Saga The
FRIDAY
November 2, 2012
WWW.FPDTHESAGA.COM
First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia
Fall sports season winding down. Page 10.
Around campus
in 60 seconds New TV show debuts to amused audience
FPDtv is the new talk around the school. Visual media coordinator Tyler Shores’ broadcasting class began the show as a way to present the news to students in a satirical way. Alex Giron, video director of FPDtv, described it as “a way for us to express ourselves and be able to give school-related news.” The students talk about everything from movies to dating advice. “It’s a talkshow where we cover things that teenagers are interested in in a humorous way,” Shores said. The students hope the show will grow in popularity after they received 100 likes on Facebook after the first couple of episodes. New episodes air weekly. Viewers can watch episodes via the FPDtv Facebook page. Students also can submit questions via the Twitter account, which the hosts, Griffin Hicks, Christian Moore and Dalton Taylor, answer during the show. Senior Alex Newberry is the show’s producer.
Photo by Tyler Shores/The Saga Hosts Christian Moore and Griffin Hicks prepare for another episode of FPDtv. You can watch episodes via Facebook.
Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Students in Michael Su’s American Literature course share a laugh at the start of class.
A man for all seasons Michael Su brings a world of experience to FPD.
By MARY HELEN DOUGLAS Staff Writer
M
ichael Su never had trouble deciding what major to pursue in college: he tried just about all of them. Su, FPD’s new Latin and American Literature teacher, was a mere two classes short from completing 10 majors. Su started his college career at Holy Cross in Massachusetts, and later attended the University of Pennsylvania. He studied an assortment of subjects including English, Latin, Greek, math, finance, sociology, economics, history, biology, chemistry and the classics. He even tried his hand at medical school, and eventually ended up studying law. Growing up in a wealthy family in northeast Pennsylvania, Su attended a private high school and enjoyed many privileges of that lifestyle, yet he felt something was missing. “All of my friends went to private schools and the best colleges,” he said. “I soon realized that’s a very sheltered way of living. I wanted to find a way to meet and understand human beings that I would never normally interact with.” So began a series of adventures that would lead Su across the United States. From the East
Coast to Los Angeles, with stops in Minneapolis and Washington D.C., Su dabbled in such things as teaching in inner city schools, working as a molecular biology lab technician, volunteer fireman and even in a diaper factory. “When I worked at the factory, it wasn’t for the money, because it was really wasn’t much money, but I did it because of the people who worked there,” Su said. Su discovered he had a passion for volunteer work and interacting with people from different backgrounds. While in law school, he volunteered with many groups such as the Asian-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Central Park Zoo, The Museum of Natural History and some community gardens. “I like doing stuff for the underdog,” Su said. An interesting sociology class in college prompted Su to begin to evaluate his ideas on education in America. “When I took this class, it just blew my mind,” he said. “It really made me think ‘Why are we in school?’ And if I could go back in time to when I was 14 or 15, and I could redo education for myself, what would be the perfect education?’ ” He began researching ways to create a new education curriculum, particularly targeting poor
Please see SU, page 11
Opinions
The Saga
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 2
New beginnings: from homeschool to “regular” school
Cartoon by Emily Goldin
Staff Editorial
Take time to be thankful
With Thanksgiving around the corner, fall festival, sports practices, homework, youth group and other activities, it’s easy to get bogged down in the busyness of life. Sometimes it may feel like there is no such thing as “quiet” in this age of iPhones, computers and other media devices. It’s easy to be contacted at any hour, any day. With pressing school work and Mom asking you to help with chores around the house for the relatives coming for the holidays, becoming stressed seems as much a part of the season as cranberry sauce. This holiday season, we encourage you to find some time to just simply relax and rediscover the meaning behind the phrase “peace and quiet.” This means yes, turning off the iPhone and unplugging the
computer. It also means helping Mom with the chores with a smile on your face, even if it means unloading the dishwasher and doing extra laundry. It can also mean not letting your schoolwork lag behind with the excitement of Thanksgiving break approaching. The last thing you need is extra work over the break. Be dilligent and get that English paper in on time, or spend more time perfecting that biology project. Work hard now in the days ahead, knowing that the break is almost here. And when the break finally arrives and the turkey is all gone and things are settling down, turn off that phone and enjoy story time with Grandma and playing catch with those cousins who live far away.
Saga The
First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia
Staff Directory Editors ............................... Mary Helen Douglas, Olivia Taylor Staff Writers ..................... Emily Goldin, Westin Kosater Adviser ............................. Mr. Cal Powell The Saga is the student-produced newspaper of First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Ga. It is printed locally by Judd Publishing. Letters to the editor and guest editorials are welcome. Submit them in person to staff adviser Cal Powell or e-mail cal.powell@fpdmacon.org. Phone (478) 477-6505, Ext.121. Member organization Journalism Education Association Rated Superior by the GSPA, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Winner of the GSPA Turnaround Award 2006-07 Winner of the GSPA General Excellence Award 2007-08 Winner of the GSPA Perseverance Award 2007-08
When I tell people I was homeschooled, I get a lot of questions and odd looks. Sure, it seems a bit strange, and it’s easy to have this preconceived idea about homeschool. I mean, when I used to think homeschool I thought long hair, denim jumpers, a gazillion siblings (and they’re your only friends), never leaving the house, practically Amish, free-range kids with indifferent parents, etc. So when I was the one actually dropping out of “regular school” and entering into this homeschool world, I had no clue what to expect or if I’d like it. What I didn’t expect to find was a new way of looking at life. I was used to seven periods in a day and having the same schedule. I had no idea what it was like to watch math videos on my TV or going to Bible study with my mom. I didn’t know baking sugar cookies for Christmas was considered an elective. I’d always dissected things for science in a lab, but never on my back porch. It all may seem insane because it’s so different, but that’s what made it a memorable experience. The stereotypes aren’t always for real. Sure, the stereotypes may seem legit on the outside, but the people I met taught me so much about the internal. I’m thankful that I had the chance to step away from everything and find who I am in Christ. That is what keeps me firm no matter where I am in life or what school I go to. This transition to “real school” again has been a whirlwind, jumping head first into uniforms, bell schedules and AP classes, but I’m catching on. Let’s just say junior year
EMILY GOLDIN Staff Writer is no walk in the park. I’ve missed the pep rallies, the structure (yeah I’m a type A kind of kid), and the people. It’s hard to compare homeschool to “regular” school because they’re just so vastly different. You can finish a week’s worth of work in two days, have class inside or outside and your principal is your mom. It was so strange to get used to. I’ve gotten a lot of comments like, “That would ruin my relationship with my mom or parents.” Honestly, it did the opposite, which was such a blessing. This is definitely cliche, but everything does happen for a reason. I absolutely believe God had a hand in everything. If there’s one thing I take away from the entire experience, it would be that God is the most important thing in life. Also, the people that surround you are so important. I never thought I’d be homeschooled. Had you told me that a few years ago I’d probably have laughed in your face. However, now I am so thankful for having those experiences. It was definitely nice for a change, and I learned so much. But I’m really glad to be back. I’m looking forward to seeing where God takes me this year.
This is definitely cliché, but everything does happen for a reason. I absolutely believe God had a hand in everything. If there’s one thing I take away from the entire experience, it would be that God is the most important thing in life.
Opinions
The Saga
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 3
Should I stay or should I go? Some seniors can’t wait to leave town for college, while others aren’t quite as anxious.
There comes a time when life’s journey reaches a crossroads, and we have to decide for ourselves which path to take. As the Class of 2013 finishes our time here at FPD, we inevitably have to make choices that will change our lives forever. For me, finishing high school marks that point in time when I must leave the security of my home, bid farewell to everything I know, and take on the world that resides outside the Macon bubble. My dire need to leave Macon is something that has always been hard for me to explain. Throughout my life God has blessed me with the opportunity to explore the world He has CAROLYN MCDONALD created. There are so Guest Columnist many adventures within our reach to be experienced. Living in Macon can be suffocating. I feel smothered by society’s expectations and intolerance toward people who wish to defy social norms. It seems generations here are imprisoned in a relentless life cycle that consists of producing the perfect family and home with a white picket fence and an SUV. There is nothing wrong with that kind of life, it is just not for me. College to me is a new beginning. I want to break away from home and take on new kinds of If we challenges. do not This metamorphosis go is a chance to out make my own decisions and into begin to shape my life in a way the that God has world and planned for me. shed the I want to learn from a vast shelter of array of people our homes, and grasp the uniqueness of how can we our world by expect to stepping away from everything understand I know, and respect everything comfortable. the world We mature as we live we encounter more challenges in and and experience new things. discover If we do not God’s plan go out into the world and shed for us? the shelter of our homes, how can we expect to understand and respect the world we live in and discover God’s plan for us? Art by Megan Sparks
Would you go to college tomorrow? The typical FPD senior would say yes, but not me. Since coming to FPD in the eighth grade I’ve had loads of fun and have made many memories One of the best things about FPD is the ability to establish long-term relationships with your peers and faculty. I have made many friends throughout my high school career that I will remain in contact with well past my high school graduation. I have not only bonded with my peers, but also with every teacher and coach I have had throughout high school. I know without a JENNA BYRD doubt that everyone who has Guest Columnist either taught me in school or coached me in a sport wanted the best for my future and sincerely cared about my success. When I was in 10th grade, I was pitching in the first round state game. It was the fifth inning and all of a sudden I fell to the ground. Later that day, I learned I had a torn ACL and that I had to have surgery and rehabilitate for six months. I was crushed. Fortunately, I had all the support and comfort of my teammates, coaches, family and teachers behind me to keep me going. I rehabbed hard and then in August I tore it again. I remember going to school the day after I found out I had re-torn it. I was standing in the hallway when Brooks Stroud and Sam Joyce came up to me and embraced me in a big hug; I just cried and cried. I decided I’d try it one more time, and if it ever tore again I would just quit softball. With the support of my teammates and coaches, I rehabbed and was back playing in May of 2012. I had no problems with this surgery and then out of nowhere, I tore it again. The feeling of disappointment I had was just indescribable. The first couple of days were very hard. I didn’t want to talk to anyone and I was just mad at the world. Everyone kept on telling me that “God has a plan” and that “everything happens for a reason.” Well I seriously doubted that, but I was determined not to let this break me. I decided to play out the rest of the season, disregarding my torn ACL. All of my coaches were behind me and all of my peers were encouraging me every step of the way. I know I could not have overcome any of what I have without their support. Why would I want to go somewhere when I have all this love right here? When I was hurting and someone came up to me, gave me a hug and reassured me that it would be OK, it made everything a little bit better because I realized that they believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Even people that I normally wouldn’t associate with came up and talked to me and told me that they have been praying. It really showed me that FPD is more than just a school, it’s a family. Macon and FPD are what I call home, and I’m definitely not in a hurry to move out.
Opinions
The Saga
Christmas Dance: The A-List event of the school year
Let’s lay out the basic facts. When? Dec. 15, 2012. Where? The Amory Ballroom on First Street. Who? DJing by The Party Man Productions. What? Christmas dance, of course! Attire for the men consists of two options. Option number one is khakis, a button down shirt (white looks the sharpest!), a sport coat, dress shoes, and THE TIE. Guys, your tie doesn’t have to be the same color as your date’s dress, but you at least have to make it blend. My advice? Get your moms involved. Option number two is a dark colored suit, a button down shirt, dress shoes, and THE TIE (see above comments). Ladies, don’t think you have to wear a short dress. Long dresses are just as pretty! If you’re going short, go for a cocktail-style dress. If you’re going long, think evening gown. Round out your look with jewelry, makeup, hair and shoes. For jewelry you can wear gold, silver or pearls. It all works, but it’s not the time to bring out your Mardi Gras beads. Evening makeup differs from daytime makeup. If you’re looking for some makeup tips, you should see Katie O’Quinn and Tara Brooks at Merle Norman on Zebulon. They’d love to help you out! For your hair you can go up or down, curly or straight. Just remember, often your hairstyle will guide your jewelry selection. For shoes, heels are most often worn to the Christmas dance, even though they usually come off once you hit the dance floor. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, because that’s all that really matters! It’s fun to be in a group of your peers for your pre-dance ritual, and it usually involves dinner. Remember, you want to make these plans early in order to ensure success. There are three options mostly
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 4
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING TRADITION? By Mary Helen Douglas
“Probably preparing the turkey with my mom. It’s what I’ve always done since I was a little girl.” Anna Grace Jones 9th grade
KATHRYN KOSTOVETSKY Guest Columnist considered for the dinner. Option one is a restaurant held in high regard, such as Bonefish, Natalias, Marco, Downtown Grill, The Tic Toc Room, among others. Option two is a member of your group’s house. Usually this involves several parents providing different items to make the meal a success. Option three is a country club. There is the expense involved, but rarely is there a limitation for your number of people. Fellas, if you haven’t gotten the memo yet (there is no memo, here it is!) it’s time to step up and start extending your invitation to that lucky lady who will accompany you to the dance. Just remember, once you’ve made a commitment, stick with it. Don’t back out unless both parties are in agreement and have other options. Ladies, don’t think you have to sit around waiting to be asked. If there’s a special someone you would like to go with, go for it! And boys, if you’re asked, be a gentleman and do the right thing. This year is going to be awesome! The DJ is literally the best one in town, so get out there and burn up that dance floor! See you there!
Ladies, don’t think you have to sit around waiting to be asked. If there’s a special someone you would like to go with, go for it! And boys, if you’re asked, be a gentleman and do the right thing.
“My sister and I used to get up and watch the parade, and we would dance around when particular floats came around.” Mrs. Harrell Chemistry teacher “After we eat, and we are full, we all sit around and tell stories about just the weirdest things.” Anna Smith 11th grade “My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is playing football in the backyard.” Reggie Gantt 9th grade
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is eating all the food.” Claire Patton 11th grade
“I spend Thanksgiving trying to get away from my crazy family.” Griffin Hicks 10th grade
The Saga
News
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 5
Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Longtime English teacher David Walton instructs his seventh grade class. Below, Walton is shown in a yearbook photo from 1981.
Half a century of dedication
Teacher David Walton sits down with The Saga to talk about his 50 years in education. What did receiving the Distinguished Service award at homecoming mean to you? “It was very much a surprise. My idea is I teach, I love to teach, I love this school and this is my 42nd year (at FPD) so I’ve never even thought about winning any type of award, but it is an honor for people to recognize that there have been years of service and I’m very deeply appreciative of that.” Why have you stayed at FPD so long? “Well when I first started, I had no idea how long it would last. Never even thought about it. All of a sudden I realized it was more than just a teaching job, I was becoming a part of a family, a Christian family in a Christian educational setting and that just appealed to me and one year led to the next and after you add them up it equals 42.” What’s the most challenging thing about teaching? “It’s rewarding, but it’s challenging because you have to adjust to various and sundry things, new students, new expectations, but nevertheless that’s part of life. As such, I enjoy challenges because to me if we didn’t have challenges it would be a boring type of existence and school is anything but boring.” What’s your favorite part about teaching? “Interacting with my students and having made such wonderful friends among the teachers that I’ve taught with over these years. Some of them are deep friends that I’ll have as long as I live.”
How have the students changed over the years? “At heart, they’re basically the same. But there are some changes in back when I first started 50 years ago this culture was quite different but overall human nature is what it is and I enjoy that interaction. That give and take with the students and with the parents is a neat part of my responsibility as a teacher.” What got you into education? “I knew right off the bat when I was no older than 13 or 14 years old that I wanted to be a teacher. I always have. There was never any doubt when I went to college what I wanted to do.” Is there a specific event that made you want to get into education? “No, no event. I think one of the key things is that I had about four teachers that were such wonderful mentors and set such wonderful examples for me that I thought I would like to be like them and I would like to think that maybe I can influence people’s lives like they influenced mine. I had a first grade teacher that was just fabulous and my French teacher in high school was another one. I had a government teacher when I was a senior in high school that was right there at the top, so all of those just made a lasting impression when I saw how hard they worked and I just felt like maybe one day I can do that too and make some impressions on students, I hope.”
What is your favorite memory at FPD? “That’s a very difficult question. I don’t know that I have a favorite memory because every particular class presents varying degrees of interest and something that you love, something that you remember, so I can’t pinpoint one particular something. I remember with interest of course when I first started there was just one building, the elementary building, so I watched the high school building go up which has now been replaced by the new high school building and I remember when we got the new stadium and the new gym and all those kinds of things facility-wise that was very exciting.”
FALL FES I
t’s the one event of the year every kid from first grade to sixth grade looks for ward to. Tickets are exchanged for candy and smiles from members of the junior class in brightly-colored jerseys. The Fall Festival is a fundraiser for prom and an FPD tradition. The juniors run booths featuring games like penny mu toss, spin art and go fish. The smell of popcorn mixed with the scent of cotton candy and Dave Sparrow’s grill creates an aroma unique to the annual event. The students are dismissed from school early and the gym is flooded with kids. Afte multiple slices of pizza, Coke and popcorn, it’s not unusual for children to come hom with pink spray-painted hair, a bandaged head from the doctor booth and, most noticeably, a big smile. - Mary Helen Douglas
2012
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Photos by The Saga staff members Mary Helen Douglas, Emily Goldin, Olivia Taylor and adviser Cal Powell.
The Saga
News
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 8
Thompson: It’s never too early to plan for college
The Saga asked college counselor Brad Thompson to share a few tips for high school students about getting ready for college. Here is what he had to say:
Seniors
Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Belinda Yu (left) is teaching an AP English course this year for the first time in her career.
FINDING A BALANCE
AP courses require additional effort for teachers, too. By OLIVIA TAYLOR Staff Writer
Advanced Placement courses offer challenges not only for students, but for teachers as well. A difficulty that comes with teaching an AP class is balancing teaching the subject itself with preparing the students for the exam in the spring. Each teacher approaches this challenge differently. Rennie Atkinson, an experienced AP European History teacher, has found a way to cover both his subject and the AP exam. “I just teach history like I always teach it, but I make sure that I include everything that I know has been on past exams,” he said. “I keep going back and I redo my notes. I have to teach what I’m pretty sure will be on the exam but I have to teach history too because otherwise it won’t make sense.” First year AP English teacher Belinda Yu has a similar approach. Yu said it’s important to challenge her students while choosing engaging material as practice for the AP exam. “Though the hard work of actually doing the (rhetorical) analysis, some will come to appreciate the stories and the readings even more,” she said. The teachers also have to balance two objectives: passing the AP exam while ensuring the students have a deep understanding of the material. Most teachers agree these two goals can go hand in hand. Candace Weems, AP Literature teacher, said that her goal for her students is to have them “analyze and write critically about fictional works” while incorporating past AP questions to prepare them. Atkinson said his main goal is to have his students pass the AP exam or do as well as they possibly can, but still enjoy the history course.
For Yu, it’s all about finding the balance between the two. “I think that for me it really goes hand in hand,” Yu said. “If you are willing to do the work, then I want you to receive credit for it, and if there’s something I can do to help with that such as teaching test taking strategies … I’m going to do all that I can to help that student pass the exam.” All teachers agree though that there are some unique challenges that come with teaching an AP class that don’t exist in a regular or even Honors class. Assistant Headmaster and AP BC Calculus teacher Barry Shealy said his biggest challenge with teaching an AP class is making the students “realize that understanding what the teacher says is not enough.” Actually making students practice AP and College Board problems to help prepare them for the exam is critical, he said. One thing all teachers seemed to agree on is that teaching AP courses can be time consuming. Weems added one of her biggest challenges is simply helping “frustrated students with timed writing” because a timed write isn’t something students face in a regular or Honors class. Another unique challenge that comes with teaching an AP class is that all AP teachers are required to regularly attend a week-long summer program that ensures the teachers understand the content of their subject and the level of performance expected of their students. Despite all the hard work involved, Yu views the rewards of teaching as worth the hardships of teaching an AP course. “I’ve been really proud of the amount of work my students have done and the amount of progress they’ve made,” she said.
“I think for seniors, they definitely need to be looking at applications. Honestly, (they should be) actually in the application process at this point (and ) really looking at whether or not they need to take more SATs or ACTs because they are kind of running out of time. “They need to be having good conversations with their parents, as far as options, what they are thinking about cost and the distance (from home) so that the kids and parents are on the same page ... THOMPSON “Visit, again, schools on their list just to see if they see it differently. It’s not too late at certain schools. Start looking at scholarships and applying for those. Also, obviously, grades are really important.”
Juniors
“Grades are critical. Seniors apply based on ninth,10th and 11th grade results. “This is also a big year for testing, so juniors definitely need to get an SAT or ACT or both. “Building their resumes, just who they are outside the classroom, honors, extracurriculars, leadership, trips, things they could write about in an essay, and visiting schools, or talking to kids at those schools, to get a feel for the campus. “They should also be talking with their parents. I encourage them to have good conversations so the parents can express their goals to the kids.”
Freshmen and Sophomores
“Obviously, grades are always going to be critical. Also, start building a resume of all your activites and start recording that. I’d suggest you begin visiting schools, maybe during family trips, and begin talking to your parents about schools you might be interested in visiting. Finally, a general rule of thumb for testing is don’t start too early. Start at the end of your sophomore year.”
News
The Saga
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 9
One-Act performs Mariner By EMILY GOLDIN Staff Writer
Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga FPD graduates Foster Veazey, Chandler Lee, and Mason Behel return to campus.
A real homecoming Three FPD alumni return to campus as faculty members.
By WESTIN KOSATER Staff Writer There are some former FPD students who get the rare opportunity to experience FPD as both a student and a teacher. Chandler Lee, class of 2007, is now employed at the school as the Sports Information Director and the Assistant Alumni director. He joins 2008 graduates Mason Behel and Foster Veazey as three of the latest alumni to come back as members of the FPD faculty. Lee said that being an employee of FPD is a lot different from being a student in many ways. “Being an employee, you’ve just got to make sure that you are getting things done in a timely fashion, and that you work with everybody behind the scenes because we’re all the same team,” he said. “I would say just having a different perspective is what’s different than being a student versus being an employee.” Interestingly enough, Lee was voted by his classmates as the person most likely to come back to FPD. “I really enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I made a lot of longlasting friendships in high school,
but being an employee I’m also making long-lasting friendships by working here. I wouldn’t say I enjoy one over the other.” Lee said he sometimes has “flashbacks” while walking the halls of FPD. “Sometimes I will be walking the halls and I’ll have a flashback of a class that I went to in high school and part of me wants to go to that classroom,” he said, smiling. “Overall it feels great. I thoroughly enjoyed my time.” Behel has returned to FPD and now teaches Algebra I and helps coach football. Behel said he has a new perspective as a teacher returning to FPD. “Most of all I like the environment after going on and experiencing what it’s like at other schools, to be able to come here and actually teach and seeing other students learn, it’s really nice,” Behel said. Behel said not a lot has changed about the school since he left. “I think the only thing that’s changed here is the teachers,” he said. “Different teachers still have the same morals, still have the same expectations.” One of the more interesting dynamics of his new role, Behel said, is simply the fact that now, he’s the
one doing the instructing. “You still get the push in education that you’re looking for, but it’s more of you doing the pushing than you being pushed to learn,” he said. Veazey teaches middle school environmental science, 10th grade biology and pre-algebra and coaches middle school football and varsity wrestling. He attended FPD since the fourth grade and joins his father, Bob, an FPD Bible teacher, and mother Nora, who works in the high school office. “It’s a little strange being back, mainly because nothing’s changed,” Veazey said. “Everything’s the exact same. A lot the same teachers I’ve had are still here.” Veazey said his teaching role has given him a newfound respect for teachers. “I kind of feel bad for some of the things we did to our teachers after seeing how much work goes into it, and really seeing the whole purpose and ministry of FPD as a whole,” Veazey said. Veazey said that he has no idea how much work went into being an educator prior to taking the job. “I’d say it is 50 times harder being a teacher than a student even on your worst day as a student,” Veazey said.
The theatre department performed “Mariner” in the One-Act area competition last month. The play is about Christopher Columbus in purgatory awaiting judgment for whether he goes to heaven or hell. Theatre director Andrew Strickland looked through more than 100 plays to find the one that showed off his talented actors’ years of hard work. He chose Mariner because it had the potential to be fabulous and was very moving, he said. Introduced by a neutral timekeeper, each school has 55 minutes to perform, which includes setting up and taking down sets. “One-Act is a challenging competition,” Strickland said. “You could say it’s like playing football against a basketball team being (judged) by refs from tennis.” FPD gave a very strong performance,
The judges named Megan Huggins to the all-star cast, recognizing her as one of the top actors from all five schools that competed. and the judges had a lot of nice things to say about a lot of the actors, Strickland said. The judges loved FPD’s set, raved about the costumes and enjoyed a lot of the performances, he added. The judges named Megan Huggins to the all-star cast, recognizing her as one of the top actors from all five schools that competed. “That’s a huge honor, especially because Megan is a freshman,” Strickland said. “I’m pretty confident that that’s the first time in FPD history that a freshman won that award. I cannot think for the life of me that has ever happened before. That’s a very impressive start for her.” Savannah Country Day won the competition with the performance of The Laramie Project. The play was about the murder of Matthew Shepherd in the late 1990s in Wyoming. Strickland said he enjoyed putting on Mariner and was proud of his students. “I believe in the story, it was just a powerful play,” Strickland said. “I think it was moving for a lot of people and a play that can be both moving and funny
The Saga
Sports
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 10
Coaches optimistic as winter sports get under way Staff reports
Cal Powell/The Saga Quarterback Brooks Stroud hands the ball to Will Black during the Lincoln County game.
Championship hopes alive for three teams Staff reports
The cross country teams go for a state title on Saturday, and they won’t have to travel far to do it. This year’s GHSA Class A state meet is being held on the Vikings’ home course at the Georgia Industrial Children’s Home. “That’s a huge advantage,” girls coach April Cassell said. “Hopefully the kids will run better after sleeping in their own beds, not having to travel and get up way too early.” Class A is split into public and private school competitions. The meet starts at 9 a.m. with the public school boys competition, followed by the public school girls at 9:45 a.m. FPD’s boys hit the trail with the private school boys race at 10:30 a.m., and the private school girls race follows at 11:15 a.m. Both teams are coming off big wins in last week’s Area meet, with Danielle Ferro and Will Martin both taking second place overall to lead the way. The boys are seeded ninth entering the state meet, while the girls are seeded third behind Landmark Christian and Darlington. “Hopefully we haven’t peaked yet,” Cassell said. “We want to peak at just the right time. I think we’re ready.” Football The Vikings (5-3 overall, 3-2 Region 7-A) travel to Warren County tonight for another big region matchup. FPD was ranked eighth in
last week’s power rankings that will determine playoff pairings for the top 16 schools. The Vikings wrap up the regular season next week with a home game against Aquinas.
Volleyball The volleyball team ended its season after losing to Calvary Baptist in the state playoffs on Oct. 18. The Vikings finished with an overall record of 10-15 in their first season of varsity competition. Head coach Stephanie Harrell said she is proud of the team. “We had a phenomenal first varsity season,” she said. “We did a good job of playing up and not being discouraged by the high competition level. We had some really good leadership, and the seniors set an excellent example.” The team was led by seniors Abby Deckbar, Katy Hall and Bonnie Scurry. Softball The softball team dropped a heartbreaker to Darlington in the first round of the GHSA state playoffs to finish the season at 18-13. The team loses three seniors: Jenna Byrd, Claire Crawford and Hannah Davis. Freshman Jill Rogers said the ending was difficult, but overall, they grew closer as a team. “Being a freshman it was challenging, but the seniors made me feel like I was a part of the team,” Rogers said. “I’m really looking forward to next year, and hopefully we’ll get to the state championship and win state.”
The winter sports season gets under way in earnest next week when the swim teams hosts the six-school FPD Invitational at Northside pool on Nov. 9. The basketball teams travel to Schley County on Nov. 16 to being their seasons. Wrestling season begins Dec. 4. The boys basketball team returns four seniors from last year’s team in Caleb Dupree, Sam Joyce, Brooks Stroud and Sam Pope. The schedule includes matchups against larger schools Houston County and Perry as well as the Jones County Christmas tournament, which, according to coach Michael Brooker, is “loaded.” “We do have a lot of guys coming back so I think we have a chance to be really competitive,” Brooker said. “We’ve got a chance to have the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here but it just depends on how well we play against those bigger schools. It’ll be a fun year but also a challenging year.” Charley Chase’s girls squad will be led by seniors Bonnie Scurry and Hannah Davis. “I’m excited and the girls are excited,” Chase said. “We’re playing in a new region and from what I understand it’s a very talented and physical-playing region so we’re looking at it as a challenge. I do think we’re going to be competitive and fun to watch.” New sports website debuts The school launched a new sports website in August that is the central hub for all sportsrelated news and features. The site - www.fpdvikings.com - features breaking news, video interviews and highlights, game reports, roster and schedule information and player profiles. It is believed that FPD is the only school in the area to feature a sports-specific website. The school also has hired a sports information director, 2007 FPD grad Chandler Lee, to manage the site and serve as the liaison between the school and local media outlets.
www.fpdvikings.com
News
The Saga
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 11
SU
From page 1
Photo by Cal Powell /The Saga Calculus student Addison Ruble takes notes on his new tablet.
School is gearing up for new tech initiative Calculus students are the pilot class for the 1-to-1 plan.
By WESTIN KOSATER Staff Writer The 2013-14 school year will bring a very noticeable change to FPD’s curriculum as the school plans to present every middle school and high school student with a tablet PC. “We’re always looking for ways to get the students more engaged with the content that they’re studying, and using technology puts a whole world of content at students’ fingertips,” said Assistant Headmaster Dr. Barry Shealy. According to Shealy, the tablet PCs will help teach students “21st century skills” which are relevant in an increasingly digital world. In order to increase connections between the teacher and the student, the tablets will include a note-taking and information management program by Microsoft called OneNote. “You have shared notebooks, so the students would have all of their work and their notes and homework and so forth in their digital notebooks that teachers have access to,” Shealy said. Rather than taking home large amounts of paper, a teacher would have access to all of the students’ work on a tablet PC. Dr. Shealy’s Calculus BC class is the “pilot group” this year for what is called the “1-to-1 initiative.” The Calculus textbook used is in digital format. Rather than have students leave their seats to write on the board, answers can be written from their tablet PC at their desk. “Essentially, all of the students are at the board all
the time,” Shealy said. “I think the tablets are doing well,” said senior Calculus student Davy Priester. “I like them a lot better than the textbooks.” Among the many perks of the new technology, Shealy said, is those students who might feel uncomfortable asking questions or speaking in class have more opportunity to be involved. “I can ask them to respond to a question, all the students can respond on their screen and then they can submit their responses,” he said. “Every student has the opportunity to participate.” One of the main concerns among skeptics of using technology in the classroom is that it will cause distraction among the students. In order to keep the students on task, teachers will have access to a program called DyKnow. “It allows me, as a teacher, to pull my students’ computer screen up to the projector so I can monitor what the students are doing,” Shealy said. Students learned how to use the technology quickly due to today’s youth being “digital natives,” he said. Earlier this year, all faculty members were issued a Lenovo tablet PC, and training is held every Wednesday morning. A full launch of the 1-to-1 program will take place in August 2013. Eventually, Shealy said, it’s possible tablets will completely replace traditional textbooks, making the 1-to-1 initiative a significant one for the future of the school. “I’m really excited about it,” Shealy said. “A lot of schools around the country are looking to see what we do.”
or low-income students. “My goal is to start my own school in 10 or 20 years from now,” Su said. “That’s my life project.” Su choose to purse a career at FPD because of the connection he made with the mission statement. “I definitely feel called to this school,” he said. “The mission statement is what brought me here. It’s a literal directive. It’s a duty.” Su said his desire is to see students go out and change the world. One of the reasons Su believes students are reluctant to make an impact in the world today is simply fear. Su recounts his own struggles in overcoming certain obstacles, noting the best strategy to overcome fear is often to face it. “I hate to swim, I’m afraid of the water, but instead of letting that fear conquer me, I learned to sail and row and swim,” Su said. “I have to prove to myself that I am not limited by what other people think of me, nor am I limited by what I think of me. All that matters is that I can do everything through Christ.”
“I have to prove to myself that I am not limited by what other people think of me, nor am I limited by what I think of me. All that matters is that I can do everything through Christ.”
Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga
Su comes to FPD after a diverse career in a number of fields.
Spotlight: Community Service
The Saga
Amy Kenney/The Saga Marah Bond and cheerleaders paint nails with the Campus Club girls.
A WORLD OF SERVICE
Three years in, community service program making strides.
By EMILY GOLDIN Staff Writer
T
he girls involved with Campus Clubs watched with expectant faces as 15 or so FPD cheerleaders walked toward them. The children were lined against the wall, waiting and unsure of what this new cheerleading camp would be like. Campus Clubs, an outreach to at-risk children of the Peasant Hill community, had never had a camp like this. Kristin Fillingim, a cheerleader at FPD, started the mini-camp project out of a desire to use cheering as a way to serve her community. The day of fun began early in the morning. The girls would dance, play games like Chicken in the Henhouse, learn cheers, and have devotion time. Fillingim’s focus for the week was physical health, and she related it to how God’s image and self-image relate. By the end of the week, the Campus Clubs girls realized that these cheerleaders just wanted to relate to them and have fun, Fillingim said. “ ‘We didn’t think y’all were going to be fun,’ ” Fillingim remembered the girls saying to her. “We thought y’all were going to be scary and mean.’ ” The impact of the Campus Clubs girls on Fillingim and the rest of the cheerleaders was an eye-opener. “I think that we think we know, but we don’t realize until we’ve actually gone and served,” Fillingim said. “So it’s something that I want people to be more aware of and have hearts to go out and share Christ’s love.” Three years ago, the school introduced community service as a graduation requirement. Some of the student body was excited about this new undertaking, while some were not. “Well, my first parental response is you’re forced
to do a lot things that we don’t want to do,” Scott said in response to the criticism. “Beyond that, I guess I firmly believed from the very beginning that just a tiny bit of exposure would open up a world of possibilities.” The requirements for community service include 30 hours per year (all hours can be direct, but the students are allowed to have up to half indirect hours), and one mission trip with a reflection piece. “It sounds cliché but in almost every reflection we just learn how to be more grateful when we see what other people don’t have and realize what we do have,” Scott said. Flint River Memory Care, Macon Outreach, and Daybreak are three organizations with which a lot of FPD students are involved. Community Service has expanded many of the students’ horizons and perceptions, especially of the homeless. Kaitlynn Jones, a 2012 graduate and Mercer freshman, became very involved with the homeless. Jones decided to stay in town for college due to her passion for the homeless in downtown Macon. She interns for Scott and is at the school for two hours a week helping plan events. “While we have lots of students who have tons of hours, Kaitlynn is probably the student in the last three years with the most singular focus on one ministry where she’s poured hours and hours,” Scott said. Serving the community starts out as a requirement to impact other people for many students. However, like in the experiences of Fillingim and Jones, once they take that jump it often ends up impacting themselves more than anything else. “I think once people kind of get their feet wet and find something they’re passionate about, you know not just doing any community service but finding the thing that they really love (they become more passionate
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Page 12
Learning to love as God first loved us
I love to go on service projects and try new things and make a difference, but to me it’s not about doing “community service,” it’s about making people feel loved. When Come to the Fountain first began, our KAITLYNN JONES goal wasn’t to Guest Columnist simply feed the poor, it was to feed them and give them family. That’s exactly what we’ve become! Our big Come to the Fountain family has dinner every Sunday night, goes to church together, works on the new Daybreak shelter together, and even has Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas breakfast together. However, most of the members of our downtown family don’t have a mom to cook them breakfast or drive them to soccer practice or tuck them in at night. They don’t have brothers and sisters to watch TV with or a dad to play in the yard with. It’s a terrible situation in which most people can’t imagine, but they just don’t have anyone who truly loves them except for each other and the volunteers who they become family with. So I guess that’s what community service means to me: To go out and be with God’s people and love them like He loves us. Not force the gospel on them or tell them they need to confess their sins, but instead to show them that we love them because God loves us.
Special to The Saga Kaitlynn Jones, a 2012 graduate and Mercer freshman, helps pick up trash during last year’s in-town mission trip.