
3 minute read
PRACTICE WHAT YOU TEACH
Transitions Leaving a Legacy
2021-22 Retirees
EUNICE ANDREWS
"Oh, my word." That's the memorable catchphrase of Eunice Andrews, one that will dearly be missed at Mount de Sales Academy.
Andrews served in several roles in her fourteen years at MDS, showcasing an array of talents and grace. She came on board in fall 2008 to teach Digital Essentials and serve as the yearbook adviser and moderator of student council. Her position evolved into being the go-to person for iPad tech support. She kept the Academic Resource Center (ARC) running smoothly, managing all of the books, the desktop computers, and the oft-needed laminating machine. A self-starter, Andrews did whatever task needed to be done with kindness and without complaint. With half a cup of coffee, she diligently set to work every day. When it came to tech challenges, several students over the years would tell her, "I don't think that's right." She always responded: "Let's try it and see." And, according to her, she was almost always right, to the 99th percentile. She describes herself as helpful, but even that doesn't do her justice. "She is an absolutely certain friend, one whom I would not hesitate to trust in any situation," said Tom Rule, IT director. Andrews also has a heart of gold and an unfailing strength to do good for others. At MDS, she started the Sewing for Service Club; members sewed baby blankets for The Kolbe Center in Macon and numerous costumes for school plays and musicals.
Her next chapter is a joyful one, when she will take time to travel, visit friends, and remain dutifully active in her church community. When asked to describe the makings of a Cavalier, Andrews responded with "a well-rounded person where academics and service are key components. You have to be involved and pitch in." She will miss interacting with students. "That was the most enjoyable part of the job."

ROBERT SLOCUM
Robert Slocum's career at MDS consisted of four years as a student and forty-eight years as a coach and teacher. As a student, he lettered in basketball, football, and baseball. He graduated in 1974 and received a football scholarship from Savannah State. After college, he had job offers from schools in Brunswick, GA, and Sanford, FL. It was Sister Fidelis Barragan, RSM, then-principal of MDS, who sought out and brought Slocum back in 1978. He said, "Sister Fidelis asked me a simple question: 'You wanna come home?' That's what MDS is for me: home." He started teaching PE for the high school, and the rest is history.
Slocum's time was spent strengthening our athletic program; he coached basketball, football, track, tennis, and baseball. He served in the advancement office as director of special gifts and helped our summer maintenance crew for many years. He has really done it all. For twenty-five years, he provided an incredible service as the athletic director (1993-2015), following Coach Mike Garvin's tenure, and was instrumental in the development of Cavalier Fields, where the field house was dedicated to him in 2014.
Slocum is a team player through and through. "Coach Slocum to me is part of the 'Mount Rushmore' of Mount de Sales Academy. We often talk about students that embody the 'Cavalier spirit,' but to me, Coach Slocum will forever be a role model for the true Cavalier spirit," reflected Todd Freeman ('93), associate athletic director and science teacher.
In July, Slocum joined the newly formed Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) as athletic coordinator and GIAA commissioner of SECIS, Southeastern Commission on Independent School Tournaments, which consists of schools from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina. He is in charge of assigning officials, overseeing tournaments, and clarifying or interpreting rules. His main sporting assignments are softball, swimming, and golf.
MDS made the switch to GIAA from GHSA, effective 2022-2023. We are thankful to continue working with Coach Slocum in his new role.