TFS Magazine - Spring 2023

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CAMPUS

WE ARE TALLULAH Building a Legacy

MAGAZINE
2023
ON
TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL SPRING

2023 BEST SCHOOL AWARD

allulah Falls School has been voted ‘Best School’ by the The Northeast Georgian in the 2023 Best of Habersham County Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards winners were announced in a special section of The Northeast Georgian newspaper on February 24.

The Best of Habersham County Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual event where the community can nominate and vote for their favorite businesses and organizations in Habersham County. The awards reflect the community’s support and recognition of those who have positively impacted the county.

TFS President and Head of School Larry Peevy accepted the award from Yvonne Marinelli, Marketing

“It is an honor to be recognized as the best school in Habersham County,” said Peevy. “We are committed to providing our students with an exceptional education that not only prepares them for college but also for life beyond the classroom. This award is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, who are dedicated to our students’ success.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award, and we are grateful to the community for their support,” said Peevy. “We will continue to work hard to ensure that our students receive the best possible education and prepare them for a successful future.”

Specialist with The Northeast Georgian
IN THIS ISSUE
Austin
OF SCHOOL
LARRY A. PEEVY 14 NYC Joffery Ballet 17 State Swim Champion: Madison Dampier 18 Middle School Basketball 20 JV Basketball 22 Varsity Girls Basketball 23 Varsity Boys Basketball 25 Cheer 26 Legends Hall of Honor 29 Sarah Jennings COVER The magazine cover features the nostalgic 1968’s undefeated championship TFS football team’s letterman jacket donated by Johnny Boring. The jacket can now be found in the Giddings Cottage Museum located on the Upper School campus. PAGE 26 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ADVANCEMENT Sonya M. Smith DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Brandi Wood DIRECTOR OF SPORTS COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL MEDIA Brian Carter 03 Star Student & Teacher 05 On Campus: Upper School (HEMC donation) 06 DNA Discovery 06 Middle School Science: An Inside Look 07 Lumberjacks in PE 07 Latin American Studies: Middle School 10 On Campus: Upper School (MLK Speaker) 12 PeerPal 13 Admissions Shadow SPORTS 26 28 04 GISA Master Teacher 04 Yearbook Award 08 International Day 11 Revitalizing Westmoreland Hall 30 Grace Brewer 31 Oge Okoye Amaka 32 Ambassadors EDUCATION NEWS D1 Bound Lightbourne 24 International Games Scrapbook: Indian Football 16 2023 Swim Recap 1
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Carter Elisha Boggs E. Lane Gresham PHOTOGRAPHY
Poffenberger Crump Photo Elisha Boggs Stephanie Dorantes E. Lane Gresham Brandi Wood Brooke Gragg/Artistic Images Hello Jude Photography PRESIDENT AND HEAD
DR.

“ We are celebrating students performing at the highest academic level, and we hear great stories from our alumni and positive feedback from the community. ”

Throughout the pages of this issue of On Campus, you will find stories that celebrate our thriving Tallulah Falls School community. I know you will be just as encouraged as I am.

Celebrate with me as we see students participating in activities now more than ever. I was thrilled to hear that over 75 percent of our students are involved in our sports programs. I am especially thankful to see even more of a return to normalcy and our students being happy and succeeding.

We are celebrating students performing at the highest academic level, and we hear great stories from our alumni and positive feedback from the community.

One of my favorite events that I’ve participated in this year was the official induction ceremony of alumni athletes into the Athletic Legends Hall of Honor. Seeing the alumni enjoy visiting the school and seeing the progress over the past several years was a treat.

As you read through this issue, you will read stories about our seniors’ incredible achievements. We continue to receive news of scholarships and educational opportunities our seniors have earned due to their hard work and dedication. It is a joy to share this news with you.

Our middle school boys’ basketball team ended its season as tri-state champions. I am very proud of their accomplishment and what this means for the future of our basketball program. We are going to see great things from these young men.

I am also extremely proud of Madison Dampier and her extraordinary talent and ability as a swimmer. She has provided excellent leadership and set an example for her fellow teammates. I am delighted that she has two more years to swim for TFS.

As we celebrate the end of a successful winter sports season, our spring athletic teams are already off to a winning start. I thoroughly enjoy watching the baseball, soccer, tennis, and track and field teams; we look forward to seeing you out supporting our athletic teams this spring.

Even our community celebrates all the wonderful things happening on campus. TFS has been named Best School by the readers of The Northeast Georgian in their 2023 Best of Habersham Awards. We are truly honored to be the recipient of this award.

All of these success stories would not be possible without the thoughtful contributions we receive from members of the TFS family. I want to personally thank Habersham Electric Membership Corporation for their significant donation to our science department. These gifts allow us to be the school we are today, as a large portion of our annual budget comes from generous monetary and in-kind donations.

It is a pleasure to give you a glimpse into the lives of our TFS community. I could not be more proud of where we have been, where we are and where we are going.

Warm regards,

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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The announcement of the STAR Student and STAR Teacher at Tallulah Falls School marks a high point for each academic year.

Senior William “Trey” Greene of Demorest earned his class’s highest score on the Scholastic Achievement Test. Greene scored a 1590 – the highest recorded score in the school’s history. Greene selected upper school history teacher Adam Greiving of Clarkesville as the STAR teacher.

Greene will graduate in the top five percent of this year’s senior class. Upon graduation, he will have successfully taken ten honors classes, 15 dual enrollment courses and five AP classes. In addition, not only will Greene have taken every mathematics course offered at TFS, but he will also have the most rigorous transcript of chosen coursework of any student in the senior class. He currently has a 4.64 GPA.

Greene also seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge outside the classroom. He is an avid reader, writer and music enthusiast. In his free time, he studies coding, mathematics and science. Greene participates in several clubs at TFS, including the TFS National Honors Society, TOME Society, Robotics Club and Tri-M.

As part of the honor, Greene, in turn, recognized TFS history teacher Adam Greiving who has played an important role in his success. According to Greene, Greiving helped him come to terms with the world around him. “He helped me find my voice and value my own input,” said Greene. “He has helped me develop as a person and transition into adulthood.”

Greiving offers high praise for Greene’s insightful contributions to his history class: “Trey is a brilliant, insightful student, but he carries himself with remarkable humility. His comments in College U.S. History, regardless of the topic or era, were always to-the-point and profound. He elevated discussions beyond what I expect from a class designed for college freshmen,” Greiving said. “He takes problematic and difficult issues and moves them around in his mind. With each new view, he modifies his own perspective. I look forward to seeing what Trey does with his intellectual potential. I’m grateful for all the meaningful discussions and the time spent in my classroom; I am the better for it.”

Greene has also been named STAR Student for Habersham County by the Habersham Chamber of Commerce. This honor qualifies him to compete for STAR Student of the region later in the spring.

The Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development, according to the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) Foundation.

STAR STUDENT & TEACHER
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GISA MASTER TEACHER

Tallulah Falls upper school English and journalism teacher Elisha Boggs received the Georgia Independent School Association’s Master Teacher Award at a ceremony on November 29 at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia.

Boggs teaches English and journalism in the upper school. She met the intensive and extensive requirements to complete her portfolio, according to GISA’s Stan Whitlock.

“The GISA Master Teacher Program bestows well-deserved recognition to GISA Master Teachers who exhibit best practices in the classroom and a willingness to share and collaborate with other educators,” said Whitlock. “GISA commends its Master Teachers who inspire excellence in the classroom, among colleagues, and especially, students.

2022 YEARBOOK AWARD

The Legend yearbook staff won the Georgia Scholastic Press Association’s best small school yearbook award for the 2022 yearbook “Back To Earth.” They received the highest score for small schools in Georgia with a 633 out of 695 points.

Current yearbook staff members Mei Hui de Velasco, Izzy Jones, Dani Prince, Reese Wilson, Kyndal Anderson, Lily Cai, Gemma Farris, Meredith Morris, Emilee Jones, Lawson Fulbright, Andrew Whittle, Layne Kafsky, Aarington Brown, Torri Tilley and Piper Allen worked on the winning book.

Editor Flannery Hogan (‘22) chose the theme Back to Earth. “We wanted to share the story of returning to normal after the tumultuous pandemic,” said Hogan. “The staff was great in supporting bringing the vision to life. I would never have been able to make it a reality without the help of the staff and our advisor, Mrs. Boggs.”

For staff member Reese Wilson, the book was a success because the staff’s teamwork allowed them to cover as many students as possible. One of the main goals of the yearbook staff is to cover everyone in the school.

“The staff focuses on getting to know the student body, and what they discover are hidden hobbies, talents and beautiful stories that they can tell,” said advisor Elisha Boggs. “The staff become storytellers, and those stories make the book stand out.”

Staff member Dani Prince felt encouraged when the staff received the award. “We put so much work into the yearbook, and it is awesome having this award to show for it,” Prince said.

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BRINGING SCIENCE TO LIFE

Science students at TFS were introduced to 20 new microscopes funded by a generous donation from Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.

“My College Biology students have been able to view bacteria under oil immersion from 400x magnification to an impressive 1,000x magnification,” said upper school science teacher Liz Barraco. The funding also purchased a set of microscopes at the middle school, where students will utilize them in each grade level. Fifthgrade science teacher Tamara Griffis shared her excitement, “We are thrilled to have a full set of new microscopes for our middle school students to supplement their science curriculum with hands-on experience.”

ON CAMPUS NEWS
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DNA DISCOVERY AN INSIDE LOOK

Upper school students dive into their studies as the second semester begins. Freshman science classes built DNA, replicated DNA and interpreted genetic codes. Students practiced base pairing techniques to better understand DNA structure with science teacher Liz Barraco. “We used beads that were easy to put together and pull apart. This showed us how fast DNA strands can change and how easily different mutations can occur,” said freshman Marissa Kinsey.

Seventh graders in Randy Morris’ Life Science class suited up in protective gear to dissect earthworms. They worked in teams to uncover the secrets of annelids (segmented worms). Some dove right into the cutting process and others were a little more apprehensive. They were each able to complete their task and draw three views of their worm in their logbooks. “When I first saw the worm I was just thinking to myself how are we going to cut into this thing? Well, now I know how to do it,” said Tinsley Hill. “It was a little bit gross but I think the frog will be even grosser than this.” It was a memorable experience filled with scientific discovery and a whole lot of fun!

ON CAMPUS IN THE CLASSROOM
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LUMBERJACKS LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

Aquatics Class Instructor Sara Roberts (‘04) has introduced the lumberjack-inspired sport of logrolling to students in the upper school PE, Outdoor Education and Lifetime Activities classes. “Never in a million years did I picture I’d be teaching log rolling in a pool, but I now love sharing this activity with our students,” said Roberts. “Not only does it practice balance and coordination, but it’s just an incredibly unique challenge. It creates a funny, memorable, one-of-a-kind experience, and that’s what your middle and high school years should be all about!”

Throughout January, Amanda Rogers’ sixth-grade world geography students researched countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region. They used skills from their English class to write about each country’s physical geography, population, government and economy, and traditions and celebrations. In addition, they created beautiful visual aids depicting a unique landmark or cultural feature of their chosen country. “I’m incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to expanding their understanding of the world around them,” said Rogers.

ON CAMPUS IN THE CLASSROOM
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On the final day of International Week, international students at Tallulah Falls School put on a dazzling display of their cultures, showcasing their unique identities and talents. The event, held in the campus Gertrude Long Harris Theatre, attracted a large audience of students, faculty, and staff members who were eager to learn about different cultures and celebrate diversity.

The show began with a procession of students carrying their country flags, representing their pride in their heritage. The hosts and masters of ceremonies, hailing from China, Nigeria, South Korea, Spain, and Jamaica, welcomed the audience and set the stage for the performances to come.

The students presented a wide range of acts, including music, dance, storytelling, jokes, and magic tricks.

The energy in the auditorium was electric, with students cheering, clapping, and dancing in their seats. The audience was impressed by the passion and talent of the performers, as well as the diversity of cultures on display.

“I loved seeing all the different countries represented and the unique talents of each performer,” said senior Rachel Chen. “It’s great to be reminded of the richness and beauty of diversity.”

The show was not only a celebration of different cultures, but also a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity among all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

“The show was a great way to bring everyone together and celebrate our differences,” said sophomore Wyatt Franks. “It’s cool to see everyone in one place at one time.”

Overall, the International Week celebration was a huge success.

WE ARE TALLULAH

Masters of Ceremonies

Jue “Florence” Wang, China

Benjamin Okoronkwo, Nigeria

Seungwook “Daniel” Shin, South Korea

Sandra Badia Cester, Spain

Aarington Brown, Jamaica

China Vocal Performance

INTERNATIONAL DAY 2023

Shukun “Doris” Wang, Ruichen “Sarah” Zhang, Lucy Lu

Traditional Dance China: “Luo Yang Jiu Shi”

Ruichen “Sarah” Zhang

Spain Dance Performance: “Los Españolitos”

Sandra Badia Cester, Kitty Rodenas, Nahia Fresno, Sofia Rueda Alvarez, Elsa Sanchez, Lucia Fano, Olimpia Sterling, Gonzalo Gallardo, Marcos Alvarez, Jorge Lantero, Alvaro Garcia, Carlos Alcantara, Teresa Torrevejano , Octavio

Santana

America Dance Performance: Musical Compilation

Caroline Smith and Lily Turpin

China Stand-up Comedy: “Chinese Stand Up!”

Zhigao “Henrry” Xiong and Jue “Florence” Wang

Montenegro Dance Performance: Crnogorski Orao “Montenegrin Eagle”

Adrijana Albijanic, Iskra Mandic, Marija Ivanovic, Lucia Rajkovic, Petar Radovic, Mina Beratovic, Maksim Jovovic, Lana Malbaski

Taiwan, China Magic Show

Yen “Ian” Chou

China Piano Performance: “Autumn Moon Over Calm Lake”

QianFeng “William” Xu

Serbia Dance Performance: Čardaš Devojka “Chardash Girl”

Milos Ivanevic, Jovana Dermanovic, Lazar Grujanic

Vietnam Vocal Performance: Như hoa mùa xuân “Like Spring Flowers” Vy Vo

China Vocal Performance: “Blooming Rose”

Pop Dance Performance: “Blackpink: Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”

Yixuan “Linda” Wang and Kexin “Amy’ Ma

Afro-Caribbean Dance Performance: “Carnival”

Aarington Brown, Jamaica

Tyler Brown, Jamaica

Jace Ibemere, Nigeria

Maya Pittman, Jamaica

Jane Ibemere, Nigeria

Benjamin Okoronkwo, Nigeria

Nnamdi Ezunu, Nigeria Lily Desta, Ethiopia

Leah Desta, Ethiopia

Miracle Bain, Bahamas

Tahj Charlton, Bahamas Aidan Woodside, Bahamas

Chesnique Walker, Bahamas Azaria Junaid, Bahamas Christian Lloyd, Bahamas

Reverend D’Andre R. Ash met with TFS students to remember and honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Ash shared stories about King’s life and his mission to see all people treated with dignity. He challenged students to ask themselves the most important question, “What are you doing for others?” He encouraged students to pursue revolutionary acts of kindness among themselves. “It takes courage to be kind,” said Ash.

“The school’s mission has two focal points based on King’s words: ‘Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education,’” said Dr. Peevy. He strongly believed that the development of character is as equally important as intellect.

“We want our students to have the ability to be highly intellectual and make decisions that are good for everyone,” said Peevy.

MLK’S LIFE REMEMBERED

ON CAMPUS AT THE UPPER SCHOOL
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REVITALIZING WESTMORELAND

Recent updates to Westmoreland Hall are a testament to the generosity and legacy of former board member Brenda T. Mason of Milledgeville. Her husband, Harold Mason, made a donation in her memory, which has allowed for fresh paint, new furnishings, and updates to the common areas, study alcoves, and counseling offices of the girls’ dormitory.

Mrs. Mason was an active member of the Milledgeville Civic Woman’s Club and served on the TFS Board of Trustees from 2002-06. Plaques in her honor have been placed in both common rooms; they serve as a reminder of her dedication to the school and its students.

Senior Maya Pittman of Snellville spoke of her excitement to experience the updates during her final year at TFS. “The new furnishings,” she said, “bring a sense of new beginnings and a feeling of being at home.”

According to head dorm counselor Allie Audet, creating a homey atmosphere for the boarding students was at the forefront of the updates. “The new furnishings add a touch of comfort to not only the common spaces but also a peaceful and calming atmosphere for the girls to gather and study,” she said.

The updates to Westmoreland Hall and the generosity of the Mason family serve as a reminder of the TFS family’s vital role in shaping young people’s lives and creating opportunities for growth and success.

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Admissions recently launched the PeerPals program. PeerPals is an ambassador program connecting prospective families with families of current students. Parents can ask questions, make connections, and learn what makes the TFS community unique.

Families can easily engage with ambassadors through the PeerPals interactive platform. Currently, thirteen parents representing boarding students, international students, and day students are a part of the ambassador program. Each parent shares information about themselves, where they are from, the number of children they have, and their children’s interests. From details about boarding or the college application process or what color socks students wear, TFS parents can help.

“This tool helps prospective families have a clear picture and understanding of who we are and what we are about as a community,” said Dean of Enrollment Management Anthony Cox. “The opportunity to use this tool to connect families is invaluable. Anytime we

have a prospective family on campus, we want them to know who we truly are.”

PeerPals parent Kerry Anderson recently received a message from a prospective parent moving to the area from Atlanta. “I told her the story about our family moving here from a big west coast city,” said Anderson. She was able to give advice about the academics, the athletics, how to navigate transitioning at the middle school and the upper school as well as how to provide information about the college classes available to TFS students. “This program shows the warmth of the TFS community,” said Anderson.

Prospective families can simply visit the admissions page on the TFS website, click on the “Connect with a Parent” tab and it will take them right to a list of parents. “They can pick a parent with a similar story and immediately start a conversation with one of our ambassadors to learn more about their experiences,” said Associate Dean of Enrollment Wendy Jackson.

CONNECT WITH DAY & INTERNATIONAL PARENTS

Ask questions, make connections, and learn what makes our community unique. Just click “Message” to start a conversation with one of our ambassadors to learn more about their experiences. Visit us online to check the full database of parents available.

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STUDENT SHADOWS

What does a day in the life of a TFS student look like? The best way to get to know the Tallulah Falls School community is to schedule a campus visit to spend time with students and teachers. Prospective families can schedule a student shadow day through the admissions office.

The shadow program provides an opportunity for students that have applied, that have been accepted, or those who are simply interested in a hands-on campus experience. Prospective students can shadow another student at the middle school or at the upper school. While they are on campus, they can participate in assignments, work on group projects, and take part in classroom activities.

“We want students to feel comfortable with the environment – to understand what it is like to be a student here,” said Dean of Enrollment Management Anthony Cox. “When students finish the shadow experience, they are excited about the time they spent on campus. They give really positive feedback.”

The program serves as a positive opportunity for middle school students to practice hospitality as they build relationships and community. “I walked a student shadow into the middle school this morning and immediately six students walked up to her and welcomed her,” said Associate Dean of Enrollment Wendy Jackson. “They are proud to show off their school and are happy to have shadow students join them.”

Upper school students also warmly welcome student shadows into their day. “It’s a cool experience to show someone what we do every day, to show them what we have access to,” said sophomore TJ Cox. “They are surprised to see all that the school has to offer.”

The admissions staff appreciates the time families take to schedule a visit. Students that shadow receive a special gift from admissions including a pair of TFS sunglasses.

Visit the TFS website to contact admissions and make an appointment.

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Trio Heading to the Joffrey Ballet School

F or young dancers, the chance to study at one of the world’s most prestigious ballet schools is a dream come true. For three TFS sophomores, that dream is becoming a reality. Ava Hamon of Mt. Airy, Kalleigh Hartzog of Toccoa and Marina Dumas of Clarkesville have been accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program and will have the opportunity to learn from worldrenowned artistic directors, leading choreographers, and master faculty this summer.

The Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of dance and receive the highest standard of training. With resident programs in Italy, New York City, and throughout the United States, students select the site that appeals the most to them. For these three talented teens, the chance to participate in the program is a testament to their dedication, passion, and hard work.

Ava Hamon loves ballet for its ability to take her away from daily stresses. “I love dance because it feels like a place where I don’t have to think about all my assignments and other stresses of life, and I can just relax and have fun,” she said. Kalleigh Hartzog shares a similar sentiment. “I love dancing with my friends in a fun and creative environment,” said Hartzog.

For Marina Dumas, the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program represents an opportunity to grow and challenge herself as a dancer. “I am excited for Joffrey because I will have the opportunity to learn from some worldrenowned teachers all while being in a new city,” she said.

The Summer Intensive Program runs from June through August and is a fourweek, residential program. The girls auditioned in Atlanta and were selected from among hundreds of applicants from around the world. They study locally at the Clarkesville School of Dance.

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Making Waves

In what will go down as one of the best seasons in Tallulah Falls School swimming history, both the girls and boys excelled throughout the 202223 season, and coach Rachel Butler’s program saw its hard work come to fruition at the GHSA State Championships. It marked just the second time the girls team had ever finished in the top16, tying the program record with an 8th-place finish. The boys were in the top 16 as well.

The Lady Indians, though fairly young, had a great blend of experienced veteran swimmers and up-and-coming talent in the pool. With several swimmers posting personal bests throughout the season, it was no surprise to see a pair of individuals qualify for state along with three different relay teams.

Sophomore Madison Dampier set numerous school records, beating her own prior marks on several occasions. Twice she did so in the biggest meet at Georgia Tech in the GHSA State Championship. Dampier won the individual state title in the 100 Fly, posting a record with a 56.68 time. She became the first-ever TFS swimmer to claim a GHSA championship. She also finished runner-up in the 200 IM with a school-record 2:08.54.

Freshman Mattie Patterson had a tremendous season, qualifying for two events at state in the 100 Free and 200 IM. She came in 10th in the 100 Free at 58.51, and qualified for the finals in the 200 IM. The duo of Dampier and Patterson were part of the 200 Medley Relay (which finished 6th), and part of the 400 Free Relay (5th). Carsyn Griffis and Emma Jackson were also on the 200 Medley Relay team, and Griffis and Molly Rickman rounded out the 400 Free Relay. The 200 Free Relay team of Jackson, Griffis, Rickman, and Layne Kafsky also qualified for state and competed in the preliminaries.

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The Lady Indians secured 128 points in the state meet, finishing 8th for a second straight season.

The Indians also featured a young team, though the few seniors on the team were invaluable. Seniors Nelson Wilkinson and Emery Sims competed at the state level individually and on several relay teams.

Wilkinson finished 13th at state in the 50 Free with a 23.37, while Sims placed 17th in the 100 Back (1:00.22). The duo combined with Henry Rickman and Grayson Penland to place 8th in the 200 Medley Relay, 7th in the 400 Free Relay, and 10th in the 200 Free Relay. Rickman, a junior, and Penland, a sophomore, excelled for the boys, and they will now be the veteran leaders heading into next season.

The boys scored 100 points and came in 12th overall, which marked the best finish since 2019-20, and the third time ever coming in the top 16.

Tallulah Falls hosted several events at the TFS Natatorium throughout the season including the 3rd Annual Mask-Erade Invitational in October, the Hawaiian Luau Invitational in November, and Shiver Me Timbers Invitational, and 2023 1A Championship Invitational.

The TFS Middle School swim teams also had great success throughout 202223, competing in several meets. The evidence of how much the team improved came with each passing meet, where nearly every swimmer consistently shaved times off their personal bests.

The culmination of the 2022-23 season for the middle school group came with both teams coming in 2nd-place at the season-ending GIAA MS State Championships. Competing against 16 scoring teams, Tallulah Falls saw every single swimmer set at least one personal record time in their respective event.

Henry Dumas, Ida Patterson, Teagan Penland, Adelaide Tatum, and Veronica VerBerkmoes all came away with top-8 finishes individually. The boys 200 Medley Relay of Dumas, Penland, Thatcher Tatum, and Sam Belk were runnersup. Penland, Belk, and Dumas also teamed up with Brody Irvin for a runner-up finish in the 200 Free Relay.

For the girls, Tatum, VerBerkmoes, Patterson, and Olivia Bonner were all part of two runner-up relays (200 Medley and 200 Free). The MS teams have just two boys moving up next year Teagan Penland and Joshua Lander, while the girls will have Olivia Bonner, Olivia Henderson, Delaney Johnson, Emily Shoemaker, and Adelaide Tatum move to the high-school level.

STATE CHAMPION

MADISON DAMPIER 100 FLY

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Aconference semifinals run was the mark of an improved Lady Indians Middle School team in 2022-23. After suffering through growing pains last year with a young and inexperienced roster, this year’s group took the next step in being a competitive team each night they took the court.

The result was a deep Tri-State Conference tournament run that ended in the semifinals to Towns County. The Lady Indians polished off the season with a respectable 7-7 record overall. That included two wins each against Woody Gap, River Christian, and rival Rabun Gap. One of the high points for this group was a 3-game winning streak after beating River Christian on December 2, Rabun Gap on December 5, and Woody Gap on December 6.

Once in the Tri-State tournament, TFS earned a first round win over Rabun Gap, marking its third win over the rivals in the season. The season ended with a loss to Towns County.

Several girls stood out this season, while notable leading scorers included Handley James, LB Kafsky, Nora Mitchell, Linda White, and Payton McEntire. With only three players moving to high school next year, the team should be in great shape having a chance to play for the conference title next season.

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MS

For the second time in three years, the MS Indians earned a TriState Conference Championship. The Indians avenged last year’s heartbreaking loss with a win at Towns County. Same two teams, same court, different result.

After both teams earned home wins against the other this year, the finals would be held in Hiawassee. It marked the same place and setup as last season, where TFS saw a late lead vanish in the title game loss. This time, a huge second half propelled the Indians to the championship.

It capped a fantastic season for the Indians under first-year head coach Nathan Stanley, as the boys marched through the schedule with a 10-3 record. Early on, the dominance of the team was on display when the 2022 portion of the season produced a 5-0 mark.

A road loss on January 5 at Towns County was their first slip-up and evened the regular season series between the teams. The rest of the way, TFS went 5-2.

Brian Neely and Asa Popham routinely led the team in scoring. After earning a first round bye, the Indians downed Highlands at home in the semifinals, setting up the anticipated title rematch with Towns.

Other players who were regularly leading the charge include Ethan Phasavang, Derrick Lane, Brantley Addison, Lincoln Hicks, Isaac Farris, William NeSmith, Jack Greene, and others. Lane, Neely, and NeSmith are three starters who will move into high school next season. But with the return of so many play-makers, it wouldn’t be a suprise to once again see TFS in the same position in 2024.

The boys B-Team played four games this season. It was an opportunity for many players to get their first reps at the middle school level. Players such as Woods Irvin, Ryder Cantrell, Grant Smith, Joshua Newell, and others all fine-tuned their skills as the B-Team Indians went 0-4 on the short season.

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JV JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

If 2023 is any sign of the future, there’s little doubt in what could be coming to the varsity level soon. The Junior Varsity boys basketball team, brimming with young talent, showed the ability as individuals and as a team to have success while preparing for the next level.

The JV Indians boasted a 16-2 overall record under head coach Matt Crotta. The boys were dominant. Of the 16 victories, only three were within 10 points. Typically, the Indians would roll past opponents. However, they still showed the ability to win the close ones, and even the two losses were by a combined 12 points.

The Indians opened the season with a seven-game winning streak before suffering their first loss on the final game in calendar year 2022. Coming out of the break, the Indians reeled off a nine-game winning streak before dropping the season finale by a mere two points.

Throughout the season, sophomore Andrija Vujacic proved to be a legit threat for his future in the program. He consistently led the team on the court, and other sophomores such as Hayden Bootle, Jay Taylor, and Teryk Tilley were consistently among the scoring leaders. Several freshmen gained valuable experience, and Timothy Bain occasionally led the team in scoring as well.

JV INDIANS 01 Andrija Vujacic, SO 03 De’veone Allen, FR 04 Timothy Bain, FR 10 Jay Taylor, SO 12 Wyatt Franks, SO 14 Marquis Rolle, FR 15 Hayden Bootle, SO 21 Teryk Tilley, SO 24 Octavio Santana, JR 32 Manda Mandic, JR 33 Elijah Barker, FR 44 Bryson Perdue, FR MGR Aiden Woodside, JR
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The Junior Varsity Lady Indians had far fewer opportunities on the hardwood in 2022-23 than their counterparts, but still made the most of them. TFS, under coach Jo Kimbrel, finished the season with a 2-6 overall mark. After not getting to play until December 3 against White County, the girls lost their first game.

Another loss came a week later to Oglethorpe County, but those two contests were the only games TFS got to play in 2022. When the calendar turned to 2023, it carried with it the opportunity to play more and show that the team had improved.

A loss to Rabun in late January was followed by a great effort in a loss to Elbert. Both tremendous programs, and the trajectory was there for the Lady Indians as proof of the improvement. Then came a pair of back-to-back wins over Monsignor Donovan in which TFS outscored them 105-10. Those wins bookended a stellar four-point loss to Commerce in a solid effort. The girls closed the season with just a three-point loss to Rabun, marking a huge improvement over the previous meeting.

The Lady Indians featured several standouts, including Tiana Bojovic, Adrijana Albijanic, Lana Malbaski, Kovanne Strachen, and Pola Pilicka. That quintet regularly paced the offense in scoring, and players such as Millie Holcomb, Lupita Carillo, Emily Cai, and Ashlyn Cleveland all increased their experience and skill set.

JV LADY INDIANS 02 Ashlyn Cleveland, FR 11 Adrijana Albijanic, JR 12 Millie Holcomb, SO 13 Lana Malbaski, JR 14 Tiana Bojovic, JR 15 Lupita Carillo, FR 20 Kovanne Strachan, SO 21 Pola Pilicka, JR 24 Emily Cai, FR 21

VVARSITY BASKETBALL

Another year, another playoff trip for the Tallulah Falls Varsity Lady Indians. The streak has now reached five straight seasons in which the girls basketball team has played in the postseason. Next-level senior Denika Lightbourne’s historic final season guided the Lady Indians in the latest campaign.

The preseason All-State selection and eventual Region Player of the Year had an unforgettable season – 23.9 points and 8.8 rebounds on average. Her 598 total points marks the most in any season in school history, and she posted 15 25-plus point outings, seven 30-plus point games, and tied the single-game mark of 40.

Lightbourne, who during the school year committed and signed with Dayton University, finished her career with the second-most all-time points with 1,569, third in rebounds (652), and first all-time in assists (317), steals (307), and blocks (58). She had a historic outing in the team’s first win of the season against Denmark, eclipsing 1,000 career points and in the same contest becoming the all-time leader in steals, blocks, and assists.

With Lightbourne and fellow senior Tanisha Seymour, juniors Molly Mitchell and Allie Phasavang, and sophomores Breelyn Wood and Haygen James among others, the Lady Indians endured a very tough non-region schedule to prepare them for the region gauntlet ahead.

TFS was ranked #6 in the state early on and ended up putting up the fourthbest scoring output in school history. Playing in the same region as the defending State Champions (Elbert County) and Runner-Up (Rabun County) didn’t do many favors for Tallulah Falls, but the girls were able to show they could compete with anyone including those opponents. TFS went an even 4-4 in region play and entered the region tournament as the 3-seed. A tough start against Athens Christian in the consolation game pushed the Lady Indians to a 4-seed in the state bracket.

Once there, TFS fell on the road to 1-seeded Darlington to end their season with an overall record of 8-17. Lightbourne and Seymour claimed All-Region status, while Mitchell was named an Honorable Mention.

VARSITY LADY INDIANS 02 Breelyn Wood, SO 03 Allie Phasavang, JR 04 Haygen James, SO 05 Molly Mitchell, JR 10 Miracle Bain, SR 11 Emily Cai, FR 12 Millie Holcomb, SO 14 Tiana Bojovic, JR 21 Nahia Fresno Suarez, SR 23 Denika Lightbourne, SR 40 Tanisha Seymour, SR MGR Tahj Charlton, JR
22 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE

VARSITY INDIANS

01 Joey Lamm, SR

04 Anfernee Hanna, SR

05 Diego Crotta, SR

10 Vlad Popescu, SR

12 Lazar Grujanic, SR

14 Krystian Jankiewicz, SR

15 Lincoln Hall, SR

21 Teryk Tilley, SO

22 Zakhar Valasiuk, JR

24 Sam Ketch, JR

MGR Angelina Kim, JR

It was another season of significance for the Tallulah Falls Indians. Coach Cody Coleman led the program to its fourth consecutive state tournament appearance, a first for the Indians.

The expectations were as high as ever coming into the season, with the team returning All-State talent and four-year starter Anfernee Hanna to headline the starting lineup. He was joined by sharp-shooter Vlad Popescu, Lincoln Hall, Diego Crotta, and Krystian Jankiewicz in the starting lineup.

With all being seniors, it was no surprise the team got out to a hot start that included a #4 state ranking and a runner-up finish in the Jefferson Thanksgiving Tournament. It was part of an 8-1 start to the season for the Indians. A one point loss to Oglethorpe County at home interrupted a stretch of four-straight wins and a 14-2 start. In fact, TFS rebounded from that outing with a revenge win at #4-ranked Oglethorpe’s house by 17 points. At the end of calendar year 2022, Tallulah Falls held a spectacular 11-2 record.

2023 provided more challenges than originally anticipated. Despite winning the first three games of January, a one-point loss to Prince Avenue Christian despite holding a double-digit fourth-quarter lead opened a stretch of three straight losses. Counting that game, TFS went 4-8 the rest of the season, including the region tournament and state tournament.

TFS ended up earning the number three seed going into the region tournament, and after falling to Rabun County, the Indians won the consolation game against Elbert County. That gave Tallulah Falls a three-seed into the state playoffs. The boys nearly came up with an upset first round win but fell 60-57 at Chattooga.

The end result was a 17-10 record and one of the best individual seasons in school history by Hanna. The small forward eclipsed 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds in his final season. He finished at 18.8 points per game and 507 total points (second-most in school history). He became the first Indians player to have three 30-point games. Hanna also had a team-high 8.1 rebounds per game and became the all-time winningest player in TFS history with 65 victories. The 1st-Team AllRegion selection ended his career third in school history in points (1,204), second in rebounds (620), fifth in blocks (32), and he added 97 steals and 124 assists. After finishing the season with a single-season record of 132 free throws made and tied for first in field goals made with 176, Hanna’s 445 made buckets tied him for the all-time lead.

Fellow 1st-Team All-Region pick Popescu drained 64 3-pointers, which is the third most in a singleseason in TFS history. The Indians also had Crotta and Hall earn AllRegion Honorable Mention status, along with Jankiewicz. Zakhar Valasiuk and Sam Ketch were the lone non-seniors who logged more than 20 games played.

23

STUDENT LEADERS

INTERNATIONAL GAMES

GAMES

Tallulah Falls School has long had a robust international community, but this year marks the start of an exciting new tradition: the International Games Competition. The month-long series of athletic events among the school’s boarding students is designed to unite them and foster even stronger bonds within the community. The competition is divided into three weekends, each featuring a different sport. Table tennis kicked things off, followed by basketball and soccer, leading to one of the school’s most anticipated events: International Week.

The International Games Competition is a student-led and student-managed activity, organized by senior international student liaisons Nahia Fresno Suarez of Spain and Benjamin Okoronkwo of Nigeria. Their goal was to create an opportunity for the school’s international boarding community to unite, support one another, and develop a deeper sense of integration. The atmosphere was electric, and students relished trying their best in a competitive environment.

“The international basketball tournament was a fun experience,” said eighth-grader Brian Neely of the Bahamas. “I felt it helped all the different nationalities bond through the game of basketball. Everyone had fun and competed. I really enjoyed playing against students from other countries and having fun.”

Junior Octavio Santana Campuzano of Spain also spoke fondly of the event. “There was a great atmosphere, and we had a great time because everyone tried their best so we could see good basketball and have fun at the same time,” he said.

The International Games Competition was a resounding success, with students from all over the world coming together to cheer on their classmates and form new friendships. It was a testament to the importance of sports in bringing people together, regardless of their backgrounds. As the school’s international community continues to grow, with 30 countries represented in this year’s student body, events like the International Games Competition will undoubtedly become even more important, helping to build an even stronger and more cohesive community.

24 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
Benjamin Okoronkwo and Nahia Fresno Suarez

The Tallulah Falls School cheerleading squads have just wrapped up a season to remember, with 19 dedicated girls bringing something unique and special to the team. Under the guidance of Head Coach Rainen Wade and Assistant Head Coach Sassy Hayes, the team worked tirelessly to perfect their skills, support each other, and achieve their goals.

One of the season’s highlights was the close bond that the team formed, with the JV and varsity teams practicing together and offering support to one another. Even the new freshmen on the team stepped up and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to learn how to stunt, with the upperclassmen providing encouragement and guidance every step of the way.

Senior Cassidy Hayes shared her emotional connection to the team, saying that being on the team creates a special bond that will be

hard to leave behind. She also praised her fellow cheerleaders, saying that all the girls bring something special to the team and that it wouldn’t have been the same without any of them.

The team’s dedication and hard work paid off in spades, with their impressive performances on the court throughout the season. The team attended a stunt cheer clinic at the beginning of the season with the Piedmont University Competition cheer team, led by Coach Rabern, which gave them valuable experience and a new perspective on their sport.

“The Tallulah Falls School cheerleading teams had an incredible season, with solid leadership, a tight bond, and a lot of hard work and dedication from every team member. They should be proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future successes,” said Coach Wade.

Cheer FAMILY

25
TFS JV & VARSITY CHEER WITH PIEDMONT UNIVERSITY COMPETITION CHEER

LEGENDS HALL OF HONOR

Tallulah Falls School officially inducted two individuals and a team into the Athletic Legends Hall of Honor on Saturday, January 14. A special private ceremony was attended by Tim Crenshaw (‘71), Chuck Nunn (‘78), and the 1968 Football Team. Those alum are part of the Class of 2022 Legends Hall of Honor for TFS.

Following the ceremony, which included the members and their families and friends, the inductees were recognized at mid-court between the varsity girls and boys basketball games against Prince Avenue Christian.

Crenshaw was a standout TFS football player and multiple All-State lineman who went on to play at the University of Georgia. He was also a standout in basketball and track and field, and a leader on and off the athletic field while at Tallulah Falls. Crenshaw was a pivotal part of the 1968 football team as well (see below).

Nunn was a multi-sport star in his time at Tallulah Falls, including being the team MVP in both tennis and basketball all four years. He brought TFS three region titles in tennis and was ranked 23rd in the nation in the junior circuit. He played college tennis at Gainesville Junior College and then Southwest Texas State University, where he

was a three-time All-American and three-time National Champion. He went on to compete professionally in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), where he was a multiple qualifier at Wimbledon, the French Open, US Open, and Canadian Open. He won some 262 professional matches and had a top-300 world ranking.

The 1968 Tallulah Falls Indians was the best team in school history in football. TFS went 9-1 that season while outscoring opponents 365-31 and were ranked #1 in the state during that time. The team finished as runner-up in Region 3C, which kept them out of the playoffs in a time when only the region champions advanced. The lone loss was to a much larger Georgia Industrial Institute, who was granted special court approval to play in the same classification as schools like Tallulah Falls. The 1968 team shut out the final five teams on the schedule, including a season-ending 61-0 win over Buford. Crenshaw was an All-State member of that team, while star captain Mike Kemp set then-GHSA state records in receiving yards and receiving TDs while earning All-State status as well. Kemp also made state history by having a game in which he scored five touchdowns in five different ways — still a state record. Quarterback Tommy Oppenheim was a standout player on the team, as was cocaptain George Rosser.

TIM
TIGHT END,
CRENSHAW
CLASS OF 1971 CHUCK NUNN TENNIS, CLASS OF 1978 (Left to Right) Sam Jenkins-OL/D-Class of 1972, Johnny Boring-Manager-Class of 1969, Mike Kemp-HB/WR (Captain)-Class of 1969, George Rosser’s son Kristian Rosser representing (deceased)-FB (Captain)-Class of 1969, Larry Vickers-DE/OL-Class of 1971, Kenneth Nicholson-OL/DL-Class of 1970, Tim Crenshaw-OL/DT-Class of 1971, Tommy Oppenheim-QB-Class of 1969
26 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
27

Division 1 bound

Denika Lightbourne has left an indelible mark on Tallulah Falls. Since her freshman year on the basketball court, she’s been that player that has turned heads. She was always destined to shine, and she’ll soon be taking her talents to NCAA Division I Dayton University as a member of the Lady Flames’ women’s basketball team.

In signing her Letter of Intent, Lightbourne became the first Tallulah Falls basketball player to go D-I. Her senior season was nothing short of sensational. She set a single-season scoring record of (523) points, topping the next four spots on the list set by Nyah Williams. Lightbourne finished second to Williams in career points (1,494) and became one of just two players (with Williams) to be a 1,000-point, 500-rebound member.

Lightbourne, a three-time First Team All-Region honoree and one-time Second Team member, finished her prep career third all-time in rebounds (634) and is the all-time leader in assists (311), blocks (52), and steals (293). She tied Williams’ mark of most points in a single game with 40 during a January 2023 game against Commerce. Lightbourne tallied six 30-point games in her final season, marking the most by any player in school history. Furthermore, she had a total of 13 career games with 25 or more points.

Tallulah Falls has helped shape the future for Lightbourne.

“Playing for TFS really made me grow as a player,” said Lightbourne. “I have experienced different types of teams, work ethics, and chemistry,

and it made me realize the type of people I want to be around and the type of leader I would like to be. I am grateful for this journey because I never would’ve believed in myself as much as I do now without the help of all my coaches and teammates.”

Lightbourne often took an active role in leadership rather than vocally early on, though she enhanced the latter part during her final season at TFS.

“I would say I was more of a quiet leader,” added Lightbourne. “I would rather pull you to the side and have a conversation, but now I would consider myself more vocal and outgoing. Mainly because I’m expected to come out of that comfort zone. I try to let everyone be comfortable, learn how to take criticism, and just want to get better and remain focused while having fun.”

While Lightbourne has always been a standout since that 201920 freshman season, the players around her have helped her become the player she is now.

“This year my teammates have really pushed me,” said Lightbourne. “Although they might not think so, I owe it all to them for helping me become the player I am today.”

Lightbourne has her place atop almost every statistical category, but more importantly, is her team’s success. Since her first game at Tallulah Falls, Lightbourne has been a part of four consecutive state playoff teams, including an Elite 8 run and Region Championship in 2021-22, a Sweet 16 run in ’19-20, and two other first round appearances. In each of her four seasons, the Lady Indians were at one point state ranked, peaking as high as #6 in 2021-22. The teams have been four of the top six scoring units in school history and have won 56 games.

28 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE

Sarah Jennings personifies what it means to be a legend. She will leave Tallulah Falls School as a legendary volleyball player — perhaps the best to ever suit up for the Lady Indians — but she’s an even better teammate, student, and person. The holder of six school records, she has achieved success on and off the court and leaves behind a lasting legacy that includes a state championship and a humble attitude that elevates those around her.

Since the age of 10, Jennings has finetuned her craft in the game of volleyball. Starting out some eight years ago, she’s learned more than just the skills necessary to become the greatest volleyball player in Tallulah Falls School history. While she has given the school and the sport so much, it has granted her much more in return.

“This sport has given me so many lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget,” said Jennings. “It has given me opportunities to not only better my skill, but better myself as a person. Volleyball has always been a safe place where I can just put the world aside and pursue my passion. I will forever be grateful for this sport.”

The old adage ‘records were made to be broken’ rang true for Jennings. Though her goals were not always set on becoming the all-time leader in kills, digs, or aces, her elite level of play led to her finding those records on the way. While those categories have her name etched on the leader board, she recognized they belong to all her teammates, coaches, fans, and family.

“I am so grateful for the amazing teams that I have been a part of that have encouraged, supported, and helped me to accomplish these goals,” stated Jennings. “I would not be where I am today without my teammates, my coaches, and my family. Teamwork and trust are two very important aspects of volleyball, and without a good pass and set, I never could’ve gotten so many kills. The excitement on the court, on the bench, in the student section, and from the fans fueled me and pushed me to be my best. It means so much to me that I have been given these amazing opportunities to work hard and challenge myself and have such a successful outcome.”

Jennings’ career school records include kills (1,085), digs (1,025), and aces (283). She also holds single-match records in kills (28) and digs (28), as well as single-season kills mark of 417. She is the school’s lone Region/Area Player of the Year and is the only player in TFS history to be named 1stTeam All-Area three times.

Still, she’d exchange all the accolades and stats for what she was able to accomplish in her final season at TFS — a state championship. In the team’s historic 2022 run that included 35 wins, the first-ever Area Championship, and going 14-0 at home, Tallulah Falls earned a record eight wins over state-ranked opponents on the way to the GHSA 1A State Championship over Mt. Bethel. Few players ever get the chance to play for a title, let alone win one in their final match of their high school career. It was a storybook ending for Jennings that even she couldn’t have written going into the season.

“Teamwork and trust are two very important aspects of volleyball.”

The LEGEND

29

Grace Brewer’s journey began at Tallulah Falls School where she graduated in 2018 before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Georgia. Four years later, she graduated with her degree and began a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Reflecting on her time at TFS, Brewer said, “I found a passion, was pushed to learn and built a support system during high school that served as a springboard into my time at college.” She credits Mrs. Peevy’s biology class with sparking her interest in scientific research, specifically through reading “The Hot Zone” by Richard Preston.

Brewer recalls how her teachers, Mrs. Bly and Mr. Greiving, challenged her to excel in college-level courses and honed her reading and writing skills. “All of my teachers prepared me to excel in college courses that heavily focused on reading and writing,” she said.

In pursuit of her career goal to work at the National Institutes of Health, Grace found a home in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where she researches the mechanism of transcriptional activation of Bacillus anthracis virulence genes. She is grateful to everyone who helped her along the way, including her time at TFS.

“Without Tallulah Falls School and the community surrounding it, I would not have the foundation I needed to be successful in my career today,” said Brewer. “I am always happy to talk about careers in science with students interested in learning about the field!”

Brewer’s success is a testament to the quality education and supportive community that Tallulah Falls School provides its students. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!

GRACE BREWER

TFS CLASS OF 2018

30 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE

OGE OKOYE AMAKA

TFS CLASS OF 2010

When Oge Okoye Amaka and her parents drove from Fayetteville, Georgia to visit the TFS campus in 2006, she “immediately fell in love.” That fall, Amaka moved into the dorms and started her freshman year at TFS. Without skipping a beat, she began to work hard on her academics. “I stayed focused on my grades and I ended up graduating as valedictorian,” said Amaka. She was also STAR Student in 2010 and chose Cyndy Campbell as her STAR teacher. “She was one of those kids that was a true blessing to teach and coach,” said Campbell.

Amaka was also a well-rounded athlete. She played volleyball, basketball and track. “I did a little bit of everything,” she said. Amaka left a lasting impression on her coaches. “In everything she did, she represented herself, her family and TFS with utmost integrity and persistence,” said Athletic Director and coach Scott Neal. “She earned respect and admiration from peers, staff and coaches because of her unwavering commitment.”

After high school, Amaka completed her bachelor’s and PharmD degrees at the University of Georgia before moving to Houston, Texas to complete her pharmacy residency training at Harris Health System in pharmacy leadership and administration.

“My high school education has played a big role in my life because there was an avenue to do a lot of different things, but TFS also provided a lot of

structure and they wouldn’t let me fail,” she said. This helped Amaka learn to stay balanced.

Academic Dean Kim Popham had a significant impact on her life. The fact that “she never wavered” spoke volumes to Amaka.

Along with learning balance, Amaka’s time at TFS taught her discipline. “I found that I easily transitioned to college because I had that discipline of study and focus,” she said.

In 2020, she added a Master of Pharmacy Leadership and Administration from the University of Houston to her impressive academic portfolio. She now serves as the Pharmacy Operations Manager with Harris Health System.

She married in 2016, and she and her husband have three girls ages five, two and eight months. “As a mom, there are so many people that depend on me,” said Amaka. “My kids are the biggest motivating factor for me to do my best at work. They help me to stay grounded, to stay true to myself.”

Amaka is most thankful for the relationships that she built during her time at TFS. She remains connected to her classmates. “Whenever we see each other, it is like no time has passed,” said Amaka. “They make me laugh and help keep me grounded.”

ALUMNI AFTER TFS 31

2023 TFS STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Agroup of 70 students participate in the student ambassadors program as representatives of the upper school student body for the 2022-23 school year. These students serve as role models for their peers and project a positive image of the school on and off campus.

Ambassadors are nominated by the faculty and staff based on leadership, academic performance, participation in athletics, extracurricular activities, and involvement in their communities.

The student ambassadors attended a dinner with President and Head of School Larry Peevy at the Hush Restaurant in Clayton, Georgia on January 20. There, they shared time with fellow ambassadors and talked with Dr. Peevy. “Dr. Peevy values fellowship with students and aims to create connections,” said senior ambassador Mei Hui de Velasco. “The program truly fosters opportunities to grow interpersonal relationships with peers and mentors.”

Seniors: Bralen Allen, Nana Amankwah, Walker Bailey, Sandra Badia Cester, Stasa Beratovic, Canon Brooks, Simeon Conjagic, Mei Hui de Velasco, Anfernee Hanna, Cassidy Hayes, Christy Hulsey, Sarah Jennings, Isabella Jones, Chloe Kahwach, Hannah Lundy, Meredith Morris, Benjamin Okoronkwo, Keelie Parks, Madisyn Ramey, Seungwook (Daniel) Shin, Linda Wang, Florence Jue Wang, Henrry Xiong, Sarah Zhang

Juniors: Anna Reese Akers, Austin Ball, Jenna Chesser, Eli Damron, Nnamdi Ezuni, Lawson Fulbright, Brooke Hayes, Jane Ibemere, Annabelle Jackson, Angelina Kim, Claire Kelly, Addy McCoy, Joseph McGahee, Molly Mitchell, Dani Prince, Henry Rickman, Julianne Shirley, Sivheng (Susie) Sun, Caden Walker, Jake Wehrstein, Ashlyn Yaskiewicz, Skylyn Yaskiewicz

Sophomores: Ade Akisanya, Emma Barron, Timothy Beck, Cole Borchers, Josie Chesser, Jackson Cording, TJ Cox, Madison Dampier, Jovana Dermanovic, Reagan Duncan, Haygen James, Clay Kafsky, Madeline Martin, Jacob Mitchell, KC Respress, Caroline Smith, Victoria VerBerkmoes, Danny Vigille-Grant, Lizzy Wanner

Freshman: Dylan Brooks, Kate Gary, Carsyn Griffis, Kaylin Pickett

ON CAMPUS AT THE UPPER SCHOOL 32 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE

Ski Days

On January 23, 2023, the upper school spent a wildly wonderful day on the slopes in Maggie Valley, NC, at the Cataloochee Ski Resort. “Everyone was really enjoying themselves,” said junior Luka Kutateladze. “It was one of the best skiing experiences I’ve had in a while.”

The annual ski trip is a favorite tradition among TFS students, and it is often the first experience with snow for many boarding students from countries with warmer climates.

TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL

P.O. Box 10

Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573

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Parents of alumni: If this issue is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Executive Director for Advancement of the new mailing address at (706) 839-2021 or sonya.smith@tallulahfalls.org.

The TFS Online Spirit Store is a fresh alternative for fans, students, and alumni looking to show off their school pride. This virtual store offers a wide selection of official spirit wear, including outerwear, hoodies, polos, bags, and more. With this one-stop-shop, you can purchase your favorite items and have them delivered right to your doorstep.

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