FPD Magazine, Summer 2010

FPDmagazine

SUMMER 2010

A PUBLICATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

AIMING HIGH

The Class of 2010 sets out on a new journey.

FROM THE

headmaster

FPD Magazine First Presbyterian Day School 5671 Calvin Drive Macon, Georgia 31210 Phone: (478) 477-6505 www.fpdmacon.org Administration and Staff Gregg Thompson, Headmaster Dr. Barry E. Shealy, Assistant Headmaster Joseph F. Childs, High School Principal Molly M. Pearson ’87, Middle School Principal Gayle Putnal, Elementary Principal Kris Cutright, Instructional Support Director Charles O. Parrish, Chief Financial Officer Chris K. Childers, Development Director Cheri Frame’89, Admissions Director Carol Sawyer, Alumni Director Greg Moore ’84, Athletic Director Andrew Strickland, Fine Arts Director David Bass, Technology Director Cal Powell, Publications Director Board of Trustees The Rev. Tom Anderson, Ex Officio Mrs. Laura Adams Mrs. Tammy Beall Mr. Rob Danner Jr. Mr. Chuck Duggan ’76 Mrs. Saynor Ponder ’86 Foshee Dr. Christopher Gunn Mr. Dwight Jones, Chairman The Rev. Chip Miller, Ex Officio Mr. Jed Renfroe Mr. Charles Scurry Mr. Dan Slagle Mr. Danny Smith, Vice Chair Mr. Gregg Thompson, Ex Officio Mr. Kevin Watson ’88 Design by: Cal Powell Printer: Panaprint Photography: Andrew Brooks, Cal Powell FPD Magazine is published twice a year by the First Presbyterian Day School Development Office. Contents may be re-printed with permission of the school. For questions or comments, e-mail cpowell@fpdmacon.org or csawyer@fpdmacon.org

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise Thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

In this issue we celebrate the graduated class of 2010. The verse above was sung during our Baccalaureate service as we worshipped together as a FPD class and school family. This hymn and prayer is ours for our graduates as they leave our homes and school hallways.

Along with the excitement of this next stage in the lives of our graduates there is also a lot of unknowns causing anxiety in parents and graduate alike. Matthew 6 asks the question, “Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” As the passage in Matthew and the verse from the hymn above suggest, our focus in times of uncertainty should not be on the what – “storing up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy.” Our focus is to be on Whom, “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and He will take care of the what.

It is my understanding that the hymn, Be Thou My Vision, has been sung at each Baccalaureate service of First Presbyterian Day School. Since the beginning of FPD, our prayer for students and each graduate is the eternal inheritance, now and always, of our Heavenly Father. FPD was founded on the hope of educating and equipping students to impact our world for Christ. This can only happen as each of us, student, graduate, parent, faculty and friend seeks to find treasure in and through Jesus Christ!

By placing Him first in our hearts we experience His provision and joy for all our earthly needs and rest in the promise of the ultimate inheritance, eternity in the presence of our Creator God.

Because He is faithful, Gregg Thompson

IN THIS ISSUE Class of 2010 ...................................

Family Matters ................................

On Campus .....................................

Athletics .........................................

Faculty News ..................................

Classnotes .......................................

Alumni News ..................................

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From Mercer to West Point, here’s a closer look at the college choices of 7 recent graduates ...

Jenni Seale Emory University Why did you choose Emory?

“For me, Emory just seemed like a perfect fit. As far as academics go, it has the prestige without as much of the snobbery. I know I’ll be pushed academically, but everyone I met there was incredibly helpful and friendly- and these people are published authors and acclaimed researchers!”

Decision

2010 FPD’s 36th graduating class compiles some impressive achievements.

By Brad Thompson Guidance Counselor I want to thank all of our 2010 seniors for a great first year as the college counselor.

The accomplishments of this senior class in academics, athletics, and the arts have simply been amazing.

Allow me to summarize some of the academic achievements.

We graduated 81 seniors, and 44 of them graduated with Honors (38 graduated Honors with Distinction).

This meant they had an overall high school average of 90 or above. The seniors led the way with the most AP Scholars (37) we have ever had.

We also had the most National Merit Scholars (6) we have ever had. We had six Commended Scholars (Harris Clayton, Catherine Taylor, Maggie Knott, Jenni Seale, Keegan White and Christine Boddy).

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Christine was also named a National Merit Finalist!

The class of 2010 sent out more than 290 applications to 82 colleges in 21 states.

Several students received the highest scholarships awarded at their schools.

Jenni Seale received the Bowden Scholarship within the Honors College of Emory. Catherine Taylor and Maggie Knott received the Presidential Scholarship at Auburn, and Andy Smith received the Presidential Scholarship at Georgia Tech.

Christine Boddy and Catherine Harris were admitted to the University of Georgia’s Honors Program. Senior Tyler Wheeler received FPD’s first appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

We are so proud of our seniors and wish them all the best.

How did FPD prepare you for college?

“FPD’s classes gave me both knowledge and wisdom in learning. I memorized facts and figures that I’m sure will help me in college, especially in those first few years of core classes. FPD also offered some of the most rigorous classes available, which I’m sure added a little bit of salt and pepper to my resume. Most importantly, though, my experience at FPD provided me with invaluable take-home truths about the importance of work ethic and respect. I learned more from the real-life examples of teachers like Mrs. Betty Ham and Coach Atkinson, to name a few, than I could have ever learned from a textbook.”

Jordan Corbitt Georgia Tech Why did you choose Georgia Tech?

“I’ve always wanted to go to Georgia Tech ever since I was 7 years old. I have always liked math and science and so Georgia Tech seemed to be the right place to go. I also loved baseball and they have always had a great team.”

How did FPD prepare you for college?

“FPD did a great job preparing me because it had the curriculum needed for me to get accepted into Georgia Tech. Without taking all of the higher-level courses FPD offers, I know that getting into my dream school would be difficult. I thank FPD for everything I’ve been able to achieve since I have been there.”

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Daniel Dupree Mercer University

Catherine Taylor Auburn University

Why did you choose Mercer?

“It’s an excellent school and it offers the major (pharmacy) that I want to pursue. I also was offered a substantial academic scholarship. After touring Mercer, I was impressed with the smaller class sizes offered, and the genuine desire of the faculty to do everything possible to help me be successful there.”

Why did you choose Auburn?

“Auburn is a family tradition that I am proud to carry on. My grandparents, mom, and sister all attended or curently attend Auburn and their positive experiences there are all the more encouraging. The campus has a small-town, family atmosphere that I am drawn to. I could never see myself at any college other than Auburn.”

How did FPD prepare you for college?

“FPD has more than prepared me for college. Because of the excellent curriculum offered at FPD I had the benefit of taking a rigorous course load of honors and AP classes. The AP classes helped me to experience what a college-level course will be like. I also had excellent teachers who pushed me to be the best student I could be.”

How did FPD prepare you for college?

“The challenging curriculum and AP courses at FPD have prepared me for college and have allowed me to know what to expect out of college courses. The faculty has been consistent in teaching the importance of hard work and perseverance.”

Anna Meyers University of Georgia Why did you choose the University of Georgia?

“I chose Georgia because I decided to major in Communications Disorders and they have a good speech therapy progam at UGA.” How did FPD prepare you for college?

“I believe FPD prepared me for college because taking AP classes will give me a leg up with college credit starting out. Also there is a strong emphasis on having a good work ethic at FPD which is something that I’m sure will help prepare me for difficult college classes.”

Tyler Wheeler United States Military Academy

Katie Hall James Madison University Why did you choose James Madison University?

“James Madison became high on my list of top choice schools as it offers a liberal, diverse, and challenging education.

I knew I wanted to attend a highly-ranked college, full of tradition, and in a great location. James Madison continues to rank as a tier 1 school for its extensive variety of majors and professional programs as well as its quality of learning experiences in the city of Harrisonburg. The location of James Madison was key in my college decision. While being more than 10 hours away from home, I’ll learn to branch out, make wise decisions, and be self-sufficient; something no college students should deny themselves” How did FPD prepare you for college?

“While reflecting on my 13 years at FPD I can truly say I am just as prepared as anyone to be successful in college. I was taught to manage my time wisely, study as I go along and to never be afraid to ask for help. I had excellent teachers who demonstrated to me the importance of my education and who were always willing to stay behind and revise a paper or go over a few more math problems. FPD properly exhibited a challenging, college-like atmosphere.”

Why did you choose West Point?

“West Point became an interest of mine starting at a very young age.

As I began to study our nation’s history and its previous successful leaders I noticed that many of them had one thing in common: they had attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. I realized that I too could follow in the footsteps of our nation’s greatest by attending West Point and then serving in the military.”

How did FPD prepare you for college?

“FPD is an excellent college preparatory school. I felt pushed academically and feel the jump from high school to college will not be too difficult. I also feel that I have already gotten a little taste of college through honor and AP courses. The faculty provided Christian leadership and I was easily able to develop strong friendships with fellow students who aimed to live lives pleasing to God.”

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gallery: Graduation day, May 22, 2010

College Choices Abraham Baldwin Travis Forbes University of Alabama Chad Bonair Maddy Jackson Auburn University Maggie Knott James Pound Nathan Reed Anne Strickland Catherine Taylor Berry College Elizabeth Clark Darton College Jared Williams Emory University Jenni Seale

2010

University of Georgia Ryan Albright Sydney Barnes Christine Boddy Frank Collins Matt Doremus Corey Funk Nicole Galonczyk Taylor Harden Catherine Harris Anna Myers Rebekah Rabun Kimberly Rutland Lauren Sanders Ray Smith

Georgia College & State University Caroline Anderson Rebecca Black Mark Buckland David Darnell Emily Rose Davis Mary Frances Eversole J.T. Hoover Casey Reeder Hailey Robinson Evan Teipel Georgia Military College Meridith Markert Georgia Southern University James Brittain Nancy Culp Austin Herrmann Taylor Jones Christine Lengel Chelsea Smith Cam Tidwell Georgia Tech Harris Clayton Morgan Clayton Jordan Corbitt Alyssa Kuncaitis Lane Letson Andrew Smith Sara Kay Veal Keegan White James Madison University Katie Hall

Kennesaw State Sarah Lane Mary Kate Ulshafer Macon State College Mikey Eller Hunter Hawkins Ryan Smith Mercer University Jake Adams Daniel Dupree Jack Meadows Nick Mullis Ruth Watts Juliane Wright Middle Georgia College Susanna Stokes University of Mississippi Bobby Brown David Lambert Emily Morgan Lucy Patterson North Georgia College Megan Bennett Rhodes College Mary Kate Patterson Samford University Ashley Cope Jessica Fleming Mackenzie Kross

University of South Carolina Kendall Goodman Southern Methodist University Ansley Pridgen Toccoa Falls College Nikki Marie Wheeler Valdosta State University Mark O’Quinn Haleigh Watson Wesleyan College Jaime Wilcox United States Military Academy at West Point Tyler Wheeler Undecided Kyle McCallum

Class of 2010

Commencement Address

Dr. Tim McCoy Pastor, Ingleside Baptist Church

Thank you all. What a great joy it is to be with you on this great occasion.

Headmaster Thompson, Chairman Jones, members of the board of trustees, members of the administration and faculty, family members and friends and most of all members of the class of 2010, it’s a great joy to welcome each one of you to Ingleside today ...

Well, today, since by the world’s standards I know I’m not very rich and I know I’m not very successful, I sort of began to wonder what such rich and successful people might say to the class of 2010 were they to be your speaker today.

So for instance I thought Steve Jobs, you know, the CEO of Apple? What would he say today? And I think I know.

And the reason I think I know is because of what he actually did say to the 2005 graduating class at Stanford University. He said “When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like this: if you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” The founder of Apple!

He said it made an impression on me. He said and since then for the past 33 years I’ve looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself if today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?

And he said whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row I know I need to change something.”

He said remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. He said because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear, embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

In other words, if Steve Jobs were here today he would say, and I would agree, begin with the end in mind, remember that life is brief, make every day count because even though you’d think it would never be true, you’ll be dead soon.

Or as Tony Campolo once said somewhat inelegantly, the truth is there will be a day for all of us and for you graduates when they throw dirt in our face and go eat potato salad, you know what I mean?

He said the question is what will they say about you while they’re eating the potato salad? In other words what do you want them to write in your obituary, what do you want them to etch on your tombstone, what do you want your epitaph to be? ...

So in the few moments I have remaining let me pause for a brief challenge to you.

It’s threefold: here it is, listen. I challenge the class of 2010 to ask one question, to embrace one habit and to develop one passion.

In fact if I were going to give this lesson a title it would only be six words: it would be “One question, one habit, one passion.”

The one question is only seven words. Everyone in this room could memorize it, and here’s the question: What is the wise thing to do?

In the book of Proverbs the wisest man in the world put it this way: he said getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do.

In another place in Proverbs he said sell everything and buy wisdom. Or as the apostle Paul put it in his letter to the church in Ephesus: be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise.

Now I want you guys to please note, this is not the same question as “Is this a legal thing to do?” It’s not the same question as “Is this a permissible thing to do?” or “Is this an acceptable thing to do?” or “Is this something that

everyone else would do?”

I am challenging you guys today to ask again and again and again across the decades of your life “Is this the wise thing to do?”

So when you have to decide on a roommate, ask, “What is the wise thing to do?”

When you need to choose a major, when you’re deciding on whether to drop a class because it’s harder than you ever thought, when you’re choosing your friends, when you’re deciding whether to drink it, smoke it or ingest it, ask, “What is the wise thing to do?”

When you’re deciding who to date, when you’re contemplating spending the night, when you’re deciding about taking the trip, when you’re choosing how to spend the money and when you’re deciding what to tell your parents, say, “What is the wise thing to do?”

Scripture says if you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him and he’ll gladly tell you. He’ll not resent you asking.

Listen guys and girls! From the bottom of my heart, I hope these words will ring in your hearing. What is the wise thing to do?

One question, and then one habit. What is the habit?

It’s just seven words, anybody can get it. Here’s the habit: A meal a day from God’s word.

What did Jesus say, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3? He said, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Or as the psalmist said in Psalm 19 about the words of God, “They’re sweeter than honey from the comb.”

If you will eat a meal a day from God’s word you will find that it nourishes your soul and gives depth and strength and character to your life.

Now please note what I’m not challenging you to do.

I’m not challenging you to have a bite a day from God’s word, and I’m not challenging you to have a snack a day from God’s word. Now I suppose that a bite and a snack might be better than nothing, but maybe not.

A bite, a piece of a verse, may be way out of context.

Are you familiar with the open window method of reading the Bible? You sit by your open window, you lay your Bible there, you let the wind blow the pages of God’s word, and then you close your eyes and put down your finger and that’s your word for the day.

One fellow decided to get his financial advice that way.

Pages blew, eyes closed, finger down. It said “the fields were white in the harvest.”

He said “Harvest. Grain. Wheat. I’ll invest in futures.”

The price per bushel went sky high. He made a fortune.

Six months later he read his Bible again. The pages blew, eyes closed, finger down. It said “he anointed my head with oil.” He said “Oil. I’ll invest in oil.” The price per barrel went sky high and he made a million.

Six months later he read the Bible again. Open window, pages blew, eyes closed, finger down. It said “Chapter 11.”

I’m not talking about a bite or a snack, but a meal. A daily systematic reading, saturating your soul with the wisdom of God’s word.

Did you hear about it? It happened in 2005. The tree was 240 feet tall. It was a titan of the forest. It was a Sequoia in California’s Yosemite, and it had been there since the early 1600s, and yet in 2005 it fell to the ground.

Before service authorities launched an investigation, they wanted to know what caused it to fall. There’d been no windstorms, no fires, no floods, no lightning strikes, no evidence of animal or insect damage.

But guess what caused that big 240-foot tree to fall that day in the California sunshine? It was foot traffic.

They learned that around the base of the tree over the

years, foot traffic as people walked around had damaged the root system and contributed to its collapse.

And Wayne Cordero in his book “The Divine Mentor” says, “I learned when I heard that that even stalwart, venerable trees that have lived for hundreds of years can’t survive when there’s no protection around their root system.”

Listen guys and girls. Your root system is in a daily self-feeding program from the Bible. And if you’ll allow yourself to be daily, hourly mentored by God’s Holy Spirit, your life will undergo unprecedented change for the better.

I want to give you a specific challenge today. I want to ask you to take your Bible on the first day of June and open it to Proverbs chapter one, and every day for the next 30 days, read one chapter of Proverbs a day for the entire month of June, and then do it again for all 12 months just ahead.

Last thing I want to encourage you to do today is to develop one passion. One question: What’s the wise thing to do? One habit: A meal a day from God’s word. And one passion: to live for the glory of God. To live for the glory of God. Jesus put it this way: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” The apostle Paul put it this way, he said, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” And so listen guys and girls! As I wrap up today I want you to hear a call! I want you to hear a call to live for the glory of God. Today I am calling you beyond the mundane, beyond the pedestrian, beyond the ordinary, to connect your life to what matters most.

I’m calling you today in the power and the authority of scripture to live for more than yourself, more than your family, more than your country. To live for more than money, more than possessions, more than fame, more than power, more than influence.

I’m calling you to live for something ultimate today, and that is to live for the glory of God. I close with a story that perhaps you will not know. He graduated from high school in Chicago in 1904. He was the heir to the Borden dairy estate, and when he graduated from high school he was already a millionaire.

His parents paid for a trip around the world; he went to the edge of the Middle East, Europe, felt a growing burden for the world’s hurting preople.

And he wrote home to say “I’m gonna give my life to prepare for the mission field.” And at the same time he took his Bible and wrote two words in the back of his Bible. He wrote “No reserves.”

And William Borden held nothing back. During his college years at Yale he became a pillar in the Christian community. One entry in his personal journal divines the source of his spiritual strength. I quote: “Say no to self and yes to Jesus every time.”

In his first semester at Yale he started a small prayer group, and by his senior year a thousand of Yale’s 1,300 students were meeting in such groups.

When he graduated from Yale he wrote two more words in the back of his Bible. The first two were “No reserves.” The second two were “No retreats.”

He went to seminary and then he headed to China. He stopped in Egypt to learn the language, and while there he contracted spinal meningitis, and within a month, 25-yearold William Borden was dead.

But listen guys and girls. Prior to his death he had written two more words in his Bible. In the back of his Bible he had written “No reserves. No retreats.” And the last two words were “No regrets.”

Why? Because he had asked one question: What is the wise thing to do? He had embraced one habit: A meal a day from God’s word. And he had developed one passion: to live for the glory of God. That’s my challenge for you today. Thank you and God bless you.

Portions of this speech were edited for brevity. Special thanks to Zach Shealy for transcribing.

Class of 2010 Valedictorian Address

Christine Boddy

W

elcome to the graduation of the class of 2010. I would like to thank everyone for joining us to celebrate 12 years of academic achievement.

Your presence here is what makes this day complete. You have been so instrumental in helping us arrive here, so I know my class joins me in thanking you all for your love and encouragement and wisdom over the years.

We also thank God for His love for us.

All our lives, he has demonstrated that love in so many ways: He blessed us with wonderful parents who poured their time, money, and an awful lot of prayer into us since the day we were born.

He allowed us to attend and now graduate from an exceptional Christian school.

During our years there, God used our teachers, coaches and administrators to not only give us a top-notch education, but also to train us to become mature, strong men and women of God. We really have been so blessed.

One of my favorite people in the Bible is Daniel. Like all of us, he grew up with so many advantages and blessings.

He lived in Jerusalem, safely cocooned in his rich spiritual heritage. Then, when he was 17, his home was captured by the Babylonians, and he was taken captive.

He spent the rest of his life in the service of one king after another.

What made Daniel so exceptional was his integrity. Throughout his life, he remained unswervingly loyal to the only King that matters.

He lived in that Babylonian culture, but he did not become a part of it because he kept his own

identity firmly rooted in God. Despite the temptations and threats he faced, he remembered where he came from and more importantly who he belonged to, and that certainty gave him strength.

Personally and publicly, he stayed faithful to God, even when it meant being thrown into the lion’s den.

Like Daniel, we are leaving home and the safety of our “Jerusalem.”

As Daniel entered a foreign kingdom, we also are now beginning a new chapter of our lives.

I want to challenge myself and all of my class to leave this place with a fresh resolve. Early in his captivity, in Daniel 1:8, the Bible says that he resolved not to let himself be defiled.

Every day, that commitment was the root of his incredible integrity. It is the reason why the world was never able to corrupt him.

Because Daniel consecrated himself to God, Babylon never influenced him. Instead, he influenced Babylon.

FPD’s mission has long been to “educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory.”

That can only happen if now, at this pivotal time in our lives, we commit to following God forever.

Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Daniel was a city on a hill. The light of God shone through his life every day, and it was his integrity that made his testimony so powerful.

Like Daniel, let us live with integrity and embrace our opportunity to change the world for God’s glory. Thank you.

“During our years (at FPD), God used our teachers, coaches and administrators to not only give us a top-notch education, but also to train us to become mature, strong men and women of God.”

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Senior honors

Class of 2010

Class of 2010 Salutatorian Address

Catherine Taylor

O

n behalf of the Class of 2010 it is my joy and privilege to welcome everyone to First Presbyterian Day School’s 36th Commencement Ceremony.

In the 18 years that I have been alive, 13 of them have been spent at FPD. That is 2,340 days that I have woken up and made my way over to “the Day school” out of the 6,570 that I have lived.

For a third of the days I have been alive I have experienced life at FPD. It is inevitable that this school would make a lasting impact on me.

In the time that we as a class have been together we have made many memories.

Who could ever forget the countless field trips to “the museum” or the Indian mounds in elementary school?

The trip to the Agrirama was a highlight of fifth grade. Of course fifth grade graduation was a milestone before we entered the trying times of middle school.

The eighth grade Orlando trip was a bonding experience for all of us I’m sure.

Then in ninth grade our fourth-place legacy began once we were able to participate in Spirit Week.

Our senior Spirit Week couldn’t be more memorable with J.T.’s one-man lip sync show and our class’s overwhelming enthusiasm to win fourth place.

After being together for so long I can’t believe this is probably the last time we will all be together in one place.

I have gotten used to the family atmosphere and will soon have to readjust as I am thrown into the whirlwind of college life.

Thank you to all of the faculty here at FPD for being a huge part of the sense of family

we have been able to experience.

You have all dedicated so much of your lives to our school and this class in particular.

All of you are fulfilling your God-given responsibilities to train up a child in the way he should go.

Mrs. Henley, thank you for being a perfect balance of entertainment and education in the classroom. You truly made it fun to learn chemistry.

Mrs. Weems, thank you for giving me an appreciation for English when I had none and showing me that it is possible to find joy in reading a poem.

Thank you Dr. Shealy for your enthusiasm for calculus and teaching us how to think about everyday subjects in math terms.

Teachers I deeply appreciate all of your commitments to this school.

From the beginning, when my parents began their search for a place for my sisters and me to go to school, FPD stood out to them.

It stood out as a Christian school dedicated to training students in Christ. My parents saw a balance of discipline and Christian nurture that couldn’t be found at any other school.

And that is what I have been able to experience in my 13 years at FPD. FPD has provided me with a great foundation to build my life on. I have been taught about Christian leadership and servanthood, principles that are important to learn at an early age.

Now that I am graduating I realize how much of a gift this school really has been to me. I have at times taken for granted the excellent academic program I have been privileged to be a part of, the caring and

intelligent teachers I have received instruction from, and the religious freedom characteristic of this school.

Russian immigrant, Dr. Igor Shafhid says, “Freedom and democracy, born from a Biblical foundation, are health and hope to the heart and mind. Without them, men crumble and deteriorate … Having the ability to reason, think, and choose as individuals should never be taken for granted.”

In our years at FPD I think that all of us can say that we have experienced the essence of Biblical freedom.

We have been freely taught Christianity and encouraged to make known our Christian beliefs and share them throughout the world.

God’s word says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Though we have had many academic, artistic, and athletic requirements in our school careers, we have been taught that the only accomplishments that actually matter are the ones that are required by our Lord.

I would like to thank God for creating this establishment and allowing it to prosper and for providing countless opportunities for every member of the Class of 2010.

Thank you to our parents for providing us with the opportunity to receive such an excellent education.

Thank you to all of our teachers who have continually poured into us and have genuinely cared for our success.

Thank you FPD for helping guide us and shape our character.

Thank you Class of 2010 for giving me a 13-year experience that I will never forget.

“FPD has provided me with a great foundation to build my life on. I have been taught about Christian leadership and servanthood, principles that are important to learn at an early age.”

STAR Students for earning the highest score on the SAT: Jenni Seale and Catherine Taylor. Seale chose journalism instructor Cal Powell as her STAR Teacher and Taylor chose chemistry teacher Barbara Henley.

Best Citizens Lauren Sanders and David Darnell.

Best Athletes Taylor Harden and Ashley Cope with athletic director Greg Moore.

Senior Superlatives Lauren Sanders, Ryan Smith, Catherine Taylor, Frank Collins, Christine Boddy and David Darnell.

College acceptances Berry College University of Georgia Kennesaw State University Ga. College and St. University Drexel University Louisiana St. University University of Alabama University of Arkansas Fordham University Northeastern University University of Pittsburgh Georgia Southern University University of Mississippi

Georgia Tech Auburn University Valdosta State University Mercer University Samford University Abraham Baldwin University of Indiana University of South Carolina College of Charleston Roanoke College James Madison University Birmingham Southern College Rhodes College

Southern Methodist University University of the South Emory University Middle Georgia College Toccoa Falls College USMA at West Point North Georgia College Wesleyan College Georgia State University Colorado State University Mississippi State University Wofford College Florida State University

Savannah College of Art & Design University of Texas New York University Furman University Smith College Oglethorpe University Georgia Military College Darton College Gainesville State College Kings College Lee College University of North Alabama Armstrong Atlantic St. University Tusculum College

Class of 2010

Family matters CLASS OF 2010

Kelly (Boddy) ‘05 Bair, Christine ‘10 and Matt ‘04 Boddy

Heyward ’76, Jake ’10 and Heyward ’03 Adams

Caroline ’10 and Jonathan ’03 Anderson

Grace ’08 and Sydney ’10 Barnes

Keith ‘79 and Bobby ‘10 Brown, Elizabeth (Patterson) ‘06 and Chad ‘05 Bacon

Emily ’08, Ryan ’10 and Conner Albright

Lauren ’06 and Chad ‘10 Bonair

Harris ’10, McKenzie ‘08 and Morgan ’10 Clayton

Scott ’07 and Ashley ‘10 Cope

Coleman ‘08, Frank ‘10 and James Collins

Blair ’08 and Megan ’10 Bennett

Family Matters

Caroline ’04, Will ’06, David ‘10 Darnell and Laura Susan (Darnell) ’00 Cain

Jessica ’10 and Ryan ’08 Fleming

Kelsey ’08 and Kendall ‘10 Goodman

Lori (Blackburn) ’81 Harden, Taylor ‘10 and Rachel ’08 Harden

Tim ‘07, Katie ‘10 and Mindy ‘97 Hall

Laura ’09 and Catherine ‘10 Harris

Austin ’10 and Joseph ’08 Herrmann

Sarah ’08, JT ‘10 and Chris ‘79 Hoover

Maggie ’10 and Ellen ’04 Knott

Matthew ’02, Libby, Andrew ’04, David ‘10, Asa ‘99 and Kate ’08 Lambert

Alexandra ’08 and Meredith ‘10 Markert

T.J. ‘07, Maggie ‘05, Matthew ‘03, Sarah ‘10. Betsy (Phillips) ’00 and Josh ‘01 Lane.

Jordan, Josh ’07 and Kyle ‘10 McCallum

Kathryn, Philip ‘06, Christine ’10 and Joseph Lengel

Family Matters

Emily ’05 (Meadows) Ellison and Jack ‘10 Meadows.

Chelsea ’07 and James Pound

Lizzie, Ashby, Nathan ’10 and Matthew ’06 Reed

Rebekah ’10 and Caroline ’08 Rabun

Kelley ’05 and Lauren ‘10 Sanders

Thomas, Katherine, Anne ’10 and Jay ’81 Strickland

Evan ’10 and Ansley ’07 Teipel

Hannah ’06 and Haleigh ‘10 Watson

Olivia, Catherine ’10 and Caroline ’08 Taylor

George Bassett ‘99 and Jaime Wilcox ‘10 Special thanks to Andrew Brooks Photography for photographing the Family Matters photos.

All members of the Class of 2010 with alumni family members were invited to be photographed prior to graduation.

Not pictured Madeline ’10 and Laura Anne ’08 Jackson Mackenzie ’10 and Riley ’06 Kross Alyssa Kuncaitis ’10 and John ’05 and Anna ’08 Tankard Mary Kate ’10 and Will ’07 Patterson Jenni ’10 and Jonathan ’07 Seale

Nathan, Matthew ‘03, Andy ‘10, Judd ‘78 and John Mark ‘08 Smith

Tim, Susanna ’10 and Daniel ’05 Stokes

Whitney ’07 and Jared ‘10 Williams

Justin ’04 and Juliane ‘10 Wright

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Class of 2010

GRADUATES

By the numbers ...

Of FPD’s 81 seniors,73 perent were HOPE eligible at the beginning of the year.

The following graduates have scholarships at Auburn University: Auburn Presidential (full tuition) Scholars (Catherine Taylor and Maggie Knott), and three Auburn Heritage Scholars (2/3 tuition).

Other graduates receiving significant institutional awards: Katie Hall (James Madison), Chad Bonair (Alabama), Emily Morgan (Ole Miss), Mary Kate Patterson (Rhodes), Daniel Dupree (Mercer), Kendall Goodman (South Carolina), Austin Herrmann (Georgia Southern), and Ansley Pridgen (Southern Methodist University), just to name a few.

FPD has three Georgia Tech Presidential Scholarship semifinalists. Andy Smith was awarded one of 110 Presidential scholarships out of a field of 7,000 applicants.

FPD has three Honors College acceptances to the University of Georgia. UGA receives approximately 15,000 applications and accepts approximately 500.

Christine Boddy and Catherine Harris have accepted.

Of the current graduating class, 27 have acceptances to the University of Georgia. One Emory Scholars Finalist (Jenni Seale) and was awarded the Bowden Scholarship within the Honors College of Emory. Of 17,500 applicants to Emory only 50 were finalists for this honor. Seale also was awarded the Exchange Club Youth of the Month and recipient of the Robert Byrd Scholarship.

Christine Boddy was a National Merit Finalist and FPD had six total commended (Harris Clayton, Catherine Taylor, Maggie Knott, Jennie Seale, Keegan White and Christine Boddy). Commended students are those who score among the top 4 percent nationally on the PSAT. Semifinalists score among the top 1 percent in their state. Finalists are semifinalists who have a strong academic record and SAT score comparable to their PSAT. Ashley Cope and Harris Clayton were recipients of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

Thirty-seven students have been recognized as AP scholars in the last year.

Based on the two parts of the SAT (verbal/math 1600): This year (class of 2010) 52 out of 82 made an 1100 or higher (63 percent); 31 made a 1200 or higher (38 percent) and 19 students have made a 1300 or higher (9 have over 1400).

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2

Jake Barger Adams Ryan Thomas Albright** Caroline Elizabeth Anderson Sydney Katherine Barnes** Megan Alyssa Bennett Ashley Rebecca Black Christine Marie Boddy** Chadwell Harley Bonair** James Waverly Brittain IV* Robert Anderson Brown Mark Anthony Buckland Elizabeth Lane Clark* Harris Alexander Clayton** Morgan Edward Clayton** Frank Strother Collins** Ashley Channing Cope** Jordan Taylor Corbitt** Nancy Marie Culp David McCabe Darnell** Emily Rose Davis Matthew Rice Doremus** Daniel Madray Dupree** Michael Ernest Eller Jr. Mary Frances Eversole* Jessica Lynn Fleming** George Travis Forbes Corey Richard Funk** Nicole Marie Galonczyk** Kendall Graham Goodman** Katharine Elizabeth Hall John Taylor Harden** Catherine Nicole Harris** James Hunter Hawkins Austin Thomas Herrmann* John Thomas Hoover Madeline Elaine Jackson Taylor Christian Jones Margaret Elaine Knott** Mackenzie Erin Kross** Alyssa Ruth Kuncaitis** David Thomas Ford Lambert Sarah Rose Lane

Christine Marie Lengel Lane Letson** Meridith Maudlyn Markert Levi Kyle McCallum John Rieves Meadows III Emily Elizabeth Morgan** Earl Nicholas Mullis III Anna Mabel Myers** Mark Lawton O’Quinn Elizabeth Lucille Patterson Mary Katherine Patterson** James Lamar Pound III Alice Ansley Pridgen** Rebekah Grace Rabun** Nathan Forrest Reed** Casey Eileen Reeder* Hailey Marie Robinson Kimberly Anne Rutland** Lauren Ashley Sanders** Jenni Kathryn Seale** Ryan Cook Smith** Raymond Hill Smith III Chelsea Erin Smith Andrew Cullen Smith Susanna Nicole Stokes Lucia Anne Strickland** Catherine Shreve Taylor** Evan Vaughn Teipel Cameron Austin Tidwell Mary Kate Ulshafer* Sara Kay Veal** Haleigh Elizabeth Watson Ruth Ellen Watts Nikki Marie Wheeler Tyler Wayne Wheeler** Keegan Michael White* Jaime Kathryn Wilcox Jared Robert Williams Juliane Nelson Wright** * With Honors ** Honors with Distinction

D e v e l o p m e n t

This year’s FPD golf tournament at Idle Hour was a tremendous success!

We had 25 teams and more than 50 sponsorships – many of which were new. We also had a lot of great prizes and raffle items.

It was a fun day filled with great golf, a lot of laughter and good fellowship.

We want to congratulate all of the winners and also say a special thank you to Tournament Director Chris Wilson, Golf Committee Chair Julie Renfroe, Co-Chair Witt Gaither and all of our sponsors and volunteers.

Please be on the lookout for info on next year’s tournament!

Weight room expansion addresses space needs We are thankful to the generosity of several donors who have made it possible to move forward on the much-needed expansion to FPD’s weight room.

This expansion will more than double the size of our current weight room, add an additional girls’ locker room and a larger equipment storage room.

Additional funding is being sought as we seek to address space and program needs in fine arts and the Instructional Support Program.

If you are interested in learning more please contact Gregg Thompson or Chris Childers.

Grandparents Day

On Campus

“The Fabulous Fifties”

Curriculum Corner Dr. Barry Shealy, Assistant Headmaster Very little in education causes as much consternation as standardized testing. Students stress over taking the tests and parents and schools stress over the results.

Some tests are used for diagnostic purposes while others have higher stakes involved like college admission implications.

At FPD, we take a thoughtful approach to the selection, administration and interpretation of these tests. The test results provide one useful piece of the picture of a student’s understanding and ability.

Elementary and Middle School Achievement Tests Achievement tests are used to assess students’ performance on basic skills. Some tests compare students’ performance to established standards (i.e., criterion-referenced; e.g., CRCT).

Other tests compare students’ performance to that of same age or grade peers (i.e., norm-referenced; e.g., ITBS, Stanford).

The Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP4) used

by FPD is designed for and widely used by independent college preparatory schools. The skill set tested goes beyond basic skills to included higher order standards expected in a college preparatory program.

Grades 1 and 2 tests provide standards based evaluations and the tests for grades 3-8 are normreferenced. Teachers and administrators use the testing data to support individual students’ learning and to evaluate curriculum and instruction. Algebra I students also take the CTP4 Algebra I end of course test to provide a nationally recognized external assessment of algebra understanding and performance.

Students at FPD consistently perform at or above the 90th percentile for schools nationally on both reading comprehension and mathematics.

Writing Assessment Writing skills are extremely important for preparation for college. FPD students develop composition skills throughout their school careers.

To help assess students’ performance, we use the Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Students plan and write an essay in response to a prompt and then the essays are sent off to be scored against six criteria for good writing.

This experience provides practice for students on time-constrained on-demand writing and a nationally recognized external assessment.

FPD students’ performance is consistently comparable to other students at strong college preparatory schools nationally. This assessment is used at FPD for placement purposes into Honors and AP English courses in high school.

College Admission Testing The SAT I and its preliminary test, the PSAT, are reasoning tests and focus on reasoning in mathematics, critical reading, and writing.

The ACT, its preliminary version, the PLAN, and the SAT II Subject Tests are content area tests. Colleges

generally include a choice of the SAT I and ACT in the data they use for admissions decisions.

There is a greater emphasis today by many colleges on emphasizing that these tests are one piece of the puzzle they look at in making decisions.

We administer the PLAN in 9th grade and the PSAT in 10th and 11th grades. The 11th grade PSAT is used to select National Merit Scholars, so it’s very important for our top students.

Students register on their own at their convenience for the SAT and ACT tests. Students should have taken at least one test by the end of their junior year and again during the fall of the senior year.

Over the last two years, 14 FPD students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholar Foundation for their performance on the PSAT. In general, FPD students perform well on these tests with over 75 percent scoring above the national average.

In fact, all students in the class of 2010 scored above the national average on the SAT Writing test, a test that recent studies indicate may be the best predictor of college performance.

College Board Advanced Placement Testing The College Board Advanced Placement Program administers end of course exams for college-level courses taught in high school.

Students performing well on an exam may earn 3 to 6 semester hours of college credit. FPD students have the opportunity to test in 12 different subject areas in grades 10-12.

Over 70 percent of FPD students take AP classes with the average junior or senior AP student taking two courses a year. At FPD, we require all students taking AP courses to take the exam and gave over 250 exams last year.

Last year 37 students were named AP Scholars for performing well on multiple AP exams.

So what does it all mean?

FPD students generally do very well in standardized testing. It is important to understand, however, that these tests are one piece of the picture of a student’s understanding and ability.

Some students do not test well on these standardized formats. Young children, in particular, are affected more by circumstances than older students. Thus, results must be seen in the overall context of a student’s performance.

More colleges are emphasizing that these tests are only a part of what they look at in admissions decisions.

Grades, strength of schedule, and commitment to service and extra-curricular activities are very important.

Selective schools are also beginning to focus more on content-oriented tests like the SAT II and AP exams.

Our commitment at FPD is to give students the opportunity to be well-prepared for necessary testing experiences and to use the information gleaned for testing to support students’ growth.

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Photos by David Darnell

On Campus

Middle School Notebook

Award Winners

Scholarship recipients

Eighth grader Olivia Taylor was honored by the Macon City Chamber of Commerce for placing first in the “Macon History” essay competition.

The competition was open to all schools in Bibb County, and Taylor’s essay on the Grand Opera House was chosen over six other finalists from all over the county. Taylor was awarded a $500 savings bond and had the opportunity to film a commercial for the city at the Grand Opera House.

The 6th grade Quiz Bowl team consisted of 12 students who competed in the Cherry Blossom Challenge on March 13 at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Macon. Students met and practiced 15+ hours during activity periods and after school. Members of our first ever 6th grade team were: Samuel Bishop, Darrell Boazman, Spencer Ennis, Madison Griffin, Megan Huggins, Olivia Johnston, Allen Leach, Beck Muse, Abigail Pierce, Nicholas Shealy, Will Smith and Charles Stroud. Team coach was Dianne Hattaway.

Many middle school students participated in our “Science Challenge” course this year in preparation for the 2011 GCSE Regional Science & Engineering Fair. We are looking forward to sending our first entries in the winter of 2011.

Two seventh graders were recognized at the state level by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. In order to be recognized at the state level, students must make at least a 510 reading, 500 writing, or a 520 on the math portions of the SAT. If they took the ACT, they had to make at least a 20 on the English, 20 on the Math, a 21 on the Science or a 21 on the Reading. As a result of the performance on these tests, Barret Ham and Grant Hoffman were invited to ceremonies at Georgia Southern University.

E

Eighth graders Savannah Phillips and Sam Tuten were awarded the Patti Fuchs Cup and Gil Cutright Award, respectively. The Patti Fuchs Cup is presented to an eighth grade female who exhibits distinction in Christian character. The Cutright award is given to an eighth grade male who demonstrates excellence in scholarship and character.

ach spring, FPD awards scholarships to deserving high school students who meet the various criteria.

The Albert W. and Martha G. McKay scholarship is presented to a freshman who is well-rounded, has exhibited high moral character and is fulfilling his/her academic potential.

The scholarship given in memory of former baseball player Andy Bridges is presented to a member of the junior class who shows strong academic achievement and demonstrates superior leadership qualities.

The Ponder Family Scholarship is presented to a student in grades 9-11 who is well-rounded, exhibits Christian character, work ethic, leadership and is a team player.

The James Tate Girardeau Scholarship recognizes a junior who is an outstanding, well-rounded student-athlete who demonstrates a capacity to lead, scholastic ability and moral force of character.

Bridges Scholarship Jessica Boazman with coach Jimmy Turner

Scenes from Field Day

The inaugural FPD volleyball team had a great first season. The team consisted of 16 girls in grades 6-8. We competed in nine games, ending with a 5-4 record and finished the season by placing third in the Sherwood Christian Tournament. Coach Katrina Hegeman was very impressed with the level of play of the girls considering that most of them had never played volleyball before. Next year FPD will have a middle school and JV volleyball team.

The middle school math teams were successful in competitions both on and off-campus. The 6th grade team won second place at Berry College with Jacob Cardis awarded the third-place individual. The 7th/8th grade team (pictured below) won first place at the War Eagle Tournament at South Forsyth High School, first place at the Georgia Southern tournament with William Roddenberry and Baylee Heard winning first and third individually, respectively, and first place at the Mathcounts region meet, with Taylor Burns taking first place in the Countdown round.

Girardeau Scholarship Fran Johnson with Leslie Girardeau Lee

McKay Family Scholarship Grace Tinkey with high school principal Joe Childs

Ponder Family Scholarship Rebecca Miller with Headmaster Gregg Thompson

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On Campus

Heart for Service Christ & Culture class projects focus on putting the Gospel into action.

O

ne facet of the Christ and Culture curriculum is to explore the problems of poverty.

On a local basis, the goal was to have students gain hands-on experience in outreach ministry.

This spring, the 11th and 12th grade students in Christ and Culture ventured out into the community to spend a day working with among six different ministries.

The classes were divided so each student would have a change to observe and participate in at least two local ministries. These ministries included Loaves and Fishes, Rebuilding Macon, Habitat for Humanity, Caring Solutions (formerly Sav-A-Life), Campus Clubs and the Flint River Alzheimer’s Center.

It was a tremendous blessing to see the excitement sparked in these young people.

Some had never been exposed to the ministries they observed. Other students had a good bit of previous volunteer involvement and acted with great compassion and leadership.

For the remainder of the school year, several students, on their own initiative, organized trips back to these ministries on weekends and served God by serving His people here in Macon.

- Bob Veazey, Bible teacher

High School Notebook Three First Presbyterian Day School French students have been honored by the National Association of Teachers of French.

Sophomore Katie Huggins, a French III student, ranked eighth in the state and eighth in the nation for her scores on the National French Contest, putting her in the top 10 percent nationally.

Eighth graders and French I students Taylor Chapman and Olivia Taylor ranked eighth and 10th in the state, respectively.

Shown here are Chapman, Taylor, FPD French instructor Irene Marxsen and Huggins.

FPD’s student newspaper, The Saga, received a rating of Superior at the Georgia Scholastic Press Association awards ceremony held in Athens in April.

It is the third straight year The Saga has received a Superior rating.

Also, senior co-editor Jenni Seale placed second in the Georgia Champion Journalist competition, the award given to the most outstanding scholastic journalist in the state.

Seale also received an All-Georgia (first place) distinction in the Feature Story category for a profile on an FPD mother who was battling cancer.

Seale received a rating of Superior in the In-Depth News category.

Senior Christine Boddy received a rating of Superior in the Feature Profile category as well as a Superior rating in the Literary Magazine competition in the Poem category.

More than 1,300 entries were entered in the GSPA contest.

Staff members are seniors Boddy and Seale, David Darnell, Mackenzie Kross and co-editor Rebekah Rabun; juniors Adriana

Eight FPD students have qualified for the National Merit Scholarship competition.

Evan Place (left to right in photo), Zach Shealy, Tyler Mullis, Trey Lowery, Ben Scurry, Adriana Figueroa, Martha Banner Banks and Meredith Pierce took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and met requirements to enter the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Each of these students is among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants of some 1.5 million program entrants. Because these high performers have shown outstanding academic potential, they are now invited to be referred to two colleges or universities in which they are especially interested.

Figueroa, Zach Shealy, Victoria Vanhuss and Colby Watson; and sophomores Evan Bates and Molly McCoy. “I’m so proud of the entire staff,” said Cal Powell, The Saga’s faculty adviser. “It takes a lot of dedication to put out a good newspaper, and these students routinely sacrificed time on the weekends and before and after school to make sure our deadlines were met. They’ve taken our journalism program to new heights and deserve any recognition they receive for their efforts.”

Of the more the 50,000 students qualified, about 16,000 will be named National Merit Program Semifinalists, representing the top scorers in each state, and approximately 34,000 other high scorers will be commended for their performances on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Spring season

S T A T E C H A M P I O N S

Baseball

Four straight!

Head coach: Jimmy Turner

Sports program wins another GISA Athletic Excellence Award

Girls Track & Field

Head coach: April Willingham

6 in a row

F

irst Presbyterian Day School has been named the recipient of the GISA’s Michael Drake Athletic Excellence Award for the 2009-2010 school year.

The recognition, given annually to reward the athletic department that accumulates the most number of points for all sports, marks the fourth consecutive year the Vikings have finished in first place.

FPD has won the award six of the nine years it has been presented by the GISA Coaches Association.

“I think it speaks volumes about our kids and our coaches,” FPD Athletic Director Greg Moore said. “I am so proud of them. This is truly a team effort, and if you look at our different teams, you’ll see that we had great seasons all across the board to receive the award.”

FPD finished as state champion in girls cross country, girls track & field and baseball. The Vikings also finished as the state runners-up in fastpitch softball, wrestling and boys swimming.

The Vikings and Lady Vikings advanced at least beyond the first round of the playoffs in 13 of 16 sports played this year.

The Class of 2010 leaves FPD as the first class to win the award every year of their high school career.

Season in review GISA Class AAA Michael Drake Athletic Excellence Award winner GISA State Champions in AAA Girls Track & Field GISA State Champions in AAA Girls Cross Country GISA State Champions in AAA Baseball GISA State Runners-up in AAA Girls Fastpitch Softball GISA State Runners-up in AAA Wrestling GISA State Runners-up in AAA Boys Swimming GISA State Semifinalists in Boys Cross Country GISA State Semifinalists in Girls Soccer

Dramatic finale Vikings close out final year in GISA with resounding success.

Baseball FPD’s baseball team relied on a clutch postseason performance by the pitching staff and some timely hitting en route to claiming the school’s second state championship.

The Vikings defeated rival Tattnall Square, the two-time defending state champions, 6-4 and 6-5 on consecutive days in front of overflow crowds at the magnificent Ben Harden Memorial Stadium.

In the first playoff series, FPD swept CFCA ,3-0 and 14-2 as Jordan Corbitt and Nick Mullis combined to pitch the Vikings to victory.

FPD bested Westfield in two games in round two and outlasted George Walton in three games in the semifinal series.

In the opener, Corbitt outdueled Tattnall’s DeAndre Smelter and Ben DuBose had two homers to lead the offense.

In game two, Nick Mullis pitched into the sixth inning and Corbitt came on in relief, getting a a strikeout to end the game to set off a wild celebration at the mound.

DuBose had another homer in the game as did Corbitt.

The Vikings ended up with a 28-4 overall record as many individual and team records were broken or tied, including Taylor Jones’ new stolen base career and season record as well as Jordan Corbitt’s 13 wins, eclipsing the single-season mark of 10. Corbitt won all his starts.

The Vikings established team records for most wins and also won the Region 2-AAA championship.

All-State Players were Corbitt, Herrmann, Mullis, and Jones. AllRegion players were Corbitt, Darnell, Taylor Harden, Herrmann, Jones, Mullis and Robert Thompson. Honorable Mention players were Trey Dozier, Sam Joyce and Tim Stokes.

Named Best Defense at the season-ending banquet was David Darnell. The Best Offense award went to Taylor Jones.

The FPD Baseball MVP was Jordan Corbitt. The team captains were seniors Corbitt, Darnell, Harden, Herrmann, Jones and Mullis.

Head coach Jimmy Turner (below) was assisted by Bobby Jones, Sy Jones and Wayne Hotchkiss.

Track & Field FPD’s girls track team stormed to its sixth consecutive state championship at the GISA state track meet in Albany in May. Leading the way was freshman Grace Tinkey who took first place in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs, setting a course record with a time of 11:09.54 in the 3,200.

Her time of 5:14.32 in the 1,600 was less than half a second off the state record set in 1988. Teammate Victoria Coppage was second in the 1,600 and third in the 800 meters.

Two relay teams also claimed first place finishes: the 4 x 100 team of Emily Peavy, Fran Johnson,

Mary Grace Lindley and Ashley Cope and the 4 x 400 team of Coppage, Johnson, Lindley and Cope.

Johnson finished second in the 300-meter hurdles, fifth in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the triple jump. Cope was second in the pole vault, third in the 300 hurdles and fourth in the 100 hurdles.

Lauren Sanders finished third in the discus and Maddie Anderskow took third in the 400 meters. The 4 x 400 relay team of Jessica Smith, Katie O’Quinn, Anderskow and Savannah Phillips finished fourth.

FPD’s boys team finished sixth at state, led

by Jay Evans’ first-place showing in the high jump and third-place finishes by Murray Ricketson (pole vault) and Patrick Hague (1,600 meters).

Girls soccer The FPD varsity girls soccer team finished the 2010 season 17-3-1 and was undefeated in GISA play.

The Vikings have not lost a regular season GISA match in more than two years, finishing 6-0 in region play for the second straight season.

The only two losses came to two teams at a regional tournament in South Carolina.

FPD opened the playoffs with an 11-0 win over John Milledge and a 12-0 romp over Young Americans to set up a rematch with Westminster in the semis.

The match was tied 1-1 with 20 minutes left. Westminster scored on two free kicks late in the match to win 3-1. The Vikings outshot the Wildcats 13-6.

It marked the fifth straight Final Four for the team; during that time the Vikings also have played in three state championship matches.

All-Region award winners were Claire Crawford, Melissa Hash, Kim Caitlin Alderman, Kendall Goodman, Catherine Harris, Emily Morgan and Rebecca Miller (pictured here).

Named Honorable Mention were Katie Scott, Kendall Patterson, Katey Griggs and Atalia Ramirez. Coach Joshua Trieste was recognized as the region Coach of the Year for the second straight season.

Hash, Alderman, Goodman, Harris and Miller were named All-State and Crawford and Morgan were Honorable Mention.

FPD loses three seniors from 2010. Goodman played in 109 matches which is more than any other player in FPD history, boys or girls.

Harris finishes as the all-time career steals leader with 777. Both she and Emily Morgan appeared in 91 career varsity matches.

The JV team completed their second straight undefeated season and now has a 28-game undefeated streak.

Golf FPD’s golf team took third at the state tournament at Doublegate Country Club in Albany in April with a round of 320.

The Vikings finished as region runners-up with a round of 316 at Houston Lake Country Club.Buck Patton led the team with a scoring average of 76. Patton and Josh O’Quinn were named to the AllRegion team.

The top five scorers were Patton, O’Quinn, Brooks Stroud, Conner Albright and Ian Smith.

Also competing in matches were Zane Jarvis, Dalton Taylor, Heidi Park, Jared Foxworth, Jake Rogers and Jeff Barron.

Tennis FPD’s tennis team had to fill eight of 14 spots to compete in what is considered the toughest region in the state.

The boys team finished second in the region behind the play of Dan Strawn, Lindsay Duncan, Mark O’Quinn and Winson Mahathre. Strawn, O’Quinn and Mahathre would represent FPD in the state with Strawn reaching the state semifinals.

On the girls side, Julie Allen switched from doubles to singles to lead the girls to a third place finish in the region. Seniors Juliane Wright and Mackenzie Kross also were key players.

Allen also represented FPD at the state tournament.

Seniors were Juliane Wright, Mackenzie Kross, Lucy Patterson, Chelsea Smith, Nicole Galonczyk, Mark O’Quinn, Jack Meadows, Evan Teipel and Bobby Brown. Derek Lashley served as coach.

Girls basketball

Softball: Susanna Stokes, Middle Georgia College

The Lady Vikings finished this season with a 15-13 record.

Playing one of the most difficult schedules in the GISA, and playing the last 12 games of the year without second-leading scorer Leah Sexton (who experienced a season-ending ACL tear in the Tattnall Christmas Tournament), the young Lady Vikings played every game hard and lost most by close scores.

The team was led by the all-around strong play of senior Ashley Cope and junior Fran Johnson.

Cope led the team in scoring with just over 18 points a game. She also set all-time Lady Viking records for 3-point shots in a game with nine and for most points scored in a single game with 40.

Cope was All Region, All State and a member of the GISA 3-AAA AllStar team. Johnson led the team in assists and rebounds and also made the All Region team. Others who contributed to the successful year were Luci Allen, Ashley Blann, Jenna Byrd, Claire Crawford, Kristin Ingram, Mary Grace Lindley, Caroline Stroud and Rebekah Rabun.

Boys basketball

Track: Ashley Cope, Samford University

The Vikings’ boys basketball team represented FPD with a great attitude and positive outlook despite the frustrations of a long season.

Seniors on the team were Taylor Harden and Daniel Dupree; Harden was named All-Region and Dupree was named honorable mention AllRegion. The team finished with a 3-19 record.

“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to work with these young men,” Vikings coach Michael Brooker said. “I think we all learned about focusing on the process day in and day out and trying to put an emphasis on only worrying about things that we could control.”

Wrestling The wrestling team wrapped up its season in February with a second place showing at the state meet, losing out only to George Walton.

The Vikings finished with a score of 199.3, just 48 points behind winner George Walton. Sophomore Cole Wheeler won a state title for the second straight year in the 119-pound class and senior James Pound won state in the 152-pound class.

Senior J.T. Hoover came in second at 171; third place finishers were Joseph Brittain (130), Greyson Bargeron (145) and Ben DuBose (215).

Soccer: Jared Williams, Darton College

Swimming Both boys and girls swim teams claimed top-three finishes at state.

The boys took second place and the girls finished third.

FPD swimmers who finished in the top four at state for the girls were Anna Myers (fourth in the 200-yard IM, third in the 100 breast), Carolyn McDonald (fourth in the 50 free) and the 200-yard medley relay team of Myers, McDonald, Maggie Knott and Emily Rose Davis (fourth).

The boys had several top-four finishes, led by sophomore Evan Place.

He was second in both the 100 back and 100 breast and third in the 200yard IM. Ben Scurry placed third in both the 50-yard free and the 100 breast.

Two relay teams also came in third: the 200-yard medley relay team of Place, Scurry, Frank Collins and Chad Bonair and the 200-yard free relay team of Scurry, Place, Collins and Theron Bassett.

Baseball: Taylor Jones, Georgia Southern University

C O L L E G E S I G N I N G S

gallery: 42nd Street, FPD Spring Musical

Fine Arts Review Andrew Strickland, Director of Fine Arts First Presbyterian Day School’s Department of Fine Arts just finished a year of unprecedented success, increased public recognition, and phenomenal growth.

God has blessed FPD students with so many creative talents. How amazing it was to see them using these gifts in such powerful ways!

Here’s a recap of some of the highlights of this amazing year in the Department of Fine Arts.

The Spirit of the Vikings Marching Band and Vanguard presented their half-time show entitled “Salvation.” The Band and Vanguard participated in the Hawkinsville Invitational Marching Festival and received all Superior and Excellent ratings, as well as the GISA Marching Competition where it placed third overall in Class A. FPD’s marching band and vanguard traveled to Georgia Tech to participate in the Yellow Jackets’ halftime festivities.

Seven students were named to the high school GISA All-Select Band. Seven students were named to the South Region Band in Valdosta.

FPD had 13 students between the middle and high school bands place in the GMEA District XI Honor Band. We had more students represented than all other private schools in Macon combined. Three students were selected for the All-State Band.

The middle and high school chorus sang at the Ronald McDonald House and also provided household items needed for the day-to-day operation of the facility. Four students were selected for GISA All-Select Chorus.

FPD’s vocal music program had amazing success at the GISA Literary Competition. FPD won every musical event except for one. Wins came in Girls Trio, Boys Quartet, Girls Solo and Piano. Each group competed at state in March with three out of the four groups placing.

FPD Theatre presented seven full productions.

Mainstage: The Wizard of Oz (elementary), The Birds: A Modern Adaptation (high school competition), The Odyssey (middle school), 42nd Street (musical, middle and high school), and Stand and Deliver (drama, middle and high school).

Pageant Wagon (black box theatre): Cave Dream and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (advanced high school theatre students).

FPD Theatre’s one-act competition play, The Birds: A Modern Adaptation, took second place in regional competition and performed at the state competition at Darton College in Albany. Senior Jaime Wilcox received an outstanding actor award at the regional level while senior Jenni Seale received an honorable mention outstanding actor award at the state level.

Encore performance: Participating in the state literary meet following standout performances at region were (front row) Adriana Figueroa (girls solo), Anna Gainey (dramatic oral interpretation), Sara Kay Veal, Jenni Seale and Anne Strickland (girls trio) and Molly McCoy (piano).

(Back row) boys quartet members David Darnell, Andy Smith, Ray Smith and Michael Bragg and Robert Peavy (personal essay). Darnell and Seale also teamed up to win duo interpretation at the region meet.

FPD Theatre’s production of 42nd Street broke new ground for the theatre program. Featuring a cast of nearly 50 performers (many of whom learned to tap dance just for the show) this musical was a huge hit with audiences.

The elementary music program presented a spectacular Christmas program that was broadcast live via webcast for the first time.

The Grandparents Day program, “The Fabulous Fifties,” was a big success. The kids did an excellent job singing, speaking, and dancing with lots of choreographed moves.

The entire department was a central part of a weekend of presentations at Barnes & Noble. Visual art was featured prominently in the store as were performances by various band, chorus and theatre groups.

Young elementary artists were recognized for their achievements on Mixon/Fincher Day. The visual art program showed extreme growth.

An AP Art Portfolio class has been established for the first time at FPD. The dance team competed at AmeriDance InterNationals in Orlando against large schools from all over the country, and several international teams as well. FPD had excellent results in two divisions: Varsity Hip Hop and Varsity Pom.

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Photos by Sam Martinez Jr.

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Faculty News

William H. Bragg Teacher of the Year Award Winner Rennie Atkinson

Then ...

and Now

New Arrivals Ellie Adams, granddaughter of 4K teacher Carol Adams, was born Sept. 2. She is the daughter of Sarah and Dennis (‘97) Adams.

School waves goodbye to three familiar faces.

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Gayle Putnal is shown here in 1975 during her first stint at FPD.

Kathy Keys’ yearbook photo from 1994, her fourth year at FPD.

Janice Taylor is shown here in 1985, her second year at FPD.

hen Gayle Putnal first came to FPD in August 1974 as the school’s junior high Georgia history teacher and elementary P.E instructor, the school had 27 faculty members.

The cheerleaders’ skirts were long, the basketball shorts were not. The 4-year-old school’s first graduating class had 35 members.

One of Putnal’s colleagues was her husband, Rex, a P.E. teacher just a few years removed from a standout career as a wide receiver at the University of Georgia.

Not long after, Gayle took a brief sabbatical from her teaching career to start a family.

She returned in 1999, first as a third grade teacher, then as the elementary principal, where she quickly developed a reputation as a charming, compassionate leader with a soft spot for children and the energy level of an overly-caffeinated fourth grader.

Earlier this year, Gayle announced she is leaving to accept a similar position in Savannah, a move that will finally put her and Rex in the same town again.

Rex purchased a couple of business franchises along the Georgia coast three years ago.

“I really truly think that when you love somebody, you need to be where they are,” Putnal said. “I’m going with tears in my eyes, but I’m going with a song in my heart.”

In announcing her departure, Putnal joins longtime math teacher Janice Taylor, who came to FPD in 1984, and elementary secretary Kathy Keys, who started in 1990. Both Taylor and Keys announced their retirement earlier this year.

Taylor’s teaching career began in 1966 and has been a fixture at FPD since 1984, when she was hired to teach computer classes.

She started teaching AP Calculus in 1989, developing a reputation as a teacher who would go to any lengths to ensure that her students knew the material.

It’s no wonder she was named a STAR Teacher an amazing eight times, including three times at FPD. “I’m grateful to God for Janice’s example, her mentoring, and her friendship,” fellow math teacher Cynthia Huggins said. “Her ability to teach and encourage has blessed us here at FPD for these past 26 years. She will be dearly missed.”

Keys was surprised at the annual end of the year faculty luncheon when the entire elementary staff serenaded her with a song sung to the tune of her beloved Elvis’s “Love Me Tender.”

The chorus went like this: Oh dear KK we love you Please don’t ever leave None could ever be like you To you we’ll always cleave.

Ken Garvin and wife Paige welcomed Mason Stewart Garvin into the world on May 11. He was 7 pounds, 15 ounces and is the youngest brother of Mac and Marshall.

Ken is the wrestling coach at FPD.

High school history teacher Rennie Atkinson received the William H. Bragg Teacher of the Year Award at a ceremony in May. The award is given to a teacher who exhibits a commitment to Christ that is evident and contagious; a teacher who demonstrates professional excellence; one who challenges and engages students academically and spiritually and one who is a servant leader.

Atkinson was nominated by several students, one of whom wrote: “Day in and day out he shows what it is like to lead a Christian life and challenges students to lead a Christian life as well. He pushes all of his students to perform their best and loves and looks out for each of his students.”

“He is both an outstanding teacher and role model for our kids,” high school principal Joe Childs said. “He constantly demonstrates excellence in the classroom while building God-honoring relationships with his kids.”

Nominations for the Bragg award are submitted by faculty members, student leaders and members of the Board of Trustees. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee responsible for the final selection.

The distinction includes a monetary award of $2000.

Blessed to be back home at FPD Last fall at my 20-year FPD reunion, if you had asked me what I was doing career-wise, I would have said “searching.”

I had enjoyed running my retail store, In Good Taste, for 10 years and had the privilege of selling it to two wonderful ladies who love it as much as I did. But at the moment, I wasn’t sure what this mother of three who loves to stay busy wanted to do next!

I had many talks and prayers with God as to my next career choice. I didn’t want to feel as if I was just spinning my wheels somewhere.

Little did I know the plan that God had in store for me!

By His design, I accepted the position as Director of Admissions

in January and have felt very blessed every step of the way!

A board member came up to me shortly after I was hired and said, “Cheri, we had been praying for the right person to be hired for this position – we just had NO idea that we were praying for YOU!” My sentiments exactly!

I can’t begin to sum up the many

SEE FRAME, PAGE 45

Katherine Ruth “Kate” Hall was born Feb. 12 in Athens. She is the daughter of Alison and Michael Hall ’95 granddaughter of FPD math teacher Carol Hall. Kate weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

FPD teachers Nick and Amy Morgan welcomed the arrival of their first child, daughter Tybee Ann Morgan, on April 1.

She weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces.

Elementary teacher Kristen Stone and husband Brian are the proud parents of Evelyn Brinkley Stone, born Feb. 7. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces.

Wedding Bells April Willingham, FPD’s elementary P.E. teacher and girls track and cross country coach, married Cass Cassell at a ceremony in March.

s i n c e

2004

When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten. In fifth grade, I decided I loved history so I wanted to be a history teacher.

My mom, who was a teacher and coach, did everything she could to discourage me because teachers were paid so poorly. As I got closer to college, my family joined her side of the argument. This is one reason I believe that I was called to teach. I overcame many obstacles (my family was lower middle class and could pay only tuition at Clemson and had to sacrifice greatly to do that - I worked two jobs throughout college to pay the other things) to teach. Although at the time, being unsaved, I thought I was doing it because I wanted, I now believe it is what God wants from me.

My decision to go into coaching only came as I was about to graduate and my high school coach who was also a Baptist minister told me that I should coach and he would help get me a job.

I accepted his judgment and am very glad that I did.”

You’ve earned a reputation as a tough but fair (and funny) teacher.

Are those descriptors accurate?

“I think that I am tough out of necessity. I teach AP kids and their objective is to pass the exam. I have to push them hard. Besides that, FPD has a challenging mission statement and I want to do my small part in achieving it. I totally believe in that mission. In my college prep classes, I feel that same urgency to get the best out of my students so they are prepared to do well in college when they get there. I don’t mind being known as tough and demanding because that’s the way I show my love for my students. I don’t want their second best. As for funny, I think that I just look funny. Seriously, everybody doesn’t like history so I try to make it as interesting as I can.”

What figure or time in history do you enjoy studying the most? Why?

Rennie Atkinson High school History teacher B.A., Secondary Education/History, Clemson University

36

faculty profiles

faculty profiles

“I like studying people like Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., John Wycliffe, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and others who were tested in their beliefs and stood their ground. I greatly admire courage. I

“There is a special love that permeates this place.”

love studying the battles of Gettysburg and Normandy where men showed an unbelievable will to triumph.

My favorite people in history are Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin because they are wellrounded. They excelled in so many different areas and I think that is true genius. I also greatly admire Ronald Reagan because he made us proud to be Americans again.”

What would you say makes FPD a special place to work?

“The people. From administration to faculty to students to staff, there is a special love that permeates this place. I can tell you the faculty has a legitimate and deep love for these students like nothing I have ever experienced at the other eight schools where I’ve worked. I think that love is returned whether the students would admit it or not. The administration is also wonderful. I think God has filled this school with love. If there ever was a place where everyone could learn to love everyone else, it’s here.”

Has there been one moment that stands out when you reflect on your time as an FPD coach?

“There hasn’t been one game, although I do admit that I really enjoyed our victory over Tattnall my first year here, but there have been three seasons. My first two years here (2004 and 2005) and last season were special for three reasons. First, the players during those years gave us all they had. They left nothing on the practice field nor the game field; they gave us their all. We had performances of heroic proportions by young men that you never suspected would give them. Secondly, we had seniors who took charge of the team and led. I love it when leaders emerge because they will be leaders the rest of their lives. Finally, I felt God’s presence in those teams. You could actually feel Him there during our pre-game devotionals. It was awesome.”

Some little-known facts about you: “I love Clemson. No, everybody knows that. I love my students as I love my own children. I think they know that. I’m fat and bald. No, I know everybody knows that. I guess it would be that I was a sports writer for my local newspaper when I was only 10 years old.”

Tell us a little about your background. When did you first get interested in art?

What is the most pressing challenge facing the arts today and how would you address it?

“Although I did not take Art in high school, I was drawing and painting whenever I got the chance. I distinctly remember an art history unit in my eleventh grade Spanish class. The teacher showed us paintings by Diego Velazquez, El Greco and Francisco Goya and talked about their work. I was mesmerized! I graduated from Tattnall Square Academy and when I went to the University of Georgia, I knew that I would want to persue an education in the arts. At that time, I did not know which medium was best for me. I wanted to do it all so I became an Art Education major in the Art department. That allowed me to take lots of different classes such as ceramics, painting, drawing, metalwork, sculpture and photography. I received my B.F.A. from UGA and then began teaching. I first taught in Gwinnett County then moved to Macon where I taught at Miller Middle School and Tattnall (with Coach A!). I took a break from teaching to complete my M.F.A. in painting at The Savannah College of Art and Design.”

“The arts continue to be cut out of the curriculum of many schools.

Bibb County schools for example do not offer visual art at the elementary school level (except Vineville Academy which is the fine arts magnet school) unless the parents collect the money to pay for it at individual schools. Not only do children need a well-rounded education, but studies have shown that art and music affect scores in other academic classes.”

What brought you to FPD and what is the most rewarding aspect of your job here?

“Jaime Simmons and I taught together for several years at Tattnall.

She was the elementary art teacher and I was teaching the high school students. Later, she began teaching at FPD, and I was staying at home raising little boys and painting. She called me for a long-term substitute position for elementary art after she had her second baby. I loved being here with the younger students, but I was thrilled when Mr. Thompson offered me the high school position the following year. The faculty and staff have been really friendly and helpful, and the students are enthusiastic about learning something new.”

“The faculty and staff have been really friendly and helpful, and the students are enthusiastic about learning something new.”

s i n c e

2008

Do you have a favorite medium?

Favorite artist? Why? “I am a painter. I mostly work with acrylics and oils, but occassionally, I will concentrate on drawing to keep my skills honed. I admire many artists for a variety of reasons. I love the minimal spirituality of a Kasimir Malevich geometric painting, the complexity of M.C. Escher’s prints, the verve of a Robert Rauschenberg collage and the solid beauty of one of Michelangelo’s figures. My favorite artist though is probably Frida Kahlo. Although her personal life was somewhat tragic, she created some of the most beautiful and raw self portraits. Her work is honest and straightforward without pretention.”

How do you inspire a love of art in your students?

“I hope I do! I think students can detect our level of passion for what we do. And that passion is usually contagious.”

A few little-known facts about you ...

“I have darling twin sons that will be in the third grade next year. They still act like a couple of puppies and keep me on my toes ...

I love to travel. My favorite place on earth is Florence where the art is everywhere and the gelato is amazing ... I like watching the Real Housewives although I think most of them are shallow and pathetic ...

Music is always playing. I secretly want to be the lead singer in an all-girl band although I really can’t sing ...

I lived in a Super 8 Motel while doing my graduate school internship in New Mexico”

Nancy Huggins High school art teacher B.F.A, University of Georgia M.F.A, Savannah College of Art & Design

35 37

Class News

Jana Howells ’80 Cansler, Carla Kemper ’80 Morton, and Betsy Middlebrooks ’80 Peake…

Three beach buddies since graduation summer of 1980. “Our moms let us go to the beach by ourselves the summer we graduated and we have been taking trips for 30 years now to St. Simons Island. Nothing sweeter than forever friends from high school that although miles and life may separate, when together, pick right back up with each other,” says Jana.

Dawn Sparks ’80 Shields with husband Ted and Steve Penley ’83 is glad his son Lyall (8) children Steven and Scott at Steven’s college (shown here after his first home run) got his graduation mother’s athletic genes.

1978

1985

Ella Radcliffe, the 17-year-old daughter of Don Radcliffe and Melissa Connor ’78 Radcliffe, has been chosen for the Young Vocal Artists Program at the Boston University’s Tanglewood Music Institute this summer. She’ll be performing in operettas, solo recitals and singing with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the baton of conductor John Williams.

Sheri White ’85 Williams writes, “This is my fourth year teaching third grade in Monroe County. This year I was moved to the new K.B. Sutton Elementary School.

Next year I will be teaching special education full-time for the first time ever. I am very excited! I will be completing my Ed. S. degree in Teaching & Learning from Liberty University in October. Last year I was selected to attend the Mickelson Exxon/ Mobil Teachers Academy in Jersey City, N.J. I was one of 200 teachers selected nationwide to attend. I had a wonderful time meeting Phil Mickelson and learning activities and strategies to enrich my math and science instruction. My husband, Phil, and I have three daughters: Bekah Pope, an upcoming senior at Mary Persons High School, Rachel Pope, a rising eighth grader at Williams Hubbard Middle School, and Hope Williams, a fifth grader next year at K.B. Sutton Elementary. We moved to Juliette last summer and love living, working and going to school in Monroe County.”

1980 Dawn Sparks ’80 Shields writes, “My oldest son Steven graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Political Science and minors in Philosophy and Pre-Law from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. Steven will start Mercer Law School in Macon this August. I am happy that he will be in Macon in the same town as my family these next three years during law school. We still live in Atlanta. My youngest son Scott just finished his sophomore year at Spring Hill College. Both of my guys were together at Spring Hill College this past year.

Scott plans to major in business and he plays on the Spring Hill College golf team.”

Sophie Walentoski (6), daughter of Karyn Griggers ’82 Walentoski and husband Gary, loves going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

1982 John Hall ’82 and wife Stephanie have moved back to Macon after 24 years in Atlanta. They have three children: Brent, Katy, and Blake. Brent will be attending UGA beginning this summer. John is the President/CEO of American Pride Bank.

1984

Kim Watson ’83 Fussell with husband Jeff and children, Katherine, Tanner, and Noah

Kim Strain ’84 Mills and husband Mike live in Atlanta with their children Alex (8) and Rainey (6). Mike is a lawyer and Kim has retired from Delta Airlines after 17 years of service as a flight attendant.

1986 Jacki Frame ’86 Spivey writes, “Scott and I took a trip for my birthday to my classmate’s winery in Clayton, Ga. Mary Ann Layden ’86 Hardman and her husband Sonny opened up Persimmon Creek Winery (www.persimmoncreekwine. com) and it is fabulous! A few years ago they also had three cottages built on the property so people coming to the winery could have the complete getaway experience. We stayed in the one-bedroom cottage called “Fiddlehead.” The cottage was incredible. Scott described it as a small version of the Ritz Carlton Lodge at Oconee.

I would encourage everyone to see and experience it for themselves!”

Kim Strain ’84 Mills with husband Mike and children Alex and Rainey on a trip to Washington D.C.

Mary Ann Layden ’86 Hardman and Jacki Frame ’86 Spivey

Eloise Wade Shields, daughter of Hope Hahn ’87 Shields and husband Ken

Virginia Hall ’86 moved back to Macon in February with her husband John Putzke and three children Ann (5), Rachel (4), and John (15 months). She is a dermatologist and just joined Dr. Jennifer Allen.

1987 Hope Hahn ’87 Shields and husband Ken are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Eloise Wade Shields. Ella Wade was born April 1, 2010, weighing 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and measuring 21 inches.

1988 Christy Whitfield ’88 Spurlin lives in Atlanta with her husband Pearce and three children Riley (8), Pearce (5), and Reese (4). She is a stay-at-home mom.

1990 Bradley Raybeck ’90 writes, “Here is a photo of Tristen (7), Gabriel (3), and myself on a spring break family trip to Washington, D.C. The funny part of this trip is we were about to drive to Washington D.C., when AirTran Airways needed a last-minute captain to fly the airplane from Atlanta to Washington, so I volunteered to fly it as captain and brought the family with me for a three-day visit! Kids thought it was cool that Dad was flying them! I am still with AirTran Airways as a Boeing 737-700 Captain/ Instructor Pilot and have been employed with them over 11 years based here in Atlanta. Sure do miss everyone at FPD. Because of your strong education foundations and principles at FPD, I have been blessed with a stellar career and solid moral grounds. Thank you FPD. Take care and as we say in the airlines....

Godspeed!!!”

Children of Jennifer Boone ’83 West and Susan Boone ’84 Drummond. Front row: Caroline West (12), Lizzie Drummond (12), and Kathleen Drummond (16). Back row: Thomas West (14) and Will Drummond (18).The West family has recently moved to Chattanooga and are enjoying their new home on Lookout Mountain. The Drummonds still live in Nashville and are about to celebrate Will’s high school graduation.

Class of 1987 girls at a baby shower for Hope - Amy Bassett Sturtevant, Tricia Bevill Paulin, Hope Hahn Shields, Holli Herndon Lee, and Molly McCurdy Pearson.

Christy Whitfield ’88 Spurlin and husband Pearce with children Riley, Pearce, and Reese

Bradley Raybeck ’90 with his children Tristen and Gabriel

Class News

Ann Elizabeth, Wren, and Mary Wade Howard, children of Chris ’93 and Lisa Wade ’94 Howard Andrew Durden Ciolkosz, son of Clarissa Durden ’91 Ciolkosz and husband Tom

Catherine Rader ’91 Wood and husband Tyler Wood

1991 Clarissa Durden ’91 Ciolkosz and husband Tom welcomed a second son to their family.

Andrew Durden Ciolkosz was born Oct. 1, 2009.

Hayden, Hannah, and Holden Edge, children of Heather Harris ’91 Edge and husband Brandon

Gail McLeroy ’91 Stewart and daughter Hunter Kate at Relay for Life in Fayetteville, N.C.

Heather Harris ’91 Edge and husband Brandon recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. They live in Covington, Ga., with their three children, Hayden (5), Holden (4), and Hannah (3).

Catherine Rader ’91 and Tyler Wood were married June 5, 2010. They live in Macon.

Chris Daniel ’91 and wife Genevieve are living in Richmond, Va., with their two little girls, Francine (3 ½) and Lillian (one year four months). Chris writes, “I interned with RUF at University of Texas at Austin 2002-03 (met my wife that year), then served as the RUF campus minister at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond from fall 2003 to spring 2009. Since the summer of 2009 I have been serving as the executive director of the Richmond Center for Christian Study (http:// richmondstudycenter.org). Genevieve works a few hours per week at Toys That Teach (and loves it!).”

1992 Jenny Hilson ’92 Lasseter and husband Shane live in South Carolina. Jenny works for the Greenville Memorial Hospital System as an ICU RN and has three children, Grey (15), Sarah (13) and Kaitlyn (6).

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Rumph ’93 (Kerrie Florian

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Alan Bryant (Kelly Sasser’92)

Kelly Sasser ’92, married Mark Alan Bryant of Commerce, Texas on May 29, 2010. The wedding was held at Vineville United Methodist Church. Michael Sasser ’95,

Chris Daniel ’91 with wife Genevieve and children Francine and Lillian at Myrtle Beach brother of the bride, was a groomsman in the wedding party. The Bryants are currently living in Orlando. Mark holds a doctorate in higher education and recently returned from serving for a year in a university in Kosovo. Kelly has been employed by Campus Crusade for Christ since 1997 and serves at their headquarters on the Global Campus Team.

1993 Malcolm Rumph ’93 married Kerrie Florian (from Easton, Connecticut) on July 14, 2007, in Annapolis, Md., at the United States Naval Academy Chapel. Malcolm attended a preparatory school after graduation from FPD and graduated from the Naval Academy in May 1998. Fellow FPD alumni in attendance were Malcolm’s brother, Lewis Rumph ’96, first cousins Ben Rives ’90, Mary Grace Lindley (FPD junior), and Gray Lindley (FPD junior). Malcolm has done numerous deployments to the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and one deployment to the Far East.

Currently, Lieutenant Commander and Mrs. Malcolm Rumph live in Pensacola, Fla., where he is an instructor pilot and Kerrie is a pilot for NetJets Aviation, Inc. Leslie Hartness ’93 Mosley was married to James Kevin Mosley in Macon on March 21, 2009. Guests included many FPD alumni: Todd Murphy ’83, Tara Murphy ’85 Reeves, Trey Murphy ’90, Mark Kimsey ’92, Heather Boyett ’93 Anderson, Ann Eyman ’93 Cooper, Barrett ’93 Daniels, Jake Fincher ’93, Gardner Johnson ’93 McCoy, and Eric Newton ’93. Leslie and Kevin live in Dallas, Texas, and Leslie works for Marsh Client Technologies as a System Consultant.

Michael Hall ’95 with wife Allison and children, Michael III, William, and Kate

1994 Marci Sams ’94 Richardson and husband Carter currently reside in Atlanta with their two children Jack (6) and Dorsey (3).

Neal Suit ’94 writes, “I was married to Alicia Adams in California wine country on April 10, 2010, and then we spent our honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii. Matt Gunter ’94 was one of the groomsmen in the wedding. Alicia and I are living in Dallas and enjoying married life.”

Chris ’93 and Lisa Wade ’94 Howard write, “We are happy to announce the birth of our son, Christopher Lawrence Howard, Junior. “Wren” was born on Dec. 30, 2009, joining his big sisters Ann Elizabeth (6) and Mary Wade (3). We are grateful to the Lord for all of His blessings!”

1995 Michael Hall ’95 and wife Allison are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Katherine Ruth Hall. Kate was born Feb. 12, 2010, weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 20 inches. She joins big brothers Michael (4) and William (2).

Marci Sams ’94 Richardson with Jack and Dorsey

master’s program this fall in Education (Outdoor Education Administration). My family and I will be heading to New Hampshire in June where we work at a children’s camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. This will be our fifth summer working there. I have spent the last two years working for the Big House Foundation teaching African percussion to underprivileged, at-risk elementary school children here in Middle Georgia.We are looking forward to the reunion, as this will be the first one I have been able to attend since I was touring during the first two.”

Shelley Moore ’95 McGraw and husband William announce the birth of their first child Graysen Elisabeth McGraw. Graysen was born on May 17, 2010, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

She weighed 7 pounds and measured 19 3/4 inches. Shelley is the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center in Chattanooga which serves child abuse victims. She misses her FPD friends in Macon but loves living with her little family in the “Scenic City.”

Mr. and Mrs. James Kevin Mosley (Leslie Hartness ’93)

Will Robinson ’95 with his sons Judah (7) and Cyrus (3)

1996 Brent Matthews ’96 is engaged to be married to Bonnie Sample from Tampa, Fla. The wedding is planned for June 26, 2010.

Lisa Mullin ’95 Pierson and husband Matt announce with great joy the birth of Mary Matthews Pierson. She was born Dec. 2, 2009, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches. She joins big sister Virginia.

Alina Girton ’96 Rich received her Master’s of Public Health from Mercer University School of Medicine.

Will Robinson ’95 writes, “I am happily married with two boys ages 3 and 7. I spent a decade touring all over the U.S., playing drums with a rock band called Moonshine Still from 1996 to 2006. My current band, Saint Francis, will be releasing our debut album in the fall. I went back to college in the fall of ’06 and graduated (magna cum laude) from Macon State this past semester with a B.S. in Information Technology.

I was just accepted at GC&SU to begin a

Robyn Jones ‘97 Washburn and husband Casey welcomed a baby boy into the world on Sept.

9, 2009. Reeves Dale Washburn was welcomed home by his big sister, Ella. After teaching elementary school for seven years, Robyn is now busy as a stay-at-home mom while Casey is Assistant Vice President/Controller at Exchange Bank in Milledgeville. The Washburns live in Gray.

Graysen Elisabeth McGraw, daughter of Shelley Moore ’95 McGraw and husband Gabe

Josh Davis, son of Heather Boyett ’93 Anderson and Roger Davis ’94, plays for the Macon Thunder.

1997

Elizabeth (7) and Sam (6) Middleton, children of Tosha Haddock ’94 Middleton and husband Cam.

Class News

Alina Girton ’96 Rich with her parents Norma Girton and Dr. Fred S. Girton at her graduation receiving her Master’s degree.

Susanna and Ellie Adams, children of Dennis Adams ’97 and wife Sarah

Reeves and Ella Washburn, children of Robyn Jones ’97 Washburn and husband Casey

Peter Harlan Abernathy, son of Ashley Carver ’97 Abernathy and husband Peter

Dennis Adams ’97 and wife Sarah welcomed Estelle Stevens Adams to their family. Ellie was born Sept. 2, 2009, weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 18 1/2 inches. She joins big sister Susanna who is a rising sixth grader at FPD.

Some of the members of the class of 1997 and kids got together at Gina Gray Waters’ house for a playdate. L to R: Wilson Corrigan, son of Brian and Summer Wilson Corrigan, Ellie Adams, daughter of Sarah and Dennis Adams, Reeves and Ella Washburn , children of Casey and Robyn Jones Washburn, Elle Taylor, daughter of Derek and Ashley Tonn Taylor, and Anna Kate Waters, daughter of Matt and Gina Gray Waters.

Ashley Carver ’97 Abernathy and husband Peter announce the birth of their son Peter Harlan Abernathy, Jr. “Doc” was born Aug. 26, 2009.

Hunt (4) and Elle (1), children of Ashley Tonn ’97 Taylor and husband Derek

Tabetha Frank ’97 Quina writes, “My husband Greg and I welcomed twins on March 1, 2010. Joel Michael Quina was 6 pounds, 2 ounces and Kaylin Michelle Quina was 4 pounds, 13 ounces. They join big brother, Matthew, who is 4 1/2. We are still living in Lexington, S.C., and enjoying our family.”

Evelyn Barnes Mahler (Evie), daughter of Kelli Barnes ’98 Mahler and husband Henry

Tom Cater and his fiancée Tammy Beckman

line coach for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during spring practice. Present plans are to enter graduate school in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in Sport Coaching after getting married in September. His fiancée, Tammy Beckman of Warner Robins, is a 2000 graduate of Houston County High School and a 2003 graduate of LaGrange College. She earned a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2006 and is currently completing work for her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. The wedding is planned for Sept. 24, 2010 in New Orleans.

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Youmans (Beth Wilson ’98)

John Anderson ’98 and wife Jennifer are proud to announce the birth of their son William Samuel Anderson. Will was born March 28, 2010, weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Kelli Barnes ’98 Mahler and husband Henry welcomed their daughter Evelyn Barnes Mahler on May 11, 2010. Evie weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 21 1/4 inches.

Twins Kaylin Michelle Quina and Joel Michael Quina with their big brother Matthew, children of Tabetha Frank ’97 Quina and husband Greg

William Samuel Anderson (Will), son of John Anderson ’98 and wife Jennifer

Tom Cater graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Miss., on May 15, 2010, with a B.S. degree in Sport Coaching. He has been a Dean’s list student for the past three semesters. His emphasis has been football and he plans to coach at the college level. He has coached football and basketball at Oak Grove Middle School this past year and served as a volunteer assistant

Chris Bartlett ’00

Dr. and Mrs. Sam Robinson (Audra Morabito)

Nazarene University in Nashville. They plan to reside in Nashville.

2000 Chris Bartlett ’00 has become a nationallyknown and critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter and producer. He has toured and worked with artists such as Velvet Revolver, Rehab, 30 Seconds to Mars, Former Eagle Don Felder, Wyclef Jean, Juliette Lewis and many others. He is currently in Macon producing his sophomore solo effort “The Truth EP,” which should be available early summer.

Tybee Ann Morgan, daughter of Nick Morgan ’01 and wife Amy

1999 Taylor Frame ’99 is engaged to be married to Stephanie Erin Rodgers, of Macon on June 19, 2010. They will live in Atlanta where Stephanie will teach at Westminster and Taylor will continue working in commercial real estate.

1998 Beth Wilson ’98 and Brandon Youmans were married Feb. 27, 2010, in St. Simons Island.

After a honeymoon in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, they live in Macon.

Taylor Frame ’99 with his fiancée Stephanie Rodgers

David McCain ’99 has opened the law firm of Adams, Childers & McCain, L.L.C. with Macon native Brian Adams and fellow Mercer Law School graduate Christy Crowe Childers. They are located in Macon and specialize in general civil litigation.

Allison Oertel ’99 Barton and husband Matt are expecting their firstborn, Noah Hayes Barton, at the end of June. Matt completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Matt matched in to an Otolaryngology residency at Washington University so the Bartons will be living in St Louis for the next seven years.

Katie Falls ’99 is engaged to marry Alex Furches in Nashville, Tenn., on July 10. Katie attended Vanderbilt University where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, graduating in 2004 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Art History. She is currently employed as Associate Editor with M. Lee Smith Publishers, Inc., in Nashville. Alex is also a graduate of Vanderbilt and is currently a Master’s Candidate in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca

Dr. Sam P. Robinson ’00 and Dr. Audra L. Morabito were married March 20, 2010, at the home of Sam’s uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Sam Robinson on College Street in Macon.

Will Robinson ’95 served as best man and Steven Amerson ’93 and Stuart Amerson ’02 were ushers. After the wedding, Sam and Audra honeymooned in Costa Rica. They originally met at Mercer Medical School and are now in their residency programs in Richmond, Va., Sam is in urology and Audra is in emergency medicine.

2001 Nick Morgan ’01 and wife Amy are the proud parents of a little girl. Tybee Ann was born on April 1, 2010, weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 20 3/4 inches long.

Amanda Dunn ’01 Decker and husband Jason live in Opelika, Ala., where Jason has gone back to school at Auburn University for horticulture. Amanda hopes to go back to school for a master’s degree in the near future. Amanda writes, “We have two amazing dogs, Jimmy and Copper. We adopted Jimmy from Misty Doherty ’01 Borders when her husband joined the Air Force a few years ago.

Copper is a stray we rescued last year. All in all, God has been good to us and life is going well.

I’m looking forward to our 10-year reunion next year!”

Mr. and Mrs. Sheftall Lanter (Lauren Nations ’01)

Reunion Organizers 1980: Valli McLemore Maddux vmm1230@aol.com 1985: Matt Marvel mattmarvel22@gmail.com 1990: Brandi Smith Hartness and King Kemper bhartness@reynoldscable.net kkemper@thesummitgroupmacon.com 1995: Melissa Murray Borland mmborland@hotmail.com 2000: Kate Pyles Royal kateproyal@gmail.com Organizers Needed: 1975, 2005

Class News

Whitney Linnenkohl ’03 with her family at her graduation from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Riley Kross ’06 and Andy Stewart ’06 graduated in May from Furman University.

Christin Bates ’04 with brother Evan Bates (FPD Junior)

Lauren Nations ’01 was married to Sheftall Lanter April 24, 2010, at Vineville United Methodist Church in Macon. The matrons of honor were her sisters, Ashley Nations ’94 Smith and Whitney Nations DePalma. Other members of the wedding party included Joanna Todd ’01 Griffin, Brannen Greene ’01 Sheppard, Mary Jo Causey ’02 Simmons, and Macie Walker ’01. Lauren and Sheftall enjoyed honeymooning in Anguilla and are currently living in Atlanta.

2002 Sarah Girardeau ’02 Wright and husband John Wright ’02 live in Macon with their son G.W. who is 2 1/2. John and his partner, Chip Russell, recently started Matter Management, LLC and have moved into the waste management and hauling business. They recently purchased a 200-acre construction and demolition landfill in Sylvan Springs, Ala., near Birmingham. In addition, their hauling company, AmWaste, also based out of Alabama, keeps them both very busy.

G.W. Wright, son of John ’02 and Sarah (Girardeau ’02) Wright, loves to ride his John Deere Tractor. He is 2 1/2.

2004 Christin Bates ’04 graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Master of Arts in Speech Communication on May 8, 2010. Christin has also been accepted into the doctoral program at UGA where she will pursue her Ph.D. in Speech Communication. She is currently studying the romantic relationship conflict and the factors that lead to conflict resolution. She plans to become a college professor upon completion of her Ph.D. John Hilton Kuipers ’04 made the Deans List at Georgia Institute of Technology for the Spring semester 2010.

2003

2005

Cam Childs ’03 writes, “I am marrying Katherine Klement on July 17 in St Petersburg, Fla. Katherine and I both graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 and then again in 2008 with masters degrees. We moved to Katherine’s hometown of St. Petersburg. I am working as an analyst for a boutique investment bank and Katherine is managing her family’s dental practice.

I am also taking night courses at USF-St. Petersburg to prepare for the CPA Exam.”

Amanda Crosby ’05 graduated cum laude from Georgia State University in August with a B.S.N. and is now working at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. She is co-leading a medical mission trip to Haiti in July with a team of 29 doctors, nurses, medical students, engineers and teachers. Her mother, Robin, also will make the trip.

Whitney Linnenkohl ’03 graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine with her DVM with a specialty in Equine Medicine and Surgery. She started an internship in Mereworth, Kent, England at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in June. The internship is for an additional year of specialty training in equine medicine and surgery.

2006 Andy Stewart ’06 graduated May 8, 2010, magna cum laude from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., with a double major in English and Communications. He has served on the staff of the Furman newspaper, The Paladin, for the last two years. This past year he has been Editor-in-Chief and in 2008-2009 he was the Opinions Editor. Last summer he did an internship with The Greenville Journal

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fister (Holly Long’06)

for which Furman gave him a scholarship.

He plans to move to Vail, Colo., later in the summer to find a job.

Holly Long ’06 was married to Thomas Fister of Brentwood, Tenn., May 30, 2010, at Martha Bowman. Both recently graduated from Samford University. Thomas will go active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant in October and will be stationed in Sumter, S.C. at Shaw AFB. Madison Smith ’06 writes, “I am currently spending a Maymester studying Viticulture and Enology at UGA’s campus in Cortona, Italy. Cortona is the most picturesque little town about 2,000 feet above sea level in the heart of Tuscany. The dormitory is a renovated monastery where I can literally throw open my windows, lean out and get the most outrageously beautiful view straight down the mountain into the neighboring town of Camucia. The mountainside is marked by olive groves, terra cotta rooftops and a sprinkling of bright red poppies. The course consists of lectures on cultivation of vines and characteristics of wines every morning, and daily lab periods which are wine tastings from various regions of Italy. Wish you were here!”

Craig Bridges ’06 just graduated cum laude from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Information Systems Management and will be working for the corporate offices of The Home Depot in Atlanta as an IT developer.

2007 Daniel Bates ’07 is now a United States Marine. He graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. on Feb.

Pvt. Daniel Bates ’07

12, 2010. He is currently at Camp Geiger, N.C. for Marine Combat Training School. Once completed, he will be stationed in Pensacola, Fla., for nine months of training in Avionics.

a multicultural church plant that reaches out to the impoverished community of Pleasant Hill.

Katie Crosby ’07 is attending UGA where she is majoring in Social Work and minoring in African Studies. She plans to graduate in May 2011. She is currently interning at Strong Tower Fellowship in Macon. Strong Tower is

Kemper Morton ’09 is working as an intern for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He will be working in town for the first part of the summer and then will be traveling to various camps around the South with FCA.

2009

Katie Crosby’07

Adelyn Bargeron ’09

UGA freshman Adelyn Bargeron ’09 is in the UGA Honors Program and made the Deans List for the 2009-2010 school year. She is a member of UGA Heroes and raised $350 to benefit children with AIDS in the Athens and Atlanta areas. Adelyn is majoring in accounting with a pre-law emphasis. She will be working with the law firm of Sell & Melton during the summer.

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Oct. 1-2, 2010 Friday: Pre-game Alumni Dinner under the big tent, 6:15 p.m. Free for FPD alumni and their families.

Football game: FPD vs. Our Lady of Mercy, 7:30 p.m. Free for alumni and their families.

Alumni awards will be presented prior to kickoff.

Saturday: Luncheon and campus tours for reunion classes (Classes of ‘75, ‘80, ‘85, ‘90, ‘95, ‘00 and ‘05) and past and present faculty at noon in the MAC lobby and lunchroom.

For more information contact Carol Sawyer at (478) 477-6505, Ext. 138 or csawyer@fpdmacon.org FRAME, from page 35 things I love about my job, but at the top of the list is getting to know our FPD family once again.

I have met some of the most delightful students as well as their parents, getting to know our current faculty and becoming reacquainted with some of the teachers that taught me way back when (bless you Mrs. Henley … I thought some of the experiments in my AP Science class would have surely run you off).

I’ve been amazed at the wonderful changes that have taken place at FPD over the years.

The campus has evolved with new buildings, new classrooms and new technology.

I’m delighted at the variety of classes offered and I believe the level at which our academics are taught is superior. It’s a wonderful feeling as an alumna to know that FPD’s Tradition of Excellence has continued

throughout its growth as a school.

As the Director of Admissions, I have to say another one of my favorite aspects of my new position is meeting the various families who tour the campus and introducing them to our FPD family!

I love getting to know each family and as we work through the admissions process, their children become “my” children.

Another gratifying aspect that brings me great joy is the feeling that I am serving others.

I jokingly say that I’m running a side business out of my office, more like an “FPD Concierge Service.”

Whether a new family is looking for a home to purchase or rent, needs a moving company, help finding a new pediatrician, which churches should they visit or names of possible nannies, I love trying to meet their

needs.

Admissions is more that just testing and touring – it’s getting to know each family, their children and their needs as a family! I feel very rewarded both professionally and personally.

For those FPD families that I haven’t met, please stop me and tell me who you are – chances are that I know your children and would love to meet the rest of the family as well.

Thank you for making me feel so welcome!

It’s been a wonderful experience being back on campus as an alumna, a parent and now as a member of the administration.

As always, if you know a family who would be interested in hearing our FPD story – please let me know!

Blessings!

Chéri Gunnells (’89) Frame

Alumni News

As the Vikings prepare for their debut in the Georgia High School Association this fall, we invite you to be a part of this ...

Sweet victory FPD’s Taylor Floyd ’08 helps lead Augusta State’s golf team to national title.

Historic moment

By Jonathan Heeter The (Macon) Telegraph OOLTEWAH, Tenn. — All 30 schools that competed in the NCAA Golf Championships had flags to hang outside the clubhouse at The Honors Course.

Augusta State had the smallest of the 30.

On Sunday, the smallest flag and the smallest school flew the highest.

Augusta State, with FPD graduate Taylor Floyd in the lineup, beat Oklahoma State, college golf’s version of the New York Yankees, 3-1-1 to win its first national championship. Golf is the only sport the Jaguars play at the Division I level, while the top-ranked Cowboys have won 10 national titles and have played in every NCAA golf finals ever held.

“This is the most incredible feeling,” Jaguars head coach Josh Gregory said. “To win a national championship is one thing, but to beat the most storied program in the history of college golf makes it even more special.”

Oklahoma State’s Kevin Tway missed a 4foot putt for par on the first extra hole against Mitch Krywulycz giving the Jaguars the championship clinching point. Floyd was on the 17th green with a good chance to go 1-up when he and Gregory heard the cheers coming from a few hundred yards away at the green on No. 1. Gregory bear-hugged Floyd, and moments later the hundred or so Augusta State fans who made the trip began trickling across to No. 17.

Floyd gladly halved his match with Trent Whitekiller just a few minutes after he evened it up with a clutch birdie putt on No. 16.

“I was pretty relieved it didn’t come down to me at the end,” said Floyd, who played the past two days with a stomach virus. “I just didn’t know what else I could give and didn’t want the national championship to be on the line while I’m not 100 percent. I feel a lot better now; a national championship is good medicine.”

Floyd’s performance under duress drew quite a bit of attention. He

Taylor Floyd ‘08 tees off at left. Above, he is shown (top left) with members of the ASU golf team celebrating their NCAA title. Photos provided by ASU.

nearly quit twice during Saturday’s play while battling the flu but stayed on the course and eventually got a win against Florida State.

He felt better Sunday, but he was still sick enough that tournament officials moved his match to the final slot of the day instead of the scheduled second position. A pair of paramedics followed Floyd in a golf cart throughout the round.

“I just told him he didn’t have to (play),” Gregory said. “This is golf; it’s not life or death. I’ll never forget what he did (during the final two rounds). It’s the most courageous thing I’ve seen on a golf course.”

This story originally appeared in The Telegraph on Sunday, June 7. It is re-printed here with permission.

Johnson makes dazzling debut It didn’t take long for Morgan Johnson ’09 to make an impact on Valdosta State University’s softball team.

Johnson, a former All-State performer for FPD and a key member of the Vikings’ 2007 state championship team, was named the Freshman of the Year in the Gulf South Conference East.

She hit .419 with six home runs and 16 RBIs and ended the regular season second on the team in batting average and fourth in slugging percentage (.649).

Johnson also was named Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II National Player of the Week in April.

Perhaps most noteably, she hit the game-winning home run in the seventh inning against Angelo

State that propelled the Blazers into the national championship game. VSU fell 4-3 to Hawaii Pacific in the final.

It punctuated a remarkable comeback for Johnson, who tore her ACL during FPD’s state championship basketball game in March of her senior year. Nearly a year of grueling rehab made Johnson question her ability.

“I called my parents at least once or twice a week saying I’m going to quit,” Johnson said. “I was really down about it. I think this was God’s way of saying you have gone through all this stuff and, not that he was rewarding me, but giving me my ability back.”

Photo by Tana Macera

2010 Football Schedule Aug. 20 at Schley County, Ellaville (scrimmage) Aug. 26 Irwin County Sept. 3 Pike County Sept. 10 at Athens Academy Sept. 17 Strong Rock* Sept. 24 at Eagles Landing Christian (McDonough)* Oct. 1 Our Lady of Mercy* (Homecoming) Oct. 8 at Whitefield (Smyrna)* Oct. 15 Southwest Atlanta Christian* (Senior Night) Oct. 22 at Landmark Christian (Fairburn)* Nov. 5 Region Cross-over Game, TBA* * Denotes GHSA Region 5-A Sub-region games

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MACON, GA PERMIT NO. 298

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Gallery

Several FPD alumni were in attendance at the wedding of Leslie Hartness ’93 Mosley.

Rachel Wilson ‘09, Beth Wilson ’98 Youmans, Heath Wilson ‘96 and Kate Wilson ‘08

Stephanie Neyman ’07, Holly Long ’06, and Laura Hash ’08 after playing in an intramural soccer game at Samford University.

Moms of FPD Alumni enjoyed being together for the wedding of Beth Wilson ’98 Youmans. L to R: Sharon Anderson, Meg Baxter, Leslie Girardeau Lee, Peggy Keys, Terri Harper, and Ginger Bragg.

Alumni at the wedding of Lauren Nations ’01: Macie Walker ’01, Anna Phillips ’01 Cox, Joanna Todd ’01 Griffin, Jack Loyd ’01, Lauren Nations ’01 Lanter, Brannen Greene ’01 Sheppard, Ashley Mize ’01 Alderman, Jennie Evans ’01 Ridley, and Mary Jo Causey ’02 Simmons.

Alumni at the wedding of Sam Robinson ’00: Matthew Gray ’00, Ian McCray ’00, Sam Robinson ’00 and wife Audra, Arjun Dalal ’00, Edward Assad ’00, and Stuart Amerson ’01.