WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

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 2012 / VOLUME VI / ISSUE 2

A BIANNUAL PUBLICATION FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS

Celebrating

35 years pg. 6

a community so complete…

A Calling so Compelling…

Exploring Preschool pg.18

Eagles for Life pg. 4

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CONTENTS Features Eagles for Life 16 Career MPCS’ers Reflections MPCS 35th Anniversary

ON THE COVER: PK3 student Owen Collier with graduating Senior, Connor Claussen, who has been an Eagle since he was also three years old.

Imagine Tomorrow Update

What’s New

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MPCS Branding 101 Logos and School Seal Online Book Sales Compelled in their Callings Saying Goodbye and Hello

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16 4

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Spiritual Life True U Service Day

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Baseball: Coach Kyle Reese

24 26

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On-Campus

Re-accreditation Lower School Principal Our Favorite Things

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Middle School Service in Action

20 21

High School PMI and High Q

A Year of Achievements 2011-12 Athletic Programs Middle/High School Performances Awards and Record Growth

Academics Exploring Preschool Sewell Cottage Makeover

GISA Conference Eagle Monument

2012 Class Achievements

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6

Alumni Class Notes

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Athletics / Arts

32 34

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WINGSPAN Summer 2012, Volume VI, Issue 2

Publisher Dr. David Tilley

Editor David Lowery

Graphic Designer Tiffany Westbrook

Contributors

From the Headmaster Dear friends, It was last spring that Stephen Burton, Director of Spiritual Life at MPCS, came to me and shared a thought he had while watching several of our high school students washing cars to raise money for a summer mission trip. He observed several other students who were uninvolved in the trip come by to lend moral, labor, and financial support to the mission group. He heard and watched as our students interacted, and what has become the theme of our school year was revealed to him.

Mount Paran Christian School: A community so complete students never want to leave… a calling so compelling there is no way they can stay.

This phrase may not have the same import to those who are casually involved with our school, but for those who call this campus home–students, parents, and staff–it resonates. To the 1216 students and their families and the more than 200 staff members, it sums up the calling of this place.

As you will read through the pages of this Wingspan, Mount Paran Christian School continues to strive in its efforts to create a place that is so complete in our “Three A’s + faith”–academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual life (depicted below) that no student would ever choose to leave. There is no compromising of excellence on this campus as we seek to serve the total needs of the children and young adults we are privileged to serve. But there is tension between the first and second phrase. While we seek to provide a total experience for our students, we know they are called by God to eventually move from this campus and translate the passion and intellect of a servant’s heart to a lost and dying world that needs the transforming grace of a faithful and loving Father.

Why do we do what we do? For thirty-five years, MPCS has been committed to academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. From its beginnings, this school has held that lofty notion and has worked steadily to see it realized. We do what we do to see the finale–the end of the commencement service when, for twenty-five years now, graduates are prayed for by a staff member of their choice and are sent out, commissioned, to do the work they have been prepared to do. There is nothing that quite defines the totality of that theme any better than the commencement experience. These students have been prepared by classrooms, stage performances, athletic competitions, spiritual retreats, chapels, and by rubbing shoulders with the good minds and hearts that define our staff. They realize their calling is so compelling it is time to live out the Truths that they have been taught.

So, when it all boils down, our calling is to prepare our students for theirs. May God continue to bless us in this effort.

Brenna Bitler Steve Bohlmann Eric Bradley Cary Brague John Braswell Shea Buehler Stephen Burton Pam Copeland Deborah Davis Alecia Ethridge Theresa Gernatt Cindy Gibbs Sandy Hamilton Tiffany Hicks Mitch Jordan Betty June Kauffman David Lowery Meagan Morgan Jennifer New Katy Rogers Tawanna Rusk Steve Shelton David Tilley Randi Terry Tiffany Westbrook

Photographers Coldwater Media Carrie Fisher Jonah Fisher Jake Richardson Jamie Smith 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.

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Features

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EAGLES for Life

Family. A word used by staff, students, parents, and alumni to describe Mount Paran Christian School. But how does a school become a family? What creates this unique bond between teachers and students, families and staff, and families with other families?

Written by Brenna Bitler

Out of the 98 graduating

seniors, look closely at these 16 students who have strolled the halls of MPCS since they were preschoolers. They are the children who truly have grown

up at Mount Paran Christian School. They traveled with the school from the “old” campus to the “new,” and recognize that while the buildings may have changed, the heart of MPCS never has.

Senior Madeline Mulkey describes her MPCS experience: “I have always been supported by an entire community of believers at Mount Paran, not just my family. I’ve always felt at home here, which gave me the best possible learning environment. I’ve literally grown up with the people in my class, so I practically have a second family.”

Another senior, Emily Cameron, shares that same sentiment when describing the school as her “second family” and the students who have been here since preschool as her “brothers and sisters.”

And senior Cam Skinner explains, “Since I’ve been around some of the senior class for over 10 years, a community starts to develop, and when you have bonds like that, it can be difficult to break them.”

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From the 2012 graduating class, a record 16 students began their careers at MPCS in 1998, 1999, and 2000, and have become eagles for life. Pictured back row: Austin Watt, Josh Wilson, Connor Claussen, Caroline Halpin, Anthony Reyna, Katie McCaulay, Cam Skinner, Madeline Mulkey, Rachel Athens, Tyler Crace, Jeff Pearson. Front row: Connor Elsbree, Karly Stroup, Logan Rusk, Emily Cameron, and J.T. Vinson.

It is clear from this group of 16 seniors, that their family’s commitment to Christian education has made a lasting impact on their lives and played a part in their development as young adults. While at MPCS, these students have traveled to England to study literature, flown to distant countries to share God’s love, battled together on the football, soccer, and softball fields, performed on the stage to bring glory to God, ministered to each other in Bible studies, held a few cram sessions for AP exams, shared

Above: 2012 Seniors who began their career at MPCS in PreK 3.

Below: Mrs. Brown’s 1998 PK4 Class – seniors are Tyler Crace, Caroline Halpin, Madeline Mulkey, Anthony Reyna, and Austin Watt.

Left: Mrs. O’Brien’s 1999 Kindergarten Class – seniors are Austin Watt, Cam Skinner, Logan Rusk, Karly Stroup, Caroline Halpin, Josh Wilson, and Connor Claussen.

joy and sadness with teachers who love them, and laughed together while waiting in the Commons.

These moments matter. These moments build memories that last.

“MPCS has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to stand up for my faith and always be loving and generous,” says Logan Rusk. Karly Stroup agrees explaining, “I don’t know who I would be if I hadn’t gone to MPCS. The spiritual impact will always have an effect on me. The friends I have grown up with

I have felt God’s presence in every step at MPCS.

— Connor Claussen, Class of 2012

talk together often, and we hold each other accountable.”

The students have been immersed in the love of Christ and His teachings throughout their schooling.

Katie Macaulay remembers, “From the young age of five, MPCS has taught me about Christ, from the life and story of Christ to the meaning of His word and how to defend it.” And Emily Cameron also feels that “the teachers, the students, the environment have all allowed me to continue to grow and be prepared for the world I’m getting ready to be thrown into.”

The world of these graduates is now changing. They will not walk through familiar halls next year but will travel down new ones. They will be a light on the campus to which they journey. “I know I am ready to move on and have new opportunities to grow and learn in Christ,” says Madeline Mulkey.

MPCS is a community that shares a love of and desire to grow in relationship with Christ. This connection

shapes the decisions of our families and direction of our school. It unifies hundreds of unique individuals designed by a heavenly Father to be different and binds us together. It makes for a complete community while these students are young and calls them on another journey once it is time for them to leave.

These 16 “eagles for life” are now equipped to share this spirit in all that God has planned for them. W

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Features

MPCS 1976-2011

Reflections

Reflections

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Written by Betty June Kauffman Birthdays and anniversaries provide time for reflection and remembrance.

As we turn another page in the life of our school, Wingspan decided to meander down memory lane and to peek into the past. We hope you enjoy the ride.

Beliefs stated on the MPCS website encapsulate the 35-year history of Mount Paran Christian School: Since Mount Paran Christian School first opened its door in 1976, the primary focus has been to provide a solid foundation of academic excellence in a Christcentered environment. Mount Paran’s mission goes hand-in-hand with this concept. The process of uniting home, school, and church by providing this Christcentered foundation prepares young people spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically to glorify God. The result is a community with a true passion for serving and learning.

Happy 35th Birthday, Mount Paran Christian School!

The Early Days (1976–1986) Blooming from a tiny seed-thought planted in the hearts and minds of Judy Thiel and Jean Myrick, Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) continues to grow and flourish some 35 years later. Mrs. Thiel and Mrs. Myrick embraced the vision of a school that focused on individual student needs in a Christian environment. Through the efforts of these two determined ladies and with the support of Mount Paran Central pastor Dr. Paul Walker, the Mount Paran Learning Center began with one class of kindergarten students.

Mrs. Jan Mote, who now works in the business office, has been a part of MPCS since 1976. A preschool teacher for 25 years, Jan has also served as a varsity cheer coach, middle school cheer coach, school receptionist, cash receipt clerk, vending coordinator/purchaser, and accounts payable clerk.

With her children and grandchildren having attended the school, Mrs. Mote has experienced the tremendous growth at MPCS both as an employee and as a parent. “In the early days, students ate sack lunches on the gym floor. Now we have a dining hall with delicious food,” recalls Mote. “I have definitely seen this school grow from that very first kindergarten class that my daughter was in, to this beautiful campus of today. We are blessed to have such a special place.”

Top left: Lower school chapel at Allgood campus. Left: Jan Mote teaches preschool students at Allgood campus.

Right: Jean Myrick, one of the founders of MPCS and principal at the Mount Paran Road campus. Far right: Preschool students outside the “new” Allgood campus.

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All’s Good on Allgood (1986–2003) At the same time that Mount Paran Central was growing, so was the school’s enrollment. When the church purchased the Allgood Road campus, Dr. Paul Walker welcomed the school to share the new property at Mount Paran North. So with David Tilley as principal and Gordon Miller as his assistant, Mount Paran Christian School opened its doors to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 11 in the fall of 1986. This was also the school’s first year of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). With the move to Allgood, Dr. Tilley worked to increase the school’s enrollment, started the high school and athletic department, and celebrated the first graduation class in 1987. It was during these years that the school really developed a feel of family and community.

Hired by Dr. Tilley as a preschool teacher in 1986, Mrs. Naomi Crompton has enjoyed working at MPCS for 26 years. Now the school’s registrar, Mrs. Crompton has served in many roles over her tenure with the school. Her daughter, Heather, has long since graduated (1998) but Mrs. Crompton recalls when MPCS was a little smaller. “We were able to fit the school into one building and all classrooms had ‘dual usage’ with the church. The school classrooms became Sunday school rooms each weekend so we had to pack-up each Friday afternoon and unpack again on Monday morning,” states Mrs. Crompton. “We made it work in those days. How very fortunate we are to have this beautiful and large campus now.”

Having served as a language arts teacher and librarian since 1987, Mrs. Betty June Kauffman has fond memories of the years on Allgood as well.

“Both of my sons, Chris (1996) and Chandler (1999), are MPCS graduates. It was good having them there.” Mrs. Kauffman also recalls the excitement and honor of President George H. W. Bush’s visit to the Allgood campus on May 27, 1992. In a town hall meeting to discuss private school vouchers with the school and community, “President Bush seemed genuinely pleased to be on our campus. He conducted a lively question and answer session in our citizen- and studentpacked gym. It was an unusual sight to look out of the windows and see snipers on the roof of our school building,” recalled Mrs. Kauffman.

Left: Dr. Paul Walker greets President George H.W. Bush during his visit to MPCS. Below: Dr. Tilley conducts a preschool chapel at the Allgood campus.

Media Specialist, Kathy Bridges and mother of four-year-old PreK student, Abbie Bridges, reflected on her years at MPCS. “This is my 24th year at MPCS! I taught for nine years in the high school (French, Spanish, and English) and this is my 15th year working in the media center,” stated Mrs. Bridges. “My classroom at Mount Paran North was on the third floor, across the hall from the all-school art room. I LOVED getting to see the little ones come and go from their art classes every day. It made me feel connected to all areas of the school and remember that it was not just about the students in my classroom. I have always cherished the feeling of family and community at MPCS.” Cindy Gibbs works in the MPCS Development office and is the mother of two MPCS graduates, Jamie (2006) and Austin (2008). Mrs. Gibbs has served at MPCS for 11 years as a paraprofessional for lower school, data base administrator, and now as the assistant director of development. Mrs. Gibbs commented on her favorite Allgood Road memories, “One of the most memorable times for me was when our entire school, church, and neighborhood community came together to build the playground at Mount Paran North in 1997. It was a great event! Teachers, parents, students, administrators, board members coming together to helping one another create a marvelous playground for our school and community,” said Gibbs. “No matter how large we grow, MPCS is still a ‘family’ in my eyes. It is that ‘love and care of family’ that makes this place unique.”

this school’s 35-year history is more than what this campus identifies. – Dr. David Tilley, Headmaster

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Moving Forward (2003–Present) Under the leadership of headmaster Susan King and board chairman Ron Mulkey, the school continued to grow at the Mount Paran North Church campus on Allgood Road. Discussions emerged of a move to a new property that would be independent from the church and, after years of discussions, searches, negotiations, ideas, and plans, the Stanley Road property was purchased and developed. With joy and celebration, MPCS opened on its magnificent new campus in the fall of 2003. Now, a decade later, we are the school of choice for more than 1200 students.

MPCS headmaster, Dr. David Tilley, has come full circle in the history of MPCS. As a school advocate and board member, he was instrumental in the school’s 1976 opening. He reflects as he recalls the move from Mount Paran Road to Allgood Road, “I remember being blessed as we sang ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’ that first morning before school began.”

After answering calls to serve at Lee University and Houghton University, Dr. Tilley returned as headmaster of MPCS in 2004. Since his return, the school has experienced tremendous growth in our key areas of academics, athletics, and arts while never losing sight of our spiritual component. His tenure with MPCS and his passion for its success are captured in his words, “This school’s history is more than what this campus identifies.” Absolutely!

Rather impressive increase from that tiny seed thought, don’t you agree?

God is faithfully true to His Word. The Apostle Paul expresses it well…

No Matter how large we grow, mpcs is still a ‘Family’ in my eyes.

– Mrs. Cindy Gibbs

Betty June Kauffman has dedicated 25 years of service to MPCS and will be retiring this summer. I have known Betty June for more years than she or I would ever admit. She taught for me in public school, taught my daughter in preschool, was an English teacher at “the old campus” in my early days as headmaster before coming to serve as media specialist at our current facility. Betty June is a quality professional with a humble and generous spirit. Her love for the Lord translated in everything she has done, and we all have benefitted from her presence. We wish her well! — Dr. David Tilley

I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase. So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.

— I Corinthians 3: 6-7 (Amplified) To God be the glory!

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Top Left: Former Board Chairman, Ron Mulkey, at the dedication of the new playground at Allgood campus.

Left/Below: Construction site of the Stanley Road campus.

35 Years of MPCS Leadership Judy Thiel: 1976–1977 Jean Myrick: 1977–1982 Vernon Klaudt: 1982–1984 David Tilley: 1984–1988 Gerald Cooper: 1988 Gary Ray: 1988–1990 James Heyman: 1990–1992 Susan King: 1992–2004 David Tilley: 2004–present

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Capital Campaign Cabinet: A Team Effort Written by Jennifer New As Chairs of the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign, Dale and Cindy Hughes have assembled a stellar Cabinet of volunteers to provide leadership to the campaign and give our MPCS community ownership of the vision and goals.

They’ve identified the key ways in which our MPCS community should be involved in this historic campaign. This Capital Campaign Cabinet and its subset teams will work to engage the entire MPCS community in reaching the goals of the three phases of the campaign. Here is what you can expect from the Cabinet and Teams: Leadership and Major Gifts Team The Leadership and Major Gifts Team will have the joy of cultivating relationships with prospective donors who could catapult our school to the next level with a major gift. This team will assist the development office in researching and identifying prospective donors, cultivating donor relationships, and scheduling personal visits. The members of this team will eagerly share their passion for MPCS and own personal story with prospective donors. Specifically, team members will be asked to help identify new “friends” for the school, as well as open doors by scheduling and attending donor visits sharing the campaign vision. Occasionally, these team members may be asked to participate in a foundation visit.

Education and Inspiration Team Crank up the MPCS community! The Education and Inspiration Team will take responsibility for building a strong awareness of the capital campaign, keeping the message current based on the stages of the campaign, and, in general, preparing the field of donors to be asked. This team could also be dubbed “The Storytellers.” Capturing some MPCS stories to share with donors will make the difference in whether and how much someone gives. The team will also work to spread the word about the goals and current focus of the campaign as well as delivering community feedback to the chairs and development staff. In conjunction with the marketing and communications staff at MPCS, the committee will work to keep the campaign excitement up and personal commitment level high among our school community through transparent reporting of progress and priorities. They may also be asked, especially toward the end of the campaign, to support event and fundraiser-type activities generated by the other two committees.

Connections Team Probably the biggest long-term impact will be made by the Connections Team. Largely, their role will be establishing and maintaining the relationships of MPCS with its friends (including families, donors, stakeholders, etc.). Their focus is less on the gift and more on the long-lasting relationship. This team will assist the other volunteers and staff with involving and engaging donors at MPCS, thanking donors, stewardship, and overall strengthening their connection to the school through inviting them to attend events (games, performances, etc.). They will take responsibility for the planning and logistics of any “party” (not ho-hum events) which support the overall efforts of the capital campaign and ignite passion, excitement, and commitment. This might include things like kick-off parties, private home parties, recognizing donors, and celebrating successes. This team will be critically important in cultivating relationships for the school, growing commitment and engagement, and in keeping the excitement of the campaign high. Additionally, the Connections Team will work on fundraising from our families and grassroots donors to the school. W

Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign Team Members: Frank and Libby Barnett Steve and Lori Cannon Rob and Carole Chaput Shawn and Angie Davis Russell and Sandy Dawson David and Lea Fisher Larry and Patti Harvey Dana and Heather Hermanson Dale and Cindy Hughes, Chairs Bob and Linda Hunt Wally and Debi Johnson Andrew and Ashley Jones Scott and Kimbrell Kimbrough Darin and Laurie Kraetsch Lance and Julie Lovell Jim and Suzanne Perry Sherm and Bett Smith Ad-hoc committee members: Dr. David Tilley, George Ethridge, Jennifer New, Theresa “Tag” Gernatt, and David Lowery

phase 1 GOAL: $16,500,000

Remaining: $2,100,000

$14,400,000

87%

MPCS Donors to date All Families, Friends, Corporations and Foundations

The Time is Now!

$11,500,000

With the end of the year Phase One deadline fast approaching, now is the time to invest in the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign. We are encouraging all of our MPCS families, friends, and alumni to intentionally pray about getting involved. It takes the body of Christ to accomplish a goal such as this, and we know He is faithful. Please consider joining in these efforts and create a legacy for the generations of MPCS servant-leaders ahead.

How can I give to help accomplish the goal?

challenge. (Ex. A $30,000 pledge in annual payments of $10,000 counts as $30,000 toward the challenge goal.)

• Giving is a personal decision based on each family’s set of unique factors. However, we ask that you stretch your faith and make a gift above your normal giving.

• S pread the word to grandparents, family friends, relatives, and business colleagues who have the ability to make a major gift.

• A one-time gift of cash or a multi-year pledge (over three years) will both be counted toward our goal. In other words, if making a multi-year pledge enables your family to commit more, we are able to count the full amount toward the

• T here are multiple and various named gift opportunities available throughout campus including the Murray Arts Center, academic spaces, and athletic facilities. Contact the Development Office for a complete list.

Annonymous foundation challenge $10,000.000

Murray Foundation

We need you!

If you are ready to discuss a gift or have questions, please contact the Development Office.

Jennifer New, Dr. Tilley or a parent volunteer will be happy to review the details of the campaign with you. Thanks!

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What’s new

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Mount paran christian school

Identity 101 Written by Tiffany Westbrook

The Charge Since last August, I have had the privilege of working as the graphic designer in the marketing department of Mount Paran Christian School.

Dr. Tilley didn’t waste time assigning me my first important project which had been on his mind for quite some time: the MPCS school seal. This was something that, in 35 years, the school had never established but could have utilized on numerous occasions.

Being new to the school, I had a lot to learn about how MPCS had been branded internally and publicly. From uniforms to athletic eagles and multiple shades of blue, the need for a more consistent brand across the board became apparent. As I began the design process on the seal, I found that a fresh eye was going to be required to get our entire school identity in check.

First Things First Establishing a clear, consistent brand truly is the key component in representing who we are as an organization to those who might benefit. My job is to clarify what this school is all about and communicate that identity graphically to our families, staff, and throughout our community. It is critical that we market our brand often, consistently, and with boldness.

So who are we?

Simply put, Mount Paran Christian School carries out its mission within four distinct areas: Spiritual Life, Academics, Athletics, and Arts. From the classroom, court, stage or mission field, everything our students participate in relates to one of these areas; hence the need for a “family” of brands within the overall school umbrella.

The Result I would like to introduce the inclusive Mount Paran Christian School brand identity. My sincere prayer is that from this introduction, our families will glean a clear vision of what we are about, and that moving forward there will be a universal understanding of how each of our logos apply. When you see them in print in the PIP folders, on spirit wear, or in advertising, the goal is to gain instant recognition of the programs that MPCS offers. My desire is that our families will join me in embracing this newly improved identity as we forge ahead proudly towards a whole new level of excellence.

Each logo will serve to represent the 4 areas of MPCS: Spiritual Life, Academics, Athletics, and Arts. All will fall under the main school logo and can accompany one another. Logos must be used in approved colors or in black and white and in proper proportions.

Athletics: MPC verses MPCS? Many people have asked our department about the letters in the athletic logo. We thought we’d help set the record straight about the distinction and protocol for athletic branding.

Because there are so many churches, streets, and organizations using the name Mount Paran in the Atlanta area, it has been determined that our school must

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distinguish itself. In formal text, our standard will be to refer to the school in its full name spelling out the word “Mount,” or using the abbreviated MPCS. It is also acceptable to refer to the athletic program using MPC or Mount Paran Christian. In sports-related communications, including the word “Christian” will help to set us apart from other high schools and be a reminder of what our program is truly about.

YOU can help!

Seal Symbolism

The MPCS seal signifies academics and achievement and will be used for academic applications and commencement. Fides Et Intellectus Simul Unus is the latin phrase for our school tagline “where faith and intellect grow as one.” The unifying laurel indicates triumph, victory, distinction, success, accomplishment, and peace. The header banner indicates the year of establishment and, in essence, our history.

The shield derived from the school logo represents the “shield of faith” referenced in Ephesians 6:16 when speaking about putting on the full armor of God in order to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Now with a true purpose, this shield’s four quadrants display the four key areas within our school.

First and foremost, the cross of Calvary is the unapologetic and boldest icon of Jesus and the Christian faith. The flowered-style cross depicts “one who has conquered” with a classical appearance and includes three end caps symbolizing the “trinity”.

Just as architectural icons represent academia, the MPCS campus buildings, with their distinct architectural characteristics of both university and religious institutions, will symbolize our academic excellence. The seal as a whole will serve as the academic logo.

For athletics, our eagle head is an obvious symbol of strength, bravery, nobility, courage, alertness and fortitude. The eagle faces to the right, striving forward.

Finally, the arts lyre is a musical instrument that accompanies a singer, poetry reader or performer and will be the icon to encompass all the fine and performing arts programs. Each of these four symbols are displayed in the four area logo designs.

What about the Murray Arts Center?

Throughout the brand exploration, it became obvious that the Murray Arts Center, serving as a unique entity, was not clearly a part of the overall MPCS identity. Now that the school has acquired the facility, it is necessary to include the Murray Arts Center as another building on campus. However, it also serves as an exemplary events facility to the general community. To accomplish this unity of function, an updated Murray Arts Center (and SoundLab) logo design has been created. It integrates the school logo, fonts, and red of the shield and arts related brands. It conveys the contemporary look of a modern performing arts venue but still shows that it is now a part of the Mount Paran Christian School family identity. W

Please join us in our efforts in marketing our new family of logos. If you have any old eagle head or MP lettered items such as car magnets, shirts, or decals, we humbly request that you “retire” them. We will be happy to exchange your car magnets for the new MPC logo. Visit the Eagles Nest school store for the latest in school or athletic apparel and decals. All MPCS families can help show off our great school by wearing the logos proudly!

If you have any marketing or communications needs for any school-related function, please contact the marketing department for guidance on how we can help you best promote the event using the official MPCS logos. Thank you!

Online Textbooks

Written by Steve Bohlmann and Katy Rogers While Mount Paran Christian School has intentionally maintained an in-house textbook operation to date, we recently signed a contract with MBS Direct, one of the nation’s largest textbook distributors. Increasingly, the technological opportunities available in K-12 education make this agreement both a timely and progressive move. As a result, several important changes in our textbook purchasing model will begin during the 2012-2013 school year.

By moving textbook purchasing to MBS Direct, our families will enjoy the following advantages: • ability to purchase books at their convenience via online, fax, or telephone purchases, having books delivered to their home; • f ree shipping from July 10-24 on orders more than $99 through the online bookstore; • t extbooks and novels in a digitally downloaded format that are less expensive than a physical book, reducing the weight of student backpacks coming home; • a Guaranteed Buyback Program for topselling textbook titles; and • b uying power benefits that include a significant new and used book inventory, service quality, and efficiency with 24/7 customer service.

This important change has been a collaborative effort. As we make this transition, we wish to express our gratitude to the book sales team for their excellent efforts in serving our students and the families of MPCS in past years!

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What’s new

Immersed in Community, Compelled in their Callings

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Two respected MPCS staff members step out in faith; two more will take over their missions

Written by Brenna Bitler One of the greatest compliments alumni can pay their school is to return, to stay connected, to stay invested. Matthew Peach has never stopped investing in his alma mater, Mount Paran Christian School.

Peach began his educational career in Mrs. Crompton’s pre-school classroom on the original MPCS campus. He traveled through lower, middle, and high school. He has experienced MPCS as a student and continued to impact this school community as Director of Informational Technology.

His interest in technology was fostered as a high school student here. “During my junior year, I had the opportunity to help the IT department with projects around the school. At that time, the MPCS IT department consisted of one staff member and one server sitting in a broom closet, so there was much room to grow. Throughout my junior and senior years I had the incredible learning experience of working in the IT Department as the projects became more complex and varied.

That experience sparked an excitement in working with technology in a different manner than I had accomplished in the past,” explains Peach.

Upon graduation, Matthew decided to pursue media Arts and computer animation at the Art Institute of Atlanta, but he stayed connected to Mount Paran Christian. While in college he worked part-time for the school, assisting in the construction of a new network for the school’s new Stanley Road campus. After college, he joined the MPCS family full-time as the Network Administrator for the IT Department, and later as Director.

Rhonda Robinson, Academic Technology Specialist, describes him as “a true example of the mission of the school. The godly values show daily in all that he does. He has the ability to work towards a solution in the utmost confident manner for the good of the school.”

Leanne Galloway, IT department, believes that “Mount Paran imprinted him with a faithful and servant heart, no doubt. His faithfulness is contagious.”

Giving back to a community that played such a vital role in his growth has been a unique and rewarding experience. Matthew will be stepping out into the world beyond MPCS as he explores more of the creative side of technology in his career path. As Matthew prepares for what lies in his future, he reminisces,“My relationship with God has always been at the forefront of the experience at MPCS. As a student, there were so many teachers with whom I formed close relationships that helped me grow spiritually and mentally, and I feel that hasn’t changed even to this day and now as I follow this calling.”

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

Matthew Peach has been a part of Mount Paran Christian School since he was three, and is a 2001 graduate.

Welcoming New Directors Mr. David Bennett | Director of IT Joining Mount Paran Christian School in the role of Director of Information Technology for 2012-13 is Mr. David Bennett.

Originally from Niles, Michigan, and having attended Southwestern Michigan College, Dave is a 1987 transplant to Atlanta. He comes to us with 27 years of experience in the information technology field, eleven years of which was specifically in independent school education. Dave served nine of those years at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where he deployed a 2-to-1 student technology initiative and helped GACS win a prestigious national award from Apple.

He has in-depth experience with the academic and infrastructure technologies. If we had to lose Matthew, we are blessed that God has brought us someone who is uniquely qualified to lead our next faithful steps in information technology.

We are thrilled to welcome David Bennett to the Mount Paran Christian School family. With wife, Donna, Dave has a son, Michael, who is the youth pastor at the Mandarin Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL, and two beautiful granddaughters.

M

Written by David Tilley

Mr. Jim Rismiller came to MPCS with his wife, Jeanette, in 1999. His move to Georgia from Virginia came as a result of an invitation from then headmaster, Susan King, to serve the middle and high schools as principal.

After serving in that role for a year, Jim accepted the role of Director of Operations, a position which he has held for the past 12 years. A man of many talents, Jim has taught accounting and personal finance in addition to coaching football, basketball, and baseball. He is retiring to spend time in his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, where he has accepted a position as adjunct professor of financial management at Young Harris College.

There are very few people who have not been directly affected by Jim’s work

Mr. John Sess | Director of Operations What brought John and Karen Sess to Mount Paran Christian School wasn’t the prospect of a job. These parents found MPCS in search of a place where Christian character and their family’s spiritual values would be reinforced in their two children, Danielle and John Robert. That’s not unlike most MPCS parents who seek a strong academic program with an unapologetic commitment to Christian values and ethics. In addition to an education for their children, however, Karen and John found God’s direction for themselves, as well. Karen has worked in preschool and, in May 2012, John joined the MPCS administrative team as the new Director of Operations.

When asked why this position felt like a “fit” for John, he stated, “The school is an extension of our family. What could be better than ‘living it” with my children day-in and day-out in a place I love and in a position I feel God prepared me for and led me to?”

The position in Operations provides for very diverse and demanding responsibilities––everything from maintenance to custodial; athletic facility management to transportation; security to landscape; and project management to government regulations compliance. Having served as a business executive, HR director, chief financial officer, construction manager, and strategic planner makes John uniquely positioned to meet the growing challenges of this department.

John expressed excitement about his challenging new role.

“Jim (Rismiller) has set high standards, and I want to carry on this tradition and aspire to take this department to new levels of excellence and customer service.

I look forward to opportunities for future growth at MPCS,” he remarked.

Though challenges will certainly face the new Director of Operations. Dr. Tilley expressed that he has no doubt John is up to the task, stating, “We are pleased that a man of John’s character, style, skill set, and experience has agreed to join our team.” Welcome, John!

in Operations. His world has touched every constituency group, but it is clear to which group he has most affection and loyalty. “I do this because of the kids!” Jim said with great pride. He talks warmly about wanting the depth and quality of his spiritual walk to be the legacy he leaves behind for the students he has served. When asked about a fond memory, he did not hesitate.

He talked about his JV girls basketball team that went 11-4. More than the wins and losses, he recalls the positive relationships he made with the girls that continue to this day.

The quality of Jeanette’s work in the classroom has been a standard for MPCS high school teachers. She will be sorely missed. Jim stated, “The fact that Jeanette and I have been able to work together in the same environment for 13 years has been unique and satisfying. I thank God for that opportunity.” The Rismillers have truly been a dynamic and transformative team!

Jim recounts with fondness the growth of the school from 647 to 1220 during his time at MPCS; the construction of the current campus as well as the facilities that have been added since the move; the amazing growth of the athletic program over the past eight years; and the quality students and staff with whom he has had the opportunity to work. Mount Paran Christian School applauds Jim and Jeanette for their contribution to the development of this campus. They have both aided in making MPCS a community in which students feel loved and accepted. Dr. Tilley stated, “This couple has been an integral part of the life of this campus for years, and they have given sacrificially and with excellence to make this a better place for students. We thank God for them and wish them well as they are compelled to share their faith and wealth of knowledge in North Georgia” W

MPCS Welcomes New Staff Members Sara Allegood, Media Specialist | Dave Bennett, Director of Information Technology| Dianne Blasé, Middle School French | Jenn Bonn, High School French | Chrissy Camp, Middle School P.E. | Angela Coleman, High School Spanish | Stephanie Copeland, ASC Nurse | Audrey Hughes, Lower School Spanish | Lindy Jones, Third Grade Teacher | Neysa Jordan, Speech Pathologist | Heather Kington, Fourth Grade Teacher | Michele Lumpkin, High School Science | Mimi Merritt, Preschool Teacher | Janie Niswonger, Lower/Middle School Administrative Assistant | Greg Phillips, Middle School Social Studies | John Sess, Director of Operations | Catina Taliaferro, Lower School Paraprofessional | Carrie Thompson, Middle School Directed Studies| Brenda Worley, High School Math We’ll miss you Mrs. Derrer! Any student who has been through fifth grade at MPCS during the past 18 years has been positively impacted

by Mrs. Barbara Derrer. As her co-workers and parents will attest, Mrs. Derrer is one of the most dedicated, hard-working, caring, and supportive teachers they know. Since 1994, Mrs. Derrer has poured her life into teaching, but also spearheaded the “Happy Birthday, Jesus” service project each year as well as the beloved trip to Camp Wahsega.

Though Mrs. Derrer is retiring to enjoy her nine grandchildren, we won’t let her go far, as she will be assisting as a substitute teacher for us this coming year! Thank you, Mrs. Derrer, for your unwavering devotion to MPCS and the hundreds of students you have served through the years.

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

13

Spiritual Life

True U On-Campus Written by Eric Bradley I Peter 3:15 instructs Christians to “be ready to give an answer at all times.” To that end, Focus on the Family created the True U video series to enable college-bound Christian students to defend their faith. Brad Smith and other high school staff members have taught from the True U series for years, so we were thrilled when Focus on the Family selected MPCS to host the filming of portions of episodes three and four of the series.

As a result, leading Christian apologists, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. Del Tackett, Dr. Stephen Meyer, and Dr.

session, each speaker spent about thirty minutes conducting a question-

Peter Kreeft addressed our students for

and-answer session with a small group of seniors. Reflecting back on the

three days in February, lecturing on an array

experience, Robby Quarles (class of 2012) shared, “True U was a wonderful

of topics concerning the life of Christ. As

experience. It was a chance to bolster our faith through listening to some of

noted by high school science teacher, Brad

the world’s leading Christian minds. The truths presented were invaluable;

Smith, “We want students to think about

it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

the big questions in life, to know that there

With such a gifted group, it was no surprise that students connected

are answers to those questions, and to

with different aspects of the presentations. Freshman Emily Johnson (class

understand that the answers reinforce

of 2015) noted that she loved the way Dr. Tackett spoke on things “we can

their faith. Walking in the Truth begins with

actually apply to our lives today.” Alex Bowsher (class of 2013) also liked Dr.

understanding the Truth, and True U helps to

Tackett, but noted that “Dr. Craig was extremely good as well—he is insanely

provide a framework for exploring that Truth.”

intelligent.” Amy Blom (class of 2012) noted that she gained something

Each of the featured speakers addressed

from each of the speakers, stating that “often either the rational or the

a topic in his specialty area: Dr. Zacharias

emotional side of Christianity is singled out and focused on, but True U was

illustrated the differences between Christ

a perfect combination of the two. Arguments by Dr. Craig and Dr. Meyer

and “other gods”; Dr. Craig spoke on

demonstrated the reasonability or rationality of Christianity while personal

the historicity of the resurrection; Dr.

stories by Ravi Zacharias and advice by Del Tackett touched me emotionally

Tackett analyzed the significance of Jesus’

and impassioned me for God.”

genealogy; and Dr. Kreeft demonstrated

The filming of True U on-site also allowed for several MPCS students to get

the divinity of Christ. Dr. Meyer provided the

a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Members of the Dozier

introductory and concluding presentations

School of Performing Arts assisted with the load-in, served in the hospitality

for the series. At the conclusion of each

area, and worked alongside the technical crew during the actual filming. W

Written by Tiffany Hicks

First Annual Run for the World

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

The inaugural MPCS Run For The World 5k Fun Run was a great success. On Saturday, April 28, just under 200 participants came out to help raise support for MPCS summer missions to countries around the world, including Ethiopia, Peru, and Dominican Republic and to promote wellness within the community. Fundraisers like Run For The World, which raised nearly $4000, can make a huge impact, not only on those with whom the mission teams may come in contact, but they can also eternally impact the lives of the students who participate. Next year’s race is already in the works!

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Service Day 2012

Written by Alecia Ethridge, Parent Volunteer Few schools retain the service focus found at Mount Paran Christian School.

gifts received come in the form of new friendships, an increased awareness,

This year, students from grades three-12 went out into the community to serve

and the opportunity to expand their horizons and see God work in a new way.

those around them. Even the preschool–second graders served by hosting

Many of the projects that students undertake involve helping the homeless,

a luncheon for the elderly, packing kits for the families of children in NICU,

reading to underprivileged children, visiting the elderly, arranging care

and making items for the summer mission trips organized by MPCS.

packages for military personnel, and preparing summer camp facilities that

While the community is impacted by the 975+ grade school children serving

are used for ministry. Each of these activities, along with a host of others,

together, the greatest impact lies in the lasting effects in the hearts of the

revealed the many blessings that each student has received. Instead of

students as they learn to look beyond themselves and serve others as

observing those less fortunate, MPCS students met the physical needs of their fellow man and maybe even the spiritual needs.

Christ did. Going beyond assistance and unpaid labor, these students set an example for observers as they show what Christianity looks like when it is lived, not merely taught or spoken. Acts 20:35 states, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Despite the quality of academics taught at

no amount of time in a classroom can teach a lesson such as this.

As I write, a story comes to mind that epitomizes the essence of service day and how the experience penetrates the hearts of the students as much as that of the community. When getting ready to reload the bus after a day of serving in a homeless shelter, a high school student was asked why he had no shoes. His response was simple, and yet profound, “There was someone who needed them more than I did.” No amount of time in a classroom can teach a lesson such as this. Far beyond

MPCS, the faculty and staff realize that there are certain concepts that cannot be appropriately conveyed in a classroom. So

blessing the homeless man who received a new pair of shoes, all those who

in an effort to raise up servant-leaders who are equipped for the unique

heard of this student’s gift were amazed at the generosity that flowed out of

purposes God intends, the faculty and staff view Service Day as a day

the heart of this student as he met the needs of a single man as he acted

of utmost importance. Children are pushed and stretched through the

as the hands and feet of Christ.

unconventional means of school-wide service. The younger students work

Service Day 2012 truly lived up to the theme of “a community so com-

side-by-side with the older students and faculty as they serve others, yet,

plete… and a calling so compelling” where students experienced both in a

no matter how much students and staff give, they always receive more. The

profound way. W

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

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Academics

T Preschool

Written by Shea Buehler

Sewell Cottage Makeover

The 2011-2012 school year brought fresh changes in the Sewell Cottage. By the first day of school, the preschool had been furnished with a new indoor “village” play area, complete with slide and imaginary play storefronts, to further the cottage theme. The village, constructed in Utah and transported here to our campus, was a result of a donation by the Graham Family Foundation. The Graham Family generously made their gift to enhance the preschool experience. In addition, their gift also initiated the purchase of the school’s first SMART Table. The PTF later purchased two more for the preschool.

When students returned after the new year, they were surprised by a fresh coat of paint and townsquare murals painted on the walls to reflect the fun, community-like feel you get when you visit the building. MPCS parents and artists, Kristen Larsen and Jill Alford, worked tirelessly to complete the vibrant whimsical murals in the front reception area, the Connections Room, (home base to many of our preschool interactive exploratories) as well as adding a three-dimensional tree and accents to the commons area of the cottage.

The front reception area also received a makeover with the addition of a new desk in the entryway, which was custom-built around the preschool’s beloved resident African albino frog, named Lilly. MPCS family, Ross and Tiffany Westbrook recognized the important transformation that was initiated in the preschool and helped to complete the Sewell Cottage facelift by donating the front desk construction and materials, including picket fence and poured concrete countertop. The desk enhances the outdoor cottage patio feeling as you enter the building. New canvas photo enlargements of our own three- and four-year-old students completed the new look.

MPCS Re-Accreditation

Written by Steve Bohlmann

While school accreditation renewal is a process common to schools everywhere, at MPCS it means so much more. On March 27, Mr. John Marshall, the chairman of our accreditation team, addressed the MPCS community at the conclusion of his team’s three-day visit. Offering closing encouragement, Mr. Marshall commended MPCS through the reiteration of a statement that a parent shared with him, “What you see at Mount Paran is what you get.” He further commended MPCS families and staff for the Christ-centered mission and partnership that permeate every aspect of the school’s operation.

To be sure, MPCS faithfully engages in the processes that define accreditation renewal: systematic data collection, institutional critique, and strategic planning for

the refinement of instructional systems. But much more importantly, accreditation renewal at MPCS is a time to celebrate God’s grace. Therefore, as we move forward in our strategic journey, refining the use of student learning data, enhancing our instructional program’s already strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, and building a more diverse school community, we can be thankful for this—our school improvement plan remains faithful to our purpose. Our instructional strategy for the next five years continues to provide a roadmap for “preparing servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.” All that is foundational to MPCS, therefore, remains secure. And the grace that we celebrate today will most certainly be the grace that we celebrate tomorrow. W

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

E

EXPLORING Exploratories Written by Shea Buehler and Randi Terry

Exploratory classes offered at Mount Paran Christian School truly set our preschool apart from the rest. Students participate weekly in a wide variety of classes outside of their assigned preschool room. They visit the Connections room for Spanish, music, technology, science, and cooking.

Other exploratory options in which our preschool children participate include art, P.E., and story time in the Myrick Media Center of the Mulkey Building. From playing the maracas in Spanish, singing about dinosaurs in music, engaging in science centers that allow a handon approach to learning about topics such as polar bears and ocean animals, MPCS preschool students are encountering topics in various methods that allow learning to be concrete.

Hands down, our preschool children would vote the technology class taught by Mrs. Randi Terry as one of their favorite classes. The preschool technology curriculum this year was enhanced by the addition of three SMART Tables.

The SMART Table has a large touch screen interface, similar to an iPad. This allows students an opportunity to interact with current technology instead of the traditional tabletop computers.

While the SMART Table is amazing just to see and play with, it is what you can do with it as an educator that truly sets it apart. Each activity is fully customizable, from background graphics, to questions asked and pictures used

within the activity. This year, the preschool staff was able, through projects developed in-house as well as shared information from educators across the country, to specifically match and support the MPCS preschool curriculum during technology classes. Because the touch screen interface is so intuitive, especially to these young learners, the pre- schoolers catch on from day one and are able to concentrate on the learning rather than worrying about how to use the technology. In addition, every activity on the SMART Table gives the students feedback as they work, which motivates them and promotes independent learning.

For the 2012-2013 school year iPads will be introduced into the technology curriculum.

The iPads will give students access to the latest educational apps and open up a world of possibilities for enhancing and supporting the standard preschool curriculum. Given the portability of this device, iPads will be taken into the students’ classroom during specific units, to be used as a center or for a specific learning experience.

The preschool program in the Sewell Cottage is always expanding and challenging students of today to learn and interact so they will be prepared for their future academic career within the walls at Mount Paran Christian School as well as life beyond this campus. Stop by and visit us anytime to see learning in action. W

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

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Academics

O,

Our favorite things Lower School Highlights

Written by Tawanna Rusk and Deborah Davis Over the course of the last month, various parents, friends and neighbors have asked me to reflect on my first year as Lower School Principal at MPCS. My answer is always the same: I am blessed beyond measure—I LOVE MY JOB!! God has been extremely gracious and poured out new blessings each day. My prayer is that I have shared His love with my students, parents, and staff. No one but God could design a school year filled with more perfect moments. Here are few of our favorite things!

Chapel Wednesday mornings, a time of worship and praise for our God is by far the highlight of each week. Growing and guiding students in their walk with the Lord is what we are about. Whether we are being blessed by Mr. Burton, Mrs. Duncan, one of the staff, one of our classes, some of our students, or someone from our community; we all look forward to our Wednesday morning worship.

As a teacher, I still appreciate the opportunity to pray with my students.

The Braves Trip Take me out to the ball game! Ask any kindergartener what one of — Sherry Anderson, their favorite things about lower school is and you will hear, “Our Third Grade Paraprofessional trip to the stadium with our dads!”

A great afternoon is had by all, as fathers and their children tour the stadium and spend the day together celebrating America’s favorite pastime.

Power Lunch with Dad Not many events happen that bring as much joy to the faces of the teachers, students, and parents as the first grade’s power lunch with dads. Students love sharing an afternoon with their father eating lunch, working on a project, and playing various games outside.

Time well spent and a memory for all.

To celebrate the 100th day of school, our Mother’s Day Tea For many Mount Paran Christian School mothers, the first grade tea is a memory that will last a lifetime. All dressed up and ready for a party, the first graders host their moms for a morning of tea and goodies.

Each mother is presented with a one-of-akind portrait.

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

resident 100-year-old woman (a.k.a. Tawanna Rusk) paid the Kindergarten a visit this year.

Exploratory Classes All lower school students are blessed by the extraordinary team of exploratory teachers. Students enjoy their time in art, technology, Spanish, PE, music, band, and orchestra. Whether they are competing to find the most items with Spanish written on them, designing masks out of clay, learning how to use the touch screen computers, playing a new game in the gym, or creating wonderful sounds on their instruments, all students enjoy their time in exploratory classes.

Fried Worms Third grade developed their palates with Mrs. Rusk as they identified with Billy, the main character from How to Eat Fried Worms. Mrs. Rusk topped her worm with salsa, ranch dressing, jelly, and parmesan cheese… Yum!!!

State Fair Day A favorite memory for fourth graders is sharing information and food about the state they have researched and studied. Teachers and students always enjoy the museum walk and the special treats brought in to share with classmates.

I enjoy the children’s hugs and their enthusiasm for every activity we do each day.

— Mrs. Baker, First Grade Teacher

Stretch It All second grade students took their math skills to a new level this year.

Students were grouped for each unit of study to enhance their math abilities and experience working with students outside their classroom.

Camp Wahsega What a way to culminate our lower school experience! Each year fifth grade students end their year with a camping trip. Students enjoy searching for wildlife in the stream, holding various snakes, learning survival skills in the woods, and most importantly, worshiping together through hearing testimonies from fathers and praising Christ together in chapel. This year our worship service was led by rising seniors Chris Chaput and Tuck Alford.

The two were true examples of servant leaders as they stood before the fifth graders and showed their love for Christ. A favorite memory for many students… even these two young men reflected on their own experience at Camp Wahsega when they were in fifth grade. W

Support Through Speech

Written by Katy Rogers Mount Paran Christian School is pleased to announce the addition of a Speech/Language Pathologist to our full-time staff for the 2012-2013 school year. This position will serve preschool, lower school, and middle school students who have an identified need for speech and language services. By enlisting the skills of a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist, we will complete our community of support services for our students.

Mrs. Neysa Jordan will fill the position of the full-time Speech/Language pathologist for MPCS. Mrs. Jordan graduated from the University of Georgia with a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and received a Master of Education degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Valdosta State University.

She has been working with children in a public school educational setting for fifteen years. Mrs. Jordan has been employed by Floyd and Bartow County school systems as a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist, and most recently has been employed as a Speech/Language Pathologist by Cobb County schools. She brings a wealth of experience with a variety of speech and communication disorders, as well as extensive knowledge of language disorders that affect school success. Mrs. Jordan is excited to join the rest of her family, Mallory, Claire, Riley (pictured) and her husband, High School Athletic Director, Mitch Jordan at MPCS. We are certain that the addition of this integral role to our school community will positively affect student outcomes.

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

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Global Interest Academics

W

Written by Stephen Shelton and Stephen Burton

middle school

Service in Action

We are constantly dreaming up creative and innovative ways to cause our mission “to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth” to go from theory to practice and from head to heart in the lives of our students. And though we have in no way arrived at a complete formula, every now and then we land on something that lets us know we are moving in the right direction. Of course we are biased, but we see Service in Action (SIA), a quarterly eighth grade exploratory class as one such example of this.

The big picture goal for Service in Action is to help students develop a life-applicable definition of servant-leadership through in-class discussion and school-wide service opportunities. By the end of the nine-week experience we hope students see servant-leadership from what we call a “3D” perspective. That is, we want them to have a holistic definition of the concept, begin to see how God has uniquely designed them to lead, and begin pinpointing specific desires or passions they have for various areas of service.

Our approach to the class is deeply strategic while at the same time being loosely structured. During any given week you may find our students in action as dining hall assistants, preschool mentors, art helpers, recycle coordinators, or carpool facilitators…just to name a few. A great deal of flexibility is required to allow for this kind of activity.

We welcome the flexibility. One day we may keep all the students in class for an engaging conversation about the importance of taking initiative and having integrity as a leader. The next day you may find our kids painting faces and playing musical chairs with the second grade for their end-of-the-year party.

As you can see, every week brings a new set of possibilities, which plays into our strategy perfectly. We want the SIA experience to be unlike any other hour in their school day. Building relationships is another major factor in the strategy for the class. Without fail, there is a moment every nine weeks when I, [Stephen Shelton], find myself frozen in my tracks by the insightful comments of a student I am for the first time getting to know. Inevitably, the next words out of my mouth are, “I had no idea you had that in you!” As the Director of Spiritual Life, I [Stephen Burton], have the awesome opportunity to begin building relationships with these eighth graders that will hopefully continue through their high school career. SIA gives me a sneak peek at their gifts, talents, and abilities and allows me to encourage them in these before they ever set foot in our high school as freshmen.

Above everything, we want our students to leave SIA having decided that servant-leadership is truly the most impacting and rewarding way to lead.

As Jesus says so clearly in Matthew 10:39, it isn’t enough to simply speak this message in a classroom context. We want them to see it modeled in our staff and to begin living it out themselves as they come alongside us in service. This is the life-blood of the class and, by the looks of things, Service in Action is alive and kicking. W

Servantleadership is truly the most impacting and rewarding way to lead.

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Peer Mentoring Initiative high school Written by John Braswell

PMI (Peer Mentoring Initiative) is a bridge program seeking to help incoming freshmen successfully transition into high school through participation in a small group led and mentored by upperclassmen.

Beginning its fifth year this fall, PMI is a high school peer mentoring initiative that is committed to assisting incoming freshmen transition into high school. Implemented in the fall of 2008, PMI is a collaborative effort of MPCS staff members and select high school upperclassmen. Using the tag line of “PMI is a bridge program seeking to help incoming freshmen successfully transition into high school through participation in small groups led and mentored by upperclassmen,” PMI is committed to equipping every freshman to achieve success in all phases of their freshman experience.

At the heart of peer mentoring is relationships. 2011 MPCS graduate, David Ian, participated in PMI during his junior and senior years and continues to be in touch with members of his group even today. When asked what made his group so successful, he replied that he and his leadership team were very intentional in what they wanted to achieve for the group, transparent with their successes and failures in high school, accessible to the freshmen when they were needed, and made every get-together relevant to the needs of the group. He also states that the challenge for every PMI leader is convincing the freshmen that you sincerely care for them and want what’s best for them.

Rising junior Joshua Brownsworth, a member of Ian’s group when he was a freshman and who will be co-leading his own group this fall, says that both David Ian and Drew Anderson were incredible when they were his mentors.

“They genuinely cared about us and were willing to do the many things to help us transition to high school. They even came back to campus this year to check on us. They were busy themselves, but they always found time to help us grow in our walk with God.” Mallory Pettet, also a junior, is very excited about mentoring a group of freshman girls this fall, and describes how she would want her group to feel about their experience at the conclusion of the school year. “Freshman year can be a deciding year. One can choose either to conform to typical high school girl mold to try and fit in and get by, or one can choose to stay true to who she is, growing in confidence and discovering who she is in Christ. I pray that all of these rising freshmen would choose the second option, even though it can often be the more difficult way.”

2012-13 PMI senior advisors Shannon McGeary and Michael Browning are looking forward to mentoring the largest freshman class ever at MPCS and have some specific goals for this year’s mentoring leadership team.

Shannon would like to see the groups voluntarily meet more often, particularly outside of school so that girls would be more inclined to share their innermost feelings. She would also like to see the female PMI leaders take more initiative in creating opportunities for these types of meetings. Michael would like the male mentor-leaders to become more unified in purpose so that they could have a greater impact on the lives of the freshman boys.

Effective mentoring takes time and effort but God promises to bless our work when we seek to bring glory to His name. This year’s leadership team is committed to mentoring the freshmen by being Christ-like role models, to assist in guiding freshmen during their challenging transitional year, and to form bonds and friendships that are personal and meaningful. To quote Mallory Pettet, “I have a heart-felt desire to bond with and mentor the upcoming freshmen, leading them in a Christ-centered, fun, small group time and constantly praying for and with them. I will strive to make their high school experience an exciting and impactful one they will never forget…and one that will shape them to become the person God intends for them to be.” W

WSB-TV’s High Q

Written by Sandy Hamilton For the past three years, a core group of MPCS high school students have been participating in “Quiz Bowl,” a “Jeopardy”-like competition in which general knowledge across a broad spectrum is required. They have faithfully practiced before school and during lunch in preparation for the many competitions in which they have participated. All of that practice paid off, as there were very few competitions in which the team did not place in the top three. The original team consisted of Al Ahmadi, Preston Moore, Cam Skinner, Neely Taylor, and Jennifer Torp. The team was later rounded out by the addition of Kaitlin Anderson and Tyler Zarnik.

This year, the team had the distinct honor of being chosen to compete in WSB-TV’s “High Q”. Although the competition was pretty tough, the team made it through three rounds, to the “Elite 8”, before succumbing to defeat. They had a fabulous run and look forward to rebuilding next year (all but one of our team members have graduated) and continuing the tradition of excellence.

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

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Athletics

T

Building a

Tradition of Excellence Written by David Lowery The 2011-2012 school year was one of Mount Paran Christian’s more accomplished, especially from an athletics perspective. With a record number of student-athletes competing in many of the 15 sports offered at both the middle and high school level, MPC athletics are one of many bright spots at the school.

“Our students are not mere spectators at MPCS,” states high school athletic director, Mitch Jordan. “Across all levels, student-athletes are encouraged to try new sports or sports in general while also striving to improve in their preferred ones, as well. Increased participation in multiple sports just helps enhance the overall experience of co-curricular activities at MPCS.” These higher levels of participation are beginning to pay dividends in the won/loss records.

Coming off back-to-back years as NAML Champion, the middle school program just narrowly missed a three-peat as area champion this year with a runner-up finish in the North Atlanta Metro League’s annual NAML Cup competition. “It was a successful year in middle school athletics,” states athletic director, Craig Wilson. “We continue to enhance our middle school offering with the goal of improving our overall athletic program at MPCS.” The addition of sixth grade girls basketball, boys lacrosse, wrestling, and fifth/sixth grade football over the past two years, combined with continuous improvement in current offerings is helping develop the future of MPCS athletics. “Since most of our middle school athletes move on to the varsity programs in high school, teaching them the fundamentals as well as the love and respect of the game is crucial,” states Wilson. “We want our feeder program to be one of the best in the state.”

A competitive middle and high school program is not going unnoticed. In the Regions Director’s Cup which is sponsored by Regions Bank and the Georgia Athletic Directors Association, the high school program concluded the year ranked ninth best overall among all GHSA Class A schools, boys and girls combined. An improvement of nine spots from the previous year, MPCS teams are competing at

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Teaching fundamentals as well as the love and respect of the game is crucial.

a high level. “Focus, commitment, and support are just a few of the reasons we are seeing such improvement,” states Jordan. “From our coaches, athletes, parents, boosters, and administration at MPCS, we have all boughtin to improving overall athletics at Mount Paran Christian School. There is a true feeling that we can compete and win across the entire athletic program and the results are starting to bear this out.”

With more athletes competing at every level of competition, MPCS teams in both boys and girls athletics are reaching new levels of success. The overall athletic program has seen tremendous growth in recent years and this year’s teams experienced the benefits from such expansion. The future looks bright for athletics at MPCS with several teams not only competing but contending for championships.

we can compete and win across the entire athletic program and the results are starting to bear this out.

Some of this year’s highlights include: Baseball—Region Champions and GHSA Playoffs, NAML Runner-up (seventh grade) Basketball—Region Runner-up and GHSA State Playoffs (varsity boys), NAML Champions (seventh grade boys), NAML Runner-up (seventh and eighth grade girls) Cheerleading—GHSA Class A State Runner-up Cross Country—Cobb County Championship Winner, Region Runner-up, and GHSA State Meet (varsity boys and girls), NAML Runner-up (middle school boys and girls) Football—GHSA State Playoffs, AMFL Champions (fifth and sixth grade) Golf—Region Champions and GHSA State Tournament (boys), Region Runner-up and GHSA State Tournament (girls) Soccer—GHSA State Playoffs (boys) Swimming— Two Qualifiers for GHSA State Meet, NAML Runner-up (middle school boys) Tennis—Region Champions and GHSA State Playoffs (girls) W

Athletic Scholarships The success of the 2011-2012 school year saw a record number of athletic signings for Mount Paran Christian School. In all, eight of our student-athletes committed to compete at the next level.

Two MPCS student-athletes (below) have earned scholarships and signed to compete at Division I schools. Emily Cameron will play fast pitch softball at Elon University while Armani Moore will take his basketball skills to the University of Tennessee.

The other MPCS signees are: Luke Burton (Swimming)–Davidson College Clarice Cannon (Golf)–Rhodes College Daniel Lopera (Football)–Birmingham Southern College John-Pierce McKay (Football)–Birmingham Southern College Lindsay Nochowicz (Tennis)–University of Tampa Jenna Sabato (Athletic Training)–Mississippi State University We are very proud of the accomplishments of these student-athletes, both on and off the field. Job well done!

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Athletics

For the Love

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Written by David Lowery Coming off consecutive playoff appearances and returning all but one player from last year’s region championship team, the Eagles Varsity Baseball team is anticipating a special season in 2012-2013. In what will be Coach Kyle Reese’s first season leading the Eagles, he will benefit from having several key seniors on his inaugural squad.

“We are blessed to have some tremendous leaders on this year’s team. I am excited to work with these fine young men,” stated Reese. With many talented players coming up through both the middle and high school baseball program, the future looks bright for MPCS baseball.

A graduate of North Cobb High School, Kyle Reese joined the Mount Paran Christian School baseball staff last year as an assistant coach after serving 10 years as the head baseball coach at St. Francis High School in Alpharetta. Prior to his time as a high school baseball coach, Kyle spent 11 years in professional baseball—first as a player with the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Kansas City Royals and then as a scout and an assistant coach with the Royals. “I absolutely love the game of baseball. But my true passion is working with young men and fellow coaches in helping teams achieve their goals while really

I want our players to be the best they can be, both on and off the field;

…to realize their God-given talents and who they are in Christ. coming together as a unified group. I hope my background and experiences with the game will benefit how I coach this team,” states Reese.

Known for teams that are mentally tough and who do the little things well, Coach Reese is looking forward to the upcoming season. “I am real excited to be at Mount Paran Christian School,” said Reese. “It is a great combination of competitive, challenging baseball (overall athletics in general) with one of the finest Christian schools in the state.

We have what it takes to win at the highest level and I look forward to the opportunity of leading the baseball program at MPCS for many years to come.”

When asked about the hiring of Coach Reese to succeed Coach Harvey Cochran, High School Athletic Director Mitch Jordan described it this way, “We feel that Coach Reese was the ideal candidate

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of the Game for MPCS. An experienced professional baseball player and coach with a tremendous passion and love for the game, Kyle is well known throughout many baseball circles for both his knowledge of the game, but even more so for his character. Above all else, Coach Reese has a strong faith in God and a sincere desire to impact the lives of young people.” Pastor Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church of Woodstock described him this way, “In the years that I have had the privilege of pastoring Kyle and his family, I have been greatly encouraged by his constant Christ-like demeanor and his passion for not only the Word of God, but his servant-type spirit that so passionately desires to obey it. Whether it be mentoring young people as a coach, or serving on a mission field where he presents the Gospel and continually models a Christ-honoring life, this man is consistent.”

Coach Reese has much experience in working with Score International Baseball Outreach on various mission projects in the Dominican Republic over the last seven years and took several groups of young men on mission trips in the past. “I want our players to be the best they can be, both on and off the field,” states Reese. “I love the mission at MPCS of developing servant-leaders and hope to play a key role in that process. I want to help our players realize their God-given talents and abilities, while at the same time helping them realize who they are in Christ and how they can make a difference for Him.” Kyle Reese is a phenomenal combination of experience, achievement, and commitment to Christian education,” states MPCS headmaster, Dr. David Tilley. “Out of the many well-qualified candidates we considered to lead the baseball program, Kyle Reese’s wealth of experience, exemplary leadership in his field, Christian testimony, and a commitment to the building of community will make him an incredible asset to our school and to our athletic department. We are very blessed to have a man of Kyle’s Christ-like character leading and mentoring young men at MPCS.”

Built for Success Written by David Lowery

In the fall of 2011, with more student-athletes competing across all sports than ever before, Mount Paran Christian School unveiled the next steps for continued success in athletics—a redesigned fitness center, funded by the Eagle Backers, athletic boosters. A generous gift from R. F. Knox Company also funded the project, as well as gifts of materials, services, time, and expertise from Jonathan Moore Homes, Kevin Rusk, and Keith Johnson.

With the renovation of the former operations warehouse, the new fitness center is a 3,200 sq. ft. weight room, complete with eight platform and rack stations, two platform and half-rack stations, a machine room, and a dumbbell area. This expanded area can now accommodate approximately 50 athletes and eight coaches at any given time. Additionally, there is an office and locker room above a portion of the weight room for coaches.

The weight room is connected to the preexisting indoor multipurpose turf field which also houses a new athletic training center and much-needed locker rooms for both boys and girls. This turf area is a 3,200 sq.ft. room utilized to conduct speed and agility drills, as well as a practice area for many sports. The new training room is essential for our growing athletic program, as the athletes can be evaluated and have complete rehabilitation, if needed, here at school.

The addition of athletic training and the redesign are major steps in the right direction for MPCS athletics. But is it really that important to future success at MPCS? “Without a doubt,” states high school athletic director and head football coach, Mitch Jordan. “In all my years around high school and college athletics, proper strength and conditioning is the key to building a successful program.”

At all levels, the mission of the strength and conditioning program at MPCS is to educate and assist student-athletes in reaching their full potential through innovative concepts and safe practical training methods. It should help benefit athletes by minimizing injuries, maximizing performance, improving self-confidence and creating a teamwork ethic. Additionally, we want the program to teach our student-athletes the core values of integrity, discipline, and commitment because these values are critical to winning both on and off the field. “The success of the athletic program reflects the coaches’ and student-athletes’ investment of time and effort in our strength and conditioning program,” states Jordan. “Our athletes are working hard both in and out of season. We are blessed to have an outstanding strength and speed facility as well as an experienced and motivated strength staff not rivaled by many schools of our size.” With these added resources, MPCS is building for future success now. W

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Arts

MPCS Middle School Performing Arts:

Creating the Community Written by Meagan Morgan MPCS middle school is a special place. Walking through the halls you can feel the warm, welcoming and loving environment that engulfs the students all day long. You hear laughter from every classroom and you see teaching and learning becoming personal, interactive, and outrageously fun! One of the reasons our middle school is so much fun is that students are encouraged to explore their gifts and talents in several areas. Thus we have classes called exploratories, which are two out the seven class periods per day. The performing arts offers a wide variety of exploratory options for middle school students, far more than you’ll find at any other middle school, and the result of such in-depth, intense training has grown the performing arts program tremendously over the past school year. Students have the ability to really ‘dig in’ to their chosen area of arts study, be it dance, band, orchestra, chorus, or acting. A special, “triple-threat” option in their schedule allows students to study chorus, dance, and acting all year long, instead of nine week exploratory classes, giving these students constant exercise in their training and artistic development. The result: some of the most talented students we’ve ever seen at MPCS. Often times you may see an MPCS middle school student singing in the hallway, doing a pirouette in the lunch line, or sitting outside the Murray Arts Center memorizing lines to a monologue. But that is not the only place you’ll see middle school performing arts thriving on campus.

This year the middle school students had several unique extra-curricular opportunities in performing arts. We started the season of shows with an original piece entitled “Aesop, Come Back.” This play tells the stories of several different Aesop Fables, but with a modern twist. MPCS commissioned well-known Atlanta playwright, Joshua Mikel, to write the original script which was picked up for national publication. For MPCS students to be involved in

the world premiere of a commissioned and published play was a tremendous honor and they certainly lived up to the challenge. “Aesop, Come Back” was one of the funniest and most successful plays we’ve run, selling out almost every one of the performances in The Black Box Theatre of The Murray Arts Center.

The eighth grade advanced acting class began a new tradition in December with the first-ever MPCS Improv Show. Improvisation is a creative and often times hilarious form of theatre where actors are put on the spot, making up scenes and dialogue. It sounds like a lot of fun, but this type of live performance takes a lot of training. We are looking forward to the next MPCS Improv Show next school year!

The middle school students next presented “Mulan Jr.” More than seventy students colored the stage with vibrant costumes, a beautiful set and lighting design, and some incredible, unstoppable talent.

The MPCS middle school performing arts program is a community, but it’s so much more. It’s a family. We sweat together, we eat together, we become disappointed, elated, excited, anxious, nervous, relieved, and overjoyed together. We pray together, we worship by using our talents together, we yell together and laugh together. We work hard, we play hard, and we love God with a fierceness that can only be seen through our performances onstage.

There is no way to explain the feeling we had when the curtain closed on our final “Mulan Jr.” performance in February and we stood in a circle, holding hands, listening to each student pray with an open and willing heart, hearing and seeing tears fall from faces for the gratitude of what they just experienced. God is on our stage, through every show, every rehearsal, and every audition. We are artists who have been called by a loving and gracious Father to extend his love through the stage. What an honorable calling which we can never take for granted! W

we work hard, we play hard, and we love god…

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A

First ever MPCS State Champs in the GHSA Class “A” Girls Trio competition: Madeline Muse, Emily Butler, Hannah Muse.

Growing Leaps and Rounds Written by Cary Brague

All it took was a nuance in scheduling, and the MPCS dance program more than quadrupled in enrollment in one year. Growing from twenty dancers to nearly ninety, the MPCS dance program is beginning to establish a group of individuals from middle school through high school into a community of graceful and athletic artisans of movement.

Two mainstage dance concerts were presented in the Kristi Lynn Theatre to demonstrate not only the rich talent of our students, but also their commitment to excellence in dance education in ballet, modern, and jazz. The future is bright for MPCS dance!

In addition to the growth in dance, the MPCS choruses are reaching new levels of achievement and quality with the fifth-grade chorus and the addition of year-long middle school exploratories in chorus classes. Along with this, the launching of a middle school show choir, and a high school honor chorus will ensure a strong level of musicianship that will represent MPCS to the community. Already evident is the school’s first-ever state championship in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class “A” Girls Trio competition. With a doubling of the high school choir for next year, MPCS hopes to field teams in even more GHSA state choral events in order to make MPCS a serious statewide contender.

MPCS Goes to Disney!

Written by Cary Brague

Two MPCS performing arts groups received invitations to study, learn, and perform at Walt Disney World, through the Disney Youth Performing Arts Education program. The Concert Band engaged in a unique learning experience that was led by a Disney music composer and conductor. Band students learned music from a Disney animated film that was then recorded and used as a portion of the sound track.

The second group that participated in the Disney Youth Education Program was the high school show choir, also known as “mpFX.” mpFX students engaged in three separate learning opportunities that included singing, dance, and acting. They were taught original choreography and scripts from the Broadway show “Mary Poppins,” and original song and dance routines from the Disney anniversary parade and world tour. On all accounts, the Disney teaching staff was not only complimentary of mpFX students, they were challenged to push the students as based on their level of preparation when they arrived. To cap off the exciting visit, mpFX performed its tour show for an audience of several hundred onlookers at the stage of Downtown Disney.

At every turn, MPCS band and mpFX students represented well the training that they are receiving back at home to become better technicians and performers. W

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Arts

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MPCS High School Arts:

Answering the Call

Dramatic Theater Presents Shakespeare

This year marks the first year that the MPCS high school dramatic theatre students explored and presented a classic work by William Shakespeare, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, which was performed for sold-out audiences in the Black Box Theater.

In producing a work of this scope, MPCS Arts further makes clear the true advancement of skills by students in their efforts, and by staff in their growth as teachers and mentors.

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Written by Cary Brague High School at MPCS is like no other in the area. With a deep commitment and focus to develop the “three A’s + faith” – Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Spiritual Life—MPCS high school students come together as one to honor the gifts that they recognize in each other, and further uplift their friends, regardless of the “A”, to help compel them to develop their skills for the future.

In the Arts, the high school is setting a high trajectory for not only the arts “community” that is forged, but also making sure that the level of achievement is solid enough to provide students with the real capacity to work in the arts outside of the MPCS campus. Combine this strong community and extraordinary achievement with the school’s mission of servant-leadership, and the result is that MPCS high school students and graduates are beginning to recognize not only their gifts and talents, but also their calling.

In band, chorus, dance, drama, orchestra, and in the fine and visual arts, MPCS high school students and graduates are being prepared to exercise their gifts in order to explore their calling in and around the metro-Atlanta area, on the campuses of major universities, sacred and secular colleges, and in specialized arts schools. Some have even delved right into the professional world without the detour of college. In all cases, the character traits imbued from school, home, and church are providing MPCS arts students with the firm foundation required to become servant-leaders in a secular arts world without swaying from the Truth in which they have been trained to walk. Of the many mission fields in our country and abroad, the arts is quickly becoming a mission field that is in dire need of attention.

Thanks to the work that is being done on the MPCS campus to create servantleaders, our students will have an impact on a new Truth in the arts. W

MPCS Musical Theater “My Fair Lady” at the Shuler Hensley Awards Written by Cary Brague This year, MPCS high school musical theatre students had the opportunity to be included in the 2012 Shuler Hensley Awards program. This esteemed program annually reviews and accepts the top 45 high school musical theatre programs in Georgia and recognizes top performing groups and actors/actresses with its own version of the “Oscar” award, called the “Shuler.” The Awards are named in honor of actor/singer and Georgia native, Shuler Hensley, winner of the prestigious Tony Award, among others. MPCS students in the high school musical production of “My Fair Lady” were nominated for the “Shuler” in two areas of performance: Best Supporting Actor–Cole Weber, and Best Supporting Actress–Ellen Kozee. These two nominations represented the school’s first nominations in the fouryear history of the awards program, and placed MPCS in the top twenty musical theatre programs in the state. This all points to bigger things to come as the MPCS musical theatre program continues to develop in scope and quality.

MPAC: A Community of Parents for the Arts In addition to the student arts community that is being forged on campus, parents can also engage in a community to support what their children endeavor in the arts.

The Mount Paran Arts Council (MPAC) is being created to provide parents with opportunities to volunteer through service and philanthropy to benefit arts programs at MPCS, ultimately giving parents the vehicle to “answer their calling” as it relates to giving of their own unique gifts and talents at the school.

MPAC will work alongside the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and Eaglebackers to support the students as they pursue their dreams across the MPCS campus. W Left: Shuler Hensley nominees Ellen Kozee and Cole Weber for best supporting actress and actor with Cary Brague, MPCS Director of Performing Arts.

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On Campus

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MPCS Hosts GISA Conference Written by Pam Copeland

Last November 5-7, the MPCS staff played host to the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) annual conference. Two years of planning culminated with the three-day event, complete with made-to-order, beautiful fall weather.

The first day was busy with hundreds of high school students from around Georgia, coming together in the Murray Arts Center. These students were selected by their respective directors to be a part of either the All-Select band, orchestra, or chorus. Renowned guest directors for each group were invited to conduct the intensive rehearsals, culminating with a performance by each of the three groups.

The heads of independent schools from around the state met to discuss issues unique to the private school setting. Athletic directors whose teams are part of the GISA athletic program also held their annual meeting as part of the conference activities that weekend.

Following these events was a Distinguished Service Awards Banquet, which annually honors educators who have reached 20 years of work in independent education. Our own MPCS parent and professional comedian, Kenn Kington, provided the entertainment for the occasion.

The main event of the weekend conference took place on Monday, while students enjoyed a day off.

More than 1300 people descended on the MPCS campus for a busy day of educational workshops and a challenging address by the keynote speaker, Ron Clark, known worldwide for his innovative teaching style. (A movie has even been made about him, called “The Ron Clark Story,” starring Matthew Perry!)

He was very well received by the enthusiastic crowd, as evidenced by the long line of people waiting to meet him and have him autograph his latest book, The End of Molasses Classes. In-between the workshops and Ron Clark’s session, conference attendees from around the state had lunch and visited the gym, where 100 exhibitors were on hand to offer their education-related goods and services.

As one might imagine, coordinating and implementing an event of this magnitude required an incredible amount of work on the part of many people. Not only did the planning team work diligently for months to take care of the myriad details, but during the conference, and especially on that Monday, the entire MPCS staff worked tirelessly to make it an exciting and enjoyable event for our hundreds of guests. From feeding lunch to 1300 people, to setting up specific IT needs in workshops, registering attendees, welcoming people to workshops, setting up and breaking down, and driving shuttles, the staff worked as a team to make the event a great success. Many student volunteers served as greeters and extra hands for set-up. We were so proud of how well they represented us! After an exhausting but satisfying event, the weekend had culiminated into another reason that we are proud to be a part of W this awesome place we know as Mount Paran Christian School!

Baseball Field Recognized

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The MPCS campus was recently acknowledged with the baseball field being named Southeast Field of The Year (GA, TN, SC, NC, FL, AL) for 2012. The National Field of The Year Award will be named in December at the National High School Baseball Coaches Association Convention in St. Louis. This award would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work from the entire coaching staff who spent significant hours keeping up our beautiful field!

On Wings of Eagles Written by David Lowery

With William and Beth Sigman’s generous donation, the campus now has a new bronze eagle statue in the walkway of the circle drive between the Mulkey Building and the Murray Arts Center. Because of its beauty and biblical significance, the sculpture has been a favorite of the Sigman family for years. They felt it would be a perfect fit for Mount Paran Christian School and donated it to the school for future generations to enjoy.

Creating a bronze statue is a complex process that can be achieved by a number of different methods. Multiple negative molds are created with plaster around a wax or clay sculpture. Bronze molten metal is then poured into the final cast. Once cooled, components are welded and the piece is then polished and the desired patinas are applied.

Standing at more than 14’ tall, the brick monument below the eagles will soon be outfitted with bronze plaques outlining the history of MPCS and the generosity of the Murray family, historical owners of the campus property. The statue will also include the scripture verse from Isaiah 40:31 which was the inspiration for our school’s mascot:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

Thank you to the Sigman family for their generous contribution which will continue to beautify the MPCS campus for years to come.

New MPCS Board Chairman Written by Pam Copeland If one were asked to name qualities desired in a person responsible for guiding a strong, intellectual, servant-focused, Christian organization, every adjective you could think of would also be used to identify George Ethridge.

Though only just beginning his role as Board Chair, he has already made an impact on the Board, the MPCS administration, and the school itself, by his godly leadership.

So, who is George Ethridge? Raised near the Marietta Square, he attended Marietta High School, then on to the University of Georgia for both undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting. He was then hired by Ernst & Young, LLP, where he has remained for 27 years, and has been a partner since 1996.

Meanwhile, he met his wife, Alecia, in a singles group at Northside United Methodist Church in Buckhead, and they now have four children: Elizabeth, MPCS Class of 2011 studying at Clemson University; Caroline, rising MPCS freshman; Banks, MPCS rising seventh grader; and Catherine, a rising fourth grade student at MPCS. As you might imagine, George’s hobbies are his family– attending sporting events, shows, as well as UGA football games. The family also enjoys running together.

The Ethridges are members of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, where George has served as leader of several governing committees.

When asked what brought his family to MPCS, George shared that they knew the mission of the school was similar to other Christian schools, but it was the “heart” of MPCS they felt when visiting the school that helped them know this was the place their children needed to be.

So, as the leader of the governing board, where does George Ethridge wish to see the future of Mount Paran Christian School? “I would like to think that, if each person in every family here would seek to grow their personal relationship with the Lord, then we would inherently support one another, in both the victorious times, as well as times of trials. That would bind this school together as a community that would change lives, not only individually, but would change families, our city, and impact the world for Christ.”

We look forward to George’s leadership at MPCS in the years to come!

Above: George, Alecia, Caroline, Elizabeth, Banks, and Catherine Ethridge

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Alumni 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 MPCS Alumni group on Facebook!

Mike Harden ‘89 Mike, his wife Misty, and their two sons, Micah and Mattox, reside in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Mike is the Chief Financial Officer for the Savannah Bancorp, Inc. Mike and Misty are active in their local church community and other community services such as Habitat for Humanity. Mount Paran Christian School is grateful for your service and support to your Alma Mater for over twenty years!

John Souders ‘89 MPCS Skydiver, makes 101 jumps in a single day While thousands were shopping on black Friday, one of our own alumni, John Souders, class of ’89, was making 101 skydiving jumps from 2000 feet. John’s mission was to raise awareness and financial support for the children of fallen veteran Mike Spann, who died 10 years ago on November 25 in Afghanistan after 9/11. Spann left behind three young children and Mike’s father is raising them. John wanted to be sure the focus was placed on the sacrifice and service of Mike Spann along with the many other men and women who serve in our nation’s military.

To read more about John Souders jumps and this event, please visit www.johns-events.org Dawna Shakelford Thomas ‘89 Dawna graduated from Kennesaw University with a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in vocal/choral.

She married Daniel Thomas and they have five children: Michael (17), Isabella (9), Benjamin (7), Israel David (4), and Rebekah (3). Dawna has been a voice teacher for over 20 years. Dawna shares that in 2010 she launched her dream; a Christian production company called “In The Wings Productions”. She says “God is good, all the time.”

Tonia Wood ‘89 Tonia graduated from Oglethorpe University and works in the field of managed care reimbursement and says she “truly enjoys every day at work”! She has a 17 year old daughter, Alex, who is currently a junior in high school and she and Tonia are having a great time exploring future college choices for Alex. Tonia and her family currently reside in Tallahassee, Florida.

Derek J. Dunn ‘90 Derek graduated from Spirit Life Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry and Missions.

He has been serving as a missionary in Asia for the last 16 years. Until recently he resided in Singapore and served as the Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church. He is married to Susan and they have three children: Ethan (8), Erin (6), and Erika (5), all of whom are students at MPCS. Matthew Sulhoff ‘90 Following high school graduation from MPCS, Matthew attended Georgia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Science, in Architecture. Matthew is married to Adair Taylor and they have two children; Anna (12), and Daniel (10).

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Matthew is currently the Director of Software Development for an international software provider. He is an active leader in Cub Scouts with his son Daniel and enjoys scuba diving with his daughter Anna, who recently earned her open water certification. After ten years of being away, the Sulhoff family has returned home to Marietta, Georgia.

Ashley Medford ‘91 Ashley graduated from Webster University with a degree in Human Resource Management. She currently works as the Chief Human Resources and Information Technology Officer for an organization in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Ashley shares that she has a beautiful four-year-old son named Connor.

John Flynn ‘92 John shares that he took a year and worked in Australia as a dive master and consultant for a chain of airport surf stores.

He also spent a few months exploring New Zealand before gaining his Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern. After achieving his J.D. from Loyola University, he became a prosecuting Attorney in the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida.

“After realizing justice wasn’t equal, I decided to fight for the rights of the accused. At that time, I opened my own law firm, The Flynn Law Group, where I focus on personal representation.” In his down time, he is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with friends. John resides in Bartow, Florida.

Whit Crump ‘93 Whit graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Finance. He shares that he married his college girlfriend and they moved to Seattle, Washington were Whit worked for IBM’s Research and Development group for five years. In 2006 he joined Microsoft and started up the Bing Maps imagery program. Most recently, he joined the Amazon Web Services that includes the Amazon.com cloud service business where he leads the world wide program for Resellers in the Public Sector. Whit and his wife currently live on Mercer Island in Seattle and they have two boys, ages 1 and 5.

David Alexander Keen ‘93 Alexander attended Georgia Perimeter College and Kennesaw State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. He is currently employed with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers.

He resides in Marietta, Georgia.

Tarla Thompson McCann ‘93 Tarla attended West Georgia College. She has been working in the real estate industry since 1997 with a primary focus on multifamily real estate. Tarla says her experiences of managing multimillion dollar assets, providing technology software solutions, and serving on one of the largest apartment association’s Associate Council, have provided her the opportunity to learn new things every day and she loves her work. She is extremely proud of her two sons,

Holden (9) and Asher (7), and they are very active in sports.

She shares that her oldest son, Holden, was recently discovered for Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. Their family resides in Woodstock, Georgia.

David Peterson ‘93 David graduated from Kennesaw State University with a BBA degree in Marketing and Professional Sales. He is a current partner with Signature Benefits and resides in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Danny Diaz ’94 and Allison McLuhan Diaz ’95 The Diaz family has endured much in their young lives following Danny’s tragic motorcycle accident in 2005. A life-threatening traumatic brain injury left Danny comatose for months, while Allison cared for him and their then newborn son, Corbin. Now, almost seven years later, Danny is still working hard toward his goal of walking again independently.

Last winter, our Mount Paran Christian School community came together and was blessed to honor this couple by presenting them with approximately $11,000 to assist with Danny’s physical therapy expenses. With the Lord’s help, Danny has continued to progress despite doctors’ prognosis. Danny is continuing physical therapy through Beyond Therapy, where two of his six hours a week therapy, are covered by insurance. Currently, Danny’s therapists are requesting to present a case study for activity based therapy programs, citing Danny’s evaluation results over the past five years. In their research, there has not been a recovery from chronic traumatic brain injury like Danny’s.

For more information on the Diaz family’s journey, visit their Web site at www.dannyandallison.com or follow their Facebook page at 80 FT. – Turning Tragedy into Triumph. The organization HelpHopeLive.org (formerly NTAF) continues to receive donations on Danny’s behalf.

Susan Moran Juvinall ‘95 Susan attended Reinhardt University and Kennesaw State University and graduated with a BBA degree. She is employed with an Atlanta Pediatrics group. She is married and has a 3 year-old daughter named Katie. Their family resides in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Casey Hojara ‘98 Casey moved back to South Florida and married in 2010.

He and his wife, Cristina, have a 14-month-old son named Hudson. Casey is the owner/president of Big Cypress Outfitters, Inc. which provides hunting and fishing trips along with airboat tours through the everglades. Their family resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

David Adams ‘99 David attended Kennesaw State University and Auburn University. He has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Masters of Public Administration, and he is currently working on his PhD in Public Policy at Auburn University. As a doctoral candidate of public policy (political science), David met and married Meredith Bronner. Meredith is a veterinarian and practices in the Montgomery, Alabama area while David earns his terminal degree. He is the student learning assessment administrator for the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn.

Upon graduation, David hopes to join the professoriate at a research university while Meredith continues to practice veterinary medicine.

married to Robert Baumeister and they have an 8-monthold son named Everett. Their family resides in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.

Leah Hawkins Cook ‘02 Leah graduated from Lee University with a Master in Education. She is married to Joshua Cook, who is a youth pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church. They have a oneyear-old son named Benjamin. Leah and Joshua reside in Roswell, Georgia.

Pearce Auston ‘03 Pearce attended The Military College of South Carolina and The Citadel. He graduated from The Citadel in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He has a daughter named Maddox Brielle.

Justin Firesheets ‘99 Justin graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Rylee Grace. Justin works for a church in Birmingham, Alabama, where he and his family reside.

Meredith Ley ‘03 Meredith graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor in Communications degree. While attending KSU, she pursued her love of journalism, working as an intern at Fox 5 News. She became a freelance reporter for the New York Post and a correspondent for a travel website featuring the best in entertainment around the country. After graduation, Meredith took some time off and traveled as a spokesperson for Ford Lincoln Mercury. She currently resides in Savannah, Georgia and works as a reporter for WSAV, an NBC affiliate.

Christine Pechnik Uptigrove ‘00 Christy attended ORU and UGA and has earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. She is currently working for Northside Hospital. She is married to Dr. Josh Uptigrove, a doctor of emergency medicine. Christy and Josh have recently moved back to Georgia from working at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan and they reside in Cumming, Georgia.

Todd Muse ‘03 In 2007, Todd earned his B.A. degree in Political Science from John Hopkins University. In May 2012, he will graduate with his Doctor of Law degree from the Emory School of Law. While at Johns Hopkins University he also played baseball for four years. He played in the German Open with Johns Hopkins prior to the Olympics. Todd resides in Roswell, Georgia.

Laura Elliott Baumeister ‘02 Laura attended Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and earned the following degrees: BSN, MSN, and NP-C. She is currently working as a Nurse Practitioner at a private family practice. She is

Ben Dewberry ‘06 Ben graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Technology and Management. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Last fall, alumni from the class of 1989 to the class of 2011 were in attendance, along with MPCS faculty, for the Annual Alumni Dinner. Mr. Mike Harden (left), class of ’89, was presented with the Alumnus of the Year award. Our Honorary Alumni of the Year award was presented to Ron and Lisa Mulkey (below left) for their 20 years of service to Mount Paran Christian School.

Susanne O’Day Evangelista ‘06 Susanne graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business. She married Robert Evangelista in January 2011. Susanne and Robert reside in Boston, Massachusetts where Robert is attending Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary for his Masters of Divinity degree in Urban Ministry.

Alumni, join us for Homecoming!

You’re Invited to the 2012 Alumni Dinner featuring professional photo smile booth!

Date: Friday, November 2, 2012 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: by the football field, look for the Alumni tent Reserved Seating: Football game seating for our alumni guests (must be seated for the game by 7:25 p.m.)

Grant Hawkins ‘06 Grant graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Grant is married to Jenny Barrett Hawkins, who is a 2008 MPCS alumna. Grant and Jenny reside in Rome, Georgia.

Carrie Owen ‘06 Carrie graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. She is currently working as a graphic designer and social media coordinator at American Book Company.

Owen Andrews ‘08 Owen is currently attending Georgia Tech where he is working on a dual degree: a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering.

Taylor Mulkey ‘09 Alumni sisters, Taylor Mulkey ’09, and Madeline Mulkey ’12 are pictured below at the 2011 Alumni Dinner as MPCS honored their family for 20 years of service to our school.

Taylor is a senior at Lee University and Madeline will attend Wheaton College this fall. Father, Ron Mulkey served for 15 years as Board Chairman for Mount Paran Christian School and his servant-leadership is one of the reasons we are on this beautiful campus today. Ron and Lisa Mulkey, for whom the Mulkey Building is named, have been the quintessential MPCS supporters giving of their talents, time, resources, and energies faithfully to educational ministry of MPCS. It was our privilege and honor to recognize this family as the 2011 Honorary Alumni of the Year.

Megan Perry ‘09 Megan is currently attending Kennesaw State University where she is studying History Education. Her future plans include a summer 2013 wedding to another MPCS ’09 alumnus; Cameron Heinen. Megan resides in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Taylor W. Williams ‘09 Taylor is currently a junior at Wake Forest University and is majoring in both Political Science and Theater. He is a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, Wake Forest College Republicans, and Inter Varsity Fellowship.

Amber Johnson ‘11 Amber is currently attending Lee University.

2012

11/2/12 Save the Date!

alumni dinner

SMILE BOOTH

WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

33

Achievements

Fantastic Firsts

I

from the Class of 2012

Written by Theresa Gernatt (Coach TAG) I love trivia. In fact, entering both my professional and personal space puts you in a position to instantly be connected with (sometimes) useless—but interesting facts. It’s refreshing to put some “fun” into the fundamentals of the college search, especially in the details of the data. For example, our first priority in the college search must be God’s personal and revealed will for each student and family. Regarding this Class of 2012—having a record number of “firsts” this year had been a goal they had set last spring.

“Firsts” are a big deal in Scripture. First-fruits? Give them to God. First-born? Dedicate them. First-day? How about the Creator making this thing called light and then separating the light from darkness and calling it night? We had some FUN “firsts” for the fantastic Class of 2012. I believe they have left an indelible mark on the history books of MPCS that will not soon be forgotten. Here are just a few of them: First Ivy League Undergraduate Student— Valedictorian, Al Ahmadi “Being the first MPCS student to attend an Ivy undergrad has been a really conflicting situation. On one hand, setting new standards and breaking barriers has been exciting. On the other hand, it’s a bit frightening knowing that I will be competing against a whole new breed of peers next year who have already proven themselves very capable and determined. I am looking forward to being challenged in the new ways Columbia will offer but I am equally concerned that I may not be ready to handle everything an Ivy League school has to offer. Adjusting from tiny (in comparison) Mount Paran to Columbia University will definitely be a difficult experience, but I could not be more excited to truly see how much I have yet to learn. The best advice I can offer anyone who has his or her sights set on high goals is to never get carried away with how much you have already achieved; it is what you have not yet successfully completed that you must focus on.”

Al’s mom, Janet Ahmadi, reflects, “This experience has really been the most exciting thing that has ever happened to us. Although we are nervous for Al as he heads to New York, we are excited to see what God has in store for him.”

First Athletic Training Scholarship—MPCS Student-Trainer, Jenna Sabato “Athletic training wasn’t even on my radar of occupations until my junior year, when I took Sports Medicine with Coach Palmer. He was so genuinely excited and knowledgeable about the injuries and anatomy that his excitement caught on. I realized that this wasn’t just another anatomy class, but that it could be the basis of a career. I jumped at the opportunity to assist the football team, unsure of what the outcome would look like, but excited to try my hand at athletic training. I quickly fell in love with every aspect of athletic training. While it was long hours and hard work, it was the one of the best experiences of my high school career. The saying is true: “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”

“I chose Mississippi State University because as an entering freshman I could apply to be a student athletic trainer. In the spring of my senior year, after having completed my Executive Internship with the Georgia Tech Athletic Training Team, I got notification that they wanted me to come back to Starkville to do a working interview at the MSU spring game, which

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2012

resulted in a position as part of the student athletic training staff! I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be able to go to school and get paid to do something that I loved so much! Now I am only one of a handful of freshmen in the country enrolled in such a program. God is good!”

First Davidson College Attendee—Collegiate Swimmer, Luke Burton “As the first MPCS student to go to Davidson College, I feel a great deal of honor and responsibility. As an alumnus, I hope to be a strong liaison between Davidson and Mount Paran, encouraging students back in Kennesaw to look at applying and learning about Davidson. As a Davidson student, I look forward to representing my high school in a positive light, and bringing the gospel, that I was taught so well, to a new campus culture.

Being the first child in my family to graduate high school and take the leap into the college world is exhilarating, but also frightening at times. As the trailblazer, I have to set an example for my siblings so that hopefully, as they watch my behavior and progression through college, they will be motivated to work hard and look towards the future during their high school years. Even though I will be nearly thirty years old when my sister Lydia graduates from Mount Paran Christian School, it is my hope that she will see my college experience as something desirable, and that she can maybe even follow in my footsteps as a Davidson Wildcat!”

First-generation College Student – Ashton Elser “When Coach Tag visited North Georgia, she sent me a text of the campus Gold Dome; I felt such pride and excitement that I was going to my dream school that I had picked out and work so hard to get into!”

Proud grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Elser commented, “It is really a great step for our family, being the first granddaughter to go to college!

What a thrill and a HALLELUAH went through our house when we got the letter from Ashton’s dream school, North Georgia College. To try to put this into words is really hard to do; it’s more than pride. It’s was just unspeakable joy to know how we felt at the time, that she was going to college, much less her first-choice! Ashton has overcome so much in her young life, that only those who are closest to her understand our pure joy!” W

Class of 2012 award recognitionS Special Recognition US Army Reserve Student-Athlete Award Amy Blom Jeff Pearson American Legion School Award Preston Moore American Legion “We the People” Award Preston Moore Scholarships ROTC Scholarships Florida State (Navy) – Jeff Pearson Georgia Tech (Air Force) – J.T. Vinson Academic Scholarships Alexander Ahmadi Christina Alls Mary Lauren Ballard Erin Barnett Adam Beebe Caitlin Black Amy Blom Luke Burton Emily Cameron Taylor Camp Clarice Cannon Nicholas Caras Trey Castellanos Madison Chesshire Connor Claussen Mason Cox Tyler Crace Kiersten Dysart Matthew Ebert Ashton Elser Tosha Erzuah Megan Fogg Elizabeth Fox Morgan Fox Emma Green Mary Margaret Griffin Benton Hammond Sherelle Harris Timothy Hermanson Melissa Holmes Jae Jung Nancy Keenan Zackary Kelly Reeves Kirchhofer Alexandra Kudron Kyle Larson

Daniel Lopera Charles Lovell Julianna Major Rebekah Miller Kaitlyn Moore Preston Moore Madeline Mulkey Hannah Muse Madilyn Muse Lindsay Nochowicz Jeff Pearson Robert Quarles Hannah Rainey Meghan Rainwater Anthony Reyna Martyn Rhee Patrick Richardson Sam Rogers Logan Rusk Cara Ryfun Jenna Sabato Ryan Sheffield Kinsey Sigman Cam Skinner Neely Taylor Jennifer Torp Blake Trenary J.T. Vinson Conner Waddle Joshua Wilson Samantha Woodard Devon Yeager Tyler Zarnik Athletic Scholarships Birmingham-Southern College – Daniel Lopera and John-Pierce McKay Davidson College – Luke Burton Elon University – Emily Cameron Mississippi State University – Jenna Sabato Rhodes College – Clarice Cannon University of Tampa – Lindsay Nochowicz University of Tennesee – Armani Moore

Leadership Awards Peer Mentoring Initiative Hannah Rainey Jeff Pearson SGA Leadership Hannah Rainey Jenna Sabato Beta Club Melissa Holmes Anthony Reyna Key Club Scholarship Nichole Valiani Special Awards Comcast Leaders and Achievers Anthony Reyna Outstanding Literary Achievement Megan Fogg Stephen Werner Sportsmanship Scholarships Emily Cameron Connor Claussen Georgia State Senate Resolution Recognition Madeline Mulkey Erin Barnett MPCS School Spirit Award Jennifer Torp AJC Cup Award Al Ahmadi Ron Mulkey Eagle Award Scholarships Hannah Rainey Anthony Reyna

Arts Scholarships Samford – Hannah Muse and Madeline Muse Shorter University – Taylor Camp Western Carolina University – Michael Persson As of this issue date, scholarship totals are upwards of $2 million. The final total will be confirmed this fall as this group continues to add to their achievements.

This information was gathered from the “self-reported” data given by parents and students throughout the year.

The following list represents some of the nations finest colleges and universities to which our graduates have applied and been accepted.

Agnes Scott College* Appalachian State University Arizona State University Asbury University* Auburn University* Belmont Abbey College* Belmont University* Berry College* Binghamton University, State University of New York Birmingham-Southern College* Brenau University* Catawba College* Chattahoochee Technical College College of Charleston** College of William & Mary* Clemson University* Columbia University* Covenant College* Dakota State University* Davidson College** Drexel University* Elon University** Emory University* Florida State University* Furman University* Gainesville State College Gardner-Webb University Georgia College* Georgia Highlands College Georgia Institute of Technology* Georgia Southern University* Georgia State University Gordon College* Jacksonville State University* Kennesaw State University* The King’s College New York City Lee University* Liberty University Mercer University* Mississippi State University** Montana State University* North Carolina State University* North Georgia College & State University* Oglethorpe University* Oxford College of Emory University* Palm Beach Atlantic University Pennsylvania State University Regent University* Reinhardt University* Rhodes College** Samford University* Savannah College of Art and Design* Shorter University* Southern Adventist University* Southern Methodist University* Southern Polytechnic State University Spelman College* Stony Brook University Toccoa Falls College Tusculum College University of Alabama* University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Georgia* University of Mississippi** University of Montana University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW) University of Richmond* University of South Carolina* University of Tampa** University of Tennessee** University of Tennessee at Chattanooga University of Virginia University of Washington Vanderbilt University* Wake Forest University* *Denotes Academic Washington and Lee University* or Arts Scholarships Western Carolina University* **Denotes College Athletes West Georgia University Wheaton College** Winthrop University* Young Harris College* WINGSPAN | Summer 2012 35

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