WINGSPAN
M O U N T PA R A N C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L
SUMMER 2015 / VOLUME IX / ISSUE 2
A BIANNUAL PUBLICATION FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS
Misson-driven in the
ARTS p. 4
The Creative Thinker
p. 20
VISUALLY CHARGED p. 16 WINGSPAN | Summer 2015
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WINGSPAN
Summer 2015, Volume IX, Issue 2
Publisher Dr. David Tilley
Editor David Lowery
Assistant Editors Pam Copeland Mickie Roberts
Graphic Designer Tiffany Westbrook
Contributors
From the Headmaster It has been my style over the past several years in Wingspan to describe a few of the accomplishments at MPCS. With so many to name within the year we have just concluded, I thought I would move out of the way and allow the statistics in the “Three As” – academics, athletics, and arts – to speak for themselves: Academic Excellence in a Christ-centered Environment The Class of 2015 has been accepted to 65 colleges and universities including: Cornell University, Duke University, Georgia Tech, Princeton University, Rutgers University, United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Georgia (20), Virginia Tech, and Wheaton College Lower School scored 99% ITBS and Middle School scored 93% ITBS (National School Norm / Composite) 50 Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) qualifiers 3 National Merit Scholar Finalists and Winner 50 AP, STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math), and honors courses $3+ million in college freshman year scholarships (not including HOPE scholarships) Servant-Leadership in Athletics Undefeated varsity football 6A state champions 3-time varsity competition cheer state champions Final Four varsity boys tennis Elite 8 varsity boys soccer and varsity girls basketball Middle school baseball A and B NAML champions #6 in state Georgia Athletic Director’s Association Regions Director’s Cup for all sports – boys and girls Region/Area Champions or Runner-up/State qualifiers in equestrian, golf, swimming, track, volleyball, and wrestling 19 student-athletes signed to play at the college level, 13 in NCAA Division 1
Cary Brague John Braswell Dr. Stephanie Caine Pam Copeland Dr. Deborah Davis Julie Duncan Cindy Gibbs David Lowery Kathleen McCook Joe McSpadden Mickie Roberts Brad Smith Randi Terry Dr. David Tilley Tiffany Westbrook Meagan Williams
Photographers Jamie Bogner TCPics Penny Valiani Tiffany Westbrook
WINGSPAN
is published biannually for the families and friends of Mount Paran Christian School © Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30152 770-578-0182, www.mtparanschool.com
MPCS Mission Statement
Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
MPCS Vision Statement
Mount Paran Christian School will become the exemplary Christian school in the Atlanta area as defined by the development of Christ-centered servant-leaders and quality academic preparation. ON THE COVER: Matthew Brague as Captain Hook with Paul Duncan and Nathan Petit.
Honoring God through the Arts 11 Shuler Hensley High School Musical Theatre nominations Shuler Hensley award for Best Choreography Undefeated marching band 3 Governors Honors Program finalists and participant in dance 4 All-State students in band, chorus, and art More than 110 annual arts performances by grades PK3-12 2014-15 truly was an exciting and successful school year. May we always be quick to acknowledge that all good things come from Him! As we reflect on the arts at MPCS in this issue, we look forward to another terrific year!
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CONTENTS Features Mission Driven in the Arts How MPCS Lives-it-Out on Stage
What’s New
4
Home of the Eagles Construction New Leadership Roles Arts Explosion
24
Arts Dozier School of the Arts Visually Charged
Academics
Athletics 14 16
The Creative Thinker The Academic Benefits of Arts Education
20
Technical Theatre
22 23
Middle School Robotics High School Super-Regionals
26 27
Well-rounded Girls Lacrosse Athletic Signings
On-Campus Staff Profile: Mr. Billy Flood The Legacy of Rick Gray MPAC Campus Dedications
28 29 30
Alumni
Christian Life Chapel Band
8 10
24
Arts Alumni “Fly” Home Class Notes
31 32
Achievements College Matriculations and Awards Arts Bolsters College Acceptances
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Features
Arts
MISSION-DRIVEN IN THE
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Written by Cary Brague, Director of Arts
“The meaning of life is to discover your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.”
MPCS senior band student and percussionist Josh Arrants shared this thought during his talk at the 2015 MPCS band banquet, and while it was a statement aimed to honor his musical mentor, MPCS band director Billy Flood, the statement also goes to the heart of the mission-driven approach to arts education at Mount Paran Christian School. Students throughout the world may participate in band, chorus, drama, orchestra, musical theatre, visual arts, as well as other unique arts programs such as dance, digital arts, technical theatre, and audio engineering — all of which are offered at MPCS to students in various grades, PK-12. Some schools still see the importance of these various arts programs because of documented evidence that reveals the benefits of arts education in the lives of all children and how it forms their academic, social, emotional, and maturational development. This is also a truism for MPCS. But it is more important to note that involvement in MPCS arts plays an added critical role in the life of our school as it applies to the school’s mission of creating servant-leaders. In a pop-culture world that is rife with ever-increasing moral decay, MPCS is developing visual, fine, and performing artists to change the world of the arts for Christ through behavior modeling and servant-leadership.
Right: The Jungle Book Kids lower school show Opposite Page: 2015 orchestra performance, Cassidy Ray and Natalie Hammonds in Peter Pan
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MPCS is developing visual, fine, and performing artists to change the world of the arts for Christ In Character While technical and performance skills training are the ostensible route for success, the deeper impact comes from character training. To train an entertainer is to train someone to stop at nothing to win the role and be in the spotlight, devoid of character. Conversely, to train an artist is to aesthetically train someone who knows who they are and seek to do his or her very best, regardless of situational outcome, thus full of character. Five Magic Words MPCS arts staff members seek to approach teaching though the lens of character training. Five words are used throughout the arts department to help students focus on key character traits that will help them discover who they are from the inside out as budding artists. The five character words are Commitment, Accountability, Responsibility, Discipline, and Sacrifice. These words are taken from the book Winning Character by Tommy Bowdon of the famed Bowdon football coaching family. Bowdon refers to these five words as his “CARDS system.� Each of the words are given scriptural context to help athletes focus on what is ultimately a God-given gift, motivating them to see a larger purpose in their athletic lives that goes beyond the field and into the world so that they might be game-changers in their careers.
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Features
Similarly, the MPCS arts faculty use Bowdon’s CARDS system to help students understand the long-term meaning of their gifts. Students and parents involved in any art production become well-versed in these concepts throughout practices, rehearsals, and performance preparation to remind them of the greater purpose when the going gets tough. Students are motivated to continuously hone and refine their talents for one purpose: to be ready when they are divinely called upon to use it to help others see Christ. Teamwork The five words — Commitment, Accountability,
From top: Josh Arrants (all-state band), The Monster Hunters tech crew, and second grade @rtnight music performance Opposite: Peter Pan flyers and the spring dance performance
Responsibility, Discipline, and Sacrifice — while deeply meaningful for personal character development, also resonate in reference to the ideals of teamwork. Each of the words take on greater meaning when used to help students learn to serve one another for a greater goal. Teamwork in the arts brings harmony to our arts ensembles as proven by the successful lower school music class performances, the middle school black box theatre show The Monster Hunters, as well as the recent Soaring Eagle Marching Band undefeated competitive season. Similarly, teamwork results in the breathtaking graceful athleticism seen daily in the Murray Arts Center dance studios and on the Kristi Lynn Theatre stage during the MPCS dance concerts. Teamwork was also the driving force that resulted in the huge success of the MPCS high school
It took a team of nearly 60 students and adults to each understand their unique roles, trust each other, and serve one another
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musical production of Peter Pan that competed against more than 50 Georgia high schools and earned top distinctive honors in the 2015 Georgia High School Musical Theater Shuler Hensley Awards Program (see sidebar). It took a team of nearly 60 students and adults to each understand their unique roles, trust each other, and serve one another in order to successfully tell the story of Neverland, the Darling family, the Lost Boys and Pirates, and of course, Peter. Likewise, middle and lower school drama performances present even the younger arts students with the opportunity to build a performance upon teamwork through CARDS. Arts with a Greater Purpose Whether in preschool ballet, the lower school musical, or drumline at a basketball game — arts at MPCS means more than just putting forth a best performance. It’s learning to work hard to attain excellence in a God-given talent and commit to something much bigger than oneself. This rings true to what Josh Arrants reflected upon in his quote — character training in the arts has helped MPCS students see their gifts as not only a point of performance, but also as an opportunity to live out their servant-leadership. W
Recognition Deserved This past spring was a historical season in the MPCS drama department. The three-night show run of Peter Pan brought close to 1500 people into the Kristi Lynn Theatre and culminated in a standing room only final performance that took audiences away to Neverland and back. In addition, MPCS was one of more than 50 schools from across the state that competed for top musical theatre honors with its show. The cast and crew were nominated for eleven Shuler Hensley Musical Theatre awards including overall production, direction, musical direction, choreography, scenic design, costume design, sound, technical execution, ensemble, supporting actress, and leading actress and honorable mentions for featured performer and leading actor. The cast performed live on television during the broadcast of the Shuler Hensley Georgia Musical Theatre Awards Program in April. MPCS and dance instructor/choreographer, Lynne Brague, took home the “Shuler” for Best Choreography. This recognition gives MPCS a platform for excellence in the arts among other metro Atlanta arts schools.
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What’s new
Constructing the Home of the Eagles
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Written by Dr. David Tilley, Headmaster
There are very few things more thrilling to a head of school than to see a building coming out of the ground, especially one of which you and others have dreamed for many years. Unlike some schools who started with a stadium and built their classroom facilities around it, Mount Paran Christian School has always been committed to academics first in its programs and facilities. Finally, MPCS is about to realize its dream of an athletic facility that matches the quality of its sports and arts programs. As this article is being written, the steel is going up; the locker room, restrooms, and concession area are gaining roofs; a plaza is about to be poured; and bleachers to seat 2000 Eagle fans will be delivered soon, all in anticipation of the first home football game on August 28, 2015. We are pleased that Kevin Rusk, an MPCS parent and partner with Howell, Rusk, and Dodson, designed this facility. Additionally, Brasfield & Gorrie is serving as the general contractors for this project. It has been fun to chide them for taking on the construction of two Cobb County stadiums simultaneously: the MPCS Catherine Steele Sewell Stadium and the new Braves’ stadium. They are often reminded by those at the school which of these is the priority! Since MPCS parent Tate McKee has led the efforts at Brasfield & Gorrie, we have not had any disagreements regarding priorities. Several companies associated with MPCS families have provided in-kind contributions to this effort. A complete list of those companies will be announced at a later date. Yes. It’s about time to provide adequate space for the fans of our football, soccer, and lacrosse teams. It’s about time to provide an appropriately surfaced track for our track and field athletes. It’s about time to provide an acceptable venue for our 2014-2015 undefeated marching band program and our three-peat state champion cheerleaders. Join us for tailgating and the big home opener on Friday, August 28 when we dedicate this beautiful new facility to God. We are grateful to our lead donors, Cathy and Charles Sewell, and our other major donors, Jack and Barbara Knox, Lance and Sonja Cooper, Dale and Emily Yake, Austin and Allison Pugmire, Mickey and Helen Newsome, and Hank McLarty, without whose help the stadium would still be merely a dream. Being reminded of the initial support a few years ago, this stadium would never have been possible without the many MPCS family and friends who came alongside the school with the funds for the stadium lights and membership in and contributions to the Football Founders Club. Thanks to everyone! May God be honored and glorified as we dedicate this facility to Him! May young men and women for MAY GOD BE many years to come, learn to serve Christ and others HONORED AND well in their pursuit of excellence in this venue. W
GLORIFIED AS WE DEDICATE THIS FACILITY TO HIM
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NEW ROLES IN SERVANT-LEADERSHIP Written by Mrs. Mickie Roberts, Business Service Specialist
Each new school year brings new and exciting changes to Mount Paran. Many new students, their families, as well as new faculty and staff will be welcomed this year. In addition, there will also be some very familiar faces serving our school community in different roles. Tawanna Rusk, Lower School Head, will become the Assistant Head of School. This new position has been created in an effort to alleviate some of the many responsibilities of our Headmaster, Dr. Tilley, allowing him to focus more on growing MPCS through advancement and development. Mrs. Rusk will have many new duties including serving as the chairperson and coordinator of all accreditation and institutional assessment processes and coordinating the strategic planning initiative. Joel Hazard, High School social studies teacher and coach, has been assigned the role of Director of Diversity and Student Relations. In addition to heading up the CommUNITY Task Force that was created last school year by Dr. Stephanie Caine, Joel will be directly involved in diversity initiatives related to many areas of the school including admission and human resources. As far as Student Relations, he will be working closely with John Braswell by assuming some of the responsibilities with student discipline and student groups in the high school. Deborah Davis, who recently received her doctorate degree in Educational Doctorate in Leadership for Learning from Kennesaw State University, will be leaving her position as high school counselor and will become the new Lower School Head. Deborah is looking forward to returning to the lower school and working with many of the teachers and staff she worked closely with in her previous role of Lower School Counselor. We congratulate all of these staff members on their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how God will use them in their new roles at MPCS as they live out the mission to “honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.� W
GOD WILL USE THEM IN THEIR NEW ROLES AT MPCS AS THEY LIVE OUT THE MISSION
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What’s new
n o i s o
arts
l p x e t
Written by Meagan Williams, Middle School Drama Teacher
This year MPCS is exploding! With tremendous growth and success in academics, athletics, Christian life, and the arts, our faculty and student body have never been stronger, more focused, or more enthusiastic about the mission. The arts programs are ramping-up to continue this explosion of achievement, especially in the exhilarating world of show choir!
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In the arts, students have conceptualized the ‘explosive’ movement of Mount Paran Christian School in a show, literally titled “Explosion.” The 2014-15 school year was the fifth year of the MPCS show choir, which is a performing arts event described as a music and dance experience. Students perform music from decades gone by as well as current pop hits to challenging and athletic choreography for solid forty-five, nonstop, actionpacked minutes. It’s a high energy, flashy, polished show choir phenomenon not to be missed. In 2010, the MPCS show choir group mpFX-10 was born. The acronym was short for Mount Paran “effects” as in sound and dance effects. Each
year thereafter, the group was titled “mpFX-11, mpFX-12” etc., and they continued to challenge themselves to create new and memorable performances. However, this past year’s popularity — with over forty participants in high school and nearly as many in middle school — made it necessary to split the show into three different groups. “Rhapsody in Blue” is comprised of our middle school talent. “mPulse” was created as a spin-off of mpFX focusing more on vocals and showmanship. mpFX fine-tuned their talents in choreography and group harmony. Each of the three groups created their own shows, independent of one another, which were then performed together in one giant show called “Show Choir Explosion.”
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What’s new
SHOW CHOIR GAVE ME A CHANCE TO DO WHAT I LOVE FOR THE ONE I LOVE
n o i s o
The complete performance was presented in January to sold-out crowds and was a stunning success. In many ways, the stage at Mount Paran Christian School is an explosion of the talents that He has bestowed upon His children. Those talents include dancing, singing, lighting, sound operating, directing, choreographing, costuming, organizing, ticketselling, program-making, meal-serving, ushering, and cheering – with all of these gifts and abilities coming together, we produced the 2015 “Show
arts
l p x e
Choir Explosion” that won’t be forgotten! When asked about her experience in show choir this year, freshman, Emma Perry said, “Most importantly, show choir gave me a chance to do what I love for the One I love.” She explained, “Every performance, just before our entrance, I would pray that I would do the best I could, and that above all else, everyone could see the Lord’s light through what we did on stage.” Next year, the tradition of “Show Choir Explosion” will continue in the form of a Christmas Explosion! For the first time, the show choirs will present their high-energy, popular music and dance experience to the familiar sounds of Christmas. The middle and high school show choir cast members are thrilled to be able to usher in the most wonderful time of the year while doing what they love for the One they love.
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But show choir isn’t the only thing exploding in the arts this past year. Our high school theater classes have exploded in growth. The drama and technical theater classes have doubled their enrollment and dance participation has continually increased over the past several years. Orchestra in fifth through twelfth grade is seeing exponential growth to the effect that we have moved into a larger room in the Murray Arts Center in order to accommodate the vast group. It seems as though many other MPCS Eagles want to get in on the explosion! And who can blame them? Being a part of an arts program that honors God and walks in Truth is a blessing that is uneasily matched. Proverbs 3:9 says to “honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” Well, our first fruits are the gifts and talents that we’ve trained, fine-tuned, and displayed on stage. Students in show choir and any MPCS arts production are giving glory to the Lord through their performances and blessing audiences of the MPCS community every time they grace the stage. W
SHOW CHOIR ISN’T THE ONLY THING EXPLODING IN THE ARTS
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Arts
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Dozier School of the Arts Written by Mr. Cary Brague
When MPCS purchased the Murray Arts Center in 2007, the school committed itself to establishing a magnet program for the arts in its high school curricular offerings. It was named the Dozier School for the Performing Arts to honor the individual, Mr. Don Dozier, who built the center to be a cultural hub for the school and the west Cobb community. In the fall of 2014, MPCS revamped the Dozier School of the Performing Arts (DSPA), adding Fine and Visual Arts to the program. As a result, the word “performing� was taken out of the program title to reflect its new name, Dozier School of the Arts (DSA). The Dozier School of the Arts is a high school magnet program offering a full-fare of arts curricula in dance, drama, music, theatre, and visual arts. Coursework in the DSA supports preparedness for MPCS extracurricular activities such as marching band, drumline, jazz band, and theatrical productions. DSA also prepares students for off-campus competition in all-state band, chorus, orchestra, the all-state thespian troupe, and for the all-state art symposium. Moreover, DSA seeks to prepare students for entry into the college ranks as arts majors who will utilize their gifts to change the arts world for Christ. DSA students and regular arts students study together in combined classes held in the Murray Arts Center during regular school hours. This combination of students allows for
to prepare students for entry into the college ranks as arts majors
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arts to be an appreciated component to school life. To prepare students for participation in the DSA, a training program to prepare them for the expected rigor begins in fifth grade with all-year band, chorus, orchestra, fourth- and fifth-grade musical productions, third- and fourth-grade honor chorus, and visual art. The middle school pre-magnet program offers year-long exploratory classes in band, chorus, dance, orchestra, theatre, and visual arts, with extracurricular theatrical productions and access to participation in the high school pep band and marching band. The DSA allows students to pursue unique programs of study, such as worship-leading, piano, theory and composition, and singer/songwriter tracks. If that weren’t enough, other programs include studio recording and audio engineering, which provides students access not only to the Murray SoundLabŠ, but also to recording artists who do professional work in the studio. The results of these additions to the magnet program and early opportunities in arts have been astounding. In one short year, and under the staff leadership of Mr. Joseph McSpadden, new visual arts instructor, MPCS is seeing the largest growth of enrollment in visual arts that it has ever experienced. The theatre program has doubled in its class offerings over the past year, having added technical theatre classes that explore scenic design and construction, costume design and construction, and will venture into lighting design and sound design. To say that the Dozier School of the Arts is a unique program is an understatement. The scope and breadth of its potential is unparalleled in any magnet school in the southeast. MPCS is proud to offer so many opportunities for students to excel in arts — all while bringing glory to God through their talents. W
its potential is unparalleled in any magnet school in the southeast
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Arts
Visually CHARGED MPCS HAS CLEARLY ESTABLISHED A STELLAR PERFORMING ARTS PRESENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. BUT VISUAL ART IS FAST BECOMING A PROGRAM ON A MISSION WITH DISTINCTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANY AGE ARTIST TO EXCEL IN A VISUALLY-DRIVEN ERA. Written by Mr. Joe McSpadden, High School Art Teacher
With a burgeoning visual arts program, MPCS continues to widen possibilities for student engagement and advancement. Mount Paran art educators believe in art’s ability to encourage exploratory learning, develop critical thinking skills, and influence creative problem solving. Students must be more prepared to compete in a global economy that increasingly favors divergent, creative, and visual thinkers. As Christian artists and educators, we also believe in the importance of being cultural caretakers. In this image-ridden age, our young people must learn to communicate with and contribute to the visual culture in which we live.
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At MPCS, students have the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the visual arts from preschool all the way through their senior year. In addition, students are able to learn from teachers who are not only highly qualified, but also passionate about their subject, all having engaged in personal creative work outside of the classroom. YOUNG ARTISTS
Mrs. Amy Moore, a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, guides all pre-K and lower school students through a curriculum that blends art history, Bible, and science into every lesson. A natural with painting techniques, Mrs.
Moore has completed over 80 murals professionally, including the historical and biblical mural in the MPCS Weber Media Center. Students are directed through an expansive exploration of various art media, developing a foundational understanding of the principles of design. Watercolors, 3-D collage, pottery wheel, and oil pastel are just
MORE SKILLS IN THE MIDDLE
some of the more advanced mediums that young students use to create their works of art. Exhibition opportunities are given to lower school artists selected to hang their work in the Cathy Goodman Art Gallery, and annually in the spring show “@rtnight” held at the Murray Arts Center.
Art and Design. She is as comfortable behind a pottery wheel, or a welding mask, as she is in the classroom. In her classroom, students gain experience working with acrylics, clay, charcoal, glass, plaster, and more. This year, students took their learning outside of the classroom exploring art exhibitions at venues like Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Seventh-grade students studied portrait
The middle school visual arts program is growing quickly, and Mrs. Jill Hooley is expanding class offerings and extracurricular opportunities to accommodate demand. Mrs. Hooley dual majored in art education and glass-blowing while at Alfred University New York State College of Ceramics School of
INCREASINGLY FAVORS DIVERGENT, CREATIVE, AND VISUAL THINKERS
Top Left: “Van Gogh Mask” by Morgan Flowers (7th) Lower Left: Preschool art display at 2015 @rtnight Above: Third-graders Kali Breckley and Alexis Stubbs working with clay creations in exploratory art
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Arts
From top L-R: “Dogwood Bloom” by Emily Harrison (PK3), “Self-portrait” by Jared Knox (10th), “Sports” by McKenna Boyd (7th), Noah Adams (K) in art class, “Orchids” by Rachel Wilson (12th), “Sarah” by Virginia Ramsey (11th), Carter Kozak and Cole Matthaidess (7th) working with clay, “Boats” by Bryce Herring (2nd), “Window” by Turner Johnson (5th), “Red Tiger” by Gabe Strong (8th), Mrs. Moore with PK4 art class, high school graphic design class.
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paintings of George Washington and experienced a contemporary sound installation, “The Forty Part Motet,” by Janet Cardiff. In grades seven and eight, students are able to pursue year-round visual arts courses from Mrs. Hooley. They also have the option of taking semester classes that focus separately on 2D and 3D design. MATURING IN TALENT
In the high school, Mr. Joe McSpadden trumpets the importance of connecting art to everyday experience. Often making reference to pop culture, his faith, and art history, Mr. McSpadden helps students draw connections between visual culture and their personal worldview. Before becoming a certified K-12 arts educator, Mr. McSpadden studied painting at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, and often creates personal and commissioned paintings in his home studio. The aim of the high school curriculum is to move students through an observationcentered approach, followed by an individual focus on developing a personal voice. The high school offers a full-range of visual arts coursework in the fine and graphic arts. Fine arts students practice their craft in Dozier Hall, while graphic arts students meet in the Murray Arts Center Apple lab, working with current industry-standard software. The high school visual arts program closely models the structure of college art and design programs. Students first complete an Art 1 foundations course, and then are able to select from a variety of advanced courses, culminating in the AP Studio Art experience. The Dozier School of the Arts now includes a visual arts track that recognizes student engagement and achievement in the arts, allowing students to graduate with levels of distinction.
MODELS THE STRUCTURE OF COLLEGE ART AND DESIGN PROGRAMS Outside of the classroom students are invited to participate in the National Arts Honor Society, a service club led by Mr. McSpadden that focuses on arts engagement. National Art Honor Society members served MPCS this year by face-painting at fall football games and mentoring fifth- through eighth-grade Art Club students. High School students are encouraged to participate in art exhibitions and competitions. This year, for the first time, two visual arts students at MPCS were named district finalists for the All-State Art Symposium and one was invited to exhibit her work in the All-State Art Symposium at Columbus State University. Another student was awarded a 3rd place prize in the highly competitive Congressional Art Exhibition. Also, this summer a junior student, Abby Richardson, was accepted into Savannah College of Art’s Rising Star summer program. The high school art show was also enjoyed by many MPCS families in unison with the spring dance concert. THE CHARGE
In this visually digital age, our objective is to give MPCS students the necessary tools and artistic skills to create imagery that is honoring to God. As the visual art program continues to bloom, be sure to drop in for a look at the latest work from our Eagle artists. Our charge is to continue to innovatively equip artists, beautify our campus, and inspire visual learners of all ages. W
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Academics
the creative thinker
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Written by Mr. Cary Brague
WHY IS PERSONAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION BENEFICIAL TO YOUNG MINDS? How can engagement in the arts influence overall capacity for learning? Research shows that, aside from the obvious aesthetic and entertainment value that comes with the arts, arts education can be linked to improving academic achievement, among other things. Arts learners develop skills in creative and abstract thought, which is similar to the higher-order thinking processes that are engaged in coursework such as algebra and geometry, chemistry and physics, and poetry and creative writing. Many doctors, engineers, and lawyers have had arts training in their schooling years that has heightened intellectual capacities for their careers. Participating in creative activity engages both hemispheres of the brain more than any other academic subject that has been measured. This type of stimulus establishes neurological pathways that are frequently used in upper-level high school and college academic classes.1 Additionally, arts education helps students become metacognitive, independent learners through practice. The combination of abstract and creative thought, independent study, and teamwork is powerfully leveraged to positively affect a child’s academic and social maturation. The arts transforms learners into creative thinkers. As math fosters analytical and logical thinking — and science promotes inquiry and risk-taking — the arts are proven to instill the modality of creative thinking in students, which can be applied in any subject. In many schools where arts education requirements are waning, so is their ability to produce top academicians on a consistent basis. Conversely, in school districts that have expanded arts programming, cognition and academic performance is increased as demonstrated in standardized
New York Times “Is Music the Key to Success?” 2013 The Dana Foundation “How Arts Training Improves Attention and Cognition” 2009 Parenting Science “Music and Intelligence” 2014 4 Science Net Links “Music and IQ” 2015 5 Georgia Institute of Technology School of Music/Band “FAQ’s” 2015 6 Yale News “Class Helping Future Doctors Learn the Art of Observation” 2009 and Stanford Report “Diagnosing the Human Condition: Stanford Medical Students add Art, Music, Literature to Studies” 2012 7 Harvard Medical School “Finding Art in Medicine” 2013
testing results in all grades.2 This begs the question — do smart people make good artists, or does arts education make people smarter? Indeed, those who start a creative focus from an early age (6-11) have “significantly more grey matter volume” within their heads.3 While this doesn’t necessarily mean that musicians or artists are smarter, it does demonstrate that their brains are making compelling connections and associations that those who do not engage in arts might lack. One study found that kids who took up an instrument around this age showed a greater increase in their IQ compared to those who did not.4 Some of the most highly selective universities in America such as Princeton, Yale, Duke, and Harvard, contain some of the best collegiate arts organizations in the country. Georgia Institute of Technology, while not having a music major degree program, enrolls nearly 1300 students per semester in band, chorus, and orchestra. The engineers at Georgia Tech benefit through their arts experiences to become more creative problem-solvers in their academic courses, science labs, and thesis research.5 Medical school students at Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, among others, take art history which is proving to produce higher percentages of successful diagnoses and prescriptive treatment in their patients than those who do not take art history.6 In a study done a few yeas ago at Harvard, more than seventy percent of incoming medical school students had a background in music in secondary and undergraduate schooling years.7 With the purchase of the Murray Arts Center, MPCS has invested in more than an impressive performance venue; the MPCS arts education curriculum that has been developed over the past five years has turned the facility into a center that can enhance academic achievement. With creativity fostered in this atmosphere, students who participate in the arts are truly given an edge in advancing their own education. W
Do smart people make good artists, or does arts education make people smarter?
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Rising fifth grader and arts student, Izzy Beatie
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Academics
RAISING THE CURTAIN ON THEATER TECHS
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Written by Mrs. Kathleen McCook, Managing Director of the Murray Arts Center
Without the sets, costumes, lights, sound, props, and riggers, an actor, dancer or musician is left alone on an empty stage behind a curtain. The Murray Arts Center offers a remarkable training ground for those students whose passion for theater is behind the scenes. Before technical theater classes were offered, Eric Smith (class of 2010) showed up at the Murray Arts Center during his senior year seeking work. With no theater background, Smith quickly learned the aspects of technical theater. He has been working as a lead theater tech for five years, and is completing a degree in electrical engineering. His experiences at the Murray Arts Center have enabled him to secure tech work around the southeast, and helped land the job of Lighting and Video Director for Grammy Award recording artist India Arie’s National Tour. “The Murray Arts Center is a professional atmosphere where I could grow my resumé and skills in an educational environment,” says Smith. “Even as a student, I was able to design and run equipment many do not get a chance to use in professional settings.” Now, MPCS offers a technical theater class as an elective part of the academic rotation. Students design and construct sets, sew costumes, and explore sound and lighting design. A recent tech success story is Colin Moschner (class of 2015). Colin discovered his passion for the technical side of theater in middle school. In addition to teching live MPCS productions, he has worked the past two years at the Cobb Energy Center on the tech crew for the annual Shuler Hensley Awards. He also garnered a Shuler Hensley nomination this year for his set design for Peter Pan. “I have learned things I would not have had the opportunity to learn elsewhere,” states Moschner. “Most students my age don’t get experience running sound for shows, pulling rigging, building sets, and designing light plots. The staff at MPCS have helped shape me into who I am and have helped me decide this is what God has planned for me. I will be using everything I have learned to pursue my goal of being a theatrical technician.” Moschner will study technical theater at Belmont University this fall. Smith and Moschner are not the only tech alumnus from MPCS. Former MPCS student Jamie Mellars returned to MPCS in 2013 serving as a theater tech for 18 months. Reeves Kirchhofer (class of 2012) was a tech for the first MPCS production at the Murray Arts Center in 2008, Beauty and the Beast. Since graduating, she has served as assistant master electrician at Georgia Shakespeare, as well as working tech at other local theaters. She is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in technical theater at Columbus State University. W
I WILL BE USING EVERYTHING I HAVE LEARNED TO PURSUE MY GOAL
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MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS INAUGURAL YEAR
Robotics Super-Regionals Written by Mr. Brad Smith, High School Robotics
Written by Mrs. Randi Terry, Technology Teacher
In the twelfth year of its existence, but only the second year with the FIRST Robotics organization, the high school Eagle Robotics team set records
Coopertition®? Gracious Professionalism®? What do these have to do with robotics, and is that first one even spelled right? Yes, it is coop-
for membership, awards, and advancement in the FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) competitions. The purpose of these events is to emerge eligible for the state championship. In two qualifying events, MPCS Team 7373 competed against 60 other teams, collecting recognition as a semifinalist, garnering the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award, and collecting a second place Inspire Award, the highest award of the competition. In February, Team 7373 and its many supporting volunteers were asked to host 1,000 fans and 34 teams for the Georgia State Championship on the MPCS campus. At the end of the day, Eagle Robotics was a game finalist and won the Connect Award, advancing them to the US South SuperRegionals, where the finalists from twelve southern states would compete. This is the first MPCS team to ever advance to this level. The FTC US South Super-Regionals were held in San Antonio, Texas in March. With the support of school, friends, parents, and local businesses, the team traveled 1000 miles to represent MPCS and the state of Georgia. Though they did not advance, the event was enlightening and gave students valuable experience they are already using to prepare for next year. As one team member explained, “It’s the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” W
eration + competition, and they have everything to do with robotics on Mount Paran Christian School’s first Middle School Robotics team. On this team, creative problem-solving and treating others with respect and courtesy is as important as designing a winning robot. After more than a decade of successfully competing at the high school level, MPCS decided to introduce our younger pre-engineers to the world of middle school robotics by adding a FIRST® Lego League (FLL) team. MPCS students responded to the opportunity and in the school’s inaugural year of competition, MPCS was able to field two FLL teams, both filled to the league capacity of 10 students per team. Not only did they respond with numbers, but also garnered enough hard work and ingenuity to make it all the way to the State Championship Competition held at the University of Georgia last February. Robotics team members found out quickly that FLL was about more than just the robot, and that they would have to concentrate on three areas in their competitions: the Robot Game, the Project, and FLL Core Values, where Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® are central concepts. They also discovered that they would be entirely responsible for the ideas, preparation, and presentation for their team. Students drive the process, rather than adults, from start to finish. Each week meetings were filled with creative problem-solving, development of new ideas, revisions to old ones, and eventually finished products. Students had to design, build, and program their robot to complete tasks on a competition table. They also needed to complete and answer the Project question, “How can I help someone learn ______ better?”. Throughout all of it, they had to practice Core Values in their treatment of each other and the other teams they faced in competition. Students created trifold presentation boards to display at their competition table, wrote skits and presentations describing their solutions, and detailed their robot design and programming in presentation format for judges. Both teams excelled in the area of Core Values, sharing ideas on their robot builds, helping each other throughout the season, and scoring high marks at competitions. Competitions gave students the opportunity to share ideas with other teams and meet new friends from throughout the state, as well as represent MPCS in a tremendous way. The students expect great things in 2015 and are excited to embark on our second season of FIRST® Lego League competition. W
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Christian Life
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CHAPEL BAND LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD! – PSALM 150:6
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Written by Mrs. Julie Duncan, Chorus Teacher
The Mount Paran Christian School high school chapel band and worship team is a mixed group of talented high school students with a heart for worship. Vocalists and instrumentalists must audition for a place in chapel band. For the upcoming school year, three chapel band classes will be offered to qualified students. They will attend this class as part of their academic course rotation. Each chapel band class will take turns in a rotation to lead worship at Wednesday high school chapels and they will also lead every other week in the Middle School chapel service. The chapel band’s mission is to encourage and facilitate active worship participation of our high school students through popular praise and worship music while also providing an opportunity for
learning traditional hymns as well. The vision is to facilitate a connection between Jesus and one another within our high school community. This group desires to see the Lord glorified through genuine and creative worship by using musical gifts to inspire an attitude of worship. Through the mentorship of Mr. Jered Schuerman, the chapel band teacher, there has been much growth in the area of music literacy over the past two years. Music literacy is an instructional goal, so that students are functional for off-campus leadership. Through this class time, students learn worship songs and hymns to lead, but also
DIVE INTO WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WORSHIP LEADER AND THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES ALONG WITH THAT
THERE IS A GUARANTEED OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AS A MUSICIAN AND A SERVANT-LEADER dive into what it means to be a worship leader and the responsibility that comes along with that. Excellence is also a means by which this is achieved. God wants each person to approach every task they are given with excellence. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might…” Students rehearse diligently to prepare by meeting every other day and early on chapel days. This responsibility is clearly stated in Psalm 68:24-25 where David writes, “Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the instrumentalists.” Students take this charge seriously when singing praise on the stage. Through membership and experience gained in this group, there is a guaranteed opportunity to grow as a musician and a servant-leader. Harrison Meyer is a rising senior who has participated in chapel band for three years. He has also gained valuable knowledge in studio recording class at the MPCS Murray SoundLab. Through this experience and with God’s leading, he is aspiring to be a worship leader in his future professional life. Harrison says, “I’ve heard it said that music is used when words alone cannot express an emotion one feels. As a musician, the love of God is the most powerful emotion I feel. As a worship leader, I have the privilege of inviting others to experience that same power and emotion.” W
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Athletics
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Well-rounded
Written by Mr. Cary Brague
Students engaged in MPCS arts programming are encouraged to pursue athletics in a fashion that balances their school experience, helping them to be well-rounded in their perspectives. Students who dually engage in arts and athletics have the opportunity to transcend typical stereotypes that are found in most schools, and in doing so, find opportunities for leadership amongst their peers. Rising senior Brianna Brown is a model of this philosophy, being a leader as a cellist in the high school orchestra, and also being a strong team leader on the girls varsity basketball team. In Brianna’s words, “I have always been challenged to do my best in both music and basketball. My parents have been great supporters for me, helping me to understand the high value of achievement, no matter the art or the sport.” She adds, “The most challenging part of participating in both orchestra and basketball is when we have a game the same night as a concert, but my orchestra director and basketball coach work together to determine where I can make the biggest impact. I know that they have my best interest and the school’s best interest at heart.” Brianna has been known to suit up for a basketball game, score game-high points, and then put on a dress to perform at a concert, all in the same evening. While it can create for some highly stressful moments, Brianna values the opportunity to excel at both; the rewards of performance both on the court and on the concert stage are worth it. Eighth-grade student, James Kelly, is another example of a student who is working to be well-rounded in his skill sets making for a complete MPCS experience. James plays trumpet in the concert band, has been a featured actor in middle school musical and theatrical productions, and also finds time to play lacrosse for the school. James reports, “Even though there are many times when practice, rehearsal, game, and my performance schedule collides, my coaches and theatre directors always find a way to ‘make it happen’ so that I can pursue what I believe are my God-given talents.” Mount Paran Christian School is a place where students can strive for excellence in more than one area of school life, giving them a total middle or high school experience. Student success in a multitude of areas is not impossible to balance, but is a dream that can be realized through staff encouragement, wise guidance, and a true commitment to everything they choose to pursue. W
TO UNDERSTAND THE HIGH VALUE OF ACHIEVEMENT, NO MATTER THE ART OR THE SPORT
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students who pursue both of their true loves: athletics and the arts
Eagles Set to Start Girls Lacrosse Written by Mr. David Lowery, Director of Marketing and Communications
Mount Paran Christian School began the boys lacrosse program in 2011 with the goal of eventually starting a girls program. The boys program has grown over the last four years, interest in the sport of lacrosse has exploded in general. With more girls playing lacrosse in and around the MPCS community, the athletic administration is excited to announce the start of girls lacrosse for the 2015-2016 school year. “Lacrosse is a great sport,” states Mitch Jordan, Athletic Director. “It is fast-paced and requires athletes to be both active and physical. I think adding lacrosse will get girls interested in trying something new and is the type of sport that can help improve the athleticism of our female athletes.” Lacrosse is a rising sport in the United States at all levels, and according to an annual report by US Lacrosse, it continues to be the fastest-growing sport at the high school level. The plan is to begin the program with a U13 team playing in MAYLA (Metro Atlanta Youth Lacrosse Association) and a JV team playing a limited schedule comprised of 8-12 graders for the first two years. As the program grows, a varsity team could be added in year three. “We have several girls who are already playing lacrosse for other leagues and we have other girls expressing an interest to play once we start a program,” states Craig Wilson, Assistant Athletic Director. “We are excited for a new opportunity, but we also want to build the program the right way. We will be passionate and patient as we start these girls teams.” From a coaching standpoint, MPCS is exploring options for both the middle school and JV teams. With many good coaches in the area, we will have a mix of coaches, both internal and external/community coaches as the program develops. Girls lacrosse will help to round out the athletic offerings at MPCS. “Lacrosse is a growing sport in our area so adding a girls program makes perfect sense,” states Jordan. “I am excited about the opportunity of seeing our girls trying something new in this inaugural spring season and competing for the Eagles.” W
Written by David Lowery
Playing at the Next Level A record 19 student-athletes from the class of 2015 have committed to play collegiate athletics. Of the signees, 13 will compete in NCAA Division 1. Congratulations on this accomplishment! (Top L-R) Zach Strong – Football / Cornell Patrick Lee – Football / Air Force Academy Rutty Jones – Baseball / Furman Graham True – Baseball / Wheaton Jake Allen – Football / Mercer Jake Mezei – Soccer / Mercer Jack Crone – Football / Ave Maria Graham Massey – Football / Wofford Rico Washington – Tennis / Berry Emoni Williams – Football / Kennesaw State Isaac Phillips – Baseball / Chipola
Reed Massey – Baseball / Wofford Lexi Bates – Softball / Georgia State Peyton Rusk – Comp./Side Cheer / University of Alabama Renee VanHorn – Soccer / North Georgia Emily Johnson – Comp./Side Cheer / University of Georgia Hailey Bednar – Comp./Side Cheer / Clemson Courtney McKenzie – Softball / Georgia Gwinnett College Dorian Walker – Football / Georgia Tech (not pictured)
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On Campus STAFF PROFILE:
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Mr. Billy Flood Written by Mickie Roberts
Dallas, Georgia native Billy Flood remembers running around as a toddler singing movie soundtracks and pretending to be in a spacetraveling rock band. It was not until middle school when the quietest kid in school thought it would be pretty funny to pick up a pair of sticks and learn the loudest instrument – the drums. It was the love of this instrument that led him to Berry College in Rome, Georgia to pursue his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and then later to the University of Georgia for his Masters in Music Education and doctoral courses. While in college, he kept an insanely busy schedule by playing the drums at some point for almost all of the student worship groups, doing jazz jobs around town, teaching private lessons, and instructing school drumlines. He also drummed in most of the garage bands at school. Fifteen years ago, Billy began his teaching career at Mount Paran as Band Director. In his early years, he also taught chorus classes, the occasional string player, and even preschool music. Although he spends much of his time working with the marching band, he recognizes the importance of working closely with the music teachers in all grade levels. To this end, Billy collaborates often with Ms. Sarah Scheibe (lower school music), Mrs. Julie Duncan (chorus), and Ms. Jennifer Laminack (orchestra). Billy says they all share a unified approach to the importance of music instruction, regardless of which path the students take: “We seek to provide them with the raw materials to enjoy music however God leads them, whether it is singing in a church choir, playing trumpet in a community brass band, learning banjo for a bluegrass festival, composing their own music for YouTube videos, or attending a local jazz concert.” He goes on to say that “a musically educated public will theoretically make consumer choices that elevate the cultural and spiritual life of our nation (i.e. maybe it isn’t completely ‘All about that Bass’ all the time).” As a band director, Billy loves to see progress. Just as a sculptor starts with a block of stone and through incremental steps creates a work of art, he enjoys the act of continually refining the work of his students. It is clear that Billy’s dedication to the refinement of his students has paid off with many awards and special recognitions for Mount Paran’s band program. This year was undoubtedly the best competitive year with an undefeated marching band, a fantastic Outback Bowl performance, great individual achievements at District Honor Band, All-State Concert Band and Jazz Band, Governor’s Honors, GISA All-Select, UGA JanFest, and college marching band auditions. Billy states, “In looking through the trophy cases outside the band room, I remember the people, events, processes, and struggles that led up to those awards more than the competitions and festivals themselves.” Those thoughts keep him focused on the future of the arts at MPCS. W
dedication to refining the work of his students has paid off
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The Legacy of Rick Gray Written by Dr. David Tilley
Simply put, in the forty-year history of Mount Paran Christian School, there have never been more supportive and involved parents than Dr. Rick and Beth Gray. Additionally, both of their sons, Michael and Daniel, exemplify what is the quintessential portrait of an MPCS graduate. They have been an exemplary family by every measure. I had the opportunity to meet with Rick and Beth a few times in the weeks immediately prior to Rick’s passing on March 23, 2015. We broke bread together; we talked about his battle against the cancer that plagued him, an oncologist who had fought the disease with many others for years; we talked about the work of the Board of Trustees of which he was a proud and active member; we chatted about Beth’s help in initiating our first community-wide service days ten years ago; and, more importantly, we shared our trust in the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. I went to their house each time hoping to lift their spirits, share stories of God’s faithfulness, remind them of the love of their MPCS family, and encourage them in the faith. As was
I was the one who departed most blessed
true of everyone who visited them, I was the one who departed most blessed. They had full confidence in the love of God and their Christian family. To the very end, Rick was an inspiration and a supporter! The Board of Trustees had a reason just two weeks before his passing to have a called meeting. Given the constant pain he was in, I was surprised, although I should not have been, that Rick insisted on being involved via a conference call. To the end of his life, he gave himself totally to the work of God and the many passions he possessed. During conversations in the last month of his life, Rick and Beth decided to honor MPCS with an endowed scholarship. He was fervent about seeing bright, Christian young men and women going into a field of science to impact the world for Christ and His Kingdom. I am proud and honored to announce the initiation of The Gray Family Scholarship, which has been fully funded and is the first of its kind to offer financial assistance to students who otherwise would not be able to afford an MPCS education. A special thanks goes to Rick’s parents, Glenn and Ginny Gray, who joined them in funding this scholarship, which has now been added to by many family and friends. Not surprising to anyone who knew Rick and knows of Beth’s continued love for MPCS, their influence, through this endowed scholarship, will continue to be felt for as long as MPCS serves students. Some legacies are quite honestly more powerful and longer lasting than others. That is clearly true of our friend and brother, Rick Gray. May God honor this family and the hopes and dreams they possess for the students of the school they love. W
Parents Get Arts-active on Campus Written by Mr. Cary Brague
The Mount Paran Arts Council (MPAC), now in its third year of operation, is a parent support group for the arts that engages the spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy to benefit the arts programs of MPCS. Similar to the ParentTeacher Fellowship and Eagle Backers athletic boosters, MPAC seeks to provide parents with opportunities to get involved and forge community within the ranks of MPCS parents. MPAC provides ushers, flowers, and concessions for arts events in the Murray Arts Center, and also raises funds for projects that benefit curricular arts classes. MPAC has made two important contributions to benefit the music and visual arts programs since its inception two years ago. Concert gowns for girls in the band, chorus, and orchestra were purchased as well as display rails for lower, middle, and high school artwork in the Mulkey and Dozier hallways. As MPAC develops, additional arts needs will be accomodated and new levels of membership for the 2015-16 school year will be unveiled. Options for premium seats at music and dance events will be available along with advanced ticket sales opportunities for theatrical productions. Active involvement in MPAC is a great way for parents to support their students’ arts endeavors. W WINGSPAN | Summer 2015
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On Campus
DEDICATION
TO MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Written by Mrs. Jennifer New, Director of Development and Mrs. Pam Copeland, Assistant to the Headmaster
THE MPCS CAMPUS IS DONNING SOME NEW NAMES AS TRIBUTE TO FAMILIES THAT HAVE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED THE MISSION Janas and Adair Families On Tuesday, April 14, the Lord provided a beautiful day to dedicate the tennis complex and the small gymnasium to His Kingdom work. In recognition of generous support of MPCS for many years, especially toward the purchase of the Murray Arts Center during phase one of the capital campaign, the Adair Gymnasium was named in honor of Mable and Forrest Adair III and the Janas Tennis Complex was named in honor of the Steve and Julia Janas family. Mable and Forrest Adair were the parents of Julia Janas. In 1984, after a trip to the Holy Land with Dr. Walker, Mable came back talking about Mount Paran Christian School as a great educational choice for their future grandchildren. Later in 1988, Steve and Julia Janas registered their daughters, first Caroline and then Melanie, at MPCS for preschool. Since that time, there has always been a Janas girl at MPCS either as a
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student or staff member. Both girls graduated from MPCS and Caroline (Bradford) returned to teach physical education. Over the years, Steve and Julia have served in many volunteer roles and have been extremely generous supporters of the school. It is an honor and a privilege to have these two important facilities bear their family names, further establishing the history of the campus. The dedication ceremony on April 14 began at the Adair Gymnasium and included remarks about the family by Dr. David Tilley, a prayer of dedication, a plaque unveiling, and ribbon cutting by the children (Frank, Julia, Ruth, and Dodd) of Mable and Forrest Adair. The festivities continued outside at the Janas Tennis Complex where a brick monument sign was unveiled. Caroline Janas Bradford added to the remarks made by Dr. Tilley and Mitch Jordan, Athletic Director, offered a prayer of dedication. At the gate to the tennis courts, the Janas family (Steve, Julia, Melanie, and Josh and Caroline Bradford) ceremonially cut the ribbon. After the dedication ceremonies, the many friends and family in attendance enjoyed a reception while the MPCS tennis team played an intersquad match.
McDonald and Rowland Families On April 29, 2015, the 100+-year-old cabin and six-acre lake on the MPCS campus were officially named in honor of two of the Stuart and Eulene Murray family members. The cabin is now called the Rowland Cabin, in honor of Marilyn Rowland, the granddaughter of the late Mr. Stuart Murray and the lake is now Lake McDonald, in honor of Joe McDonald, the nephew of the late Mrs. Eulene Murray. The afternoon ceremony began at the bronze eagle statue with the unveiling of the plaque noting the history of the MPCS campus property. Dr. Tilley welcomed everyone to the event, then comments and a prayer were offered by Mr. Ron Mulkey, who was the MPCS Board Chair in 2002 when the property was purchased from the Murray Family Foundation in order to build the school. The MPCS staff and guests in attendance then moved down the path to the cabin, where comments were offered by Dr. Tilley and a prayer of dedication for the cabin and the lake was given by Dr. Gil Watson, Senior Pastor of Northside United Methodist Church (Atlanta). Refreshments were enjoyed by everyone while admiring the new plaques at the cabin and even on a large rock near the lake. This event and the signs acknowledging the newly-named cabin and lake will forever keep alive the legacy of the Stuart and Eulene Murray family, to whom Mount Paran Christian School will always be indebted and grateful.
Alumni
L-R from top: Steve and Julia Janas Family, Joanna and Joe McDonald, Julia Janas with brother Dodd Adair and family, Marilyn Rowland with daughter Kelly Boudreau, Ray and Myra Miller and daughter, Natalie, with her husband Chad Gasque and daughter Emma.
Arts Alumni “Fly” Home Written by Cindy Gibbs, Assistant Director of Development, Alumni Relations
Miller Family It was a room in need of a name ever since the Board of Trustees meeting room had shifted to the Murray Arts Center after its acquisition. It is a room more heavily used than most any other space due to its popularity for administrative meetings of all kinds. In a dedication ceremony prior to the April Board of Trustees meeting, the room got a name worthy of its value. To honor the extended history of Myra Miller with Mount Paran Christian School and to recognize the generous contributions of her and her husband, Ray, what had simply been referred to as “the Board Room” was renamed the Myra Miller Conference Room. Ms. Miller was the first science teacher in the high school at MPCS when it opened its doors in 1987. She taught physical science, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, and health — and most of that all in one year. She was honored by the students in high school as the recipient of the Star Teacher Award in 1992. Since leaving the employment of MPCS, Ms. Miller worked for Piedmont Hospital as a medical technologist, laboratory manager, director of practice management, and from 2004 until her retirement in 2014, she was the chief operating officer of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, Atlanta. Her dedication to MPCS has been expressed by her unique expertise and faithful service, since 2006, as a member of the Board of Trustees. Her legacy will continue as we welcome her granddaughter, Emma, to preschool this coming fall. Thanks, Ray and Myra Miller, for your friendship and faithful service to the mission of MPCS! W
Mount Paran “welcomed home” over thirty-five arts alumni to campus for a special VIP Arts Alumni Reception on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Alumni gathered in the Murray Arts Center Artist Reception Room, exchanged hugs and smiles, and enjoyed an assortment of Carriage House Catering hors d’oeuvres, as they reconnected with fellow MPCS theatre alumni. Arts alumni from 1988 to 2014 were in attendance for this inaugural reception. Class of 1988, Adam and Sherry Grote, shared fond memories of their performances in The Miracle Worker and Oliver in 1988. Class of 2006, Susanne O’Day Evangalista, walked down memory lane as she spoke of her role in the 2006 production of Hello Dolly and shared, “it was a dream come true.” Class of 2008, Kayla Burruss Teti, loved being part of the school theatre arts and both ladies shared their hopes for this event to become a yearly MPCS tradition. Alumni Taylor Mulkey Kinsey, ’09, Chris Chaput, ’13, Scotty Valiani, ’13, and Cole Weber, ’13 snapped a memorable photo together as they entered the Kristi Lynn Theatre to enjoy a spectacular concluding performance of Peter Pan. The night was made more memorable when four MPCS student actors would literally fly across the stage through some theater magic and a little pixie dust. It’s always a heartwarming experience when our MPCS alumni come back “home.” Be sure to become a member on the Mount Paran Christian School Alumni Facebook page to be notified of any future alunni events! W
Arts alumni from 1988 to 2014 were in attendance for this inaugural reception
Above: Scotty Valiani ’13, Taylor Mulkey Kinsey ’09, Chris Chaput, ’13, Cole Weber, ‘13 Right: Kayla Burruss Teti ’08 with husband Ryan Teti Below: Susanne O’Day Evangelista ’06 with husband Robert Evangelista and Adam Grote ’89 with wife Sherry Stickler Grote ‘88
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Alumni
SEND US YOUR CLASS UPDATES To update your information, visit the alumni page on our website www.mtparanschool.com. Be sure to stay up-to-date about the latest school and alumni information by joining the “Mount Paran Christian School Alumni” group on Facebook! Also, let MPCS help you job network. Connect with us on LinkedIn!
Arts Alumni: Michael Persson ‘12 Written by Mrs. Cindy Gibbs
“Come on and listen to the lullaby of Broadway” — he’s on his way to 42nd Street! MPCS Arts Alumnus Michael Persson, class of 2012, is continuing his passion for musical theatre and dance with impressive success! He was recently hired by Troka Entertainment for the National Tour of 42nd Street, with the tour opening in Salt Lake City in September 2015. The tour will run for a year in over 30 cities and he is hopeful to perform in his own hometown of Atlanta, GA. For the past two years, Michael has attended CAP 21 – America’s Musical Theatre Conservatory in New York City. He’s excited to have played the lead role of Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) for his senior performance in Footloose just before his May 2015 graduation. Michael spoke fondly of his experience this past summer working for the Missoula Children’s Theatre that toured throughout the Midwest. He directed shows with children ages K-12. He recalls how rewarding this was and added a humorous note that it also included a crazy amount of driving. “I drove a truck with the set and costumes, logging over 5,000 miles in one summer!” Reflecting back on his time at Mount Paran, Michael shared his gratitude for the opportunities given him. “Mount Paran’s performing arts program ignited a spark inside of me and set me on the path of musical theatre. Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. Brague were instrumental in helping me solidify my pursuit of musical theatre in college. They supported me 100% yet also expected 100% effort in return. They pushed me to strive for excellence, and these lessons have stayed with me through college and into the professional world of theatre.” W
Annie Downs ‘98 Author and speaker Annie F. Downs ’98, was a recent featured guest on May 1, 2015 at “Girls Night Out” with 104.7 The Fish and Faith Talk 970 WNIV. Based in Nashville, TN, Annie shares that she “uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.” She is the author of Let’s All Be Brave, a book for men and women about the power we each have to make a difference on this planet. She also has two books for teens: Perfectly Unique, a spiritual growth book for high school and college girls, and Speak Love, a challenge to women on how to use their words to make a difference in the world. While she loves writing, Annie also enjoys traveling and speaking to young women, college students, and adults. Jennifer Finnell ‘99 Jennifer Finnell ’99 graduated in 2003 from Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She currently works with WVU Healthcare in Morgantown, WV. Jennifer and J.R. Dorman have announced their engagement and currently have wedding plans for January 2016. J.R. Dorman coaches football at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV. Congratulations to the happy couple! Jeff Jahn ‘03 Congratulations to Jeff Jahn ’03, for being selected to receive the 2015 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Berry College Alumni Association for his outstanding achievements! Jeff is the Founder and CEO of DynamiX Web Design Company. Jeff and the DynamiX team were also recently named an honoree in the Webby Awards. Jordan Stewart ‘07 After graduating from MPCS in 2007, Jordan attended Middle Georgia College and received a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree with a focus in Aviation Management. For the last two years he has worked as a professional pilot in charter and corporate flight departments, and is currently an airline pilot for ExpressJet. Jordan can be reached at jordan.stewart1988@gmail.com. Alan Sheffield, ‘09 Alan Sheffield ’09 earned the prestigious 2014 Elijah Watt Sells Award. Alan was named by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as the top performer in the state of Georgia on the CPA examination for 2014 and one of the top 60 worldwide! Congratulations, Alan!
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Kimberly (Bridges) Bartlett ‘09 After six years in Athens, Kimberly will be graduating in August 2015 with a Master’s degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Georgia. She will begin employment at Tritt Elementary in the fall as the Speech Pathologist for their special needs preschool program and said she is very excited about the year ahead. In December 2014, she married William Bartlett, a fellow UGA graduate. They became good friends in college and were overjoyed to celebrate their wedding with family and friends just after Christmas. Kimberly shared this special note of thanks, “I would like to thank the Mount Paran family for your love, support, and prayers. I feel that Mount Paran greatly prepared me for these years, both academically and spiritually.” Wes Watt ‘09 Wes has accepted a position with SRC, Scientific Research Corporation. His title as Analysis II will involve monitoring legislation and budgets that come through Congress in order to determine how it will impact their customers’ needs. Wes will continue to reside in the Washington D.C. area. We wish you great success in your new position at SRC. Tiffany Nina Ahmadi ‘10 Tiffany graduated from the Emory Nell Hodgson Woodruff School in May 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Tiffany shared this has been a long, exciting journey. Congratulations, Tiffany! Meredith (Perez) McConnell ‘10 Meredith graduated from Georgia College and State University in May 2014. During her time at GCSU, Meredith served and was an active Young Life leader. This is also where she met her husband, James McConnell, and the happy couple recently celebrated their first year anniversary in May 2015. Meredith teaches first grade at Mountain Park Elementary and the couple resides in Canton, GA. Addison Rothrock ‘11 Addison will be attending Yale Divinity School this fall where she will pursue a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in ethics. Addison graduated with honors from Furman University with a double major in economics and religion. She was recently awarded the prestigious 2015 John C. Shelley Award for Excellence in the fields of Theology and Ethics. Addison is a Furman Advantage Teaching Fellow, a Cate Research Fellow, a member of the Theta Alpha Kappa
Theological Honor Society, the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Economics Honor Society, and captain of the Furman Dance Company. Her long term goal is to obtain her Ph.D. and become a Professor of Theology while addressing the intersection of theological and economic social justice issues. Congratulations and much success Addison! Zack Greenwell ‘11 Zack graduated in May 2015 from Furman University. He will be living in Greenville, S.C. as the co-owner and operator of CycleBar Greenville. Zack shares that CycleBar is an indoor cycling class that focuses on a high energy workout within an energizing environment with dynamic music and instructors. The Greenville location is a franchisee of CycleBar located out of Cincinnati. Best wishes to you Zack with this new endeavor in entrepreneurship. Andy Flynn ‘11 Andy graduated in May 2015 from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. During his time at UC, Andy was a four-year starter for the Bulldog football team and was team captain his senior year. He was also chosen to the Mid-South All Conference football team this past season. Great job Andy! Clarice Cannon ‘12 Congratulations to Clarice Cannon ‘12 and her teammates at Rhodes College for being one of 21 teams selected to compete in the 2015 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championships at El Campeon Golf Course. The Rhodes women’s golf team finished their 2014-2015 campaign in the final round of the Division III Women’s National Golf Championship with a fifth place finish overall. Colton Cannon ‘13 Coast Guard southpaw sophomore Colton Cannon ‘13, pitched a complete game allowing just six singles and an earned run leading fifthseeded Coast Guard to a 6-1 win at fourth-seeded Babson in the single game elimination quarterfinal of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) tournament. The Bears recorded a NEWMAC tournament win for the first time since 2010 when Coast Guard advanced all the way to the championship game.
Arts Alumni: Chris Chaput ‘13 Written by Mrs. Cindy Gibbs
Since graduating from MPCS in 2013, Chris has just completed his sophomore year at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is on track to earn a Bachelor of Music, with a focus in commercial music, voice principal, and business emphasis. He has been involved with a student-led theater group called BUST (Belmont University Student Theater) where he played the role of Nick in Godspell and the character of Vice Principal Doug Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Chris has also performed with the Fall Follies; a university recognized comedy group throughout the city of Nashville. He shares that being a part of Follies “is more than just being funny. The use of laughter and comedy to heal, rest, struggle with frustrations, and ultimately bring life are a few reasons why Fall Follies has been on the Belmont campus for over twenty years.” In addition to performing, Chris has recently had the opportunity to play his banjo with a rising young Nashville artist, Liza Anne, for recordings, music events, and a TV show. When asked how MPCS helped to prepare Chris for what he is doing, he shared these thoughts: “In my time at MPCS I was equipped with very necessary tools that I would use at college.” He expressed gratitude toward Mrs. Jenn Fitzpatrick for providing students with experiences in many forms of performance styles and saturation in the culture of arts. As a result, he was comfortable and familiar with how it all flowed. “This allowed me to step into influential opportunities that continue to be part of my story.” Chris concludes, “I think the true success comes from the sense of peace that has been wrought in me through my journeys; the joy that comes in knowing that my story is being written daily by One whose timeline is superior to mine. That’s the real stuff and I love it!” W
Tom Crone ‘13 Congratulations to Thomas Crone ‘13 for being named to the fall 2014 Dean’s list at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Homecoming/Alumni Dinner WINGSPAN | Summer 2015
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Achievements AWARD RECOGNITION Special Recognition American Legion School Award Madison Laton US Army Reserve StudentAthlete Award Ashlyn Hutchininson Nick Sbravati Academy Appointments and Scholarships US Military Academy at West Point Harrison Floam US Air Force Academy Patrick Lee
Academic Recognition National Merit Scholarship Recipient Eryn Underwood National Merit Scholarship Finalists Harrison Floam Madison Laton Mock Trial Madison Laton PAGE STAR Student Harrison Floam
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WINGSPAN | Summer er 2015
Stephen Werner Sportsmanship Scholarships Emily Harrell Zach Strong Salutatorian Madison Laton Valedictorian Elizabeth Hunt
Servant-Leadership Awards Comcast Leaders and Achievers John Busby French National Honor Society Matthew Brague Ashlyn Peters GE Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation John Troutman Herff Jones Principal’s Award Madison Laton Impact 360 Ryan Moran Key Club Janae Edwards National Honor Society Matthew Brague Hailey Bednar
Peer Mentoring Initiative John Busby Emily Harrell Prudential Spirit of Community Service Hailey Bednar REACH Regina Nasrallah SGA Emily Johnson
Athletics Recognition Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athletes Anna Buehler Aaron Cooper Jack Crone Abby Darling Emily Harrell Ashlyn Hutchinson Elizabeth Hunt Sarah Beth Johnson Courtney McKenzie Jack Rowan Zach Strong Sports Champions of Atlanta Courtney McKenzie Jack Rowan Wendy’s Heisman High School Scholarship Emily Johnson Sara Beth Johnson
Arts Recognition All State Band Josh Arrants
International Thespian Society Matthew Brague Emily Harrell Morgan Williams National Art Honor Society Meghan O’Connell Tri-M Laura Bacchus Ashley Bilson
Special Awards AJC Cup Award Matthew Brague MPCS School Spirit Award Philip Addison Ron Mulkey Eagle Award Matthew Brague Emily Harrell
Academic Scholarships Philip Addison Jake Allen Josh Arrants Laura Bacchus Evan Barnett Lexi Bates Hailey Bednar Ashley Bilson Ansley Bolen Matthew Brague Anna Buehler John Busby Anna Butler Ashton Butler Kennedy Cannon Caroline Cook
Aaron Cooper Kaycie Cornelius Stephen Craig Jack Crone Abby Darling Suzi Davenport Taylor Dunn Mackenzie Evans Harrison Floam Davis Hall Elyse Hammond Emily Harrell Matthew Harrison Jonathan Hicks Elizabeth Hunt Ashlyn Hutchinson Cooper Ingram Emily Johnson Sarah Beth Johnson Sean Johnson Rutty Jones Madison Laton Kayla Lebhaft Cole Liston Cecilia Long Madison Long Graham Massey Courtney McKenzie Margaret Ann Merritt Jake Mezei Lauren Miller Rachel Miller Ryan Moran Regina Nasrallah Kobi Palomaki Ashlynn Peters Ashlyn Ross Jack Rowan Nick Sbravati Nicole Seo Catherine Sigman Amy Spruill Zach Strong Nolan Sullivan
Kimberly Taylor Lexi Taylor John Troutman David Torp Eryn Underwood Madeline Jane Underwood Renee VanHorn Jameson VerSteeg Asher Ward Rico Washington Ian Williams Morgan Williams Nathan Williams Rachel Wilson Margaret Woodruff
Athletics Scholarships Jake Allen Lexi Bates Hailey Bednar Jack Crone Emily Johnson Rutty Jones Patrick Lee Graham Massey Reed Massey Courtney McKenzie Jake Mezei Isaac Phillips Peyton Rusk Graham True Zach Strong Renee VanHorn Dorian Walker Rico Washington Emoni Williams
The class of 2015 has been accepted to some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities.
WHERE ARE THEY GOING? Anderson University* Appalachian State University* Auburn University Auburn University at Montgomery Ave Maria University^ Baylor University Belmont University Berry College*^ Birmingham Southern University* Carson-Newman University Chipola College^ Clemson University*^ College of Charleston* Colorado State University* Converse College Cornell University*^ Duke University Emory at Oxford Florida State University* Furman University^ Gardner-Webb University Georgia College Georgia Gwinnett College^ Georgia Institute of Technology^ Georgia Southern University Georgia State University^ Jacksonville State University* Kennesaw State University Lee University Mercer University^ Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University* Norwich University Presbyterian College* Princeton University Regent University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rollins College* Rutgers University* Samford University* Shorter University Southern Adventist University Texas Christian University The King’s College* Troy University United States Air Force Academy^ United States Military Academy at West Point* University of Alabama*^ University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Central Florida* University of Florida* University of Georgia*^ (20 acceptances) University of Mississippi* University of North Carolina at Greenville University of North Georgia^ University of Oklahoma University of South Carolina* University of Tennessee University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Western Carolina University Wheaton College^ Wingate University* Wofford College^ * Denotes Academic Scholarships ^Denotes College Athletes
Arts Bolsters College Acceptances Written by Dr. Deborah Davis, High School Counselor
Finding the right fit for college is not an easy process. However, senior Matthew Brague was able to do just that as he sought after an educational environment that would challenge him academically and also provide him with the opportunity to continue his passion for dance. Matthew will attend Duke University this fall and will study dance, philosophy, and premedical science. He is excited to attend Duke where he states his participation in the arts program will “influence other areas such as math and science.” He continues, “At Duke, different majors can be intertwined together and impact all areas of learning.” Matthew is a strong academic student graduating with a 4.35 GPA and has exhibited exceptional leadership skills throughout his high school career. As he began applying to Duke and other competitive schools, he was provided guidance that if he used Early Decision combined with an Artistic Supplement it was likely that the 7%-9% acceptance rate at Duke would increase into a +/-45% acceptance rate. Matthew had all the right pieces in his application and was accepted. His years of dance training was an added benefit in his bio that many students do not have. Arts students have unique opportunities to use the skills and talents they have acquired at MPCS to bolster their resumés in order to help them get accepted to the college of their chocie. For Matthew, the best is yet to come as he will be an asset to Duke’s campus. W
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“Reflections on Lake McDonald” Pastel on paper by Rachel Wilson (Grade 12)