Wesleyan Fall Magazine 2011

W ESLEYA N t h e m a g a z i n e o f w e s l e ya n s c h o o l

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volume viii, issue i

FALL 2011

ADMINISTRATION Zach Young HEADMASTER Kathy Benson ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

WESLEYAN The Magazine of Wesleyan School • Volume VIII, Issue I

Chris Cleveland ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ADVANCEMENT Matt Cole EXECUTIVE HEADMASTER FOR MAJOR GIFTS & PLANNED GIVING Joy Wood LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Ramona Blankenship MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Sean Casey HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Andy Cook DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Billy Coxhead DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE Marc Khedouri DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Mari Beth King DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Greg Lisson DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN LIFE Chad McDaniel DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS John Peed DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS

WESLEYAN Magazine is published by the Communications Department of Wesleyan School and printed by Bennett Graphics.

Chris Cleveland ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ADVANCEMENT Chad McDaniel DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Mamie McIntosh GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS Gwinnett Daily Post Brian Morgan Jim Worthington PROOFREADERS Carole Crighton Kendra Morris FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Julie Rodriguez, Class of 2012 FRONT INSIDE COVER AND BACK COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Morgan Special appreciation goes out to the parents, faculty and staff of Wesleyan School whose contributions make this magazine successful. Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy within this magazine. However, please notify Chad McDaniel, Director of Communications, of any errors or omissions and accept our sincere apologies.

4 WELCOME NEW STUDENTS

24 TABLET INITIATIVE

Wesleyan welcomes new students for the 2011-2012 school year.

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FEATURES: FINDING YOUR MISSION FIELD

Details of how students, faculty, and families view their mission fields and how Wesleyan impacts their mission.

Read faculty and student quotes about the advantages and challenges of tablets in the classroom.

29 BUILDING A FAITHFUL

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather challenge Wesleyan students and faculty to focus on how our differences unite us as one body in Christ.

39 MARCHING BAND

CHAMPIONSHIP GALLERY

A photographic look at the Wesleyan Marching Wolves championship season.

49 ATHLETICS CIRCLE OF

HONOR INDUCTEES 2011

Read statistics from their years at Wesleyan and quotes from former coaches, and hear where they are now.

59 WESLEYAN ALUMNI

Catch up on alumni news and notes, weddings, and children.

CONTENTS

Our Mission

Wesleyan’s mission is to be a Christian school of academic excellence by providing each student a diverse college preparatory education guided by Christian principles and beliefs; by challenging and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit; and by developing responsible stewardship in our changing world.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • F all 2011

2 LETTERS|OPENING 6 FEATURES 21 STUDENT NEWS 28 CHRISTIAN LIFE 33 FINE ARTS 40 ATHLETICS 52 FACULTY NEWS 57 LIBRARY NEWS 58 FACULTY ANNOUNCEMENTS 59 ALUMNI

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welcome

Dear Parents and Friends of Wesleyan,

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Zach Young Headmaster

The 2011-2012 editions of the Wesleyan magazine are about “Discovering your Mission” and how members of the school community find and accomplish this. This magazine will focus on the immediate school community, and in the spring, we will focus on our alumni finding their calling in life.

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The idea of seeing your job as a “calling” is fairly common for people in schools, particularly those who work in Christian schools like Wesleyan. At our school, it is a calling to ministry because all of our teachers are selected to be ministers of the gospel to the children in their care. This means sharing the gospel by their actions and their words. The path to this mission can be a circuitous one.

We often learn just how circuitous when our teachers speak at chapel and tell their stories. Last year I gave my own testimony at the end of the year all-school chapel. Aspects of my story for those who were not present may ring true to this topic.

After high school, I always had in the back of my mind that I was supposed to be involved with schools for my life’s work.

I loved my time at Westminster as a student and was rare among my peers in my lack of enthusiasm for the necessity of graduating high school. I majored in Psychology at Virginia with the vague notion that I would introduce it into some school’s curriculum. As it turned out, the further into Psychology I went, the less I liked it. I took my degree with no desire to pursue the subject any further. Instead, I was fortunate to be hired by what is now SunTrust to train to be a commercial banker. After a few years, I explored business school and was accepted to the MBA program at my alma mater. When it came time to send the enrollment deposit back to Charlottesville, I balked. I knew in my heart that I did not want to study business.

My only alternative at the time was to remain at the bank, which I did for several more years. During that time, I knew I did not want my boss’ job, but I had no clear alternative vision about another career. I talked informally with friends and had a few interviews but nothing of interest came my way. Then, in the summer of 1980, I received a phone call from Westminster’s Headmaster, Donn Gaebelein. He offered me the opportunity to begin a development office.

There had not been a development office at Westminster previously; it had always been the responsibility of the headmaster. It occurred to me that I would have to be really, really bad not to be successful in raising money at such a renowned place where no one had previously done this job full time. It did not take me long to accept his offer.

Working at the school was really a dream come true for me. Ever since then, I have known that I realized my “calling” in that workplace. It has always been interesting to me to go to work each day, and it is only the rare school task that is drudgery to me. There are, of course, unpleasant jobs in dealing with people and the circumstances they present, but these sad occasions are relatively few. For the most part, the excitement of working with adults and children trying to do things in ways that are honoring to Christ far outweigh all else. For me, at least, the old adage about seeking a job that is doing what you like to do and then finding someone to pay you for it, is the definition of a “calling.” That has been my experience in my work at schools.

Whatever “calling” a person finds for their life, it will be the most satisfying if it is done with joy. Wesleyan’s motto is Jesus, Others, Yourself, which is a priority system. It is an abbreviated answer to the question posed Jesus about the most important commandment. In whatever we do, Jesus instructs us to love God, love others, and love ourselves, in that order (J.O.Y.). We were made to center ourselves on God and to think of everything in terms of that relationship. It is in serving God unconditionally that we find our joy and that is how we should view our life’s work. It matters not if it is selling a product, providing a service or manufacturing an item: if what we do shows our love for God and others first, it will bear good fruit, and our work will be honored.

Read here what others associated with Wesleyan have to say in this magazine about “Discovering your Mission.”

As always, thank you for your support and encouragement for this place.

In Christ, Zach Young Headmaster

Christ is All

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 Indeed, Life is not fair, as Robert accused me of telling my children scores of times through their childhood. But God causes us to appreciate that injustice as we draw closer to him. So after sending my children to Wesleyan over a twenty year span, I marvel at the appropriateness and encouragement of a school that seeks “to be a Christian school.” How could Wesleyan attempt to answer the tough questions of life’s fairness without the reliance upon God and His word and a plan to understand His will for our lives?

Wesleyan relies on its mission statement, defining Wesleyan as a Christian school, to formulate our programs and policies. Our philosophy states emphatically of our reliance upon God as Creator, Jesus Christ as Lord and the Holy Spirit as the Divine Presence in the world.

During the 2012-2013 academic calendar year, the board and administration will build upon the reaccreditation report to formulate the next strategic plan. The strategic plan will address every broad facet of the school: Governance, Student Life, Academics, Facilities, Christian Life, Parents, Alumni, Finance and Development. The process will include parent surveys, focus groups, student surveys and other ways to explore overall school improvement at Wesleyan, all filtered through the lens of our core mission.

For our children to grow spiritually, intellectually and physically and socially, our focus must remain on the main thing. The outcomes of success or failure, victory or defeat, applause or mocking are all about the fairness of life. The injustices of life are muted by our God’s instruction through His word.

Thank you for your support of our faculty and staff as they seek to implement a plan for your children that acknowledges “Christ is all.”

Rob Binion Chairman Board of Trustees

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

The board seeks to implement this mission by continually looking at ourselves from within through evaluation and looking forward through strategic planning. The administration and board construct a strategic plan every five years to outline the goals and direction of the school’s programs. The strategic plan is built on the foundation that “Christ is all.”

Wesleyan’s administration and faculty have begun the first step of our next strategic plan by preparing our reaccreditation report for submission to the Southern Association

of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. Scores of parents and faculty members will collaborate on specific program areas of Wesleyan School to pinpoint areas of improvement within our programs and policies. A visiting committee of peers from the accrediting organizations will come to our campus next fall to review the report and make their own recommendations regarding our curriculum and programs.

Any recommendations of improvement shall continue to follow our Christian mission and philosophy.

Rob Binion Chairman, Board of Trustees

My son Robert, Wesleyan class of 2005, recently presented a sermon to the River of Life church in Orlando suitably named “Life’s not fair.” The central theme portrayed the many injustices of life seen through the eyes of a teenager.

In his sermon Robert recalled his struggles with social life, extracurricular activities and academics versus his calling to build a growing relationship with God. This is a struggle that we all face beginning in our adolescent years and continuing throughout life in our careers and family life. After reflecting on his own personal injustices and tribulations, he concluded in his sermon this very succinct statement of life: “Christ is all.” Everything must begin and end with Christ. Our mission at Wesleyan begins and ends with Christ. I shared the audio sermon with many Wesleyan families and faculty because the theme focused specifically on the reality of student life at Wesleyan, hoping it would provide a thread of encouragement as they encounter their own daily struggles.

welcome | board of trustees

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WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

welcome.

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welcome | new students Kindergarten

Hannah Bennison Caitlin Bridgers Hannah Ferdon Scott Morgan Ireland Riley Jake Rodenhiser Jackson Strickland Bailey Wheeler

Jack Greene Caroline Gross Leandro Haddad Tatiana Hamade Dru James Douglas Anna Kate Johnson Jaucqir Lafond Erin McConnell Trey McGurk Madison McKemie Sarah Moon Josh Payne Zach Peterson Justin Reichel Daniel Salyers Sutton West

Garett McKenzie Christopher Moss Andrew Sauer Peyton Saylor Nathan Settlage Jassy Singh Miles Smith Danielle Summers Diane Torres Natalie Vivori Sage Williams

Second Grade

Seventh Grade

Eleventh Grade

Pre-First

Claire Bingham Bobby Xia

First Grade

Kaycee Tamel

Third Grade

Reid Cameron Nicholas Ciaffoni Quinn Moore

Fourth Grade

Rosemary McHugh

Fifth Grade

Patterson Beaman Cameron Binney Will Bryson Davis Chapman Michael Ciaffoni Don Daniel Stephen Dunlap Nick Frame Caroline Gracey Kendall Henderson Ryan King Griffin Massey Kat Saylor Luke Schiller Grant Summers

Sixth Grade

Daniel Baisier Sarah Brown Holt Cochran Michael Deweese Rachael Foster Megan Gallagher

Natalie Armstrong Allie Bell Mikayla Coombs Ashley Dobbs Kyler Duley Devyn Lowe Jason McCleskey Patrick McHugh Anna Roy Katie Von Bargen Margaret Ann Yates

Tenth Grade Cody Frost Channing Hans William Vance

Amanda DeLaPierre Anna Kean Zac MacKenzie Brandon Moss Marissa Vivori

Eighth Grade Andy Archer Grayson Blount Pierce Brennan Jake McCleskey Tanner Moore Emma Parrish

Ninth Grade

Afoma Afobunor Caroline Baisier Kate Bielan Cole Brown Daniel Dardaman Blake Davis Maggie Dryden Jayla Goodloe Kim Heng Jayla Jones Jahmai Jones Zackary Kaloper Adrienne Lee

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Carly Altom Mac Anderson Reagan Beaty Noah Beckman Nolan Bishop Addison Braswell Bo Britt Seth Burgett Reese Cadogan Jules Callahan Emma Ciaffoni Savannah Colegrove Bode Conley Andrew Cook James Cooper Cameron Coughlin Ryan Cowart Henley Davis Millie Dempsey Kendall Dettlinger Jon Paul Dozier Sydney Drye Skyler Ezzell Jamey Fuller Merry-Alice Gordy Elladee Gravitt Gina Gross Eli Hewitson Alex Holcomb Beau Jackson Ashley Kaloyannides Josh Kavel Emmy Koehler Nick Kowalski Bryce Lepine Ginny Kate McDaniel Jameson Meyer Macie Milam Frankie Nicklaus Asa Phillips Grogan Phillips Noah Russell Jenna Schertell Shawn Simmons Kate Stolle Anna Strickland Jackson Sullenberger Ansley Tapp Libby Wenz Oakley Wheeler Cole Williams

Hailey Williamson Lauren Williamson

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Finding Your Mission Field written by Chris Cleveland Assistant Headmaster for Advancement

he theme of this edition of the Wesleyan School magazine gets to the heart of one of our greatest responsibilities as a school that seeks to honor and serve Jesus Christ. Wesleyan School intentionally chooses to educate the mind, body, and spirit, and in doing so, it is our desire to not only prepare our students for college, but to prepare them for life.

We hope that we are fostering a culture in which we help students discover their God-given abilities, provide them with an opportunity to hone those abilities, and most importantly, learn how to use those abilities to bring honor and glory to Jesus.

But the story does not end there with the Wesleyan community.

Not only have we been able to help students identify and use their gifts, but we have been an outlet for teachers and families to do the same. In that regard, the Wesleyan community is a living example of the body of Christ, made up of many parts, with each serving its God-designed purpose.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

As you read the stories in the pages that follow, I hope that you will be encouraged and inspired by what the Lord is doing through lives within the Wesleyan community. The challenge for all of us who claim Christ as our savior is to discover our own mission field and commit ourselves wholly to serving Him.

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Perhaps one of Wesleyan’s namesakes, John Wesley captured this notion best when he said, “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”

May we all serve Jesus Christ on our personal mission field with those powerful and challenging words as a constant reminder of who we serve and to whom all glory is due.

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Life on Life Discipleship: the mission of a student

grade influenced his outlook on life, on loving people whose lives look different than his, and also taught him to desire depth with his friends beyond surface level friendship by encouraging one another spiritually. Through that trip, several teachers were and are still instrumental in his spiritual growth–particularly, Joseph Antonio, who continues to keep up with David through calls and text messages to see how he’s doing; they also meet every Friday.

Written by: Mamie McIntosh Graphic Designer

cripture tells us that we are shown grace so that in turn we can share the gospel with others. The idea of loving and pouring into someone so that they also invest in someone else is central to life on life discipleship.

This lifestyle is also significant to the mission of the school for faculty to teach students to be “guided by Christian principles and beliefs” for the purpose that everyone at the school would see and know Jesus better after being here. David Facteau, a tenth grader at Wesleyan, has benefited from Wesleyan faculty and non-faculty members investing in him spiritually, and in turn, he has been led by the Lord to do the same with those younger than him.

When David was in middle school, Austin Busch helped with their bible study and followed the group until he graduated in 2011. David remembers Austin’s influence in relating to the struggles of the younger guys. Currently, David has followed in Austin’s footsteps, and is helping lead the 7th grade boys’ bible study. Through the examples of the other group leaders Dave Breslin, Chad McDaniel, and James Moleta, he is learning how to talk and relate to the younger guys. He is serving because he has a heart for helping these students balance faith, friends and sports.

Outside of Wesleyan, David is involved in the Young Guns ministry–a program designed to train older boys to mentor younger boys. Justin, David’s mentor, meets with him once a month and contacts him weekly to see how he is doing. In turn, David meets once a month with the younger students to be an example for them and to help them grow in their faith.

By an older generation investing in his life, David has benefited from the spiritual truths they have taught him and from learning what it looks like to love others. As he grows older, David strives to continue to invest in other people like his teachers and mentors are investing in him.

In the 6th grade, the year before he came to Wesleyan, the Lord showed David his need for Him on a church retreat. His grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer and was given a few months to live. Wrestling with this news, he gave up control and surrendered. The following year David became a Wesleyan student. He appreciates the opportunity Wesleyan gives him to learn in an environment where teachers desire for him to grow in his faith and are seeking to help him towards that end.

David embodies an example of the Wesleyan mission at work.

The Washington D.C. mission trip David went on in the 8th

Top left: David with children serving on a Wesleyan mission trip to Washington D.C. Bottom right: David with his team serving in Philadelphia.

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Boy Scouts: building relationships through serving

Written by Bo Laughlin, Wesleyan Parent and Troop 1963 Leader

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

“I love to think of nature as a broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

– George Washington Carver

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hen most people think of Scouts, they think of uniforms, knot tying and…uniforms! Seventyfive percent of the word scouting is “outing,” which is the primary focus of Boy Scout activities. An outing every month is the goal, with at least twelve nights of camping per year. Every month brings a new adventure and each is chosen and planned by the scouts. Imagine trying to conduct a productive meeting with a room full of wound-up eleven to fifteen year old boys!

That’s a challenge for most adults, but it’s an altogether unique growth opportunity for a twelve-year-old boy. The goal is for boy scouts to learn the ideals of scouting and to become Eagle Scouts–an honor which arguably is the only high school activity likely to show up on a resume later in life. At Wesleyan, I have the privilege assisting Wesleyan students Davis Brooks, Grant Murphy, Cole Warren, Thomas Duke, Jake Cusick, Fendall Laughlin, Clark O’Kelley, Nick Schroer, Doug Mohme, Paul Hogan, and Drew Middleton in Troop 1963.

There are many outings and activities boy scouts do to challenge their growth. For example, crawling around in muddy caves may not sound like fun to the average person, but it is something that scouts have to accomplish. Also, going into a wild cave is an experience in many ways, especially when a night is spent in one. Turning off the lights and realizing that you literally can’t see your hand is a deeply humbling experience. Having

to reach out to an opposing cliff side and work your way along a narrow, slippery ledge with hand and foot above a twentyfoot chasm is daunting for an adult–it’s absolutely terrifying for someone barely tall enough to reach across the depths. Who wouldn’t want to kick it Bear Grylls style, by trying to build his own survival shelter and actually sleep in it? Then there is the backpacking and all the times when the boys have to really push themselves to make it to camp and maybe even have to carry each other’s gear when someone gets hurt. But, there are the scenic overlooks, the thrills of exploring something new and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming those challenges.

There is the realization, perhaps later on, that you’ve gained some real friends along the way. There is the confidence in knowing that you can do more than you tend to think you can when the chips are down. Maybe there is also some maturity that comes along with realizing how important being prepared is and that there is a lot more majesty in the things around us than you previously recognized.

Sometimes God gives us an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge He has granted us the privilege of acquiring. Though I am always proud of any achievements our troop makes, whether it’s camping in eighteen degree weather or building a dog sled, earlier this year, I realized the impact that these skills are making on our troop and I could not be more proud. Two summers ago, scout members Fendall Laughlin, Doug Mohme, Clark O’Kelley and Nick Schroer were at Lake Hartwell, and when they noticed a panicked person waving frantically from the shoreline, there was no hesitation. They cut hard to shore and dove in to help. As the young man was being hauled from

Top left: Bo and Fendall Laughlin, Bottom right: Troup 1963 in 2007.

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Clark O’Kelley and Nick Schroer at their Eagle Scout Ceremony.

the water, they quickly assumed control of the situation, taking turns at CPR, locating the position on GPS, calling for help, keeping the other passengers on the boat and calming the panicky observers. They maintained this course of action for nearly 30 minutes until the ambulance arrived. They were even able to head off the boy’s mother and keep her from the scene… and they prayed with her.

Most of us realize that overcoming adversity makes us stronger, but how often do we go out and look for it? This troop has found opportunities to offer controlled adversity for our young men to experience, and we have enjoyed watching them grow.

We are grateful to Meg Brooks for recognizing the need to tie a troop to Wesleyan so that we could do our best to work around the school calendar. We are also grateful to Mr. Young and the Board for granting us the opportunity to exist under the wing of our phenomenal school. Typically only one in one hundred Scouts earn the rank of Eagle–our average is much higher. The following young men have been able to delay other, more immediate gratifications and persevere to accomplish that rank…and we are proud of them!

Almost there: • Doug Mohme • Paul Hogan • Drew Middleton

Top: Clark O’Kelley and Nick Schroer; Center (from left to right): Thomas Duke, Doug Mohme, Nick Schroer, Fendall Laughlin, Cole Warren, and Clark O’Kelley on a 2009 trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in 2009. Bottom: Troup 1963 hiking in 2009

These young men have begun to discover their life’s calling through Scouts, which would never have been possible without Wesleyan. The relationships forged through this journey have impacted their lives for God. It is amazing to see His work in their lives through something that seems so simple.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Davis Brooks • Grant Murphy • Cole Warren • Thomas Duke • Jake Cusick • Fendall Laughlin • Clark O’Kelley • Nick Schroer

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A “Christian” Who Happens to Teach: the mission of a teacher

Written by Adrienne Christian, High School Spanish Teacher

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

o put my experiences over the past four years into words is quite a daunting task, and, I am sure that I will not do them justice. I have grown immensely in my faith, have a deeper understanding of my calling in life, have become a part of a bigger family in a country that does not speak my native language, and I have begun to approach teaching at Wesleyan from a different angle than before.

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school in Santo Domingo. Teaching Vacation Bible School, talking about our life experiences, playing basketball against the locals, and building a second story onto the school were our tasks that week. During my time there, I formed an unexpected friendship with the principal, who later invited me back to live with her family for a month during the summer. Taking her up on her offer, I, along with Elizabeth Wilson (Class of ’09) travelled to the Dominican and spent a month living with our new Dominican mom, painting the school, and helping kids learn the books of the Bible and Bible stories.

Unbelievably, this change began on a Wesleyan mission trip in 2009 to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during my second trip to the country on a mission trip. I first traveled to the Dominican during my sophomore year in college at the University of Georgia through the Baptist Student Union. We worked with neighborhood kids, teaching them stories from the Bible. Being that it was my first time out of the country and my first mission trip, the ability to communicate with people in another language and teach them about the Lord struck me as a gift from God, and from that moment, I fell in love with the Dominican. I remember sending my parents an email home saying I didn’t want to go home after my week of being there.

Since then, I have traveled back to the Dominican Republic three times, once for a mission trip through Wesleyan and twice as an intern with SCORE International. I keep in contact regularly with my Dominican family through short phone calls or Facebook messages. This past summer, I spent seven weeks in the Dominican. I spent the first week travelling around the country with my Dominican family and meeting their extended family. The majority of my trip, however, was spent in Juan Dolio, a suburb of Santo Domingo. As an intern for SCORE, along with college students from around the country, I aided missionaries with American short-term mission teams by translating, traveling to nearby Haitian villages, aiding in medical and sports clinics, and explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Who would have thought that nine years later, I would find myself in the same country on a Mission Trip with Wesleyan? A group of junior girls, primarily basketball players and I, served at Amparo Divino (or Divine Protection), a Pre-K through 12

While God has blessed me with the opportunity to travel and do mission work for the past three summers, this summer changed me in a way that was unexpected. Through my experiences of sharing my testimony, listening to speakers,

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and relating with the Dominican people, my understanding of how I should define myself has completely changed. Instead of being a teacher who is a Christian, I should see myself as a Christian who happens to teach. If I think about myself as a Christian first, how I approach my classes is flipped upside down. This year, integrating Biblical truth into my lessons has completely changed. I am challenged with the desire to help my students understand God and grow in their relationship with Him through their interactions with me in Spanish class. It is no longer my primary goal to teach them Spanish, but rather to challenge them in their faith so that they can use their language to advance God’s kingdom not only on mission trips, but right here in the suburbs of Atlanta.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Top : Adrienne’s Dominican Family, Middle: 2011 SCORE International interns Bottom: Playing Simon Dice in a village.

I am beginning to integrate conversations with students about what being a Christian means, helping them learn how to tell people about Christ in Spanish, and teaching them to sing Spanish songs that can be used on mission trips or for little children right here at Wesleyan. I am constantly challenged with how what I have learned abroad can be applied here in my everyday life. I am hopeful as Wesleyan students and teachers travel on similar mission trips that they will begin to build lifelong relationships with the people they meet, apply the lessons they learned to their relationships here at home, and genuinely strive to live first as believers in Christ.

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Alumni at Wesleyan: why we came back

Top row: Mamie McIntosh ‘06, Bottom row (from left to right): Mary Stephenson ‘04 and Katie Dixon ‘04.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

esleyan students, faculty, parents, and alumni are each impacted in different ways by their time here. The six alumni in this article discuss their experiences at Wesleyan and beyond and what brought them back as faculty members, focusing specifically on their current mission field. Each story is unique, yet all carry a common thread of God’s impact through Wesleyan School.

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How many years were you a student at Wesleyan?

Carpenter: Nine years; I started as a fourth grader in 1993.

Dixon: I was a student for four years, ninth through twelfth grade.

Hocking: Seven years; I attended Wesleyan from the sixth through twelfth grade.

Jones: I attended Wesleyan for four years—from ninth grade through twelfth grade.

McIntosh: Five years; 2001-2006. I came in the eighth grade.

Stephenson: Eight years (1996-2004; fifth to twelfth grade) What were you involved in as a student at Wesleyan?

Carpenter: Softball, basketball, swimming, sophomore-senior Bible study, and peer leadership.

Dixon: I participated in color guard, winter guard, lacrosse, literary magazine, a few of the plays, mission trips, and Bible studies.

Hocking: Cheerleading, swimming, track and field, National French Honors Society, and senior-freshmen girl’s Bible study.

Jones: I was involved in chapel band (I helped lead the singing), I acted in several of the high school plays including a musical (The Fantasticks—my favorite!), and I was in color guard in the marching band for part of high school. I was obviously not very sporty, but I loved the arts!

McIntosh: Cross country and soccer for four years, swimming one year, Bible studies, mission trips to Ecuador and France, class officer, and prom committee.

Stephenson: Softball, basketball, girls golf; mission trip to Dominican Republic, grade level Bible studies, and Film Appreciation Society.

How many years have you been on staff at Wesleyan?

Carpenter: This is my fourth year at on staff at Wesleyan.

Dixon: This is my first year on staff at Wesleyan.

Hocking: This is my third year teaching dance and substituting at Wesleyan.

Jones: This is my fifth year working at Wesleyan.

McIntosh: This is my first year here full-time.

Stephenson: I think this counts as my second year. I was a Faculty Fellow 2008-2009, but I worked at Wesleyan in 20092010 and 2010-2011 as a community coach while attending Grad School.

What is your position at Wesleyan?

Carpenter: Alumni Relations & Communications Coordinator and girls JV assistant lacrosse coach.

Dixon: I am teaching seventh and eighth grade English.

Hocking: Lower school dance teacher, long term substitute for

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third grade and high school French, 2011. Long term substitute for fourth grade, 2012.

Jones: I am the middle and high school Writing Lab Instructor.

McIntosh: Graphic Designer and assistant middle school girls soccer coach.

Stephenson: Permanent Substitute, head JV and varsity assistant softball coach; varsity basketball assistant, head sixth grade coach, and head girls golf coach.

What other activities are you involved in at Wesleyan?

Carpenter: Prom Committee and I have gone on two mission trips. I am serving as an assistant leader in Nicaragua this spring break.

Dixon: I am assisting with the color guard, winter guard, and the JV girls lacrosse team.

Hocking: Choreographed and taught the lower school End of Year Program with Joy Wood, 2010 and 2011. Middle school track and field, 2010. After-school dance program.

Jones: I am part of the faculty worship team for our all-school faculty meetings. I also usually chaperone a high school mission trip and make a point to seek out and get to know the students on my team. However, I will miss that this year because of my baby’s due date! I also still enjoy seeing the drama productions, and I have written reviews for some of them since Mrs. Garlinghouse retired.

McIntosh: Freshmen-Senior Girls Bible Study and I am serving as a chaperone on the Ukraine mission trip this spring.

Stephenson: Co-sponsor of freshman-senior girls Bible study.

Also, I’ll be an assistant leader for the Atlanta Urban Plunge mission trip.

What church do you go to/what are you involved in?

Carpenter: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church- I am in an awesome Sunday school class and just started Disciple Two Bible study this fall.

Dixon: I attend Trinity Anglican Mission in Atlanta and volunteer in their children’s program.

Hocking: Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church and I am involved in a small group outside of church.

Jones: My husband and I attend Christ Church Presbyterian in midtown, and we are involved in the arts ministry there.

McIntosh: I am still visiting churches but am currently attending Christ Church Presbyterian where I am involved in a women’s Bible study.

Stephenson: Trinity Anglican Mission Where did you go to college?

Carpenter: Presbyterian College, in the metropolis of Clinton, South Carolina.

Dixon: I received my bachelors from the University of Georgia and my masters from the University of Southern California.

Hocking: Vanderbilt for undergraduate and I will finish my MAT in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University in December 2011.

Jones: I attended Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

McIntosh: Mississippi State University Stephenson: Tulane University (Roll Wave!) and Georgia State for graduate school.

Top row: Rachel Hart Jones ‘03, Bottom row (from left to right): Fiona Hocking ‘03 and Rebecca Carpenter ‘02..

- cont’d. on page 14

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

How did your personal Christian mission lead you back to Wesleyan?

Carpenter: My junior year of high school is when I was first introduced to the idea of having a personal relationship with Jesus. I graduated from here and always remembered the teachers that went out of their way to invest in my life and what my life

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WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

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to be at Wesleyan.

McIntosh: I knew that the Lord was calling me to do something creative and also that I had and have a heart for investing in a younger generation. It is a God-thing that I am back at Wesleyan–he made it very clear this was what he had for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to use the creativity the Lord has given me while being encouraged and challenged to seek out students and live life with them showing the joy Back row (from left to right): Rachel Hart Jones ‘03, Mary Stephenson ‘04, Katie Dixon and freedom walking with Christ brings.

‘04. Bottom row (from left to right): Rebecca Carpenter ‘02 and Mamie McIntosh ‘06.

Stephenson: I had such an amazing experience would have looked like if they had not. I always have had a as a student at Wesleyan. My teachers and coaches showed me deep appreciation for this place, and all through college wanted how to live a Christ-like life, weather challenges, and pursue to come back to Wesleyan to do the same for other teenagers. excellence. I did not realize until I got to college how unique my Dixon: My desire to teach paired with my personal Christian close relationships with my teachers and coaches were. I want mission is easily summed up by 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We loved to mentor students and players in the same manner. I believe you so much that we delighted to share with you not only the giving kids living, breathing examples of Christian living is the gospel of God but our lives, as well, because you had become so best and most effective way to spread the Gospel. dear to us.” If we are raising citizens who will be in the world but not of it, Christian principles should not be isolated, but, What is your favorite part of ministry as an employee? rather, lessons in faith also need to be integrated into the “life- Carpenter: Though there would be elements of teaching that sharing” that has become such a cornerstone of the Wesleyan I think I would enjoy adding to my day, I love the interactions experience. As a teacher, I am not concerned only with the with students that are developed where they can just come talk. academic life of my students, but their social, emotional, and There is no stress of me grading them on any level; it’s purely spiritual lives as well. Wesleyan had an enormous impact on for the relationship. My favorite part of the day is during high my own faith journey. I view the Wesleyan classroom as a great school lunch or junior and senior free periods when they come place for me to give back to the school and to pass along the over and we get to spend time together. On top of that, I also love that our faculty and staff really consider us a family and how lessons it provided me.

Jones: When I was attending Wesleyan as a student, I don’t we too can share the gospel at work- to encourage one another think I ever pictured myself back here working, but it makes in Christian love. Ms. McIntosh, Mr. Cook, Mr. Cleveland, so much sense for me. I love small community environments Mr. McDaniel, and I many mornings find ourselves in deep where I can get to know people on a personal level, and I love spiritual discussions over our first cup of coffee (sometimes that Wesleyan encourages its faculty to engage in the lives of the second, too). I always think, “I bet none of my other friends get students on a deeper level. I knew I wanted to work with people to work in an environment like this!” somehow, and I wanted to use my English and Writing degrees. Dixon: I appreciate working in an environment that not I was initially drawn back to Wesleyan because I knew it would only allows me, but encourages me, to share my faith with be a great place to work and use my gifts, but I also knew that students. Additionally, working within a supportive Christian my beliefs lined up with Wesleyan’s. I cannot imagine having to community provides me with daily encouragement in my own keep from discussing spiritual things at work–I feel so blessed faith.

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What impact did Wesleyan have on your ministry?

Carpenter: I was raised in a Christian home, by parents who were always willing to share their faith with me, but Wesleyan was so influential, though, because teachers reinforced what was being taught at home and made it more appealing. I loved how my teachers always made Christianity “fun” and just by watching them and interacting with them, I realized how much

they allowed Jesus to guide their lives. I always wanted the same for myself.

Dixon: Wesleyan not only guided my Biblical education, but it also showed me what it means to live in Christian community.

The balance of exploring faith through both academic and interpersonal means helped me to better understand why both elements are important and how to effectively join them together into a faith-based lifestyle.

Hocking: The concept of accountability has stuck with me since my high school days at Wesleyan. During undergraduate college, it became clear that this concept needed to be upheld in a variety of fashions. The idea of spiritual accountability, as well as the different dimensions that go along with it, has challenged me in many ways along my journey as a Christian. Wesleyan provided me with many tools for the future, but this idea and constant challenge has had the most profound effect on my life as a Christian.

Jones: My time as a student at Wesleyan reinforced the foundation of beliefs that I was being taught at home. My parents were amazing about teaching my brother and me what it meant to belong to God’s family and to seek after Christ whole-heartedly, and Wesleyan helped me put that into practice. My time on faculty has given me a platform to turn and teach those things to the next generation. I hope that the growing generation of students at Wesleyan will be one that, because of their families, the impact of Wesleyan, and God’s intervening power in their lives, will be ever more devoted to Christ. If I can be a part of that process in any way, I am glad to be used as God sees fit.

McIntosh: Growing up, my parents and grandparents taught me the gospel but also to think through the hard stuff and to search scripture to know why I believe what I believe. Wesleyan provided a community where these things were not only encouraged but also reinforced. I was taught Christ is the center of everything, even a history test or soccer game. It is my hope for the students to learn the same thing and to not be caught in cultural Christianity but for it to be a real, living, breathing relationship of resting in grace and acceptance found in Jesus.

Stephenson: My experience at Wesleyan is the reason I am a teacher and coach. My parents and family deserve a lot of credit for my faith and values, but the people who mentored me while I was a student at Wesleyan also have a direct impact on my daily life and are my inspiration for what I do.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Hocking: My favorite part of ministry in the lower school is the process of integrating biblical teachings in the curriculum, as well as during after school dance. As an adult, I am constantly learning to be a better servant, and it amazes me to see young Wesleyan students begin their journey in Christ. They often have profound insights on living in a more Christ-like way, and it is inspiring to experience His spirit through these young children.

Jones: My favorite part of ministry is definitely connecting with the students and getting to form real relationships with them and see them grow. I believe in the mission of Wesleyan, and I feel passionately for the furthering of God’s kingdom among teens. In addition, my particular job affords me simple ways to connect with students on a daily basis and a good bit of one-onone time with them since I am not a typical classroom teacher, so I have ample opportunities to have meaningful conversations with the students in the lab about faith questions, home issues, or just life in general. I love getting to connect with them in that way, and I try to carry a lot of those relationships beyond the Wesleyan campus. I am still in touch with several students who have graduated in the past five years, and a few of them have become great friends since graduation.

McIntosh: My ministry looks different since I am in administration and do not interact with students with the same frequency as teachers. Part of my ministry is getting to know the students, which I love, and I am excited to build these relationships; but it is different in my days are spent designing materials to promote and tell of what the Lord is doing here.

This is a unique way I get to serve the school and community.

However, my favorite part about working here is the people– especially those whom I work with in Gillfillan. An added bonus is getting to see my sister Lizzie, a sophomore, daily.

Stephenson: Spending time with students in a variety of settings. Each different venue, the classroom, the athletic arena, or on the mission field, allows for the building of relationships in a deeper, more meaningful way than in schools that only ask their faculty to be one-dimensional.

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features

Giving Beyond Measure: renewal through tragedy

Dr. Gholston with Wesleyan students and Susan Littlejohn.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Written by Kathy Gholston, Development Associate

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ometimes we meet someone who is so confident that they are answering a call to ministry that we are drawn to them and their vision. Their energy and complete commitment to their mission is evident in everything they say and do. Such was the case when I first met Susan Littlejohn as she sat outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant with her little dog, Lady, raising money for her animal rescue facility.

I spent a few minutes talking with Susan and then listened as she explained her mission and faith to those who stopped at her makeshift table. She had simple words and a simple mission: save orphaned and abandoned animals so that they can save needy people. Susan believes that God has given her a mission to rescue animals, and through His help she is able to rehabilitate these needy animals. But Susan’s mission does not end with the animals’ rescue. She believes that God has also called her along with these animals to work in the lives of the people God places in her path. Her group of parishioners includes the elderly in nursing homes, children and adults with mental or physical disabilities, orphaned children, and juvenile offenders. This is not your typical ministry but one that over the past fifteen years has touched hundreds of lives in a unique way.

Over the past six years, our family has had the special privilege of working with Susan in a variety of ways. Shortly after I met

Susan, my husband, Skipper, a Wesleyan high school Biology teacher and veterinarian, encountered Susan as she was again raising money for her animal facility. After explaining that he was a retired veterinarian, Skipper gave Susan our phone number to possibly help with emergencies or advice concerning routine care for her animals. That was the beginning of what has been a sometimes challenging but heartwarming and inspiring partnership with this, as we call her, “Mother Teresa of Animals.” Over the years, Skipper and I have met Susan at her barns to treat a cast of characters including sheep, goats, pigs, deer, horses, donkeys, an ostrich, llamas, and alpacas as well as a host of dogs and cats. Our two sons, Will ’03 and Forester ’04, have been supportive by helping on weekends and during the summer while attending college and veterinary school. Fortunately both Will and Forester share our love for animals and their willingness to devote their time and effort has been a blessing to Susan’s mission. Our oldest son, Daniel ’99, following graduation from law school has volunteered to work with Susan providing legal counsel and business advice. For the Gholstons, this has truly become a family venture.

Susan’s rescue facility, Build An Ark, provides a home primarily for animals who cannot be housed in typical animal control shelters. She works to rehabilitate the injured and ill, provide shelter for the orphaned and neglected with the hope of one day finding permanent homes for these animals. Some of the animals who are not able to be placed in a home remain at her facility under her care. At the same time Susan is caring for her flock of seventy to eighty animals, she is also providing therapy and encouragement to her two-legged flock. Susan frequently takes a selection of baby sheep or goats or even an alpaca to visit with the elderly in nursing homes and children in orphanages. She invites groups of physically or mentally challenged adults and children to her barn to interact with the animals. Susan works with juvenile offenders through the local law enforcement agencies and oversees work opportunities for them. Susan’s challenge is not only to provide the medical care, rehabilitation, day-to-day care of the animals, and minister to her human flock, but she also must provide the funding for her operation. For Susan, money is always in short supply and the cost of maintaining a large facility, purchasing feed, medicine,

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and supplies is a daunting task. She relies on the help of volunteers and donations to keep her facility open and able to accept new animals. Wesleyan School has been a real source of blessings and resources for Susan. Each year on ServeHis Day, Skipper takes an entourage of students and faculty to Build An Ark for a work day to treat animals and perform maintenance on the facility. Several Wesleyan students have also volunteered their time on weekends to help when needed. In many ways, Wesleyan has become a partner with our family in helping with Susan’s mission.

Top: NYSTY volunteers; Center: Susan Littlejohn and one of her beloved animals; Bottom: Wesleyan students and teachers on ServeHis-Day 2011.

Working with Susan and Build an Ark has been an inspirational journey for our entire family as well as many in the Wesleyan community. To be able to partner with someone who has such complete devotion and passion for their mission inspires us and reaffirms that God has a plan and a mission field for each of us as well.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Despite Susan’s formidable challenges over the years, nothing compared to the disaster that struck in April 2011 when a tornado destroyed the barn, outbuildings, and surrounding property at Build An Ark. Out of money and almost out of hope, Susan was considering whether or not she should try to continue. But God had bigger plans for Susan, and two days after the disaster she received a call from an organization in New York named “New York Says Thank You.” They organized a group of over four hundred volunteers from across the country.

Many of the volunteers were first responders to the 9-11 disaster or had lost a loved one in the attack. Others were recipients of previous efforts of the NYSTY organization and simply wanted to “pay back” the kindness they had been shown. In July 2011, an army of volunteers assembled at the Build An Ark ruins in Ellijay, Georgia to rebuild the barns and return the property to a functional, beautiful facility for Susan’s mission. Once again Wesleyan students, faculty and staff stepped in to help as Skipper and I made the need known to the Wesleyan family.

Some volunteered their time, others gave money, and many made donations of furniture and household goods. Skipper and I spent an amazing weekend in July helping as angels from across the country and even foreign countries put Susan’s life back together. Being part of that effort has been a true blessing to all.

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features

A Family Gift:

The Guess and Gabray families.

the unlikely friendship of two families

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Written by Karen Guess, Wesleyan parent

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he apartment was bare, but the strong smells of coffee and popcorn in the humid air caused it to feel full. Shinash, the mom in this refugee family, served us coffee, popcorn, and a round, flat loaf of bread. Making conversation, I asked, “In your home country, did you make this kind of bread on a stove or did you bake it in an oven?”

Quizzically, Shinash looked at me, then tossed her head back and laughed. She said, “On the fire! Always on the fire!” Silly me. Of course. They lived in a cave in the side of a mountain in Africa. Of course there was no stove, no oven, no electricity – only fire.

Our family has been in a relationship with this sweet Eritrean family for nearly a year, and I still stumble over my inability to get beyond my American self on the most obvious of points!

Oh, well, the value of what we have learned in a year is far more precious than the sum total of the cultural gaffes that we have committed in that time.

Nearly two years ago, our family first encountered the refugee community in Clarkston, Georgia. Clarkston is only about 20

minutes from Wesleyan–just around I-285, east Decatur. In the one square mile that makes up the city, nearly 5,000 refugees reside in 20 or so apartment complexes at any given time. The local elementary school boasts of having over 100 dialects spoken within its four walls.

According to the United Nations, a refugee is someone who has fled his home country because he faced persecution of some kind–religious, political, etc. There are currently over 15 million refugees living in UN camps in various countries around the globe. Each year, the United States resettles about 80,000 refugees (more than all other countries combined), who have spent an average of seven years in refugee camps and undergone an extensive application process. Our government offers them three months’ financial assistance when they arrive here, and assigns them a caseworker from a resettlement agency during those first 90 days. After that, they are on their own to navigate a new culture, a new language, and a new way of life.

Clarkston has become a center for refugee resettlement.

Two years ago, we went with friends from Perimeter Church to lunch in the home of a Bhutanese refugee family. Our three kids were brave about trying the food, and Doug and I were floored by the stories of determination and survival that the refugees shared. These dear people had arrived in the United States with nothing but what they could carry, and they were bravely building a life from the ground up…and doing it with their sense of humor intact.

Doug and I spent several months talking and praying about the opportunity to “adopt” a refugee family through World Relief (one of the resettlement agencies). The commitment was simply to be a friend to the family in an intentional way over a sixmonth period. However, that commitment felt daunting to me, and I resisted. I felt taxed already by our busy work and school schedule; I was not sure I knew how to handle a foreign friend who might ask things of me that I could not fulfill; and I was concerned that our blended family might just balk at this crazy scheme that threatened to take precious hours from the already reduced time that we are all under one roof. I had a pretty long list of fears about intentionally engaging in a relationship with a needy family during such a busy season of life. At the end of the

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with three little girls hanging off of her), and stories of deep friendship (the time they asked us to name their new baby boy, who was born on September 22).

day, though, God’s direction was clear, and we decided to sign up. I’m so glad that God does not stop working on our hearts after the first…or third…or tenth point of resistance!

The family we befriended is a family of nine from Eritrea (a border country with Ethiopia that sits along the Red Sea).

Before coming here, they spent five years at Shimelba, a refugee camp in a barren area of Ethiopia, having fled from political persecution at the hands of a president who was in close alignment with Lybia’s Ghadafi. I was not joking in saying that they had lived in caves dug out of a mountainside.We saw home videos of a wedding with the cave as home base. (I know, go figure–apparently video cameras and cell phones are ubiquitous!) While watching the video, they joked with us and pointed out the “garage,” which was a cleared out stall where the donkeys stayed, ready to give them transportation when they had someplace to go.

Top left: Jack Norris eating with Yemane Gebray; Bottom right: Carson Guess with Suzana and Selamawit Gabray.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

As I write this article, I realize that I could fill pages with a year’s accumulated stories. Stories of miscommunication (the time we accidentally invited ourselves to a full Eritrean dinner), stories of communication (the time when our son, Jack, taught the oldest boy how to use a fork), stories of humor (the time we sat at Mellow Mushroom making pig noises trying to communicate about the dietary restrictions of Orthodox Christians), stories of culture (the first time our kids ate out of a communal bowl of Eritrean food and our son, Jonathan, discovered that his instinct to eat with his hands was the expression of perfect Eritrean manners), stories of generosity (the time that our daughter, Carson, spent hours in the pool

The stories are sweet because they are born out of a relationship that is sweet. When we started, we believed that we would be helping a family in need acclimate to life in America. And, yes, we have helped them acclimate. But, really, the joy and the transformation have come in the relationship. In our feeble and often misguided attempts to connect with them (crammed in between cross country meets and flag football games and homework and work obligations), we have been blessed with a new perspective. Doug and I have a new perspective on poverty, on Africa, on our government, on our city, and on the Church. Our kids have a new perspective on friendship, on abundance and lack, on community, on communication, and even on food. God’s call to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan is central in Scripture. In our suburban world, it can be challenging to build loving relationships with strangers, widows, and orphans. World Relief and Clarkston opened the door for our family to enter into a loving friendship with a family from a country we had never heard of 18 months ago. They are still strangers in the U.S., but they are no longer strangers to us. God has used a service opportunity to humble our hearts toward His deep love for us and toward His deep love for the nations of the world.

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The Wesleyan Junior Players Present

Alice’s

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Adventures in Wonderland

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student news

Tablets at use: IN LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE Written by Sara Cooper, Lower School Science Teacher and Natalie Scott, Lower School Faculty Fellow

or the citizens of Gotham City a giant yellow light shaped like a bat projected into the sky meant help was on the way. For students in the lower school it is the sign of the purple T on the SMARTboard that generates excitement as they walk into the science room. The purple T tells them whether or not today will be a tablet day. Once they get the tablets, they are put to work doing labs, class assignments, and even essay practice.

Lower school students are busy at work in the science room learning how to use the new tablet technology at Wesleyan.

The Lower School has two portable carts of tablets which hold 24 tablets each. One of those tablet carts “lives” in the science room. The year started with more than 30 students in second, third, and fourth grades attending an afterschool “Tech Helper” training session to learn to use the new technology.

Tech Helpers have become our resident experts on the proper way to remove and return the tablets to the cart. In addition, Tech Helpers are available to help classmates with technological problems during class. Who needs Batman when you have a Tech Helper?

The fourth graders have used the tablets the most during science.

They have done review assignments on the circulatory system, digestive system, and sense organs. These review assignments often include online games where students can label the parts in each system, making learning fun and relevant. In addition they have started their worm research projects on OneNote, which will take them through the entire scientific process from hypothesis to conclusion. The skills they are learning now will aid in their transition to having their “own” tablet in middle school.

We may not have Batman in Warren Hall, but we do have something that is causing students to engage in the learning process in a way they haven’t been able to do so before. We are excited to explore new opportunities that the tablets afford us.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

The second graders completed their first lab on the tablet within the first two months of school. Using the tablets allowed the students to play a pan balance game where students learned how to compare objects’ weights. They were so excited and continually ask when the next purple T will show up on the board.

The third graders were initiated into WASA (Wesleyan Aeronautics and Space Administration) for their lab on the Solar System. They used new software called OneNote, which is being used by almost all of the teachers in the middle and high schools, to take notes at each of these stations. The students were paired off into research teams working at different stations to learn more about planet order, moon phases, and the intricacy with which our solar system was built. After completing several stations, they had to report back to their lead researchers (science teachers) and give a presentation based on the notes they took on their tablets.

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student news | middle school

Student Leaders: IN MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAPEL Written by Joanna Schuerman, Middle School English & Social Science Teacher

or the first time in Wesleyan’s history, the middle school chapel band is being led by middle school students!

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

While this may not seem like a feat to most people, imagine this: a group of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students walking up onto the stage in Austin Chapel at nine o’clock on a Friday morning. They nervously tune their guitars, tighten their microphone stands to just the right height, scurry to make sure their instrument is able to be heard through the main speakers, and suddenly, Mr. Young walks up to them and says, “Are you ready to begin?”

As they hold their hand on their hearts, they say the Pledge of Allegiance, and our traditional recitation of Psalm 24, they gaze into the congregation. A sea of fifth through eighth grade students, teachers, and parents stand before them as they, the middle school chapel band, prepares to lead the congregation in praise and worship.

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While the traditions reciting Psalm 24 and singing “Sanctuary” as a benediction have been preserved from year to year, our chapel services have been slowly transforming into a more student-led service. For two years now, students have been reading scripture, praying, occasionally giving devotions, and now, leading their peers and teachers in praise and worship without a faculty member on stage. These chapel band members are growing in confidence and are leading their peers each week with humility and energy. With every week that passes, the students are improving with skill and confidence, but I consider each and every one of them some of the bravest students that I have met for having the courage to sing, play, lead, and run sound for these services. It’s not an easy task to get up on stage in front of their peers, and for that, I am so proud and grateful for them giving of their time and talents to serve our Lord.

Feel free to attend a service on most Friday mornings. We’d love to have you join us!

student news | high school

Justice Knows No Season: MOCK TRIAL 2011 Written by Adrienne Christian, High School Spanish Teacher

during the competition. Additionally, Ross Thomas was honored for being a four-year participant in Mock Trial. Ross has since joined former Wesleyan Mock Trial member Lauren Lutton (class of 2009) on the University of Georgia’s Mock Trial team.

witness awards.

With the help of teacher coaches, Jo-Ann McCauley, Philip Hart, Adrienne Christian and Matt Crew, along with lawyer coaches, Judge Chris Brasher, Judge Robert Waller, Mr. Emory Potter and Mr. Don Walker, the Wesleyan Mock Trial team competed and won the region competition that was held at the Gwinnett Justice Center on February 11 and 12, 2011. Wesleyan earned its sixth region title by defeating Brookwood in the final round of competition 7-3. The team was led by captains Ross Thomas and Jack Eidson (both class of 2011). Austin Short, Souvana Saya, Jay Bowen, Caroline Jordan and Lila Deaton all won best witness awards while Ross Thomas, Ashley Gentry and Katie Zimmerman won best attorney awards for their performances

This upcoming season looks promising. We have a variety of lower and upper classmen as well as returning mock trial members to lead the team. The 2012 case, a criminal case, was released on November 1, 2011, and looks to be another exciting challenge for the Mock Trial team.

2011 Region competition team: Plaintiff Lawyers: Jack Eidson (captain), Katie Zimmerman and Palmer Brasher; Plaintiff Witnesses: Lila Deaton, Caroline Jordan and Will O’Briant; Defense Lawyers: Ross Thomas (captain), Ashley Gentry and Brooks Prettyman; Defense Witnesses: Austin Short, Souvana Saya and Jay Bowen. The time keepers were Christopher Wages and Kaitlin Mullen.

2011 State Team: Plaintiff Lawyers: Palmer Brasher (captain), Hannah Fletcher, Michelle Kruger, Bryce Hamlin; Plaintiff Witnesses: Purabi Das, Sarah Settlage, Madelyn Jordan, Mairead O’Hare, and Caroline Jordan; Defense Lawyers: Ashley Gentry (captain), Kaitlin Mullen, Christopher Wages; Defense Witnesses: Aaron Smay, Kenzie Hanson, Hunter Dixon

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

he 2011 Mock Trial case was based on a complaint set forth by a former police officer, Detective Rook E. Greenwood, who claimed that his superior, Chief Billie Durden, terminated his employment based on a statement that he made on a social networking site. The characters of the case included a politician and community activist, Leslie Loudermouth, an animal rights advocate, Marion Schley, and two police officers, Polly Schorr and London Goddard.

During spring break, the state team, which was composed of mostly new mock trial members, competed in the state competition.

Palmer Brasher and Ashley Gentry, captains for the state team, led the plaintiff and defense through the first two rounds of state. At the end of the state competition, Hunter Dixon, Lila Deaton and Caroline Jordan won best

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student news | tablets

Student Tablets: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

what do you like?

“There are many more ways to turn in work. No student should come to class unprepared.” what has been challenging?

“How the students handle the equipment; the distractions tablets can cause, especially when there is a problem for younger students.”

-Pat McCoy, Middle School Foreign Language what do you like?

“I enjoy the fact that everything I need for class is right at my fingertips. Tablets provide access to a wealth of knowledge that allows students unlimited capabilities whether it be researching new species of frogs or creating box plots for statistics. It’s all right there.” what has been challenging?

“The most challenging part of tablet usage has been avoiding distraction. The temptation is sometimes over powering to check fantasy football stats instead of taking notes in Calculus.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

-Garrett Busch, High School Senior

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what is your favorite way to use the tablet technology in the classroom?

“The tablets allow me to be more of a facilitator of learning than simply the “answer man” in the class. This is the direction that education has been going for a long time, so I am thrilled to be part of a school that has embraced the paradigm shift.”

-Joe Tamel, Twelfth Grade Boys Chair

student news | tablets

what is your favorite way to use tablet technology in the classroom?

“I love using my computer in “tablet mode” during my math and physics classes. I can write on it just like using paper, and everything automatically saves so I don’t have to worry about losing anything.

I have unlimited room to do my work on the paper and never have to sharpen a pencil!”

-Savannah Newman, High School Senior what do you like?

“I love the fact that the teaching and learning seems to be “live” in the sense that I can communicate with the students outside of the 40 minutes I have them in class...I also like that students can e-mail me their math work when they have trouble with a homework problem or when they are studying for a test. I can actually see the students’ work in an e-mail since they can write on the tablet with their stylus, and then I can respond accordingly rather than the student having to come in the next day with a particular question about the lesson.”

-Joseph Antonio, Middle School Math

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

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WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Hoedown Lower School

High School

homecoming 2011

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

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christian life

I AM WHO I AM... photography by Brian Morgan

KNOWING JESUS MORE FULLY

“But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them? God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:13-14

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

n recent years Wesleyan has begun a tradition of choosing a Christian Life theme for each school year.

These themes have allowed us to delve into topics like the Names of God, Fruit of the Spirit, and the Spiritual Disciplines. Each year this theme drives our community groups, chapel topics, classroom discussions, and even art projects. For the 2011-2012 school year the theme is the I AM statements of Jesus in the book of John.

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The I AM statements were chosen as the theme with two primary goals in mind. First and foremost, this choice was made in the hope that this year would be one in which we come to know our God in a deeper and fuller way. In the Christian faith, we often forget how special it is to serve a God who desires to be known

by His people. In the Exodus passage above, God tells Moses His name. This is evidence of the intimate and personal relationship between Moses and God. But in the New Testament Jesus goes much further than simply telling us His name. In the I AM statements of John, we learn that Jesus is the bread of life, the gate for the sheep, the resurrection and the life, and much more.

Jesus describes Himself using vivid imagery, because He wants us to know Him, therefore, our first objective for this year is to know Jesus more completely.

The second goal in choosing the I AM statements is that we would better understand ourselves. Throughout the Bible, God calls us to live with humble confidence. We are confident because we walk alongside the God of the universe–the good shepherd, the light of the world, the true vine. We are humble because we are aware of our weakness and frailty before a Holy God. The I AM statements affirm our confidence by reminding us of God’s provision and protection in our lives, but they also affirm our humility by reminding us of our constant dependence upon Him. Careful study of the I AM statements cultivates this attitude of humble confidence, because the better we comprehend who God is the more fully we understand ourselves as well.

The most famous of the I AM statements is probably John 14:6–“I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” For a school like Wesleyan that strives to educate students in mind, body and spirit, this verse is inspirational. Our desire is not simply to impart knowledge and information, but to show the way, to convey truth, and to share life. So let us use this year to more deeply know the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.

“The I AM statements affirm our confidence by reminding us of God’s provision and protection in our lives. But they also affirm our humility by reminding us of our constant dependence upon Him.”

christian life | diversity

A Faithful Christian Community HOW OUR DIFFERENCES UNITE US

written by Chris Yoder, Junior Boys Grade Chair

hat commandment is foremost of all? This is a question the Jewish scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus as a means to test him. Jesus asserted that “you should love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is a simple, yet arduous call for the life of a believer. It is important to note, however, that in each of the Gospel accounts of this event, Jesus did not stop after only one commandment, but in answering the question continued on to give the second greatest commandment: “to love your neighbor as yourself.” The two commands are complementary, as one cannot fulfill the first and ignore the second. So, what does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?

Top right: Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather. Bottom right: Shelvis and Nancy greeting the people of Sudan.

On Thursday, October 27th both the middle and high schools took a large block of time out of the school day to engage in a workshop set up by Shelvis and Nancy. The main portion of the workshop was spent in small, faculty-facilitated group gatherings in which students were led through a series of activities designed to highlight the ways stereotyping can be used to divide us along lines of differences. Through open dialogue, students were confronted with how assumptions about people before getting to know them can be hurtful and lead to division in a community. Students and faculty alike found this time to be invaluable in learning to think critically about themselves and the way they view the world. The message pronounced through this day revealed the importance of God’s call to love one another, or simply put, to love your neighbor as yourself.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

As a Christian school, we desire to form a community that reflects God’s love toward others. After all, our mission follows a simple motto of J.O.Y.–Jesus, Others, Yourself. To define this further, we aspire to teach and model a faithful Christian community that seeks to value the intricacy of God’s design in each individual. These goals for our community have been the focal point this school year of a faculty group who has been meeting to discuss and develop ideas for how to foster this kind of loving community. To this point the focus has been simply to engage faculty and students in dialogue about what it means to truly love your neighbor as yourself.

On three occasions this fall, Wesleyan has brought in Reverends Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather to speak and lead our faculty and students in exploring this idea of a faithful Christian community.

Shelvis and Nancy are natives of Atlanta who have been called to work as missionaries on efforts of peace, reconciliation, and community development in the newly formed nation of South Sudan. During their visits to our campus, they have lead our faculty and students in workshops and discussions focusing on an awareness of the differences that exist among us and how those differences can be leveraged to unite us as one body in Christ.

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christian life | student retreats

Student Retreats

UNITING STUDENTS WITH ONE ANOTHER, FACULTY, AND CHRIST

t the beginning of each school year, Wesleyan takes different grade levels on off campusovernight retreats. The purpose of each retreat supports the mission of the school in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, while uniting the class in their relationships with each other, with their faculty, and with Christ. Grades five through twelve get to participate each year in order to prepare them for their new experiences in middle and high school, the seniors get one final time spent together before their graduation. This year, we wanted to get an inside perspective of the emotions, both excitement and nervousness, that pervaded current male and female students in the fifth, ninth and twelfth grade and compare the experiences from each retreat.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Will Bryson, fifth grade male, first year at Wesleyan Grayce Guthrie, fifth grade female, second year at Wesleyan Taylor Panther, ninth grade female, eighth year at Wesleyan Brendan Abernathy, ninth grade male, tenth year at Wesleyan Shannon Felts, twelfth grade female, thirteen years at Wesleyan Will Moody, twelfth grade male, fourth year at Wesleyan

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What were/are you most excited about being in the fifth, ninth, or tweflth grade?

Will Bryson: “Getting the tablets.”

Grayce Guthrie: “Going into 5th grade, I was most excited about getting a tablet, and getting a locker.”

Taylor Panther: “Freedom” Brendan Abernathy: “High school freedom” Shannon Felts: “I was most excited about the confidence that comes with being a senior. It’s my 13th year here, and I know all the teachers really well and my grade really well, and I was just excited to have such strong relationships with everyone.”

Will Moody: “Deciding where I am going to go to college.”

What are some of your favorite new privileges?

Will Bryson: “Having freedom of going around campus.”

Grayce Guthrie: “One of my favorite new privileges in 5th grade is being able to have a backwork to go to. Another one is that we can go to our classes without a teacher having to take us there.”

Taylor Panther: “One hour long lunch” Brendan Abernathy: “Longer lunch and only two classes after lunch” Shannon Felts: “Off Campus lunch–except it is definitely hurting my wallet–and senior snack.”

Will Moody: “Going off Campus for lunch.”

Seniors and freshmen students playing tug of war on the freshmen retreat.

What were you nervous about before your retreat?

Will Bryson: “Who was going to be in my cabin.”

Grayce Guthrie: “I was not really nervous about anything; I am not a nervous kind of person.”

Taylor Panther: “I was worried about drama within our class before the retreat.”

Brendan Abernathy: “Just high school in general I guess.”

Shannon Felts: “I was nervous about not being able to connect with the freshman, but that turned out to not be a problem at all.”

Will Moody: “I was not sure if I would mesh with the people in my peer group, and if the kids would like and respect me as a leader.”

What was your favorite part about the trip?

Will Bryson: “The blob” (an inflated seesaw where one person launches another into the water).

Grayce Guthrie: “I loved every part of it, but if I had to choose I would say, getting to spend time with my friends!”

Taylor Panther: “One of my favorite parts about the trip was the variety of fun water activities. I also enjoyed the comedians.

They provided lots of enjoyable entertainment during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and throughout the night.”

Brendan Abernathy: “The free time” Shannon Felts: “My favorite part was Alan and all of their skits. I honestly think it was funnier as a senior than it was as a freshman. It is just an overall goofy weekend and I love how much random fun there is. Another favorite part is the shaving cream fight. I just love the chaos of it all.”

Will Moody: “I was the designated blobber and got to blob most of the freshman class. I took Will Sharon to the moon.”

christian life | student retreats

Was there a lesson learned that you want to bring back with you to Wesleyan?

Will Bryson: “That you cannot hit the mark perfect every time like Jesus does.”

Grayce Guthrie: “Yes, I learned how faith is so important in a relationship with Christ. I also learned some ways to grow in my faith.”

Standout moment on the trip?

Will Bryson: “We had rap wars in our cabin and I won them.”

Grayce Guthrie: “My standout moment was when we all put a stick in the bonfire, and as we all contributed the fire grew and grew. It shows you how when we all work together on stuff it is better or bigger than when we do it on our own. After we made the fire, we made smores! Mmm…..”

Taylor Panther: “A standout moment on the trip that I will never forget was being asked out to my first homecoming by Will Collins, while going down the zip line.”

Brendan Abernathy: “When we were all singing ‘How He Loves Us’.”

Shannon Felts: “Before the last lunch, all the work crew and all the peer leaders just went insane dancing to Sandstorm before all the freshmen came in. It was so fun and the seniors were just having so much fun all together.”

Will Moody: “I remember the epic standoff between Mr. Casey and Mr. Cleveland in the tug of war ring. Everyone was cheering them on and it seemed like the entire group was participating. It was awesome.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

What is one thing that stuck with you from the speaker (5th grade–Joseph Antonio, Freshmen Retreat–Glen Campbell)?

Will Bryson: “Steps of faith” Grayce Guthrie: “Two things stuck with me. One is when he was talking about how the night before Jesus died on the cross, he washed his disciples’ nasty feet. This was amazing because he knew he was going to die the next day, so he could do anything he wanted, but he chose to wash people’s feet. Another thing that stuck with me was when he was saying that when you sin, you can never take that sin completely away. It is like when you try to put toothpaste back in a toothpaste bottle; it never all goes in. So that is why Jesus died on the cross for our sins because we could never fix our sins on our own.”

Taylor Panther: “On the last night of the retreat Glenn discussed Jesus’ death on the cross. He showed us the video “How Great Thou Art” by Carrie Underwood. The video depicted powerful images of Jesus’ suffering. This was a very emotional video that definitely stuck with me.”

Brendan Abernathy: “All sin is the same and God came down to us.”

Shannon Felts: “He describes the reason for crucifixion so passionately and always makes me realize how much I underestimate the significance of Christ’s death in my life.

I love how he calls out specific names and says, “Christ was thinking of you (so and so) as he hung there.” It personalizes it so much.”

Will Moody: “He talked about how God’s love is like a roman handshake, and even if we let go God still holds on to us.”

Taylor Panther: “We are sinful people who miss the mark every day, but due to Jesus’ agonizing death on the cross we are saved and pure.”

Brendan Abernathy: “That when you see something going one way and it goes another… do not get mad because it will probably turn out better in the long run.”

Shannon Felts: “I learned that the age difference between freshman and seniors doesn’t seem large from the other side, but I remember being a freshman and thinking the seniors were so old. It’s good for all of us to think of our high school as one and not to pretend we seniors are that much older than the freshman.”

Will Moody: “I learned that when you are doing something like peer leadership or a retreat, you get out of it what you put into it.”

Fifth grade students playing games on their retreat.

What did you do on the retreat?

Will Bryson: “I did team work games, swimming, and chapel.”

Grayce Guthrie: “One of the many things I did was I went on the aqua tramp with my friends! It was so much fun!”

Taylor Panther: “I zip-lined into the water, slid down water slide tarps, swam in the pool, and did many other fun activities with my friends, while getting to know many of the seniors.”

Brendan Abernathy: “Hung out with my friends and worshipped God!” Shannon Felts: “We had a lot of free time to hang out with the freshman and do all of the activities at Sharptop Cove. We ate all of our meals in the dining hall, and had club time with fun skits. At night we had Glen Campbell give a sermon and then we got together in groups to discuss his messages.”

Will Moody: “We had a blast doing lots of stuff, we performed skits, we had a zip line and blob, we did a pool Olympics and we played a lot of ultimate frisbee.”

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WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

the wesleyan players present

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fine arts

ARTS fall 2011 written by Dr. John Peed Director of Fine Arts photography by Brian Morgan

hat are you passionate about? The natural tendency in life, especially when one is younger, is to chase after glamour, the good life, money, etc. In other words, materialism causes resistance in looking inward to determine our real passions. Often we become too busy ‘trying things’ or seeking things our parents desire for us because they have set the rules and boundaries growing up–as they should.

The many facets of the arts allow us to experience that passion more intimately as we visualize, experience, listen, and create in myriad ways. Just the idea of knowing that God created us in His own image, and because of that we are able to create using the materials He has given us, is mind-boggling to say

The beauty of this realization and resulting effort is that by doing our best and serving Christ by developing our passion for our career/calling/livelihood, we are ultimately demonstrating that we also have a strong passion for Christ. How we embrace our God-given gifts is a direct reflection of our love for Him, whether or not it is intentional. Each day, I try to live my passion and demonstrate it to others. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I do not, but I hope that as I make my attempt, that I do so with my passion for Christ as the focal point.

“...the talent or ability for which we are called most highly to serve and for which we ultimately will have, the greatest passion will be the way we can most effectively serve the Lord.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

So what happens as we get older? Hopefully, we develop a sense of what we are good at, and it is always easier to develop a passion for something that we are good at. Whether it is teaching, ministry, painting, acting, singing, playing an instrument, mathematics, or a foreign language, it doesn’t matter, and there is no right or wrong as long as we have examined the gifts that God has given us and select that with which we can best glorify His name. Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Although Scripture broadly states “Whatever you do…,” the talent or ability for which we are called most highly to serve and for which we ultimately will have the greatest passion will be the way we can most effectively serve the Lord.

the least. I mean, how could you not become passionate about building a character in a play, drawing or painting earth’s glories, manipulating a photograph into a work of art, writing or even simply interpreting music? Creativity brings us as close to God as we will ever be on earth. The original intent of this article was not to make a shameless plug for the arts. However, participation in the arts is a reflection of who we are as a culture, and life would be boring and somewhat emotionless without experiencing the products of artists of all types. And the truth is, music, the visual arts, dramatic arts, and dance are the result of the most beautiful of God’s creations–the perfection of nature, the astounding possibilities of the human existence, and the overall harmony of the universe as He created it.

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fine arts | profile

Lila Deaton

fine arts senior profile • Daughter of Steve and Sharon Deaton • One brother, Graham, a Wesleyan sophomore • College choices: Auburn University, College of Charleston, Furman University, and Samford University • Plans to major in English, French, Psychology, Sociology, or Journalism • The Deaton family attends Mount Pisgah Methodist Church, where the Deatons participate in sanctuary prep by restocking the pews with Bibles, prayer cards, and offering envelopes.

• In her spare time, she enjoys running, watching college football, studying for the ACT/SAT, hanging out with friends, and writing.

• Extracurriculars at Wesleyan: chapel band, cross country, freshmen girls Bible study, and freshman/senior girls Bible study, theater and chorus.

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “Godspell back in the winter of 2009 was the deepest that I’ve ever been connected to a cast and crew. I remember the 12-hour Saturday practices being so tiring, but so worth it when I got to stand next to my brothers and sisters and take a bow.”

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Top: Lila performing in Footloose. Bottom: Lila performing in a high school chorus concert.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Inspired by: “The idea of bringing glory to God by giving light to artistic truth and making every rehearsal count. When performing, the ultimate goal is truth. How can one, as an actor, portray what the actual character feels without being contrived? Also, remembering the months of practice that lead to the 3 or 4 times that you have to make it stick. There are no reruns in live theatre. They are the ultimate do-or-die moments when you find out what you’re really made of.”

• When asked why she loves art: “Performing arts is the constant push on the boundaries of your comfort zone. There is always something to learn about the character you are playing, that will in turn teach you something about yourself as well.”

• What the performing arts teaches you that other interest may not: “It teaches you how to stretch yourself on a mental and emotional level that is unparalleled by the average extracurricular.”

• Favorite part of Wesleyan: “Definitely the vast number of opportunities, such as missions and an inclusive arts program. There’s always some way to get out of your comfort zone.”

• Unique feature about Wesleyan: “The incredible faculty. They are so willing to go above and beyond for the students, whether that means volunteering to lead a Bible study, coach a team, or stay for office hours. That is a trait of Wesleyan that is all too often taken for granted. They make Wesleyan the place that it is.”

fine arts | profile

Duncan Albert

fine arts senior profile • Son of Paul and Jennifer Albert • College choices: Columbus State University, Emory University, University of Georgia, Wake Forest University, and Young Harris College • Plans to major in tuba performance • The Albert family attends North Point Community Church • In his spare time, he enjoys playing in bands and orchestras outside of Wesleyan.

• Extracurriculars: At Wesleyan, Duncan participates in the Symphonic Band, Basketball Band, Marching Band, and the Chapel Band. Outside of Wesleyan, he participates in the Atlanta Youth Symphony and the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra.

• Stand out moment at Wesleyan: “Playing the Bluebells of Scotland with the band last year.”

• Inspired creatively by: “Music gives me an escape from my everyday life no matter how bad things get.”

• What he loves about the arts: “I enjoy playing and making music for others.”

• What the performing arts teaches you that other interest may not: “Delayed gratification because it takes weeks and sometimes months to prepare for something.”

• Favorite part about Wesleyan: “Being a part of the band program for eight years and growing as a musician and person.”

• Unique feature about Wesleyan: “The recognition that the arts get that kids at other schools do not receive.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Top: Duncan sitting with the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony; Bottom: Duncan performing in the Georgia Dome at the 2008 football State Championship game.

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fine arts | features

Middle school students decorating their gingerbread houses.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART

More than Candy Canes & GumDrops

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

written by Michael Tablada Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

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t is only October yet the word and excitement is already starting to spread throughout the school. Each year, the middle school students use their artistic gifts and youthful imaginations to create some unforgettable Christmas gingerbread houses. The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade art classes create these elaborate projects with the intention of donating the houses to local charity organizations. For students in high school, this experience is one of their fondest middle school memories.

From the sweet smell in the hallways, to the parading students rushing to view the gingerbread houses during their short display in Wesley hall, it is easy to get caught up in the presence of these houses. This experience requires a closer look in order to truly appreciate the way God is working through this unique service project.

Three years ago, I arrived at Wesleyan and was asked to carry on the sweet tradition for the middle school art classes. I must confess it was hard to see past the pounds of sugar and weeks of non-traditional art instructions. Nonetheless, who could deny an entire middle school pleading to have their part in this experience?

Pressing forward, arrangements were made, supplies were gathered, and student groups were chosen. Starting in early November, the students began the four-week process to create the largest Gingerbread houses I have ever seen.

Similarly to my first year at Wesleyan, the students continue to work frantically to piece together cardboard, glue, and anything else they can find to aid in building the mansions. Once covered in graham crackers, the two feet tall structures get their first coat of icing. Fortunately, every year, local Publix and Kroger stores donate over 75 pounds of icing as their contribution to the cause. Each day I am amazed at the extensive detailing each group was accomplishes as they garnish trains with M&M’s and polar bears with coconut shavings. They also create miniature flowers and elves out of soft candies. Each year the students’ work exceeds the previous classes’ creativity. On the last week of the project, the art classroom feels similar to a reality cooking show with the deadline approaching and food filling every space in the room. As the final touches and powdered sugar are applied, the students begin the stressful next step: transportation.

As the school marvels in sight and smell, families gather to participate in the most rewarding part of the experience, and God begins to weave unexpected connections that warm the hearts of families and neighbors alike. Even though the students get excited about the project and the candy, it is when each family drops a house off at a charity organization that the real miracles begin. Every year the help of parent and family volunteers connects approximately 27 gingerbread houses and charity organizations around Atlanta. Each

fine arts | features

gingerbread house recipient experiences the excitement, love, and joy of giving the students pour into the creations. It is an exciting day. Pictures of families dropping off the houses at the charities are taken and emailed. Each image shows children and adults grinning ear to ear over receiving such a gift. Here are a few examples of incredible ways these houses bring more than Christmas joy.

On special occasions, we hear stories and testimonials of this experience reaching further than the walls of schools and organizations. Almost a year after the Brady family dropped off their gingerbread house at Atlanta Missions, a stranger named Daniel approached Mr. Brady at a restaurant asking for his help.

Daniel needed shelter and rehabilitation, but he had nowhere to turn. Mr. Brady remembered his brief encounter at the Atlanta Missions and was able to find Daniel the help he needed. The full story has many other connections, inspirations, and situations only God could tie together. This is only one incredible example of how a small gift of a Christmas gingerbread house, when left in God’s hands, changes the way we view simple acts of service.

Living Community, Stand Up for Kids, and more. Even the patients and staff commented what a wonderful experience it was to see the homes receive such beautiful works of art. After bringing a gingerbread house to Plantation South, Stan Brady texted, “They loved it! Merry Christmas!” Hospice Atlanta wrote, “We really appreciate you thinking about our patients, their families, and friends.”

The excitement of the art students who created the houses and the amazement of teachers and parents are visible. The purpose of spreading Christ’s love is reflected in pictures and stories from the families who serve and drop off the houses. Our hope is the tradition will continue to bring great joy and excitement to the families the houses minister to at various charity organizations in the community.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

It is wonderful to see the students and community elated for a good cause. This year, almost 20 different charities will receive the gingerbread houses–and each year they look forward to receiving the houses. The recipient charities include: Atlanta Missions, Ronald McDonald House, Trinity House, Chambrel Assisted

Students icing their gingerbread houses.

The most common response is one of elevation. The Wesleyan families are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and of serving. Even during a busy holiday season, God desires for us to put the needs of others before our own. In my own family, this project began a tradition of bringing more than just the houses when we drop them off. Typically, only toys and gifts are donated to charities such as the Methodist Children’s Home–which they are grateful for. However, the unique gift of a gingerbread house is received with great joy.

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fine arts | honors

Fine Arts Honors for fall 2011

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1) Duncan Albert, class of 2012, Tuba, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra.

2) Katia Amaya, class of 2013, Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–Third place.

3) Lexi Ballard, class of 2012, Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–First place.

4) Brianna Bardi, class of 2012, Scholastic Art Competition, mixed media, Honorable Mention.

5) Will Bryson, class of 2019, Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–Honorable Mention.

6) Kaelyn Causwell, class of 2012, Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–Second place.

7) Emily Cowart, class of 2012, Gold Key Award, drawing.

Scholastic Art Competition, photography–Honorable Mention.

Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–Honorable Mention.

8) Janie Harper, class of 2013, Gold Key Award, photography.

9) Caroline Jordan, class of 2012, Scholastic Art Competition, mixed media–Honorable Mention.

10) Jonathan Kim, class of 2013, Gold Key Award, mixed media and drawing; Silver Key Award, painting.

11) Olivia Larner, class of 2016, All State Chorus Round 1 Finalist.

12) Miranda Mendicino, class of 2013, Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–First place and Honorable Mention.

13) Nicholas Montano, class of 2016, All State Chorus Round 1 Finalist 14) Mairead O’Hare, class of 2013, Scholastic Art Competition, photography–Honorable Mention.

Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–Honorable Mention.

15) Cassie Pilgrim, class of 2015, Atlanta Youth Symphony, first chair oboe.

16) Henry Pilgrim, class of 2013, Clarinet, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.

17) Julie Rodriguez, class of 2012, finalist in the SCAD Photo Challenge.

Shuttersense & Non-sense Photography Competition–First place.

18) Christy Stipe, class of 2013, Gold Key Award, drawing.

19) Brooke Walton, class of 2012, Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art Competition, painting.

20) Visual Arts teacher, Meagan Manning Brooker, was awarded a Master of Arts in Studio Art from New York University.

21) Director of Fine Arts, Dr. John Peed was appointed to the Suwanee Public Arts Commission for a two-year term.

the wesleyan marching wolves championship season

MCEACHERN MARCHING INVITATIONAL in Powder Springs, GA · Class AA: First place Color Guard, Drum Line, Drum Major, and Band. · A and AA bands: First place overall

GEORGIA CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS in Commerce, GA · Class AA: First place in Color Guard, Drum Line, Drum Major, and Band · A and AA bands: First place overall · A - AAAA bands: Overall Grand Champion

SOUTHERN STATES CHAMPIONSHIPS in Chattanooga, TN · In Class 3: First Place Band and colorguard, Second Place Drum Line. · In Class 1 through 4: 2nd Place overall

W ESLEY AN MAR C HI NG WO LV ES

2011 STATE CHAMPIONS

athletics WESLEYAN ATHLETICS IN REVIEW

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

photography by Brian Morgan

FALL 2011

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The verse I have posted in my office this year is Proverbs 11:25, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” I think part of our job in fulfilling the mission is to be generous with time, energy, talents, money, hearts and conversations.

Marc Khedouri: I feel the most important thing that I do is to ensure that all of our programs are intentionally furthering the Christian mission of the school. We want more than anything for our coaches and athletes to model grace, sportsmanship and hospitality. We have been blessed with an extraordinary level of worldly success, but the real victories are won in the hearts and minds of those young people whom God has entrusted unto us. written by Marc Khedouri, Athletic Director

his year the magazine is continuing to look at all of our programs and how they uniquely accentuate the Christian mission of Wesleyan. The school’s athletic program is only truly successful to the extent that we are furthering the Christian mission. Our Hospitality Initiative is one concrete way in which we are accomplishing this goal. The Athletic Department is blessed this year to add Lacy Gilbert to its full time staff, and some of her responsibilities include: starting and organizing internet broadcasts of selected athletic events, managing our athletic social media presence, and generating publicity for Wesleyan student athletes and coaches. I am truly excited by all the ways in which God is using our coaches and the members of this department. In this issue, I would like to focus on the full time staff and their perception of God’s leading in their lives and how He is using them in their various roles and responsibilities.

I hope these brief quotations from the staff give you some insight into why we all do what we do. We are each keenly aware of God’s work in our lives and want more than anything to honor Him with the gifts and talents He has given us and with the responsibility He has entrusted unto us.

In your responsibility as an athletic department administrator how are you seeking to fulfill the mission of the school?

Lacy Gilbert: I can encourage coaches in small ways through verses in the daily News & Notes and through conversations.

How has Wesleyan impacted your personal spiritual life?

Carole Crighton: This is a question that I have thought about a lot in the last few years. Wesleyan is a place where God’s presence is felt everywhere. Whether I look around my office and see my chosen Scripture for the year, walk into the gym and see the JOY banner, or enjoy the music and devotion of Friday chapel services, I am affected by His presence, and it causes me to try to be a better Christian, to live my life the way God wants me to, and to try to encourage others to do the same.

Jan Azar: I believe that Wesleyan has had a big impact on my spiritual life. I attended Catholic Schools my whole life so I do realize the importance of worshipping with your classmates and teachers. I was blessed to find a Christian environment much like the one I grew up in for myself and my own children.

How did you discover your life’s calling/mission?

Jan Azar: I had always thought about being a teacher but did not act upon that until my junior year of college. I changed my major, graduated and began my teaching career. After one year of teaching and coaching I knew what my calling was.

Lacy Gilbert: When I was high school I knew I wanted to be involved in teaching and coaching because I had some incredible coaches and teachers that really poured into my life and influenced me not only in athletics and in school but in my relationship with Christ as well.

Carole Crighton: When Zach Young asked me to help get varsity sports going at Wesleyan, I took the challenge and I have been here for 16 years. I love being part of such a wonderful group of coaches and I love the children.

athletics | profile

ATHLETICS SENIOR PROFILE

Darby Coxhead

• Daughter of Billy and Lori Coxhead • Three siblings, Cort–sophomore, Beck–eighth grade, and Liam– fifth grade (all Wesleyan students).

• College choices: Auburn University, Clemson University, University of Georgia, Samford University, and Wake Forest University • Plans to major in pharmacy or something science-related • The Coxhead family attends Perimeter Church where Darby is a discipleship leader for kindergarteners.

• In her spare time, Darby enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside and hiking.

• Extracurricular activities at Wesleyan: cross country, Hand in Hand, honor council, soccer, and swimming.

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “One cross country practice freshman year we ran in the pouring rain and it was lots of fun.

I vividly remember having fun with Emily Cowart and Shannon Felts. We splashed in puddles and laughed.”

• Inspired by: “I am inspired when I see others enjoying what they are doing athletically regardless of the outcome. I am also inspired by discovering the qualities that God has given me and using them to glorify Him.”

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “I enjoy the fact that I am able to be involved in many aspects of the school athletically, academically, and socially.

• Unique feature about Wesleyan: “I love the fact that at Wesleyan pretty much everyone knows each other. I tend to take knowing everyone in my grade for granted. I also love that as students we can form close relationships with our teachers as well. They really take the time to get to know us on a more personal level.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• When asked why she loves athletics: “Athletics allow me to push myself physically and strive to do my best. There is also a great sense of community and team bonding in sports that you don’t find in many other things. I am pushed most in athletics when I know that people are counting on me to compete and try my best.

When I know that my actions will affect the team, I am able to push myself. I am also pushed when people encourage me.”

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athletics | profile ATHLETICS SENIOR PROFILE

Bradley Gossett

• Son of Rick and Mary Gossett • Three siblings: Greg, Class of 2007, Matt, Class of 2008 and Erik, a current Wesleyan senior.

• College choices: Clemson University, College of Charleston, Furman University, University of Georgia, Sewanee, and Washington and Lee University • Plans to major in business management • The Gossett family attends Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

• In his spare time, Bradley enjoys running, beach volleyball, senior boys bible study trivia, and watching Workaholics.

• Extracurricular activities at Wesleyan: cross country, swimming, and track and field

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Inspired by: Working together as a team for a common goal is what inspires me. I want to do my very best individually so that I can help the team as much as possible.

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• When asked why he loves athletics: “Athletics teaches you how to manage your time if you want to achieve a certain goal. If you want to do well in a sport you have to put a certain amount of practice in to be competitive. This is also true in all areas of life. Competing in a race is what pushes me the most. Racing is the simplest form of competition; it’s just you trying to beat everyone else from point A to point B. To get there as fast as possible. You don’t have to be the biggest or the strongest, all you need to race well is the desire to win, which is why I love it.”

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “The atmosphere that Wesleyan has is awesome. I don’t know if there is another school where the students and the teachers care for each other like at Wesleyan.”

• Unique feature about Wesleyan: “I don’t know if the average person knows just how active Wesleyan students are. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t do something whether that be a sport, a play, mock trial or team manager. Everyone around here is in active in something.”

athletics | profile ATHLETICS SENIOR PROFILE

Erik Gossett

• Son of Rick and Mary Gossett • Three siblings: Greg, Class of 2007, Matt, Class of 2008 and Bradley, a current Wesleyan senior.

• College choices: Auburn University, Clemson University, University of Georgia, University of Mississippi, and University of South Carolina • Plans to major in business • The Gossett family attends Dunwoody United Methodist Church where Erik has gone on several mission trips with the youth ministry.

• In his spare time, Erik enjoys hanging out with friends, watching tv, swimming, playing with puppies, and the AAC men’s locker room (spa, sauna, steam room).

• Extracurricular activities at Wesleyan: football, swimming, and track and field.

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: Winning the state swim meet last year was one of the most exhilarating athletic events I have attended. The atmosphere was electric.

• Inspired by: The tradition we have here.

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “The relationships that I have made with students and teachers, and the sense of community that a school like Wesleyan provides.”

• Unique feature about Wesleyan: “The amount of time and care that the coaches invest to their teams all year. The coachathlete relationship is very close at Wesleyan.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• When asked why he loves athletics: “Athletics teach you a lot about how tough you are. It gives you a chance to push yourself to your physical limits and see if you have the mental toughness to keep going. Seeing my teammates next to me giving their all and knowing that they expect the same out of me pushes me to do my best.”

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athletics | fall 2011 team summaries

Cheerleading

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Boys Cross Country

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The boys cross country team completed their 2011 season with one of the best State Championship races in the school’s history. The team faced a unique situation as the #1 ranked Class A team all season. The top seven guys showed up and ran an excellent tactical race, including an all-time great finish between Drew Sutton and Bradley Gossett for fifth and sixth overall. The top seven finished with the following results: Bradley Gossett – 5th (16:40), Drew Sutton – 6th (16:41), Doug Mohme – 17th (17:17), Takim Williams – 20th (17:20), Timothy Marsh – 22nd (17:25), Austin Schanen – 28th (17:40) and Austin Gritters – 43rd (18:11). Through the first three runners, Wesleyan was three points behind First Presbyterian Day School for the title, but Takim Williams and Timothy Marsh defeated their fourth runner and Austin Schanen beat their fifth to clinch the state championship. The team also won a twelfth consecutive Region Championship. Congratulations to all members of the boys cross country team for a successful eighth state title and an incredible season. The 2011 team was composed of 40 boys and was led by senior captains Mitchell Gentry, Bradley Gossett, timothy Marsh, Doug Mohme, and Drew Sutton.

The cheerleading program kicked off the year with camp at Georgia College and State University. While at camp, the seventh grade, eighth grade, junior varsity, and varsity squads learned new cheers, chants, stunts and routines to be performed during the season. This year, more Wesleyan cheerleaders earned All-American recognition than ever before: Elizabeth Ostwalt (8th), Caroline Cusick (9th), Maddie Frye (9th), Audrey Anderson (12th), Kate Aspinwall (12th), Lauren Hall (12th), and Savannah Newman (12th). Furthermore, varsity was awarded Top Squad of the entire camp.

All four squads supported the varsity football team at the kickoff game against Elbert County. In addition, all of the cheerleaders participated in the Homecoming Pep Rally in front of the entire student body. The varsity cheerleaders delivered an impressive routine and they also prepared the Lower School “mini cheerleaders” to perform cheers and a dance at the Pep Rally. All four squads cheered on the varsity football team at the Homecoming game against Pace.

Each squad also shared their gifts and talents with young girls at the Boys & Girls Club as part of the program’s service project this fall. The cheerleaders had a blast teaching 100+ girls jumps and chants.

The varsity squad was led by senior captains Kate Aspinwall and Savannah Newman.

athletics | fall 2011 team summaries

Football The 2011 Wesleyan Wolves varsity football team took the field with inexperience and youth at key positions. For the first time since 2007 the Wolves started a sophomore at quarterback, a new tight end, two freshmen starters on defense, and four new starting offensive linemen. In spite of all this inexperience the Wolves had another successful year going 7-3 thanks to the contributions of multi-year lettermen Zander Yost, Eric Rappe, Erik Gossett, and Jamie Stark. Season highlights include a thrilling 43-40 road victory over south Georgia powerhouse, Seminole County. Several offensive records were set in 2011: Quarterback, Will Anderson for most touchdown passes in a game with 6 verses Pace Academy; Junior wide receiver, Rodney Morris for touchdown receptions in a game with 4 versus Pace and for touchdown catches in a career with 15; Senior wide receiver and kicker extraordinaire Eric Sunderman also set a single game record with 160 yards receiving against Pace.

The eighth grade team consisted of 43 players, the largest eighth grade team ever at Wesleyan. They finished the Northern Division of the Atlanta Metro Football League with a record of 7-0.

This group of players ended their middle school football careers with an amazing record of 13-1. The seventh grade team ended the season with a 5-0-1 record with the defense only allowing a total of 12 points.

The varsity girls cross country team ended the season as champions in Region 5-A and state runner-up in Class A. The team provided many highlights on the day of the state meet, led by Caroline Reed’s third place finish with a time of 19:30, which is third best in Wesleyan history. Taylor Panther also earned All-State honors by virtue of her eighth place finish, running a 20:12. Also representing Wesleyan in the state championship race were Jordan Zimmerman – 20:23 (12th), Diane Torres – 21:27 (32nd), Madison Jones – 21:29 (34th), Hannah Duane – 21:40 (39), Mallory Macgill – 21:46 (42nd).

The 2011 team was composed of 50 girls and was led by senior captains Darby Coxhead, Shannon Felts, Taylor Wesley, and Katie Zimmerman. The girls ran incredible races at the state meet, to earn the second place honors, narrowly falling to Landmark Christian by five points, but only four points ahead of First Presbyterian Day School. It was an excellent year for the team, where everyone learned a great deal and ran for God’s glory.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

The JV football team completed a successful season advancing to the league championship game. Although the Wolves lost the game, this year’s squad finished with a record of 5-2. The team was led by the outstanding play of John Adent, Christian Stark, Aaron Smay, Ryan Brennan, and Heath Middlebrooks. Another highlight of the season was the team’s service project at the Friends of Refugees Community Garden in Clarkston.

Girls Cross Country

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athletics | fall 2011 team summaries

Softball Middle school softball had an exciting season under the direction of Coaches Jimmy Stainback, Gabi Martinez-Esteve and Anthony Tsirigos. The team had a good showing at the Middle School Tournament, and highlighted their season with wins over GACS, Marist, and Hebron. The girls worked hard all season; they improved their softball skills and became a very closeknit group by encouraging each other on and off the field.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

The JV softball team had a great season that saw the Lady Wolves average nearly eight runs a game. Coaches Mary Stephenson and Jamie Wochele led the girls throughout the season as each of the girls worked hard to improve their skills and the girls gelled into a tight knit team. As we enter the off–season, the JV girls will work hard toward their goal of making the varsity in the future.

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The Varsity Lady Wolves recorded the best season in Wesleyan history, finishing as the 2011 State Runner-Up under the leadership of head coach Nichole Dixon and assistants Greg Lisson, Mary Stephenson, and Paige Pera. Led by seniors Holli Wilkins and Caitlin Crabill, the unranked Lady Wolves knocked out ranked opponents Bremen, Bacon County, and George Walton Academy en route to the championship game. This season saw many Lady Wolves break individual season and career records, and the team set new records for hits and runs scored in a season. Although the solid play and strong leadership of Holli and Caitlin will be missed, the future looks bright for the Lady Wolves as the talented underclassmen take the reins and set their sights on a return to Columbus in 2012.

Volleyball The seventh and eighth grade volleyball team finished the season with a 31-13 record. The biggest highlight of the season was winning the final match against Blessed Trinity, a team the middle school program has never beaten before. The eighth graders helped the seventh graders tremendously in learning the game, and, as a result, the team had a very successful season.

The junior varsity team finished the season with a 15-17 record. The team was very competitive and continued to improve throughout the season. There were many signature wins including victories over traditional state powers St. Pius, Westminster, GACS, Northview, Pope and Marist.

The varsity girl’s volleyball team finished their season with a 3216 record. The season ended with a 3-1 loss to the eventual state champion Eagles Landing Christian in the third round of the state playoffs. The end of this season sees a very successful senior class composed of Callie Bivings, Alana Broe and Ansley Maughon move on from the program. During their tenure in the program, the lady wolves won three Gwinnett County Championships, two area titles and one state championship.

Their leadership both on and off the court will be missed next year. Special congratulations go out to Callie Bivings and Jennifer Miller as both players were named to the GVCA All-State team.

INDIVIDUAL ATHLETIC HONORS

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1 ) Will Anderson, Class of 2014, football, All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 2) Callie Bivings, Class of 2012, volleyball, Senior All-Star, Gwinnett County First Team & GVCA A/AA All-State Team.

3) Alana Broe, Class of 2012, volleyball, Senior All-Star & Gwinnett County Second Team.

4) Landyn Duley, Class of 2014, softball, All-Gwinnett County Team, Gwinnett Daily Post AllCounty Team, First Team All-State, First Team All-State 5) Katie Frerking, Class of 2013, softball, All-Gwinnett County Team, First Team All-State 6) Bradley Gossett, Class of 2012, cross country, All-State, Atlanta Track Club All-Metro & All-Gwinnett County 7) Jennifer Miller, Class of 2013, volleyball, Gwinnett County Second Team & GVCA A/AA All-State Team.

8) Rodney Morris, Class of 2013, football, All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 9) Taylor Panther, Class of 2015, cross country, All-State & All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 10) Caroline Reed, Class of 2014, cross country, All-State, Atlanta Track Club All-Metro & AllGwinnett County.

11) Eric Sunderman, Class of 2012, football, All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 12) Drew Sutton, Class of 2012, cross country, All-State & All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 13) CaraMia Tsirigos, Class of 2013, softball, Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Year, AllGwinnett County Team, Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Team, First Team All-State 14) Zander Yost, Class of 2012, football, All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention

COACHING HONORS

Carole Crighton Athletic Operations Coordinator Gwinnett Touchdown Club Dave Hunter Award

Nichole Dixon Girls Softball Coach Georgia Dugout Club Coach of the Year & Gwinnett Daily Post’s Co-Coach of the Year

Will Jackson Assistant Football Coach Gwinnett Touchdown Club Tally Johnson Award

Chris Yoder Chad McDaniel Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach Atlanta Track Club All-Metro Atlanta Track Club All-Metro Coach of the Year Coach of the Year, GACA Class A Boys State Coach of the Year, & Gwinnett Daily Post Girls Coach of the Year

ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

Missy Bryd Air Force Academy Basketball

Kaelyn Causwell University of Georgia Basketball

Jordan Frazier Wofford College Basketball

Lauren Hall Anthony McMurry Shane Smith University of Hawaii Florida State University West Point United Diving Swimming States Military Academy, Basketball

TEAM HONORS

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Region Champions; State Runner Up

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Region Champions; State Champions

Holli Wilkins Furman University Basketball

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Ali Ables Air Force Academy Gymnastics

SOFTBALL State Runner Up

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STATE CHAMPIONS WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

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athletics | features

ATHLETICS CIRCLE OF HONOR

2011 INDUCTEES

written by Rebecca Carpenter, Alumni and Special Events Coordinator

n 2009, Wesleyan inducted their first four alumni athletes into the Circle of Honor. In being awarded into the Circle of Honor, Wesleyan recognizes athletes for their contributions to the school. They are awarded not only for their talent, but for the way they played the game, good sportsmanship, and Godly conduct they demonstrated while representing our school.

This year, Wesleyan’s Athletic Department is inducting three athletes into the Circle of Honor: Brian Kennerly, former head cross country coach, Tony Plagman, class of 2006, Carolyn Whitney, class of 2006, and Elise Whitney, class of 2006. On January 28th, they will be inducted for all of their hard work and success while at Wesleyan.

BRIAN KENNERLY, former Head Cross Country Coach: • Cross Country Coach

• Achievements while at Wesleyan: Cross Country 2000-2009 High School Principal & Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs 6 State Championships 3 State Runner Up Finishes 10 Region Championships 10 time Region Coach of the Year Atlanta Track Club Coach of the Year 2007 6 time Atlanta Track Club All-Metro Men’s Coaching Team After thirteen years at Wesleyan, Brian and his family, wife, Holle, and daugthers, Sara, (8), and Blair, (4) moved to Columbus, Georgia, where Brian accepted the postion of Headmaster at Brookstone School.

- cont’d. on page 50

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• “Brian Kennerly is an incredible coach, not for knowledge of training or the ability to motivate his teams, although he does those things very well. He is the best at what he does because he understands that the most important aspect of coaching is developing relationships with kids to impact their lives for eternity. He cares about their souls as Christians far more than he cares about winning championships. The nurturing, discipleship, and guidance he showed his athletes translated into great performances on the cross-country course and in their lives, and while his coaching record is incredible, it has never been important to him. When someone graduates, he is not done. Brian Kennerly stays in contact with those he coached for the rest of their lives, offering to meet them for lunch to discuss life or a difficult situation, or serve as a reference for them during

an interview. I am thankful to have worked for him during my first two years at Wesleyan. My life was impacted as much as the young men he coached.” -Chad McDaniel, Head Cross Country and Track Coach

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Tony graduated from Wesleyan, and went onto Georgia Tech where he played baseball. Now, he is playing in the minor league for the Detroit Tigers organization.

CAROLYN WHITNEY, class of 2006 • Sports played at Wesleyan: softball and basketball TONY PLAGMAN, class of 2006: • Sports played at Wesleyan: football and baseball

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• “I had the pleasure and honor of coaching Tony his last 3 years on varsity. He was one of the rare athletes that comes around every so often and leads the team even when he is the youngest player on the team. Tony led our teams in 2004, 05 and 06 on the field, in the dugout, during practices, and every single game.

He was a special player who had a knack for getting the best out of the players around him. His work ethic has never been equaled in our program, and it is no coincidence that he excelled at Georgia Tech and now in the Detroit Tigers organization. I will always remember waking up two or three mornings every week during the season to throw extra batting practice to him at 6:15 am. When I nominated Tony for the Gwinnett County Dugout Club Hall of Fame last year, it was a unanimous decision by all 18 coaches. What is also unanimous, and even more important, is that Tony is a much better young man than a baseball player.”

-Mike Shaheen, former Head Baseball Coach

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• Achievements while at Wesleyan: Football: Record for touchdowns in a game – 5 Record for points scored in a game – 30 Record for passing yards in a season – 3,069 All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention – 2005 Baseball: 4 year letter winner Record for highest batting average at .449 Record for most singles and doubles 2nd in RBI’s and Hits First team all county 2006 All Region 2006 State runner-up in 2006 Final four in 2004 Member of Team Georgia in 2005 and 2006

• “Carolyn Whitney has been a part of the Wesleyan basketball program since middle school. She made an immediate impact on our team from her first day she walked on campus, possessing a rare combination of poise and competitive drive. As a point guard, Carolyn was a true floor general. She knew when we needed her to score and when to find her open teammates. Her job on the court as the point guard was to make her teammates look good, and she excelled at this, but she was also a true friend and leader off the court. Carolyn is one of the few players in our program to have scored over 1,000 career points and have over 500 assists. She’s certainly one of the funniest players I’ve ever coached. My favorite thing to do was to have Carolyn and Elise guard each other at practice. Carolyn was an absolute joy to coach not just because of her talent but because of her heart for the game and for her teammates.” -Jan Azar, Head Lady’s Wolves Basketball Coach • Achievements while at Wesleyan: Softball: 4 year letter winner Started as catcher and in center field Diamond Club – 2005 All County Team – 2005 Elite Eight Finish – 2005 Basketball: 1,322 Career Points 645 Career Assists – Career Record Holder 6.3 Assists/Game – Career Record Holder

athletics | features

Preseason Gwinnett Daily Post Super 6 - 2006 All-Region – 2005, 2006 AJC All-State – 2005, 2006 Gwinnett Tip Off All-County – 2005, 2006 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association – All-State 2006 Georgia Sports Writers Association – First Team All-State 2006 AJC All-Gwinnett County – 2006 Atlanta Tipoff Club Metro Atlanta Team of the Year 2006 • After Wesleyan, she went on to play basketball for Georgia Southern. Now, she lives in Atlanta working as an Account Executive at Quest Financial.

ELISE WHITNEY, class of 2006 •Sports played at Wesleyan: softball and basketball • “I had the pleasure of coaching Elise Whitney for 4 years of varsity basketball. Elise remains absolutely one of the best defenders I’ve ever coached. Her speed and tenacity were a nightmare for our opponents. She is one of the girls who helped create the trademark Wesleyan basketball style of play.

Elise believed every loose ball was hers. Her freshman year, she could not play in our Elite Eight state tournament game due to illness, and I still believe her absence is a primary reason we lost that game. Her contributions to our team were absolutely vital. Elise was also a strong leader and wonderful teammate.

She played with a combination of ferocity, intensity, and fun that has become the hallmark of our program. What I enjoyed about Elise and Carolyn the most is that they wanted each other to excel. They never worried about who got the credit and they knew they were better together than they were apart. Coaching Elise was one of the most fun times in my career.” -Jan Azar, Head Lady Wolves Basketball Coach • Achievements while at Wesleyan: Softball: 4 year letter winner Started in left field and center field Elite Eight Finish – 2005

• After Wesleyan, she went on to play basketball for Georgia Southern. Now, she lives in Atlanta, working for Jackson and Coker.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE Fall 2010 WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • F•all 2011

Basketball: 4 year letter winner 416 career steals – 2nd 4.2 steals per game – 3rd Gwinnett Tipoff Club Team 2005, 2006 Atlanta Tipoff Club Team 2006 Region 8AA All-Region – First Team 2006 Gwinnett Tipoff Club – All-County Honorable Mention 2005, 2006 AJC All-Gwinnett County Honorable Mention 2005, 2006 Senior All-Star Game

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faculty profile

3 Joe Tamel

photography by Brian Morgan

• Married for sixteen years to Theresa, Principal at Cornerstone Christian Academy.

• Three children: Cade, age 14, ninth grade; Rylei age 12, seventh grade; and Kaycee, age 7, second grade (all Wesleyan students).

• The Tamel family attends North Point Community Church

• In his spare time, Joe enjoys reading, writing, music, and sports • Attended former school, Parkway Christian Academy, in Wisconsin

• Earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside • Earned a masters in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Teaches High School English and coaches eighth grade boys basketball, boys varsity soccer, and serves as the Twelfth Grade Boys Grade Chair

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• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “There have been a few, but the most recent would have to be spending time with seniors as the work crew for the Freshmen Retreat. There is something riveting about watching upper classmen put so much time and energy into ensuring that this group of freshmen has a memorable time. The experiences that the seniors retain from their own retreat have a visible and tangible effect on them during this week. They openly reflect on those times during our late night discussions and find themselves looking back on how far they’ve come in four years.

Good moments.”

• Path to education: “I have had numerous influential mentors throughout my life and this odd inclination towards learning from books, both fictional and nonfictional.”

• Before coming to Wesleyan, Tamel taught at Parkway Christian Academy/Church

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “I always wondered what might happen if someone was able to create a learning environment where academic rigor was married with the principles and virtues that Jesus taught and displayed. I assumed that finding such a place was akin to hunting a unicorn. Turns out I was wrong. I don’t think Wesleyan kids really know what they have here. I try to remind my own children all the time of what a unique and blessed place this is. Also, getting to know the students. I have one of the best jobs in the world. I basically get paid to hang out with young people and talk about my favorite subjects with them. More importantly, these kids have a real interest in connecting with their teachers. This daily give and take creates the kind of uncommon community that everyone secretly craves.”

• Unique or Special Feature of Wesleyan: “It is refreshing to work alongside true professionals who take their training and education seriously, but who also operate from a worldview that allows them to both instruct and love their students. What I am referring to, I guess, is a unique blend of intellect and compassion that is routinely on display here. Again, in my experience, I have too often seen one of these aspects sacrificed in order to attain the other.”

THREE years

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faculty | profile

Sarah Kate Wilson

photography by Brian Morgan

• Attends The Cathedral of Christ the King, and also enjoys going to student Mass at Emory University.

• In her spare time, Sarah Kate enjoys spending time outside going to various festivals in nearby neighborhoods, going on hikes, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

• Graduated from Marist School, in Atlanta, Georgia

• Earned a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College in Elementary Education and another in Human Development • Earned a Masters in Science from Georgia State University in Educational Psychology • Teaches fourth grade and is the third and fourth grade Boys Running Club sponsor

• Before coming to Wesleyan, she taught second grade at Christ the King School for three years.

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “I have so enjoyed getting to know all of the wonderful people that work here. I have found that members of the Wesleyan community truly build each other up and make each other better teachers, role models, mentors, and friends.”

• Unique or Special Feature about Wesleyan: “The supportive, encouraging, and Christian community at Wesleyan makes it a unique school. I remember a couple years ago when I finished with graduate school, my room mothers threw me a “graduation party” with cake and caps for all the kids. Here at Wesleyan, teachers, students and families really do celebrate each other’s success, and I feel so blessed to be part of the Wesleyan family.”

SIX years

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “Some of my most memorable experiences as part of the Wesleyan community have been going on Mission trips to New Orleans, Dominican Republic, and Ukraine. I have been so inspired and impressed by the high school students and their commitment to Christ and helping others.”

• Path to Education: “I have been so fortunate to have had kind, encouraging, and professional teachers in my life, including Mrs. Wood (Lower School Principal), who was my fourth grade teacher. They have inspired me to be the teacher I am today.”

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faculty | profile

Cherie Schofield

12 photography by Brian Morgan

• Married for forty-one years to Paul, retired from General Motors where he worked as a transportation specialist in management

• One daughter, Tracy Robertson, 35 years old, who is married with a son, Andrew, who is 5. She is a Testing Coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools.

• The Schofield Family attends John’s Creek United Methodist Church where she plans to get involved in a Bible Study in the near future.

• In her spare time, Cherie enjoys exercising at Curves (women only!!!); reading; and spending time playing with her grandson • Attended high school at Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Kentucky • Earned a bachelor’s of arts in Math Education from University of Kentucky

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

• Earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Emory University

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• Teaches eighth grade Algebra and Introduction to Algebra, and serves and sponsors as Middle School Serve-His and Math counts

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: I have really enjoyed going on the eighth grade retreat for the past two years.

As of last year, it is an overnight retreat with only girls chaperoned by female faculty. The time to be outdoors, meeting in small groups provided an unbelievable opportunity to get to know the girls and to grow spiritually. Wow! I can’t wait until next year. (If you have a chance, ask Amelia Davis about my reaction

when the retreat was being planned last year, and the fact that it was going to be an overnighter!)”

• Path to education: “My love of math, and wanting others to learn it and develop an appreciation for it.

Of course working with children was also important.

I still remember my Algebra II teacher in high school, Patricia McNeal, who was such an inspiration. I truly wanted to be ‘like her.’ She provided the motivation to do my best and to appreciate the beauty of math.”

• Before coming to Wesleyan, Cherie taught in Atlanta Public schools: North Fulton High School, for six years; at Snellville Middle School for one year; Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, Georgia for three years, and the Lovett School for sixteen years.

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “The ‘caring’ attitude that pervades this place! During my first year at Wesleyan (1999), I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was unbelievable how the faculty, parents, and students took such good care of me. The prayers made such a difference in helping me become a twelve year cancer survivor! Also, having opportunity to work with such a dedicated faculty who give so much of themselves to educate the children in their care (educate includes not just the subject they teach, but the Christian principles always apparent). It is always a learning experience, and I enjoy that.”

• Unique or Special Feature of Wesleyan: “I continue to marvel at the appreciation shown by students and parents because I care about the children. What a joy to have students leave your classroom daily with a genuine, ‘Thank you, Mrs. Schofield!”

TWELVE years

faculty | news

exploring the latin language in italy and france:

A Summer Sabbatical written by Joseph Cooper, High School Latin Teacher

hy do you teach a dead language?” In the fifteen years of teaching Latin, I have often been asked this question. I’ll get back to that in a minute. First, I want to tell you about the opportunity that Wesleyan gave me through the Summer Sabbatical program to explore the ruins of ancient Roman civilization in Italy and France. The goal of my trip was to take pictures and shoot short videos of ancient Roman ruins in order to create computer-based interactive lesson plans. All Latin textbooks these days are full of interesting pictures-my intent was to get the other angles of these shots, to film the 360 degree perspective of statues commonly seen in textbooks, to give students an opportunity to virtually walk down a Roman road rather than merely to gaze at a diagram. I have been to Europe a few times, and have even visited many of the places to which I journeyed. However, I had never explored these sites either as a Latin teacher or with the ability to chart my own course and construct my own tour. With the funds provided by the Summer Sabbatical program, I was able to lay out a trip that began in Rome, Italy and ended in Paris, France seventeen days later.

So the question is, “Why learn Latin if no one speaks it?” The proper explanation usually requires more attention than the asker is willing to give, and so I respond with my pat answer, “Well, they do speak Latin at the Vatican.” The Vatican has long been my lifeline to linguistic credibility—someday, somehow, your children may find themselves in the Vatican, and won’t it be nice for them to be able to get around speaking the native language! Generally my response garners a polite, not halfhearted agreement. Since we were planning to visit the Vatican during our stay in Rome, I decided to make it a point to find some priest and engage him in light conversation, just to add a personal anecdote for my argument: “I should know, I went - cont’d. on page 56

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Naturally one does not embark on a photo shoot across Europe without a production manager. Fortunately I was able to convince my wife, Sara that we could pony up the cash for her to join me on this adventure. We visited Rome, Naples, Florence, Arles, Orange, Nimes, and Paris. We boarded six different airline flights, enjoyed the connecting flight ambience of the Pisa airport two times, took twenty-eight train rides, looked death right in the face during four taxi rides, rode one open-air bus, took one cab ride to the Best Western (which has now entered our family’s vernacular as a costly and pointless trip to nowhere), paid to enter eight ancient sites, employed zero Pompeii tour guides (at 100 euros for a personal guide, no thanks), slept soundly in seven hotels over sixteen nights, splurged for one Vespa tour of Tuscany (guess who rode shotgun on the scooter!),

took 5,000 pictures, and shot sixteen gigabytes of video. Sadly, there is no space in this article for me to tell you about climbing up and peering down into the shallow cone of Mount Vesuvius, about clambering over the mossy stones of the old port town of Ostia, about the Galileo museum in Florence, about the incredible models of Roman buildings found in the museum at Arles, about the magnificently large theater stage at Orange, about waking up before the street cleaners in Nimes to take pictures of the best preserved Roman temple in Europe, about foiling a pickpocketing attempt on the mean subways of Paris, or about honoring a seventeen-year-old promise to take Sara to Versailles “the next time we are in Paris, honey.” However, if you are so inclined, I will gladly regale you with all the tales your heart desires to hear. I teach in room 102 on the bottom floor of Cleghorn. Please stop by any time.

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photography by Sara Cooper

in this modern world. The rickety boat of pencil and paper is sinking, and it is time for teachers to jump ship and join our students aboard…ok, I think you get the metaphor.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

there myself and talked to them!” All through the Vatican museum we toured, from early morning to mid-afternoon. Visualize room after room, one long hallway after another, each filled with ancient treasures of Rome, Greece, Egypt, and the Near East. The sheer volume of artifacts takes your breath away. But, try as I might, I could not find a single priest to talk to. After thoroughly engrossing ourselves in the pursuit of art history, we left feeling satisfied that we had properly examined, analyzed, and appreciated every possible aesthetic prize the Vatican has to offer; yet, I remained unfulfilled in my desire to complete my other task. Therefore, even as we wearily plodded down side streets away from Saint Peter’s Square, I was on the sharp lookout for any priest I could find. Into every store selling clerical vestments and liturgical paraphernalia I peered. Yes, I did see a couple of elderly Italian nuns in a shop, but frankly my heart quailed at the prospect of that intimidating encounter turning out well. Finally, I spied a priest in a shop-a nice, young, personable-looking fellow. As he walked out onto the sidewalk, I boldly approached him and asked, “Loquerisne linguam Latinam?” He looked at me for a heartbeat…and said, “No, and no one at the Vatican really does anymore.” Well, I thought to myself, scratching that dead-language-argument off the list, I always thought that was a cop-out answer anyway.

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What did I get out of this trip, other than one less reason to teach Latin? I will mention two things. First, I brought back some very tangible results. Wesleyan’s Latin program now has 5000 pictures and 475 video clips at its disposal to use to teach Roman culture. The middle school and high school Latin programs can incorporate these visual aids directly into lesson plans, enhancing our ability to illustrate the culture topics we discuss in class. However, my goal for these files is more ambitious. We intend to design lessons that require students to interact with the files. Having selected pictures to study and research, students can write history essays in English, or fictional stories in Latin, for instance. Students can combine video files, script their own commentaries, and develop guided tours of ancient sites. I must admit that the task of integrating technology on this scale into the Latin program is daunting. But, our business in education is to prepare students to interact confidently and competently

Second, I brought back a fresh appreciation for my subject.

One of Wesleyan’s many strengths is its commitment to supporting teachers’ self-improvement. Wesleyan believes that excellent teaching begins with a solid understanding of the subject content. Every year, Wesleyan supports the acquisition of advanced degrees, sends teachers to workshops and conferences, and sets aside school time for continuing education programs. Faculty members are even allowed to set their own yearly improvement goals. The Summer Sabbatical is another way that Wesleyan encourages its teachers to strive for excellence. The philosophy behind this program, as I see it, is that teachers, given the proper resources, know best what to do to make themselves better teachers. What incredible trust for an institution to have in its employees! So, you can believe that my first priority for this trip was to justify Wesleyan’s faith in me. I took the business of looking at old stones very seriously. I maximized every opportunity I could to learn more about where and how the Romans lived throughout Italy and France. It is one thing to lecture from a book about gladiatorial games, but it is an entirely different one to stand in the middle of a coliseum’s sandy arena, looking up into the stands, staring into the yawning shadowy gates on either end, imagining the shouts, laughter, cries, roars, spectacle of animal hunts, frenzied tumult of combat, the agony and, triumph of Christian martyrdom.

The Summer Sabbatical is a great way for teachers to “think big” about their subject. It allows teachers to take academic and intellectual risks, to pursue avenues of study that might not otherwise be time, or cost-effective. I heartily encourage my colleagues to submit proposals for consideration. Find an existing project or make up your own. Wesleyan sent me to Europe with the directive to enhance the Latin program, and I feel confident that I succeeded. Thank you, Wesleyan, for such an incredible opportunity.

photography by Brian Morgan

library news

WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN

A Christian Library written by Carolyn Chapman, Head Librarian

t Wesleyan we want our students to grow in their faith by developing a sense of service to others.

Our Joy banner reads “Jesus, Others, Yourself,” and in every way the Wesleyan faculty and staff promote the following of Christ in our daily lives by considering others before ourselves. We teach our students to become servant leaders and develop a sense of service to others. All teachers and staff begin with trying to help students develop their own confidence and “sense of self ” so that one day students can share their many blessings and talents with others. We teach the students to be humble in their charity and to avoid the narcissism that comes so easily to all of us.

Three are written by John Ortberg: If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat The Life You’ve Always Wanted When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living by Charles R. Swindoll Reaching for the Invisible God by Philip Yancey So Long, Insecurity: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us by Beth Moore The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper

“Reading can help us become a more caring and considerate person.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

The librarians try to guide students in their reading selections that promote this mission. There are numerous books that will help students understand themselves and others. As we become a more diverse and multicultural population, we, as a school community need to understand and to care for each member of our community. Reading can help us become a more caring and considerate person.

Books suggested by the librarians:

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faculty | announcements Newest Additions

Sara Grove Ashley Daughter of Todd and Kathryn Ashley October 7, 2011 7 pounds, 5 ounces, 19 inches

Cohen Riley Cummings Grandson of John and Shelly Peed June 26, 2011 7 pounds, 14 ounces, 20.5 inches

Ellie Claire Baxley Daughter of Candler and Merrill Baxley June 1, 2011 8 pounds, 3 ounces, 19.5 inches

Bradley Murphy Kadzis Son of Kevin and Erin October 5, 2011 7 pounds, 6 ounces, 20 inches

William Wells Boeschen Grandson of John and Bev Boeschen July 18, 2011 8 pounds, 5 ounces, 20.5 inches

Rory Johnston Lang Son of Zach and Lesley Lang Grandson of Terri McCarren July 12, 2011 9 pounds, 5 ounces, 21 inches

Crosby Stephen Thorson Son of Steve and Melissa Thorson August 31, 2011 8 pounds, 4 ounces, 21.5 inches

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Congratulations

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Mr. & Mrs. Chase Sheppard October 29, 2011 Jen, Middle School Science Teacher

Mr. and Mrs. Jose Salazar October 15, 2011 Shellie, High School Spanish Teacher

In Memoriam Robert Alfred Ellis August 21, 2011 Husband of Linda Ellis, Building and Grounds Administrative Assistant

Dr. Herbert Fielding Lindsey August 25, 2011 Father of Claire Graham, First Grade Teacher

alumni

CLASS NOTES 1998

Lindsey Glenn Gilmer and husband Warren A. Gilmer live in Sandy Springs, Georgia with their two children, Glenn Elizabeth (age six) and Ren (age four). Both children attend Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School. Lindsey is staying busy volunteering and enjoying being a busy mom.

Jeremy Phelan and wife, Meagan, live in Massachusetts. Jeremy works for the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Meagan is a science writer.

Bryan Seiler and his wife, Erika live in Chicago, Illinois. Bryan recently accepted a position as a Staff Attorney in the Legal Department at The Salvation Army’s midwestern headquarters.

Tyler Wakefield is currently working on building a convention center in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

2002

Ryan Gibadlo works at Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula, Georgia, as Dean of Students.

Lindsey Glenn Gilmer’s children (1999)

2000 Dawson Strickland married Tara Delaney Strickland in 2009. They now have a daughter named Delaney. Dawson owns Superior Fabrication, a company he started in 2005.

Spencer Lewis and wife, Meghan, are living in Atlanta, Georgia. Spencer is an Art Director at Adventure Advertising and Meghan is an Assistant Account Executive at Kirvin Doak Communications (entertainment and hospitality PR).

Olivia Teveras-Korandas Mazzolini started graduate school this fall at Georgia State University working toward a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

2003

Brinker Dailey created a company named Experiences International, which places domestic students in international internships. They also offer study abroad and volunteer abroad opportunities.

They just finished up their first year with 15 students in Barcelona and 12 students in London.

Alan Grotnes recently celebrated one year of marriage with his wife, Kerri. They recently bought a home in Peachtree Corners.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Ashley Gross works as a Marketing Manager for Rural Sourcing, Inc. (RSI). RSI is a cost-effective, onshore alternative to the traditional model for IT outsourcing.

Ashley has been instrumental in featuring her company in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and numerous video news segments across the state. She was also recently published with a front cover and article in Globalization Today on the social and economic benefits of the rural sourcing industry. This is Ashley’s third year on the Wesleyan Alumni Board and she looks forward to seeing everyone at alumni events throughout the year.

Allison Christopher (2004) and Rebecca Carpenter (2002)

Left: Chris Diaz (2001), Right: Alan Grotnes (2001)

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2001 Chris Diaz and wife, Ashley Craig-Diaz, live in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashley owns a piano studio, Presto Vivace Piano Studio, and teaches out of their home. Chris works in downtown Atlanta with Intelliteach.

Christian Cotter and wife, Leah, live in Atlanta, Georgia. Christian is working as a technical recruiter for Resolution Technologies.

alumni | class notes

2003,cont.

Will Gholston lives in Atlanta and works at Alpharetta Animal Hospital. He graduated from the University Of Georgia, College Of Veterinary Medicine in May 2011.

2004

Annie Murphy graduated last spring from Georgetown University and now teaches high school English at T.C. Williams in Alexandria, Virginia. She loves writing and is a regular contributor for Contrary Magazine’s blog.

Tyler Svetich has relocated to Dallas, Texas to take a position with the Rosewood Hotel Group. She is the United States Group Sales Manager for Rosewood’s Mayakoba resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages one-of-a-kind luxury properties throughout the world.

Jazz Wilkins (2008)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

2005

Sarah Bensten started this fall teaching government and geography at Therrell High School in the East Point area of Atlanta.

Jake Berryhill works as an analyst for Decision Link.

Carly Gross Kink and her husband Owen live in Anderson, South Carolina. She works as a marketing coordinator for a mortgage company (PrimeLending) and Owen works as a web developer for an insurance company. They work together on the side building websites and web graphics. Carly also does social marketing for a local clothing boutique and is actively pursuing ways to raise awareness about personal safety as a young adult by sharing her story.

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Class of 2011 alumni with high school teacher Colleen Walker

2006

Deirdre Hayes is teaching sixth grade Science at Autrey Mill Middle School. She is currently working on getting a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and will finish in May 2012.

Andrew Hibbs will perform at the Alliance Theater in October. in “Medea,” Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy, Holly Humphries is a sophomore at The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. She is also the assistant cheerleading coach at UGA.

Jordan Dale started working in October for a program called The World Race with the organization Adventures in Missions. It is an intense eleventh-month journey to 11 different countries. He will be living out of his hiking pack on roughly $5.00 to the different countries of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Thailand, Cambodia, and even as far as Asia, Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. His team of six people will serve those in need partnering with local churches to work with orphans, plant churches, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution, as well as human trafficking and bringing the Gospel of Jesus to others.

Maggie Worthington will graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in December 2012

2007

Brooke Blews graduated from Samford University in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts and a focus on American Politics.

She is the Advancement Coordinator at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta doing fundraising, development, and marketing work. Brooke is recently engaged to Alexander Parran Woodward as of July 2011. They are getting married September 2, 2012 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta.

Derren Evens (2007) Derren Evens, is a senior at Presbyterian College and was named to Phil Steele’s Big South 2011 College Football magazine Preseason All-Big South Team this fall.

Kara King recently accepted a position at Sharon Elementary School in Forsyth County.

Adam Race is currently teaching in the Czech Republic.

Laura Carver (2011), Colin Stone (2011) & Shannon Felts (2012)

Amanda Gustin lives in Atlanta, and works for a physical therapist in Johns Creek as a pilates instructor and patient care manager. This past August, she entered the doctor of physical therapy program at Mercer University and will graduate with her Doctor of Physical Theropy in May of 2014.

alumni | marriages

MARRIAGES 1.

Bay Sims Smelcer, class of 1999, married Joey Smelcer, from Birmingham on October 29, 2011, in Alexander City, Alabama on Lake Martin.

2.

Jessie Thomas Hunter, class of 2000, married Scott Hunter on May 7, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

3.

Brittany Bowen Caudell, class of 2001, marred Chris Caudell on June 3, 2011 at Big Canoe. Her sister, Blake Bowen, class of 2004, was her maid of honor.

4.

Jeremy Phelan, class of 2001, married Meagan Gail Phelan on April 9th, 2011, at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

5.

Olivia Teveras-Korandas Mazzolini, class of 2002, married Nick Mazzolini on June 4, 2011, at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica in downtown Atlanta. Sarah Meng, class of 2002 ,was a bridesmaid.

6.

Chipper Dillard, class of 2002, married Margaret Barnwell Andrews on August 27, 2011, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Erin Dillard, class of 2005, was a bridesmaid.

3.

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

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alumni | marriages

7.

Spencer Lewis, class of 2002, married Meghan Baker Lewis on August 27, 2011, in Memphis, Tennessee at Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

8.

9.

10.

Jenny Hall Winter, class of 2002, married Brian Winter on July 9, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia in her parent’s back yard.

11.

Sarah Moye Brown, class of 2005, married Leland Brown on August 6th, 2011, at the Daniel Island Club, outside Charleston, South Carolina.

Christian Cotter, class of 2003, married Leah Turner Cotter on April 2, 2011, in Sarasota, Florida.

Carly Gross Kink, class of 2004, married Owen Kink on October 22, 2011, in Nassau, Bahamas at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Her wedding party included Wesleyan graduates, Ashley Gross, class 2002, Emily Wesley, class of 2004, and Tyler Svetich, class of 2004.

7.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

11.

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10.

8.

alumni | births

BIRTHS

Fiona Lynn Diaz Daughter of Ashley and Chris Diaz, class of 2001 February 11, 2011 6 pounds, 5 ounces

Elin Joy Seiler Daughter of Erika and Bryan Seiler, class of 2001 August 8, 2011 6 pounds, 5 ounces, 20 inches.

Talynn Rose Madina Daughter of Jourdain and Rachael Towns Medina, class of 2002 July 30, 2011 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 20 inches

Carson Bryant Berrios Son of Rico and Jessica Jackson Berrios, class of 2003 October 14, 2011 9 pounds, 8 ounces, 21.5 inches

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

Aiden James Oakes Son of Justin and Tara Inman Oakes, class of 2001 May 31, 2011 9 pounds, 21.5 inches

David Christian Levenick Son of Christian and Katie Lombardi Levenick, class of 2001 September 13, 2011 8 pounds, 9 ounces

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WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • Fall 2011

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Save the Date SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012 ATHLETICS CIRCLE OF HONOR BETWEEN BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL GAMES AT APPROXIMATELY 7 PM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rob Binion, Chairman Kim Sutton Adair Bob Atkinson Don Barden Dan Cowart Dr. Edress Darsey Steve Deaton Susan Frye Mark McIntosh Tom Menefee Michael Parks Mary Ramsey Jim Pierce Paul Robertson Frank Simpson Bill Stark Dr. Anna Tanner Dr. Bill Warren Bob Worthington Zach Young, Ex-Officio

ALUMNI BOARD Allen Marsh, Class of 2000, President David Andersen, Class of 2001, Vice President for Development Allison Christopher, Class of 2004, Vice President for Events CLASS AGENTS Brody McBrayer, Class of 1999 Reed Dailey, Class of 2001 Ashley Gross, Class of 2002 Calder Justice, Class of 2002 Stuart Lawder, Class of 2005 Emily Sheppard, Class of 2005 Page Long, Class of 2006 Mark Rocket, Class of 2006

Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of the new mailing address. (Rebecca Carpenter Price: 678-223-2133 or rprice@wesleyanschool.org)

Office of External Affairs 5405 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 448-7640

WESLEYAN SCHOOL

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORCROSS, GA PERMIT NO. 130