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CLASS OF 2020 ACHIEVEMENTS
CAP SCHOLARS SOAR Congratulations to the 73 MPCS high school students and recent graduates who have earned Advanced Placement Scholar Awards for 2020, in recognition of their exceptional achievement on cumulative AP exams. There were 180 MPCS students who took 395 AP exams. The total percentage of AP students with scores of 3 or higher is 84 percent. MPCS students outscored the state and global pass rates on while we were virtual for two months, and overcame all obstacles. They have amazed me with their grit and determination!" Notably, MPCS students taking the AP World History exam had an astounding 100-percent pass rate. According to Mr. Cottingham, the “normal” AP World History exam is 3 hours, 15 minutes, with 55 stimulus-based multiple choice questions, three short-answer quesBY AMBER IRIZARRY, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 63 percent of the exams taken. Of our 180 AP students, close to half tions, one long-essay question, and one document-based question. were AP scholars (earning a 3 or above on 3+ exams). National AP “It’s a marathon,” he says.
Scholars have achieved a score of 4 or more on at least 8 AP exams. For Mr. Cottingham, the more students are doing and thinking,
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This year MPCS named four National AP Scholars: the better. “History is a discipline, the art of reconstructing the past. • Kristy Moss The past is dates, facts, and things that ‘happened.’ I try to teach stu• Anton Oswald dents history so that they have the tools to study the past. Anyone • Emma Kate Tucker can Google dates and facts; I want [students] to be able to analyze, • Alison Vaughan interpret, and evaluate sources critically,” shares Mr. Cottingham.
Mr. Britt Cottingham, MPCS AP World History teacher, said, "With the AP exams being online this year, the AP World History students did an incredible job staying focused. This is consistently one of the tougher AP courses/exams, but our sophomores stayed connected
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, for successful performance on the AP exams taken in the spring. AP performance is widely recognized by top college institutions, awarding more college course credits than limited dual enrollment. Traditionally, about 20 percent of approximately two million students worldwide who take AP exams perform at a sufficiently high level to earn the esteemed AP Scholar recognition. W
“IN EVERYTHING I DO, I TRY TO BE THE BEST THAT I CAN BE.” THE PLACES THEY WILL GO
BY DR. TRICI HOLMES, COLLEGE COUNSELOR
SALUTATORIAN: KRISTY MOSS
Salutatorian Kristy Moss is attending Berry College this fall, studying Pre-Medicine. She is excited, stating, “Deciding on a college was a very long process for me. I had no idea what school had different educational programs that I knew would put me on a great path to go into medicine, which made my decision even more challenging. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that choosing the right school meant choosing the right environment for me as an individual to continue to learn and grow. It quickly became clear that Berry College had that community growth mindset that I have experienced at Mount Paran and would like to continue to experience in college.” Kristy has accomplished so much and will undoubtedly be a positive role model for her peers.
SALUTATORIAN: ANTON OSWALD
To begin his college search, Salutatorian Anton Oswald sought the best academic institution possible, selecting Baylor University to study International Business. Of the process, Anton shares, “I underestimated the fact that wherever I chose would be my home for the next four years, not just a school. Once I decided to balance the idea of academic challenge with community fellowship, my real college search began. My search, visits, and talking to alumni and current students from our MPCS community brought me to Baylor University. I value the family-style community, deep culture, Christian roots, academic challenge, and, of course, the Texan pride. I am excited to go deep in the heart of Texas and meet others who share in my desire to enjoy every minute of our next four years.” Anton’s leadership, humility, and intelligence will be an asset to Baylor.
VALEDICTORIAN: ALISON VAUGHAN
When selecting her best fit college, Valedictorian Alison Vaughan sought an environment that would challenge her academically. She is focused and ambitious, with impressive willpower and intrinsic motivation. She says, “I think my greatest strength is my work ethic. In everything I do, I try to be the best that I can be.” Alison is attending Vanderbilt University and double majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Spanish, with a Business Minor. Then, it will be off to law school, where she will pursue corporate or international law. Alison is a mature young lady who will no doubt impact the world. W
Class of 2020COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Andrews University* Appalachian State University* Arizona State University Auburn University* Baylor University* Belmont Abbey College^ Belmont University*~ Berry College* Butler University California Polytechnic State University Centre College* Clemson University* College of Charleston* College of William and Mary* Colorado School of Mines* Colorado State University* Columbia Chicago University* Columbus State University DePaul University~ East Tennessee State University*^ Elon University* Emory University Flagler College* Florida State University* Furman University* George Mason University* Georgia College^ Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University^ Greensboro College*^ Hampden-Sydney College*^ Hampton University High Point University* Indiana University-Bloomington* Jacksonville State University Johns Hopkins University~ Kennesaw State University^ Lee University*^ Liberty University Lipscomb University^ Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University* Mercer University*~ Miami University* Michigan State University* Mississippi State University* New York University* Oakwood University* Oklahoma State University* Piedmont College* Princeton University^ Purdue University Reinhardt University~ Rhodes College* Rose Hulman Institute of Technology* Samford University*^~ San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design~ Southern Union College Tennessee State University Texas Christian University* The Ohio State University Troy State University University of Alabama* University of Alabama-Birmingham* University of Arizona University of Colorado-Boulder* University of Florida University of Georgia*^ University of Kentucky* University of Massachusetts^ University of Miami* University of Minnesota* University of Mississippi* University of North Georgia University of South Carolina* University of Tennessee-Knoxville* University of Virginia* University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University* Wellesley College Western Carolina University* Western Kentucky University*^ Wingate University* Wofford College^ Xavier University-Ohio* Young Harris College*
*Denotes Academic Scholarship ^Denotes College Athletes ~Denotes Arts Scholarship
CLASS OF 2020 AWARD RECOGNITION
Special Recognition
SGA Four Years of Service Holland Slone Emma Kate Tucker
American Legion School Award Kristy Moss
Academic Recognition
PAGE Star Student Alison Vaughan
Valedictorian Alison Vaughan
Salutatorian Kristy Moss Anton Oswald
Academic Scholarships Agbo Attah Andrew Barton Aaron Berryhill Ashley Brown Zachary Butler Hannah Cantwell Michael Coffee Andrew Condra Gilliane Conklin Addison Corn Dakota Council Luke Dayton Darren Dunn Anthony Edwards Alex Elliott William Fink Morgan Flowers Matthew Foster Jack Gardner Clara Hays Erin Hubbard Emily Jimenez Ben Keller James Kelly Hannah Love Madison Massey Harrison Mathis Cole Matthaidess Kathleen McBride Connery Meyer Raegen Moody Kristy Moss Sakina Mungai Anton Oswald Nicole Pritchard Hannah Pulley Caroline Reeves Victoria Reid Emmie Roberts Lia Sanchez Colby Schwan Landon Schwan Luke Spinetto Cole Spurlock Tiana Taliaferro Landon Thibodeau Emma Tucker Luke Upton Alison Vaughan Jasiah Washington Jake Williams Jack Wingler
Special Awards
AJC Cup Award Hannah Cantwell
MPCS School Spirit Award Jack Gardner
Ron Mulkey Eagle Award Ben Keller Emily Roberts
Arts Recognition
Arts Scholarships Gilliane Conklin Darren Dunn Anthony Edwards Clara Hays Hannah Pulley
Athletic Recognition
Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athletes Hannah Cantwell Sydney Chambley Andrew Condra Dakota Council Riley Davis Reneé Dockins Angel Ferary Bella Ferary Jack Gardner Ben Keller Alex Lee Hannah Love Louise McKee Dylan Robillard Parker Rostowsky Lia Sanchez Colby Schwan Landon Schwan Holland Slone Tiana Taliaferro Landon Thibodeau Emma Kate Tucker Jake Williams Jack Ryan Wingler
Athletic Scholarships Andrew Bennett Sydney Chambley Alex Elliott Angel Ferary Bella Ferary Matthew Foster Jackson Manning Cole Matthaidess Connery Meyer Parker Rostowsky Holland Slone Tiana Taliaferro Niko Vangarelli Jack Ryan Wingler
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AP/HONORS COURSES OFFERED (including STEAM and Project lead The Way®)
84%
AP SCHOLARS SCORED 3+ ON AP EXAMS (12%+ higher than Cobb public/private schools and 23% higher than US average)
$8.4+
MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS (Before HOPE/Zell Grants)
21%
ACCEPTED TO UGA AND/OR GEORGIA TECH 81%
QUALIFY FOR HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
CLASS OF 2020 BY TIFFANY HICKS, HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
HONORED WITH SENIOR PARADE
FFollowing a slew of end-of-year events High school administration distributed a turned virtual – from the senior breakfast to care package to each senior with the student’s senior honors night – the MPCS high school diploma, Bible, cap and gown, yard sign, Tadministration created one final send-off shirt, and yearbook. for the Class of 2020. On May 17, following Thankfully, COVID restrictions loosened physical-distancing guidelines, seniors and enough to give this senior class the ceremony their families decorated their cars with bal- they deserved. On July 11, in physicallyloons, streamers, posters, and flags repre- distanced fashion, the class of 2020 donned senting their college destinations, all to take their face coverings and finally took their last part in the first-ever senior parade. walk across the commencement stage. LimMPCS teachers and staff were stationed ited family was in attendance, spread out in in cheering positions on the campus parade the Turner AME chapel. route, and Overlook neighbors offered a warm welcome for the students as the cars proceded. Head of High School Tawanna Rusk said she wanted to create the parade because “[the seniors] have lost many milestone moments, so creating something memorable is essential.” Her goal was to send-off the Class of 2020 with the biggest "distanced" celebration the school could create. “They truly felt [the staff’s] love, and their smiles were food for my soul!” Of the parade, MPCS parent Syndi Kyle shared, “My senior was truly touched. The MPCS family is something special and has been such a gift to us since we moved here!” Tina Cantwell, parent to three MPCS students, including senior Hannah, says the graduation parade “was another great testimony to [the faculty and staff’s] love for Christ, our students, and families. Our family was completely blown away.” “I knew there would be tears, but they were sweet tears,” said MPCS parent Terry Matthaidess. “Tears from receiving such a kindness, tears for the end of a beautiful journey at this wonderful school, and tears for all that Cole [has become] from his 15 years here. Listening to the teachers and staff call out Cole’s name and cheer him on was inwill be a cherished memory.”
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credible. I know this touched Cole deeply and
HHave you ever been in need of a service and wanted to know who within the Mount Paran Christian School community you could hire? Have you ever wanted to connect with a professional in your field of interest? Or, have you wanted to promote your business but did not know how to connect with those affiliated with the MPCS community? You've been asking, so Mount Paran Christian School is delivering, with the introduction of the new MPCS Network. This trusted network provides our alumni, staff, and families with a digital platform designed to connect professionals with industry contacts, as well as consumers with businesses within the MPCS network. Taking it one step further than LinkedIn, users have the power to connect personally and professionally with everyone affiliated with our MPCS community. This is a free MPCS NETWORK BY JOHN BRASWELL, ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER platform designed to serve businesses, as well as our alumni. “The MPCS Network site itself is very intuitive. If enough members of the MPCS community access it regularly, it could be a very powerful resource for our alumni,” said David Bottoms, MPCS Board of Trustees member. We encourage everyone to join the network (with no cost involved), and set up your professional and business profiles. Feel free to post special offers for MPCS consumers or reach out to connect with others in your industry. Just go to mpcsnetwork.com to get started, and take a look at some of the useful features outlined. W
ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR ALUMNI AND THE MPCS FAMILY
NEWS FEED: The network landing page shows recent updates on businesses, as well as alumni news and life stories.
PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY: Find contacts for anyone affiliated with our MPCS community.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY: Post your business in this directory, or seek and support services from those businesses owned or operated by MPCS families.
MENTORING HUB: Whether you are seeking to be a mentor or a mentee, use the hub to find career guidance, as well as industry connections.
JOBS: Seek job opportunities (job board) or offer job opportunities for others. Graduates can learn of current internships being offered.
PHOTOS: Check out school and alumni photo albums, reliving past events.
GROUPS: Connect with alumni who have related interests and shared experiences. Whether it be athletics, clubs, mission trips, or the arts industry, connect with professionals in your line of work.
EVENTS: Stay informed of relevant school-related networking events, particularly upcoming alumni events with RSVP information.
COMMUNICATIONS: Regularly receive the alumni newsletter and other relevant communications.
RESOURCES: Post relevant resources, in the form of files, for others to see and use.
