Dragon Wings, May 2019

DRAGON WINGS

SPRING 2019

2018-2019 Annual Report Printer’s Proof Edition

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College Acceptances: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

University of Georgia Georgia College and State University Mercer University Elon University Auburn University University of Alabama The University of Mississippi Rollins College Southern Methodist University Furman University University of West Alabama University of Notre Dame University of Wisconsin – Madison University of Minnesota University of Richmond Colorado State University University of Colorado – Boulder Coastal Carolina University Southern Crescent Technical College Gordon State College Emory University Savannah State University University of the South Clemson University Wofford College Hampton University

Pictures of Graduation will be available online and in the upcoming Annual Report.

Tour

COLLEGES IN THE SOUTHEAST

The St. George’s College Office is an exciting place to be right now One vital element of our plan is our unique high school Leads as our first graduating class prepares to leave us for great colleges! program which is designed to help our students develop their We are so proud of everything our Seniors have accomplished (see interests, acquire new skills, and expand their horizons. Following front cover). This past year, we have had college representatives the SGES mission, the Leads program focuses on enriching the on campus, application essay workshops, and lots of SAT/ACT curriculum in four primary areas: To Learn, To Serve, To Live, and chatter in the halls. In March, we designed two college tour options To Lead and allows us to provide opportunities most students don’t to visit schools in the southeast. Schools included Furman, Wake get in high school. This advantage helps them be more competitive and prepared for college.

Forest, Clemson, Auburn, Alabama and Samford, among others. After STUDENTS CHOSE A TRIP TO VISIT helping our first graduating class Alabama Schools In addition to our student programs, navigate the admissions process OR our services include college advising and ultimately find a college with just the right fit, we are graduating North Carolina & South Carolina Schools informational sessions for both students and parents, individual them! family meetings, our college tours, workshops on a range of topics from But, the process doesn’t just begin with Senior year. We know today’s college admissions process leadership seminars to test preparation, and resources for financial can be challenging with lower acceptance rates, a more qualified aid. SGES alumni who are now in college have been back to campus student pools, and an increasing number of deadlines for students to share their wisdom and experiences and we have even had a few to manage. Therefore, we start our admissions counseling process SGES alumni lead tours for us on their respective campuses. Our early so our students will be well-prepared. For 8th grade parents, goal is simple – we are committed to helping each family be well we provide an overview of our 4-year plan then begin laying the informed and each student to be well- prepared to navigate the foundation with our 9th – 11th graders by including year-by-year college admission process and fi nd a college that is truly the right fit for them. suggestions, information sessions, and to-do lists.

class trips to see the world

Spain

I doubt I will ever forget the excitement on my classmates’ faces as we walked through customs at the Madrid-Barajas International Airport. Even though it was eight in the morning, and we were all going on little to no sleep from the night before, smiles were on all of our faces.

As we rode in taxis into the beautiful city of Madrid, we knew we were in for the trip of our lives. The next week was a whirlwind of sightseeing, trying new foods, getting lost in the cities, and laughter -- each city seeming better than the one before.

In Madrid, the highlight was definitely the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of the Real Madrid soccer team. As a class of soccer fanatics, the excitement was uncontainable. When we arrived for our tour, we quickly grabbed our tickets and raced up the countless flights of stairs to the top of the stadium, where the view took our breath away. In front of us was a stadium large enough to hold 300,000 people. The rest of our tour was just as exciting, as we were able to see all of the trophies the almost century-old team has won over the years, the locker rooms, and even walk on the field and sit in the players chairs! For many, it was not only the highlight of Madrid, but also the highlight of the entire trip.

Although Madrid was amazing, the next city we visited, Seville, was even better. Unlike Madrid, which is like the New York of Spain, Seville is a large city, but all of the buildings in the area we visited were old and had a nice old-Spanish charm. The area was filled with narrow, winding streets lined with colorful shops stocked with traditional Spanish spices or jewelry. All of us had a wonderful time wandering through the city and experiencing a new culture. One of the most exciting experiences in Seville was climbing the Giralda, a minaret from a mosque-turned-church that is 343 feet tall. Although the climb up was difficult, the view from the

top was well worth it, as we were able to look out over the entire city in any direction. That night, we also had the amazing opportunity to attend a Flamenco show. The show was a great way for us to learn more about the traditional Seville dance and enjoy a show, which was nothing like we had seen in the US. The next city we visited was Granada, and it was just as amazing as the other two. Granada is a city of winding streets filled with Arabiclooking shops, giving us a view of a Spanish-Islamic culture. We climbed for what seemed like hours until we finally reached the Alhambra, or the palace of the Arabic king. There, we were amazed by all of the beautiful architecture, orange trees, and reflecting pools that were all over the palace.

Finally, after a week of travel, we were sad to admit that our week-long adventure had come to an end. But, as it turns out, we were wrong. Thanks to a delayed takeoff at the Madrid airport, we missed our connecting flight, stranding us in possibly one of the best places to be stranded in: Paris. Although it poured most of the time we were exploring the city, all of us agree that it was one of our favorite parts of the trip. We spent about 3 hours taking in the sights of Notre Dame, the Seine River, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, stopping for a break to enjoy crepes and some much needed hot chocolate.

The senior class trip to Spain is unforgettable. We will always remember wandering the city streets, attempting to speak to locals, the long train rides filled with laughter, and even an escape from a pickpocket.

Thank you, SGES, for an amazing trip.

-Sarah Edwards

Alumni Spotlight Anthony Peek

SGES 8th Grade Class of 2004

What grade and year did you start at SGES? I started in the first grade on the first day that SGES opened in 1996.

Who was your first teacher?

Shelley Boswell.

What advice do you have for current SGES students, especially our graduating seniors?

SGES provides a unique setting for creating deep friendships with classmates - these friendships should be cherished and maintained through life. Also, there is much to learn, and the academic foundation provided at SGES will carry you far in college.

What do remember most about SGES? I remember feeling like I was part of community where people cared about the wellbeing of students on deeper Where did you attend college and level than a school is usually expected what was your major? to. I also remember basketball games.

I attended Duke University in North Carolina where I majored in Economics What did you learn at SGES that and graduated Magna Cum Laude and shaped the person you are today?

Phi Beta Kappa.

I learned that prioritizing the greater good over immediate self-interest is an What is your current occupation? achievable and fulfilling way to be with I work for a company in New York called others. Life as an adult has made clear Macquarie Group that invests in or buys that there are costs to living a moral life private businesses to provide growth and we are fortunate to have SGES to capital or liquidity to owners. Some provide an example of how to navigate examples of the companies we have those choices in adulthood when the invested in are a railroad in Houston, a stakes are higher. port terminal in Los Angeles, and even

Prom Pictures

an apartment building in Griffin. We financed a satellite launched by SpaceX a few years ago which allowed me the opportunity to view the launch (and rocket landing) in Florida.

Anthony Peek

Dragon Sports Report

SGES LAUNCHES NEW SPRING TEAMS

St. George’s added two new teams this spring, including the inaugural JV Baseball Team, and Varsity Girls Soccer team! Both teams enjoyed spring-time competitive play in a region with multiple AAA schools and both finished strong, including a spot in the state semi-finals for the Varsity Girls soccer team!

Other spring teams included middle school golf, tennis, track, boys soccer, and girls soccer as well as varsity golf, track, and tennis teams.

Founders Day 2019

St. George’s celebrated their 23 year anniversary on April 28th, 2019 at the annual Founders Day picnic on the grounds. Students led in singing and prayer during the celebration. At the conclusion of lunch together, families enjoyed touring the campus to see the various student artwork displayed throughout the school. 10th grade students organized the annual talent show held in the Chapel, and everyone enjoyed visiting and touring the new High School Building, which will open in August!

the world

is our classroom

day trips that inspire learning Field trips have included:

• Stone Mountain Park • Georgia Aquarium • The Little White House • Atlanta Zoo • Alliance Theater • Carlos Museum at Emory • Georgia Tech Paper Museum

• Callaway Gardens • Georgia State Capitol • World of Coke • Center for Disease Control • Noah’s Ark • The Rock Ranch • Many more!

As part of a unit on butterflies, students in first grade enjoyed a field trip to Callaway Gardens! Students learned about butterflies first-hand inside the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. Everything they learned in class came to life at Callaway Gardens - the caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly were all fascinating to observe!

High School students in LEADS went to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta to learn about the value of prevention-based public health. Students learned the history of the CDC and the work of the CDC and its relevance and impact on our daily lives. Hands-on exhibits allowed students an opportunity to dress the part of a CDC scientist!

At the conclusion of the government unit in class, third grade students visited the state capitol and learned how laws are passed in Georgia.

Students enjoyed a visit to the World of Coke too!

Learn with passion ◆ Serve with respect Live with purpose ◆ Lead with integrity

Milestone Campaign Spotlight Walter and Paula Jones Focus on Giving

What made you decide to give towards our capital campaign?

We believe strongly that the school offers our community a much needed educational choice - one that instills a spiritual foundation throughout the student’s tenure at SGES. And we believe (or we know) that the school more thoroughly prepares her students for a successful university experience.

It is also our strong belief that SGES – because of its program – will assist our community in attracting new families to the Griffin/Spalding area as well.

As active members of St. George’s Episcopal Church, in what ways do you feel the school has impacted the church?

Or vice versa?

During the current “Search Process” at St. George’s Church it’s well known that SGES is a tremendous draw in our search for our new Rector. A new Rector will see SGES as an important asset and certainly an opportunity to inspire its youth as a part of his or her duties. This was just our (current) initial thought.

However, in an overall manner – and over the longer term – we feel that SGES has given St. George’s Episcopal Church more visibility in the Griffin/Spalding community. We feel it has offered the community a better look into the willingness, creativity and determination of our parishioners. Conversely, our church – via clergy and lay-persons – seems to have

continuously kindled the spiritual portion of the educational process at SGES. And we are also very proud of the generous annual funding that our church has offered SGES over the years.

As this is the first year we are graduating our first senior class, what advice do you have for them?

We hope the graduating students understand that their decision to attend SGES really is affording them a much higher level of education thus a unique preparedness for their college experience. In other words, we hope that these seniors will use the opportunity of having graduated from SGES to apply to, and hopefully attend, a college of their choice – a college or university that might not have been available were it not for this unique academic, social and spiritual training.

Take a walk around campus.

You are making a difference everywhere.

Gifts to the Milestone Campaign help us build a strong, sustainable future for our students. At St. George’s, we are committed to developing well-rounded, confident, responsible and ambitious leaders. We want our students to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions and seek innovative solutions to problems. The Milestone Capital Campaign provides the foundation for these future leaders.

Gifts & Pledges as of May 1st, 2019

We gratefully acknowledge the leadership and support of our donors. Their gifts allow us to thrive and continually improve all facets of school life. Please join everyone at SGES in thanking the following for their generous support of our students, the leaders of tomorrow. We have secured over $700,000 in pledges to expand our campus and we will continue to reach out to SGES families, friends, alumni and former parents.

The positive momentum of the Milestone Campaign continues to secure a strong, sustainable future for our students.

St. George’s 1996 Society ($150,000 +) Anonymous St. George’s Founder ($50,000 to $149,999) Mary Bickers Chris and Michelle Edwards Phil and Annette Mouchet Brian and Tracey Upson St. George’s Fellow ($25,000-$49,999) Jim and Laura Edwards David Newton St. George’s Benefactor ($10,000 to $24,999) Anonymous Joshua & Franki Askew Bruce & Susan Bartholomew Scott & Lindsay Boatright Sean & Kristi Cain Murray and Jessica Deen Tim & Miranda Dender Michael & Mardi Drake Carson Gleaton Walter & Paula Jones Mariella and William King Family Foundation James R. New, Jr. Charitable Trust Mark and Sally Peek Brian & Ashley Taylor Doug & Barbara Wren St. George’s Sustainer ($5,000 to $9,999) Anonymous Coleman & Suni Clements David & Dot Clements

Mark & Stephanie Coker Larry & Melanie Collins Bea Dallas Bill & Alyson Dallas Tom & Katie Inglis June & Enid Lofters-Jones Brent & Amy Matthews Jay & Elizabeth Matthews Todd & Megan Potter Hal and Cathy Rahn Bart & Cherry Searcy Charlotte Thacker Ryan & Lori Tucker Russ & Nicole Walters Bobby & Neal Wheaton Spalding Hosiery Shoppe St. George’s Friends ($1,000 to $4,999) Jim & Frances Burke Larry & Jane Comer Alan & Christa Cook Robert & Angelia Cox Tim & Judy Cramer Brian & Kerry Cross Jim & Lynn Dunaway John Edwards Dan & Ashlee Fuller Walter & Laura Geiger Alvin Goldstein Jim Granum Tom & Jean Hancher Don & Emily King Trey & Stephanie Manley Quimby & Louisa Melton, III William Anthony Peek Brian & Amanda Remington Richard & Kathleen Rigg Ed & Carleen Ritter Daniel & Stephanie Searcy

Valdon & Betsy Smith Kelly & Jennifer Smith Leiv & Lindsey Takle Bud & Ann Turner Ricky & Patricia Williams St. George’s Friends ($Up to $999) John & Kelli Bankston Ben & Dianne Boatright Scott & Julie Boggs Ron & Kim Brooks Turner & Blair Burson James & Suzanne Campbell Rick & Cathy Chambers Bob & Nell Chambers Darren & Christie Davis Jason & Destiny DeLoss Davis & Susan Drake Jon Eady Cory & Erin English Jay & Laurie Fisher Reid & Marcy Flanagan Mark & Jennie Floyd Livia Geiger May Melton Geiger Jim & Elaine Grubbs Bo & Mary-Louise Guillebeau Greg & Mitzi Hammock Jim & Tammy Hill Christopher & Patricia Hill Troy & Ellee Hilley Jeff & Brooke Homan Tommy & Sara Hopkins (in honor of their children, Dr. Chase Hopkins and Dr. Paige Parker) David & Faith Inglis Andy & Lindsey Jackson Charles & Sarah Jones

David & Marie Knight Charles & Leah Leverett Katie Linscheid Taylor & Anne Manley Bryan & Jaime Manion Tony Martinez Jeff & April Mason James & Cheryl Matlock Graham & Page McDonald Christopher McFadden & Linda Hyde Sean & Chloe Morris David & Holly Ortiz Emily Peek Robert Peek Sara Peek Julie Peters Jimmy & Susan Reddick Kevin & Jannellen Rigg Mary Ann Shapard Lee Shepard Larry & Lucinda Sheppard Scott & Kate Sherfinski Philip & Jackie Smith John & Julie Stikes John & Bess Stover Lucian & Jennifer Tatum Drew & Anna Taylor Josh & Meredith Thacker Cade Louis Thacker Doug & Lisa Tuttle William & Brandy Tuttle Bill & Jo Ann Wellborn Joseph & Patricia Wunderlin Griffin High School Class of 1968

Reading Buddies is a program designed to give older students an opportunity to mentor younger ones in a concept that pairs an uppergrade classroom with a lower-grade classroom for student-partnered time with books. The benefits go beyond learning to read: they develop social and emotional skills and the roots of the school community deepen as classes across campus work together.

For the love of books!

Thanks to the Parents’ Association, the spring book fair was a tremendous success. The “Books and Bones� family event not only provided for an afternoon of family fun, but further encouraged the love of reading.

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Why give to the Annual Fund and Milestone Campaign?

To inspire St. George’s students to utilize what is learned in the classroom and empower them to make a difference in the world as leaders.