ALUMNI MAGAZINE FOR RABUN GAP-NACOOCHEE SCHOOL
FA L L 2 016 PILLARS MAGAZINE
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From the Editor: The intent of this issue of Pillars is to show the modern face of Rabun Gap. When we say, “This is a student from Rabun Gap.” Who are we describing? Who is the contemporary Rabun Gap student? How is he or she different from the student of twenty or thirty or more years ago? How are they prepared and what sort of education is a student of 21st century Rabun Gap receiving? This issue of Pillars will show you what is happening here. We are proud of our students – we don’t always understand the world for which they are getting ready, but we are confident that they will get out there and make a difference, make a contribution to the bigger world, and if we have done our job, they will take part in “Leading the Way.” The second message of this issue is to identify with one word what we believe best describes the education that is provided by Rabun Gap. That word is extraordinary. Extraordinary is derived from the Latin phrase for Extra ordinem - outside the normal course of events. If you have a British or a Spanish accent the sound may be different but the meaning is clear. However you say the word extraordinary, the word means the same thing - very unusual or remarkable, outside of the ordinary. Webster’s dictionary defines it as going beyond what is usual, regular or customary: remarkable, exceptional, amazing, astonishing, incredible, phenomenal… you get the idea. The education students receive at Rabun Gap and the wide array of opportunities that are available to each young person is ever-changing, evolving, and extraordinary. The people on the faculty and staff work to provide young people opportunities to enhance their lives and this is our goal here at Rabun Gap, everyday; this too is extraordinary. It is with this “extraordinary” in mind that we have prepared this issue of Pillars. MRH
MAGAZINE 2 PILLARS FALL 2015
339 Nacoochee Drive | Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706.746.7467 | www.rabungap.org Published by the Office of Advancement Paige Spivey
Associate Head of School for Advancement
Mark Henning
Director of Alumni Communication and Stewardship
Claire Foggin
Assistant Director of Legacy Giving and Donor Stewardship
Matt McGee
Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Activities
Megan Studdard
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication
Eric Vogelbacher
Assistant Director of Development
Michelle Lakey
Advancement Services
Editor: M.R. Henning
Proof Editor: Laura Schott
Design: Ursula Schwalbe Printing: Happy Jack Graphics, Clayton, Georgia
Fa l l 2 016 Inside this issue:
Around Campus 10
2016
Class of 2016 16
Class Notes 25
NOTE TO READER:
Be on the lookout. We thought it would be fun to poll our students, faculty, and staff, and ask them to identify things they like most about their school. Many of the responses were identical and it was clear that we struck a common chord with people, and some of the answers were thoughtful and unique. We invite you to see if any or all of these “favorite things about Rabun Gap” fit with your memories. If something gets left out, let us know what your favorite things are. Rather than just provide a list of their answers we thought we would share the results throughout all the pages of this issue, so be on the lookout! Here are a few…
It's more than a school, it's a family. The community becomes like your family. I immediately felt welcomed by all.
COVER ILLUSTRATION Xuandong (Jack) Zhou ‘18 and Qianduowa (Aldora) Wang ’18. This is an adaptation of a
Portrait of a 21st Century Rabun Gap Student | 5 Cum Laude Society | 8 STEAM | 15 An Extraordinary Education… | 17
self-portrait done by Xuandong
It's A Beautiful Place | 20
Zhou which won first place
A Rabun Gap Family | 21
award for two dimensional
A Lifetime of Service | 23
design in MADfest 2016.
Recent Achievements by Alumni and Faculty| 29 PILLARS MAGAZINE
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Message from
the Head of School
Educated in a great tradition and prepared for the 21st century world. For most of us the day of graduation is our final memory of our high school. The way the school looked and felt on that day becomes etched into our memory. That is how we remember the place and keep it in our minds eye. When we return for a visit, we are often a little surprised by changes whether they are big changes like new buildings or small like changes in the daily schedules. Change is inevitable and at Rabun Gap there are changes that occur from year to year. What has not changed is that we continue to be committed to the fundamental commitment that Andrew Ritchie made over a century ago. We are a school that affords a wonderful education in a spectacular setting to students regardless of their ability to pay. We have students who are children of millionaires and other students whose families are homeless. It is this amazing mix of student’s backgrounds that makes Rabun Gap so special in the world of independent education. Since our founding, Rabun Gap teachers are
people who demonstrate a strong work ethic and have tremendous heart for others. At the core of all our teaching is an empathy and concern for students. The teachers at Rabun Gap are called to this place at this time.We are also a school that is still grounded in our motto of Work Study Worship and the teachers at the school model that commitment each and every day. Change at Rabun Gap is never taken lightly but in this increasingly complex world we must teach and prepare our students for the future. Today all of our students carry computing devices to every class. Teachers painstakingly write on the white boards in colorful eraser ink and students take notes on their keyboards and some of the careful and clever students even take a quick photo with their cell phones of the board as they leave class, just to ensure they got all the information. We recognize that students must have technology skills in order to be successful in college and careers.
Rabun Gap is change that enhances learning and reverences the original mission of the school. When change occurs it must be managed in such a way that it does not alter the school community in a way that shifts it away from Dr. Ritchie’s critical vision. I recently had a visit with Dr. Anderson, legendary President of RGNS, at his home in Florida. He was most interested in how the school continues to develop while maintaining a commitment to its original mission. Each of us has been blessed to have an affiliation with Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Whether you are a student, alumnus, parent, donor, or friend, you are a part of our school community. You can take pride in knowing that this school stands for something that is both unique and unusual in the independent school world and that will never change.
In my mind, the only needed change at
Anthony H. Sgro, Ed.D. Head of School
The Evelyne Sheats Lower School (PK4-5th grade) will open in the fall of 2017 on the main campus. Rabun Gap’s Board of Trustees has been studying the possibility of expanding to add a lower school for many years. In 2013, Rabun Gap expanded to include fifth grade in its Middle School located at the newly established Niles Bolton Middle School Complex. According to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Margaret Carton, “The tremendous success of the fifth grade program, and our thriving Middle School have prompted the Trustees to further the historic mission of the school and reestablish a lower school.” The Evelyne Sheats Lower School at Rabun Gap will be located in a newly renovated building on the main campus complete with classrooms, common gathering space, and convenient access to an indoor pool, arts studios, playground, and athletic fields. The new Lower School continues a vision started by Rabun Gap’s founder Andrew Jackson Ritchie more than 100 years ago — to bring quality education to the people of the mountains. MAGAZINE 4 PILLARS FALL 2015
The community of genuine, caring people. The world comes here.
PORTRAIT OF A 21ST CENTURY RG STUDENT Cambra Overend, Class of 2000 Production Stage manager for Broadway and Off Broadway shows Cambra Overend Class of 2000, discovered her talent and love for theater at Rabun Gap. When she arrived at Rabun Gap, Cambra’s initial dream was to become an expert equestrian and she was very much focused on this. But through the influence of Mr. Larry Smith, the head of the theater department, she chose theater and never looked back. “The opportunity to learn and the attention and direction I was given at Rabun Gap was like having a college major in Theater Arts. Mr. Smith and his entire family were tremendously invested in his students. Rabun Gap's small size and accessible faculty is a place where you see everyone all the time. You could not hide or “slip through the cracks.” It’s a healthy, safe, and free environment where you can figure out who you are. It’s a wonderful place to learn and grow. The theater competitions we were exposed to and the education we received were excellent.” Upon graduation from Rabun Gap Cambra chose to attend Wake Forest University, which Cambra emphasized “has a great theater program.” From there she headed for New York City. After she earned her Union Card a larger set of opportunities opened for her. Today Cambra is a freelance manager, which means
that once a show has run its course and eventually closes, she gets back out there like all the actors and looks for the next job. “It is challenging and demanding work that is always changing, but I love it. Cambra has worked hard and part of that work ethic she attributes to her days at Rabun Gap. Her resume is impressive and extensive, perhaps you have seen a few of them.
BROADWAY & TOUR This Is Our Youth PSM Cort Theatre Anna D. Shapiro, Dir. Of Mice and Men SM Longacre Theatre Anna D. Shapiro, Dir. Jane Grey, PSM Lucky Guy SM Broadhurst Theatre George C. Wolfe, Dir. Jane Grey, PSM That Championship Season SM Jacobs Theatre Gregory Mosher, Dir. Jane Grey, PSM
On April 14, Cambra Overend ‘00, Kelvin Dinkins ‘ 05, and Richard Lafleur ’08 held a live video conference with current Rabun Gappers who had questions about the realities of the thespian life. The Young Alumni Network offered three live chats last year for current students to engage with alumni.
August: Osage County SM Music Box & Nat’l Tour Anna D. Shapiro, Dir. Jane Grey, PSM One Man Two Guvnors SM Sub Music Box Nicholas Hytner, Dir. Billy Barnes, PSM The Lion King SM Sub Minskoff Theatre Julie Taymor, Dir. Ron Vodicka, PSM Hair SM Sub National Tour Diane Paulus, Dir. Billy Barnes, PSM Joseph & The Amazing… ASM National Tour Norb Joerder, Dir. John W. Calder, PSM White Christmas ASM National Tour Norb Joerder, Dir. John W. Calder , PSM Continued on page 6 PILLARS MAGAZINE
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Continued from page 6 OFF-BROADWAY Dada Woof Papa Hot PSM Lincoln Center Theater Scott Ellis, Dir. Guards at the Taj PSM Atlantic Theater Co. Amy Morton, Dir. My Name is Asher Lev PSM Westside Theatre Gordon Edelstein, Dir. Rated P for Parenthood PSM Westside Theatre Jeremy Dobrish, Dir.
Make Me a Song PSM New World Stages Rob Ruggiero, Dir. Domesticated SM Lincoln Center Theater Anna D. Shapiro, Dir. Jane Grey, PSM Opus SM Primary Stages Terrence Nolan, Dir. Fred Hemminger, PSM Crazy Mary SM Playwrights Horizons Jim Simpson, Dir. Janet Takami, PSM A Spanish Play SM Classic Stage Company
John Turturro, Dir. Fred Hemminger, PSM Pen ASM Playwrights Horizons Will Frears, Dir. Carmen Abrazado, PSM Miss Witherspoon ASM Playwrights Horizons Emily Mann, Dir. Alison Cote, PSM Fran’s Bed ASM Playwrights Horizons James Lapine, Dir. Scott Rollison, PSM Satellites PA The Public Theater Michael Greif, Dir. Martha Donaldson, PSM
Do you want a special way to honor your loved one’s time at Rabun Gap? Would you like to honor a parent or grandparent who made your time at Rabun Gap possible? Would you like to recognize a faculty member who made a difference in your life?
Consider making a Gift in their Honor. Each of the gifts listed here comes with a brass or bronze name plate to honor your family member or teacher and ensures a place of enduring recognition for them on campus.
Everyone respects the honor code so I can trust everyone in this school. I often leave my things somewhere and never worry about someone taking them (except umbrellas and now Dr. Sgro has fixed that problem).
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Middle School Dining Room Chair..................................... $100 Upper School Dining Room Chair...................................... $100 Rearden Theater Chair.........................................................$250 Middle School Dining Room Table.....................................$500 Upper School Dining Room Table......................................$500 Middle School Column......................................................$1000 Upper School Lamp Post....................................................$1000 Middle School Patio Furniture.......................................... $5000 Upper School Patio Furniture............................................ $5000 REMITTANCE: www.rabungap.org/inthehonor or call 706-746-7467 for more information
There are so many different kinds of people that it makes me feel like I’ve grown mature just by interacting with them.
PORTRAIT OF A 21ST CENTURY RG STUDENT Krishna Ghodiwala, Class of 2008 A motivated “go getter” devoted to a career of public service and community engagement
Krishna Ghodiwala graduated with the Class of 2008, after which she went on to attend the University of Toronto. There, she double majored in English Literature and Political Science, and graduated with honors. She immediately kick-started her career by joining President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign in Asheville, North Carolina. Her entry into the world of political organizing was exciting and demanding. Krishna moved up and down the east coast with various campaigns--Atlanta for gun reform, Boston for a mayoral race, and finally, Washington, D.C. to become a political consultant. She took a brief hiatus from the campaign life to earn a diploma from Yale University’s Women’s Campaign School in 2013. Yearning to work closely within the community again, and specifically with underserved women, Krishna accepted an opportunity to join the administration of Washington, D.C.’s newly elected Mayor, Muriel Bowser. She currently works there as the Associate Director for the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy & Initiatives, housed within the Mayor’s Executive Office. In this role, Krishna has worked on a wide range of projects and initiatives to
"The experiences and interactions that I had at Rabun Gap were formative, extremely helpful, and useful in pursuing a career in public service and community engagement.”
improve the lives of local women and girls through education and outreach programs. She also serves as Mayor Bowser’s speechwriter for all speaking engagements and meetings focused around women. Krishna said of her five-year experience at Rabun Gap, “Rabun Gap greatly influenced me in ways I did not even realize until later. Whether I was serving as chief editor for Rabun Gap’s literary anthology and newspaper or helping to launch the school’s peer counseling program, the mentoring, support, and education I received on the Rabun Gap campus helped me develop confidence in myself."
Krishna with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Outside of the office, Krishna spends her time traveling; serving on the board of directors for CASS, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving public safety for women and LGBT persons; acting with SAPAN, a performance company for South Asian artists in the D.C. metro area; and serving as the Special Projects Director for Rabun Gap’s Young Alumni Network.
and above with Senator Clair McCaskill of Missouri PILLARS MAGAZINE
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Cum Laude Society comes to Rabun Gap David Landis – Associate Head for Academic Affairs
Over the past 20 years, Rabun Gap has maintained consistent growth in all areas, but perhaps our greatest achievements have been in the quality and success of the school’s academic program. We have seen the number of honors and AP offerings steadily increase, alongside the diversity and size of our student body. Our students are experiencing greater success in their aspirations to attend high quality, selective colleges and universities. This year, we have reached a new milestone: We have been selected for membership in The Cum Laude Society. As Dr. Sgro expressed when we were granted our chapter, “Colleges and universities recognize membership in The Cum Laude Society as the milestone of student academic achievement.” Based on the college honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society is recognized by colleges and universities as a clear indication of future academic success. Opening a chapter will place us among a highly select number of public and independent schools in the United States. As Mrs. Cheryl Barber, Director of College Counseling explains, “College admission is driven by a student’s demonstrated academic excellence and the potential to contribute to that college’s community. Cum Laude membership is confirmation of a student’s drive and participation. Having a chapter of the Society at Rabun Gap will significantly enhance our efforts to support aspiring students.” Last spring, we named our Charter Members, selected from distinguished faculty, alumni, and trustees, and inducted our first student members. These individuals will serve as the founding members of our chapter. To be invited to join the Society, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 4.25, have been attending Rabun Gap for 5 consecutive trimesters, and be among the top 20% of current seniors or the top 10% of current juniors. To attain this level of success in a challenging college preparatory curriculum demands hard work, determination, and a genuine love for learning. As Dr. Erika Farr, the School’s newly appointed Chair of the Humanities Department, explains, “Rabun Gap’s membership in this prestigious Society provides several important benefits. It reflects our faculty’s commitment to student learning and our students’ determination to achieve and excel. It allows us to honor the ambitions, perseverance, and academic excellence in our student body, and it provides both motivation and reward for extraordinary scholarly achievement.” As one of only ten schools in the state of Georgia to have a chapter of the Society, we look forward to how this opportunity will support our vision to best serve the students in our care.
The way Rabun Gap has pushed me to exceed what I thought I was capable of.
MISSION STATEMENT The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence (areté), justice (diké) and honor (timí)
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At any given moment walking around campus I can hear at least four different languages …
PORTRAIT OF A 21ST CENTURY RG STUDENT Matt Wilson, Class of 1999 Comic Book Color Artist
Matt Wilson, Class of 1999, has and still does work for several well-known comic publishers such as: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Image Comics and he has also branched out to run his own small but thriving studio. Working from his own studio with his dogs: Dexter and Zola nearby, Matt is an accomplished creator. An additional bonus is the world of cyberspace which allows Matt to have another person work on his staff, from Ireland. Matt says that much of his initial interest in art and the skills he has developed began in AP Art class at Rabun Gap. “Rabun Gap pushed me into art. I had stopped taking art in public school because what they had to offer me was pretty limited. When I arrived at Rabun Gap there were many more opportunities and courses. The Arts had a large role to play in the life of the school. We worked with Mrs.
Manoogian doing metal sculptures and I had never done anything like that before. Dess Oliver’s classes taught me about a wide variety of tools and it was inspiring. Mrs. Loder and Mrs. Manoogian helped me gain confidence, and influenced me to develop my drawing skills.” His teachers encouraged him to enter art contests (which he said he probably would never have tried on his own), and he began to gain some recognition and the realization that he wanted to make a career in the art world. He left Rabun Gap with a modest portfolio and went on to graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and since then his career has blossomed. Matt's message to current students at Rabun Gap who are just starting to think about what they want to do in the future is realize you have many paths from which to choose. “Look at what you enjoy. Pursue your hobby, and try to discover what makes you happy. “
In 2003 Matt began working as a colorist at Zylonol Studios in Savannah which is headed by Lee Loughridge. He stayed with this studio for five years working on several well-known and highly recognized comic book projects such as: “Y”: The last man. Matt’s reputation as a colorist artist is growing steadily. Recently he has been working on Wonder Woman and Swamp Thing for DC Comics, and Dare Devil, Thor and Avengers for Marvel Comics. It is no surprise that Matt was nominated for three of the highest awards in the comic industry. He was nominated for two Eisner Awards– Best Coloring and Best Cover Artist and one Harvey Award for Best Coloring. Matt lives with his wife Nayoung in Marietta, Georgia. His mother is our beloved Janie Owens who works at the middle school.
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TALENT ABOUNDS AT RABUN GAP’S 2016 MADFEST Choosing a winner from such a broad and extraordinary group of talented students is best left up to the audience, and that’s just what was done at the 2016 MADFest student fine arts performance. Students competed in many disciplines, including music (vocal and instrumental), dance (solo and ensemble), drama, and cirque. Following student performances, the audience was invited to vote in an online poll to name the best-in-show People’s Choice winner for 2016. This year’s award went to a seven-member group of juniors and seniors for their multidiscipline performance On Call. Bailey Baker ‘16, Eetu Kohvakka ‘17, Elsa Landis ‘16, David Lee ‘16, Alexis Lewis ‘16, Logan Lilla ‘17, and Avery Lumsden ‘16 took home top honors.
RABUN GAP THEATER PROGRAM NOMINATED FOR EIGHT GHSMTA SHULER HENSLEY AWARDS Rabun Gap’s Theater program shines again with EIGHT GHSMTA Shuler Hensley Award nominations for the Spring musical production Children of Eden. Congratulations to: Paul Scott - Best Orchestra (performed by Irene Kim '17); Brieanna Bailey - Best Choreography; Sean Lakey - Best Technical Execution; Logan Lilla '17 - Best Light Design; Jack Liddle '16 and Sam Shelton '16 - Best Sound; Trevor Nichols '16 and Sarah Barr '16 Best Scenic Design; Emily Olson '17 - Best Costumes; and Ain’t It Good - Best Show Stopper! The Shulers are a part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards – The Jimmy Nederlander Awards.
Rabun Gap provides me opportunities to really express myself in an artistic style.
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Sports: the games.
ATHLETICS EAGLES FOOTBALL FINISHED WINNING SEASON AT STATE SEMI-FINALS The 2015 Football Season came to an end as the Eagles fell to the #1 seeded Cougars of High Point Christian Academy. Rabun Gap finished with a record of 7-5, had their third consecutive winning season, and their third consecutive Final Four appearance. Go Eagles!
LADY EAGLES ADVANCE TO NCISAA SEMI-FINALS The Lady Eagles won against Charlotte Latin School 42-28 in the Quarterfinals of the NCISAA State Tournament. They fell to the #1 ranked Providence Day in the NCISAA Semi-Finals. Way to play Ladies! Proud to be an Eagle!
RABUN GAP WRESTLERS CAPTURE FIRST CONFERENCE TITLE! The Rabun Gap Wrestling team earned their first CAA Conference Championship. The Eagles dominated Asheville School 58-9 in the opening bout and followed with an impressive 54-30 win over Christ School in the finals. The awards ceremony was fitting for their historic season as Rabun Gap had a record breaking NINE out of fourteen wrestlers named All-Conference: Kitan Salako ‘16 (2x reigning Conference champ), Nathan Miller ‘18, Arturo Ligai ‘19, Justin Seda ‘19, Matt Campbell ‘20, Aidan Loring ‘20 (unanimously voted post event), Quillen Martin ‘20, Cole Owens ‘20, and Leo Zhang ‘20. Way to go Eagles Wresting! PILLARS MAGAZINE
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ACADEMICS STEVE NOWAK has been appointed as the Head of Middle School, effective
July 1, 2016. Steve has been with Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School since 2010, teaching 8th grade English and also serving as the Assistant Head of the Middle School for the past three years. Steve also coached basketball for many years. An independent school alumnus, Steve has spent the past 15 years in private and independent school education. Steve knows independent schools, and he especially knows Rabun Gap. Steve earned a bachelor of arts degree from Cornerstone University, and will complete his master’s degree in independent and charter school leadership from Mercer University this fall. Steve, along with his wife Tammi and their four sons, have been an active part of life at Rabun Gap and we look forward to Steve’s continued service in this new role.
MYA SULLIVAN joined the administrative staff as Assistant Director of the Middle School. Ms. Sullivan came to Rabun Gap from The Laurel School, where she served as a teacher and administrator. She spent the last few years at The Laurel School in the roles of Director of Equity and Inclusion and the Chair for Learning Enhancement. She arrived at Rabun Gap with an undergraduate degree in math education to partner with a Master of Arts in American History and Government. Ms. Sullivan is well prepared to handle multiple disciplines of education and curriculum design. She is looking to help the middle school blossom and pursue purposeful change as they continue to create their unique identity. She also brings a great deal of expertise in diversity work, particularly making links between diversity matters and curriculum. In addition to her administration role she teaches two sections of eighth grade history, and she will coach girls’ basketball and track.
MAC TINIUS ‘16 was named the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School 2015 STAR Student.
The abundance of areas where students can develop… athletically, academically, theatrically, socially – what a great place to discover and grow one's talents.
Mac named Anne Shook, World Languages Department chair and French teacher at Rabun Gap, as the educator who has influenced him most in his academic pursuit to-date. Madame Shook has taught Mac for six years, and he stated that she “...has always been a positive and dedicated teacher and was willing to help me whenever I needed it...” Mac is considering going into Computer Science, Psychology, and/or Theater and is now attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.
MAGAZINE 12 PILLARS FALL 2015
The schedule – extra time to sleep (or do homework) because classes begin at 8:45.
SPOLETO STUDY ABROAD GROUP RETURNS FROM 17 DAYS OF ADVENTURE A group of Rabun Gap travelers, including students and faculty members, journeyed to Italy during last year's Spring Break. The trip included an immersion into the cultural richness and artistic wealth of Umbria, Tuscany at Lazio through Rabun Gap’s immersion program in the arts and humanities. Students grew academically, artistically, and personally as they studied and lived in an environment alive with history, art, and natural beauty. Students enjoyed two weeks in the medieval hill town of Spoleto that houses many Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance influences. In addition to an immersion into the historical town where they integrated with the lifestyle of a typical Italian community, the group also enjoyed four day trips with stops in Assisi, Rome, Florence, and Orvieto. Students made historical, artistic, religious, and cultural connections while visiting ancient monuments and sites.
FOUR RABUN GAP STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE AMERICAN MATH CONTEST COMPETITION Pictured L-R, Amirah Adem ‘17, Hadleigh Egler ‘17, Christian Trevathan ‘16, and Irene Kim ‘17 participated in the American Math Contest 10/12 (AMC). The AMC’s goal is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through the excitement of solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. A special purpose of the AMC is to help identify those few students with truly exceptional mathematics talent. One in a series of examinations followed in the United States by the American Invitational Examination and the USA Mathematical Olympiad, AMC participation ultimately culminates in the International Mathematical Olympiad, the most prestigious and difficult secondary mathematics examination in the world. Lead the Way Amirah, Hadleigh, Christian, and Irene!
PHYSICS CLASS DESIGNS AND PRODUCES BEEHIVE DATA COLLECTION DEVICES Students in Mr. Malot’s Physics class made data collection devices for the school’s beehives. Serving as the class exam in electricity and electronics, students were assigned the task of designing and producing a working data collector, and spent weeks reviewing theory and practice application before beginning the production process. The completed collectors have a scale, two temperature and humidity sensors, a rain gauge, and a light meter. They will be mounted on the 50+ beehives located around campus. Data collected will be used in Mr. Malot’s Botany class to identify and track pollen production.
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STUDENTS SPREAD CULTURAL AWARENESS AT THE LITTLE SCHOOL’S WORLD’S FAIR DAY Rabun Gap students from China, India, Mexico and Brazil took time out of their schedules to participate in World’s Fair Day at The Little School (TLS) in Clarkesville, Georgia. The students spent the day presenting about their home countries, having lunch and playing games with students in grades Pre-K through 5. TLS’s World’s Fair Day celebrates the cultures studied throughout the school year and gave the children an opportunity to interact in a meaningful way with students from around the world.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP RETURNS FROM FUN IN THE SUN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS Led by Middle School Science Teacher Johnathan BySura, 13 middle school students enjoyed a learning adventure of a lifetime in the Florida Keys during Spring Break. Mr. Bysura’s goal was to get students to explore their scientific world by taking on challenges and adventures in the outdoors. Adventure activities included paddle boarding, wake boarding, coral reef snorkeling, night snorkeling, kayaking and many varied days of exploration through the different habitats of the Florida Keys ecosystem. Very few trips offer the variety of outdoor interaction Mr. Bysura and his chaperones delivered on this trip, which was a once in a lifetime experience for these young students.
There are so many opportunities to try new things. MAGAZINE 14 PILLARS FALL 2015
S.T.E.A.M. (STEAM is an acronym for the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
The STEAM program is evolving: Thanks to the generous support from donors like the Jessie Ball Dupont Fund, the Quigley Family Foundation, Bright Wings, and the Hardman Family Foundation the STEAM program is engaging a wide variety of students in the technology of the 21st century… Excitement is growing for our STEAM program! We’ve seen unprecedented growth and diversity in our STEAM courses as well as our afternoon program. We now offer six trimester-long classes and provide opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world problems. Students have studied woodworking, metal working, 3D printing, remote control flight, robotics, agricultural engineering, and computer programming. In addition to our courses, we have been able to offer three seasons of STEAM as part of our afternoon program.
Construction is underway on our new
DeSaussure Oliver STEAM Center complete with areas for instruction, programming, design, fabrication, and finishing. For more information about supporting this bold and important initiative, please contact Paige Spivey at 706-746-7731
Through the generosity of alumni, parents, and others we have also seen growth in infrastructure. The STEAM program has been able to acquire two state-of-the-art 3D printers, a CNC machine, a metal lathe, a mill, and a new table saw with SawStop technology (an amazing safety upgrade). We are particularly excited to announce that one of the 3D printers will be housed in the school library where students will have access to it throughout the school day. Our hope is that STEAM initiatives will surface in all areas of the curriculum, over time. We have also taken the first steps in planning for the creation of a middle school makerspace which will serve as a foundation for STEAM programming in the middle school. The makerspace will be a place where younger students can unleash their imaginations and engage in hands-on learning and problem solving. Through the use of the space, students will also be equipping themselves for further success in the upper school’s increasingly hands-on and inquiry-based curriculum. I love learning, exploring, and creating. I became a teacher because I wanted to help others discover the joy that an active mental life can bring. I can’t think of a better way to accomplish this goal than to be part of the STEAM program. It is a front row seat to watching children fall in love with learning. I am proud of our school for offering these opportunities to our students. -Michael Lomuscio Upper School STEAM Coordinator
The excellent teaching faculty. PILLARS MAGAZINE
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The high standard of excellence
Juan Jose Espinosa Cuetos, Oaxaca, Mexico
Juliette Francesca Lupoli, Highlands, North Carolina
Gabriel Lara Botelho Ferreira, Cuiaba/MT, Brazil
Jinrui Lyu, Tianjin, China
Heidi April Lynisa Gardiner, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Bradante Laquan McDonald, Nassau, Bahamas
Nikalos Fareitino Harrell, Pearland, Texas
Jennifer Lynne Montoya, Franklin, North Carolina
Lily Rebecca Hill, Ocala, Florida
Ruel Adrian Morant III, Conyers, Georgia
Kenneth A. Hines, Jr., East Meadow, New York
Peyton Michelle Leigh Mumford, Atlanta, Georgia
River Adam Hodges, Bloomfield, New Mexico
Trevor Eli Nichols, Lakemont, Georgia
Bailey Elizabeth Baker, Highlands, North Carolina
Qihao Hu, Nanjing, China
Santiago Osorio Vela Alvizu, Mexico City, Mexico
Damilola Sidiqat Balogun, Harrison, Tennessee
Shen-Yi Huang, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Channah Elizabeth Papazian, Hiawassee,Georgia
Constantina Marie Barile, Franklin, North Carolina
Virginia Jeannine Hudgins, Forsyth, Georgia
Esther HyeIhn Park, Daly City, California
Sarah Amelia Barr, Franklin, North Carolina
John Paul Iannacone, Highlands, North Carolina
Landon Kern Edward Parks, Mount Airy, Georgia
Madeline Kayla Benitez, Cashiers, North Carolina
Ilija Ilicic, Belgrade, Serbia
Joaquin Perez,Tiger,Georgia,United States
Sarah Dancy Blackburn, Cashiers, North Carolina
Junwoo Jang, Seoul, South Korea
Angelica Charmaine Phillips, Pensacola, Florida
Caelan Nathaniel Thomas Brown, Conroe, Texas
Minseok Jeon, Seoul, South Korea
Emmanuel Olaoluwakitan Salako, Lagos, Nigeria
Sarah Elizabeth Calvert, Rabun Gap, Georgia
In Yong Jeoung, Seoul, South Korea
Samuel Crawford Shelton, Rabun Gap, Georgia
Slayton Montgomery Campbell, Atlanta, Georgia
Daniel Anthony Jones, Hyattsville, Maryland
Jung-In Eunice Sohn, Seoul, South Korea
Carlina Elaine Caro, Lakemont, Georgia
John Holland Jones, Highlands, North Carolina
Austin Wayne Solesbee, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
Yoo Kyung Chung, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Carter Scott King, Mount Airy, Georgia
Hunter Douglas Stanley, Cashiers, North Carolina
Kagan Brice Cochran, Clarkesville, Georgia
Elsa Erickson Landis, Rabun Gap, Georgia
Kenneth MacKenzie Tinius, Nacoochee Valley, Georgia
Brandon Allen Conquest, Durham, North Carolina
Lila Grace Langford, Canton, Georgia
Pablo Salatiel Torres, Jr., Monterrey, Mexico
Nghia Hieu Dam, Hanoi, Vietnam
Madeline Leigh Langford, Canton, Georgia
James Maxwell Trammell, Greer, South Carolina
Luiz Felipe Mochnacz Dantas, Cuiaba, Brazil
Jong Eun Lee, Seoul, South Korea
Christian Addison Trevathan, Highlands, North Carolina
William Gardner Davis, Highlands, North Carolina
Sungmin Lee, Namyangju si, Kyunggido, South Korea
Lauren Mercer Turner, Cullowhee, North Carolina
John McNally Donald, Nassau,,Bahamas
Olivia Carter Leviton, Dillard, Georgia
Pepita Melissa Nzizera Uwineza, Kigali, Republic of Rwanda
Erik Matti Douglas, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Alexis Nicole Lewis, Franklin, North Carolina
Ali Mae Walsh, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina
Tabitha Lynn Dowdle, Franklin, North Carolina
Jacob Hyatt Liddle, Sylva, North Carolina
Abdirahman Ahmed Yusuf, Burco, Somaliland
Dallas Lee Earnhardt, Rabun Gap, Georgia
Avery Isabel Lumsden, Sautee, Georgia
ChenYang Zhou,YiXing,,China
2016 Adetutu Oluwademilade, Adedun, Lagos, Nigeria
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The equity and inclusion program.
An Extraordinary Education begins with Rabun Gap Admissions The Rabun Gap Admission team [L-R]: Kathy Watts, David Hopkins, DaRel Christiansen, Jennifer Moore, Sherry Richardson, and Roger Cox.
Meet the people at the front door From the fifth grade to the twelfth grade, Rabun Gap is constantly growing and expanding. At the core of the school are students who want to be here. The Rabun Gap Admission team works energetically to bring us students who will make the most of the opportunities we have to offer. Our students come from all parts of the world. Some students and their families find us through word of mouth or advertisements. Others come from far away and find us because of the strong reputation Rabun Gap has built over the years. In every case it is important to ensure that our students are the right fit and to select students who will grow and adapt well in the Rabun Gap environment to live out the mission of the school. The Rabun Gap Admission team works with a variety of schools and agencies that help discover and bring us talented students. Led by Director of Admission Ms. DaRel Christiansen, the team is comprised of Ms. Sherry Richardson (Assistant Director), Mr. David Hopkins (Director of International Programing), Mr. Roger Cox, (Associate Director of Admission and Athletics), Mrs. Kathy Watts (Admission Assistant), and Mrs. Jennifer Moore (Director of Financial Aid). They are the first people our students meet at Rabun Gap.
“One thing that has not changed, since I arrived here thirteen years ago, is the mission of the school and the school’s “heart” for its students,” says Director DaRel Christiansen. Calm and always ready with a smile, Ms. Christiansen has a strong commitment and love for Rabun Gap. Her son Soren is a 2015 graduate of Rabun Gap and her daughter, Mya, is in the 8th grade. “Rabun Gap is a welcoming place and it has a feeling of home for its students.” Ms. Christiansen also points out the things that have changed. Specifically she notes how the school has grown in the number of places from which we draw our students. Christiansen said with pride that, “Rabun Gap has become more academically selective, as seen in the higher entry level test scores. The school has increased its ability to provide financial aid for students,” and remains committed to making education accessible.
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Sherry Richardson has had a variety of jobs that have involved education. After studying psychology, religion, and early childhood education at Rhodes College, she began her career as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. When she had children of her own (Will ‘07 and Anne ‘12) she became involved in their educations in any way that was needed. When Sherry’s children entered Rabun Gap, it was as natural as spring turning into summer for Sherry to be elected President of the Rabun Gap Parents Association, The Gap Connection. Every once in a while, Sherry will burst forth with an enthusiastic statement that is contagious like “Rabun Gap is just such a great school, I mean, don’t you just love this place!” When the school was looking for a full-time Admission person, the Director of Admission knew Sherry was a natural fit. Sherry says of her job that “it takes a lot of energy to do this job and you must understand that you are dealing with one of the most important points in a parent’s and child’s life, and this is just such a great place to be.” Ms. Richardson is devoted to Rabun Gap and she loves to talk about our school with anyone. For the last 18 years Kathy Watts is often the first person many students meet when they arrive to visit campus. Kathy is the Admission Assistant. Although she does not have a southern accent (because she grew up in Glasgow, Montana) Kathy says emphatically, “After being here for most of my adult life, I could never go back, it’s too cold there!” as she wraps her trademark sweater tighter around herself. The entire Admission team says that Kathy is the woman who, in her shy and quiet way, holds the team together and keeps track of them all and their busy schedules. Kathy says of her job that it is a lot like gardening and growing things - one of the things that she loves to do. “Like gardening, seeing students come here and grow is a wonderful thing.” She says her job is rewarding and “it is fun to work with families and to watch a young person be given a chance to get a Rabun Gap education.” Kathy has seen the school almost double in size and she says, “Although the school has grown, the goals and the philosophy and who we are has not changed.” Kathy tries to always keep in mind the model of Adele Yermack, a former Director, “who never asked anyone to do something that she would not do.” Kathy said that her job requires a great amount of attention to details, but you also have to be able to get along with people and enjoy families and try to make them feel comfortable. Kathy feels lucky to be at Rabun Gap and she enjoys helping people. There is no doubt that she is good at what she does. The Director of International Programing is Mr. David Hopkins. David previously served as the Head of the World Languages department at Rabun Gap and he is well qualified for his job. He is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. His job has two fundamental tasks. First on his agenda is to find great students and diversify Rabun Gap’s international profile. Secondly he supports Rabun Gap’s international students and their families in a variety of ways. He deals with the evMAGAZINE 18 PILLARS FALL 2015
Changing your life and determining the direction you will take as a student begins at the Rabun Gap Admission Office. eryday cultural adjustments that students and their families must make when they arrive in the United States and makes sure that students have all Visa requirements, and he works with the Dept. of Homeland Security as the certified designated school official. David says with enthusiasm, “this is the best job I have ever had, every day is totally different with many cultural twists and turns in the road.” He went on to say that he feels “lucky to have a mentor like DaRel Christiansen who has helped me with her experience with international students and I also feel lucky to work with this Admission office – We have a great team! I love seeing the students grow, pursue their dreams, take advantage of their opportunities, and see it all come to fruition here.” The Associate Director of Admission and Athletics is Roger Cox. Mr. Cox has been at Rabun Gap for ten years and he has held several positions from teacher and coach to Middle School Dean. His current role is to identify and recruit students who fit the profile of the Rabun Gap community. He states clearly that he is centered in the Christian belief to love God and love others, and with this as a starting point, “I work to partner with every family and every student and find where they need to be. In coaching I try to identify what each student is seeking and then guide them toward their goal.” Over the last ten years Mr. Cox has seen the athletic program become more competitive and “while being more competitive is good, it is not the only thing this school is about. I do not want to see us become competitive in the wrong way. I want Rabun Gap to be transformative in our students’ lives. We have great teachers here with heart for others and they are people who work hard. They are wonderful role models for our students.“ Mr. Cox and his wife Amy have raised their four children here and it is clear that Coach Cox is devoted to Rabun Gap and loves his role here. “I love working with and for my family - everything matters here at Rabun Gap.” The Director of the Financial Aid office, Mrs. Jennifer Moore, is a key member of the Admission Office team. Her role is a critical factor in the Admission process and it is Jennifer’s job to help make the dream of coming to Rabun Gap become a reality. Jennifer is often the last person and the final step on the path to Admission to Rabun Gap. “If I don’t do my job successfully, I feel like I am letting everyone else down, both the families and the Admission team. I love this job, and it is gratifying to be able to work out the details and find the pathway to financing a student’s education here at Rabun Gap.” (There is more information about the financial aid office entitled “The role of financial aid at Rabun Gap” on the next page). The Rabun Gap Admission team understands and believes that people are the most important part of the work they do. They also have a common goal which is to bring to young people an opportunity to enrich their lives, grow and develop, and thrive. Nothing makes them happier than to see the students do just that.
The Role of Financial Aid at Rabun Gap by Jennifer S. Moore – Director of Financial Aid The cost of an education continues to rise, and for many of our students, it would be impossible to attend Rabun Gap without financial support. The work of the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Office is closely linked. Their combined efforts working with families to give our students an opportunity to obtain an extraordinary education, is crucial to the success of Rabun Gap. We thought it would be of interest to our alumni and supporters to meet the people who have the responsibility to manage these programs. “I cannot express how stunned and grateful I am by the extraordinary generosity of Rabun Gap. Thank you all… The actions of the Financial Aid Committee show, beyond a doubt, that my son’s love for Rabun Gap is exceeded by Rabun Gap's love for the students. Thank you all for loving my son.”
What do you think of when you hear the term “Financial Aid?” Most people think of money, of course. But financial aid is much more than money! Financial aid is about giving people choices. Look in someone’s checkbook and you will see what they value, because people spend money on what is important to them. Fortunately, here at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, there are generous donors who value education and give their money to our school which in turn allows us to provide opportunity for students and families. Getting a good education is expensive and without financial aid, many of our amazing students would not be here at Rabun Gap. We often receive letters from parents saying things like: “My son told me that Rabun Gap saved his life. Without the aid that we have received from Rabun Gap, I don’t know where we would be right now.”
avail themselves of the remarkable experiences at Rabun Gap makes me feel great about my job. One parent wrote to me recently and said in part, “I wanted to thank the financial aid office for all of your tuition support. I really love going to school at Rabun Gap. I am looking forward to next year�” Next time you hear the term financial aid, I hope you think of your own education and your friends and consider that many wouldn’t be here without aid from generous donors who help meet the increasing need of our talented students. Many people have made significant sacrifices for your education and most of all, for the opportunity and freedom to have choices. An education is the one thing that you can obtain that no one can take away from you. And at Rabun Gap, we are grateful to the many supporters who have helped ensure the school’s ability to stay true to our mission.
Extra financial support means that people are able to choose the I know that at Rabun Gap students receive an extraordinary edueducation that they want to pursue. Money is simple to undercation but it also comes with a high price tag. I love that I can help stand. Lack of money keeps us from doing things we want to do. provide families with the financial tools, guidance, and assistance Or money can open doors and create options and choices for us. to find pathways for these young people to obtain an extraordinary Every day, millions of people make economic choices about how education. to spend their money. Some spend it on things and possessions, some spend it on experiences, and some spend it on education, “Thank you to each and every person involved for your which we consider to be the best option; we are investing in the love and support given, not only to my son and my famfuture of young people and in turn the future of the communities. ily, but to every student and every family that is Rabun Most people I speak with do not know that over 75% of our stuGap-Nacoochee School. Thank you from the bottom of dent body receives some tuition assistance aid from our financial my heart. I know God is blessing each and every one of aid program. When families learn that they you and this wonderful organization can have the opportunity to have their son called Rabun Gap-Nacooche School.” *Jennifer Moore has been the or daughter attend Rabun Gap and that we Director of Financial Aid at Rabun can help make that happen for them, it is truIf you would like more information on ly amazing how excited the family becomes. scholarships and aid at Rabun Gap, Gap-Nacoochee School since Many families have to make sacrifices in order contact Jennifer Moore at jmoore@ 2013. She loves being able to help for their children to have a Rabun Gap educarabungap.org families get the aid they need for a tion, and they do not hesitate in making those sacrifices. Being able to help inform and guide Rabun Gap education, while at the Ability to be yourself. our families through the financial process and same time being a good steward of to see those students eventually grow as they the school’s aid budget. PILLARS MAGAZINE
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It’s a Beautiful Place Claire Foggin Assistant Director of Legacy and Giving
At 99, Emmett “Urcey” Dillard ’35 HS, ’37 JC very likely has a more active life than most of us half his age. Before he set the time for the phone interview, he had to clear space on his busy calendar. He settled on a Tuesday afternoon, as earlier that day he had an exercise class to go to, and then was going to lunch. Even on the telephone, Mr. Dillard’s sense of joie de vivre comes through in his voice and reminiscences of the many adventures he’s experienced in his near-century on earth. Born in Sylva, N.C., his family moved to Rabun Gap as part of the Farm Family Program. His house, which still stands just outside the campus gates, is now a faculty/staff home, and the trees his father planted reach sky-high. A day student at Rabun Gap from 1933 -1935 Dillard recalls taking classes at the school and then helping to work the farm—crops such as corn, wheat, and rye needed tending. Teams of horses plowed the fields that he worked, and most families kept a cow, chickens, and a hog or two. “It was subsistence farming,” recalls Dillard. But farming wasn’t in the cards for Dillard. “Farming didn’t look like a future to me,” he says. He decided instead to enroll in the newly formed Rabun Gap Junior College upon his graduation from high school, and then completed his BS at Berea College in Kentucky, where his roommate was another Junior College alumnus. Soon after his graduation, he
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returned to Rabun County and married Della Bennett’37 another product of the Farm Family Program, and whose house had adjoined the Dillards. “I married the girl next door,” laughed Dillard. The years that followed brought more changes—he was a radarman in the Pacific in World War II, a professor of livestock research at North Carolina State University, and part of a joint governmental and NC State delegation to improve agricultural production of selected crops and livestock in Peru. Now living in Cary, N.C., Dillard is a faithful attendant at the Farm Family Reunions and Heritage Homecomings, and is a contributor to the Junior College Scholarship, whose alumni he remembers fondly. It was a group that came of age during the Depression, and like him, went on to successful careers in fields as varied as education, science and engineering, politics, and mission work. Dillard attributes their success to having a solid background that instilled the value of education and hard work. “I had good teachers who gave me a good start. I graduated with a special class,” he says. As to why he keeps coming back year after year, he simply states “All my family lived there. My wife lived there. I have old friends there. It’s a beautiful place.”
The reaction of visitors to our campus – they always seem appreciative of our efforts.
Friends and connections from around the world.
A Rabun Gap Family “Leading the Way”
Rabun Gap was founded as a family school. It was among the first schools in the United States to educate the entire family. Although Rabun Gap is no longer a full family school, it does carry on a strong identification as a school that promotes and emphasizes family values. The education that a student receives from Rabun Gap is a once in a lifetime experience that adds purpose, meaning, and commitment to students lives. In recent times, in spite of the cost and sacrifice involved, it is no surprise that many families continue to send their entire family to Rabun Gap. This is an example of one such family among many who have sent their children to Rabun Gap and found the educational opportunity worthwhile and rewarding. Kennon Jones graduated from Rabun Gap in 2006 and attended Wake Forest University. While at Rabun Gap, Kennon developed a strong interest, appreciation and ability in both French and Spanish. He continued this interest in college where he majored in Mandarin and Economics. While in college he was able to study abroad in China and Italy and Spain. After graduation from Wake Forest in 2010, Kennon began working at a law firm but decided law was not what he wanted to do. Using his language acumen he landed a job at the U.S. State Department and currently he is working as Regional Director of Alumni for Asia and the Pacific. He hopes to eventually go into the Foreign Service branch of the State Department.
Now that he has been out of Rabun Gap for ten years Kennon says he misses the place, and that his experience at Rabun Gap had a deep and immeasurable impact on his development. His advice to all Rabun Gap students is to “keep up with your network of friends from Rabun Gap. Keep an accurate record of all your extra-curricular activities and write down why and how all the activities that you do are important. The things you do may not seem all that important right now, but they are valuable in your future.” Matt Jones came to Rabun Gap in 2002. When he arrived at the high school, he told his ninth grade history teacher that he wanted to join the Navy and become a SEAL. All through Rabun Gap as a class leader, captain of both the Cross Country and Basketball teams and Head Prefect, Matt never lost sight of that goal, and when he graduated he entered the U.S. Naval Academy. Matt graduated from the USNA with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and went from there to BUD/s (Basic underwater demolition/SEALS) training in Coronado, California. He was “pinned” in August 2014 (officially became a SEAL). “Since then, I have been stationed at a SEAL Team based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia and have deployed to Africa and South America. “My time at Rabun Gap prepared me well for where I am today. The PILLARS MAGAZINE
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tough academics and extracurricular time commitments set me up for success at the Naval Academy where free time hardly even exists for the first year. Being able to participate in multiple sports while at Rabun Gap instilled in me a sense of pride in my physical capability and athleticism, and it taught me the value of working as a team. I called upon this throughout my time at the Academy and, more importantly, as I prepared to go to SEAL training. And yes, lessons learned by Matt Jones on his high school basketball team still apply to Matt Jones on his SEAL Team. The thing that I think contributed to my success most however, were the people at Rabun Gap. I developed so many positive relationships with students and faculty alike, and I knew they all supported me in my endeavors. There were so many who genuinely wanted to see me fulfill my goals, and encouraged me each step of the way; those same people continue their encouragement to this day. Fear of letting those people down motivated me when I set out to accomplish what I told them I would.” Advice to RG students: “There is a lot to be said for deciding and acting. Many students your age are still unsure of what they want to do, but you don’t have to overwhelm yourself by planning your life out to your 50th birthday. Just make a decision about what’s next for you, and act. Once you decide what it is you want for yourself, you can focus all of your efforts and energy into attaining that thing, and you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish with a little focus. Rabun Gap is full of positive people who will support you in your journey; they just have to know where you’re trying to go.”
“Work can be extremely tough, extremely dangerous, and also extremely fun, but each day I look forward to going to work. I absolutely love what I do.” Rabun Gap will prepare you academically, but a lot of what you take away from your time there is up to you.”
Kelley Jones always worked hard to keep up with her older brothers but she also was very much her own person. After graduating from Rabun Gap in 2009 Kelley attended Wofford College and graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor of arts in Accounting. She went on to get her Masters in Accounting from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina in hopes of obtaining her license as a CPA. During her senior year at Wofford she was offered an accounting internship with Elliott Davis Decosimo in Columbia beginning the summer after graduation. Kelley loved the company and continued to intern part-time while attending graduate school. She completed her CPA exams in September of 2014 and began a full-time position with Elliott Davis Decosimo. She is now a licensed CPA and is enjoying going to work every day. In looking back at life at Rabun Gap, Kelley said that the faculty and staff were always there to guide her and push her to do her best. “Rabun Gap taught me to be independent and to take responsibility for my own education. Rabun Gap faculty are some of the most passionate, caring people I have ever met.” Kelley went on to send a message to all current students: “Take advantage of all of the opportunities provided by Rabun Gap, both inside and outside of the classroom. High school sports are a serious area of nostalgia for me. I was no star athlete, but those are some of my fondest memories. Get to know your peers and learn their stories. You are surrounded by people from all walks of life that can teach you so much about the world around you. Rabun Gap will prepare you academically, but a lot of what you take away from your time there is up to you.”
Kennon, Matt and Kelley are remarkable young people and represent only one of many Rabun Gap families. Their contributions to our world are impressive, and they, along with countless other RG alumni, are indeed “Leading the Way” into the twenty-first Century.
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“… A lifetime of service.” Matt McGee Jazmyn Williams ’08 began working as Assistant Counselor at Eagle Ranch a little over two years ago. She lives in Mercy House with girls under the age of 12 and serves on a team that provides counseling to the children and their families. Together, along with the Eagle Ranch community, Jazmyn’s team hopes to help rebuild the families and make life better for the children. Last Fall, the team at Mercy House invited members of Eagle Ranch’s board of trustees to have dinner with the children. Jazmyn discovered, during the course of the meal, that she and their guest, Steve, shared something in common: Jazmyn Williams and Steve Gilliam both attended Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, nearly 40 years apart. I met with Steve and Jazmyn at Eagle Ranch to discuss what experiences these alumni from two different generations may have shared, and how their experience at Rabun Gap continues to influence their commitment to serve others. MM: How long were you at Rabun Gap and where did you live on campus? Jazmyn: I was there for 8 years. My grandmother worked there so I lived on campus. I lived in Coit and I also lived in Irene. [During my Senior year,] I became a prefect, so I stayed with the freshman girls. Steve: I was there 3 years, but I have been on the board of trustees since 1999. I lived in the boys’ dorm which is now the girls’ dorm: Coit Hall
The history of the school - the Ritchie’s must have been amazing people.
MM: What was it like, coming to Rabun Gap, that first year? Jazmyn: It was very different from how I grew up. I am from Atlanta; it was very diverse and I had to adapt to a whole different kind of culture. I am so very glad I got to go to Rabun Gap because there were kids from everywhere. I got to know some that grew up the same way I did and also got to know other people as well. Steve: I had a similar experience. I grew up in Decatur and went to Rabun Gap in the early 60s. Actually it really wasn’t that much of a transition for me because I had grandparents who lived on a farm in Conyers, Georgia. MM: What are some of your most memorable experiences at Rabun Gap? Steve: (laughs) I probably lived a little different lifestyle than Jazmyn. She didn’t get a letter asking her not to come back. She got a letter asking her to come back and be a prefect! Perhaps if we had had prefects back then I would have stayed a little bit longer! Jazmyn: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing. I think what made leaving Rabun Gap hard was that the people that worked there: the teachers, the dorm parents, the coaches; they were more than just those roles to me. I grew up there. Those people just really became family. One of the things that I miss, and that I’ve been lucky to find [at Eagle Ranch], is a community that took me in and made me a part of it. I can call a lot of the people at Rabun Gap my family. I hope the feeling of “this is my home” doesn’t change. It was so hard to leave because it was my home. Steve: That gives me goose bumps because even though we are 40 years apart (in my time at Rabun Gap we had 50 female boarding students and 50 male boarding students) it’s like I had 50 sisters and 50 brothers. We were all close. We developed such great friendships. It was a huge family. We worked together. We played together. We lived together. It’s amazing that we’re 40 years apart yet we still have the same inclusive feeling. MM: What are some things you learned at Rabun Gap, beyond academics, that you carry with you today? Jazmyn: Moving there was sort of a culture shock so one of the things that I learned was to take the time to get to know people who are different than you. Steve: We didn’t have an international group of students, but we had folks that came from different cultures in America. We had students who were very, very poor. Some were orphans, but on the other hand we had folks whose parents were very wealthy but travelled a lot. And then, of course, you had a bunch of middle class kids. There were kids who were there because they had unhappy circumstances at home. We really had a great faith culture. We went to church. We went to chapel. They did a good job of trying to bring folks to Christ and spread his message. Jazmyn: Our staff [at Eagle Ranch] meets every Friday for a chapel service together. In all the homes we do devotionals with our House. It’s very much a part of this community. MM: Are there moments, from your time at Rabun Gap, that come to mind during your work at Eagle Ranch? PILLARS MAGAZINE
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Jazmyn: I would say, just about every day (laughs). I’m working with kids one on one. The reason I became a prefect [at Rabun Gap] was so I could work with kids who are younger than me. Every day, here with kids, I am reminded of situations and conversations that I had at Rabun Gap. The only difference is that now I have a lot more knowledge than I had back then! Steve: The people that worked at Rabun Gap [in the 1960s] were nurturing and had a desire to help children, just like Jazmyn has that same desire and drive. MM: What would you say to a current Rabun Gap student or alumni who is interested in working in counseling? Jazmyn: It’s important to know that it’s not easy. It’s very challenging. This is a rewarding job, but the rewards come slowly. I think a lot of people make mistakes in counseling and therapy thinking that something is going to change overnight. That’s not really how it works. Sometimes we don’t even get to see the change here. Sometimes it happens when [the kids] are gone. We might hear about it and we might not. MM: Steve, what would you say to young Rabun Gap alumni, as they are starting their career, about volunteering or about service? Steve: I look at it two fold. First, our faith and our belief in Jesus tells us to serve others. He served us. Second, from a professional standpoint, I feel like I have been blessed with my career and I feel that because of those blessings I have an obligation to give back to the community. When I was just starting my career (as I call it: a baby lawyer), I always felt there was a calling to give back to the community in whatever way I could. And I’ve had a lot of fun doing it! I’ve been involved in little projects, I’ve served on a lot of boards, and I’ve been involved in major projects one of which brought the 1996 Olympic Games rowing and canoe/kayak events to Lake Lanier. People can give back in so many totally different ways. Jazmyn chooses to give back by working with children and to try and help them with their emotions. I’m not cut out for that. God’s given me the ability to organize and to encourage others to come and join a cause, and if they don’t want to join a cause, then to give money to that cause. It has truly been a blessing. You get so much satisfaction. Jazmyn gets a lot of satisfaction. [As she said] you may not see the results right now, but somewhere down the road… you might. Jazmyn Williams is an Assistant Counselor at Eagle Ranch in Flowery Branch, Georgia. She graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 2008 and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2012. Her brother, Jamal graduated from Rabun Gap in 2002 and also worked as a counselor at Eagle Ranch. Her grandmother, Patricia Oliver, served as a dorm parent at Rabun Gap for many years, until 2009. Steven Gilliam is an attorney at Smith, Gilliam, Williams and Miles, P.A. in Gainesville, Georgia. He attended Rabun Gap from 1962 until 1965. He has served on the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Board of Trustees since 1999 and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2009. Steve and his wife, Susan, live in Gainesville. His contributions to Gainesville and Hall County are extensive and include chairing United Way of Hall County, Gainesville State College Foundation, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Lanier Park Hospital, Rehabilitation Industries of Northeast Georgia, Elachee Nature Science Center, Chattahoochee Country Club, University of Georgia Law School Alumni Association, and other civic and charitable organizations.
ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND 2015
The health center is just wow! The nurse and the trainer all seek to see that you are physically well before you can embark on your other tasks.
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The 2nd Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend in October of 2015 provided, once again, a great chance for alumni of all ages to reconnect and see the beautiful Rabun Gap campus alive with all the fullness of the school year. The weekend featured a 10 year reunion for the Class of 2005, organized by Kelvin Dinkins, and a 20 year reunion for the Class of 1995 spearheaded by Joey Haban. For the first time ever, Homecoming Court was presented at the varsity football game, where the Class of 2005's Homecoming King and Queen, Micah Seehorn and Trecy Bergen, crowned this year's winners, Landon Parks '16 and Bailey Baker '16. Rabun Gap looks forward to welcoming alumni back home October 14-15, 2016 for the 3rd Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Class Notes: 1935
1957
Emmett Urcey Dillard Now living in a retirement community since 2005. My wife Della Bennett died Aug. 23, 2015
Susan Houghtaling (Odum) Enjoy being a RETIRED psychiatric nurse living in the mountains of western NC. Still “attached” to RGNS, volunteering on some projects and committees. I am in good health and very active in my church and with family.
1954 Beverly Burton (Struble) I still enjoy keeping up with friends from the Gap. 62 years since graduation and we still enjoy each other. My education at Rabun Gap has served me well, and my faith sustains me daily. Dennis Dickerson Older now and body aches. Getting old is no fun. I’m retired from art conservation but I continue to enjoy plants and the yard.
1955 Richard Neal Retired from L.A.Co.F.D.Sta. Capt. 30 yrs. service. Sailed my Hardin 45 ketch to Costa Rica living there for 12 yrs. Now living in David, Panama. My daughter lives in Kingman AZ. My son runs a yacht service agency in Panama City, mostly refueling & Panama Canal transits.
1956 Patricia Phillips (Milleri) I live in Talladega Alabama. I retired from American Red Cross and have spent a lot of time traveling after my husband passed away in 2009. I have three married children, five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. I am involved with the Alabama State Retirement Association and Rotary Club and I play bridge every chance I get.
1959 Ralph L. Merow I have four children and five grandchildren. Retired from the Georgia DOT in 2007 and moved to Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, GA in 2009. I spend most of my time around the house during the week doing maintenance and taking care of three dogs. My wife and I usually visit local antique shops and festivals on the weekends. I started collecting US stamps about three years ago. Patricia Wright (McNulty) I’m married and live in Parkersburg WV. We have a combined family of 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren. We enjoy dancing, traveling. We attend church and volunteer in our church mission.
1960 Larry Kelly Retired from an engineering career. I am now living with my wife of fifty two years in Marietta, GA near my daughter, son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.
1963
1964 William R. Page Twenty seven years military service(combined Active Duty and Reserve), retired USPS, PhD in Religion and Society, 15 years Marriage & Family counselor, I have been married 49 years, three adult children and three grandchildren.
1965 Troy Dunn I am now retired and live in White, GA I’m married and have one daughter and a beautiful redheaded granddaughter. I was very fortunate to have attended RGNS, and miss my classmates.
1966 Robert Jones Retired effective January 2013. I spent most of my years in broadcasting and IT, now living in Tucson AZ.
1967 David M. Smoot I celebrated 44 years of marriage to Diane W. Smoot on March 18, 2016. I am President of Net Work Limited, Inc. a Christian mission’s organization. Check us out at: www.networklimited.org
1968 Brenda Hopper (Lycett) Graduated from Georgia College and State University 1972, bachelors Home Ec. Minor ECED. Masters in early Childhood Ed. Married Edward Lycett 1972. Ed is a minister. He was in the music ministry until he finished seminary, then moved into job as Minister of Education. I taught elementary education for 33 years. We have two children: Erin and HK, and our daughter-in-law, Misty.
Varney Watson I’m president of The Writers Block, a song writer’s assistance group.
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1970
1978
1984
Joey Brockinton I have served as VP for Student Life at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC for the past ten years. Willa and I have two children and five grandchildren.
Julie Anne Radke (Murray) I’ve cherished the opportunities to see classmates and reconnect over the past several years. I’m in Asheville, NC, a grandma “Mimi” and starting a new career as a Health and Wellness instructor.
Kris Kuehn Living in Raleigh NC and working in Dallas TX.
1973 Barbara Taylor (Woodall) Because of my wonderful experience at RGNS and the Foxfire classes I’ve published two bestselling books that keep me busy. I am grateful for school mentors who taught me the value of heritage. Robert Teague Retired from Gwinnett County GA Water Department, stepson died last year at age 41, will celebrate 28 years of marriage in June. Steve Bordeaux Married 1990, widowed 2003. Jack of all trades. Currently living in Knoxville, in a solid relationship.
1975 Tommy Lamb Dr. Tommy Lamb, former RGNS alumni president is a District Sales Coordinator for Aflac in Albertville, AL. His daughter, Amberly Lamb (Griffith) ‘98 is expecting his first grandchild and her first child. Amberly lives in Lexington, SC with husband Garrett. Amberly works for Price, Waterhouse, Cooper, in Columbia, SC.
1977 Jeff Fears I am married, and have 3 kids, two daughters and a son. My son is the baby, and he recently turned 27. I graduated from Univ. of Alabama in Huntsville in 1984. I have been working for AT&T nearly 20 years, and look forward to retiring in 3 years. Think of The Gap often, missing everyone. Go Class of ‘77! Catherine Kelley (Parker) recently co-wrote an ebook on eldercare with fellow RGNS alum David Cleveland ‘67. www.inclusioneldercare.com
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1979 Robert Sullivan Environmental field tech. Remediating contaminated soil and groundwater with http://www.redox-tech.com Kimberly G. Hagen Upon retiring from SC state government on November 1, 2015, Kimberly G. Hagen was honored with a SC House of Representatives Resolution and a retirement luncheon at the Springdale Hall Club in Camden, SC. Ms. Hagen served the State of South Carolina for more than 26 years, and over the course of her career worked for the State Development Board, the Governor’s Office Continuum of Care Division, and most recently as Business Manager for the SC General Assembly Legislative Council, a position she held for 16 years.
1981 Tim Scott Wife and I love living in Austin, TX. Having the best dog ever helps us adjust to a newly empty nest. I’m a software engineer and sometimes entrepreneur. My new hobby is Austrian economics.
1983 Brenda Sandlin (Brown) Been married 25 years this year, have three teenagers. I’m a Realtor and am passionate about selling real estate! Steve Cochran My family and I have resided in Jacksonville, Florida after finishing my pediatric dentistry residency in 1993. My wife, Amy, and I are blessed with three daughters.
1986 Matt Hughes Lives in Suwanee and Mountain City, GA. Nora Snodgrass (Rader) My years at RGNS were the best learning experience for me. This experience is the base of who I am today, a wife of a loving husband and mother of three great children. Thank you RGNS!
1987 Hiro (Hisahiro) Shimizu Working at Hollywood movie development company in Tokyo Japan for many Japanese properties. Channing Mason Auburn, married, boy and girl, Decatur, Construction, golf, cooking, travel.
1988 Samson Desta After years of engaging in editorial newsgathering functions at CNN International, I recently moved to business development and was recently promoted to Vice President, News Operations at CNN.
1990 Debbie Kime (Trout) I recently went back to school for a second degree, this time in Massage Therapy. I love my new career.
The atmosphere- the mountains, the fields and buildings. The foggy mornings I am surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The front hill for sliding.
1992
2000
Jennifer Lee Johnson - Well to describe myself would be a challenge because I am like the blind man driving the school bus! (lol) Keep calm everyone! God has got me in a head lock and I find comfort in His wisdom, my faith, and His protection… and I will never feel alone. Class of 1992… will always be remembered by students and faculty alike as the greatest and coolest class of all!
Cambra Overend - Currently preparing to stage manage a production of “Oslo” at Lincoln Center Theater, directed by Bartlett Sher.
1993 Caroline Mirand (Parez) Moved to San Francisco CA in 2005, married in 2008 and had a son 2014. Work for Autodesk Inc.
1996 Maggie Kelly (Byrne) Working at CDC and enjoying songwriting on the side. Live in Decatur GA with husband Eric and son Henry, 4.
1998 Matt Ludlam Over the last 5 years I have been designing and publishing educational theatre supplies through my company, Ludlam Dramatics. All this is due to the foundation provided by Larry Smith while I was at RGNS.
1999 Will Kropp Enjoying family life as a husband and dad! I work for an awesome SAAS company in a Project Manager-Professional Services role.
Aaron Midgett - The Midgett family is growing up fast these days. Our boys, Wyatt and Porter are 3 and 1 and make for very exciting, busy days. Kim and I love living in Portland.
2001 Alex K. Muench Living a dream in Reno, NV. Still amazed and excited by my new job as Director of Video Production at Whitney Peak Hotel. Thanks for everything Rabun Gap!
2002 Jennifer Oksanen (Miller) Our family was blessed with a second addition, a son, on March 4th, 2016. Stephenia Harper (McGee) Christian Fiction author with my fifth novel published in April 2016. Josh Holtsclaw My wife Monica and I moved from Portland to San Francisco this past fall and I began working at Pixar Animation Studios as a Graphic Artist.
2003 Sarah Worley-Hill In July 2015 married Robert Pettinger in Devon, England. Now living in Oxford and working as a Bid Developer for Oxfam.
2004 Alexandra Walton (Briceno) My husband Rico and I own and operate a 290-seat restaurant in Simpsonville, South Carolina - just outside of Greenville. We have two little boys, Nolan (4) and Nathaniel (1).
The opportunity to create a club.
Josh Seehorn I currently run my own business in Athens, GA and will be thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada in 2016. My persona l website is: www. outdoorjosh.com
Justin C. Brown My family grew in size with the addition of a beautiful, healthy boy! Forest Avery Brown was born August 11, 2015. Our daughter Tallulah Joy turned 4 on May 28!
2005 Krystle Muthoni Kabare Finished my Master’s in Sweden last year. Now based out of Nairobi working as an international social policy specialist at Development Pathways. Still a soccer enthusiast and music festival nerd! Obsessed with traveling to far-away lands. Rachel Marie Stikeleather (Briones) I’m working as a branch sales and service representative at PNC Bank in Highlands, NC. Welcomed a baby boy in October 2015, Landon. Sarah McClarnon currently lives in St. Petersburg, FL where she graduated from Eckerd College ‘09 majoring in Visual Arts, minors in Italian and Mathematics. Sara continues to create art, working with a focus on patterns found in nature. Recently, Sara purchased her first home in St. Pete, a new bungalow style home. Chris Truelove - CEO and Founder of Fusion Ballroom, LLC and ClearMind Solutions, LLC. Married with three boys. Works part time in the NICU at local hospitals as a Neonatal Pediatric Specialist.
2006 Hannah Maguire (Vick) I’m living in Atlanta, married, and working for a startup technology company!
2008 Dominic J Breuer I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Healthcare Systems Engineering in Boston while working with many great hospitals to improve patient safety and care efficiency. Courtney Beale (Ledford) After graduating from UNG, I returned to Rabun Gap with my husband. He is teaching at the Middle School. Our son Jackson turned one in July. I am enjoying being back on campus.
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Aaron Rainwater My wife, Madeline, and I got married in November, 2014 and we live in Arlington, VA. I’m a Regional Development Officer for the Leadership Institute, which is a non-profit educational organization that identifies, recruits, and trains conservative & libertarian activists to effectively influence public policy. In my role, I’m responsible for cultivating relationships with all of my employer’s donors in the Northeast region of the country and securing major gifts. Nick Argyle I’m currently in DC working as an IT director for a non-profit. I’ll hopefully be starting a master’s in cybersecurity next year. Jesse Greener I recently got certified to teach yoga and am a RYT-200hr working and teaching in a studio in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, I have returned to school for second degree in Secondary Education. I graduate in May 2017 from Kennesaw State University and after will be teaching middle or high school English/Language Arts. I am most looking forward to next spring when I will be doing my student teaching in Quito, Ecuador!
2010 Sophie von Loeben Cheers from the UK! I am currently pursuing my MSc in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics and Social Science (LSE). Edgar Zavala Recently taught Business Courses at Qingdao University in Qingdao, Shandong, China. I graduated from Appalachian State University on May of 2015. I am now teaching Spanish at Rabun Gap! Udochukwu Emeka Ojukwu - Special shout out to Irving Guzman ‘09. Irving came to visit me back in March and we hung out like old times back in Ernest dorm, despite not seeing each other in 6 years. Oliver Hudgins Successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail in 128 days. Just completed the Atlanta marathon and currently looking for the next physical/mental challenge. Be and do more than just your job.
Dana Moore (Byrd) I recently got married in January 2016 and just started a new job as the Senior Graphic Designer for Lowes Foods corporate office in Winston-Salem, NC.
Jessamine Mauney I am currently working as a Customer Communications Specialist at UPS in their corporate headquarters in Sandy Springs, GA. I’ve recently adopted a dog, Vera, and we are enjoying exploring the city!
2009
2011
Marie-Sophie Guntram This is my first year teaching English language and theater at an inner-city school in Germany, and I could not love it more! Some of my students are in 5th grade, some just about to graduate, some are from Germany, some are refugees. No day is the same, and I am always on my toes. It´s like dancing!
Sarah Froeschle I have been working as a software trainer in Indianapolis for almost two years, and I will soon become a remote employee for my company and will be moving back to Florida this summer.
Wayne McPherson - Since graduating from Davidson in 2013, I’ve been working in Atlanta with A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. I’ll likely be starting the application process for business school later this year to matriculate in fall 2017. Dylan Duvall - I’m a TV buyer for an ad agency downtown (Toronto) called Media Experts. I plan broadcast campaigns for BMW, Best Buy and WestJet. Craig Anderson I am proud to serve as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Austin Scott’s office in Washington, DC where I advise him on energy, foreign affairs, judiciary, labor, telecom, trade, and transportation issues.
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Randi Williams Currently moving from Nashville, TN to Duluth, GA. Recently graduated from Piedmont College with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Richard Barron I am about to graduate from college with a degree in middle grade education and a minor in geology. My plan is to get a teaching job and at the same time start my masters degree in counselling and administration.
2012 Jiaer Zhuang I’ll be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics May 2016 and joining Teach for China as a Teaching Fellow.
Collin Kelly I’m finishing my last year at Boston University and will be starting the HR Development Program at Liberty Mutual Insurance Group this coming June. Although time has passed I am still very close with many of my friends from Rabun Gap. Elsa Stiles I am currently completing my internship as a court advocate at R.E.A.C.H. of Macon County. In May 2016, I will graduate with my BSW. Grace Jang I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign last December, and I’m currently interning at an accounting firm. I am going back to school for masters degree in accountancy. David Todd I am a senior at Georgia Southern University majoring in Marketing/Sales and double minoring in Information Systems and Management. I also play guitar in the band Drunk on the Wind.
2013 Jim Armfield I am still at NC State University and loving it. Over the summer I worked at the NCDOT for my third co-op rotation. I plan to graduate in December 2017 in Civil Engineering. Mikel Hutchison - Professional Chef, Head Chef and Kitchen Manager in Atlanta, GA. Recently offered a job working as an executive chef for the Professional Golf Association.
2015 DeCray Higgs I am enjoying Bama and on the Dean’s List. However I do miss Rabun Gap’s small community and amazing teachers. David Philyaw I’m continuing my technical theatre education at Lawrence University (in the very cold and very flat state of Wisconsin), and am serving as a Residence Life Advisor for the 2016-17 year. Caroline Moore I am a sophomore at Berry College and I’m studying Music and Environmental Science, focusing on percussion and biology.
Four classes a day.
Recent achievements by Rabun Gap Alumni and Rabun Gap faculty
ALUMNI: David Cleveland ‘67 recently authored two books: Inclusion-Eldercare for Everyone and Design Your Own Life from High School to Career. David’s first book on eldercare was adopted by the Department of Defense and placed in every military base and reserve unit worldwide. To discover more about David and his co-writing Assistant, Catherine Kelly Parker ‘77; please visit their website at www.inclusioneldercare.com. Stephenia Harper McGee ‘02 has written a new novel: Leveraging Lincoln You can check out Stephinia’s biogragphy and her other novels at Amazon’s Stephenia McGee Page
You get to do different things every day. Teachers – people are kind, even when you are new. The pressure to challenge myself.
FACULTY:
The community of genuine, caring people.
Dr. Marion Truslow has an article coming out, "The Irish Brigade Recruits..." in a collection edited by Arthur Mitchell. Expected to publish in 2017. Johnathan BySura published through University of Minnesota. "Reading Nature as a Strategy to Increase Science Achievement and Ecological Content Knowledge in Middle School Students." Written for masters thesis. Dr. Erika Farr co-authored an article on digital archives that was published recently. Jennifer Jones completed her UCLA College Counseling Certificate program June 2016 Greta Landis completed her UCLA College Counseling Certificate program June 2016 Dr. Anthony Sgro was awarded a fully-funded fellowship the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership’s 2016 Heads of Schools program at Columbia University. This distinguished honor established in 1991, is granted to just twenty heads of schools annually. This prestigious fellowship provides independent and international school leaders with an opportunity for focused research and professional reflection. Completed a Fellowship program at Columbia University.
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The kindness and respectfulness of the students.
Young Alumni Network THE YOUNG ALUMNI NETWORK WANTS TO BE THERE FOR YOU WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU. STAY IN TOUCH BY FOLLOWING US ON:
Rabun Gap Alumni or Rabun Gap YAN
rabungapalumni
Join the Rabun Gap Young Alumni Network Group
STAY INVOLVED BY UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFO AT:
rabungap.org/yan or rabungap.org/alumni
yan@rabungap.org or alumni@rabungap.org
706.746.7728
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Find a mentor / Be a mentor YAN is starting a Mentoring Program to connect recent Rabun Gap graduates with Young Alumni in their geographical area and/or career path. Do you have time for a cup of coffee, or an email to reach out to a new Rabun Gap graduate? That’s all it takes. Email yan@rabungap.org to learn more.
Be a Class Representative We are looking for a few members from each class to serve as Class Representatives by reaching out to your classmates and letting them know about the YAN and our 100 Days Campaign. Let us know at yan@rabungap.org.
Adopt-A-Dorm Do you remember eating dining hall food every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; breakfast, lunch, and dinner; breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Do you remember what it was like for someone to bring your dorm homemade treats or store-bought goods? While many alumni may argue that the “kids these days” don’t appreciate how good the dining hall food is now, dorm students at Rabun Gap still appreciate receiving a taste of home. Contact Ashly Coppage at acoppage@rabungap.org for more information or to join the AdoptA-Dorm program.
CORRECTION:
Please note the following correction for Pillars magazine Fall Issue 2015 Georgia Tax Credit Supporters Apogee donors: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Carley Mr. and Mrs. John Stack Mrs. Virginia Gaeblein and Mr. Cesar Sosa Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie Williams Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kisgen Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Lassiter Mr. and Mrs. Roger Neuenschwander Mr. George Smith Mrs. Mary Smith Mr. and Mrs. John M. Stack
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The Young Alumni Network is growing strong and in a unique position to give back to the ‘school we love so well.’ THE 2016-2017 YAN COUNCIL: President Connie Jones 2002 Alumni Membership and Recruitment Chair Chris Crawford 2006 Communications Chair Shiloh Aderhold 2004 Events Chair Kelvin Dinkins, Jr. 2005 Fundraising Chair Chris Johnson 2007 Special Projects Chair Krishna Ghodiwala 2008
The opportunities… from Cirque to academics.
2016
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GAINESVILLE, GA PERMIT #47
339 Nacoochee Drive | Rabun Gap, GA 30568 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
MISSION STATEMENT Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School combines its strong academic program, mountain setting, and Presbyterian heritage to inspire young people eager to learn and grow. Living our motto, Work Study Worship, our community nurtures and challenges students of diverse backgrounds as they prepare for college and a lifetime of service.