media!

Featured enrichment programs.

Improved Navigation.

This school year, GAC is launching a new, innovative website. More interactive and user-friendly, the new design will allow us to showcase the exciting things your children are doing inside and outside the classroom.

You will see more pictures, videos, and highlights of campus life. Built for prospective and current GAC families, it will be easier to keep up with events and learn what GAC is all about.

Explore our campus.

Explore the new website. Find out what’s happening around campus. Get your questions answered and share the GAC experience with your friends.

www.greateratlantachristian.org Coming Fall of 2014

gacs today | summer 2014

3

“GAC offers a customized education that fits with the interests and talents of my child. There are options here for all students. My child has access to teachers [who] have an open door policy and make time to meet individually with him. The teaching remains current with relevant science, math, and technology courses.”

— Senior High Parent

Have YOUR it

WAY Dr. Misty Overman, Vice President of Learning Initiatives & Jamie Dalton, Communications & Project Coordinator

A

s Americans, we often expect to have everything our way, including education. Small class sizes, quality facilities, safe environments – parents expect these. At GAC, we ask how we can provide a learning environment that meets these expectations – and then exceed them. Can we offer an educational arena that is customized?

GAC has figured out how to go above and beyond the typical requirements of small student-teacher ratios, high test scores, and nice brick and mortar. Why not go further and let students learn their way with exceptional teaching and unlimited choices?

4

summer 2014 | gacs today

SO, WHAT DOES LEARNING YOUR WAY LOOK LIKE AT GAC? • Students are encouraged and guided to improve on their weaknesses and REACH BEYOND their current abilities • Students are allowed to make their own CHOICES about paths of learning • Each student is KNOWN AND LOVED by adults of strong character at GAC • Learning is DISTINCTIVE for each student

Elementary Think Room helps students discover their learning styles

REACH BEYOND

CHOICES

We challenge your child’s intellect

We help your child explore his or her interests and strengths

Y

our child deserves the opportunity to learn his or her way. Children need teachers who will provide choices and motivate, engage and challenge them to explore the boundaries of their strengths.

Traditional skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, drawing, creating, measuring, and comparing are still taught and valued. New skills such as digital collaboration and communication, filming, recording, and “Googling” are now offered as learning options with the inclusion of strong technology tools such as iPads, smart boards, MacBook Airs, and multiple displays.

We intentionally design programs and resources to enable our students to acquire knowledge the way they learn best.

• Elementary Think Room (1st–5th) helps students discover their learning style

GAC students will make a difference in the future because they are offered the choice of making a difference now. From the study in 6th grade social studies of urban development in Ancient Rome to the science of super heroes in PLUS1, from creating duct-tape bridges in Elementary to attending a real autopsy in Senior High, teachers are providing unique learning options and are motivating students to get excited about learning – their way. What is your child interested in? If your

PLUS1 explores interests outside typical core curriculum

• Reading Coaches (1st–5th) help students develop their skills • Arrowsmith (K–5th) strengthens neuro-pathways • Junior High Honors and Senior High AP Courses help students excel in their strongest areas • Blended Learning Classrooms (6th–12th) increase student learning options and allow time for growing interests in arts and athletics • Academic Support (6th–12th) provides assistance in academics

IF ALL STUDENTS ARE TREATED THE EXACT SAME WAY, THERE IS NO TRUE FREEDOM. photographed by Mario Lozano and Frank Zayas

gacs today | summer 2014

5

KNOWN AND LOVED We will strengthen your child’s character

D child wants an individualized education, that means we must

provide a multitude of options and opportunities for our students to explore, learn and create.

• Fine Arts events, productions, concerts, and recitals allow students at every ability level to explore and showcase their talents • Athletic and academic teams help students develop and hone skills such as collaboration, competition, excellence, and commitment that translate to life • ▪Zero Hour and PLUS1 classes provide options for students to explore interests outside of the typical core curriculum (forensics, archaeology, coding, robotics, etc.)

• Life Calling curriculum encourages Senior High students to understand their God-given uniqueness as they are launched into the next phase of life • Chapel Class and Chapel Band provide students a spiritual outlet to plan and lead worship – and to encourage spiritual growth in the lives of their peers

o you desire for your child to become a leader, an innovator, an educator or a missionary? We must give our children opportunities now to develop the skills that will mold them into adults. GAC will set opportunities before your child where they can lead (small group leaders, student council or SALT “Students Advancement Leadership Team”), collaborate with others (athletic teams and clubs), create new designs (fine arts programs), and serve others (local and global mission trips, required service hours each semester).

GAC raises students with servant hearts and strong character.

• Junior High and Senior High mission trips (over 20 options annually) • Community service projects (K-12th) Roaring Readers, Agape Christmas Gifts, food and coat drives, Sweets for Seniors, and Promganza, etc.

• Over 70 athletic teams com"As a mother, I pete under the Spartan chose GAC for the banner. Sportsmanship, working as part of a love and warmth I felt the team, athletic skills, first day I toured the school. and fitness for life I feel so blessed knowing are foundational my children are loved and pieces. truly cared for at a place

where they spend the majority of their time. My husband and I knew that our children not only needed Christ at home, but they needed to be surrounded daily with Christ-like teachers and administrators."

– GAC Parent

Arrowsmith strengthens neuro-pathways

6

summer 2014 | gacs today

• SALT and Student Councils work with and for the student body to provide direction and leadership from a student’s perspective. As the students learn to lead and follow each other, they learn to collaborate and reach decisions.

DISTINCTIVE

We go above and beyond with distinctive curriculum

W

ith opportunities to learn about God’s creation around us (Elementary Environmental Center), adapting to what’s next in technology (PLUS1 programming and coding class), and dreaming and creating (Senior High Design Thinking class), your child will be prepared to be an even deeper thinker and a world changer.

• Elementary Environmental Center enables young Spartans to study sustainability, ecology, and biology

“The curriculum at GAC is top notch, not to mention the teachers. GAC’s ability to incorporate technology and hands-on learning is above and beyond any other private school that we toured. The teachers are highly qualified in their respective fields and are ALWAYS willing to go above and beyond to help our children.”

– GAC Parent

• JH PLUS1 classes in programming, coding, forensics, leadership, journalism, design thinking, robotics, engineering, physics, art, and more promote “outside of the box” thinking • Electives encourage students to work together, identify problems, plan solutions, and implement ideas for the future Your child will be prepared. Each will leave his or her own unique imprint on the world. As our graduates head for Harvard, United States Military Academy, or a school in the SEC, they exit with the tools to make decisions about God’s plan for their life. ■

We will get your child where he or she wants to go

photographed by Frank Zayas

gacs today | summer 2014

7

“GAC mission trips offer students and teachers the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus – to love and serve those who are without and to work alongside missionaries.

The work is hard, but life changing.”

– Mandy Richey - Greece Mission Trip Leader

Changing Lives.

Changing Us.



Young Jonathan, from the poverty-stricken streets of Ensenada, Mexico, opened our hearts to what real, fearless love looks like. He latched on to our students with a love that was bold, and in a special way to GAC junior, Cam Boyd. After just a few minutes, Cam was shocked when Jonathan hugged him and said, “You remind me of my dad because you are so strong. I will never forget you.” Cam was shocked and deeply touched by the love that Jonathan was able to show others in the midst of his extreme poverty. Cam saw on Jonathan’s face that real happiness does not come from material wealth, but solely from God’s love and grace. As we waved goodbye from the bus, we knew he had witnessed something special.

— City of Children Mission Team – Ensenada, Mexico

8

photographed by Jessica Ly, Katie summer 2014 | gacs today

Martin, Mandy Richey, Megan Wilson

17

trips during 2nd semester

281 students “The love of Christ breaks in unexpectedly and starts changing hearts. We affected the lives of those we served and our lives were forever changed by our experience with International Baptist Ministry for Jamaica and Dominican Republic.”

— Jamaica Mission Team – Montego Bay, Jamaica

78

adult leaders

Thousands

Each trip, like each child, is unique.

Mission trips change everyone – those served and those serving.

"Our mission team is a family. We get to serve others, develop relationships with our team members, and grow our relationship with God at the same time.

Serving others in underprivileged areas really shows how blessed we are."

— Taylor Wright – Mission Trip Participant

of lives impacted

2014 Mission Trips: 7 Bridges Atlanta Atlanta Inner City Ministry Baton Rouge Cherokee China (Summer 2014) City of Children Colorado Ecuador Greece Guatemala Honduras Jamaica Jekyll Island Kenya Memphis NYC- Shiloh Rwanda (Summer 2014)

gacs today | summer 2014

9

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

FINE ARTS

Whether it’s a tuba or a tutu, we value your child’s unique talents and interests. Sander Schierer (Class of 2014) is heading to Northwestern University on a music scholarship. He started in K4 in GAC’s Early Childhood Village. At 3 years old, Evelyn Anne Richey is among our youngest Spartans and already enjoys ballet, Spanish, and art.

10

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Lauren Roberts

Orchestra Junior High Sinfonia Orchestra earned a Silver Trophy at the 2014 Southern Star Music Festival Junior High Philharmonia Orchestra received Superior Ratings in Prepared Selections and Sight-Reading at the GMEA District 13 Large Group Performance Evaluation

Dance Team The Dance Team brought home nine 1st place team trophies from five state and regional dance competitions including GHSDC, UDA – Georgia Dance Championship, Showstoppers, Hollywood Vibe, Starpower

Choir Senior High Combined Choirs brought home Superior Ratings in Performance & Sight-Reading at the District 13 Choral Large Group Performance Evaluation for the 2nd consecutive year Junior High Choir received Excellent & Superior Ratings at GMEA Region Large Group Performance Evaluation

Katy Davis (11th) placed 1st in Dramatic Interpretation at the Region 6AA Literary Competition Lacey Shaffer (8th) was selected to the All State Choir with a perfect score on her final audition

gacs today | summer 2014

11

Band Marching Spartans: • Accepted an invitation from the Former Lord Mayor of Westminster to march in the London New Year’s Day Parade (Jan. 2015) • Earned Superior Ratings in all categories at the Georgia Contest of Champions • Received 2nd place in Class AA for band, color guard, drum line, and drum major at the Georgia Contest of Champions Jazz Band: • Earned Superior Ratings at the GMEA Jazz Performance Evaluation 7th & 8th Grade Concert Band: • Earned Superior Ratings in Prepared Performance and Sight-Reading at the State Band Festival

District Honor Band – Senior High: Katy Davis (11th) Tylor Lee (10th) Keegan Musser (11th)

• Senior High – Tylor Lee (10th), Sander Schierer (12th), Caroline Stiles (11th) • Junior High – Rachel Stiles (8th)

District Honor Band – Junior High: Nataly Beacham (7th) Al Dorsey (7th) Kaitlyn Bendickson (7th) Wesley McDonald (8th)

Mason Bruning (5th) Ella Bugg (5th) Abby Cole (5th) Miles Collins (5th)

Members of the Symphonic Band “skyped” with Dr. Andrew Boysen, the band director at University of New Hampshire and an accomplished composer. Sponsored by the Christian Life Fund, Dr. Boysen composed Variations on Christ the Solid Rock to celebrate GAC’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

summer 2014 | gacs today

Caroline Stiles (11th)

Elshou Sande (8th) Rachel Stiles (8th)

First Year Honor Band – Elementary:

All-State Band:

12

Jenna Overman (12th) Mina Phan (12th) Sander Schierer (12th)

photographed by Jamie Dalton and Mario Lozano

Wil Collins (5th) Jenna Dalton (5th) Talia Miller (5th) Lexi Rogers (5th)

Belle Shirley (5th) Brandon Wright (5th)

Robert Turner and Wes York were awarded Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association

Carter Flachbarth, 11th

SPARTAN

Taylor Kim, 11th

SPOTLIGHTS

FINE ARTS

Jessica Tolbert, 12th

Visual Arts GAC artists Carter Flachbarth (11th), Emily Gilreath (11th), Taylor Kim (11th) and Jessica Tolbert (12th) were named State Winners at the All-State Art Symposium Competition and Exhibit.

State Honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards • Christianna Choe (11th) – Gold Key Award • Taylor Kim (11th) – Gold Key Award • Grace DeBoer (12th) – Silver Key Award • Lora Li (11th) - Silver Key Award

Emily Gilreath, 11th

gacs today | summer 2014

13

&White:

The

Black

TEACHING THE BUSINESS OF RUNNING A GALA

E

laine Adams, GAC Fine Arts Department Chairman, dreamed of expanding the fine arts classroom experience to show students what it really takes to make a cultural event happen. Thus, the Black & White Gala was birthed.

handbills, appropriate ways to display various types of art, food for the reception, and background music.

Many alum of the GAC fine arts program claim the Gala helped them in their college career, specifically their One Man Show (required of most college art majors for graduation).

Blended with the core fine arts curriculum, members of the National Art Honor Society and AP Art students are required to create works of art organize, plan, and run the annual spring arts event. They learn the importance of selecting an event theme and creating an entire evening for artists and gallery guests.

Now, in its 10th year, the Gala overflows with guests, showcases over 400 works of student art, and includes performances from other fine arts disciplines like orchestra, drama, band, dance, and choir.

As they create, plan, and organize, students learn about show expectations, appropriate art show behavior, how to explain their pieces to show attendees, and other nuts and bolts of art show planning like

14

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Frank Zayas artwork by GAC students

L

auryn Williams, the first American female athlete to win medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games spoke to Junior High PE classes and parents at the LACE annual volunteer appreciation breakfast. Williams had a fascinating story to share, and she gave God all the glory for her successes: “God always shows up in surprising ways.”

Lauryn assured the girls that God will bring them through so much in their lives, but it’s the journey that’s important. She also reminded them that, “sometimes we forget to delight in what we’ve accomplished.”

2004 Athens Summer Olympics:

2012 London Summer Olympics:

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics:

Silver Medal in 100 meters

Gold Medal in 4x100 meter relay

Silver Medal in bobsled

Lauryn stressed the importance of education and hard work: “Set your goals and talk to the Lord about it. Be grounded and don’t let yourself get compromised.” She fielded many questions from the crowd such as, “How did it feel to be part of the opening ceremonies?” and “What was it like to crash in a bobsled?” She claims, “The best part of being in the Olympics is the chance to be part of a team, something bigger than just yourself.”

Everyone in the room wanted to hold her Olympic medals. With humility and grace, she let everyone hold them and posed for photos. How often do you get the chance to hold Olympic medals and meet the recordbreaking athlete who earned them? At GAC, you never know who may show up.

“Set your goals and talk to the Lord about it. Be grounded and don’t let yourself get compromised.”

Special Olympics

175

students from GAC's Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter served as hosts of the spring Special Olympics in Spartan Stadium. With close to 250 special athletes from Dekalb and Rockdale counties, GAC students shouted encouragement and made memories as they served. The Special Olympians competed in 50m, 100m, 200m, shot put, long jump and softball throw events.

photographed by Mario Lozano

gacs today | summer 2014

15

Owen Meng

GAC MATH TEAM WINS 1ST IN STATE AA DIVISION

at the GCTM Varsity State Mathematics Tournament (Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics)

The GAC Math Team swept the top awards at the 42nd annual Georgia Southwestern University Mathematics Tournament.

Maggie Clark won Best Witness in her two preliminary rounds.

16

summer 2014 | gacs today

1st Owen Meng

Fourteen team members competed to win 1st place in the GHSA-AA

MOCK TRIAL TEAM WINS REGION 9 CHAMPIONSHIP Katy Davis won Best Witness in all three of her rounds. No GAC student has ever done that!

Division. Three team members took the top individual awards:

Kyle Briskin won Best Attorney in both of his preliminary rounds.

Harrisen Schneider won Best Attorney in one of his preliminary rounds.

2nd Gavin Sun 3rd Harry Qiu

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

AC A D E M I C S

With the assistance of the entire team, this is the largest number of individual awards ever won by a GAC Mock Trial team.

photographed by Angelique Allen and Gary Crane

Senior High Awards Atlanta Journal Cup – Sam Weyen STAR Student & Teacher – Hannah O’Hara & Hayden Lane Atlanta Journal Cup – Sam Weyen STAR Student – Hannah O’Hara

Mr. & Miss GAC – Jonathan Pickens & Mary Johnson Ray Kroc Award – Megan Eberhart Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award – Katie Irwin Military Awards – Britt Lee & Ryan Yates Governor’s Honors – Sam Casey & Caroline Stiles Bryan Collins Demonbreun Scholarship – Adelaide James National Hispanic Achievement Award – Sam Weyen

Mr. & Miss GAC – Jonathan Pickens & Mary Johnson

National Merit Finalists – Carter Clinebell & Spencer Kemp STAR Teacher – Hayden Lane

National Achievement Award – Myles Ingram & Alison Lee Boys State – Kyle Briskin, Chris Moss, Emeritus Morris Girls State – Emily Gilreath, Rachel Gilreath, Kylie Byrd

99

Scholar Athlete Award – Myles Ingram & Katie Irwin Prudential Spirit of Community Award – Maggie Clark, Preston Oakes & Jonathan Pickens

of our 7th and 8th graders were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.

These students excel in scholarship, leadership, service, and citizenship.

Science Expo 7th grade Science Expo: Best in Show: “Echolocation” by Elise Karinshak & Genevieve Sloan 8th grade Science Expo: Best in Show: “Stress” by AnnaBelle Hellinger photographed by Mario Lozano and Glenn Martin

Citizenship Award – Connor Conkel, Liz Harper, Daniel Reed & Jordan Williams Scholarship Award – Rebecca Buechler, Katie Irwin & Abigail Kettle Mr. & Miss Spartan – Alex Boglin & Lauren Hutson

AP Scholars – Ashley Barrett, Alicia Brown, Tiffany Chu, Maggie Clark, Ben Hensley, Myles Ingram, Alex Jarrett, Lisa Jemmings, Spencer Kemp, Anna Pitts, Jake Shumard, Alex Won & Ryan Yates AP Scholars with Honors – Elizabeth Harper & Sander Schierer AP Scholars with Distinction – Erin Hayes, Hannah O’Hara & Sam Weyen

gacs today | summer 2014

17

Class of 2014, God has uniquely designed you with incredible gifts. He made you to break through where no one else can.

Break barriers.

Be unique.

Dream about making remarkable change.

Challenge the impossible.

Overcome the critics and experts.

Change us all.

Class of

2014

LIST OF COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES – CLASS OF 2014 ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ANDERSON UNIVERSITY – SC APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BELMONT UNIVERSITY BERRY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE BOSTON COLLEGE BROWN UNIVERSITY BUTLER UNIVERSITY CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA CORNELL UNIVERSITY DARTMOUTH COLLEGE DAVIDSON COLLEGE DREXEL UNIVERSITY EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ECKERD COLLEGE ELON UNIVERSITY EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY EMORY UNIVERSITY

18

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FURMAN UNIVERSITY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY GEORGIA COLLEGE GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE GEORGIA REGENTS UNIVERSITY GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY HAMILTON COLLEGE – NY HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HARDING UNIVERSITY HARVARD COLLEGE HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY HOWARD UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT BLOOMINGTON JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO MARION MILITARY INSTITUTE MARYVILLE COLLEGE

summer 2014 | gacs today

MERCER UNIVERSITY MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY NEWBERRY COLLEGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTH GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY PIEDMONT COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE SAMFORD UNIVERSITY SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH SHORTER UNIVERSITY SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY SOUTHERN POLYTECHNIC SPELMAN COLLEGE

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY – QUEENS CAMPUS STANFORD UNIVERSITY STETSON UNIVERSITY THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA TUSCULUM COLLEGE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY WOFFORD COLLEGE YALE UNIVERSITY YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

Heart of Service Award Savannah Stewart

Jesse C. Long Award of Excellence Jackson O’Brien

H.A. Fincher Bible Award Jonathan Pickens

Jacqulin Long Bible Award Maddie Conkel

500+ acceptances to

124

different colleges & universities

11+

million dollars in scholarships offered

Valedictorian Sam Weyen

Salutatorian Myles Ingram

78

of our 168 seniors earned the Bible Service Honor Cord

23,023 service hours – 15% more than any other class (GAC record)

24

scholarship athletes (GAC record) photographed by Glenn Martin

gacs today | summer 2014

19

CLASS OF 2014 ANNUAL FUND HONOR LIST

A

s the graduates of the Class of 2014 embark on a new chapter of their lives, we as family and friends reflect on their experiences and accomplishments. The following parents and grandparents chose to honor their 2014 graduate with a gift to the GAC Annual Fund 2013-2014.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to watch the Class of 2014 grow during their time at Greater Atlanta Christian. We rejoice with them as they step into the next phase of life, and we send them the best wishes for success in the future.

In honor of Brianna Cummings Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Cummings, Jr.

In honor of Brandon Holzgrefe Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Holzgrefe

In honor of Khalil Lowry Mr. and Mrs. Adam W. Paa

In honor of Grace DeBoer Mrs. and Mrs. Todd G. DeBoer

In honor of TJ Huff Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Huff

In honor of Ryan Marcano Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Marcano

In honor of Trevor Dedecker Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Dedecker

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

In honor of Tina Martinello Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Martinello

In honor of Natalie deLatour Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd L. deLatour, Jr.

In honor of Myles Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Roger V. Ingram

In honor of Emma Mason Mr. and Mrs. W. Paul Mason

In honor of Jake Jacobi Mr. and Mrs. John E. Jacobi, III

In honor of Christa Mathews Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Mathews, Jr.

In honor of Adelaide James Mr. and Mrs. W. Harlan James

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

In honor of Alex Jarrett Mrs. Kim D. Jarrett

In honor of Mayla McCray Mr. and Mrs. Ramon J. McCray

In honor of Lisa Jemmings Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Jemmings

In honor of Savanna McKellar Mr. and Mrs. Jovar C. McKellar

In honor of Alexa Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Johnson

In honor of Ciara McKinney Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. McKinney

In honor of Mary Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jon F. Johnson

In honor of Jack McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. McLaughlin Ms. Lisa Odai

In honor of Jessica Dusek Ms. Jennifer Lofton In honor of Megan Eberhart Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. Eberhart, III In honor of David Elrod Dr. and Mrs. Terry H. Elrod In honor of Elizabeth Ernest Mrs. Jan M. Ernest In honor of Katie Evans Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Evans, Jr. In honor of Allison Everett Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Everett In honor of David Facteau Drs. Jeffrey and Carolyn Facteau Drs. Ralph and Sally Lehr

In honor of Tayler McPherson Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. McPherson, Jr.

In honor of Heather Ferrari Mr. and Mrs. David S. Ferrari

In honor of Connor Joseph Mr. and Mrs. Monty S. Joseph Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Barnes

In honor of Sydni Means Mr. and Mrs. Melvin R. Means

In honor of Madi Feuerbach Mr. and Mrs. Kent L. Feuerbach

In honor of Chad Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Alan K. Arnold

In honor of Gunner Cape Mr. and Mrs. E. Tipton Cape

In honor of Hannah George Mr. and Mrs. Bobby C. George

In honor of Jordan Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Arnold

In honor of Jen Capers Mr. and Mrs. Frank Capers, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge Capers

In honor of Marshall Gray Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Gray

In honor of Ashley Barrett Mrs. Lindy Barrett-Grove In honor of AllyBeth Bowen Mr. and Mrs. David J. Bowen In honor of Bridget Boyd Ms. Agnes S. Boyd In honor of Megan Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Gregory H. Boyd In honor of Jade Bozeman Rev. and Mrs. Steven A. Bozeman, Sr. In honor of Rayshawn Bray Mr. and Mrs. Joe L. Bray, II In honor of Alicia Brown Drs. Robert and Jina Brown In honor of Christopher Brown Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Brown In honor of Davis Bryan Mr. and Mrs. Dana S. Bryan In honor of Tamara Bryant Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bryant In honor of Ally Buhler Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Buhler In honor of Kristin Burton Mr. and Mrs. Brian N. Burton

20

In honor of Kendellan Chapman Mr. and Mrs. Orville G. Chapman In honor of Rafe Chapple Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Chapple In honor of Ben Childers Mr. and Mrs. John M. Childers In honor of Tiffany Chu Mr. and Mrs. Sanfu Chu

In honor of Savannah Gray Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Gray In honor of Jack Hackett Rev. and Mrs. Paul G. Hackett In honor of Zach Hall Mr. and Mrs. Eric T. Stuckey In honor of Tyler Hamilton Ms. Jackie Hamilton In honor of Elizabeth Harper Mr. and Mrs. Gene H. Harper

In honor of Maggie Clark Mr. and Mrs. Reginald F. Clark

In honor of Erin Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. McNeil

In honor of Carter Clinebell Dr. and Mrs. John A. Clinebell

In honor of Marius Heislitz Mr. and Mrs. Martiens J. Heislitz

In honor of Jourdan Cobb Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Cobb

In honor of Matthew Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Henderson

In honor of Hannah Colehower Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan T. Colehower

In honor of Austin Henry Mr. and Mrs. Christian Griffith

In honor of Madison Conkel Mr. and Mrs. James E. Conkel, Jr.

In honor of Benjamin Hensley Mr. Darren and Dr. Robin Hensley

In honor of Matthew Connel Mr. and Mrs. John B. Connel

In honor of Savannah Hill Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hill

In honor of Austin Crute Dr. and Mrs. Bryan E. Crute Mr. and Mrs. Louis D. Williams

In honor of Lynsey Holton Ms. Lynn Mitchell

summer 2014 | gacs today

In honor of Ryan McMaster Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. McMaster Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Barnes

In honor of Kelly Jones Mr. and Mrs. John D. Jones, Jr.

In honor of Chris Campbell Mr. and Mrs. James M. Campbell

In honor of Jack Casseday Mr. and Mrs. Mark Casseday

In honor of Katie Jones Mr. and Mrs. John D. Jones, Jr.

In honor of Courtney Fair Mr. and Mrs. Bryan S. Fair

In honor of Jenny Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. W. Kerry Armstrong

In honor of Jack Barker Mr. and Mrs. James D. Barker

In honor of Katey Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Verome M. Johnston

In honor of Eli Kahn Mr. and Mrs. J. Roger Kahn Ms. Carolyn Maddox In honor of James Kane Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Kane In honor of Preston Kemp Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Kemp In honor of Spencer Kemp Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Kemp In honor of Britt Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Clifford T. Kennedy In honor of Madison Kerr Mr. and Mrs. Roby M. Kerr, Jr. In honor of Hudson Kuipers Mr. and Mrs. Derek R. Kuipers In honor of Alison Lee Mr. and Mrs. Dalton A. Lee In honor of Britt Lee Ms. Denise B. Lee In honor of Jessica Leistikow Mr. and Mrs. Ralf Leistikow In honor of Justin Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Lewis In honor of Sarah Light Mr. Theodore and Dr. Linda Light In honor of Jessica Lindler Mr. and Mrs. M. Barry Lindler In honor of Brayden Long Mr. and Mrs. David T. Long Mr. and Mrs. William J. Long In honor of Javy Lopez Ms. Analy A. Hernandez

In honor of Katie Migliore Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Migliore In honor of Anthony Mistretta Dr. and Mrs. Richard P. Mistretta In honor of Anthony Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. Loc B. Nguyen In honor of Jackson O'Brien Mr. and Mrs. Marc O'Brien Mr. and Mrs. Jesse C. Long In honor of Hannah O'Hara Mrs. Anita H. Hilbun In honor of Jenna Overman Mr. Jerald and Dr. Misty Overman In honor of John David Parker Mr. and Mrs. John D. Parker In honor of Jaimisha Patel Mr. and Mrs. Mahesh C. Patel In honor of Connor Pendery Mr. and Mrs. David K. Pendery In honor of Jessica Pickens Mr. and Mrs. Steven Pickens In honor of Jonathan Pickens Mr. and Mrs. Steven Pickens In honor of Anna Kate Pitts Mrs. Katherine M. Pitts In honor of Cameron Poe Ms. Kim C. Jones In honor of Parker Polhill Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford B. Polhill, III In honor of Lisee Pullara Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Pullara

photographed by Glenn Martin

In honor of Ann Puntkattalee Mr. and Mrs. Prasert Puntkattalee In honor of Paige Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. John L. Reynolds In honor of Price Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Scott D. Roberts Mrs. Mary Schmitt In honor of Ryan Santa Ana Mr. and Mrs. Scott K. Santa Ana In honor of Sander Schierer Mr. and Mrs. Donald K. Schierer In honor of Brett Schofield Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Eby Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. Schofield, Jr. In honor of Joey Schrader Mr. Richard and Judge Kathryn Schrader In honor of Andrew Scialabba Mr. and Mrs. John M. Scialabba In honor of Katherine Sciortino Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Sciortino In honor of Christina Scott Mr. and Mrs. John S. Scott In honor of Mitchell Shea Mr. and Mrs. J. Mark Shea

In honor of Jake Shumard Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Shumard Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Shumard, Sr. In honor of Lily Simpson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Simpson In honor of Luc Soares Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Soares

The Olympian Yearbook

In honor of Wesley Shin Mr. Ki Ho Shin and Dr. Janet Jung

In honor of Savannah Stewart Dr. and Mrs. L. Todd Stewart Mr. and Mrs. James J. Tidwell In honor of Mac Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Sullivan In honor of Rishabh Surana Mr. and Mrs. Ajay K. Surana In honor of Tyler Sztuka Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sztuka In honor of Landon Tabor Mr. and Mrs. Tom A. Tabor Mr. and Mrs. James E. Combee In honor of Peyton Tardy Mr. and Mrs. Bob M. Tardy In honor of Laura Tate Mr. and Mrs. J. Kevin Tate In honor of Ian Thorndyke Mr. and Mrs. George W. Thorndyke, Jr. In honor of Ansley Tolbert Mr. and Mrs. Kevin T. Tolbert In honor of Jessica Tolbert Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Tolbert In honor of Godfrey Torrance Mr. and Mrs. Gregg B. Torrance In honor of Wes Vansant Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Vansant

START 'EM YOUNG THESE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2014 STARTED THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY AT GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD VILLAGE. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE MANY YEARS OF DEDICATION AND SUPPORT THESE WONDERFUL FAMILIES HAVE GIVEN TO GAC.

In honor of Ariana Veasley Mr. and Mrs. Jarrell Veasley In honor of Nash Wagnon Mr. and Mrs. Chris R. Wagnon In honor of Sam Weyen Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Weyen In honor of Chris Williams-Lopez Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Wellborn In honor of Carter Willyerd Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. Willyerd In honor of Addi Wood Mr. and Mrs. John F. Wood Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Wood In honor of Ross Wood Mr. and Mrs. R. Duane Wood

Mary Armstrong, Allyson Bowen, Megan Boyd, Naomi Bradley, Davis Bryan, Allison Buhler, Gunner Cape, Kendellan Chapman, Hannah Colehower, Madison Conkel, Matthew Connel, Benjamin Corn, Grace DeBoer, Trevor Dedecker, Natalie deLatour, Megan Eberhart, David Elrod, Heather Ferrari, Madison Hemmings, Savannah Hill, Kerri Hobbs, Timothy Huff, Mary Johnson, Kathryn Jones, Kelly Jones, Justin Lewis, Brayden Long, Ciara McKinney, Anthony Mistretta, Jackson O’Brien, Jenna Overman, Ann Puntkattalee, Arthur Roberts, Ryan Santa Ana, Sander Schierer, Harrisen Schneider, Brett Schofield, Katherine Sciortino, Christina Scott, Wesley Shin, Lillian Simpson, Michael Sullivan, Landon Tabor, Laura Tate, Christopher Williams-Lopez, Alex Won, Addison Wood, Ross Wood

In honor of Ryan Yates Mr. and Mrs. S. Marty Yates

gacs today | summer 2014

21

NA EAR I 2ND Y S STATE A ROW P I O NS!

CHAM

INDIVIDUAL

CHAMPION

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL • Ranked #11 in the nation in USA Today final poll • 2014 State AA Champions • 2014 Region 6AA Champions • All-Region Team Members: Cam Boyd, Justin Lewis, Troy Morrison, Isaiah Wilkins (MVP) • Atlanta Tipoff Club Team of the Year • Gwinnett Tipoff Club Team of the Year • 2014 Arby’s Classic Champions • MVP of the tournament - Isaiah Wilkins • All-Tournament Team - Tyler Hamilton, Troy Morrison and Isaiah Wilkins

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL All-Region Team Members: Brianna Cummings (MVP) & Sydni Means

Coach Eddie Martin

Only four varsity boys’ basketball coaches have ever won 7 state championship titles. GAC’s Varsity Basketball Head Coach, Eddie Martin is one of them. Martin won 4 of his state titles at GAC in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. He also previously had 3 state championship teams at Norcross in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Coach Martin’s 2013-14 Awards: • 2014 Gwinnett Coach of the Year • Atlanta Tipoff Club Coach of the Year (Class 1A-3A) • 2014 Student Sports National Coach of the Year • Member of the coaching staff at the 2014 Jordan Brand Classic

22

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Gwinnett Daily Post and Glenn Martin

BASKETBALL

Isaiah Wilkins • 2013-14 Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year for Georgia • AJC Class AA Player of the Year • Atlanta Tipoff Club Metro Atlanta Player of the Year • Gwinnett Daily Post Player of the Year

Brianna Cummings • AJC Class AA First Team All-State • Gwinnett Daily Post Player of the year • Atlanta Tipoff Club All-County Academic Honoree • Atlanta Tipoff Club All-Metro Atlanta First Team gacs today | summer 2014

23

Varsity Boys Soccer • State AA Champions • Region 6AA Champs (Coach Thom Jacquet’s 10th Region Championship at GAC) • Undefeated regular season (23-0) • Ranked #2 in nation (NSCAA ranking as of June 17, 2014) • Nash Wagnon – DiVarsity.com 2A Boys Player of the Year • Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Boys First Team Ryan Marcano – Led state champs with 35 goals, 22 assists Nash Wagnon – 17 goals, 22 assists

photographed by

24

summer 2014 | gacs today

Gwinnett Daily Post and Glenn Martin

SOCCER

Thom Jacquet and Troy Bendickson were named • 2014 Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year • 2014 DiVarsity.com 2A Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year Coach Jacquet was named 2014 NSCAA Georgia Coach of the Year (Private/Parochial division)

Varsity Girls Soccer • State AA Champions • Region 6AA Champions • Gwinnett Goal Club A-AAAAA All-County Team Members – Heather Ferrari, Reagan Glisson, and Danielle Marcano • Gwinnett Goal Club Scholar Athlete – Katie Irwin • Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Girls First Team Danielle Marcano – Led state champs with 26 goals, 16 assists Thom Jacquet Troy Bendickson

gacs today | summer 2014

25

The Boys Team won 3rd place at the State AA Track & Field Meet

INDIVIDUAL

State Champion - Micah Abernathy – 400 Meter Dash (new GAC record) State Champion - Darius Slayton –200 Meter Dash (new GAC record)

CHAMPION

State Champions - 4x400 Relay Team: Jordan Arnold, Miller Kettle, Darius Slayton and Micah Abernathy (new GAC record)

TRACK & FIELD

Additional state track meet individual results:

Courtney Fair – 2nd in Triple Jump Miller Kettle – 2nd in 3200 Meters; 3rd in 1600 Meters Stephanie Reynolds – 2nd in Hurdles Kennedy Street – 3rd in 400 Meters Dash

Rayshawn Bray Football Berry College

Davis Bryan Soccer Newberry College

Rafe Chapple Football Yale University

Devin Daugherty Baseball Hampden-Sydney College

Athletic Signings This year we had a record number of athletes sign letters of intent to play their sport in college - 24 total, 19 this semester.

Go Spartans!

26

photographed by summer 2014 | gacs today

Glenn Martin

TENNIS The boys tennis team won 2nd place in the State AA tournament

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SUPER 6

SPORTS

Athletes

Micah Abernathy Track & Field

Trevor Dedecker Football Birmingham Southern College

Heather Ferrari Soccer Belmont

photographed by Name Here

Gunner Cape Lacrosse

Brynn Finneran Soccer North Georgia College & State University

Darius Slayton Track & Field

Marius Heislitz Soccer North Carolina State University

Britt Kennedy Lacrosse Piedmont College

gacs today | summer 2014

27

• The Spartan Baseball team won 2nd place in Class AA State Championship • Cliff Shelton was inducted into the Gwinnett County Dugout Club Baseball Hall of Fame

Cliff Shelton

BASEBALL

Mr. & Miss Spartan

Spirit

RAFE CHAPPLE & JESSICA PICKENS Madison Kerr Sand Volleyball Mercer University

28

Britt Lee Football United States Military Academy – West Point

summer 2014 | gacs today

Justin Lewis Baseball University of Kentucky

Ryan Marcano Soccer Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Savanna McKellar Lacrosse Berry College

photographed by Name Here

SOFTBALL Coach Judy Tenney was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Softball Hall of Fame

• The boys golf team won 2nd place at the State AA Golf Championship

GOLF

• State Champion - Steffen Smith – won the tournament with a 5-under-par 67 • 2014 Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Golf First Team Members – Ben Shipp & Steffen Smith

LACROSSE

Lloyd deLator, Brad Hodoval, and Parker Stevens were named 2014 Brine National High School All-Americans

INDIVIDUAL

• The boys and girls golf teams won the Team Volunteer Award for the 2nd year in a row with 118 service hours

SPARTAN NATION WELCOMES THREE NEW HEAD COACHES FOR THE 2014-2015 SEASON

CHAMPION

COACH LADY GROOMS – Varsity Girls Basketball • All-SEC player at UGA in 1990 & 1992 • Named an SEC Legend in 2010 • Played 8 years in the WNBA and 13 years internationally

COACH ROBBIE WILSON – Varsity Baseball

• Assistant coach of the New York Liberty (WNBA) for 3 seasons

• Assistant baseball coach at Francis Marion University for 10 years

• Coached at Arlington Christian for 7 years. Led team to 4 straight state championships ('09, '10, '11, '12)

• Assistant baseball coach at Gardner-Webb University 2004

COACH MIKE GIULIANO – Varsity Girls Soccer

• Coached summer baseball for 4 years in Coastal Plain League & New York Collegiate Baseball League

• Overall coaching record 359-142-50 • Named NSCAA National Coach of the Year 4 times

• Master's degree from East Tennessee State; graduate assistant baseball coach at ETSU

• Currently men’s soccer team at Wheaton College (Wheaton record for 7 seasons 99-38-18)

• Played baseball at King College for 4 years; MVP his senior year (1999)

• Collegiate soccer coach (men and women’s teams) for 28 years • Led teams to 4 NAIA National Championships

Parker Polhill Football Furman University

Mitchell Shea Football Berry College

photographed by Name Here

Nash Wagnon Soccer Wofford College

Chris Williams Football Yale University

Ross Wood Football Dartmouth College

gacs today | summer 2014

29

30

summer 2014 | gacs today

GAC has a new place to celebrate alumni who have excelled in athletics. The Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame is now located in Long Forum's Brick Gallery. This new location will allow easier access to the GAC community to experience the proud history of Spartan athletics. The Athletic Hall of Fame will regularly be updated as we proudly celebrate our Spartans.

Circle of Honor This area highlights former Spartan athletes who have had their uniforms retired. There are currently 6 athletes: Sherill Baker, Cindy Brogdon, Malcolm Brogdon, Will Freeman, Lee Goza, and Lisa Olinyk.

Hall of Fame Etched on the glass windows of the Brick Gallery atrium are the names of GAC's Hall of Fame inductees. The next induction ceremony is planned for October 3, during Homecoming. Members of the 2014 induction class: Sam Arthur, Jeremy Chupp, Jessica Coan, Will Funderburg, Steven Hayes, Danny Irizary, Jennifer Johnson, Stasia Kelly-Taylor, Lindsey Adams Lundeen, Wesley Pate, Justin Schneider, Eric Schultz, Chris Thomas, and Trent Wiedeman.

photographed by Name Here

gacs today | summer 2014

31

“Let your light SHINE before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

On May 2, over 450 faculty, staff, board members, spouses, and parent volunteers celebrated the 20132014 school year together. We have many moments to celebrate and even more people to appreciate who SHINE every day for our children.

H.A. Fincher Spirit of Excellence Award

Rhonda Hawkins

Retirees:

Becky Cox (23 years)

32

Mike Adams (26 years)

summer 2013 | gacs today

• 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

Denise Helms (28 years)

Brenda Walker (28 years)

Dr. Sandy Spiceland (32 years)

Jane Blackman (37 years)

Carolyn Maddox (47 years)

photographed by Glenn Martin

Guests SHINE at Celebration Dinner

Ministry Milestones

10

JoAnna Beasley Terri Williams

YEARS

15 YEARS

Elaine Adams Tim Baker Troy Bendickson Kathy Craddock Bev Dowdy Lori Faris Jeff Harsh Tasha Jenkins Ken Townsend Kimbra Wiseman

EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR: Outstanding Elementary Educator of the Year – Dr. Robin Hensley

Outstanding Junior High Educator of the Year – Amy Chamblee

Outstanding Senior High Educator of the Year – Hayden Lane

Outstanding Staff Member of the Year – Suzanne Landreth

20 YEARS

25

Tim Ball Larry Boyd Tammy Hughes Kenneth Johnson Gary Richey Lynne Roberts

Brad Kinser

YEARS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Event Sponors:

Platinum Circle Sponsors:

gacs today | summer 2014

33

DIFFERENCE MAKERS JIM COMBEE – GAC BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN: 2001–2014 God can accomplish anything without our help, yet He often selects certain people at a special season to carry out His will. Bible heroes of the past come to mind like Abraham, Moses, and David. Two more names come to mind of local heroes who have made their mark in shaping Greater Atlanta Christian School – Jim and Becky Combee. God gave the Combees generous hearts, undying energy, and a special responsibility. He called Jim and Becky to help joyfully shape the mission of GAC . . . selflessly serving Atlanta’s children like Jesus.

34

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Name Here

MEET JIM & BECKY COMBEE

J

im and Becky began supporting GAC in the early years of their marriage. They were involved in fundraising of the 1960s when GAC was just getting started, and they quickly stepped up as leaders in capital campaign efforts. Becky was instrumental in establishing and growing L.A.C.E. (Ladies Association for Christian Education) and serving as President (1974-1976 and 1981-1983).

As parents, Jim and Becky were involved with the school from the beginning. Their four children all graduated from GAC and the legacy continued with five of their grandchildren. Their daughters and sons-in-law have also taken their own leadership roles at GAC, as teachers, sponsors, Bible study leaders, Board members, and more.

Appointed to the GAC Board of Trustees in 1977, Jim’s caring, strategic, and easy manner quickly and significantly influenced the school’s direction and success. In 2001, he was selected as Board Chairman – only the second in GAC’s history, a rare feat for a 46 year-old school to have such stability in leadership.

“...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

— Philippians 2:3-4, ESV

And what a Chairman! Jim’s wisdom, supportive style, leadership of the Board, and clarity regarding the Board’s long-term trust responsibility instead of a managerial outlook has made GAC among the most stable and most missional Christian schools in the nation. His partnership as Chairman with me has been vital to strategic planning and mapping the ever-improving GAC. Jim and Becky’s trust in the Father and their focus on His kingdom show in every part of their lives.

Jim will continue as Board Chairman through the end of 2014. God has already raised up the next capable Chairman in Dr. Fernando Nasmyth who will serve with new strengths and wisdom. The GAC community of the past, present, and future will always thank God for the service and dedication of Jim and Becky Combee.

Dr. David Fincher President photographed by Name Here

gacs today | summer 2014

35

Enjoying the

Shade “SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SHADE TODAY BECAUSE SOMEONE PLANTED A TREE A LONG TIME AGO.” – WARREN BUFFETT

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A SCHOOL LIKE GAC? It takes faith, planning, discernment, support from the community, generosity, and prayer. Many have been involved with the success of GAC over the past almost 50 years. We all enjoy and benefit from the previous financial support and vision of those who came before us. Over $62 million has been given above tuition through previous capital campaigns. God has blessed GAC in a mighty way through

BEGINNINGS CAMPAIGN GOAL: $4,000,000

2011

• Technology for classrooms and Jones Theatre redesign • Renovation of Bradford (Gym) Center and Spartan Gym • Renovation of baseball stadium FAITH AND EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN GOAL: $17,300,000 • Campus Master Plan developed • Construction of Combee Elementary Complex and Student Family Center • Conversion of Fields Hall to a science lab building

2002

BROTHERHOOD CAMPAIGN GOAL: $2,000,000

1982

• Construction of current Junior High building, Liles Media Center, and Prickett Track CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOAL: $1,000,000 • Elementary school equipment; balance operating budget

1976

the faithfulness of many.

DEVELOPMENT FUND CAMPAIGN GOAL: $629,000 • Construction of Bradford Gymnasium; conversion of previous gym space to auditorium and classrooms LAND CAMPAIGN GOAL: $250,000-$400,000 • Purchase of 170 acres

36

summer 2014 | gacs today

1970 1964

2006 1999 1979

HIGHER GROUND CAMPAIGN GOAL: $31,000,000 • Construction of Long Forum, Freeman Aquatic Center, and Naik Athletic Training Center • Senior High Complex renovations and additions

NEW ERA CAMPAIGN GOAL: $3,070,000 • Construction of Williams Fine Arts Center; • New campus fencing and entrance gates

We enjoyed and benefitted from a beautiful campus and people of strong

Christian faith. We learned thousands of people had come before us who had given sacrificially for

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOAL: $2,000,000 • Conversion of auditorium to classrooms; balance operating budget DEVELOPMENT FUND CAMPAIGN GOAL: $900,000

1973

M

y family arrived at GAC in 2003.

• Purchase of quonset huts for classrooms; balance operating budget

years so that my children could enjoy the “shade” of the GAC tree and all she has to offer. Let's say thank you by continuing the legacy of giving and paving the path forward.

KATHERINE WHITE

Vice President of Development

1968

BUILDING FUND CAMPAIGN GOAL: $555,500 • Construction of Tidwell and Long Halls

gacs today | summer 2014

37

The Path Forward To Our

T

THE CAMPAIGN FOR GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

housands of metro-Atlanta’s children and families have benefitted from those who generously gave before us. Now it is our turn to pave the “Path Forward” for the next 50 years of God’s kingdom work at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

pleased to announce the launch of the Path Forward capital campaign. Thanks to early support for the Path Forward initiative, GAC launched construction of a few projects this summer. This is a walk of confidence yet also a leap of faith that God will raise up hearts and donors for needed progress ahead.

The need is great for GAC to change again.

New approaches to learning must be adopted and new programs put into action. These programs require new facilities or the re-purposing of existing ones. In her constant endeavor to improve for our children and build in them the skills, faith, and readiness to lead, GAC must be ready for the next 50 years.

While not yet funded, many more incredible projects and programs for our children are needed. The goal is ambitious and we cannot do it without your support. Stay tuned for exciting announcements. Please be in prayer about how you and your family can participate.

For over a year, school administrators and a Campaign Steering Committee have been working quietly on the next phase of improvements to fulfill the Remarkable Steps Ahead Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2010 ending in 2017. Because of faith, a spirit of excellence, and early commitments by some supporters, we are

JUNIOR HIGH AND SENIOR HIGH COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS

(4 Prototypes)

L.A.C.E. ELEMENTARY ADVENTURESCAPE

38

summer 2014 | gacs today

Future TURTLE POND AND EDIBLE GARDENS

?

MORE PROJECTS ANNOUNCED SOON

(Not yet funded)

CHICKEN COOP

ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER WITH GREENHOUSE

gacs today | summer 2014

39

1st Annual Georgia GOAL Participant

r e n n i D n o i t a i c e r p p A G

reater Atlanta Christian hosted the first annual GOAL Appreciation Dinner on April 28 in honor of the generosity and support of over 200 contributors who gave to GAC through the Georgia GOAL program. Student recipients of the tax-credit scholarship program shared stories of the blessings and opportunities that have been afforded them, thanks to the GOAL program and the many generous contributors.

Thanks to generous contributions, we plan to assist 40% more students during the 2014-2015 school year.

We are grateful for our current contributors’ willingness to dream with us. We invite the entire GAC community to join us this fall beginning August 1, 2014, as we submit our GOAL forms to “get in line” for the 2015 Georgia Education Tax Credit, which is expected to be depleted within the first few days of January.

The GOAL program allows Georgia taxpayers an opportunity to contribute a portion of their Georgia state income tax in exchange for scholarships to be given to the private school of their choice. All in attendance chose Greater Atlanta Christian School as their school of choice.

During the 2013-2014 school year, 44 students were able to attend GAC due, in part, to the contributions made to Georgia GOAL.

40

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Name Here

From the time the doors opened in 1968, GAC has been blessed by generous donations from many faithful supporters. Today, GAC is able to provide a quality Christian education to over 1,775 students in a dynamic learning environment. Tuition covers 80-90% of the cost of educating our students, but it does not cover new buildings, renovations, and new program development.

The Jesse Long Society, named after GAC’s first president, recognizes a special circle of supporters who set the pace for giving.

Benefactors Circle Founders Circle Wisdom & Stature Circle

$10,000 and above $5,000-$9,999 $2,500-$4,999

*Matching gifts count as part of an individual’s donation

Jesse Long Society benefits include (depending on level): • Invitation to one of the Spartan pre-game tailgate dinners • Pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity for Drama Spring Musical • All-Access Pass for all regular home games and fine arts programs • Lunch options with school principals and school president • Mid-school year “State of GAC” breakfast and discussion with Dr. Fincher Please join this special Annual Fund giving society this year to commemorate the life of GAC’s founder and first president, Jesse Long (1932-2014). For more information, contact Heni Jordan at 770-243-2209 or hjordan@greateratlantachristian.org.

THE LEGACY SOCIETY

S

ince her beginnings, GAC has had supporters who felt strongly about the future of Christian education and trusted God to grow what they had started.

From the laying of the first brick, members of The Legacy Society have shared a strong bond of philanthropy through planned gifts, naming the school and her students as beneficiaries of their personal assets and blessings regardless of the size of the gift.

What is a planned gift? In the past, GAC has received land, homes, cars, paintings, jewelry, and even a horse. There are endless options for planned giving these days, such as charitable trusts, annuities, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other forms of bequest.

These planned gifts provide future generations with precious dollars to fulfill dreams of scholarships, learning initiatives, missions, and faculty recruitment. If you have already named GAC as a beneficiary of your planned gift or you are in the process of considering a planned gift to support the mission of GAC,

photographed by Name Here

please contact Heni Jordan at 770-243-2209 or hjordan@ greateratlantachristian.org. For more information, to learn about planned giving options, and to read donor stories, visit www.gacslegacy.org.

Terry and Reba Nichols

“We are members of the GAC Legacy Society because we believe it is the key to the future of our school. We know excellence is the standard for all programs of the school and all of this happens in a Christian environment. Two of our children and all of our grandchildren have attended GAC. Because we believe in the school, we have included it in our will to receive a child’s share of our estate.”

gacs today | summer 2014

41

ALUMNI NEWS WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE OVER 4,400 GAC ALUMNI. WE WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOU! TWITTER:

∞

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

Follow @alumniGACS

FACEBOOK:

Like the "Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni" page

LINKEDIN: Join the "Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni" Group

INSTAGRAM: Follow "GACSAlumni"

Save the Date: ALUMNI.GREATERATLANTACHRISTIAN.ORG Visit alumni.greateratlantachristian.org and update your contact information. We are excited to announce that quarterly e-newsletters will be mailed beginning fall 2014!

CLASS OF 2011 The Virginia Sports Information Directors Association selected Malcolm Brogdon as Player of the Year for the 2014 University Division All-State Men’s Basketball Team. He was also named to the All-ACC Tournament First Team and was the Richmond Times-Dispatch State Player of the Year.

Denzel Clark is a junior at Gardner Webb University and is majoring in business administration. Denzel is a member of the soccer team and was selected as a First-Team All-Big South Conference member after pacing the nation in goals and goals-pergame in 2013. As a standout player, he still leads NCAA Division I in both categories after posting 16 goals during the 2013 season – the top mark in Gardner-Webb’s Division I history.

Daniele Moss is a junior at Jacksonville State University where she received an athletic scholarship to play on the Track and Field

42

summer 2014 | gacs today

August 7, 2014 Yearbook Party for 2014 Grads October 3, 2014 Homecoming Alumni Tailgate Party May 9, 2015 Alumni Chorus Reunion

team. Daniele broke the school record for indoor and outdoor shot put this year. Daniele is majoring in communication with a concentration in broadcasting and a minor in French.

Kelsey Pelletier is a junior at Columbus State University where she is majoring in exercise science. She is captain of the CSU Cougar Women’s Soccer team and was a starter in all 22 matches in 2013.

Kelsey has carried a 4.0 cumulative GPA and has been named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll twice, the 2013 PBC All-Academic team and the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District team. In November 2013, Kelsey was awarded the Peach Belt Conference Soccer Elite 15 Award.

CLASS OF 2010 Brad Bazemore is a senior computer science major at Georgia Southern University. In 2013, Brad earned first prize in the

«

Kyle Williams graduated from Lipscomb University in December 2013 with a degree in web application development and is a Quality Assurance Analyst. In March 2014, Kyle married Lindsey Messner.

They currently live in Smyrna, GA.

CLASS OF 2008 Tyler Linderman and Jenna Wood were married in August 2013 in Roswell, GA. Jenna graduated from Georgia College and State University in 2012 with a degree in accounting and is currently working for the United Parcel Service as a Financial Reporting Supervisor. Tyler graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in the summer of 2013 with a degree in industrial engineering. Tyler is currently working as a consultant for Manhattan Associates. Jenna and Tyler live in Marietta, GA. «

∞

Serving in Kenya

Technical Paper Competition at the IEEE Southeastern Convention in Jacksonville, FL. In 2014, he earned second prize at the IEEE Southeastern Convention. Brad has been awarded an Undergraduate Research Grant from the GSU College of Engineering & IT. Katie Farrington graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in December 2013.

She was a First Honor Graduate and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Katie is engaged to Craig Redmon (’11) and planning a December 2014 wedding.

GAC alum Cameron Melson (’03), Stephanie Holsonback (’07), Allison Wheeler (’98), Amanda (Wheeler) Fenley (’03) and Presley Melson (’01) participated in a mission trip to Kenya in March 2014. They traveled with members of the fab'rik corporate team to work with women and children in Karogoto outside of Nairobi. The women of the group worked with women in a knitting facility, teaching a "business class,” and they also worked with children at the local school. The men worked on the school water system, providing access to clean water.

kyle and lindsey williams

Dorothy Wallis was an intern in San Francisco at the Suicide Crisis and Prevention Center during the summer of 2013 and graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, in May 2014 with a bachelor of science degree in social work and a minor in English.

She starts at Columbia University in New York, NY, this summer to pursue her master's degree in clinical social work and her licensure.

CLASS OF 2009 Tyler Boyd and Brittanie Holloway were married in September 2013. The two are Auburn University college sweethearts. They both graduated from AU in May 2013. Tyler works as a wireless engineer for Connectivity Wireless, and Brittanie is a coordinator for public relations at Connectivity Wireless. They currently live in Jefferson, GA. Lauren Lindsley married McCray West in January 2014. They relocated to Richmond, VA, in February for McCray's job in business-to-business sales with AT&T. Lauren is an elementary school teacher and works as a children's ministry director at a church in Richmond. gacs today | summer 2014

43

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

tyler and jenna linderman

CLASS OF 2006

Alan Cherry graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2012 with a bachelor of art degree in English. He currently works at MDSI as Editor-in-Chief for Dail-E News, a daily publication covering news from the healthcare industry. He married his college sweetheart, Hannah Hendrix, in April 2013. Hannah is employed by Georgia Gwinnett College and is working on her master's degree in human resources. They live in Lawrenceville, GA.

John Wood’s book 10/10/80 Living: A Practical Roadmap to Financial Success was recently published. The book focuses on helping college students and twenty-somethings create an impactful financial life starting with their first paycheck. It provides a practical strategy that demonstrates how to build success in all three areas of a healthy financial life - giving, saving, and living. John’s book is available on Amazon.com or 101080living.com.

Lauren (Moore) Evans graduated from the College of Charleston in 2011 with degrees in business administration and studio art with a focus in sculpture. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in fine arts with a focus on sculpture. Her artwork has been on exhibit in several locations through the D.C. area.

CLASS OF 2004 Troy Kossick and Amanda DeMercy were married in May 2009.

Amanda graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in May 2013 and is a dentist in Roswell, GA. The Kossicks live in Atlanta.

Lauren Goswell married Charles Edgar Henslee, IV in February 2013. The Henslees live in Nashville, TN. Brannan & Julia Southerland welcomed a son, Miller Drew, in March 2014. Proud grandmother is Jill (Phillips) Southerland (’77). «

Garrett and Amelia (Gazaway) Granberg welcomed their first child, Mary Mason Carmichael, in December 2013. Garrett teaches world history and government at GAC and is on the varsity coaching staffs for football and baseball. The Granbergs live in Lawrenceville, GA. «

California Tour 2013-14 VISIONS group, chaperoned by Clif and Diane Jones and Amanda (Barnes) McMaster (’86), traveled to California in spring 2014. During their tour, they were hosted for dinner by JJ Abrahart (’06) and joined by GAC alum – Heather McMahon (’05), Devin Lytle (’07), Grant Carden (’06), and Abby Cooper.

miller drew southerland

CLASS OF 2001

∞

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

CLASS OF 2007

Kelly McFaden graduated from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in the Social Foundations of Education in December 2013.

Her dissertation was an international field study looking at the Irish Traveller community and issues of human rights and equity in Ireland. Kelly is also completing her third year as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Georgia. She has travelled the world and is teaching graduate courses at Liaocheng University.

Robert and Alisa (Daniels) Moloney welcomed daughter, Samantha Quinn, in December 2013. Robert is a 5th grade teacher at GAC and Alisa is a marketing events specialist at Elekta. The Moloneys live in Suwanee, GA. »

44

summer 2014 | gacs today

robert, alisa, and samantha quinn moloney

high school, Wando High School. His varsity basketball team won the school’s first ever basketball state championship in March 2014, and David was named South Carolina's Coach of the Year.

Phillip and Amanda (Rooks) Stroud were married in March. Phillip works at Northwest Exterminating, and Amanda is an accountant for the Race Trac Corporation. The Strouds live in Marietta, GA.

CLASS OF 1999

«

Blake and Laura Atwater welcomed their first child, Bennett Miles, in January 2014. Blake works in Marietta at Cbeyond Communications, and Laura works at HLB Gross Collins, P.C. accounting firm. The Atwaters live in Brookhaven. bennett miles atwater

∞

«

Beau and Mayer (Jollay) Buisson welcomed their daughter, Mercer Claire, in February 2014. Beau and Mayer both have been working in personal finance with Primerica since 2006. The Buissons live in Buckhead.

David and Brandi Eaton gave birth to their first child, Tensley Margaret, in November 2013. David and Brandi live in Mount Pleasant, SC, where David is a high school social studies teacher and the head boys’ varsity basketball coach at the state's largest mercer claire buisson

Renata (Fortenberry) Hilson received her PhD in Psychiatric Epidemiology from the Johns Hopskins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Violence Prevention Division in Atlanta, GA. Renata and her husband, Erik, have two daughters: Kennedy (5) and Ava (2).

CLASS OF 1998 Scott and Cheryl McFaddin currently live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with their sons Caleb (7), Levi (5), Isaac (3), and Asher (1). They are planning on moving to Geita, Tanzania, in 2014 to become directors of Neema House, an orphanage serving local children. For more information about their journey, visit www.mcfaddinsintanzania.com.

CLASS OF 1995 Chris and Carrie (Loy) Downing welcomed their third child, Chandler Faith, in November 2013. Chandler joins big brothers, Parker (5) and Hayden (3).

gacs today | summer 2014

45

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

CLASS OF 2000

Justin Schneider, GAC Class of 2007

When we start at GAC, few of us know where we want to go to college, what we want to study, or what exactly Jesus means to us. When I came to GAC, I didn't know the answer to these questions. But I found that my teachers

∞

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

I

was the third Schneider to attend Greater Atlanta Christian School, and I hope I’m not the last. GAC has the uncanny ability to craft kids into leaders.

My brother, Johann, was the first of us to attend GAC and was a scholar athlete, prom king, and Harvard man. Shiloh was second and became an incredible artist whom I admire both for her creativity and ability to direct people towards the Lord; in my book, she’s one of the “coolest” kids to come out of GAC. When I arrived in 6th grade, it was clear that GAC had played an integral part in helping my brother and sister discover their talents. If you question the value you’re receiving from an education at GAC, wait a few years and you’ll see what I mean.

46

summer 2014 | gacs today

encouraged me to pursue a variety of my interests and discover hidden talents. My coaches taught me about work ethic: to work hard to overcome big challenges. Whether I was getting into trouble, or achieving success, my teachers always made an honest effort to help me find my way. Looking back, I can’t count the times my teachers showed me love, grace, and forgiveness.

After GAC, I was fortunate to attend Notre Dame on an athletic scholarship to run the Decathlon.

During my four years, I began as a student of architecture and switched my major three times before entering the industrial design program. I worked hard and constantly looked to my coaches and teachers for guidance and encouragement.

The support I received was familiar to that of my teachers at GAC. They helped me grow in my craft (design) and excel as an athlete (decathlete).

My first real job after graduation was at New Balance as an innovation designer, working on future shoe concepts. It was the first time I had the chance to blend my passion for design and athletics in one place. It wasn’t even a year before I was asked to join Reebok’s International design team. Just one year later, I was in Chennai, India, on a project with a consulting group when I saw my first shoe design in India’s version of a Foot Locker. What started as an art hobby at GAC finally bore fruit in the form of a shoe seven years later.

My dream job came months later when I joined National Geographic on a Madagascar expedition to collect plant samples and illustrate a field guide. This was an adventure I had dreamed of being a part of since receiving my first yellow-framed magazine in 7th grade.

Currently, I’m finishing the field guide to be showcased at NatGeo’s annual conference, and I am designing industrial products for clients in Atlanta and Boston. Thanks to GAC for laying the foundation to my story. *For a limited time you can view and purchase the artwork from this NatGeo project at www.justinastory.com. n

CLASS OF 19 79 USA Today bestselling author, Tamera (Gattis) Alexander, just celebrated the release of her 10th published novel, A Beauty So Rare.

It is the second book in the A Belmont Mansion series (available for purchase at the GAC Spartan Store, Amazon.com or at Barnes & Noble). Tamera has received many awards including the Christy Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Bookseller's Best Award, and the prestigious Library Journal's top honors for Inspirational Fiction. She has over a million books in print worldwide and will be visiting Germany and Switzerland on a book-signing and speaking tour this summer. Tamera lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband, Joe, who is the Associate Dean of the Massey School of Business at Belmont University. They have two grown children, Kelsey and Kurt.

CLASS OF 19 75

CLASS OF 1983

CLASS OF 19 71

The GAC Class of 1983 enjoyed their 30th reunion at the home of Jon & Susie Julian.

Bruce Carnahan’s book, The Harvest of Planet Earth, was published in January 2014 and is available on Amazon.com.

CLASS OF 1987

IN MEMORIAM We were saddened to hear of the passing of the following individuals. » ralph anguish GAC staff member

» heather (reid) nix Class of 1991

» danny witt Class of 1972

» nick zumpano Class of 2008

JESSE LONG 1932-2014

GAC Chancellor and Founding President Whether in academics or missions, athletics or arts, leadership or commitment to Christ, Jesse Long’s vision came true. Tens of thousands of lives have been touched by the initial vision of Christian education that God placed in his heart. gacs today | summer 2014

47

G A C 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 A L U M N I N E W S

Sally Newell wrote a children’s book entitled My Alphabet Book of Thanksgiving. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com

Cindy Brogdon was inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame on February 7. Prior to that, she had been inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Lady Vols Hall of Fame, and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Cindy was a silver medalist in the Montreal Olympics in 1976. «

∞

cindy brogdon

Because of generous donations by GAC grandparents and friends, you can relax, catch up on work, connect with others and make yourself at home in the Student Family Center.

Greater Atlanta Christian School and Château Élan are excited to announce A New Partnership beginning with the 2014-2015 school year.

With a commitment from the Panoz Family Foundation and Château Élan Estates, GAC will offer a dedicated express school bus complete with Wi-Fi for Château Élan residents.

Beautiful Home. Top School. Safe Bus. 48

summer 2014 | gacs today

photographed by Lauren Roberts and Mario Lozano

SHOP THE GAC SPARTAN STORE

store.greateratlantachristian.org

Call 770-243-2370 to make a uniform fitting appointment for your student.

Summer hours 8:30AM-3:00PM / July 14-Aug. 8

gacs today | summer 2014

49

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.

SAVE THE DATE:

7

SPARTAN2GETHER THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

23

ALL PRO DAD LIVE SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

24

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

6

LET’S LIGHT THE NIGHT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6