IN THIS ISSUE
A Great Time to be a Wolverine! Fall is in the air at Prince, the first 9 weeks is on the books, 118 new students have been welcomed to Prince Avenue, Spiritual Emphasis Week kicked off the
Unleash the Wolverines!
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Homecoming Madness for Spirit Week
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Wolverines Ranked High in State
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school year, Homecoming and Spirit Week were a great success, Fine Arts Night was fantastic and it seems like we are just getting started. The 2014-15 academic year is off to a great start with 348 elementary students, 225 middle school students, 275 high school students, 14 talented new faculty and staff members, and a new mascot named “Winston”. Thank you to all who attended and supported the 1st Annual “Wolverines Unleashed” Family Carnival and kicked off this year’s Annual Fund campaign with over $111,332.00 in pledges. We are striving for 100% participation to beat last year’s mark of 75% participation rate of all Prince families and $150,000 total dollars raised. Please remember that no gift is too small or large to help the Annual Fund. Through generous gifts from several Prince families, above and beyond their Annual Fund and Excellence Campaign gifts, the new pavilion, which will benefit every student from PreK – 12th grade is under construction and becoming a reality. The multipurpose pavilion will be open sided, covered, lighted, and fenced, with a concrete floor, basketball goals and netting around three sides. This pavilion will serve as an attractive venue for PE classes, recess in rainy weather, elementary, middle school and varsity team practices, school functions, concerts, social gatherings and many other school events. Congratulations to Mr. and Miss PACS Sut-
ton Norris and Emma Meeks, and to the entire court who represented Prince Avenue last week during Homecoming. Galatians 5:22-23 is evident in the lives of these and so many other Prince students who display the Fruit of the Spirit. Last year’s class of 2014 and many other classes were well represented at the alumni tent during the game Friday night. We had well over 100 alumni and their families in attendance for the 47-21 Homecoming victory over Commerce. Last Tuesday morning, October 7th, John Panesa from Apogee met with our parents about our Tuition Tax Credit opportunity. Prince Avenue Christian School is a participant in the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Georgia taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit by redirecting a portion of their state income taxes to Prince Avenue Christian School. Funds received from the program are made available for qualified applicants in the school’s existing financial aid programs. We are encouraging all of our parents interested Continued on page 3
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
Excellence Requires Annual Fund Prince Avenue’s Wolverines were fully “Unleashed” at the first annual fall carnival, which served as the catalyst for the 2014 Annual Fund campaign. So far, sixty-four percent of our families have pledged $123,500 and given $76,500 in cash to this year’s Annual Fund.
Give Every Year. Make a Difference Every Day.
Wolverines Unleashed
The Annual Fund is necessary for Prince Avenue Christian School to reach the level of excellence we desire,” says Head of School Danny Howell. “These funds supplement the cost of educating our students, and helps to keep our tuition affordable for our families. We are striving for 100% participation from our families so that we can exceed the $150,000 raised for last year’s Annual Fund.” Director of Development Kim Brannon, says “While we are excited about tomorrow’s needs, we cannot overlook today’s requirements. Strong continued participation by all PACS parents, grandparents, faculty, and alumni will continue to be a critical step in gaining outside support for our school from foundations and corporations. Every gift is important to us. Maximizing participation is our goal and all our families can help with a gift of any size.” “Giving to the Annual Fund,” she says, “is a Wolverine Tradition!”
Prince Avenue Christian School families enjoyed the first annual Wolverines Unleashed Carnival, hosted by the Development Office. Students were provided a variety of fun activities, including a mechanical bull ride, rock climbing wall, obstacle courses, face painting balloon art, with plenty of popcorn, hot dogs, corn dogs, and snow cones to devour. Families were asked to donate to the school’s Annual Fund for admission.
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Continued from page 1 in participating, to visit our website at www.princeave.org and click on Tuition Tax Credit under Giving and follow the instructions. Thank you to all who participated in this information session. On Thursday, November 6th, Prince Avenue will hold its first “Prince Preview” designed to assist families with prospective students learn more about what Prince Avenue has to offer. Families can take tours of the campus beginning at 9:00 am, and then at 9:45 a.m. there will be a general meeting in the media center to share information about the many opportunities and programs available to the students of Prince Avenue. I would encourage you to invite families and students that would be a fit for Prince Avenue to join us for this preview. We have an opportunity to help reach the world for Christ by providing a college prep, Christian education for thousands of children, affecting millions of lives in the coming years. Thank you all for praying, investing and actively partnering with PACS to provide Christian education for your children. Let’s be “All In” for Prince! Have a great fall!! Blessings, Danny Howell
The Wolverne Way • October 2014
Making a Difference Each Monday morning, after the hustle and bustle of household routines, morning commutes, and the dropoff line at Prince Avenue Christian School, a loyal and faithful group of parents can be seen pulling into a parking place, making their way to the library, and gathering together for one united purpose. Prayer! Parents in Prayer is a group that was started many years ago at Prince. Currently the group is led by Colleen Brown, a Prince mom whose son and a daughter are both in high school. The group includes men and women, young and old, parents and grandparents – all people who care about our school, our students, and our faculty and staff. “At first, being a part of the group really stretched me. Praying out loud was not something I was used to doing,” Colleen says of her early experience with Parents in Prayer. “I quickly realized that I did not have to pray out loud. I just needed to pray!” Colleen has grown from her initial timid days as a participant in the prayer group to being the group’s leader. “I have seen the difference that prayer makes not just in the school, but in my life personally. I have gotten to know so many other parents as well as teachers and students. I just love it.” Colleen emphasizes that participants in the group have a “come as you are and come when you can” philosophy. “There is no need to dress professionally or feel as if you need to participate every single week. Don’t let the fact that you are in your sweats or that you do not know very many people or that you are afraid to pray out loud keep you from coming. Just come!” Typically Parents in Prayer receives a list of current prayer requests submitted by the faculty and staff from the school’s media
center director Nancy Simpson. The group then adds any other known requests, special needs, or current concerns to the list. They divide the requests among the group, and they pray. The group also makes use of the school’s rotating schedule to touch base with each teacher during his or her planning period at least once during the school year. A few parents will meet with the teacher, ask for specific needs, and pray specifically for that teacher. Of these special times with teachers, Colleen says, “I get more of a blessing from this time than they do.” David Shivar, PACS Chaplain expresses his appreciation for Parents in Prayer as part of the school’s overall mission. “Anytime we have a presence of prayer in the school, it is an invaluable blessing. The fact that this presence is in parents who have a love for their own children as well as the school is just an extra blessing. They are not only calling on the Lord but demonstrating a true partnership with the school’s purpose. This is a tremendous encouragement to teachers and staff.” In referring to specific prayers, Colleen says, “We have seen specific answers to specific needs - miracles some of them. There are some requests we pray over for weeks, months, or years. We just keep praying.” Parents in Prayer wants the parents and grandparents of Prince Avenue to know that the prayer group is active, open, and available. Parents in Prayer meets every Monday morning following morning drop-off in room 122-B (Media Center). For more information, contact Colleen Brown. Colbrown3130@att.net or 706-202-1436.
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
DONUTS WITH DAD Our Pre-K students love having donuts with dad, because: ›› ›› ›› ››
I like donuts and my dad does too. I love my daddy. Because my daddy is funny. I got to paint his hand, and we put together lots of puzzles. ›› My dad was there, and I like drawing with him. ›› Just because! ›› I love him, and I want him to come every day when it’s donuts for dad.
Honoring Academic Success Prince Avenue Christian School inducted students into academic and fine arts honor societies during ceremonies September 22. High School students who earned membership in the National Honor Society include seniors Jordan England, Mayra Leyva, Stella Qi and Silas Stocks; Juniors Kate Marlowe, Madison Naeher, Gracie Renn and Gabrielle Sims; and Sophomores Marlan Adams, Haley Barker, Cailyn Bloodworth, Virginia Beth Butler, Matthew Butt, Chase Deatrick, Macy Frazier, Jared Gilstrap, Sam Gignilliat, Alex Harding, Seth Lashley, Ashley McCall, Forde Norris, Hannah Payne, Jared Pringle, Isabelle Renn, Sammi Richt, Baylee Rogers, Megan Schwartz, Noah Shoemaker, Sam Todd, Alex Tuttle, Joanna Varghese, Robert West, and Max Woolery. Inducted into the National Beta Club were seniors Erickson Brown, Curry Cross, Jordan England, Yiming Gao, Tyson Herron, Justin Jackson, Terry Ko, and Stella Qi; Juniors Christopher Chittom, Monica Chumbler, Sue Min, Gracie Renn, Gabrielle Sims, Duncan Taylor, and Chandler White; Sophomores Marlan Adams, Audrey Adamson, Mark Aldin, Nathan Anderson, Haley Barker, Cailyn Bloodworth, Andrew Bray, Virginia Beth Butler, Matthew Butt, Noah Campbell, Preston Chandler, Jomarie Cortese, Natalie Crews, Camie Curry, Chase Deatrick, Macy Frazier, Sam Gignilliat, Jared Gilstrap, Nick Harben,
Alex Harding, Palmer Heath, Morelle Holcomb, Valentin Jimenez, Seth Lashley, Amelia Loveless, Tyler Maxey, Ashley McCall, Forde
ghese; Eighth grade students Annie Echols, Christopher Harding, Lilly Henderson and Lilly Renn; and seventh graders Sean Adams, Gia Albert, Danielle Anglin, Reid Baker, Taylor Bond, Kenzi Bray, Caden Bush, Allie Carter, Kelly Cascella, Mackenzie Case, Meg Chandler, Aleah Crane, Hamilton Culpepper, Jared Deatrick, Jaden Drudge, Sybille Foucart, Alex Gilmore, Charlie Graffin, Ansley Hall, Sammy Hodges, Gavin Harter, Walker Henson, Maggie Holt, Hudson Houseman, Tanner Iley, Seele Jarrett, Max Johnson, Jack Johnston, Caleb Land, Sarah Lashley, Shannon Lee, Kali Marlowe, Hunter Melton, Abbigail Merher, Caroline Middlebrooks, Trent Nesbit, Landon Ragle, Lindsay Rogers, Lauren Rowell, Mattison Ruff, Bryson Seay, Thompson Sewell, Trey Stiles, Bo Warren, Maddy Wilson, and Joey Young.
Norris, Hannah Payne, Jared Pringle, Isabelle Renn, Sammi Richt, Baylee Rogers, Delainey Saxon, Megan Schwartz, Noah Shoemaker, John Shumaker, Hays Simmons, Bryce Thomas, Sam Todd, Alex Tuttle, Joanna Varghese, Robert West, and Max Woolery.
Inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society were Rachel Adams, Will Adams, Joy Harris, Ethan Houseman, Cole Hurley, Madeline Jackson, Hannah Perry, Allison Shirley, Luke Wallace, and Josh Whalen.
New National Junior Honor Society members include freshmen Luke McDevitt, Tyler Roberts, Aynsley Stier, and Jonathan Var-
New members of the Thespian Society are Rachel Adams, Will Adams, Scott Aldin, Joy Harris, Cole Hurley, Luke Wallace, and Josh Whalen.
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
HOMECOMING COURT Sutton Norris and Emma Meeks were named Mr. and Miss PACS. Criteria for selection included the “fruit” of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22, 23. Students were asked to consider: Does this student’s “walk match their talk?” Does their social media honor God? Are they striving to please Christ above all else? Are they involved in school activities and do they proudly support all things Prince Avenue? Representing the ninth grade were Emma Taylor and Harrison Jump. Sophomore representatives were Isabelle Renn and Jared Gilstrap, while the juniors elected Abby Hathaway and Christopher Chittom. Senior representatives included Caroline Brannen, Leah Buczynsky, Sarah Kate Duncan, Sydney Henderson, Emma Meeks, Hamilton Armit, Walker Boswell, Ben Butler, John Hayden, and Sutton Norris.
#2014PACSHomecoming
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
Spirit of the WOLVERINES!
CHEERLEADERS, PEP BAND PUMP UP CROWD Prince Avenue’s varsity cheerleaders work hard from summer through the fall to excite the crowds and encourage school spirit throughout the campus.
School spirit shows a great sense of community The Wolverine Pep Band has also performed at home football games, and adds tremendously to the great atmosphere at Wolverine events. And now our fans have added the “school flag” Wolverine Growl Towels to demonstrate school spirit!
Academic Team Qualifies Prince Avenue Christian Middle School’s Academic Team qualified for the Academic Bowl National Competition with their success in their competion of the year at the “Pi Fight 2014” held at the Paideia School in Decatur. Thirty four middle schools competed in the event. Tanner Iley, Danny Lee, Logan Brown, Hendley Jones, and Abby Frost were seeded 18th after five rounds of preliminary completion. In the single elimination championship round, the Prince team defeated 15seed Renfroe Middle School 210-180, and then upset # 2-seed Piney Grove Middle School 210-160.
In the quarterfinals of the championship round, Prince Avenue’s team led after 17 questions, but fell to Gwinnett County’s Hull Middle School 260-180 after the Hull team found great success with questions 18-19. The Academic Bowl National Competition will be held in Dallas, TX next spring.Prince Avenue’s middle school team is coached by Principal Becky Callaway.
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
COMMENDATIONS FOR SENIORS
Learning on Wall Street While most kids his age were sleeping late, hanging out at the pool, or vacationing with their families this summer, Prince Avenue Christian School senior Ben Butler was dressed in professional attire, attending college class, and visiting major corporations such as J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and BNY Mellon in New York City.
Prince Avenue seniors Erica Wise and Claire Daniel have been named Commended Students in the 2015 National Merit Scholarsip Program. They are among 34,000 students nationwide who earned the commendation from the program, recognizing their placement among the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students who took the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Test.
FINE ARTS NIGHT
Ben had the unique opportunity to attend The Wall Street Summer Program through Drew University. While Drew University is located in Madison, New Jersey, the program Ben attended took place in the heart of Manhattan. “I could look out of the window during class and see all of Central Park from the 45th floor. It was amazing.” The Wall Street Summer Program was a three week course that combined morning class time with afternoon visits to major corporations and companies. The students heard from investment brokers, human resources directors, chief investment officers, and other business personnel, all of whom are Drew University alumni. Students had the opportunity to meet the alumni, visit their places of business, hear first-hand accounts of their experiences, and ask questions. There were 30 students in the class, and Ben was one of two high school students in attendance. “Definitely the class itself was the most challenging part of the whole experience. The class was worth eight college credits, and it moved along quickly. It was a lot of information in a short amount of time.”
The Voices of Prince were among the groups who performed in the Fine Arts Night program. Other groups performing included the advanced band, middle school performing arts, praise team,high school drama, elementary music students and Little Prince Players.
Ben says that being at PACS helped prepare him for interacting with classmates and professors in a smaller class. “I have been at Prince Avenue since Kindergarten. I am used to learning in a smaller, more relational environment.” His high school history teacher, Katie Gamble, taught him how to take what he learns and see how it will get him to the next step in life. “I was really able to apply that outlook during my time in New York. “
Ben says this unique opportunity helped him to jump-start his long-term goal of working in the area of wealth management. “I have always loved numbers and market analysis, but I also care about people. I would like to major in Finance at the University of Georgia, and help people plan and manage money in a way that helps them in life.” Ultimately, Ben says that his experience has allowed him to return home with greater self-discipline and personal responsibility. “While I was in New York, I was completely responsible for myself. I had to get myself up and ready and to class on time. I bought my own groceries, kept my own schedule, and traveled the city on my own.” Ben is enjoying his senior year at Prince, but he has not lost any momentum as he looks to his future. As a result of the confidence gained this summer, Ben has continued with decisions that will help him reach his goals. “This summer was just the first step of many for me. I am currently doing an internship with Wells Fargo Advisers, and I will continue to pursue internships throughout college.”
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The Wolverne Way • October 2014
Undefeated in Region 8A!
CROSS COUNTRY The Prince Avenue Cross Country team will host two upcoming home meets at Oconee Veterans Park, on October 14 and October 21. This is the first time the school has hosted a large home meet. October 21st’s meet includes all the Oconee County and Athens-Clarke County schools. These local meets are a great opportunity for school fans to show their support for our running Wolverines!
The Lady Wolverine softball team finished the regular season with a 22-3 record and undefeated in the region as they head to next week’s Region 8A tournament in Nicholson. The team has been ranked #1 or #2 most of the season by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and will enter the state tournament with the #2 Power ranking, which assures them a home first round series.
Coach Lacy McClendon says that the experience the team gained playing several 4A and 5A teams in tournaments helped prepare the girls for region play. They won 4 of 5 games in a tournament in Chattanooga, and had a huge win over region foe Commerce where they played with no errors and had several timely hits.
VOLLEYBALL SUCCESS The Lady Wolverine volleyball team is ranked #6 by the AJC, heading into the Area 6A tournament, after finishing 39-8 in the regular season. The team had significant wins over Apalachee, Athens Academy, Providence
Christian, Morgan County and George Walton this year. Coach Jill Machovec says that hard work and strong senior leadership helped the younger players develop and prepared them for the upcoming tournament play.
FOOTBALL TEAM MOVING TOWARD PLAYOFFS vs Aquinas: Prince Avenue lost to the 2013 state champions, but played well to start the season. L: 18-33
vs Athens Christian: The loss for the Wolverines makes the defense of their region title an uphill battle. L: 32-42.
vs Oglethorpe County: The team got back to its winning ways with a shutout of the Patriots. W: 41-0
vs Hebron Christian: The hard fought victory gave the Wolverines a boost heading into the next game. W: 23-20
vs George Walton: The weather delay did not stop the Wolverines in their first region victory in 2014. W: 28-7
vs Commerce: The Wolverines played very well while defeating Commerce, and are tied for first in the region. W: 48-27