Green & Gold Volume XXVI, Issue III

www.wesleyanschool.org

5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA

Green & Gold A Publication of Wesleyan School

Volume XXVI, Issue III EDITORIAL

Assistant Editor-in-Chief Ella Rayburn gives advice to the freshman class

Pg. 2

FEATURES

Chapel Band and Tech team updates and information

October 28, 2021 SPORTS

Meet the new coaches and sports updates

Pg. 7

Pg. 15 & 16

NEWS

Clubs offer options for all students

Pg. 6

Wesleyan honors armed forces with Veterans Day program Lily Morris Keener Gill, parent of Margaret Gill, will speak at Wesleyan’s Veterans Day observance program on Nov 11 to honor those who have served America in the armed forces. Wesleyan seniors and juniors will view this special event live in Powell Theater, and freshmen and sophomores will see it livestreamed in Austin Chapel in order to be properly spaced for Covid-19 precautions. Middle schoolers will watch the program in their homeroom classrooms, and the event will also be available for livestream to the greater Wesleyan community.

Gill has been a regular attendee at previous ceremonies, and Mr. Russell said, “I taught his daughter, Margaret, last year, which caused the two of us to interact.

Gill’s connection to Wesleyan is through his daughter sophomore Margaret Gill, and his son Josh Gill, a 2010 graduate. Gill began his service as a cadet at the United States Military Academy in 1987, and in 2001 left the military as as a major in the U.S. Marine Corps.

As an infantry officer he deployed overseas as a rifle platoon commander, executive officer and company commander. As an intelligence officer he commanded snipers and served on battalion staff. His military designations include Air Assault, Mountain Leader, Jungle Warfare, Sniper Employment Officer and Military Operations in Urban Terrain instructor. Gill was most

recently a member of the United States Marines Corps and will speak on his perspective of service at Wesleyan’s Veterans Day program.

Department Chair Ted Russell said, “The main pur-

Keener Gill, first put on a military uniform as a cadet at the United States Military Academy in 1987.

Gill

pose is to focus on service and the importance of service. When talking about service, it’s service to your country. I think that message resonates really well in a

Christian school.” Russell also believes that this event is a “chance for us to take a step back and realize how we are so fortunate to have people who are willing to make that sacrifice for us.” When asked about the different topics that are spoken about during the program, Russell said, “Every year we tell [the speakers] that the theme is service, and they spend their time speaking on what service means to them.” Russell added that each speaker that Wesleyan has hosted has “gone in a completely different direction with how service has impacted them, the people they have encountered through their service, an what service means to them.”

When discussing the history of Wesleyan’s Veterans Day program, Russell said that “Wesleyan has had a program for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been here for 20 years.” Russell said that former Executive Head of School for Major Gifts & Planned Giving Matt Cole was previously in charge of the program and that as Social Studies Department Chair he has continued to organize this yearly program. When asked about the best speakers Wesleyan has had in the past, Russell said, “Ricardo Grave de Peralta spoke for us in 2018. He was with Seal Team Six and currently working with the FBI and had lost several friends who had served with him.

Many found his story very inspiring.” Russell ...

(Cont’d on page 4)

The tiny tricksters of Wesleyan take on Halloween Anna Rae Copeland

Katie Wischerth How do you plan to dress your kids up?

We start planning at least six months in advance, and this year our outfit centers on our cat, who will be dressed as a cat. We will all dress as sheep, except I plan to be a farmer and my husband will be the wolf.

Our cat Ernie will accompany us in a baby stroller.

What do your kids love about Halloween?

My kids love the candy, but we don’t eat anything with food coloring in it.

The Wischerth Family dressed up for Halloween in a past year.

Wischerth

Do your kids want to dress up for Halloween?

Oh, absolutely, yes.

How do you view Halloween?

I view Halloween as a time to revisit childhood. I dressed up till I was 18 trick-or-treating. It is more about fun and getting together with your neighbors. It is very fun to do holidays through your kids.

What are your family plans for Halloween?

We typically carve a pumpkin on Halloween and then we get together with our friends, who live two doors down and walk around our neighborhood. The houses are very festive, but there are not a lot of trick-or-treaters.

Anna Myrick How do you plan to dress your kids up?

Mary Beth is going to be Rya the dragon from Rya and the Last Dragon. Smith is going to be the Black Panther.

What do your kids love about Halloween?

My kids love the candy and the costumes.

Do your kids want to dress up for Halloween?

Yeah, they are really excited about Halloween this year.

How do you view Halloween?

Halloween is a fun family time and a good tradition for kids to participate in. I love walking around with

my kids. It is really fun to see the kids get excited about what they are dressed up as.

What are your plans for Halloween?

Typically we go trick-or-treating with my sister and her kids, so all the cousins go together.

Mary Beth and Smith Myrick, children of Anna and Chip Myrick, dress as Rya and the Black Panther for Halloween.

Myrick

2

EDITORIAL

green & gold

Take advantage of your time in high school Ella Rayburn

High school has provided some of the best memories and has also been a time with lots of hardship. It is crazy to think that in just seven short months, we seniors will be walking across the stage at our high school graduation. Everyone said time flies when you are in high school and now, I see what they mean. Just yesterday, it feels like we were getting on the bus to head up to Carolina Point for our freshman retreat. Today, we are filling out college applications.

Work hard and study hard. Give it your best effort. iiiClass of 2025, in just three quick years, you will be sitting in the exact position that we seniors are in right now. The thought of college is exhilarating and may seem so far away, but you will wonder when you are getting ready to hit submit on your first college application, “how am I already getting ready to apply to college?” I have been where you are and have experienced all that you are about to embark on in your journey in high school. There are a few lessons that I have learned along the way that I want to share with you as my advice for your class as you begin this new journey.

Spend time with your peers and get to know each other. lfFFirst, my advice is to work hard and study hard. High

school is no “walk in the park.” You are going to have to work hard and give your best effort on everything you do. Don’t look back on freshman year wishing that you had tried harder or put in more work because at that point, it will be too late. Go to office hours, reach out to your teachers, and get help from your fellow classmates.

You will be glad in three years when you begin applying to college that all the hard work you have put in has paid off.

Be yourself. Do not try and be someone you are not.

Next, spend time with your peers and get to know each other. COVID-19 interfered with nurturing relationships with one another the last two years, and it is obvious. Just sitting on your phones and having conversations through a screen is not the same as socializing with one another face-to-face. The relationships you form at Wesleyan now can last a lifetime. I have created friendships that I know will last long past college because I took the time to talk with them, hang out with them, and got to know them. Make it your goal to reach out to someone new that you may have never spoken to before. Who knows what could come out of just simply reaching out?

My last and best piece of advice I could convey is to not try and be someone you are not. Yes, you hear this all the time, but it is extremely important. I know how hard it can be to try in fit in or want to be a part of the “popular” friend group, but don’t slip into the temptation

of becoming someone you are not. Stay true to yourself because then you will find who your true friends are. I wish I could say it is easy, but it is hard, especially with the temptation of becoming some that isn’t you. The right people will prevail, and you will be so glad that you stayed true to yourself.

Turn towards Christ for all the challenges you may face these next four years. ...As you embark on this journey of high school, I pray that you turn towards Christ for all the challenges you may face, and that you enjoy this year and create lifelong memories with one another. These years will fly by, but don’t forget to stay present in the moment. The next three years will challenge you in ways you won’t expect whether that be through friendships or academics. There will be times where you feel like giving up, and my hope is that you stay strong and push through because the grass is always greener on the other side.

Make every second count so you don’t look back and have any regrets on your high school years.

Sincerely,

Ella Rayburn Asistant Editor-in-Chief

Halloween crossword

Green & Gold Staff

Editor-in-Chief...................................................................Lily Morris ‘22 Asistant Editor-in-Chief..................................................Ella Rayburn ‘22 Senior Spotlight/Layout Editor..................................Kendrick Archer ‘22 Features Editor.........................................................Teagan Wilkenloh ‘22 Fine Arts Edtior...........................................................Caroline Croley ‘23 Student Life & News Editor...............................................Alex Edgar ‘23 Staff writers...............................Riley Cavanaugh ‘23, Audrey Pursell ‘23 ..............................................Comforter Afobunor ‘22, Henley Davis ‘24 ........................................Anna Rae Copeland ‘22, Hampton Huggins ‘22 ......................................................................................Audrey Pursell ‘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

Huggins

EDITORIAL

She said/She said

green & gold

3

Sour Candy vs. Chocolate Candy Riley Cavanaugh Sour candy. it may not be a classic, but it sure is delicious. From Sour Patch Kids to Sour Gummy Worms, they are all uniquely delightful. The sugar crystals melt in your mouth. The sweet then the sour are perfectly balanced. There is no chocolatey coat to cover your mouth. All that is left the fruity flavor.

These treats are perfect for Halloween. There is no risk of melting or ruining your beloved candy bucket. Sour candy cannot be ruined by nature’s elements, and it will survive the test of time.

Sour candy has many flavors. Chocolate only offers three. What can you really do with three flavors that taste relatively the same? Not much. Sour candy offers a plethora of brands and flavors.

Haribo, Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, Sweet Tarts all offer many flavors and assortments.

They are not hindered by classic flavors or melting candy.

Chocolate candy also lacks creativity. Yes, M&M offers colored chocolate, but most chocolate is a brown and gooey mess. Sour candy offers many different colors, which makes it more aesthetically pleasing and much more pleasant to eat.

Most sour candy does not have milk, gluten, or eggs as an ingredient. This makes sour candy more accessible for those with allergies. It is a safer option for Halloween and Valentine’s Day because it allows for greater enjoyment without the risk of an allergic reaction.

The flavors that sour candy offer are also more appealing. Many people dislike the taste of chocolate. However, fruit is a necessary food group. Sour candy is fruit flavored, and it is nearly guaranteed that those eating it will enjoy the taste.

The texture of sour candy also contributes to it greatness. It is gummy and is unlikely to get stuck in your front teeth like chocolate. The solution to the embarrassment of walking around with chocolate visibly in your teeth is sour candy.

Another great feature about sour candy is it is not all the same texture. Some kinds offer crunchy sugar, a hard shell, or a chewy texture, but chocolate offers only one.

Sour Candy allows for more diversity for those who enjoy it because it is not confined to one texture that some may not enjoy.

Sour candy is superior to chocolate for many reasons. It appeals to more people because of the classic flavor, ingredients, colors, and texture. It also eliminates the risk of melting. Sour candy is better both in taste and quality.

Audrey Pursell Chocolate. One of the most classic treats in the world. Who doesn’t love the addicting flavor and richness of a nice piece of chocolate? It melts in your mouth thus creating a heavenly flavor. Chocolate doesn’t stick onto your teeth and contains less artificial sugar than sour candies. Some may argue that dark chocolate is actually good for you, as it is a rich source of minerals and antioxidants. Most of the iconic candy bars are chocolate-Mounds, York Peppermint Patties, Snickers, and Twix. All chocolates but all so different. Chocolate, on its own, has a variety of flavors: dark, milk, white, and so many more. Sour candies do not provide that same range, and each of them seem to have the same initial flavor.

Chocolate is something that is easy broken up and shared with others. Who doesn’t love sharing something special with the ones they love?” Sour candies are often hard or sticky, which makes them difficult and messy to share.

Chocolate is a core value to many desserts. S’mores without a Hershey bar? Strawberries not dipped in chocolate? Chocolate ice cream without chocolate? All of these things would be incomplete without chocolate, whereas sour candies offer no contribution to the complex and magical world of desserts.

Chocolate is also a tradition for many holidays. Who doesn’t love to receive a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day or have a nice warm cup of hot chocolate on Christmas Eve? Chocolate has history and love whereas sour candies do not share these same qualities.

It has also been proven that chocolate has the ability to make the body produce mood-elevating serotonin, also known as the happy hormone.” It almost sounds magical, right? Chocolate is extremely accessible. It can be purchased from stores around the world and from places such as gas stations, vending machines, grocery stores and so many more. You may be able to find ONE sour candy brand at these places but finding your favorite will not be as easy. Chocolate is fairly inexpensive and can be bought in all different portion sizes. As proven by history, chocolate will always be superior to sour candies.

NEWS 4 green & gold College advising partners with students Ella Rayburn

The college advising team is made up of three advisors and an administrative assistant who help mentor and lead students through the college application process. Right now, seniors are in the process of submitting

ber. Of course, we also spend a lot of time answering emails.” On a day-to-day basis they meet with students, answer lots of emails, and they also host many college representatives throughout the months.

College advisor Erica Engsberg said for juniors getting ready to start the college process, “Stop by your advisor’s office, say hello, and share a fun fact about yourself.” Also, she advises that juniors make an effort to get to know their advisor. For seniors, Engsberg said, “You have done so much work, but we’re not quite done! As you’re wrapping up applications over the next 2 weeks,

“Stop by, say hello, and get to know your advisor.”

- Erica Engsberg

College Advisor Erica Engsberg helps senior Palmer Louthan with one of her college essays.

Rayburn

college applications and applying for scholarship opportunities. Juniors are getting ready to begin the college advising process with their advisor.

The college advisors are in their busiest season right now with the countless amounts of applications coming in every day. Director of college advising Ken Connor said, “Right now, we are reviewing senior’s applications, essays, and supplemental questions. We will begin holding one-on-one meetings with juniors in Novem-

now is a good time to look for scholarships and keep up the great academic work in the classroom.”

Juniors find out who their advisors are in late October and will begin meeting with them in November. Juniors will have the Pre-ACT on October 1 and the PSAT on October 13. College Advising Administrative Assistant Megan Harper said, “The biggest deadline for the

Seniors Cater Lawson and Kaitlyn McGrath love deadline day because college advising brings cake.

LaFramboise

came to the school and spoke to parents and students about the admissions process.

For seniors, the significant deadline they have coming up is the Nov. 15 early action application deadline which is when the blue form is due to college advising for all colleges. College advising requires students/ seniors to submit their application two weeks in advance of the college’s deadline.

College Advisor Andrea Shupert helps senior Danielle Kelly as she begins submitting college applications.

Seniors Maggie Rheudaisl and Gray Bradach turn in their blue forms for the November 18 application deadline.

Rayburn

Rayburn

juniors is their student paperwork that was due to the college advising office by October 5th. The paperwork consists of three forms that they will fill out so their advisor can get to know them.” Juniors had college night where Mr. Barkley Barton, the UGA head of admissions

Veterans Day Cont”d from page 1 also said, “Steve Hopper spoke for us in 2019. He was a Vietnam veteran who was a compelling speaker as well.”

Different memorable speakers Russell mentioned included Dan Llorens, Chip Brouns, and Keith Gallagher, among others who have blessed Wesleyan with their stories and definitions of service. When asked how Wesleyan recognizes veterans in the audience, Russell said, “We have the band play a song in the beginning of the program called Armed Forces on the Parade, and it includes a different song for each branch of the military, and veterans stand as their song is played.” Russell said that unfortunately because of Covid-19, Wesleyan will be livestreaming the program but will not be able to recognize veterans face-to-face as in previous years.

Russell said that there are faculty, who have family members who have served in the audience who “will be recognized, but it will not be the same with the many veterans as in previous years.”

When asked what he hopes students, faculty, or visitors will learn from the program, Russell said, “I hope they gain an appreciation for how important service is. I hope it’s a reminder for them of how lucky we are to live in this country. It is a reminder that there are so many people who are willing to put their safety on the line to make sure that you and I are safe and secure in our country.” With Keener Gill, father of sophomore Margaret Gill, speaking on his perspective of service, the Wesleyan community anticipates a meaningful and memorable Veterans Day program this year.

Seniors Lucy Anderson and Ramsey Wilkenloh enjoy the second college application deadline cake party.

LaFramboise

What should seniors be doing?

1. Finish up applications.

2. Check emails and repond to advisor’s emails.

3. Apply for scholarships.

4. Continue working hard in school be cause grades still matter.

NEWS

green & gold

5

Wesleyan academic teams prepare for competition Riley Cavanaugh Clubs are a great way to get involved at Wesleyan with little time commitment. Academic teams are a great way to get involved with the school. Academic teams offer competition and resources to learn and grow in a specific academic area.

Math Team is a great way to get involved with a club and learn more about math. The goal of the club is to explore and learn about math. Junior Kaleb John would recommend the club to others who enjoy math. He said, “You don’t have to be particularly good at math to still have a good time.”

tation on a method for solving a math problem. Team members also complete review problems to prepare for competitions. Members feel prepared for the competition and do not feel the need to prepare outside of official practices.

Competitions take place every month at varying schools and colleges. The team competes in an international competition and a statewide competition every month.

International and statewide competitions are completed at Wesleyan. The competition sends the questions, and the team fills them out. The completed questions are then sent back to the organization where they are scored.

After the team completes written questions at the competition, their scores are calculated, and the teams can see where they placed. Once the scoring is complete, individuals with the top scores receive medals.

spring. The competitions are sponsored by schools and the team travels to these schools to compete.

Juniors Henry Wasmuth and Zachary Gan and freshman Caleb Walton get ready for Quiz Bowl Practice with Mr. Ari Young.

Cavanaugh The commitment for this club is very little. All members are not required at all competitions and practices because space is limited, and there are not requirements to join the club. But, it is helpful for members to have a broad knowledge of topics because it is not something that can be taught.

There are a number of academic teams, so students can get involved depending on their interests. Students can get involved by asking teacher sponsors how to get involved. Another way to get involved is to sign up from the club link Mr. Krehmeyer sends out.

Ms. Galvin and sophomores Nadia Desbordes and Kate Stolle discuss practice problems at a math team meeting.

Cavanaugh Math team meetings take place in Mrs. Brown’s room every other Thursday. The practices are a good way to learn and become more skilled in math. Senior Lauren Balch said, “Math team is a great way to learn more math strategies you don’t discuss during school.” Students are exposed to concepts not usually presented in high school math classes like combinatorics and different probability concepts.

Junior RJ Devlin and sophomores Kate Stolle and Nadia Desbordes work on practice problems at a math team meeting.

Cavanaugh Every math team meeting is not mandatory; members come when they are available. Meetings are around thirty minutes long and consist of members giving a presen-

Juniors Zachary Gan and Kaleb John work together on practice problems at a math team.

Cavanaugh

When the competition is complete the math team has a tradition of stopping for lunch and eating together. The team most often eats at Zaxby’s.

There is one travel competition scheduled for this year.

It was Wednesday October 13 at the University of Georgia. The math team hopes to make it to state; the teams’ biggest competition at state is the Fulton Science Academy. The team hopes to perform well at a state level, so they can make it to the big national competition in February.

Quiz Bowl is another academic team offered at Wesleyan. Quiz Bowl questions are centered around broad topics ranging from math, history, pop culture, music, and geography. The goal of the club is to have fun and to practice thinking your feet. There are no requirements to join this club. It is sponsored by Mr. Crew and Mr. Young. Mr. Young would encourage students to join Quiz Bowl. He said, “If you love trivia and you have a good knowledge of broad topics, Quiz Bowl is a good chance to prove yourself.”

The club meets during club time in Crew’s office. A Quiz Bowl meeting typically consists of Crew asking practice questions. Members are divided into teams with buzzers to simulate a competition environment. Practice questions usually consist of questions asked at previous haiku competitions because they are often reused in competitions. They also practice current event questions because it is a category in competition.

Quiz Bowl members participate in haiku competitions.

These competitions take place throughout the fall and

Juniors(r to l) Miles Clevland and Jackson Murphy and Mr. Crew begin Quiz Bowl practice.

Cavanaugh Academic teams are a great way to get involved with the school. They are an excellent opportunity to express academic interests outside of the classroom environment with low commitment. The teams not only provide an outlet for the knowledge, but they are a great way to learn more about a certain topic.

“If you love trivia and you have a good knowledge of broad topics, Quiz Bowl is a good chance to prove yourself.”

-Ari Young

NEWS 6 green & gold Clubs return with options for all students Alex Edgar

Club time at Wesleyan is a unique Friday experience that allows students to escape from the pressures of school to pursue activities they are interested in or want to learn about. With 34 club options, there are more than enough choices for students to find something exciting for the end of the week. While some clubs are high commitment and meet every Friday, most are more relaxed and either have only a few or no mandatory meetings during each semester. Additionally, some clubs have meetings outside of school like the Wesleyan Outdoors Club. The clubs spotlighted in this article are the Wesleyan Outdoors Club, Film Appreciation Club, Bags of Hope Club, and the Investment Club and Stock Market Game.

Wesleyan Outdoors Club This club takes enjoying nature and fellowship to new heights this year, with five meetings outside of school throughout the year. According to one of its co-founders, Director of Christian Life Greg Lisson, “The goals of the club are all about people. It’s about connecting with people, and we believe one of the best ways to do that is to get away from all the normal everyday distractions of life.” One of the main distractions that the club tries to stay away from is technology and phones. “We only have a couple rules,” said Lisson, “… [club meetings] must be an outdoor adventure and no phones, so people can get into a place where they can connect with other people.”

Some examples of outdoor adventures include hiking, overnight camping trips, cookouts, and outdoor sports on campus such as spike ball and volleyball. Membership is available to anyone who enjoys nature. In order to join, students must send an email to Mrs. Lisson, which can be done anytime during the year. Some expeditions, like the Sept. 18 hiking trip to Tallulah Gorge, had limited capacity and spots are given on a first come, first serve basis. However, there will also be events, specifically on Wesleyan’s campus that will hopefully have unlimited capacity. This club has been around since approximately 2011, and its main goal is to connect people who like to be outside and enjoy adventure. The Lissons believe that “getting in nature, experiencing God’s creation without distraction, and being with people in the context where we can just look them in the face and have long, slow conversations, might be one of the keys to a flourishing life.”

Members of the Wesleyan Outdoors Club enjoy a fun hiking trip in Talullah Gorge.

Burns Film Appreciation Club The Film Appreciation Club was started to give people a mental break from stress as well as to have deeper conversations about lesser-known movies. It was created by two avid movie watchers, Department Chair of Modern and Classical Languages Suzanne Ragains and English

teacher Brooks Hanrahan, who wanted to have conversations with students about something they loved and go into more depth on the stories and symbols in movies.

In a normal meeting, students watch sections of a movie across several meetings and then end each meeting by discussing and analyzing what was seen. This club was designed to be unique and fun and to give movie fans an outlet to find recommendations and dive deeper into movies in a more structured way.

Co-founder Hanrahan said, “Movies aren’t all that different from books… they can show students that the kind of work done in English class that doesn’t seem as exciting is the same kind of stuff you can do watching a movie, analyzing themes, and things along those lines.”

The club is open for 18 each week and though Hanrahan says they have a small core group who go every week, the rest of the slots are open to anyone who has any interest in movies. Hanrahan encourages students to email him or Ragains if they want to know what movie is being watched each week or how far along in to it they are.

The overarching goal, however, is to give rest and provide an escape into other worlds. It is a way to decompress while experiencing some things that are different from the norm.

Rotary members of the Film Appreciation Club enjoy a British television series.

Edgar Bags Of Hope Bags of Hope was started during COVID by alumni Avery Pursell and is being continued this year by her sister, junior Audrey Pursell. Its goal is to provide encouraging notes, bags, and crafts to the community with a focus on the senior citizens. The crafts and notes are created and then Pursell brings them to senior living homes outside of school. During COVID, many families could not visit their loved ones in senior living homes, and the Pursells wanted to give love and encouragement to older people who were isolated and might remain isolated today. Pursell said that she believes this club “gives students the opportunity to go outside of Wesleyan and do something good for other people who often aren’t recognized.” This club is open for anybody and, though it has several core members who attend almost every week, the rest of the 15 spots are filled by a variety of people who want to have an impact in Peachtree Corners. The two senior living facilities they bring gifts to are Mansions Memory Care and Somerby. According to Pursell, though they have not had anyone do this yet, students are welcome to make goody bags or notes and give them to Pursell even in they are not participants in the club.

(L to R) Juniors Audrey Pursell, Jasmine Bono, Annie Venkatessan, and Caroline Scott have fun making crafts in Bags of Hope Club.

Edgar Assistant Head of School for Advancement Marc Khedouri, and a small group of students wanted to start this club to teach people about trading strategies and share their expertise about money. They wanted to create fiscal responsibility within students in a fun, inconsequential environment. Each student participates in an Investment Game online and receives $100,000 to invest over the course of the semester. Archer talks about how students from all grades come to meet and enjoy their time, but also says that this club is low commitment. Currently, there are 25 students in the game. Not every student comes to the meetings, but the 15 available slots are usually filled or almost filled.

Students do not have to come to every meeting to be in the game or to be eligible for the prize at the end of each semester. The student who gains the most money throughout the semester will win a gift card from ChickFil-A or the Spirit Shop. Ultimately, this club was designed for people who, like Archer, are interested in investing and learning about how to handle money. When asked what a normal Friday morning looks like for the club, Archer said, “We pull up the market information, like what’s going on today. We may share our opinion on a recent major news announcement by the president, the federal reserve chairman and weigh in and say ‘Hey, what do you guys think about this…” This club is all about practicality and life skills but teaching them in a fun way in which students can enjoy their time and foster competitiveness while refining relevant skills to the financial world of today.

Investment Club and Stock Market Game The Investment Club has been around since 2019. Its goal is to help students “learn more about the stock market and have fun while we’re doing it,” said co-founder and Bible Department Chair Glenn Archer. Archer,

(L to R) Junior Nick Follett, junior Brendan O’Shields, sophomore Meyers Louthan, junior Will Tucker, Mr. Kehdouri, and junior Nick Schaller participate in a discussion in Investment Club.

Edgar

green & gold

NEWS

7

Chapel band joyfully leads the high school in worship Comforter Afobunor On Aug. 19, the Wesleyan chapel band led the student body in worship, praise, and prayer to start the first chapel of the 2021-2022 school year. The chapel band is responsible for leading the Wesleyan community in songs of worship every Thursday morning at chapel. Chapel is a time for the Wesleyan community to leave all their academic worries behind, and the stress of this world to focus on growing in their relationships with God. Assistant Director of Christian Life Matthew Means is the sponsor for chapel band and has been for the past seven years. He started out by assisting Philip Hart, who was the previous sponsor, and after Hart left, he took over the responsibilities. In describing what prompted him to become the chapel band sponsor, Means said, “I love to lead worship and to use the gifts God has given me for singing and guitar playing to help people worship. I also love helping young worship leaders and Christian artists learn how to use their gifts in a way that cannot only serve the Lord but can encourage and minister to others.”

The audition process for chapel band consists of several distinct components. Due to the pandemic, the audition process for the last few years was slightly altered with most of the process being online. Typically, Means sends out an email informing students of the upcoming chapel band auditions. Once students state their interest, they are able to receive an application and fill out a few questions. These questions include why one wants to be on chapel band, what role the student wants to serve, what experience the student has, where the student is spiritually, and how the chapel band can help the student grow in his or her relationship with God. After the application is turned in, an audition and an interview are scheduled. The students come to the audition with their respective instruments or the music they have prepared, and during the interview, they are asked about why they want to join chapel band. Means usually tries to take as many students as possible. Means said, “If someone is not ready to play and sing, then other times we will encourage them to be part of the tech team for a year to learn how we do rehearsals and to continue to hone their craft whatever it may be. Eventually, they will get to the point where they can play or sing on stage. We want to help them all develop and get better, so they can eventually be doing what they would like to do, whether it be to sing and play guitar or to work on the sound board.”

Means hopes that he can train and equip the students

Chapel band (from left to right) senior Tori Hedlund, sophomore Margaret Gill, senior Zach Russell, and sophomores Elizabeth Hodges and Kathryn Seligman sing worship songs in front of the high school during chapel on Thursday.

Afobunor in the areas that they are interested in. When speaking a technical person, God has gifted each one of us with about the lessons he hopes students take away from be- gifts to honor Him and to serve others.”

The entire chapel band does not meet weekly. They ing a member, Means said, “I want them to enjoy using the gifts that God has given them to worship God and to meet as an entire team only two or three times in a seserve others in worship. If they have the gift of running mester. The whole team is divided into three smaller groups, and each group will lead chapel for two weeks and then get four weeks off, with the exception of a few students. Essentially, rehearsals are only once a week for the students who are playing and singing that week. The team that is leading chapel that week will meet on Tuesday mornings at 6:45. The members of the tech team go over the songs that the chapel band will be performing that week, and the entire chapel band walks through the worship segment. The tech team makes sure the lyrics on the screen are accurate and everything is working properly in the booth. Then, on Thursday, the chapel band leaves their classes right before chapel a little bit early to warm up and get ready to perform for the students and faculty.

Senior Zach Russell is a co-captain with senior Sarah Lim this year. Russell joined chapel band in sixth grade, a sound board and they love technology and video, then making this his seventh year on the team; he began as I want them to use that passion and joy to worship the a vocalist, and then in eighth grade, he began playing Lord. It serves others because they get to come and par- guitar. In addition to guitar, he plays keyboard, bass, and ticipate in the chapel service where they are using their drums. In his freshman year, Russell was approached gifts. Whether the student is a musician or a vocalist or by Brad Williams, who was the director of the chap-

“I want them to enjoy using the gifts that God has given them to worship God and to serve others in worship.”

- Matthew Means

Chapel band (from left to right) freshman Norah Mukana and seniors Tori Hedlund, Rylie Jones, Zach Russell, and Sarah Lim perform during special outdoor chapel.

Afobunor

8

green & gold

NEWS

Chapel band joyfully leads the high school in worship (Cont’d from page 7) coordinator. Williams had a vision for connecting the students to the faculty more seamlessly, so the captains act as a liaison between the students and faculty to help relay information without appearing too harsh. The leadership position entails leading rehearsals, directing chapels, sending out songs to the team members, etc. Russell said, “As captains, we preside over a lot of the technical aspects that you do not really see in the actual chapel services.” When asked what his favorite part about being on the team is, Russell said, “My favorite part is probably getting to see the progression of students as they grow as musicians and followers of Christ. Chapel band is a great combination of two passions for music and for the Lord, so seeing people develop as members of the Kingdom is wonderful.”

The team consists of 35 members in total with the majority being seniors. There are nine members on tech team this year, and senior Maggie Rheudasil is working on the team this year for the first time with fellow seniors Lauren Balch and Maddie Davis. Rheudasil recently found out about tech team and thought she should probably learn more if she wanted to pursue concert stage design as a career. In detailing her specific responsibilities, Rheudasil said, “My specific responsibility is that I’m on the sound board, so Mr. Strayhorn helps me with the microphones. When the music is playing, I adjust the specific volumes of each of the vocalists and instrumentalists who are performing.”

Rheudasil said that she has learned a lot this year from being on tech team and specifically how to use the sound board and how to use ProPresenter, which is the application used to display the lyrics on the screen. When discussing her goals for this year, Rheudasil said, “I hope to continue to learn as much as possible and gain as much experience as I can, so I can leave Wesleyan feeling well-prepared for college.”

The chapel band continues to use their God-given talents and gifts to glorify Him and lead the Wesleyan community during the chapel service. These students put in so much work into preparing for chapel and mustering the courage to perform in front of hundreds of their peers and teachers. As the student body worships together in chapel on Thursday mornings, it is a time to reflect on the Word and form a stronger relationship with God, while acknowledging all the hard work put into the service by the chapel band and tech team.

Wesleyan alumnus Andrew Strayhorn ‘16 and junior Zachary Gan prepare for chapel at the tech booth.

Chapel band (top row from left to right) junior Alexander Glover, freshman Judson Means, seniors Tori Hedlund, Sarah Lim, Ryan McConnell (botttom row from left to right) sophomores Elizabeth Hodges and Margaret Gill, freshman CC Pafford, sophomore Kathryn Seligman, and senior Zach Russell take group photo after leading chapel.

Afobunor

Afobunor

Senior class green and gold teams compete

(cont’d from pg. 15) but I really wanted to coach here at Wesleyan. The girls here really get after it and work hard on both ends of the field. They get the job done but do it with so much grace and poise, I think that’s the foundation of who Wesleyan is and why they’ve had such a successful girls lacrosse program over the years. I’m excited and ready to go.

Laura Breslinvarsity cross country girls assistant coach

The senior class is having a collection drive for the North Fulton Community Charities. They are split into two teams, green and gold, which are the hybrid days from last years schedule. The NFCC provides over 100 families with food everyday. They are now in need of other items due to the impact that COVID had had on some of the families. The items they are in need of is diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc. The team that brings in the most items wins a cozy day.

Senior Ansley Eigel donates items for the NFCC drive.

Wilkenloh

“Fast times and fast friendships throughout the team!”

green & gold

NEWS

9

Peer leadership cultivates intentional leaders Caroline Croley Peer Leadership is class at Wesleyan that is devoted each year to building intentional relationships and encouraging the freshmen to better Wesleyan as a whole.

Almost all students in the Wesleyan high school can remember when they were in peer groups. Students recall when they were introduced to their peer leaders and peer group during the freshmen retreat. Students call to mind when they would meet on Tuesday mornings during flex time. Many students loved their peer groups and have formed lasting relationships with their fellow students.

But what are peer groups?

“Peer Leadership is an intentional leadership program that helps our seniors learn how to be strategic leaders.”

- Shelley Noble

What some people do not know is that before peer groups are formed, a Peer Leadership class is created.

Students are interviewed the spring before their senior year by the Peer Leadership teachers – High School Counselor Heidi Lloyd, Director of Alumni Giving Shelly Noble, and Bible teacher Davis Brown – for a place as a Peer Leader.

When Noble was asked to explain what Peer Leadership is, she said, “Peer Leadership is an intentional leadership program that helps our seniors learn how to be strategic leaders for other seniors and the freshmen. We want our seniors to be servant leaders. Peer Leadership also mirrors how the LORD cares for and wants to form a deep relationship with us.”

Peer Leadership was first introduced to Wesleyan in 2001. The first teachers to lead the class were Heidi Lloyd, Colin Creel, and Brad Mauldin. When asked why Wesleyan started Peer Leadership, Lloyd said, “There is a lot of research that shows that if students have a

positive role model, it helps raise school spirit and the feeling of community. There are lots of benefits for the school and individuals through this program.”

There are 24 peer leaders this year. Their pairings are Connor Carroll and Bond Surber, Gracie Brown and Cater Lawson, Lauren Balch and Jay Arora, Lily Morris and Matthew Jones, Palmer Louthan and Jeremiah Simmons, Livi Stolle and Lucas Schelhammer, Sophie Villa and Tate Gilley, Sarah Lim and Brendan McIntosh, Ella Rayburn and Stafford McDaniel, Grace Elsevier and Carson Green, Grace Eversbusch and Drew Wren, and Anna Rae Copeland and Grant Hill.

“I love having deeper conversations with people in my grade whom I have never been as close with and with my peer kids.”- Sarah Lim (Top row: left to right) Freshmen Jake Deadwyler, Harris Carroll, Jackson Kennedy, senior Carson Green, freshmen Derwin Hodge, Judd Stewart, (bottom row: left to right) Eva Murphy, Sara Miller, Kyra Brubaker, Nari Andrew, Hattie Wasmuth, and senior Grace Elsevier celebrate before going off to the final worship ceremony during the freshmen retreat at Sharptop Cove.

When asked what she like about Peer Leadership, Lim said, “I love having deeper conversations with people in my grade whom I have never been as close with and with my peer kids, who I admire and respect.”

Green

When asked what the teachers look for when choosing peer leaders, Brown said, “We choose students who ultimately want to pour into and lead the freshmen.

A peer leader must be someone who walks in humility and their priority is to elevate the freshmen and not themselves. They are servant leaders.” To add onto that, Noble said, “Making the Peer Leadership class is a lot like solving a puzzle. We need a group that is diverse.

We have students who are bubbly and students who are more composed. We also need a group of seniors who are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. All of our students, however, have the ability to push outside of themselves.”

(Left to right) Freshmen Emma Glazier, Conner Worgo, senior Sarah Lim, freshmen Alex Yarusinki, Trent Hilton, Will Kennedy, William Thomas, senior Brendan McIntosh, freshmen Lindsay Bobo, and Rebekah Niemann enjoy breakfast on a Wednesday morning at Manhattan Bagel.

“We choose students who ultimately want “When I was a peer kid, I was unaware of the fact that the leaders have to plan and organize all that we did. to pour into and lead It seemed a lot simpler then,” Balch said. “As a Peer Leader, I am in charge of a lot more – I have to be the the freshmen. A peer authority.” of the things I look forward to this year,” Lawleader must be some- son“Some said, “are getting to know the freshmen in my group even better, making more memories, and planning more one who walks in hu- outings.”

When asked if Peer Groups and Peer Leadership work, mility.” - Davis Brown “And I am looking forLim

(Top row: left to right) Freshmen Drake Salamone, Ryan Nelson, Caleb Walton, Jack Johnson, Max Perry, Gavin Burns, (bottom row: left to right) seniors Jeremiah Simmons, Palmer Louthan, freshmen Makenna Wazevich, Ansley Voss, Amelia Marsh, and Tatum Terwilliger loved the freshmen retreat at the beginning of the school year.

Louthan

Once the students have been chosen, a boy and a girl peer leader will be paired together along with a group of incoming freshmen. To the freshmen, these students will be known as their “Peer Mom” and “Peer Dad.” The Peer Groups meet on Tuesday mornings during flex time. Some Peer Groups will also meet before school on Wednesday mornings for breakfast.

During Peer Leadership class, the students participate in discussions and games that are designed to teach them how to listen, educate, and lead within a group. What the students do in Peer Leadership class mirrors what they do within their peer groups.

ward to giving that advice back to the freshmen.” - Brendan McIntosh

McIntosh said, “I 100 percent believe peer groups work.

I was able to notice changes within myself when I was a freshman. I got a lot of advice from my leaders, and I am looking forward to giving that advice back to the freshmen.”

NEWS 10 green & gold Wesleyan celebrates 25 years in Norcross Ella Rayburn

Wesleyan just passed the 25-year anniversary of being at this campus in Peachtree Corners. To celebrate this accomplishment, the high school students had a spirit lunch on the Agape baseball field and a spirit wear day.

The Green & Gold staff interviewed former Headmaster Zach Young, the headmaster when this campus opened in September of 1996. When interviewing Young, he explained why he decided to come to Wesleyan, what his favorite part of the school was, what advice he would give to seniors getting ready to head off to college, and what he thinks make Wesleyan so special.

Sophomores Marjee Williams, Chekka Salmieri, and Audrey Doss enjoyed a spirit lunch on the baseball field to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary.

about how he thought that it was so special that there are no sports to interfere with students having the opportunity to go on mission trips in the spring. Not all schools give students the opportunity to go away during spring break and serve others around the world.

Young said, “Our mission’s program, since inception, has taken priority over all spring break activities. Our Wesleyan spring sports teams have flourished despite our habit of steeping away from them for a week to serve in mission activities all over the world.”

Something that the students and teachers believed that was special about Young was that on the first day of every school year, he would already know every student and faculty by name. Anytime he would pass someone walking in the hallway or outside, he would always say hello and that student or teacher’s name.

When asking Young what one piece of advice he would give to the seniors getting ready to head off to college, he said, “Don’t forget who you are and where you came from and to continue on the path you are on coming from

Adent

cus and did not need to take a backseat to sports or arts.

The school doesn’t make it a rule that a student can only attend if one of the parents believe in Christ. His goal for students was to come and learn about Christ and hopefully grow and potentially develop create a relationship with him.

Something that he believed that is special about Wesleyan is the missions program. When asked, he spoke Senior Imani Washington enjoyed having a cookout with friends.

Adent

Young, who was formally the headmaster at Westminster, transferred to Wesleyan as one of the first people to work at the school. When asked why he chose to move to a place with some much uncertainty, Young said “I felt that I had done all that could be done at Westminster and felt that this would be a challenge for me, and that God was calling me to move to Wesleyan.” He said that there were many providential things that happened to him that made it clear he should move to Wesleyan, a place with so much potential.

When asked what he loved most about Wesleyan, he said, “My favorite part about Wesleyan was the Christian aspect.” From the start, the board of directors was always going to call the school Wesleyan School instead of Wesleyan Christian School because they wanted students to come and experience the Christian aspect without reading it on a sign. He also believed that to be a Christian school, Christianity needed to be the main fo

Fall sports

Juniors Ella Richards, Caroline Croley, and Morgan Akin enjoyed getting to show their school spirit by wearing a spirit shirt for the 25th anniversary.

Sophomore Owen Archibald enters the spirit lunch lined with the cheerleaders and band.

(cont. from page 16)

The girls XC team takes a photo at UNC Chapel Hill while in North Carolina.

McDaniel

Adent

Adent

a place like Wesleyan.” He said, “College will challenge and tempt you to do all sorts of things that aren’t you.”

His last piece of advice for seniors is to get up and take the early classes. At Wesleyan, students get up early every day for school and are used to that because they have gotten in the routine of that. Young advises students to schedule the early morning classes to be able to be productive and not waiting until one o’clock to get the day started. Get up and be productive.

Girls XC Is there any particular meet that you are excited about for the remainder of the year?

Why? Gray Bradach: I am looking forward to the state meet on November 6th. Being a senior, it is going to be extra exciting, and I love being there as a big supporter for the state runners.

Lucy Anderson: The meet I’m most excited for is our meet at Wesleyan on Senior Night because my family gets to come and watch me race without the usual hour drive to a regular meet.

How do you plan to mentor the younger runners and keep them going during the long season?

Gray Bradach: The biggest thing I can do to mentor the younger runners is to keep their spirits high when they may be disappointed about a meet time or a rough practice. I have those days, too, and I know they are capable of pushing through them and realizing that they should be proud of themselves for just simply being on the team.

Lucy Anderson: I am going to let the younger runners know that’s it’s okay to have an off day every once and awhile. All that matters is that you try your best and most importantly drink lots of water!

We are so proud of our fall athletes!

NEWS

green & gold

11

New Bible studies start across the campus Audrey Pursell

Bible studies are kicking off as the school year gets into full swing. This year, there are two bible study groups per grade level. A girl-only group led by female faculty, and a boy-only group led by male faculty. High school bible studies are primarily led by faculty, but there has been a senior/freshmen girls bible in the past led by students. Means, Assistant Director of Christian Life, said, “A great way for students to get involved with bible studies on a leadership level is to help out with middle school Bible studies.” Upperclassmen may get the opportunity to switch off with the faculty sponsors and lead the Bible studies.

Freshmen, L to R (Lauren Tucker, Lilly Surber, Tatum Terwilliger) meet for Girl’s Bible Study.

Engsberg

Bible studies at Wesleyan have three main purposes. The first purpose is fellowship, which is spending time outside of the classroom together. Students have the opportunity to meet at each other’s houses, at a restaurant outside of school hours, or at school during lunch and before school. The second purpose is time spent in the Bible. Reading and discussing the

Bible studies are open to all in the grade. Come check one out!

See list below : Bible Studies

Christian life theme or picking a study to do helps create time to focus on the Bible and what it has to say. The last purpose is prayer. Prayer requests may be shared, and everyone takes time to pray together. Each bible study has the freedom to decide what topic they would like to discuss during the time. However, Greg Lisson, Director of Christian Life, sends out a document at the beginning of the school year that shares the Christian life theme, and it has multiple verses or stories for every month. If groups do not know what they would like to discuss, Means suggests using this document.

His group will be focusing on something called “The Greatest Hits” where they talk about the most famous passages in scripture. Lisson says, “Bible studies are one of the most meaningful ways to cultivate long term relationships with students and one of the best places to see students grow in their faith. Plus, they’re a lot of fun.” Lisson also says, “I can’t wait to get to know the freshmen guys better. They seem like a really great group and many of them really desire to grow in their faith.”

Anyone can join a bible study. Students can look for communication in emails from faculty leaders to find more information. Bibles studies can be joined throughout the year, which means students can come whenever works best. Means says, “Bible Studies are a great opportunity to examine the Bible and questions of faith in a safe environment.”

Juniors, L to R (Jackson Murphy, Zachary Gan, Roman Reynolds, Jack Thomas, Henry Wasmuth, Kaleb John, Alexander Glover) meet for Bible study Means after school.

Each bible study has the opportunity to choose when they would like to meet. At the first meeting, groups are encouraged to ask when they would like to meet and choose what works best for them. Some groups meet in the morning for breakfast, some meet at night at each other’s homes, and others meet at lunch. It all depends on what works best for the students and faculty in that group. How long bible studies choose to meet is another freedom ranging from 20 minutes to an hour and a half.

How frequently bible studies meet each month is another freedom; however, they are encouraged to meet weekly. Lisson’s freshmen boy’s bible study meets every Thursday morning at 7:15 am in his classroom.

Freshmen, L to R (Ansley Voss, Caroline Yates, Ansley Chapman, Lydie Barnett, Lilly surber, Tatum Terwilliger, Cece Miller, Lauren Tucker, Britain Bridgers) get together for Bible study.

Engsberg

12 green & gold

SENIOR

FEATURES

Grace Elsevier What colleges are you applying to or going to? I’m playing soccer at Birmingham Southern.

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

The Maldives Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Morgan Wallen What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? I used to play basketball in middle school and scored on the wrong basket in a game.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? The teachers especially Mr. Randrup and Mr. Archer.

What did you want to be as a child? A doctor Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Matty B in 6th grade If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Criminal Minds” What is the theme song of your life? “Country Roads” by John Denver Noah Walton What colleges are you applying to or going to? Kennesaw, Georgia State, and Arizona State Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

Patagonia Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Jay Cutler What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? I got caught stealing from a teacher in fourth grade and had to skip the Christmas party to clean walls.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Brooks Thomason What did you want to be as a child? A doctor Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Danielle Kelly If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “The Punisher” Annabelle Lawson What colleges are you applying to or going to? Auburn, Clemson, Ole Miss, Alabama Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? I would go back to Greece.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Drake for sure What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Running to school when I was late the first week What is one thing you will miss about high school? The true friends and the awesome relationships with my teachers.

What did you want to be as a child? An artist or rich stay at home mom.

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Colin George If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? There is only one answer: “Sponge Bob Square Pants.”

What is the theme song of your life? “It’s the climb”- Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana Audrey Gilliam Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

Judge Judy’s courtroom.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? John Mullaney.

What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? One time I peed in 8th grade advanced art from laughing so hard at Ansley Eigel’s painting.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Either Mr. Hanrahan twinning with me during homecoming week or catching bugs with Maegan and Sab-Cha. What did you want to be as a child? When I was a little kid, I wanted to be an R&D software engineer for AT&T. Now, I think I either want to be a beat-boxer or a street mime.

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? MattyBVlogs What is the theme song of your life? “Cool Beans” by Andy Samberg in “Hot Rod” Kaitlyn Bobo What colleges are you applying to or going to? Belmont Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

London, England 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 during multiple Algebra 2 tests What is one thing you will miss about high school? The people I have been friends with since middle school.

What did you want to be as a child? A famous singer Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Matty B If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? Probably “Criminal Minds” All photos by Brian L. Morgan.

FEATURES

green & gold

SPOTLIGHTS

Brooks Thomason What colleges are you applying to or going to? Arizona State, Arizona, LSU, Bama, Auburn, UGA, Clemson, and SCAR Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

Hawaii Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Stephen A. Smith What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? In 9th grade, I was new, and I was playing football with almost all the people in my grade. I slipped and fell onto mud and my white uniform was covered in mud.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Sporting Events and supporting Wesleyan teams What did you want to be as a child? Sports Commentator Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Gracie Brown 9th Grade If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Phineas and Ferb” What is the theme song of your life? “Destiny” - NF

Gabby Oakes What colleges are you applying to or going to? I feel like an SEC school would be the best fit for me. So far, Ole Miss and UCF are at the top of my list.

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

Either India or Japan. My parents loved going to India when they were young, and Japan is a place I would love to live.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Probably Hank Greene because he’s smart and just a good guy.

What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Not really a “moment,” but in 6th grade when everyone used to just yell “what’s hotter than hot sauce… Gabby Oakes!”

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Close relationships with my teachers What did you want to be as a child? A nurse Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Marcus Eriksson If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Grey’s Anatomy,” super-basic, but it’s informative, and the more I watch it the more I see how fake it is.

What is the theme song of your life? “The Queen of Hearts”- Ezra Furman Will Burns What colleges are you applying to or going to? I’m applying to TCU, UGA, SMU, and some other schools as well.

Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? I would travel to Alaska.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Ryan Reynolds What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? I got flipped by Coach Wolf during freshman year homecoming week in the bubble ball contest.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Being able to see all my friends in one place everyday What did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be an NFL player.

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Anna Rae Copeland If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Outer Banks” What is the theme song of your life? “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver Jay Black What colleges are you applying to or going to? UGA and Alabama 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? Joe Rogan What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Bad Haircut Junior Year What is one thing you will miss about high school? High school football What did you want to be as a child? A cowboy If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “YellowStone” What is the theme song of your life? “I’m A Ramblin Man”- Waylon Jennings Jay Arora What colleges are you applying to or going to? UGA, Clemson, UNC, Texas, Ohio State Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

British Virgin Islands Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Kanye West What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Freshman homecoming for sure. I am not very proud of that.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? Definitely the bonds I’ve made with all of my friends over the past 7 years.

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

13

Tinsley Bertram What colleges are you applying to or going to? I am applying to Auburn, Clemson, Tennessee, and Samford.

Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now? I would love to travel to Greece.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? I would want to be stranded with Emma Stone; she is my favorite actress.

What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? One day I fell on the quad and got mud all over my skort and uniform. This was sophomore year, and I fell in front of a big group of seniors.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? I will miss my friends and the teachers at Wesleyan.

What did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger.

Who was your first Wesleyan crush? I think Andrew Fleming (in elementary school).

Mitchell Badciong What colleges are you applying to or going to? Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Lynn, and Young Harris Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

Bali Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Chris Kyle What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Completely shaving my legs for swimming before lacrosse and having to wear shorts.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? I’m going to miss my friends the most.

What did you want to be as a child? Commercial pilot 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? “Friends” Byrne Ahrenkiel What colleges are you applying to or going to? I am applying to Ga tech, Georgia, UNC, UT Austin, and Florida.

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? Ryan Reynolds What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Breaking a pew What is one thing you will miss about high school? Ms. Brown’s math classes What did you want to be as a child? Architect Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Maggie Rheudasil If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? Rick and Morty What is the theme song of your life? Party Rock Anthem Michael Soukup What colleges are you applying to or going to? UGA, SMU, TCU, Boston College, Auburn, and South Carolina Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere right now?

My bed Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Hunter Suits What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? Getting mud all over my pants because I slipped and fell in the quad What is one thing you will miss about high school? Friday night football games What did you want to be as a child? The “Man vs Food” guy Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Charlie Rickell If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? “Criminal Minds” Gigi Alembik What colleges are you applying to or going to? I’m not sure where I’m going yet but I’m planning on applying to places like NYU, UCLA, and Northwestern.

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

If I could go anywhere right now, I would go to Madrid, Spain.

Who is somebody famous you’d want to be stranded on an island with? Somebody famous. I’d want to be stranded on an island with is Morgan Freeman.

What’s your most embarrassing moment at Wesleyan? My most embarrassing Wesleyan moment was during Tuck Everlasting rehearsal sophomore year. I thought it would be funny to say “Okay, boomer” to Mr. Meyer in front of the entire ensemble. No one thought it was funny.

What is one thing you will miss about high school? One thing I will miss about high school is having independence but not a ton of responsibility.

What did you want to be as a child? As a child I wanted to be an actress-doctor-scientist-lawyer. Now I think I might like being an editor or some kind of work where I’m helping people who have been wronged by the criminal justice system.

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

If you could watch one TV series for the rest of your life, what series would it be? If I could watch one TV series for the rest of my life it would be “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

All photos by Brian L. Morgan.

14 green & gold

FEATURES

Wesleyan students jump into fall break Teagan Wilkenloh As the fall season has approached, it sparked the beginning of several activities that students and faculty do over fall break, Oct. 9-11, and the upcoming fall season.

It is time to celebrate all the aspects that make this season so great. The leaves are starting to change, and the weather is cooling down. The autumn weather started the era of corn mazes, haunted houses, and for some, travel around the country. The three-day break was a nice time for students and faculty to rest and jump into fall with their family and friends.

Fall break was a time to relax and enjoy some time off from school about halfway through the semester. But make sure to continue to jump into the fall season and enjoy all the great aspects it brings to the table.

Seniors Audrey Gilliam, Maegan Ewing, Lily Morris, and Kaitlyn Bobo cebrated fall break at the Pitbull concert.

Wilkenloh Ansley Chapman and Caroline Yates carved their pupmkins with the cross coutry team.

LaFramboise

Seniors Brody Howard and Mitchell Badciong visited the Cumming Fair to kick off the fall weather.

Copleand

With Covid limiting travel last year, many students and faculty took this break to travel with friends and family. Many different students traveled to the Florida beaches, including 30A. Sophomore Merry-Alice Gordy said, “This fall break I am excited to spend time with my family and friends. The beach should be a good distraction from school and a time to relax for a few days. We are planning on just chilling at the beach and hanging out doing nothing. 30A is one of my favorite beaches because of the community and people I meet when I am down there.” Many people also spent the break relaxing at home. Senior Sofia Woomer said, “I will not be doing much this break, but I am so happy to be able to take this time to rest with friends and family.” Wesleyan faculty and students are so grateful for the fall season and all the fun activities it brings to the table.

Freshmen Will Jamieson and Thomas Markley took a trip to Isle of the Palms for fall break.

Markley

Sophie Villa entered the pumpkin carving contest between the cross country team.

LaFramboise

Juniors Lindsay Friedman and Natalie Nelson work on their carving their pumpkin together.

LaFramboise

Seniors Marin Bailey and Maegan Ewing wrapped up their fall break with a college visit to UGA. Bailey

Places to visit this fall The Atlanta area is a great place to jump into the fall season with many activities to do around the city. A fan favorite is the Six Flags Fright Fest, which includes haunted houses, scare zones in the park, and entertainment. The Halloween event of the season features family-friendly attractions during the day and thrills once the sun goes down. Depending on the time of day, there are many different fun activities and frightening aspects.

If you love rollercoasters and a little scary excitement, make sure you grab a friend and stop by Six Flags Fright Fest.

Another great place to visit this fall season is Jaemor Farms in North Georgia. They have a large selection of pumpkins to choose from in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. It has been named the best pumpkin patch in Georgia, so Jaemor is definitely worth checking out.

Visitors can either buy a pre-cut pumpkin or cut one off of the vine. They also have a corn maze and lots of fun treats.

Stone Mountain Park also hosts a Pumpkin Festival every year. The festival includes games, a kid carnival, spooky storytelling, and a pie eating contest. This place is definitely a fun place to celebrate your love for the fall and Stone Mountain. It is super close and convenient for most as well when looking for something easy to do.

green & gold

SPORTS

15

Wesleyan welcomes new coaches who are expected to bring great success Henley Davis This year, Wesleyan welcomes 8 new JV and Varsity coaches who are leading our student athletes well in their upcoming or current seasons. The Green & Gold would like to introduce two new head coaches, Mr. Andrew Oliver, the head basketball coach and Mr. Josh Tolman, the head wrestling coach. Both of these new head coaches are introducing new strategies and values to the teams.

Head Varsity Basketball Coach Jeremy Oliver (right) strategizes with his friend.

Oliver Head Varsity Basketball Coach Jeremy Oliver Oliver has an impressive basketball career behind him including playing varsity basketball at Westminster. He says, “I’ve been around a court as long as I can remember.” Oliver has coached players at Holy Innocents, Marist, North Cobb Christian, and Lovett, with multiple levels of experience from that. Oliver is excited to be-

gin his first year heading a varsity program although he is most looking forward to building relationships with the students. He says, “I can’t wait to continue that process of truly getting to know these kids and help them achieve their team and personal goals.” Oliver describes this opportunity to lead the athletes through their journey as “a blessing.”

Oliver cares deeply about developing skills on and off of the court. He is focusing on working hard while also investing in relationships and connecting the entire program as a whole. He wants to create a family and a legacy that will last long after this year is over. Oliver says, “The pillars of our program are controlling our attitude, our communication, our toughness, and our effort and hopefully that will reflect in the way we play and in our results.”

Oliver says the team’s upcoming schedule for the season is tough. He says Holy Innocents, Providence Christian, Galloway, and Mount Vernon will be hard opponents, therefore, there are no days off. The team must commit to working hard and focusing on daily details that will make them better.

Oliver has already begun the off-season training with summer practices, camps, open-gyms, and workouts with Coach Wolf. The players have already started preparing with Oliver, but he cannot wait to deepen his relationships with the athletes during the season.

Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Josh Tolman Tolman is a returning Wesleyan Wolf from the class of 2010. He wrestled here from 7th grade to his senior year.

During his wrestling career at Wesleyan, his team won two state championships. He says his favorite part about the wrestling program at Wesleyan is the “comradery and the team.”

Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Josh Tolman relaxes with his family after school.

Tolman Tolman also values the team culture just as much as the athletics. He says, “The plan is to develop a team culture first where we value one another and our work together.

The more we can focus on that the more the success will handle itself.”

The wrestling team began their first practice on October 25. Tolman is looking for students who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. He wants his team to “become better people together before we become better athletes.”

Wesleyan is very excited to welcome these new coaches, and the school is looking forward to see their teams’ success with their upcoming seasons.

Junior varsity and assistant coaches look forward to their seasons The Green & Gold sat down with the new assistant and junior varsity coaches share lots of excitement about their seasons. We asked them: What are you looking forward to for the upcoming season?

Tom Moak- varsity football offensive line coach

I love the opportunity to build relationships through football, and to put young men in extremely challenging circumstances in a controlled setting. Football isn’t life or death, it’s important, but it’s not the most important thing in the world. We get a chance to teach life lessons like sacrifice, doing your job, doing the right thing, lov-

ing a team more than yourself, and we get to do it in a controlled environment where the worst thing that happens is we lose a game. That training sets these young men up for success in life beyond football where the stakes are higher, and the consequences are more substantial.

the junior varsity team, and I am really looking forward to helping the girls improve their basketball skills individually and as a team.

Leslie Stuart- varsity girls assistant lacrosse coach

Lindsay Castleberry- junior varsity basketball head coach

I am truly looking forward to this season for various reasons. I cannot wait to be a part of such an amazing high school basketball program. Coach Blackman has done an incredible job leading and instructing our entire program here at Wesleyan. I am really excited to coach

Coach Myrick is one of the best women’s lacrosse coaches in the state, and I can’t thank her enough for the opportunity to work alongside of her. I have always loved coaching lacrosse, (cont’d on page 9)

16 green & gold

SPORTS

Fall sports soar into the postseason Hampton Huggins

The Green & Gold sat down with seniors from all the fall sports, football, cheerleading, boys and girls cross counry, volleyball, and softball.

Football As a senior lineman on the team, how do you plan to keep the chemistry going with the younger and less experienced lineman?

Will Burns: Being the most experienced guys up front, our job is to bring the other guys up to our level, so the best thing we can do it communicate. The more the younger guys play with us, the better they’re going to get.

Kaitlin McGrath: Building a bond with the girls and performing and competing together.

How has practice looked different now that you are competing against other schools?

Livi Stolle: Now that we are competing against other schools, we go to a cheerleading gym twice a week and practice our routine a lot more.

Kaitlin McGrath: We don’t work on cheers/dances a lot; we usually just work on our routine. it’s a lot more rigorous than sideline cheering.

Boys XC Is there any particular meet that you are excited for the rest of the year? Why? Stafford McDaniel: The Great American Race for sure.

It is out of town, which is always fun as we travel with the team, and we get to take a college visit at UNC Chapel Hill. The course is very fast, which makes it very intresting to run.

Volleyball What match has been the most fun to compete in?

Why? Emily Godfrey: My favorite match has been when we beat Woodward on their senior night. It was really fun because they had a lot of fans who were supper loud, and it was very exciting to beat them. We played really well together as a team.

Amber Mathis: I would say senior night was the most fun match so far. It was nice to have a great student section an play well in front of family and friends.

What have been the contributing factors to the success of the team?

Emily Godfrey: Bonding with the team. We all went to the lake together over Labor Day. Amber Mathis: Going to the lake bonding together has helped our chemistry but we all want to represent the school well, which has given us the motivation to play well.

Senior Will Burns lifts up junior Will Tucker celebrating a touchdown against Douglass.

Morgan Michael Soukup: As a senior on the line, it is our duty to pull up the younger guys to our standard of play. We must do this both through how we play and what we say.

The best thing we can do for them is give them an example of great effort every play so that they will follow along.

Which games are you most looking forward to the second half of the season and why?

Will Burns: As for second half games, got to look forward to Holy Innocence. Not only is it our “rivalry” game, but this year it’s Senior Night as well, so that one is going to be huge for us.

Michael Soukup: In the second half of the season, I am most looking forward to our Senior night game against HIES. I don’t like those guys and it would be something super special to beat them on senior night.

Cheer What has been your favorite part about sideline cheer this season?

Livi Stolle: My favorite part has been bonding with the team and cheering on the wolves on Friday nights.

The varsity cheer team poses for a photo during a game at Decatur. organ

The boys XC team takes a photo at UNC Chapel Hill while in North Carolina.

McDaniel Hunter Suits: I would also say The Great American Race. I have never been there before, but I am for sure excited to run a new course and take a day off of school and have fun with my teammates.

How do you plan to mentor the younger runners and keep them going during the long season?

Stafford McDaniel: I want to lead by example. Use my leadership abilities to make sure in my choices that I make reflect on the school’s JOY motto of Jesus, Others, Yourself. I also want to make sure I reflect the Wesleyan standards with all of my actions.

Hunter Suits: I want to encourage them every single day. Make sure they use their strengths to their advantage and use their weaknesses to get better and improve.

Seniors Anabelle Lawson, Emily Godfrey, Amber Mathis, and Jessica Strohmeir pose for a photo during senior night.

Morgan

The softball team poses for a photo after a big win.

Morgan Softball What has been the main reason for the team’s success?

Imani Washington: We have been successful because we have the best coaches and everyone on the team puts in hard work every day to get better.

Tinsley Bertram: We have been successful this season because we have all put in extra practice and everyone on the team has done well contributing to their role.

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the regular season and playoffs? Why? Imani Washington: I am looking forward to bonding more with my teammates because then we can play as one when we get to Columbus.

Tinsley Bertram: I am most looking forward to the retreat that we do every year. I am also excited for the area tournament and seeing how well we do in that and in state playoffs.

(Con’t on pg. 13)