LEADING by EXAMPLE

BY MRS. TAWANNA RUSK, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

SSince 2006, Dr. Deborah Davis has faithfully served MPCS as both a school counselor and as the head of lower school. As she begins her new calling as an educational coach, we thank Dr. Davis for her 17 years of outstanding service to our school family. She has been integral to our school's success and has been dedicated to ministering to our lower school students, families, and faculty. We are incredibly grateful for her unwavering commitment to the MPCS mission and wish her well in her future endeavors.

With Dr. Davis's departure, we welcome Mrs. Tina Baker as the new head of lower school. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in education, having served in various roles at MPCS, including most recently as assistant head of lower school. We are confident that Mrs. Baker will continue to uphold the high standards of excellence and servant-leadership that have become synonymous with MPCS.

Our leadership team welcomes Mr. Peter Hill as the head of middle school. With an extensive background in education, including serving as a member of Academic Leadership, an AP instructor, and an International Student Coordinator, Mr. Hill’s passion for Christian education and commitment to student success make him an invaluable asset to our community.

Finally, as Mrs. Tawanna Rusk reassumes the sole role of associate head of school, we are overjoyed to have Mr. Jason Beard take the helm as head of high school. Mr. Beard has served MPCS for the past twelve years as assistant head of high school, teacher, coach, and dean of students. His commitment to honoring God with his leadership will enhance our students’ experience. Ms. Ashley Cochran advances to the assistant head of high school position, after having served as both middle and high school dean of students and been a classroom instructor. Mrs. Jocelyn Sotomayor will become our new assistant head of lower school after having served as the middle school counselor for the past four years.

As we look to the future, we are confident that Mrs. Baker, Mr. Hill, Mr. Beard, and Ms. Cochran, alongside Head of Preschool Ms. Penny Harrison and Assistant Head of Middle School Mrs. Alison Wilbur, will further advance our school's mission and vision. Paramount to their academic and leadership abilities is the love for the Lord each of these leaders possesses. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to what God has in store.

ACADEMIC SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: JACK JONES

“When do you sleep?” That’s the question that comes to mind when looking at the résumé of Jack Jones. The list is extensive: senior class vice president, Beta Club, Dozier School of the Arts, Mu Alpha Theta president, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring Initiative, PMI Up, PromRED, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Tri-M, 11:1 Effect, cross country, soccer, swimming, track and field, community service, and orchestra, where he received the National School Orchestra Award for violin.

For this MPCS “lifer,” academics have certainly not suffered. Jack earned AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, University of Georgia Certificate of Merit, and Head of School Honor Roll. And, he’s done all this while also working a part-time job.

“I have challenged myself with a rigorous course load, and I have enjoyed learning about a variety of different subjects at MPCS,” Jack says. “I participated on many different sports teams and enjoyed working hard and making new friends.”

It was enough to impress Duke University, where Jack will matriculate this fall. Though he’s undecided about his major, Jack is interested in biology, music theory, and world languages. He says, “I am always challenging myself to explore interesting topics. [and] to learn more about God and our relationship with Him through my faith.”