TA L L U L A H FA L L S S C H O O L
ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
CLASS of 2022
Being a TFS Legacy Student
The Beacon:
Student Literary Magazine
Valedictorian & Salutatorian Twins
Global Citizen Awareness Panel
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tudent creatives celebrated the Evening of the Arts at Tallulah Falls School on March 28 for an audience of parents, faculty and staff. Upper school music, visual arts, drama and culinary arts were featured at the event. Upon arrival, guests were treated to studentmade culinary selections before circulating through the visual arts gallery. Musicians played in the Circle Building Lobby and theater students showcased a recent show. One impressive visual art project, a threedimensional sea creature created by Skylyn Yaskiewicz has found a new home beyond the TFS campus. The octopus named “Hank” will be on display at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN and will likely travel to other Ripley’s museums.
MIXED MEDIA Ezekiel Phillips
Evening of the Arts
The ambitious project, featuring 2,088 sections of colored pencils, is an example of the type of project inspired by the open-ended visual arts curriculum offered at TFS. According to Skylyn’s mother, Shannon Yaskiewicz, the project was “too cool to sit at home.” She contacted the museum via email, attaching a photo. It wasn’t long before Hank had a new home and a tentative tour schedule. “The freedom they[students] have to create is wonderful,” Shannon Yaskiewicz said.
WOODBURNING Sam Ketch ACRYLIC PAINT & GEL Cecily Tucker
3D ARTWORK Skylyn Yaskiewicz
IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL
DR. LARRY A. PEEVY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ADVANCEMENT Sonya M. Smith
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA E. Lane Gresham
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Brandi Wood
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL MEDIA Brian Carter
NEWS
EDUCATION
SPORTS
02 Letter from the President
04 Class of 2022 Achievements
18 Middle School Spring Sports
03 Celebrating TFS Family
06 2015-2022: Legacy Students
14 Pit Viper Championship BBQ
07 Graduation Recap
20 Swing for the Fences: Varsity Baseball
12 Global Citizen Awareness Panel
08 Top Honor Twins: Val & Sal
13 Biology in a Nutshell
09 Senior Capstone Presentations
13 Stories Through the Lens
10 Middle School Year End Awards
16 Madrigal Performance 17 Junior / Senior Prom 30 Math Club
11 Upper School Year End Awards 15 Classroom Clips
22 Season Recap: Varsity Soccer 24 Season Recap: Varsity Track & Field 26 Season Recap: Varsity Tennis 28 Season Recap: Varisty Golf 28 Precision Rifle State Wrapup 29 Bass Fishing Recap
30 TOME Society 31 Ukrainian Refugee Relief 32 The Beacon: Student Literary Magazine 33 Adventures Abroad
DESIGNER Brandi Wood EDITOR E. Lane Gresham CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Carter E. Lane Gresham Flannery Hogan PHOTOGRAPHY E. Lane Gresham Brandi Wood Austin Poffenberger Brooke Gragg/Artistic Images Crump Photo
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The many activities associated with the end of another exciting academic year are behind us.
Our 77-member graduating class is a primary focus of this issue of On Campus. This accomplished class earned $9.5 million in scholarships to more than 125 colleges and universities. This is an impressive achievement and one we celebrate with the families of these students. Reflecting on the year, it is with the warm memory of returning to campus last August to start what has been a typical school year. After the restrictions of the pandemic, it was great to feel the connections of being back together. I loved seeing the smiles as our students greeted each other after a summer apart. Many of our students, particularly our seniors, had missed out on relationships they had anticipated. I was so happy that our seniors had an opportunity to return to their TFS family this year. This was a year of exemplary performance in all areas – academic, arts and athletics. Obviously, the hard work of the seniors is evidenced by their scholarship offers, but this class also took full advantage of the 21 college classes taught on campus, making it possible for many of them to start college with enough credits to qualify as sophomores. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing great success across the board in all areas. Our theater productions and choral and musical concerts were professional and polished. Our art showcases illustrated the talent being nurtured in art classes at both the middle and upper school levels. Our sports teams performed exceptionally well, with most teams qualifying for state-level competition. Considering all of these things, I can say this has been one of the most enjoyable years I’ve experienced at TFS. The students have set a new standard for themselves; they know they can do it now. We are going to see this level of excellence as the new norm for TFS. I’m most proud that the quality of the education experience continues to grow. As you spend time with the latest issue of On Campus, I invite you to read about our remarkable seniors, our outstanding student-athletes and other featured individuals making the most of the TFS experience.
PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL
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CELEBRATING FAMILY
It’s easy to see that Tallulah Falls School employees love this learning community. Each year at post-planning, facutly and staff celebrate milestone employee anniversaries.
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YEARS BRENT BAKER
BRANDY CORBETT
TIM CORBETT
JOEL COX
TA M A R A GRIFFIS
CHARLES HARRISON
SUSIE JUSTUS
JAMES KEENAN
ZEKE MASSEE
JANICE BARDEN
DALLAS BARRON
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YEARS T R AV I S MULLIS
G AY L E PAY N E
MICHAEL ROGERS
CHARLES HARRISON
TED STERNHARDT
LIANA WELBORN
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15
30
YEARS
YEARS WANDA DUNN
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YEARS JON BENSON
LARRY PEEVY
JORDAN WEST
ERIC HOLLIFIELD
YEARS TERRI BOGAN
JIMMY FRANKLIN
RETIRING FROM TFS JANICE BARDEN
TINA CHEEK
MARK JANE RASMUSSEN SHOEMAKER
CASEY BARRON, DIRECTOR OF IT J O S H B R A D Y, A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R O F I T
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wo seasoned Information Technology department employees have been promoted at Tallulah Falls School.
Plans this summer include enhancing the security camera system to expand storage and features and upgrading the WiFi in both residence halls.
Casey Barron will lead the department as Director of IT, with Josh Brady serving as Assistant Director.
“Having Josh as the assistant director brings valuable experience and knowledge to help lead the Tallulah Falls IT Department,” Barron said. “I would like to thank Dr. Peevy for having the confidence in me to lead the IT Department, and I look forward to my new role.”
Barron and Brady have worked together for the past eight years and have similar goals related to the service-oriented mindset vital in supporting IT in an academic setting. “My goal as director is to maintain the excellent service our team provides and bring the latest technology to TFS,” Barron said. “I want our faculty, staff, and students always to have the best technology available.”
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allulah Falls School has added a new position to expand employee support.
Effective May 2, Marlee Fleming is working as Director of Human Resources in the business office. Fleming will refine and expand the service Tallulah Falls School provides to new and existing employees in this new role. “We are delighted to welcome Marlee to our learning community,” said Larry A. Peevy. “Her background will add value to our human resource offerings in this new position; we are confident
Promoting from within made sense with these positions, said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. He added that this leadership team has the institutional knowledge base to make an immediate impact.
JOSH BRADY
CASEY BARRON
“Under Casey’s leadership, I am confident this vital part of the school’s infrastructure will continue in its upward trajectory of superior customer service,” said Larry A. Peevy. “Having Josh step up as assistant director will add an essential layer of talent and personal service to the department’s initiatives.”
MARLEE FLEMMING DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
she will make an immediate impact.” Fleming most recently served at Piedmont University as a Human Resources Generalist. Her extensive background in working with personnel matters includes serving the internal employee community on matters related to employment, employee benefits documentation and record-keeping. She has a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA in Business Administration from Piedmont College [University].
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CLASS OF 2022 ACHIEVEMENTS
THE TFS CLASS OF 2022 IS COMPRISED OF 77 STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO SOME OF THE NATION’S FINEST COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND MILITARY ACADEMIES.
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icking into a celebratory mode the week before graduation, Tallulah Falls School senior girls added their own touch to the school’s practice of celebrating college acceptances. In addition to wearing a college or university shirt, many of the girls decorated their khaki uniform skorts in complementary colors and designs. Launched in 2018, the playful painting of skorts has grown into a muchanticipated avenue to showcase school colors. This year’s collection of creativity illustrates the artistic talent exhibited by members of the Class of 2022.
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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Adelphi University Agnes Scott College Alfred University Anderson University Appalachian State University ArtCenter College of Design Athens Technical College Auburn University Augusta University Bard College Barry University Bentley University Berry College Boston University Brenau University Bryn Mawr College Carnegie Mellon University at Charlotte Case Western Reserve University Chowan University Clark University Clemson University Colgate University College of Saint Benedict The College of Wooster Colorado School of Mines Converse University Denison University DePauw University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach Emory University Flagler College Florida Memorial University Fordham University Furman University Georgia College & State University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia Southwestern State University Georgia State University Hartwick College Jacksonville State University Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Kennesaw State University Lanier Technical College Liberty University Lynn University Mars Hill University Maryland Institute College of Art Maryville University Mercer University Mid-Atlantic Christian University Mount Holyoke College New York University North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University North Georgia Technical College Northeastern University Nova Southeastern University Oglethorpe University Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Olivet Nazarene University Oxford College of Emory University Palm Beach Atlantic University Parsons School of Design Pennsylvania State University Piedmont University Pratt Institute Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Rollins College Rutgers University Saint Augustine’s University Saint Leo University Saint Louis University Samford University Santa Barbara City College School of Visual Arts Sewanee: The University of the South Shaw University Simmons University Smith College St. John Fisher College Stetson University Talladega College Toccoa Falls College Truett McConnell University United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arkansas University of Belgrade University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-Riverside University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of California-Santa Cruz University of Georgia University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Kentucky University of Michigan The University of Mississippi University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Florida University of North Georgia The University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh
University of South Florida University of Southern California The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee The University of Texas at Austin University of Toronto The University of Vermont University of Waterloo University of Wisconsin-Madison Valdosta State University Ventura College Virginia Military Institute Washburn University Washington University in St Louis West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western University Wingate University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Young Harris College
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LEGACY
STUDENTS 2015-2022
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allulah Falls School “Legacy” group graduated together on May 20.
With 25 members represented in the Class of 2022, the impact of the Tallulah Falls School experience is evident. Legacy students are those who enroll at TFS in the sixth grade and attend continuously throughout middle and high school. These students are the heart of a class, bonding early and welcoming new classmates as they progress through middle and high school. The archival photos from that first yearbook photo session in the fall of 2015 contrast with the senior portraits for a fun “then” and “now” comparison.
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Lucia Alexander Colton Augustine Caroline Ball Trevor Bramlett Reagan Brode Andrea Caudell Emily Church Kylar Clouatre Charles Cody Evette Corwin Tillie Crumley Allie Dalton Andrew Erwin Nancy Fisher Aiden Gragg Sophie Herrera Donald Higgins Joshua Jackson Lilly Johnson Honora Kahwach John Popham Nafis Rahman Tate Shaw Ethan Wanner Ava Wehrstein
GRADUATION C L A S S
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eventy-seven graduating seniors celebrated a significant educational milestone on May 20 at Tallulah Falls School’s commencement ceremony. Sustaining the tradition of previous classes, the 2022 class earned more than $9.5 million in scholarship offers and was admitted to more than 125 colleges and universities. During the commencement ceremony, 77 seniors were recognized. Personal messages for students from a faculty or staff member were included in a digital presentation.
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President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy addressed the graduates, families, faculty, staff and guests and Dean of Enrollment Management Kelly Woodall provided a prayer. Peevy also extended greetings from TFS Board Chair Gail Cantrell before he and Academic Dean Kim Popham presented diplomas to the excited seniors. “We are so proud of these outstanding young people,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. “They are destined for bright futures as they advance to the next level of education.”
As part of the college preparatory curriculum offered at TFS, Peevy said, the school offers 21 college classes on campus, allowing many students to start college as sophomores. Twins Jingyi “Jason” Sang and Jingan “Jerry” Sang of Shanghai, China were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to family, teachers and others, reflecting on the memories of time spent with friends and acknowledging the impact of the TFS experience.
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CLASS OF 2022
VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN
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wins Jingyi “Jason” Sang and Jingan “Jerry” Sang of Shanghai, China were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to family, teachers and others, reflecting on the memories of time spent with friends and acknowledging the impact of the TFS experience.
Excerpt from valedictorian Jingyi “Jason” Sang’s speech:
VALEDICTORIAN
JINGYI “JASON” SANG
“I would like to thank the administration, teachers, boarding staff members, and students for making the past four years wonderful. I would like to personally thank my family for their support, Ms. Bly for her help on my SAT, Mr. Greiving for all of our insightful conversations, Ms. Harris for her love and effort towards math club, Coach Heyl for his conundrums, Ms. Huebner for her excellent teaching in chemistry, Ms. Walden for her literature recommendations, and all the teachers for teaching me. I would like you all to know that in this speech I will give no advice. There are many other people who can provide better advice--people who are older, more educated, and more experienced than I. I don’t feel it would be worth your time to hear the ruminations of a teenager about your future. Maybe when I’m old, and hopefully, rich and famous, I’ll be worthy of giving advice. However, I am happy to share a few thoughts…”
Visit www.tallulahfalls.org to view the video, additional photos from the event and the full content of the valedictorian and salutatorian speeches.
Excerpt from salutatorian Jingan “Jerry” Sang’s speech:
SALUTATORIAN
JINGAN “JERRY” SANG 8 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
“Your efforts will not betray you. Although sometimes your journey will take you in different directions, the experiences you have gained from your efforts will pay off. We all understand that every goal we set may not be achieved, but the fact that we will consistently give our best efforts will allow us to look back someday and be proud of our perseverance. Author Les Brown once said: “Shoot for the moon. If you miss it, you will still land among the stars.” He meant that though our journey may not take us down the planned path, that’s okay. If the person’s lack of ability causes all the misfortunes in the world, then the hard work we put forth will never fail us. We are all destined for great things, only how we achieve them will differ.”
SENIOR CAPSTONES
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eniors played a little “show and tell” with the juniors during a Capstone senior project Q&A session on April 7.
All Tallulah Falls School students select a capstone topic during the junior year, interview at least two experts in the capstone subject matter, then continue to research the topic during the senior year. The culminating project for the senior year requires several milestones before the final grade. Other requirements include an extensive research paper and a 10-minute speech, evaluated by community members. According to Capstone Advisor Dallas Barron, the Q&A session required the students to highlight five facts from the project, create an infographic and be prepared to present and answer questions as juniors visited each table. “Today’s event provided a unique opportunity for our juniors to learn from the seniors while pushing the seniors to prove their knowledge by asking thoughtful questions,” Barron said. The Capstone project gives students the opportunity to showcase to students, teachers and staff their passion, research, and experience gained from their chosen topic.
A SAMPLE OF THE 77 TOPICS PRESESNTED:
Walter Agingu Colton Augustine Drew Bates Trevor Bramlett Shelby Ann Brightwell Ming Le Cai Maddie Clouatre Allie Dalton Tom Fu Marissa Gergeni Aiden Gragg Rick He Sophie Herrera Aubrey Higgins Flannery Hogan Honora Kahwach George Ketch Sean Lynes, Jr. David Medina Joel Miller Macy Murdock Gavin Page Zion Parnes Maggie Peacock Tyler Popham Evan Prince Karis Tatum Ethan Wanner Ashli Webb Ava Wehrstein Erika Wiese Kat Williams Kristian Williams Emily Wolfe
Police Brutality and Communities of Color American Foreign Policy in the Developing World Alternative Treatments for Dementia Funding the Endangered Species Act How ADHD Medications Affect Learning in Schools Drones and their Purpose in Society Orofacial and Speech Therapy Treating Dementia without Medication 5G Internet Impact: How does it change our life? Prevention of Teen Depression Hydroelectric Power Empty Nesters Diagnostic Challenges of Women with ADHD The Mental Downside of Sports The Prediction and Prevention of Pandemics Lack of Athletic Resources in Developing Countries Issues Veterans Face when they return from Service Discrimination against Women is U.S. Combat Groups Get Rid of Cell Phone Addiction Once and For All Technology: Its Impacts and Effects The Backlog in DNA Processing The Death Penalty in America The Multi-Form of Censorship Gifted Kid Burnout The Effect of Bullying and Cyberbullying The Dirt on Clean Technology Struggles in the Nursing Industry Socialism The Negative Effects on Rehabilitation Facilities Mental Health in Foster Children The Effects of Advertising on Children Gentrification Around the World Intimate Partner Violence Prevent Childhood Trauma, Reduce Crime Rates
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MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS
O U T S TA N D I N G F I F T H GRADE STUDENT FENN NESMITH
O U T S TA N D I N G S I X T H GRADE STUDENT ELSIE SIMS
O U T S TA N D I N G S E V E N T H GRADE STUDENT RYLEIGH WILSON
“Fenn is always doing the right thing. He always tries to do his best work whether it is for a grade or not. Fenn is always kind and helpful to everyone.”
“With a calm demeanor and unexpected humor, Elsie attempts classroom and extracurricular assignments with determination and dedication. She does not give up or give in. Whether spending multiple weeknight hours preparing for a dance recital or maximizing study hall time to complete homework or prepare for the next day’s quiz, Elsie gets the job done and does it well.”
“Ryleigh emerged as a leader right away, radiating positive energy and enthusiasm in all of her classes. Because she is a serious student and always strives to do her best, she is successful in every academic area. Her teachers have consistently received quality work from her on every assignment given.”
O U T S TA N D I N G E I G H T H GRADE STUDENT L I LY G A G L I O
“Throughout the 2021-22 school year, Lily Gaglio’s can-do spirit and optimism never wavered. She gained the admiration of her peers through her kindness and hard work.”
CLASS OF 2026
TOP AWARD STUDENTS
5th Grade D.A.R. - Mary Kate Ball 6th Grade D.A.R. - Walker Bochat 7th Grade D.A.R. - Nolan Dalton 8th Grade D.A.R. - Keira Webb Scholar Athlete - Charlotte Stafford TFS Great Character - Carsyn Griffis & Jackson Savage Indian of the Year - Ethan Wheeler
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PE Student - Kaylin Pickett & Charlie Harris Music - Allison York Drama - Walker Wright Art - Rebecca Heyl Media Production - Rosie Medrano Graphic Design - Natalie Pinney
PRESIDENT’S O U T S TA N D I N G C H A R A C T E R L I L LY J O H N S O N
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP EVAN PRINCE
O U T S TA N D I N G BOARDING STUDENT JOEL MILLER
O U T S TA N D I N G D AY S T U D E N T CAROLINE BALL
Georgia Certificate of Merit Walker Bailey Ellesen Eubank Trey Greene Emery Sims Zhigao Xiong
STAR Student Jingyi Sang
Extra Mile Award Simeon Conjagich
STAR Teacher Kelli Bly
D.A.R Good Citizen Award Madison Perdue
Art Award Tillie Crumley
Heisman High School Scholarship School Winners Evette Corwin & Andrew Bates
Foreign Language Award Amy Henriques
Habersham EMC Scholar Emily Wolfe
Journalism Award Flannery Hogan
Caleb Griffis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Caroline Ball & Evan Prince
Theatre Award Reagan Brode
Chick-Fil-A Scholarship Andrea Caudell & Allie Dalton
Visual Arts Award Sophie Herrera
Circle for Children Scholarship Ming Li Cai & Madison Perdue
PE Award Haygen James
Scholar Athlete Award Barrett Whitener & Jingyi Sang
Music Award Anna Reese Akers
Positive Athlete Georgia Award NE GA Region Caroline Ball - Track and Field Emily Wolfe - Swimming Coach Lowell Hamilton
Indian Iron Award Samuel Ketch & Julianne Shirley
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS OUTSTANDING ENGLISH STUDENTS FRESHMAN - Madeline Martin SOPHOMORE - Elijah Damron JUNIOR - Mei Hui de Velasco SENIOR - Madison Perdue OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICS STUDENTS FRESHMAN - Brynne Massey SOPHOMORE - Chinyere Nwachukwu JUNIOR - Walker Bailey SENIOR - Jingan Sang OUTSTANDING SCIENCE STUDENTS FRESHMAN - Marina Dumas SOPHOMORE - Sarah Wheeler JUNIOR - Ellesen Eubank SENIOR - Emily Church OUTSTANDING SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT FRESHMAN - Caroline Moseley SOPHOMORE - Joel Bourlet JUNIOR - Benjamin Okoronkwo SENIOR - Andrew Bates
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GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARENESS PANEL
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o cultivate conversations that build a more sophisticated worldview, Tallulah Falls School launched a new initiative this academic year – the Global Citizen Awareness Panel. Interested students from 22 countries submitted essays as an entry point to join the panel by answering the following questions: •
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Why do you think it is important to have an awareness and understanding of the wider world? What role do you play in developing a community of friendship with people from various countries? What concerns do you have for your own country? For the world? According to English teacher and panel sponsor Jennifer Walker, the organization’s purpose is to establish relationships to bridge any gaps between continents and cultures.
A series of evening meetings hosted at Walker’s home provided a relaxed setting away from campus for the panel participants. Attendance ranged from 12 to 18 participants. Students assisted with meal planning that reflected various cultures; they were expected to serve as ambassadors for their home countries. “They were invited to listen and welcome fellow students,” Walker said. “In an international boarding school environment, teachers are eager to connect with their students however they can,” Walker said. Because her son graduated from TFS and she has a daughter currently enrolled, Walker’s family has hosted students over the years.
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“We loved to learn all about their culture
and their home. That experience initiated a desire in them to be citizens of the world. My son is now studying International Affairs and Chinese at UGA,” she said. “I hope to promote the same desire in my students to develop a curiosity about how we are uniquely different and invite understanding and friendship between students worldwide. Food is an easy way to connect. We sit on the porch. We eat. We talk. We connect.” History teacher Adam Greiving served as co-sponsor for the three 2021-22 academic year events. Grieving said this has been one of the best educational environments he’s been involved with during his time at TFS. “I hope more people can experience what Tallulah students have been up to at Jennifer Walker’s house over the last year. What could be better than meaningful conversations between people who are thoughtful but different from each other?” Greiving said. “And, as a bonus, we get to eat a delicious meal celebrating a student’s culture. This club models what TFS strives to be as an international school intent on creating the leaders of tomorrow. The panel cultivates the virtues of listening and intellectual humility. I’ve learned so much from how these young men and women see the world.” Junior Aarington Brown has attended the sessions throughout the year, modeling mutual respect during the series of candid conversations. “I think it’s important to be aware of the wider world because it allows you to become open-minded and accepting of other people, cultures, and lifestyles,” Brown said. “When making friendships with people from different countries, I try to find similar interests so that we can build a relationship from that. I hope that we, as a world, will be able to love each other and accept people’s differences.”
Danielle Smith, Teacher & Laura Brothers, Alumna
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essons from a graduate of Tallulah Falls School helped current students understand more clearly what the college experience could offer those interested in the field of science. A member of the Class of 2018, Laura Brothers, spoke to Danielle Smith’s biology classes on March 9. Brothers is set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from Georgetown College. She spoke primarily about the research methodology for her thesis topic: Histone mutations among humans and drosophila in correlation to inorganic arsenic
exposure.” Brothers’ thesis explores carcinogens’ effect on humans diagnosed with lung cancer. Additionally, she told students they could conduct research as an undergraduate; she answered questions about her college experience and her time at TFS. Smith said having a TFS alumna guest speaker was phenomenal. “Laura was able to share details about her TFS experiences like dual enrollment that propelled her into success in college,” Smith said. “She shared information in a relevant and engaging
way with our students. Laura was motivational as a woman in STEM and encouraged all of our students to find their passion and follow their dreams.” Upper School Academic Dean Kim Popham said it was great to have Brothers on campus. “It’s so valuable for our students to hear for themselves what awaits them beyond graduation,” Popham said. “We are grateful for our alumni who make the time to come back to share their experiences with our students.”
STORIES THROUGH THE LENS
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assionate about photography and generous with his time, North Georgia Technical College Commercial Photography lead instructor Jim Loring led a discussion on March 31 during a journalism/yearbook class at Tallulah Falls School.
Jim Loring, NGTC Photo Dept Chair
Loring shared photojournalism techniques and ideas with students and encouraged them to capture stories through the lens of a camera, said teacher Elisha Boggs. As a humanitarian photographer, Jim has completed more than 70 assignments worldwide, documenting the plight of those living on the edge of survival. He currently teaches photojournalism and a full range of courses at NGTC.
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PIT VIPERS T
he 2021-22 academic year was fantastic for the Tallulah Falls School Pit Vipers competition barbecue team.
winning streak. In three competitions the team has won the championship in all three primary categories.
The team racked up awards including a state championship, Team of the Year in the Georgia BBQ Championship (GBC) Series, Reserve Champions in the Southeast Region in the Rufus Teague Series, eighth in Team of the Year in the Kansas City BBQ Society and World Junior BBQ League champions (WJBL).
“This is super rare in the barbecue competition world,” Tilley said. “Teams are fortunate to win one championship per season.”
The Pit Vipers competed exclusively against adult teams except for the WJBL which included other high school teams. The Pit Vipers won every category at the WJBL championship including chicken, ribs, pork and brisket at the event held in Memphis and hosted by seventime World Champion Melissa Cookston. “The Vipers are the future of barbecue and these kids sure can cook,” Cookston said. She’s also referred to as the “Queen of Que.” The competition season starts in March and is completed by November and the Vipers are showing no signs of slowing a winning tradition, said Head Pit Master Tom Tilley. The 2022 season has the Pit Vipers on an unprecedented
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The Pit Vipers include eighth-grader Frankie Pribyl of Canon, freshmen Teyrk Tilley of Tallulah Falls, Jake Owensby of Cornelia, Zach Freeman of Clarkesville, Jackson Carlan of Baldwin, Lily Turpin of Demorest, sophomores Brooke Hayes of Cornelia, Marc Crotta of Cornelia and Matthew Wolfe of Clarkesville. “The highlight of the year was a perfect KCBS pork score of 180 at Pigs-n-Peaches in Kennesaw this past fall,” Hayes said. The Vipers will have a nice break before the second half of the 2022 season. According to the Kansas City BBQ Society the Vipers are ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in Ribs and No. 3 in Chicken in the team of the year race. In the GA BBQ Championship [Backyard] rankings, the Pit Vipers are ranked No. 1 in every category.
CLASSROOM CLIPS
DRONES & CODING
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earning by doing is fun, especially when the lessons take place outside the classroom on a blue-sky day. In a recent experiential outing, Tallulah Falls School students in Casey Barron and Josh Brady’s upper school coding class took to the skies with studentoperated drones. Working in pairs or small groups, the students made minor adjustments to the coding embedded in the drones before the trial flights. Brady said maneuvering the miniature flying machine from one spot to another was the goal of the exercise.
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DRY ICE 101
o wrap up their study of matter, students in Heather Henriques’ eighth-grade science class explored the unique properties of dry ice. “The bubbling mixture captured their imaginations and reinforced the lesson,” Henriques said. “This was a great end to our unit!”
MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOWCASE Sample of artwork displayed
Wire Tree: Mitchell McGahee, 8th Italian Countryside: Jackson Savage, 8th Cityscape: Sarah Morris, 8th Felt Rino: Olivia Bonner, 7th Felt Garaffe & Elephant: Sarah Wilkinson, 8th Felt Dinosaur: Kaden Kipps, 8th
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MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA - MADRIGAL
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n the much-anticipated return to the stage, the TFS Middle School Madrigal debuted to great fanfare on April 22. This multi-disciplinary production features singing, dancing, jousting, tumbling, humor, sword fighting, family dynamics and more! According to co-director Carrie Layer, the shows enchanted three audiences of fellow students, faculty and staff, and family and friends. “The Madrigal is a tremendous opportunity for the middle school students
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to shine in ways that other traditional plays or concerts cannot,” Layer said. “Each year, the Madrigal evolves and adapts to showcase the students’ unique talents, from the artwork to the acting. I was particularly proud of this year’s performance, with it being our first live production since the last Madrigal in November of 2019. I believe it was quite fitting that the show was set as a royal feast to celebrate the spring season’s rebirth because that is truly the nature of what has happened for our performers. I look forward to many more to come.”
m o r P oi n e S roi n u J - r
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n a cool March evening, Tallulah Falls School juniors and seniors and their dates arrived at Chota Falls in Clayton for an unforgettable evening. Students, dressed in exquisite formal attire, mingled under the “Sapphire Seas” themed decor, designed by the junior class prom committee.
The evening began with a sit-down dinner, followed by the senior walk, carriage rides and dancing. “The carriage ride gave us a chance to see the venue including the waterfall and we were able to take pictures together at different spots,” said junior Layne Kafsky. Attendees swayed on the dance floor, while others drifted from room to room at the venue. In the middle of it all, Freddy Mercury’s famous Bohemian Rhapsody began to play. Senior Trevor Bramlett grabbed a microphone and sang along with the lyrics. While Bohemian Rhapsody may seem like an odd choice for a
middle-of-prom song, Bramlett made it work. As the tune bellowed from the speakers, students glanced at each other, wondering how exactly they could dance to Bohemian Rhapsody. Bramlett, however, had no such thoughts. From the first verse, he melodramatically sang, sprinkling in air-guitar solos and headbangs for dramatic effect. As he took a microphone from the deejay, the rest of the students crowded around him, singing and swaying to the tune. “It was a spur-of-the-moment choice,” Bramlett said. “It was a high-risk, high-reward situation, so I made the dive and grabbed the metaphorical pot of gold and ran with it.” Even for those who were hesitant to attend before the occasion, the night’s magic was contagious. On the dance floor, some students held back; however, Benjamin Okoronkwo was a major exception. The junior had no restraints when it came to busting a move. “I was very hesitant right up until the event. I had lots of homework the night before and just wasn’t sure I should go,” Okoronkwo said. “I kept thinking to myself, ‘Ugh. Prom?’ However, once I got out to the floor, I started gradually warming up to it, and I had so much fun dancing.” - Flannery Hogan, TFS Senior
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BASEBALL
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
After an 0-2 start to the season, and about a month of rainouts, the boys were anxious to show they were better than their record. The offense came alive, and the pitching and defense held strong for an 8-4 win at Towns County to get TFS in the win column. A road split at Lumpkin County came next, and led into the first home game against Towns County. An 8-1 win propelled the team the rest of the way. TFS closed out with five straight wins, including a home double-header sweep of Loganville Christian and a double-header sweep on the road at Rabun Gap to polish it off. TFS finished at 7-3, with eighth-grader Wyatt Dorsey leading the team in nearly every category, as he hit .643 with 14 RBI and 15 runs scored. Griffin Harkness (3-0, 1.65 ERA, 10 K) and Ethan Wheeler (2-1, 1.75 ERA, 25 K) were dominant on the mound.
BASEBALL ROSTER
Brantley Allen Drew Barron Ryder Cantrell Merrick Carnes Reilly Cox Garrett Dorsey Wyatt Dorsey Jack Greene Griffin Harkness Morgan Martin
William NeSmith Teagan Penland Asa Popham Ashton Roache Jackson Savage Rylee Smith Jack Thomson Ethan Wheeler Coach Brian Carter Head Coach Dustin Rogers
SOCCER
The girls improved quickly in 2022. After a rocky start in a lopsided loss, the Lady Indians earned a draw before notching back-to-back wins. An 0-2-2 mark in the next four matches was righted with a 3-3 draw against Murphy and season-ending blowout win at Towns.
first 3 matches. After that, the team began to get accustomed to the level of competition. A 7-5 loss to Lakeview showed huge promise for what the boys were capable of, as sixth grader Isaac Farris began to stand out as a real offensive threat.
LB Kafsky recorded three hat tricks throughout the season and finished with 14 goals. Bailey Crumley had five goals, Amari Ernst three, Josie Plaisted two, and Ashlyn Cleveland one. Ten different players recorded assists, led by Kafsky’s six.
TFS closed the season with back-to-back wins over Towns County. That brought the boys to a 2-4 final record, which saw them outscore opponents 11-9 in the final three — a drastic improvement from the first three.
TFS went 3-3-3 overall under coach Laura Higbie, and scored 25 goals with 29 against. The Indians were outscored 23-3 over the BOYS SOCCER ROSTER
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Kale Borchers Liam Burke Jackson Cantrell Avery Chatman Jackson Crumley Nolan Dalton Max Damron River Dockins Gavin Dodd Isaac Farris
Harry Goldfine Steven Jackson Josh Lander Elijah Hornsby Carter Shadburn Thatcher Tatum Joseph Turney Joshua Turney Walker Wright Head Coach Chris Kafsky
Farris led all scorers with ten goals, while Elijah Hornsby and Kale Borchers had two each. Walker Wright added a goal. Jackson Savage recorded a team-high three assists. GIRLS SOCCER ROSTER
Olivia Bonner Emily Cai Ashlyn Cleveland Bailey Crumley Narissa Dawson Amari Ernst Lily Gary Laurel Blake Kafsky Avery Keim Sarah Lundy
Haylen McGugan Sarah Morris Meredith Orr Josie Plaisted Molly Rickman Charlotte Stafford Adelaide Tatum Ryleigh Wilson Head Coach Laura Higbie
TRACK AND FIELD
Some things never change. Another year, another pair of Tri-State Championships for TFS MS Track and Field. The boys and girls saved their best for last, claiming their 11th title each in the last 12 years under coach Scott Neal.
TRACK AND FIELD ROSTER
Walker Bochat Lupita Carrillo AJ Dills Gracey Eller Wyatt Fountain Carsyn Griffis Gracie Gunter Catherine Harris Charlie Harris Brody Irvin Delaney Johnson Caleb Kelly Cody Loonubon
Jazzy Marshall (MGR) Hudson Penland Bryson Perdue Frankie Pribyl Megan Prince Zeek Pruitt Martin Raybon Gavin Simmons Ca’Rin Swinton Isla Wagner Linda White Sarah Wilkinson Head Coach Scott Neal
The teams competed in several Tri-State meets to prepare for the final competition. Several athletes impressed throughout the season, including Bryson Perdue, who was consistently putting up podium finishes in discus and shot put. Carsyn Griffis was doing the same in those events for the girls, and boys 4x800 and 4x100 relays, and girls 4x200 relay group continued to be one of the best. Zeek Pruitt, Sarah Wilkinson, Isla Wagner, Frankie Pribyl, Charlie Harris, Wyatt Fountain, Ethan Phasavang, Ca’Rin Swinton, Lupita Carillo, Brody Irvin, Cody Loonubon, Megan Prince, and several others were standouts throughout the season in various meets. In the season finale, Harris (discus), Perdue (shot put), Griffis (discus), Prince (triple jump), Fountain (100), and the 4x800 and 4x200 boys relays all took the top spot to secure the TriState Championships for both teams.
GOLF Perfection is hard to come by. And while the Tallulah Falls MS golf program has had some fantastic teams in the past, none have done what the girls team did — win every single match. The Lady Indians went a perfect 8-0 on the season, while the Indians showed plenty of promise and improvement, and finished at an even 4-4. Of the girls team, which consisted of Bella Hulsey, Kalli Taylor, Keira Webb, and Shelby Whisnant, Hulsey was the low medalist in five of the wins. Webb finished as low medalist twice, and Taylor once. The boys meanwhile finished their season strong with a win over Habersham at Apple Mountain. Playing at such courses as Apple Mountain, The Orchard, Royal Lakes, Innsbruck, and Rabun County, the Indians were able to close at 4-4 overall. Hunter Bell, Tate Colston, Kalvin Ngov, and Tate Turpin made up the team. Turpin was a low medalist twice, while Ngov had the best score once.
GOLF ROSTER
Hunter Bell Tate Colston Bella Hulsey Kalvin Ngov Kalli Taylor Tate Turpin Keira Webb Shelby Whisnant Head Coach Tim Corbett
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VARSITY BASEBALL
VARSITY BASEBALL ROSTER Norman Bastian, Jr. Drew Bates Cole Bonitatibus Malique Charlton Zaiden Cox Hutson Eller Danny Grant Aidan Gragg Aubrey Higgins David Medina Jeremy Medina
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Joel Miller Frankey Moree Chase Pollock Tyler Popham Tate Shaw Caden Walker Kristian Williams Coach Kyle Dampier Coach Bryson Fowler Coach Kole Rogers Head Coach Justin Pollock
A-TEAM BOYS
12 Macade Huff 15 Jack Greene 20 Asa Popham 22 William NeSmith 23 Derrick Lane 24 Merrick Carnes 25 Griffin Harkness 30 Kaden Hunter
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t didn’t end in a playoff spot, but the Indians’ season was still one to admire, especially in terms of offensive output. The team shattered school records in nearly every category at the plate and closed the season one win shy of the school single season record of 13. Under coach Justin Pollock, the Indians went 12-13 and ended just shy of a second straight playoff appearance. With a lineup brimming with talent, TFS set school records in runs scored (217), homeruns (20), 10-plus run games (11), and single-game records for homeruns (7), hits (20), and runs (23). The team tied school records for win streak (4) and shutouts (2). The team’s ability to put up runs was exhibited numerous times, including in a record 23-run outburst against George Walton that featured a school record seven homeruns and a thrilling 18-11 win over Rabun County that saw TFS notch five homers. In the win over George Walton, TFS blasted four round-trippers in the same inning, and had another inning with a pair of homers. In the Rabun win, the team had three homeruns in a single inning, and two in another. A season-opening scrimmage win of 17-3 over Clarke Central set the tone early on, as the Indians opened the season officially with a 12-0 blanking of Rabun County. A 2-3 start was righted when TFS went 5-1 over the next six games. Region play was a bit tougher going for TFS, though of the nine losses, an extra inning loss to Athens Academy and a walkoff loss to them the next day was the only thing that stood between
31 Ethan Wheeler 34 Jackson Savage 35 Tate Turpin 42 Rylee Smith 44 Elijah Barker 50 Bryson Perdue MGR Hudson Penland MGR Luke Thomson
Tallulah Falls and a playoff berth. New single-season records were set individually by several players, including Drew Bates (5 HR, 34 RBI, 37 runs), Norman Bastian (36 hits), and Malique Charlton and Joel Miller (14 SB). Several players set single-game marks, including Miller’s 7 RBI game and Tate Shaw’s first known grand slam in TFS history. Aubrey Higgins also struck out a record 13 batters in his first start, which included an immaculate inning, the first in TFS history. An immaculate inning is striking out the side in the minimum nine pitches. Those who now are the career statistical leaders include: Bates in homeruns (5), Miller in stolen bases (26) and walks (34), Higgins in wins (10), strikeouts (145), ERA (3.22), and shutouts (2), and Aiden Gragg in saves (2). The Indians graduate 11 seniors, including several who are going to play college ball. That list includes Bastian (Olivet Nazarene University), Higgins (Berry College), and David Medina (Mid Atlantic Christian University), with others still deciding where they will play. Despite the massive turnover, the team will return such standouts as Zaiden Cox, Danny Grant, Jeremy Medina, Frankey Moree, Chase Pollock, and Caden Walker among others. Meanwhile, the JV baseball team went a stellar 7-1-1 overall, with players Davante Brown, Rohajae Pinder, Ashton Roache, Andrew Skvarka, Will Greene, and many others showing plenty of promise for what the future holds.
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VARSITY SOCCER
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ake it two-for-two. The Indians joined the GHSA officially in 2021, and quickly made their first playoff run. What followed in 2022 was yet another playoff appearance, as Tallulah Falls went 10-5-1 overall, securing a third-place finish in the region standings. The 2022 Indians set school records with a 4-game win streak and four clean sheet wins. A mostly young team got solid contributions from the entire roster, and the team was more well-balanced than it has been in previous years.
VARSITY INDIAN SOCCER
Coach Jeremy Stille guided the Indians to a second straight playoff behind a 6-3 mark
Gavin Atkinson Austin Ball Trevor Bramlett Canon Brooks Reilly Chatman Jackson Cording Eli Damron Nick Edenfield Koen Eller Clay Kafsky Sean Lynes, Jr. Jacob Mitchell
Jared Mullis David Plaisted Jackson Pollock Giovanni Ramirez Kelton Reynolds Britton Shaw Emery Sims Josiah Turney Jakob Wehrstein Simeon Conjagic (MGR) MGR Gareth Mickels MGR Vlad Popescu Head Coach Jeremy Stille
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inside of region play. After an opening draw against North Hall, the Indians reeled off four straight victories before a loss to Stephens County. However, the boys went on to win five of the next seven and enjoyed a senior night 3-0 win over Athens Christian. The Indians dropped their first round playoff game at Fellowship Christian Academy by a 7-1 final. Senior Sean Lynes, Jr. scored a team-high 23 goals this season, which was one shy of the school record of Max Farris set last season. Austin Ball added nine goals, and a total of 10 TFS players notched goals in 2022. Ball had a second straight double-digit assist season, with a career-best 13. He became
the school’s all-time career assist leader, and still has two seasons to play. Freshman Clay Kafsky showcased his skill set as well with two goals and five assists, while senior Trevor Bramlett had an identical output. The defensive unit, featuring Jake Wehrstein, Brit Shaw, and Josiah Turney, led an outstanding defense. Freshman keeper Kelton Reynolds and fellow keeper Reilly Chatman were clutch between the posts. Lynes, Jr., Bramlett, and Giovanni Ramirez are the only seniors falling off the roster heading into next year.
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ecords were broken in what goes down as one of the more successful soccer teams in TFS history. The 2022 version of the Lady Indians set team and individual marks that set the tone for the future of the program. After a season-opening scrimmage win over Providence Christian, the girls got out to a 2-4 start. That came with wins over Rabun County and Athens Christian and losses to North Hall, Lakeview Academy, Athens Academy, and Lumpkin County. The rest of the way, the Lady Indians went 9-1 in the final 10 matches, including a school record eight straight wins. The team was rewarded with a runner-up finish in 8-A Private, qualifying for the state tournament.
VARSITY LADY INDIAN SOCCER
Senior Honora Kahwach set the all-time goals record with 35 (and assists with 26), as she scored 19 goals on the season. Junior Addie Higbie notched a school-record 21 goals on the season, and she will almost certainly pass Kahwach’s career mark next season, as she has 28 goals to her name so far. Higbie also tied a school mark with five goals in a single match and had a team-best three hat tricks this season.
Kyndal Anderson Miracle Bain Jenna Chesser Josie Chesser Leah Desta Lily Desta Gemma Farris Tessa Foor Millie Holcomb Addie Higbie Haygen James Honora Kahwach Maddie LeBlanc
Meredith Morris Tamia Moss Caroline Moseley Maddie Mullis Mara Radovic Lizzy Wanner Katriona Williams MGR Lara Aligrudic MGR Mina Beratovic MGR Stasa Beratovic MGR Aidan Woodside Coach Travis Mullis Coach Laurie Higbie
The team’s 11 wins, six shutouts, and 68 goals are all school records as well. Sophomore goalkeeper Kyndal Anderson was phenomenal and consistent, as was the entire defensive unit in posting the record for clean sheets. The Lady Indians will lose key seniors Kahwach and Kat Williams but will return a total of 42 goals combined from their standout underclassmen. It’s safe to say that none of the records set this year will be safe for long.
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VARSITY TRACK & FIELD
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he TFS track and field teams were coming off a season in which the boys placed a program-best third overall at state (and won the area title) and the girls 15th. That success elevated the program coming into this season. Despite battling adversity in the way of multiple injuries, both teams still were represented at the state level. The girls were able to improve on last season’s finish, coming in 14th to post backto-back “Sweet 16s”. Throughout the course of the season, relay teams and individuals continued to rewrite the school record book. A grand total of six school records fell, and nearly every athlete made improvements on their personalbest times or distances. Among the school records that were broken were the boys 800, 1600, 3200, and 4x200 relay. Senior U,S, Naval Academy signee Evan Prince, who was forced to miss the Area and State Championships due to injury, broke his own school records in the distance events. The 4x200 relay team also set a new record.
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For the girls, both the 4x200 relay team and the high jump records were broken, as sophomore Julianne Shirley tied the new mark in the latter event. Senior Macy Murdock, a Berry College signee, was often close to a school record set by Anna Davis — a former state champion. Murdock finished as the state runner-up in the 300 meter hurdles and fourth overall in the 100 meter hurdles. Among those who placed well at the state meet includes: Sam Ketch (7th in shot put), Murdock (runner-up in 300 MH; fourth in 100 MH), Shirley (11th in high jump; state qualifier in 400 M), and the boys 4x100 and 4x800 relay teams, as well as the girls 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800 relay teams. While the girls finished the season 14th at state, the boys came in 26th overall. The Lady Indians were place team at Area, exciting 4x400 relay to secure that spot. won area titles in hurdles events, and aforementioned relay group also took the top spot. The girls’ 4x200 relay team and Shirley (400 M) earned area runner-up status.
the thirdusing an finish Murdock b o t h t h e
Despite the departure of both Murdock and Prince, who left lasting legacies at TFS, the future remains bright with several young athletes set to return in 2023 for coach Scott Neal. Seniors who are graduating include Murdock, Caroline Ball, Shelby Brightwell, and Madi Perdue for the girls, and Prince and George Ketch (Berry College signee) for the boys.
VARSITY BOYS Nana Amankwah Ade Akisanya CJ Augustine Walker Bailey Timothy Beck Aarington Brown Tyler Brown Nnamdi Ezunu George Ketch Sam Ketch Carter Miller Blair Moore Grayson Penland Evan Prince KC Respress Jackson Shadburn Nelson Wilkinson Zhigao Henrry Xiong Coach Jo Kimbrel Coach Danielle Smith Head Coach Scott Neal
VARSITY GIRLS Katie McArthur Sofia Rueda Alvarez Caroline Ball Shelby Brightwell Miranda Chapa Castellanos Tahj Charlton Jovana Dermanovic Jace Ibemere Jane Ibemere Serenity Miracle Molly Mitchell Macy Murdock Kailyn Neal Madi Perdue Allie Phasavang Dani Prince Kitty Rodenas Julianne Shirley Ellia Tanenbaum Breelyn Wood Coach Jo Kimbrel Coach Danelle Smith Head Coach Scott Neal
INDIANS OF THE YEAR MACY MURDOCK & EVAN PRINCE
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VARSITY TENNIS
MAGGIE PEACOCK SOPHIE HERRERA
ASHLI WEBB EVETTE CORWIN
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he Lady Indians continued to make history in 2022. In the wake of their first playoff appearance in 2021, TFS was anchored by a quartet of seniors. Despite facing some valleys along the way, the girls clinched a second consecutive state tournament spot with a fourth-place finish in the region. The singles trio of Maggie Peacock ( #1), Ashli Webb (#2), and Evette Corwin (#3) paved the way to an 8-6 overall record. Corwin led the team with ten wins. Peacock took five matches and Webb nine.
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The Lady Indians won the season’s first two matches over Banks County and East Hall before dropping their region-opener against George Walton. The girls went 2-2 in the next four, with a win over Habersham Central kicking off a season-high five-match win streak that ended with a state-clinching win in the region tourney. The girls grabbed a four-seed heading into the Class 1A Private tournament. TFS dropped their opening round match at Mt. Pisgah in 3-2 fashion, nearly pulling off what would have been an epic 4-over-1 upset win.
The doubles units featured multiple looks, but found success throughout the season. Christy Hulsey and Cassidy Hayes won six matches together, while Sophie Herrera was part of eight wins between working with Annabelle Jackson and Landry Carnes. Carnes picked up five doubles wins. While the quartet of Corwin, Herrera, Peacock, and Webb all graduate, the program has many standouts returning next season with Carnes, Hayes, Hulsey, and Jackson headlining a young and talented group.
JOSH JACKSON TANNER DAVIS
TJ COX
VARSITY GIRLS
Anna Akers Claire Ann Bellamy Landry Carnes Evette Corwin Cassidy Hayes Sophie Herrera Lizzie Huebner Christy Hulsey Annabelle Jackson Kate Jeon Mariya Khanina
Amy Ma Chi Chi Nwachukwu Maggie Peacock Susie Sun Chesney Tanksley Ashli Webb Reese Wilson Flannery Hogan (MGR) Head Coach Randy Morris Coach Scott Davis
VARSITY BOYS
Zach Carringer TJ Cox Tanner Davis Sam Fang Josh Jackson Neil Lyu Benjamin Okoronkwo
Jake Owensby Louis Varona Pastor Aiden VanOrman Everett VanOrman Head Coach Randy Morris Coach Scott Davis
J
ust a short season ago, the boys team was forced to forfeit nearly every tennis match for Tallulah Falls. That resulted in one win, and the roster was in desperate need of additions. Fast forward to 2022, where a freshman group that won back-to-back middle school conference titles invigorated the program. Randy Morris’ boys team went for nine wins, the most on record for the school. The team posted a region runner-up finish (first since 1989) and not only made the state tournament, but got into the second round. Senior Josh Jackson, who often was the only one able to play last year, was surrounded by singles players Tanner Davis and TJ Cox,
who combined for 17 wins. A pair of freshmen doubles combos—Jake Owensby and Zach Carringer and Aiden and Everett VanOrman, came up with 16 wins combined. The Indians raced out to three straight wins to open the season, including the region-opener. The boys hit a lull by going 1-3 in the next four, but rolled from there to win four straight. That included a win in the first round of the region tournament over George Walton. That region tournament win secured a state playoff berth for TFS and advanced the Indians into the region title match against Athens Academy. Despite the loss there, the boys earned a home match in the state tournament. That
came against Lakeview, and TFS won 3-2 in dramatic fashion. Cox came up with the clinching win to send TFS into the Sweet 16. It was the second time on the season that Cox’s win was the clincher, as he did so the first time against George Walton as well. The boys traveled to Landmark Christian in the second round, and fell 3-0 to officially close the book on the 2022 season. Davis led all singles players with nine wins, while Cox followed with eight and Jackson six. The doubles units featured Owensby and Carringer tallying ten wins. The VanOrman twins racked up six wins together.
VARSITY GOLF
VARSITY GOLF ROSTER
Ella Akers Canon Brooks Henry Bowman Jason Bard Reagan Duncan Hannah Lundy
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n a season that opened a new era for Tallulah Falls golf, both the girls and boys teams showed tremendous growth from start to finish. In coach Hannah Satterfield’s first season as the head coach, the girls and boys showed what they are capable of, as well as how their future success is imminent. The Lady Indians, coming off a Class 1A Private State Runner-Up finish in 2021, graduated phenoms Brinson Hall (Troy University) and Maggie Jackson (Wofford). Hannah Lundy, a junior, was the lone player returning from last year. She took big strides in her game in 2022 and often was the team’s low medalist. She and freshman Mallory Higgins each had three low medalist performances across the team’s 14 matches. The Lady Indians secured seven team wins, and Madeline Martin, also a freshman, was a one-time low medalist. TFS secured a fourth place finish at the Area Tournament, just one spot shy of a state playoff appearance. The team consists of a freshmen quartet (Ella Akers, Reagan Duncan, Higgins, Martin) and Lundy, which sets up for a bright future.
Andrew Erwin SENIOR
A
The Indians consistently showed the ability to improve and put up new personal bests, both as a team and individually. Two-time overall low medalist Canon Brooks saved his best for last, firing an 84 in the Area Tournament. He was close to securing an individual state appearance. Freshman Jason Bard also improved throughout the season, carding a personal best 49 (9 holes) in the final regular season match. Brooks, also in the same match, put up a personal best of 41, which is six strokes off the school record set in 2017 by Michael Weidner. In the final regular season match against Rabun County, it was the first time the boys had a pair of sub-50 scorers, and the entire team put up a season best with a 16-stroke improvement. Juniors Brooks and Henry Bowman, along with freshmen Bard and Jedd Thomas, will headline a group that has some solid up-and-coming golfers from the middle school level.
PRECISION RIFLE
young and ambitious team traveled to Statesboro to compete at Georgia Southern University in the GHSA State Championships. TFS entered as one of only two teams in Class 1A Private that qualified for the event, as a grand total of 17 teams were represented. The team, which has only one senior, earned a top-10 finish overall (9th), and Joseph McGahee finished seventh overall individually. TFS opened its State Championship with the second out of four relays. In the standing position, McGahee shot a 95. Coming into the kneeling position, the sophomore stood at 194. He closed with a personal best 292 — a new school record. “As unlikely as it was, I was able to shoot a personal best of 292, that had been elusive all year,” says McGahee. “What better time to shoot it than at the
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Mallory Higgins Madeline Martin Jedd Thomas Coach Matt Crotta Coach Hannah Satterfield
State Championship.” Lone senior Andrew Erwin fired a 281, Kylee Loudermilk had a 279, and Chloe Erwin a 277 for a team score of 1129. At the conclusion of all relay rounds, TFS had placed ninth among the state’s best programs. McGahee, who earned an individual finals appearance despite less than a year of real experience, finished seventh overall among the state’s top shooters. College coaches in attendance were sure to take note of his skill and accomplishments. The Tallulah Falls Precision Rifle team, despite losing senior leader Andrew Erwin, has a bright future with McGahee and several others returning next year to continue to build what has become a championship-caliber program.
BASS FISHING
T
he bass fishing team completed its 2021-22 season in the Georgia Bass Nation state tournament on June 3-4. The team consistently saw a handful of anglers near the top of the pack in each tournament throughout the season. The middle school duo of DJ Broome and Jack Thomson placed 11th overall in the junior state tournament, and usually were found among the top-20 in every tournament this year. Meanwhile, freshmen Haygen James and Koen Eller, who placed 44th overall at the state tournament, also found success in nearly every tournament.
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t was more of the same for Casey Barron’s ESports teams. Much like it has been the last couple of years, the League of Legends team, TFS Mushrooms, made Tallulah Falls one of the top programs in the state. In a season that spans fall and spring, the Mushrooms — consisting of Nana Amankwah, Junyi “Rick” He, Yuyue “David” Hu, Jingan “Jerry” Sang, Jingyi “Jason” Sang, Daniel Shin, and William Xu — compiled an overall record of 28-7. In the fall, the team was 16-5, ranked fifth in the state, and made the Elite 8. In the spring season, the Mushrooms were 12-2, ranked fourth, and again advanced to the Elite 8.
Broome and Thomson qualified for state in the junior tournament after being ranked seventh among all middle school teams. Their point total of 1,376 throughout the regular season was not far off the top team’s score of 1,482. In the Junior State Classic, the duo reeled in 17.06 pounds, and went up against 44 total teams. James and Eller posted a point total of 1,084 during the regular season, ranking them 41st in the state heading into the State Classic. There, the freshmen hauled in 15.02 pounds over the two-day event. Other anglers on the roster in 2021-22 included George Ketch and Austin Zigler.
ESPORTS The Rocket League team, Tallulah Falls Indians, went 5-3 in the fall and made the playoffs. They followed that up with a 6-8 spring. The fall also saw the ESports program add a Madden team (Jesse Reames) and a FIFA team (Gareth Mickels). Reames was 8-6 and ranked 15th in the state, making the playoffs. Mickels went 3-6. The Mushrooms nearly had to forfeit their season when several members were planning to head home overseas early. However, a hangup in those plans allowed the team to finish what they started. That group ends a three-year run that includes three Elite 8 runs and a Final Four.
ROCKET LEAGUE Eli Damron, SO Adam Kennedy, JR Ezekiel Phillips, SO Jackson Shadburn , SO LEAGUE OF LEGENDS Nana Amankwah, JR Junyi “Rick” He, SR Yuyue “David” Hu, JR Jingan “Jerry” Sang, SR Jingyi “Jason” Sang, SR Daniel Shin, JR William Xu, FR Wyatt York (MGR), JR FIFA & MADDEN Gareth Mickels, SR Jesse Reames, SR
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allulah Falls School math club members showed up and showed out during the annual mathematics tournament, hosted by the University of North Georgia. On April 22, under the supervision of the math teacher Linda Harris, the club participated in the three components of the tournament. “All seven math club members placed at one level or another,” said Harris, who serves as the team’s long-time sponsor. “This is the first year this has ever happened.”
Shown, back row, from left, are Zhiagao “Henrry” Ziong, Ming Tang, Jingan “Jerry” Sang, Jingyi “Jason” Sang and Walker Bailey; front row, from left, are Brynne Massey, Linda Harris and Jue “Florence” Wang. TOME SOCIETY Shown, back row, from left, are Amari Ernst, Ryleigh Wilson, Megan Prince, Kate Gary and Kalli Taylor, Charlotte Stafford; front row, from left, are Sienna Slater, Isla Wagner, Lupita Carrillo. Not shown, Walker Wright
MATH CLUB
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embers of the Tallulah Falls School Tome Society middle and upper school chapters attended the annual conference on March 15. According to TOME Advisor Kim McClurg, the middle school earned the following awards at TomeCon 2022: • • • • • •
Megan Prince, first place, Book Review Blog Article; second place, Book Talk Competition Kate Gary and Kalli Taylor, first place, Book Review Vlog Isla Wagner, first place, Book Trailer Sienna Slater, first place, Social Media Graphic; second place, Book Flyer Lupita Carrillo, second place, Book Print Charlotte Stafford and Walker Wright, second place, Current Issues Portfolio
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Results are as follows: - Senior Jingyi “Jason” Sang of China tied for first place in the Upper School Ciphering competition and won first place in the Creative Problem Solving Team competition. - Senior Jingan “Jerry” Sang of China won first place as a member of the Creative Problem Solving Team. - Junior Walker Bailey of Lula tied for third place in the Upper School Multiple Choice Test. Bailey tied for second place in the Upper School Ciphering competition and won first place as a member of the Creative Problem Solving Team. - Jue “Florence” Wang of China tied for third place in the Upper School Ciphering competition and won first place as the fourth member of the Creative Problem Solving Team. In the Data Science Team competition, the TFS team tied for second place; team members included senior Ming Tang of China, freshman Brynne Massey of Destin, FL and junior Zhigao “Henrry” Xiong of China. Massey also tied for third place in the Under Class Multiple Choice Test.
Shown, from left, are Lizzy Wanner, Ethan Wanner, Caroline Smith, Madison Perdue, Walker Bailey, Flannery Hogan. Not shown, Kailyn Neal
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Amari Ernst, second place, Fan Art Ryleigh Wilson, third place, Infographic
According to TOME Advisor Dallas Barron, the upper school earned the following awards at TomeCon 2022: • • • • •
Caroline Smith, first place, It List Poem; second place, It List Fan Fiction Flannery Hogan, second place, It List Book Talk Madison Perdue, first place, Like-Try-Why Social Media Graphic Kailyn Neal, first place, Historical Fiction Infographic; second place, Book Cover Redesign Walker Bailey, Ethan Wanner, Lizzy Wanner, third place, Reading Bowl
The middle school Reading Bowl team was among 38 teams participating during the season and were invited to participate in the live rounds at the state conference, McClurg said. “It was a great experience for them!” she said. Students had the opportunity to attend sessions of their choice. Many sessions were hosted by authors, but they also participated in sessions like “Snakes Alive,” hosted by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Interpretive Specialist Kathy Church. One of the day’s highlights included hearing keynote speaker Alan Gratz, a favorite author of both middle and high school students, McClurg added.
UKRAINIAN STUDENT TOUCHED BY TFS REFUGEE RELIEF EFFORTS
T
o honor classmates from Ukraine, students at Tallulah Falls School raised close to $1,500 for refugee relief. The school's Key Club led the initiative to raise funds.
they can buy a water bottle. It means a lot; they [friends and teachers] are always ready to help and give support. I can talk, and I know they will listen."
It's not unusual for the learning community to support a cause, but the current need is in response to an active war relief effort.
She is incredibly grateful for Assistant Academic Dean Jim Van Hooser; she collaborated with him to identify a relief organization, ultimately selecting the American Red Cross. She remarked on the resolve of the Ukrainian citizens.
A global community representing 22 countries, TFS students are experiencing this crisis in realtime. One of those students, junior Ninel Tarasova of Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine, is in her first full year on campus at TFS, starting as a distance learning student in January of 2021. Tarasova is in frequent contact with her parents via email and WhatsApp. Her mother, stepfather and two younger siblings, 6 and 10, escaped the conflict, relocating to a town in Western Ukraine. Since then, Tarasova's mother and siblings fled to Hungary seeking safety, leaving her stepfather behind. "They are having to move around a lot," Tarasova said. "The shelters are overwhelmed; it's crowded and loud." Her father is still living in Zaporizhzhia, Tarasova said. She was moved by the show of support generated by several dress-down days at both the middle and upper school. "No matter the amount, it will help provide for the Ukrainian people," she said. "It doesn't matter how much. If it is only $1,
Tarasova presented a check to Northeast Georgia Red Cross Executive Director Marlon Trone on March 30. Key Club representatives and school administrators joined her for a photo. Shown, from left are Upper School Academic Dean Kim Popham, Key Club Advisor Scott Davis, Zhigao “Henrry” Xiong, Madisyn Ramey, Trone, Tarasova, Peevy and Hannah Lundy.
"I've never seen Ukraine that brave!" she said. "I've never seen our people so united and ready to help." The future is uncertain for the student studying so far away from home. Tarasova will spend the summer with a family friend in New York before returning to TFS for her senior year. Being at TFS has been a realized dream, she said, sacrificing an early love of dancing to attend a U.S.-based school to better position herself for college admission. After graduation, she hopes to attend college in the United States to study psychology criminal justice, perhaps following her mother's career path as an attorney. "I am proud of our students for stepping up to help," said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. "This is truly a tribute to the power of friendships with our TFS family across the globe."
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TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL LITERARY & ARTS MAGAZINE
The Dancer by Caroline Moseley
A skirt waves Slowly As the wind blows. The dancer Moves To her hombre. Now two Others Join her. They dance a Jarabe Tapatio With their men. The skirts move Quickly In the wind.
Flamenco by Sandra Badia Cester
The flower Moves her petals In an intricate dance.
2021-2022 VOLUME 1
Encore Azalea!
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A
bright light is shining on student creativity at Tallulah Falls School with the publication of The Beacon, a new literary magazine.
The first issue is available in digital format on the school’s website. “When several students showed a strong interest in creating a literary magazine, the journalism class began the process of creating what would become the first volume of The Beacon,” said teacher Elisha Boggs. Editors Mia Hamon, Zoja Cerovic and Victoria VerBerkmoes collected
32 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
Flutter, Flow, Flip.
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a ho Falling. ld o But you n you, re d to bring fused. you But up, you let g o. Now you’r Dee Falli e p Into er and d ng. this ee I’m tr pit you per yin du But I fea g and tr g. ying r it’s to And o deep you There keep ’s no light Falling. in th Ho I trie w can yo is pit. d to u se be e? But you your ligh t, You’r turned it off e lost . and still Ho Whe Falli n will w long w ng. ill you realiz this run ? e yo ur pit? You The The one r hole? one yo whe u re yo dug? u’re still Falli Did you It’s d ng. realiz ee e Were you du p. g it? you asle Whe e Whe n did it st p? n did a you rt? start I neve Falling ? r I trie d to realized I trie catch yo . d to hold u. on. H I fea r you owever, are n Falli ow ng Falli … ng Falli … ng… Falli Fille ng… te I trie
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poems, short stories, art and images from fellow students. The staff generated competitions throughout the year to encourage submissions. The Advancement Department collaborated with us to help students organize and design the magazine, Boggs said. “It is exciting to see students’ creativity all in one place and this is a beautiful way to showcase their talents,” she said. “We are excited to continue to bring more students into the process and continue to weave together student work in The Beacon.”
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ADVENTURES ABOUNDS
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eyond the classroom experiences are plentiful at Tallulah Falls School. Fun outings and experiential learning destinations dot the school’s master calendar throughout the academic year. Grade-level class trips in most grades offer a chance for students to learn away from home. Seventh-grade students travel to Chattanooga, eighth-graders travel to Coastal Georgia, freshmen travel to the Florida Space Coast, and juniors spend a week in Charleston, SC. Seniors can look forward to monthly off-campus outings and special meals, including an exhilarating day at the Highlands Aerial Park. Even the younger students leave Northeast Georgia to attend a Gwinnett Stripers game, visit the Georgia Aquarium, experience Zoo Atlanta, attend performances at the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Alliance Theater, and travel to the Mercedes Benz Stadium for STEM activities, among several other outings. Weekend trips designed for the boarding students but open to day students offer many outstanding experiences to highlight the weekends.
Above: As the freshmen class left the Florida Space Coast, the group whitness the SpaceX rocket launch. According to school nurse Leigh-Anne McClellon, it was a bit unsettling to see the sky light up in an ususual way, but the group quickly realized they were experiencing something rare. “It’s called the jellyfish effect, created by the not yet visable rays of the sun reflecting off the rocket’s exhaust plume high in the atmosphere,” McClellon said.
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TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL P.O. Box 10 Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #82 GAINESVILLE, GA
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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.
OCTOBER 22, 2022 TA L L U L A H FA L L S S C H O O L
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REGISTER ONLINE W W W. B I K E R E G . C O M / TWIN-RIVERS-CHALLENGE
allulah Falls School will host the eighth annual Twin Rivers Challenge cycling event to raise funds for student scholarships. The premier cycling event returns to Northesast Georgia this fall. The Twin Rivers Challenge is set for Oct. 22.
