Green & Gold Volume XXVI Issue 1

www.wesleyanschool.org

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Green & Gold

Volume XXVI, Issue 1

NEWS

Student Government reveals Homecoming theme. pg.1

A Publication of Wesleyan School

NEWS

Sophomores head to Sharp Top for their long-awaited retreat. pg. 5

SPORTS

Fall sports kickoff their seasons. pg.12

August 20, 2021

EDITORIAL “Embrace the Editor-in-Chief activities and Lily Morris relationships gives advice that bring you to the Class of 2022. pg. 2 joy.”

Homecoming announced: Wesleyan County Fair Lily Morris Wesleyan’s student government just announced the Homecoming theme: Wesleyan County Fair, which will be held the week of September 20th and will culminate in a semi-formal dance on Saturday, September 24th for all grades held at Wesleyan.

In order to execute this event, Wesleyan’s student government, made up of high school students from each grade, work with the guidance of Student Activities Coordinator Brian Krehmeyer to produce a theme for Homecoming week and the dance.

When asked to elaborate on the student government’s theme, Student Body President and senior Hunter Suits said, “If you have been to Lemonade Days or a Cumming County Fair, that is the ambience we are going to have.” Suits explained that the Wesleyan County Fair will capture the “smell, the colors and the games that all stir up fun and nostalgic memories.”

The festivities of Homecoming do not only take place on the night of the dance, but include a week-long celebration. The high school will have a theme for each day for students to dress up. Krehmeyer listed they days of Homecoming week as follows: Monday: Spirit Day, Tuesday: Stages of Life, Wednesday: Cozy Day, Thursday: Jersey Day and Friday: Decades.

For each day, students are allowed to wear out of uniform costumes/outfits to fit each theme. Spirit Day on Monday means that students can show school spirit by wearing any Wesleyan merchandise, which can be

found at the Spirit Shop as well as the Used Uniform Store. Tuesday’s theme of Stages of Life means that high schoolers can dress as people of any age- as babies, different stereotypical teens, businessmen and women, and all the way to elderly people.

Cozy Day on Wednesday of Homecoming week means that students can come to school in any sort of comfy clothing, like athleisure, sweatshirts and sweatpants, pajamas, fuzzy socks, etc.. Thursday’s theme of Jersey Day means high schoolers can wear any sports jersey of their choice. Friday’s theme of Decades differs from the other days of the week because each grade of the high school has a different decade to dress as. According to student government, Freshmen were given the 20’s and 30’s, sophomores have the 50’s, juniors have the 70’s, and seniors were given the 90’s.

When Suits was asked about the different events taking place during Homecoming week, he said, “As in past years, we will have a jam-packed Friday with a lot of fun events, including the pep rally, the Homecoming Court pageant, and a student-faculty baseball game.” Suits believes that the activities in conjunction to this year’s theme are going to set this homecoming apart from those in the past. When talking more on the significance of the theme, Suits said, “Wesleyan County Fair provides a lot of room to grow the experience at the dance, and we plan on doing that.”

When asked what he is looking forward to most about

this year’s Homecoming, Suits said, “I am most looking forward to seeing all the student body come together and forget about the lost time and simply enjoy the night.”

The dance, which is open to all grades is semi-formal with females wearing nice dresses and guys wearing suits. Suits is especially excited for the freshmen and sophomores to enjoy the celebration of Homecoming week for the first time. When discussing his hopes for this Homecoming, Suits said that he “strongly believes that this week will set the tone for an uplifting, joyous, and most meaningfully, memorable year. I can’t wait for y’all to experience it!”

All of the Wesleyan community is excited that these celebrations can happen now even with the pandemic still occurring, and the student body is certainly thrilled for a great week of events, games, and fun thanks to student government and Mr. Krehmeyer.

Audrey Pursell Wesleyan faculty and students headed back to start the year and a great deal of uncertainty still exists in the world in regard to the Covid 19 Pandemic. The Green and Gold sat down with the High School Principal Joe Koch, to see if he had any updates for what Wesleyan students can expect for the 2021-22 school year.

Masks have been one of the most confusing and controversial items throughout the pandemic and depending on the news source, people can find data and statistics to back up the beliefs of thinking they help or not. Wesleyan required masks all last year. Wesleyan seeks guidance from several sources but bases most decisions on the recommendations from the Georgia Department of Health. The last time the Department of Health published guidance was June 2, 2021. No updates have been published that specifically speak to the new school year. Koch was asked what Wesleyan’s policy will be on masks this year. He said that masks will be optional this upcoming school year.

The other risk to students is the threat of quarantine.

Now that everyone 12 and up has had the opportunity to be vaccinated, neither the CDC nor the Department of Health requires a vaccinated person to quarantine if no symptoms are shown. It will be a huge relief to not have to listen for one’s name to be called over the intercom or receive an email with the dreaded news of being contact traced.

Unfortunately, contact tracing will still be happening

this year. If students are contact traced due to close contact within three feet, they will have to quarantine. However, vaccinated students who have been contact traced and show no symptoms will not have to quarantine. Virtual school will be an option to those who have Covid or have been contacted traced. However, it will no longer be an option to those who do not fit in one of the two categories.

Last year, we started the school year with no large spectator events including chapels, dances, and sporting events. This year, Wesleyan is trying their best to bring back these events with the most allowed spectators.

For chapel, students will be separated by grade level, seniors and juniors in Austin and sophomores and freshman in Powell watching virtually. This will rotate back and forth, so each week different grade levels will be allowed to watch live.

Sporting events, such as the upcoming football games should expect full stands. Masks will be optional, and fans will be advised to keep some distance between themselves. As for dances, homecoming is set to return as normal. Detentions this year will be a little different.

Detentions will take place during club time for the first two infractions. However, students will still be doing service-related projects during this time.

As for the specifics of the upcoming school year, Koch mentioned that grade level meetings are set to go back to normal as well as passing period timing and dear/mentor

times. Clubs are also something that will be returning back to normal. As for lunch, students will be sitting every other seat. The first week, juniors and seniors will be assigned Dubose and the rest of high school will be allowed outside seating or the additional seating in Yancey. Similarly, to chapel, this will switch off between grade levels. The Spirit Shop will be returning to normal during the school day; however, items will be served outside after the school day. The junior/senior Lounge is set to return. However, the lounge will have student desks to encourage some distancing between students.

Mission trips were not possible last year due to the complications of Covid. Due to the dangers of getting stuck in a foreign country or just flight restrictions in general, it was difficult to have any mission trips. However, this year there is some hope to open more mission trips. Unfortunately, not all mission trips will be back on, but more are expected to be available. As for now, everyone is working as hard as possible to bring back mission trips.

The school leadership is working hard to use all their recourse to help make beneficial decisions on how to proceed with the school year to keep students physically in the building. The way we start the year may not be the way we finish the year, but if we have learned anything since the original lockdown and living through an unprecedented pandemic, change is inevitable and can happen overnight.

Wesleyan anticipates a fun, carnival-themed Homecoming

McKibben

2021 School year begins with new Covid concerns

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green & gold

Value your time in senior year Ever since lower school, we have quietly observed and admired the senior class at school. We both envied their “big kid” lives and intently watched as they grew up and left for college. We have witnessed many grades above us transition into adulthood, but now our time to set out on the complex journey of senior year has finally come.

Now that we are headed towards the fall of our senior year, we are finishing up summer reading work, buying supplies for our final classes, and making sure our uniforms fit for our last year at Wesleyan.

Although each member of the class of 2022 is preparing themselves academically for the busy year ahead, I feel that the idea of preparing ourselves mentally is being discounted.

“Using this year to spend time with people who appreciate you and reciprocate the care you show them is of paramount importance.”

In order to succeed throughout high school and excel during senior year, one must possess the qualities of a good student, which includes being punctual, efficient, responsible, having self-discipline, and other attributes to conquer twelfth grade. But have we ever paused to ask what connects all these skills?

What makes a person capable of achieving goals and successfully moving into the next chapter of their life? It all starts with your mindset. If your mental attitude isn’t

Down 1. Full name of the library ___ ___ 2. Name of the main high school building 3. Where the football team plays __ __ 4. Where the underclassman park 6. Name of the chapel 8. Schools mascot Across 5. Full name of the main gym ___ ___ 7. Name of the dining hall 9. Full name of the middle school building __ __

Green & Gold Staff

Editor-in-Chief….………….............................Lily Morris ‘22 Layout Editor............................................Kendrick Archer ‘22 Staff writers.....................Ella Rayburn ‘22, Audrey Pursell ‘23 .............................Teagan Wilkenloh ‘22, Riley Cavanaugh ‘23 ...............................Comforter Afobunor ‘22, Henley Davis ‘23 ........................Anna Rae Copeland ‘22, Hampton Huggins ‘22 ....................................................................Caroline Croley ‘23 Advisers………….………………………..Meredith Jamieson …….....…………………………………….…Andrea Shupert Editorials represent the opinion of the individual writer. The Green & Gold welcomes letters to the editor, and reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, and content. Email greenandgold@wesleyanschool. org or place letters in Mrs. Shupert’s box.

Publication address: The Green & Gold Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

positive and hopeful for the future, then all other areas of your life will be affected.

Especially during senior year, we need to start focusing on the things in our life that have influence on our mindset, which includes the friends you spend time with, your relationship with your teachers and peers, how you spend your time, and a plethora of other parts of your life.

I believe that using this year to spend time with people who appreciate you and reciprocate the care you show them is of paramount importance.

Spending the limited time we have left with those who make us feel anything other than happiness is a waste of both our time and our mental energy. With all of this in consideration, my advice is to embrace the activities and relationships that bring you joy so that you go through senior year with the best mindset possible.

In discussing his past year as a senior, alumnus Harrison Leath (’21) discussed the importance of enjoying the time left in high school with some words of advice. He said that the class of 2022 should “live in the present. Senior year is filled with amazing opportunities, freedoms, and celebrations.

“Embrace the activities and relationships that bring you joy.”

It’s so easy to be focused on the future with college decisions coming and a difficult workload ahead of you, but there is something really special about the time you spend with one another and with faculty during your fi-

EDITORIAL

nal year at Wesleyan.”

This thoughtful insight from one of Wesleyan’s alumni emphasizes my point that spending time with those who bring positivity into your life can make senior year a memorable last year at Wesleyan.

“Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities you have around you.

One day you might just miss it.”

- Harrison Leath (‘21)

Alumna Natalie Gross (’21) advised the rising seniors to “take advantage of every moment and be open minded to every opportunity that pops up.” Gross’ advice proves that fixating your mindset towards positivity can lead to productivity and a fruitful senior year. When asked what his final words of advice would be to the class of 2022, Leath said, “I would want your grade to remember that even though senior year has its tribulations, it is the last time you will be in an environment like Wesleyan’s, so take advantage of the wonderful opportunities you have around you. One day you might just miss it.”

These thoughts from two of Wesleyan’s newest alumni prove that we as Wesleyan’s next senior class must focus on ourself and our mentality going into senior year in order for senior year to be successful and pleasing to both us and the Lord.

Sincerely, Lilly Morris Editor-in-Chief

Wesleyan Crossword

FEATURES

He Said/She Said

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THE CALM OF THE POOL VS THE EXCITMENT OF THE BEACH Caroline Croley

What do you think of when you think of summers? Maybe it’s no school and no homework. Or taking vacations with your friends and families to the mountains or an amusement park. But there are two things that you always think of when it comes to summer: pools and beaches. Summer just wouldn’t be summer without the cool waters to dive into when it gets too hot, which happens a lot in Georgia. Pools and beaches both bring this cool water for your pleasure, but pools are the more relaxing of the two.

What makes pools better than beaches? For one, the sand. Imagine for a moment you are laying down at the beach trying to get the optimal tan. You have the sound of the ocean behind you, your sunscreen is on, the sun is just right, and you are feeling good when lo and behold wind comes through! The winds come whipping through the beachside, toppling umbrellas, lifting towels, and blowing sand right in your face.

Thanks to the wind, the sand is everywhere! In your hair, in your mouth, in your eyes, in your bathing suit! E V E R Y W H E R E. You can try and get it out but even when you think you’ve gotten it all out, there is still an itch somewhere and you know the sand is still there. BUT when you are at the pool laying down and trying to tan and the wind blows, it’s just wind. Not some wonton force of Mother Nature trying to ruin your tan time. It might just be providing a cooling breath.

Caroline enjoys the calming prescence of a pool.

Hampton Huggins

The beach, a vacation of what you make of it. Not only is the beach a fun destination during all times of the year, but it can also be a place of family tradition that carries on for generations. When by the beach, you can relax in a chair and listen to the waves crash, or you can even go for a nice walk down the ocean line. Beaches are a very common vacation spot for many families, especially at Wesleyan. If its Seaside, Destin, or even Hilton Head, Wesleyan families can be found at any time of the summer or winter breaks. Now, as summer has come to a close, the debate has risen, which is better? The beach? Or the pool?

When the argument of the beach and the pool starts up, one of the main points is price. Price is something that can make or break a trip on if it even happens. The beach happens to be the most price effective options of most vacations including the pool.

At any beach, there is free access compared to the very limited free pool access. When relaxing by the beach, all you need is a towel and a chair; when at a pool, you need to have a membership, somewhere which can be expensive or even own one yourself, which is not easy. One thing that can hurt the beach trip is outrageous hotel prices.

Hotels and resorts at these popular beach locations can raise their prices super high because they know that people can and will pay their prices. But, at the pool, you need to either have one or have access to one which is not accessible to many people.

While students at Wesleyan have different opinions, one student made his answer very clear. Senior, Cater Lawson, spoke very fondly of the beach as it is one of his favorite vacation spots. When asked about his favorite things at the beach, Cater responded with, “Some of my favorite things are playing spike ball, as it is best played on the beach.” He loves to meet friends “because the beach is so large and the friends are endless,” and he also loves to snorkel as “the sea life is very intriguing to him.”

Also, when asked for some examples of why the beach is better than the pool, he responded with, “Well, first, I love to kayak at the beach, as it is much more exciting while you can’t even do it in a pool.” He also talked about the freedom of the beach saying, “You are controlled the most times to your pool and house compared to the beach where you can go anywhere your heart desires.”

Throughout much research and interviews, the numbers are very clear: the beach is the superior Wesleyan vacation spot. You have the whole ocean to your desire. You can boogie board, swim, stand, sit, float, and surf. And you don’t even need a chair, just yourself and a good time. If it’s the versatility, or the average price point, most people just enjoy the beach more often. And its these reasons why the wonderful, sandy, peaceful beach is better than the pool on any given break.

Croley

Furthermore, there are a plethora of animals that inhabits the fearsome, seven seas.

Some are friendly, but a lot are harmful and could injury and/or kill you. Sharks, eels, jellyfish, stingrays, manta rays, puffer fish… the list goes on and on. Senior Rylie Jones said she has been stung by a jellyfish before and it really hurt. But, to her delight, she has never been stung by a jellyfish in the pool! Imagine that! Pools provide the cool water needed to escape the scalding summer air without the dangers of sea life. When you swim in the pool there is no worry if you are about to bring to life Jaws or be brought to Ursula by her pet eels.

More movies must be brought to light to show the absolute viciousness of the ocean.

“Titanic,” for example. A movie about the true story of the doomed ship and a not so true love story starring the excellent Leonardo DiCaprio and stunning Kate Winslet.

This movie portrays the fateful moment when the so-called invincible ship was felled by a mere iceberg. According to History.com, more than 1,500 passengers (and Leo) died with the Titanic. How many ships have sunk and led to people dying (and Kate Winslet holding onto a door for dear life) in a pool? No need to Google it, the answer is zero, fictional or real life.

Sarah Lim, senior and role model to everyone, says it best, “Swimming in a pool is an experience everyone thinks fondly upon. Inhaling scents of chlorine, barbecue, and sunscreen bring irreplaceable sensations of nostalgia and childhood carelessness. Can you think of a pool without being taken back to the fun times you had with friends, refreshed and relaxed? I didn’t think so.”

Hampton contemplates the soothing beach waves.

Huggins

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Freshman head to SharpTop Cove Teagan Wilkenloh

The Freshman Retreat, August 6-8, which brings faculty, freshman, and peer leaders closer together at Sharp Top Cove, a Young Life camp, has been an annual tradition at Wesleyan for the incoming class of freshman each year. It allows the freshman to meet new classmates and form bonds that they will keep throughout high school.

The retreat also provides everyone the opportunity to grow closer with God and strengthen their relationship with Him. Assistant Director of Christian Life Alex O’Donnell said, “We do this retreat so everyone can get the same experience starting high school but most importantly to hear the gospel together.”

The excitement of this event was obvious from the moment students, teachers, and work crew all loaded up to drive out to Sharp Top Cove. As the buses rolled in, there were many fun games and activities awaiting.

Some of these activities included ziplining, beach volleyball, basketball, rope swings, shaving cream wars, and bonding with peer leaders.

This year’s 2021 freshman retreat turned out to be a great success all around!

Senior Carson Green and freshman Ryan Ward hold Senior Jeremiah Simmons and Lukas Shellhammer on their backs while they play games after lunch.

Lloyd

Freshman Tatum Terwilliger, Lydie Barnett, Britain Bridgers, Lauren Tucker, Lilly Surber and senior Grace Eversbusch hangout during free time.

Lloyd

The speaker of this year’s retreat was Glenn Campbell.

He has been speaking and teaching the gospel for over 20 years now and has served on numerous freshman retreats at Wesleyan.

O’Donnell said, “He shares the gospel in such a unique

Senior Audrey LaFramboise helps make millkshakes for the freshman.

Lloyd

News

and relatable way that students can connect with him.”

He challenged everyone to always keep their relationship with Jesus and trust in him no matter how crazy and difficult high school can get. He shared about the reality that we miss the mark, which is why we need Jesus to live a life that is complete. He created an atmosphere where students were able to be vulnerable and honest about their lives and what their faith is all about.

Another big piece of the freshman retreat was the remarkable work crew who gave up 2-3 days out of their summer to come and serve. The work crew helped with food preparation, serving, lifeguarding, and assisted the Young Life staff. Senior grade chair Kendra Morris said, “We use the seniors for work crew because it provides the opportunity for them to serve the underclassmen and creates a cool bonding experience.” The work crew incorporated different themes into each meal, which created a fun environment for everyone there, which has been such a fun tradition that always brings enthusiasm and excitement to each meal. The work crew is definitely a piece of the retreat that could go unnoticed, and they are greatly appreciated for their hard work and effort to have made this retreat happen.

The purpose of this retreat seemed to be achieved.

The moments and memories made will forever be something the incoming freshman can look back on.

It provided stability and confidence for students going into their first year of high school, which is definitely an essential thing to have. It gave the perfect opportunity for bonding with other students, teachers, and connecting with Jesus.

Freshman girls Rebecca Nieman, Rachel Oh, Norah Mukana, Anna Su, and Ali De Lenardo get ready to swim in the pool during free time.

Lloyd

The freshman class and peer leaders gather together ouside after lunch for fun and games!

Lloyd

Senior work crew dress up with a hawaiian theme for lunch one day.

Shupert

We l c o m e to We s l e y a n School, Class of 2025!

green & gold

NEWS

Sophomores kick off their school year

5

Ella Rayburn

The sophomores enjoyed a wonderful retreat at SharpTop Cove on August 8-10 because they were unable to participate in their traditional freshman retreat due to Covid restrictions. It made it even more fun to have it before school, so all the students were able to reconnect with one another and was also a great way to kick off their sophomore year.

This trip was something new that the school has never done for the sophomores. Assistant Director of Christian Life Alex O’Donnell said that the administration decided that since the sophomores had to miss out on their freshman retreat last year, that they should have the opportunity to go on one this year. O’Donnell and Director of Christian life Greg Lisson were the ones who made this trip happen for the sophomores.

They knew that they would not be able to make up all

difference for the sophomores was that they did not have their peer leaders like they usually do on the freshman retreat. Their day consisted of free time, meals, and worship.

During free time they were able to go in the pool, play in the lake, or play other fun games that the camp had available for them. During worship time they sang songs, and speaker Glenn Campbell spoke to the sophomores.

In his devotions, he shared the gospel, talked about salvation, and why Wesleyan does what it does. Campbell usually speaks on the freshman retreat, so it was very exciting when he agreed to also speak on the sophomore retreat as well as the freshman this year.

It took a lot of seniors and staff to make this retreat possible. O’Donnell, high school science teacher Megan

ties” said O’Donnell. This retreat would not have been possible without all the amazing staff and students, who volunteered to help make the weekend run so smoothly.

Sophomore Libby Wenz rides a inflatable whale at the pool olympics.

Brooker

The sophomores and their senior leaders enjoyed a shaving cream fight and games with their groups on the field.

Brooker the experiences that were missed out last year, but they felt this is a big event that Wesleyan always does and did not want them missing out. Both Lisson and O’Donnell planned the entire retreat and organized all this fun for the sophomores. Lisson was up in SharpTop while the

Lisson, high school math teacher Kathleen Shade, Assistant Technical Director Serena Wright, Lisson, Assistant Dean of Students Josh Smith, and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dustin Wolf volunteered to serve on both the freshman and sophomore retreats, which was a huge sacrifice as they were away from home for five days, and it took place a few days before the school year was about to start.

Sophomore work crew is getting excited to welcome the sophomores to lunch.

Brooker

“We were so excited to be able to have this retreat for the sophomores since they weren’t able to enjoy their freshman retreat last year.”

- Alex O’Donnell

Knoxie Roche, Chad McDaniel, Kathleen Shade, Kathryn Lanyon, and Brooks Hanrahan performed a skit during entertainment night on the retreat.

Brooker

retreat was going on and lead it to make sure that all ran smoothly.

Both the freshman and sophomore retreats were very similar in the fact that they did similar things. The only

Many seniors were also up in SharpTop as well. Some seniors were on work crew and cooked and served all the meals for the sophomores and some were also there as lifeguards. Thankfully, the cheer, football, and cross-country teams allowed their seniors to skip a few days of practice to allow them to help serve the sophomores on the retreat.

12th Grade Chair Kendra Morris, 12th Grade Chair Isiah Hill, Assistant Director of College Advising Andrea Shupert, Assistant Director of College Advising Erica Engsberg, and Megan Lisson volunteered to help lead the senior work crew.

Some of the seniors were able to serve as leaders to the sophomores for the weekend. These seniors stayed in the cabins with them, ate meals, and even did activities with them during their free time. “This was a benefit for the senior class and gave them more leadership opportuni-

The sophomores play an exciting basketball game before club time.

Brooker

6 green & gold

SENIOR

FEATURES

Druw Jones

What colleges are you applying to or going to? Vanderbilt University Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Japan Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Kanye West What is one thing you will miss about high school? Just being around all the people i grew up with.

What did you want to be as a child? Baseball player Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Ella Rayburn If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “The Office”

James Hufham What colleges are you applying to or going to? Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.

Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Seaside FL Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? JJ from “Outer Banks” What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? JV football What is one thing you will miss about high school? Football games What did you want to be as a child? Rich Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Ellie French If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Outer Banks”

Kaitlyn McGrath What colleges are you applying to or going to? University of Tennessee, Kennesaw State, and Ole Miss Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Paris Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Matthew Gray Gubler What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Crying in class after my physics test What is one thing you will miss about high school? Being with my childhood friends What did you want to be as a child? Veterinarian If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Criminal Minds” or “Friends” What is the theme song of your life? “Live While we’re Young” by 1D Bobby Cook What colleges are you applying to or going to? Georgia, Auburn, Clemson, and Baylor Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Argentina Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Tom Brady What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Punt returning What is one thing you will miss about high school? Football What did you want to be as a child? NFL quarterback Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Maddie Davis If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Outerbanks” What is the theme song of your life? “Mud on the Tires” Matthew Jones What colleges are you applying to or going to? UNC, Wake, and UVA Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Paris Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Jhene Aiko What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Getting suspended for breaking a door in 7th grade What is one thing you will miss about high school? Everyone calling me “Mattyj” instead of my actual name.

What did you want to be as a child? NFL and NBA Player Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Grace 5th grade If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Naruto”

Sarah Lim What colleges are you applying to or going to? Duke University, University of Georgia, Emory University, and others!

Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? London!

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Obviously, Taylor Swift.

What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Zach Russell pulled the chair out from where I was sitting behind Powell Theater waiting for my cue during the production of Addams Family. I fell flat on my tailbone and the porcelain doll I was holding (since I played a little girl from the dead) shattered on the floor! I was embarrassed, and even more so when I had to take the clothes off the original doll and put them on a plastic baby who was significantly smaller than the previous one.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? The Wesleyan support system! I’m really going to miss the relationships I’ve built with my teachers.

What did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be a paleontologist in kindergarten because I was really proud I could spell the word.

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Cooper Blauser in 4th grade If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? Definitely “New Girl” What is the theme song of your life? “Where You Lead” by the Cashburys aka the Gilmore Girls theme song :) All photos by Brian L. Morgan.

FEATURES

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SPOTLIGHTS

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Maddie Davis

What colleges are you applying to or going to? Wake Forest, CU Boulder, Loyola Chicago, Wheaton Chicago, and Elon Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Tokyo Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Louie Giglio What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? When I spilled tomato soup all over my skirt in front of the seniors on the 2nd day.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? The library What did you want to be as a child? An astronaut Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Marcus Erikson If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Emily in Paris” What is the theme song of your life? “I feel fine”- the Beatles Matthew Brown What colleges are you applying to or going to? University of South Carolina, and Auburn Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Alaska Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? David Goggins What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Throwing up in front of the whole football team in the hallway on the first day of summer practice my freshmen year.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Sports and the accompanying friendships What did you want to be as a child? An architect Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Lauren Balch If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Alone” Tori Hedlund What colleges are you applying to or going to? I don’t know everywhere I’m applying yet, but some of my top schools are NYU, Boston Conservatory, UMich, and Elon Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? London Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Aubrey Plaza What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? When I was a freshman I was walking into Cleghorn and it had been raining outside. The floor was super slippery, so as soon as I stepped onto the tile I fell on my butt in front of a bunch of seniors I didn’t know. They all just stared at me and eventually I had to stand up, so I did and started walking across the hallway, and then I tripped and almost fell again What is one thing you will miss about high school? My friends What did you want to be as a child? A mermaid Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Adam Rogers If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Parks and Rec” What is the theme song of your life? “You Need to Calm Down” Gray Bradach What colleges are you applying to or going to? Furman, Purdue, UGA, and some others Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Vietnam Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Sandra Bullock What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? One time I fell out of my chair in history class while I was reaching for my tablet. It’s not that big of deal, but the problem was I was dressed like Phyllis from “The Office while this occurred.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? The people and the daily routine What did you want to be as a child? An actress who sang, who is also a weatherwoman Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Mattyb of course!

If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Gleeeeee” What is the theme song of your life? “Always be my Baby” by Mariah Carey Rylie Jones Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? I’d want to be stranded on an island with Chris Evans because he is super cool and can rip a log in half. Also we’d become best friends and I could set him up with Sarah Lim. What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Last year I drove to school for rehearsal, and I tried to parallel park by the baseball field. Somehow I forgot how to parallel park, and I pulled in forwards instead of backing in. I kept re-parking for about 5 minutes, and then Jerry Simmons came over to help (shoutout to him). Except he also forgot that you have to back in, so I kept failing. Then more people started coming for band and baseball, and I ended up having an audience of 5ish juniors and seniors watching me. I specifically remember Carson Ballard standing by his car laughing at me. It was very traumatic, and I got bullied the next day in English class. The best part is that I eventually gave up and took someone else’s parking spot. I’m very good at parallel parking now though.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? I will miss the teachers but especially Mr. Hanrahan.

What did you want to be as a child? When I was a kid I wanted to be a famous singer or a lawyer (very similar I know).

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? My first Wesleyan crush was William Sabonis-Chafee my freshman year.

What is the theme song of your life? “People Watching” by Conan Gray is the theme song of my life.

Lucas Schelhammer What colleges are you applying to or going to? Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, and Coastal Carolina Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? Somewhere in Australia Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Jesus Christ What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? I had my zipper down in an English class.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Eating dinner with my boys What did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be Thomas the Train If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “The Office” What is the theme song of your life? “Does to Me” (feat Eric Church) All photos by Brian L. Morgan.

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NEWS

Diversity emphasized at Wesleyan Lily Morris

Since its foundation in 1963, Wesleyan has always held its students to high standards and held consistent goals for the school itself. Wesleyan strives to shape its students into not only intelligent people but well-rounded beings, who understand the world and advocate for positive change. One of the main focuses at Wesleyan is to prioritize diversity both in its student body, in its faculty and staff, and in the community it’s involved in.

When asked about the different clubs Wesleyan has incorporated over time that promote diversity, Wesleyan’s Director of Diversity Dr. Jennifer Pinkett-Smith listed Grace Diversity Club, United for Christ, CDB, and more. Pinkett-Smith said that Grace Diversity Club, the club that she leads, meets every other Wednesday.

United for Christ meets in the mornings on different weekdays in order to best work around the schedules of Wesleyan lower, middle, and high school faculty since it is a faculty and staff program.

When asked about different faculty at Wesleyan who both lead/work with these programs and help advocate for the message of diversity at Wesleyan, Pinkett-Smith included high school teachers Dr. Isaiah Hill and Guillermo Vallejo, as well as lower and middle school teachers Elizabeth Johnson, Jewelin Jackson, Dean Jackson, Laura Jensen, Acacia Kelly and Indyasia Fowler. She said that Wesleyan works with its faculty to promote diversity in the classroom as well as in these clubs.

When senior Sade Ojanuga was asked about her definition of diversity, she said, “Diversity is a group of individuals from differing social and cultural backgrounds.”

This idea Ojanuga expressed is important at Wesleyan and increasing diversity of the student body shows this.

When Pinkett-Smith was asked this same question, she said, “Diversity at Wesleyan to me is celebrating the unique differences in the way that God has created us. In doing that, that means that God sees us as mirrors, so our diversity, including male or female, our race, our ethnicity, our culture and our socioeconomic status all are

special in the eyes of God.” This insightful thought from Pinkett-Smith displays the bigger idea held at Wesleyan: that we are each made in the eyes of the Lord, and that incorporating diversity at Wesleyan incorporates people who God loves the same, no matter their background, where they came from, or who they are.

the leaders in our communities for representation of all different people.

When Pinkett-Smith was asked last about how those reading this article could work to spread awareness about

Teachers Acacia Kelly (bottom left), Indyasia Fowler (top left), Guillermo Vallejo (top right), Isiah Hill (right), and Director Jennifer Pinkett-Smith (middle) all help with the various diversity programs throughout Wesleyan.

Pinkett-Smith.

When Ojanuga was asked why she feels diversity is important to have specifically at Wesleyan, she said, “I think diversity is important at a place like Wesleyan to avoid ignorance and provide students the opportunity to learn from someone different than them.”

After Pinkett-Smith considered the same question from her perspective, she said, “I believe that the Bible shows that God speaks to ALL nations, so we should work to accept all and make disciples of all nations, just as Jesus did and God desires.”

In speaking about her own club, the Grace Diversity Club, Pinkett-Smith said that their three main goals were to first be aware of differences, second work on communication on these topics, and third advocate to

The chart, above, displays the diverse population of students at Wesleyan from 2021-2022.

Dr. Pinkett-Smith began working at Wesleyan in 2016.

Morgan. the message of diversity, Pinkett-Smith thoughtfully said, “I feel that important parts of spreading awareness are the ability to empathize, listen, and then change. It’s a great skill to have to not be afraid of having conversations with those who are different than you in order to achieve true diversity both in school and in conversations.” These ideas of diversity at Wesleyan show how the school works to emphasize the message of diversity in all that is done by both its students and faculty both in the classroom and in their daily lives.

Pinkett-Smith

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NEWS

Get to Know New Faculty Fellows Riley Cavanaugh

Wesleyan School’s new faculty fellows are excited for the new school year.

Will Kimberlin What school did you attend?

The University of Georgia.

Where did you grow up?

Birmingham, Alabama What is your favorite book or movie?

“Forrest Gump.”

What activitices do you plan on participating in at Wesleyan?

I will be coaching cross country, basketball, and soccer.

Who is your favorite artist?

Eric Church.

What are you excited about for the coming year?

The opportunity to meet new people and live in a new city.

Who is your favorite artist?

Taylor Swift, The Black Keys, and Lauryn Hill.

Catherine Penland What school did you attend?

The University of North Georgia.

What is your favorite book or movie?

“The Blindside” and any Jane Austen or Disney movie. My favorite movie is “Pride and Prejudice.”

What activitices do you plan on participating in at Wesleyan?

I plan on coaching varsity volleyball, middle school lacrosse, and help with Christian Life.

What are you excited about for the coming year?

I look forward to starting my teaching career and meeting each of my students. I am very excited about meeting and connecting with the older students through coaching and teaching.

Who is your favorite artist?

Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, and every Disney soundtrack.

Ellie Burns What school did you attend?

Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

What is your favorite book or movie?

The Woman Warrior and All the Light We Cannot See. What activitices do you plan on participating in at Wesleyan?

I will be coaching middle school cross country and basketball as well as high school soccer.

What are you excited about for the coming year?

I am excited to be immersed in the Wesleyan community and form bonds through coaching and teaching.

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Chet Popelka What school did you attend?

Georgia State.

Where did you grow up?

Suwanee, Georgia.

Who is your favorite artist?

Kendrick Lamar and Outkast.

What is your favorite book or movie?

I keep a list of my favorite movies. My current favorite is Inception.

What are you excited about for the coming year?

I am excited to meet the students and staff and make meaningful connections.

A

Abby Hopper What school did you attend?

The University of Georgia this past spring.

Who is your favorite artist?

John Mayer and Carole King.

What are you excited about for the coming year?

I am excited to meet students and staff. I am looking forward to seeing students’ creativity flourish and is excited to meet the faculty and staff and learn from their wisdom.

What is your favorite book or movie?

Naomi Francois Where did you grow up?

Queens, New York.

What school did you attend?

Williams College and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary for graduate school.

What activitices do you plan on participating in at Wesleyan?

I will be involved in coaching lacrosse and cheerleading. I will also help with Omicron.

Who is your favorite artist?

Georgia Mas Choir, Pentatonix, Will Reagan, Whitney Houston, and Russ Mohr.

“Pride and Prejudice” What activitices do you plan on participating in at Wesleyan?

I plan on helping out with fine arts.

Welcome to the 2021-2022 Faculty Fellows

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NEWS

Wesleyan students welcome

Alex Edgar

Allison Berry

What classes will you be teaching this year?

I am Wesleyan’s new communications director.

What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

I will help lead the middle school girls soccer team.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Outside of school, I love to run, be outside, and cheer on the UNC Tar Heels.

What is one random fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that 4 years ago, I was a faculty fellow here!

Berry

What classes will you be teaching this year?

As a Technology Coach, I support both teachers, staff, and students inside and outside of the classroom. Although I do not teach a class, I support teachers as they integrate technology into their curriculum. I will also be assisting students with their computers and iPad as well as any apps within their curriculum.

What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

I hope to get involved with some of the mission trips!

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

I enjoy traveling in my free time. I have been to Central America and Europe. My top wish list travel destination is to go to Japan!

What is one random fun fact about you?

I really enjoy fixing something on my own! There is a unique sense of accomplishment when I can research how something works and learn how to repair it.

What is your favorite movie?

I love comedies! It’s hard to choose just one.

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Mirko.

Where did you teach before?

Before coming to Wesleyan, I taught at Holy Spirit Prep and at Pinecrest Academy.

How long have you been teaching?

This will be my ninth year in education. I have taught K-7 STEM classes, high school literature, and high school technology classes.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

It started in my first years of teaching. I taught both high school literature and technology simultaneous. I enjoyed learning to integrate both of the subjects through new assignments, and I found that my students really responded to it as well. It was through these first years of teaching that I truly found my passion for educational technology.

Ann Barnett

Barnett

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is “Remember the Titans.”

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Jeni’s. The salted peanut butter with chocolate is amazing.

Where did you teach before?

I previously worked at Whitefield Academy in Smyrna, GA. How long have you been teaching?

I have been working at schools for five years now.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I love working in communications because I am able to get to know a variety of people and celebrate their unique stories.

Adonnis Jules

Jules

What classes will you be teaching this year?

High School Bible – Foundations of Faith, Global Justice, and Life of Jesus What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

Middle school boys basketball and yearbook.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Spending quality time with my wife and children and doing whatever we think is fun. Outside of that, I like to go to the gym, do MMA Training, cooking, play XBOX (sometimes PS4), go to the theater, travel, read, and write.

What is one random fun fact about you?

I’ll give you two: 1) I once zipped line over a jungle in Mexico and 2) I have a twin sister What is your favorite movie?

John Wick (All of them) What is your favorite restaurant?

Chilis or Cabernet Steakhouse Where did you teach before?

Bright Futures Academy – Bible teacher (middle and high School) and drama (high school) How long have you been teaching?

I will be entering my 6th year teaching.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

Bible is a subject I am very passionate about because it helps us to establish and/or further develop our relationship with God. It provides guidance as to how we are to live our lives as believers and shows us how we are to treat one another. I like to help students unravel some of the mysteries and

try to make learning and studying the Bible fun but show that God’s word is applicable and relevant to everyday life.

Andrew Phillips

Phillips

What classes will you be teaching this year?

Photography, 2D Design, intro to Art What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

Basketball What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Gym, video games (Street Fighter, Mario Kart, Horizon Zero Dawn, Mega Man on the original Nintendo). I also collect action figures and love going to Disney World.

What is one random fun fact about you?

I can say a sentence in 5 different languages.

What is your favorite movie?

“Thor Ragnorok” What is your favorite restaurant?

The Corner Taqueria Where did you teach before?

Atlanta School of Photography and substitute at PACE Academy Why do you teach the subject that you do?

Photography is my passion. It is more than just clicking a button and taking a picture. It is a way of life.

John Gregory

Gregory

What classes will you be teaching this year?

English III What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

According to the administration, I will not be helping with extracurriculars What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

I am an avid music fan! I have an expansive record collection, I regularly go to concerts (or did before COVID), and I play a little piano and guitar. I am also a cinephile of sorts; I love movies! I recently returned to film photography and I’m in the process of learning how to develop 35mm What is one random fun fact about you?

NEWS

their new teachers and staff I used to be a gymnast!

What is your favorite movie?

One of my favorites is “The Tree of Life.”

What is your favorite restaurant?

Does Chick-Fil-A count?

Where did you teach before?

I taught at a Christian college preparatory school called Chicago Hope Academy.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I teach English because literature teems with beauty and truth. It is a bottomless wellspring of wisdom, and I long to draw people to that well. It’s remarkable all the things I learn from good literature. It changes me.

Rachel Wellington

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I was previously at Lovett.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I teach Government because I love American History. I fell in love with the subject in high school during a senior elective called “History of the Modern Civil Rights Movement” which inspired me to study American History and American Studies in college.

Jessica Eskew

Tolman

Wellington

What classes will you be teaching this year?

STEM and Intro to Engineering Design What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

No extracurriculars yet. I’d love to help with diving or bible studies at some point!

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Cooking/baking, reading, running, being outside.

What is one random fun fact about you?

I was born with a rare disorder that causes me to be visually impaired. I am very excited to show students that challenges can be overcome!

What is your favorite movie?

The first Iron Man What is your favorite restaurant?

Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Where did you teach before?

This is my first time formally teaching. I was an undergraduate teaching assistant in college at the University of Georgia and have professional tutoring experience.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I teach engineering because it’s challenging and fascinating. Engineering is a unique subject that brings together creativity and problem solving to design innovative solutions for real-world issues.

I hope to encourage all students, especially female students, to explore the endless opportunities available in STEM.

Josh Tolman What classes will you be teaching this year?

I will be teaching Old Testament and Foundations of Faith.

What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

I will be coaching middle school football as well as wrestling.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

I love bass fishing and reading!

What is one random fun fact about you?

While getting my master’s degree, I studied every night listening to Taylor Swift’s discography on Spotify.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Top Gun. What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant would have to be Willy’s!

Where did you teach before?

I’ve never taught before. I worked in college ministry at Berry College for seven years. I’ve been around school or in school all my life, so I’m very excited to teach.

Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I love the Old Testament. It feels very foreign, even to those who have been Christians for many years.

I have a passion for making the Old Testament more understandable, and for us to see that the people back then were asking the same questions that we ask every day.

Tom Moak

Eskew

What classes will you be teaching this year?

I will be teaching High School Physics.

What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

I will be coaching Middle School Cheerleading.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

I work with the APS on making PhysicsQuest kits which are educational games and activities on topics like Quantum Information. I also love yoga, running, and art.

What is one random fun fact about you?

A random fun fact about me is that I am really good at dominos (or any board game for that matter). I also love pickles.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Interstellar.

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaraunt is Chick-Fil-A. Why do you teach the subject that you do?

I LOVE physics. It is what makes me come alive and brings me so much joy. Physics teaches us about the world that God gave us and sheds light on His glory in a way that is honestly mind-blowing.

Moak

What classes will you be teaching this year?

American Government What extracurriculars will you be helping with?

I will be coaching Offensive Line for the Varsity Football team and working in the Athletic Department as an Assistant AD for Sports Information.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Outside of school I love to spend time with my wife Mary Rose and our two dogs Luna and Neely.

I also enjoy being around the water- particularly boating and fishing.

What is one random fun fact about you?

I was once on SportsCenter’s top ten plays for throwing a touchdown on a fake field goal in college.

What is your favorite movie?

Favorite movie is Wet Hot American Summer.

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Jalisco’s in Buckhead.

Where did you teach before?

Welcome to Wesleyan, new teachers!

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SPORTS

Wesleyan sports kick off fall season Anna Rae Copeland

Cross Country

Seniors Gracie Brown 22’ and Audrey Laframboise 22’ at cross country camp.

Laframboise What course is going to be the most challenging this season?

The most challenging course we run is our own course at Wesleyan. This year we will be hosting three meets on our course. The Wesleyan course has some similarities to the state championship course in Carrollton, which benefits us as we are able to get quality training that matches the difficulties on the state course.

Why is this course going to be the most challenging?

Wesleyan’s XC course, like the state course, includes lots of elevation changes and turns. These elements in an XC course break the rhythm of the runner thereby making it more difficult to maintain pace.

How do you plan on replacing some of roles that last year’s seniors left with this new team?

We lost some solid leaders and runners with the departure of the class of 2021. However, the class of 2022 is one our deepest classes ever in both leadership and running talent. Our senior captains include Kendrick Archer, Gray Bradach, Gracie Brown, Danielle Kelly, Palmer Louthan, and Sophie Villa.

Where are the biggest opportunities for improvement as this season progresses?

Improvement in cross country comes through a commitment to a process. As such, the opportunity presents itself every day. Whether it’s the State Championship race or a Tuesday afternoon recovery run, progress comes for the athlete through the development of a discipline to give 100% effort in all the small things.

Who has shown the most growth throughout their time as a runner?

We have four seniors who stand out as having exhibited tremendous growth in their careers as XC runners.

Those runners are Gray Bradach, Gracie Brown, Maegan Ewing, and Ashland Hemken.

Softball

What opponent this season is your most intriguing matchup?

We are excited about our match up with George Walton Academy on Sept. 2nd.

Why is this opponent your most intriguing matchup?

George Walton is in our area, and they feature one of the top pitchers in the country, so it will be a great match up for us!

How do you and Coach Lisson plan on replacing some of the holes left on the field by the loss of the seniors from last year?

It’s always difficult to replace graduated seniors as no one can really be replaced. It’s an exciting opportunity for younger players to step up into bigger roles on the team. I’m excited about the opportunities for leadership with our upperclassmen. We may be moving people into some new positions, but we’ve got a lot of versatility and talent on the team, so I’m excited to see how everything shakes out.

Where are the biggest opportunities for improvement as this season progresses?

Our primary focus is on our team culture and creating an environment where everyone is supported and challenged to give their best every day. Having graduated a big senior class, we have lots of new opportunities for players who have been waiting for their opportunity, so I’m excited to see girls who have been working hard in the offseason step up and make the most of the opportunity.

Who do you expect to step up and fill the leadership role this fall?

We’ve got a great senior class, Tinsley Bertram, Jessica Nolan, and Imani Washington. Each of them bring different leadership skills and softball talents to our team, and I think they will work together so well to lead this team.

Football

What opponent this season is your most intriguing matchup?

All of our region games are important. As far as which is the most intriguing, I guess the Holy Innocents’ game since we are the two top teams in the region right now.

Why is this opponent your most intriguing matchup?

HI seems to have become a rival of sorts for us in several sports.

How do you and Coach Rider plan on replacing some of the holes left in the offense by the loss of the seniors from last year?

Lots of younger guys contributed to our success last year and in 2019. That crowd is back and ready to go plus some guys who starred on JV the last couple of seasons are poised for their varsity debut.

Where are the biggest opportunities for improvement as this season progresses?

We need to gel quickly on both lines of scrimmage.

Our younger players and newcomers will gain valuable experience in our early games.

Who has stepped up and shown leadership during summer workouts?

Our senior class has done a fantastic job this summer led by team captains Drew Ball, Matthew Brown, and Jaydin Brown.

Volleyball

Freshman Sarah Wren 25’, senior Imani Washington 22’, sophomore Chekka Salmieri 24’, and junior Christina McCoy 23’ at softball practice.

Bertram

What opponent this season is your most intriguing matchup?

Holy Innocents and Hebron are both in our region and they have won the last two state championships. Mt. Vernon (another region team) also returns their entire team and should be strong.

Why is this opponent your most intriguing matchup?

Both Holy Innocents and Hebron have a long-standing tradition of excellence and success in volleyball. They along with Mt. Vernon are the teams we have to overcome to increase our chances of success in the post season.

How do you plan on replacing some of the holes left on the court by the loss of the seniors from last year?

We have a lot of talent and depth this year which allows us to pick up where we left off last season.

Where are the biggest opportunities for improvement as this season progresses?

An area we will spend a good deal of time on is the “mental side of the game” and team chemistry. We feel we have a great deal of talent in the gym; we are hoping emphasis in these areas will allow that talent to prosper even more.

The varsity cheerleaders relax at cheer camp this summer.

Gilley

Cheerleading In regard to competing, what are some of the best programs and do you think the new Wolves’ team can compete with them?

We are excited and working hard as we will go up against the impressive teams. Mt. Paran has won the single A private cheerleading state title for nine consecutive years; they are a phenomenal team. We are focused on being our best during our flagship year, and are working to gain new skills while celebrating each accomplishment.

Why are these programs going to be challenging to the competitive team?

Mt. Paran has a lot of competitive cheerleaders and gymnasts. They have set the standard and continue to build their program year after year. It will be a lot of fun and an incredible challenge to go up against one of the best teams in the state!

Where are the biggest opportunities for improvement as this season progresses?

We will be incorporating more elite stunts and advanced tumbling this year; however, the transition shouldn’t be too drastic, as we have been very consistent with including How do you plan on replacing some of roles that that last year’s seniors left with this new team?

We will definitely miss our departing seniors, as they brought so many gifts and talents to the team; however, our new group of seniors have incredible leadership qualities, strong work ethics, and they are impressive athletes. Additionally, we also have a lot of new varsity teammates who have impressive tumbling and stunting backgrounds.

Who are you expecting your leaders to be on the competitive cheer team?

We are fully expecting our rising seniors to be exceptional leaders They are incredible role models, and we can’t wait to see how they lead our team this year!