The
de Sales Sheet Magazine of Mount de Sales Academy | Spring 2017 Edition
A Message from the academy president Dear Friends,
The de Sales Sheet
Named for the school, it is published biannually by the Office of Institutional Advancement for alumni and friends of Mount de Sales Academy. 851 Orange Street | Macon, GA 31201 P: 478.751.3240 | F: 478.751.3241 Web: www.mountdesales.net E-mail: alumni@mountdesales.net Please direct all address changes and correspondence to the above address.
Administration
Mr. David Held, President Mrs. Mary Pat Dadisman, Assistant Head of School, Dean of Students Dr. Mike Franklin, Upper School Head Mrs. Kari Alderman, Middle School Head
Institutional Advancement Staff
Mrs. Laura J. Schofield, Director of Institutional Advancement Mrs. Lauren H. Beaty, Director of Alumni Relations, Parent Association Mrs. Krista Dillard, Development Liaison Mrs. Ashley K. Griffin, Director of Admissions Mrs. Amanda A. Livingston, Director of Development and Marketing de Sales Sheet Photographers: Mary Ann Bates, Advancement Staff, Yearbook Staff
An important aspect of sustaining and improving a school is to pursue reaccreditation by professional organizations whose standards form the foundation of our educational program. Mount de Sales is accredited by SACS/ SAIS, and we are visited every five years by educators and administrators from other independent schools to ensure our operations and services meet certain standards. We are pleased to report that the accreditation team that visited in November unanimously approved our reaccreditation. The team also commended MDS for excellence in a number of areas: • Commitment to supporting diverse learning styles and the academic support program • Openness to discussing and monitoring perceptions of faculty • Initiating the “Bedrock” planning and collaboration program • Offering an orientation day for rising 9th graders • Commitment to the Sisters of Mercy charism • Implementing a Mercy in Action program • Making the campus attractive and safe • Commitment to diversity • Opportunities for students to reflect on life experiences through retreats and spiritual activities • Learning opportunities such as the STEP program and dual enrollment • The quality of college counseling provided to individual students • Effective marketing materials capturing the essence of the school
that will shape the evolution of Mount de Sales over the next five years: • Ensure faculty and staff members are perceived as caring by students and parents • Create an intentional program to effectively transition students from middle to upper school • Develop and implement a school-wide plan to foster acquisition of 21stcentury skills including creativity, ethics, curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and time management • Pursue accreditation with the National Catholic Education Association to bolster our goal of being one of the most exemplary Catholic schools in America Larry Lawrence, one of the alumni profiled in this issue, remembered believing that his teachers and coaches at Mount de Sales felt that his success was their success. Forty years later, that belief still permeates our school, and it is important that we guide each student to find his or her own success at MDS and beyond. Pursuing these four goals will enhance our ability to do that.
Thank you for supporting our school and our students, and we look forward to We believe the education and support sharing our successes with you. offered at Mount de Sales is outstanding, as evidenced by the achievements of our students and graduates, some of whom you will read about in this issue. However, we always strive to find ways that are even more effective for our students to discover, innovate, and serve. Therefore, with input from parents, students, and alumni, our David Held administrators, faculty, and staff set four President, Mount de Sales Academy goals through our accreditation self-study
2016-2017 Board of Trustees
Mission Statement
Mount de Sales Academy, an independent Catholic school sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.
Mr. Craig Murphey, Chair Mr. Jarome Gautreaux (’85), Vice Chair Mrs. Suzy Garcia, Treasurer Mr. Roy Robinson (’82), Secretary Mr. Matt McKenna (’75), Ex-Officio Mrs. Kathy Blackwell Mr. Pat Braski Dr. James Cassidy, Jr. (’75) Hon. Verda Colvin
Mr. Spyros Dermatas (’72) Mr. Matt Garvin (’88) Mrs. Michelle Kroll Mrs. Mary Ann Mahoney Sr. Joan Serda, RSM Hon. Lamar Sizemore Mr. Terry Smoak Mrs. Mona Speir Mr. Shane Spells
Contents 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 14 16 17 18 Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., blesses the newly constructed prayer garden.
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Features
Discover, Innovate, Serve Tomorrow's Leaders Diploma Endorsement Program New Faces in Fine Arts Campus Notes Donor Profile Campus Transformation: Before and After Clay Shooting Set for Victory Fall Sports Highlights Monsignor John Cuddy
News & Happenings Alumni Relations
Alumni Spotlight: From MDS to the Marines Military Service A Call to Holiness Basketball and Business Cavalier Celebration Cavalier Connections Cavalier Sports Hall of Fame Back in the Game
Discover, Innovate, Serve semester. Vy’s first work in watercolor was remarkable, and she began largescale pieces before her second month in art. Her first successful large work, “Manatee,” created great interest in the MDS Advent semester shows. Landscape, abstract, still life, and wildlife images have been her forte. Vy has an innate sense of design, and her use of color is sophisticated beyond her years. To date, Vy has created over a dozen beautiful works in watercolor, rhoplex, and acrylic. It is easy to see why Vy’s art is rivaling her love of cheering at MDS! Vy's goal is to attend NYU and take the New York art scene by storm.
canned-food drive
Challenged to Innovate: Tony Barham, Frank Davis, and Pat Wallace
Discover, Innovate, Serve Mount de Sales Academy, an independent Catholic school sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve. Mount de Sales introduced its new mission statement at the beginning of
the academic year, and we are proud to feature many individuals from within our community who embody athe three core pillars of the mission statement. “Discover, Innovate, Serve” will be a regular feature of the de Sales Sheet, so please send your nominations to krista. dillard@mountdesales.net. Poised to Discover: Vy Diep (2017) Vy Diep is a senior who thought she knew herself pretty well. But when she first put a paintbrush in her hand, her world changed. Vy went from fledgling, beginning artist to “Artist of the Month” in the course of less than a
Frank Davis, Tony Barham, Pat Wallace
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They may not be teachers, but these three are among the most dedicated individuals at Mount de Sales! They combine their skills in construction, ironworks, and landscaping (and so much more!) to keep the school and campus in tip-top shape. Wallace, the facilities director, has been at Mount de Sales for 9 years, Barham 15 years, and Davis 3 years. We are thankful for their hard work each day, making Mount de Sales a safe, beautiful, and functional place for students, faculty, and staff. Motivated to Serve: MDS Student Body This season, MDS students collected more than 9,000 canned and packaged food items for St. Peter Claver Catholic Church’s food pantry. Our students’ generosity is a tangible example of our unity with all the children of God, regardless of their circumstances.
vy diep
Middle School Highlights students participate in Team-building exercises
Tommorow's Leaders This year, 8th graders at Mount de Sales are not just learning algebra, American history, and Latin. A new elective, leadership, is being offered for the first time. The course is taught by Middle School faculty member and counselor, Mr. Keith Bartlett. This engaging class was a popular choice when students began signing up for courses last spring. Throughout the semester, students learn everything from the proper way to shake hands to conversing with business leaders. A ropes course for team building is offered as well as lessons from Chinese exchange students on proper dining etiquette including the use of chopsticks. American and European dinner etiquette is also covered. “Ted Talks” series videos and guest speakers from various career fields—such as healthcare,
engineering, finance, and military service—give the students a better understanding of how the world perceives today's leaders. Above all, the class functions as a platform for growth and a vehicle for greater understanding of our larger world. Great emphasis is placed on teaching students to achieve goals they set for themselves. Mr. Bartlett says, “The leadership class has pushed the kids to pay less attention to their own world and focus more attention on the world surrounding them. Being a leader doesn't just happen, they are learning to be successful. You have to hone your leadership skills if you want to be successful.”
fun and useful. My favorite part is learning and growing with my other classmates. I have learned how to properly address others with a handshake and how to have an appropriate conversation.”
Students take a lesson in Chinese dining etiquette.
Recently, Lt. Col. Christopher Afful visited the class as a special guest speaker. He said, “Learning leadership skills at this age is such a huge advantage for these kids. The skills they learn today will stay with them throughout their lives.” Current leadership student Emma Brown shared, “I love doing educational activities that are also
The de Sales Sheet Spring 2017 Edition
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Diploma Endorsement Program faith fabian at the capitol for the presidential inauguration
Following Faith Diploma Endorsement Program
In this regular feature, we will follow Faith Fabian through her endorsement program. Q & A with Faith
What are you planning for your project/internship? For my project, I will be shadowing the city attorney of Warner Robins as well as being a Macon-Bibb County junior commissioner through the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students. I currently serve as founding president of the Macon Teen Republicans club. My biggest project to date is that I planned a trip for four club officials and two chaperones to attend the inauguration of Donald J. Trump.
Our new Diploma Endorsement Program allows students to deepen their knowledge and experience in a discipline. As students transition from freshman to sophomore year, they may choose to pursue a diploma endorsement in one of six concentrations: science, design, and technology; global studies; history, law, and humanities; Mercy in Action; business management; and healthcare studies.
What made you interested in pursing a diploma endorsement?
Faculty will mentor students as they design a three-year research or creative project, pursue internships, take a concentrated course of study, and prepare a capstone presentation.
My diploma endorsement is in law/ humanities with a focus on law and government. Why did you choose that topic?
How do you see this helping you with your future goals?
As a group, diploma endorsement students will benefit from additional opportunities to develop teambuilding and leadership skills. Thirtythree sophomores are pursuing a diploma endorsement this year and will have the opportunity to graduate with an impressive resume.
I chose this topic because I have always been interested in politics. From a young age, I have always loved watching the morning and evening news. I enjoy being able to discuss current events, whether local, national, or international, with teachers and my peers.
To me, this program is a way to pick a “major� in high school and personalize my Mount de Sales experience. Not only will the diploma endorsement help me learn about law and government, but also gain a better understanding of what a job in that field really entails.
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I was interested in the diploma endorsement program because I thought it would be a good way to learn about a career I am interested in and help me determine the educational and career path I want to pursue. What will you study?
What do you hope to get out of the opportunity? I hope to gain experience about law and government as well as learn leadership skills that will help me in whatever field I pursue.
Fine Arts Department suzanne webb, john lincourt, lizamar nieves
New Faces in Fine Arts The 2016-2017 academic year brought big changes to the Mount de Sales fine arts department. After several beloved faculty retired, a new crop of energetic, passionate leaders are building a program full of excitement and promise. Lizamar Nieves, MDS Class of 2010 and new choir director and music teacher, hopes to increase the number of students participating in choir over the next several years. Ms. Nieves enjoys being back at her alma mater and says she loves teaching music, singing with kids, and helping students improve their performance skills. A talented singer herself, Ms. Nieves enjoys collaborating with her fine arts colleagues to bring a new perspective and exciting changes to the music department at MDS. For the 2016-2017 academic year, Ms. Nieves introduced a 6th grade chorus class, created opportunities for students to get more involved in school and community concerts, and developed a Middle School choir. She has big plans for the future, including bringing back show choir, refining liturgical and contemporary music, attending a
popular music festival in Orlando, and offering Tri-M Music Honor Society in partnership with Mercer University. Tri-M membership criteria include being involved in either a music class or ensemble and academic achievement in the classroom, leadership, service, and character. Ms. Nieves is in her second year of teaching, but being a freshman at MDS 10 years ago, she says she feels like she has come full circle. John Lincourt has two main goals for the coming years: to help make MDS a competitive fine arts program, and to fully utilize the Zuver Performing Arts Center. Mr. Lincourt, a band leader and teacher, has a B.A. in trombone performance from Catawba College, and an M.A. in music from Mercer University. After performing all over town (and the world!), he believes MDS has the best auditorium in Macon. The sound system and new digital sound board, stage size and depth, and overall facility is something to be shared with the community. To expand his students' performance opportunities, Mr. Lincourt helped facilitate mini-concerts and class performances on campus while expanding off-campus performances through local parade participation and even a concert at Georgia Southern
University. He also has increased the school’s instrument supply, purchasing new tubas and cases for percussion instruments (thanks to Cavalier Club!) and has learned to balance a large group of 6th graders eager to play their new instruments. In addition to more live performances, Mr. Lincourt brought in guest instructors from whom students learn, listen, and appreciate various types of music. A proud moment? When eight students interviewed for All-State Band this year. There are also the emerging student leaders who have organized a pep band for basketball and volleyball games. Mr. Lincourt’s energy is contagious, and students are catching the spirit. He says, “There’s something fun and magical about performing, and I hope to share that with all of our students and families.” The final “newbie” of the group, who really is not new to the Mount de Sales community at all, Suzanne Webb has taken on the role of theater director, coming from six years as part of the Middle School faculty. Now, along with directing a musical, OneAct performance and Middle School theatrical production and leading the liturgy music, Mrs. Webb teaches technical drama, musical theatre, piano, and speech. “The students in my piano classes want to learn,” says Mrs. Webb. “They are happy to be there and it is exciting to be a part of their musical growth.” She added, “Skills learned in speech class help improve students’ writing, communication, and presentations, things they will have to do forever in life.” Mrs. Webb has a B.A. from Louisiana State University and a master's in education from Georgia College and State University. One goal Mrs. Webb has in this new role is to get more students involved in the whole process of a theater show, from acting and costuming to having student choreographers and directors. That goal has been realized as more than 15 male students tried out for this year’s spring musical, Oliver. Another objective is a pictorial inventory and costume shop! Mrs. Webb is a collaborator and enjoys input from many different sources and experts. She says, “I get to do what I love all day long, having fun interacting with students…and not having to grade papers!”
The de Sales Sheet Spring 2017 Edition
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Campus Notes is the second year in a row that the Upper School team has qualified for the national championship. The championship is restricted to the top 272 teams in the nation. Five students were honored with selection to the 2016-2017 Macon-Bibb Consolidated Government Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS): seniors Logan Bates and Madison Williams; sophomores Eleanor Anderson and Faith Fabian.
Campus Notes News and Highlights
Faculty Highlights Anita Arnett traveled to Panama to complete a course in “Introduction to Global Education.” She earned professional development hours by completing an online webinar course, homework, and experiential learning while traveling on the International Training Tour in the country of Panama. Participants apply information learned online through authentic travel experiences abroad. She will be traveling with MDS students to Peru this spring. Kenny Epps attained a Master of Education in teaching and learning from Liberty University. Matt DeFore, Iain Jones, and Tom Rule attended the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, where they previewed advanced technology that will be useful to the Academy and its students. Melanie Bentley and Becky Mixon attended the Future of Education Technology Conference to explore strategies and best practices in integrating technology across curriculums. fall 2016 student news The Middle School LEGO Robotics Team competed at the regional competition in Byron, GA. Their robot scored 5th place and won the Best Robot Design Award.
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Davis Kunselman (12th) is one of three national winners in the CDN-GM 2030 Chevrolet Adventure Vehicle Concept competition. Ava Lauer (9th), Sammie Harper (9th), Justin Lucas (10th), and Coleman Roberts (11th) were awarded a BPGOAL Scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year.
Artists of the Month: Nina Sandefur (11th), September; Daryn Sanders (12th), October; Vy Diep (11th), November; Davis Kunselman (12th), December
The Academy's One-Act cast won 2nd place at the GHSA Regional One-Act competition with The Children's Story. Nina Bayani (12th) was honored with an All-Star Cast award.
Middle School Tate Award Winners: Sophie Bolan (6th), Dargan McAfee (7th), Taylor Frankum (8th), September; Tyrell Lattimore (6th), Qualin Lockett (7th), and Makayla Hall (8th), October; Gray Sumowski (6th), Jack Union (7th), and Virginia Grace Todd (8th), November; Rachel Heacox (6th), Mary Lin Beall (7th), and Catherine Good (8th), December
Senior Lydia Good was named a National Merit semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. She will have the opportunity to become a finalist and compete for a $2,500 scholarship to be awarded this spring. Quiz Bowl Teams Place 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Georgia Tournament The Mount de Sales Upper School Quiz Bowl Team competed at the Georgia Academic Team Association's Fall South tournament in Dublin. The novice team won 1st place. Team members were Austin Burkey (10th), Karl Gustafson (11th), Joe Reidel (11th), Cat Dobles (9), and Sarah Schwartz (9th). The JV team won 2nd. Team members were Ben Lemon (10th), Roman Vadini (9th), David Pham (10th), and George Pearson (9th). The varsity team took 3rd. Team members were Daniel Pham (12th), Aidan Hintermaier (11th), Billy Chung (10th), and Stephanie Pierson (9th). Their 3rd-place finish qualified them for the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament that will be held in May 2017 in Atlanta. This
Agnes Pare (11th), Cedric Sumner (11th), and Shango Rich (10th) were selected to participate in the the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). YEA! is the youth version of Shark Tank. YEA! in Macon is presented by the Macon Chamber of Commerce, Mercer University's Innovation Center, and SparkMacon. As part of the program, students develop plans, conduct market research, present plans to investors, and launch their own company. The Upper School Robotics Team (“Cyberliers”) competed for the first time ever in Douglasville Co. Out of 33 teams, they placed an estimated fifth after five rounds of robot competition. Josiah Cotton (9th) received a $1,000 MathMovesU scholarship from Raytheon Company. Jacob Vick (10th) attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Agnes Pare, Shango rich, cedric sumner
josiah cotton
quiz bowl teams
one-act
anita arnett in panama
jacob vick
upper school lego robotics
middle school lego robotics
Donor Prof ile
Ties to Giving
By Lacie Kunselman (10th) Dr. Jimmy Cassidy, Jr. DMD, CDT, has always been connected to Mount de Sales by his family, which boasts over 20 Mount de Sales alumni. The entire Cassidy family has sacrificed time, talent, and treasure for many years and epitomizes the spirit of giving. Mount de Sales is a second home to Dr. Cassidy. He recalls visiting his greataunt, Sr. Mary Edward Cassidy, a Sister of Mercy, after Mass and running around the convent with his cousins, only stopping to eat from the never-ending supply of M&M's in his great aunt's bottom desk drawer. His call to donate blossomed from these happy memories and his admiration for and connection to the Sisters of Mercy. “When you think about giving, those women gave their whole lives to teach. So for me to just give money almost seems like not enough,” Dr. Cassidy said. Dr. Cassidy feels that his father most embodied the spirit of giving and says he “would've given everything he had away.” Jimmy Cassidy, Sr., understood the gift of giving, as he grew up in a family of 10 and was raised by his widowed mother. Jimmy Cassidy, Sr., reminded his family to “be an ambassador for the city of Macon.” When he passed away, his dad arranged for part of his estate to benefit the Sisters of Mercy. When Dr. Cassidy graduated from Mount de Sales in 1975, the majority 8
of the current campus was not yet constructed. Dr. Cassidy has helped fund the construction of many buildings, such as David J. Zuver Performing Arts Center and Father John Cuddy Hall, not only by donating, but by encouraging others to do so as well. His bright smile and great charisma would make it very difficult to say no! Dr. Cassidy has been a catalyst for huge transformations at Cavalier Fields. The baseball field, which was named for his late brother, Dan Cassidy, was recently rebuilt in honor of Coach Chester Pierce at the Cassidy family’s request. His favorite project was for his two sons who loved soccer. At the time, MDS had only one practice field and needed more desperately. Dr. Cassidy met with principal Sister Rosina, who was very pleased by his offer but said it would not be fair if the football team did not get a new practice field, too. He made it happen and even raised enough money for lights, soccer nets, goal posts, base pads, and more. The soccer field is named after Dr. Jimmy Cassidy, Sr. The rewards from donating, Dr. Cassidy insists, have been plentiful in his life, and he believes that “for every penny you give, you get a hundred dollars back.” As long as you are giving, it does not matter if your donation is small or large. Once you begin giving, it becomes a difficult habit to break because the results are so rewarding. “People that give, love to give,” he says. When one person demonstrates the spirit of giving, others become inspired to give as well. To Dr. Cassidy the spirit of giving does not simply mean giving money. “Some people don't have money to give,” he said. “You just need to give your talent and your time.” Take the time to go to a football game or see the school musical. Volunteer to work at the concession stand or attend a Music at the Mount concert. Come see the transformation of our campus. There are so many ways to give back to Mount de Sales and have fun at the same time. Dr. Cassidy urges everyone to give back, but for him sometimes it has been a challenge. However, he never allowed that to keep him from supporting Mount de Sales. He has not only supported MDS through monetary donations, but also by something equally valuable: his time. Dr. Cassidy believes that “you don't have to give a million dollars. Start with a small donation.” He recommends contributing
to the scholarship fund to help pay the tuition for one student, especially if you do not have children at MDS. It is a meaningful way to help families who struggle to send their children to Mount de Sales. On behalf of Mount de Sales, I would like to thank this incredibly kind and inspiring man for all he has done for the school and its students.
IN DEPTH When Dr. Cassidy attended Mount de Sales, his biology teacher was Mr. Joe McDaniel, the father of current staff member and alumna Mrs. Krista Dillard. Mr. McDaniel made his class exciting and is one of the reasons why Dr. Cassidy, now a dentist, loves science. He also enjoyed math with Coach Mike Garvin and the marriage class taught by Coach Garvin and his wife, Carolyn. “What I didn't realize was even though we clowned around, they really did prepare us,” said Dr. Cassidy. After graduating in 1975, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He is a member of many dental societies and lectures at meetings throughout North America. Dr. Cassidy’s private practice since 1983, Cassidy Dental Associates, is where he works alongside the eldest of his two sons, Dr. Jimmy Cassidy III.
Lacie Kunselman, Ardmore Scholar
2016-2017
Every Gift Matters
SPIRT OF MERCY ANNUAL FUND
Spirit of Mercy Annual Fund gifts of all sizes help sustain Mount de Sales as a premiere academic institution by enhancing our technology, programs, and campus facilities used by every student, every day. Current projects: Campus Ministry Middle School Obstacle Course New iPads New Science Lab McAuley Hall Renovation Scholarships
To help fund a project and show your support with a gift, please visit:
www.mdsgives.net
2016-2017 SPIRIT OF MERCY ANNUAL FUND Mount de Sales recognizes the following donors for supporting the 2016-2017 Annual Fund, through December 31, contributing or pledging $1,000 or more. Catherine McAuley Circle Anonymous Catholic Diocese of Savannah Dorothy V. and N. Logan Lewis Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Pinkney Gilchrist IV Mrs. Robin Horton Phil J. & Alice S. Sheridan Foundation St. Joseph Catholic Church The Thomas C. Burke Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Billy Wells Saint Francis de Sales Circle AnB Education Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. A. Don Faulk, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jarome Gautreaux Dr. Kent D. Hill Mrs. Lane Lewis McCormack Mr. Matthew Gary McKenna Mr. and Mrs. Craig Murphey The Hon. and Mrs. Lamar W. Sizemore, Jr. Mrs. Agnes Williams
Mercy Circle Dr. and Mrs. Robert Blackwell Mr. and Mrs. James Bruce Ms. Anna F. Dombrowski Mrs. Carolyn Garvin Dr. Robert Good and Mrs. Anne Tunnessen Mr. and Mrs. Peter Green Ms. Alicia Sheridan Kelly Mrs. Scotty McGoldrick Mrs. Lynn Nelson Phillips Chiropractic Raytheon Company Dr. and Mrs. Mitch Rodriguez Mrs. Laurie LuAnn Ross Mr. and Mrs. Sylvan Thuente Mr. John Tong and Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong Mr. and Mrs. J. Garner Walsh Ms. Cladie Washburn Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning, Inc.
Campus Transformation Before and After Members of the MDS community share their reflections on recent improvements to campus.
McAuley Hall Parking Lot
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McAuley Plaza: the old parking lot wasn't attractive and now that part of campus is a beautiful addition.”
The walls and pillars clearly and beautifully define the campus boundaries. It is now more apparent to passers-by where Mount de Sales begins and ends.”
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Columbus Street View of Zuver Center
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The new prayer garden where the patio was will be such a peaceful place for reflection for faculty and students. I love it!”
McAuley Hall Alley
Mercy Hall Patio
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I like the sails over the space between the gym and Zuver. This has upcycled a dead space into one that is inviting.”
ZuverMcAuley Tunnel
Rose Place
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I like the view from Appleton Ave. when you look up and cannot see the gym. That was a stroke of genius.”
McAuley Hall Parking Lot
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It is beginning to look like a college campus. It's impressive!”
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So far my favorite thing is the big matching stairway at each corner [of Orange St.]. I think it is inviting and has become a sort of iconic look for us.”
Sheridan Hall
De Sales Hall Parking Lot
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The student spaces that have been created are beautiful and give the students a sense of belonging to a place bigger than themselves.”
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I feel like MDS is now a more centered and recognizable part of downtown Macon and the College Hill Corridor.”
Thank you to the Phil J. & Alice S. Sheridan Foundation and Sheridan Construction for transforming Mount de Sales Academy's campus! How does the transformation inspire you to pay it forward for MDS? For ideas on how you can help, visit www.mountdesales.net/spirit-of-mercy.
Clay Shooting
marnie wagner clay shooting team member
Taking Aim: Clay Shooting
More Than Hitting Targets Most of the 10 students on Mount de Sales’s clay shooting team had never shot a gun before this summer. Coaches Pat Wallace and Linda Sosebee agree that their progress has been amazing. In their first year as a varsity team, our shooters went from last place in their first qualifying tournament to seventh place in their sixth tournament. “I have seen incredible growth in our young shooters. They have gained confidence. They have learned how to handle failure and how to win gracefully. They are also blossoming into great people,” said Coach Sosebee. Linda Sosebee knows a little something about shooting and developing competitors. A friend took her shooting for her 26th birthday, and she loved the sport from the moment she first pulled the trigger.
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Coach Sosebee became the first woman to win a state championship and then went on to become a two-time world champion. She was inducted into the National Shooting Hall of Fame in 2007 and was endorsed and sponsored by Browning. Her passion for shooting gave her opportunities to travel around the world and even to meet her husband, Hugh, at a national championship shoot in San Antonio, Texas. Both share a love of sporting clays, and Hugh volunteers with the team as well. The Sosebees have a son, Hugh, who entered the eighth grade at Mount de Sales this year. Pat Wallace, who formed the team last year, is grateful for the Sosebees’ involvement. “They are as passionate about shooting as one could be about any sport. Linda is a good teacher, and I have learned how to coach better by listening to them.” Beginning in July, the team practiced three days a week at the Ocmulgee River Gun Club and competed in tournaments through December. Coach Wallace noted that the diverse group of athletes and their parents have bonded through the sport. “The kids support each other, but what
I’ve most enjoyed seeing is when the switch is flipped and what they’ve been working on finally clicks.” Coach Sosebee believes the athletes have also gained valuable life lessons. “You have to stay in the present and focus only on what you are doing in that moment. You have to be able to handle pressure and adversity. When you get discouraged, you have to look at your progress. I like to teach them to trust themselves.” Coach Sosebee and Coach Wallace hope more students will decide to join the team, and stress that it is not just a sport for those who hunt. Shooting is more demanding mentally than physically. Coach Sosebee would especially like more girls to get involved (Junior Marnie Wagner is the only girl on the team). When she first entered the sporting clay world, only about 10% of shooters were women; today women represent about 30% of the competitors, and a young woman recently won the GISA state competition. Lee Anne Walsh, whose son, Matthew, is on the team, believes
a co-ed team fosters unity as a school. “In sporting clays, male and female competitors are simply peers united through a common passion. There is no gender advantage or disadvantage for the skills and focus competitive shooting requires.”
Champion, she is an eight-time National Champion. Coach Sosebee has the distinction of also being a Grand Slam Champion, having won all four majors in a single year. The National Shooting Sports Foundation selected her as Shooter of the Year; the award is given to any shooter, male or female, who is outstanding in a shooting discipline, which includes rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
Shooting has become a passion for Matthew, one that Lee Anne hopes he will be able to continue throughout his life. “I am thrilled that MDS is providing diverse extracurricular activities that reflect the different interests and talents of our students. I hope more students and parents will take an interest in competitive shooting.”
• The season lasts six months
More about Linda Sosebee:
• One girl is on the team
Coach Sosebee is a 15-time AllAmerican shooter. She competed for the United States in World Competition for 10 years and was captain of the shooting team five times. She earned 23 gold medals in international competitions. In addition to being a two-time World
• Each coach has put in 300 hours in practices and tournaments
Ready, Aim, Pull: Team Facts • The team practices three times per week
• 19,300 rounds have been fired • The team participated in six tournaments
Author’s note: I recently had the opportunity to join our new clay target team at a practice. While I attempted to shoot at the flying clay target, I did not come anywhere close to hitting it! However, the force of the shotgun blast nearly knocked me out of my boots! In my one attempt, I gained a real appreciation for the skill, stamina, and focus required to become an expert shooter and an admiration for our student-athletes who have learned how to shoot so quickly. - Laura Schofield Coach Linda Sosebee with team members
IN THEIR WORDS: “Shooting on the clay targets team has really been an awesome experience. Coach Linda Sosebee, Hugh Sosebee, and Pat Wallace have taught us so many fundamentals that we can continue to use throughout our shooting careers. I enjoy the shotgun team, because it gives you a chance to get outdoors and shoot a shotgun, which is unheard of at public schools. This team allows you to become a better shot in general and the coaches stress safety. There's never a dull moment, whether we are all laughing together or breaking clay pigeons. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team, and I'm looking forward to a great state tournament.” -Ben West, Senior and Team Captain “Skeet for me was so much fun, and I always looked forward to it. Being the only girl gave me a lot of motivation to beat the boys, and I want to be the best. I made so many new friends not only at MDS but also from other schools. If someone were struggling, everyone would try to help them and correct what they were doing wrong. All the parents were quick to help out and contribute anything, which made things so easy and fun. Overall, I really loved skeet and want to continue doing it and competing in tournaments even after high school.” – Marnie Wagner, Junior
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Volleyball
just because we win, but because they like what we stand for.” Coach Freeman believes the outpouring of support from the student body will help to build the volleyball program. “Our students embraced and supported this team. In all my years of attending events in McAuley Hall, I have never seen anything like the excitement of the students when they stormed the court after our win over The Darlington School. It was so gratifying.” Both coaches—who work together under the motto “two coaches, one mind”—are thankful for an administration, athletic staff, and faculty who support the volleyball program. Even the band joined in to pep up the crowd for the home playoff games! With this spirit, leadership, and dedicated players, a state championship team is in the making.
Set for Victory
Volleyball Team has Unprecedented Success The Elite Eight. For the first time, our volleyball team finished the season ranked among the top eight teams in GHSA, Class A.
Coaches Katelin Yates and Todd Freeman consider reaching the third round of the state playoffs a bonus. The real success from their perspective was the positive attitude and camaraderie their team displayed throughout the season. “I am so proud of what the girls accomplished, but I really love that even when we lost that final game, the entire team still wanted to be together, to support each other, to ride the bus as a team back to campus,” said Coach Yates. Coach Freeman attributes the positive culture to the way Coach Yates handles practices. “She values communication and makes sure that the girls understand why we are working on the drills. The girls have bought in to her leadership.” Coach Yates is an accomplished volleyball player as well as a coach. She began playing volleyball at age
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10. Her Washington State Volleyball Academy club team was ranked in the top 10 in the nation for three years in a row. Her high school team won a state championship, and she went on to play for Harding University in Arkansas. After moving to Memphis, Coach Yates coached the Harding Academy high school team and a Memphis Metro club team. When her husband, Gray, took a job at Mount de Sales, she became the assistant coach at Wesleyan College while also managing marketing for the Moonhanger Group. This is her first season coaching at MDS. “MDS is such a unique community, and I am so grateful for the warm welcome. I take my role as a coach, mentor, and community friend to these girls very seriously. I am humbled to be part of their journey and will do anything I can to enrich their experience.” Coach Yates’s first priority was to make being on the volleyball team a positive experience, one that the girls will look fondly on later in life. Her coaching philosophy centers on building players up, helping them grow as individuals and as polished representatives of the school and its athletic program. She also hopes to grow the program in the future. “We have an open invitation to girls who want to be a part of our program, not
IN THEIR WORDS: “When I had to take a year off, I prayed to God all the time that I would be able to play volleyball again. I could not have been happier with the season and how everything played out. The whole team is so close and gets along so well! God works in mysterious ways for sure.” -Alanna Byrne, Junior “In my four years at MDS, I have made the best of friends through this amazing volleyball program. All of us love the game so much, and we are such a close group of girls; without the bond that we have, our game would not be as good as it is. Volleyball is about trust and teamwork. There are six people on the court, and those six people all have amazing abilities; however, in order to win, you have to play as one. We did just that in order to make it as far as we did.” -Erin Bunkers, Senior, Captain
Cavalier Athletics
News. Schedules. Scores. mountdesales.net/athletics fall sports update
Notables
GHSA All-Region
Macon Telegraph Sunday Stars: Faith Siror, Cross Country; Adrian Hardwick, Football; Avery Thomson, Volleyball
Football: Adrian Hardwick, Will Pounds Cross Country: Seth Brahney, Faith Siror Softball: Asia Laconico
Volleyball: Elite Eight appearance in the GHSA State Class A Tournament; Area 7A Champions
Asia Laconico
Volleyball: Erin Bunkers, Alanna Byrne, Triniti Sims, Avery Thomson Macon Telegraph All-Middle Georgia Volleyball: Erin Bunkers, Triniti Sims, Avery Thomson
Volleyball GHSA Area Champions
Adrian Hardwick, Will Pounds
save the date! Mount de Sales Academy’s 3rd Annual
Cavalier golf classic
Monday, August 7, 2017 Brickyard Golf Club Proceeds Benefit Cavalier Athletic Teams For tournament and sponsorship information: Keith Hatcher, khatcher@mountdesales.net, 478.751.3240
Humble. Compassionate. Gentle. Encouraging. Open-minded. Caring. Forgiving.
Kind. Welcoming. Involved. Nurturing. Fearless. Approachable. Godly. Reassuring.
Supportive. Honorable.
Devoted. Selfless.
Knowledgeable.
Accepting. Joyful.
Counselor. Dedicated.
Loving. Uplifting.
Relevant. Storyteller.
Collector. Friend.
Giving. Humorous. Christlike. Loyal.
Understanding. Benevolent.
monsignor john cuddy 1928-2017
Mount de Sales Academy lost a faithful friend and servant. We will forever be grateful for the Christlike example he shared as he lived his life doing God's work. Words can never fully encompass the magnitude of his legacy, but we endeavor to shine as he did, love as he did, and care as he did. Monsignor John J. Cuddy, retired pastor of St. Joseph Church in Macon, died Friday, January 20, after an extended illness. John Joseph Cuddy was born on April 18, 1928, in New Haven, Connecticut, the second of three sons of Michael and Celia Cuddy. His parents were both born in Ireland, his mother in Donegal and his father in Laois. After attending St. Boniface Elementary School and Hillhouse High School, John Cuddy entered Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, for two years, then attended Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore for two more. He studied theology and obtained a master’s degree in education administration at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1953, at the Cathedral of Hartford for the Diocese of Savannah by Bishop Henry J. O’Brien. Father Cuddy was assigned first to Holy Family Church in Columbus, Georgia, as assistant pastor, where he served for four years, then as pastor at Saint Michael’s Church on Tybee Island, also for four years. He taught for seven years at Saint John Vianney Minor Seminary on the Isle of Hope, where he also served as vice rector and dean. During much of this time (1957-1968), he also served as Diocesan Superintendent of Schools. From 1968 to 1974 he served as pastor of Saint James Church in Savannah. His longest assignment was at St. Joseph Church in Macon, from 1974 until his retirement in 2004. He was named a Prelate of Honor with the designation of Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 2003. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Gerald Cuddy and Dan Cuddy, and his sister-in-law, Joanne Cuddy. Survivors include his niece, Celia Cuddy of Burlington, Vermont; his nephews, Thomas Cuddy and his wife, Lene, of Austin, Texas; Michael Cuddy, of North Haven, Connecticut; John Cuddy and his wife, Lisa Charbonneau of Madison, Connecticut; Stephen Cuddy and his wife, Linda, of Wallingford, Connecticut; and his sister-in- law, Helen Cuddy, of North Haven, Connecticut. Visitation and vigil were held at St. Joseph Church in Macon on Thursday, January 26. Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv., celebrated the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's with priests of the diocese concelebrating. Burial followed the Mass at Rose Hill Cemetery on Riverside Drive. Memorials in Monsignor Cuddy’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 830 Poplar St., Macon, GA 31201. Obituary by Diocese of Savannah
Alumni Relations
Hi, Cavaliers! When I returned to Georgia after finishing graduate school in 2013, I felt called to give back and get involved as an Mount de Sales alumna. It is one of my greatest joys to serve Mount de Sales after all that the institution did for me by enriching both my personal and professional life. I began by giving small annual gifts to the Spirit of Mercy Annual Fund and volunteering at several events. Eventually, I was invited to serve on the alumni board, and I have been impressed by the experience. I connected with alumni from all decades and realized how strong and far-reaching our alumni network has become. From coast and to coast, and even internationally, there are Cavaliers all along the way—excelling in their careers, leading in their communities, and living out the values instilled in us by MDS. This year was very special for my class as we celebrated our 10th reunion. We had a wonderful time celebrating the entire weekend—from the alumni awards and football game on Friday to the 5K and class party on Saturday and reunion Mass for all classes on Sunday. Homecoming was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with one another and our beloved faculty members and visit campus and share in the spirited excitement with current students. Speaking of exciting times on campus, our alumni board could not be in a better place! We have some new faces on the board and a renewed sense of responsibility as we head into 2017. As a board, we hope to encourage more alumni participation and giving in order to serve our students in the best way possible. We are excited about upcoming initiatives such as Career Day, Senior Breakfast, and alumni socials. We look forward to engaging with our alumni and reconnecting them with MDS. Want to know how to be involved as an alumnus? Please e-mail Lauren Beaty, director of alumni relations, at lauren.beaty@mountdesales.net. And at the very least, please send us your most up-todate contact information and news! We love to hear from you and hope that we will see you at one of our events soon.
Elizabeth Gaughf Kozak '06 MDS Alumni Association President elizabethgaughf@gmail.com
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Alumni Fun Annual Alumnae Breakfast A long-held tradition at Mount de Sales, the women of the all-girls classes joined us for a Christmas breakfast in December. They also were treated to the school's annual student Christmas concert.
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Alumni Basketball It was another great turnout for the annual alumni basketball event on December 17.
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Cavalier Celebration Weekend Classes held reunion parties during homecoming weekend.
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Jingle Mingle Jingle Mingle is a fun time for young alumni to celebrate the Christmas season and reconnect with their peers. This year's event was held at the Brick, one of Macon's popular new eateries. Katie O'Brien (2008) hosted fellow alumni.
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Special Recognition The Class of 2001 has raised nearly $2,000 as a class gift to Mount de Sales!
Class of 1996
Classes of 1940, 1945
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Class of 1966
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Class of 2001
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Alumni Spotlight
From MDS to the Marines Laura Perazzola (’99)
Laura Perazzola decided early in high school to attend the Naval Academy (USNA) and worked toward that goal beginning her sophomore year. According to Laura, her grades were respectable, but she was never a straight-A student. So, she made up for it with sports and clubs to show she was well-rounded. She also attended Summer Seminar, a program for high school juniors to spend a week at the Naval Academy. After spending time at Annapolis, Laura was determined to get in. She purchased a book about applying to USNA and followed every recommendation. After graduating from Mount de Sales in 1999, Laura went to the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). While MDS prepared her for USNA, the prep school was key and the extra academic year was the boost she needed to compete with applicants with higher test scores. Laura advises anyone going to a service academy to take a year of prep school because the experience was valuable academically, and she started her plebe summer with 200 of her new friends. At the USNA, Laura played rugby all four years. Navy Women’s Rugby was rated number two in the nation her sophomore and senior year, and she started as the fullback and outside center. Laura made lifelong friends on the team. “Being on the rugby team was the best thing I did while at USNA.” Laura was commissioned in 2004 into the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Her first duty station was Okinawa, Japan, where she served in two engineer units,
9th Engineer Support Battalion and Combat Logistics Battalion 31. During that time, she was deployed on a disaster relief mission to Indonesia, Engineering Civic Action Program to the Philippines, and deployed to Australia and Korea. Laura served in Iraq once and Afghanistan twice. In 2009, she deployed to Afghanistan with Special Operations Task Force-81 (SOTF-81). It was the first SOTF to be led by the Marines, and one of her best times in the Marine Corps. At the time, Laura was the engineer officer and the civil affairs officer. She worked with many different agencies to coordinate both marine and civil aid and relief for the Afghan people. Laura earned two masters degrees: emergency and disaster management from American Military University and national security studies with a sub-Saharan Africa focus from the Naval Post Graduate School. From 2012 to 2015, she worked as a regional planner for Marine Forces Europe and Africa out of Stuttgart, Germany, during which she was responsible for setting up training events in West and Central Africa for Marine units and their African partners. Laura describes this job as “a phenomenal experience. I absolutely loved that job. I traveled all over both Europe and Africa coordinating with various countries and other US Services.” Most recently, Laura joined the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion as the operations officer. This unit was only opened to women in December of 2015. We are proud of Laura's accomplishments as well as the accomplishments of other graduates who have served our country.
MILITARY ACADEMY GRADUATES The five federal military academies admit more students from Mount de Sales than from any other school in Macon. Below is a list of Cavaliers who graduated from these academies. Dates indicate MDS graduation year.
U.S. Air Force Academy Ann Johnston (1982) Brian Slocum (2001) Paul Elsbernd (2003) Reed Elsbernd (2006) Nick Maskell (2008) Tommy Fitzgerald (2011) Betsy Barrett (2012) Farley Pipkins (2014) U.S. Military Academy Tim Vara (1984) Michael Garvin (1985) Doug Bush (1989) U.S. Naval Academy Reggie Howard (1985) Laura Perazzola (1999) Burns Brown (2002) Anna Bernal (2006) Terrell Raley (2008) Chris Swain (2011) Myles Swain (2012)
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military service Betsy Barrett 2012 Medical Student, United States Air Force Dates of Service: June 27, 2012-present Betsy attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor of science in biology. She now lives in Bethesda, MD. where she is a medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. “As a student, I have not yet made any grand sacrifices for the betterment of our nation, but I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded every day by men and women who have. The Uniformed Services University is located on the same installation as Walter Reed—our National Military Medical Center. As a part of my continuing medical education, I interact with many wounded warriors and their dependents. These interactions have left me with a well of inspiration to draw upon as I begin my career in the military medical corps. As a country, we will forever be indebted to these brave men and women and I cannot wait to receive my M.D. and put it to use, solely for their service.” Jason Campbell 1988 United States Air Force Dates of Service: Enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, 1990 Commissioned Active Duty, 1995-Present Jason Campbell enlisted in the Air Force because he wanted an exciting career that took him across the world (so far, he has visited 35 countries). Lieutenant Colonel Campbell has spent 21 years in active duty as a logistics officer with assignments in America, Portugal, and Guam. He has deployed to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Istres, France; and Doha, Qatar. Combat deployments included site assessment visits to Balad, Iraq, Bagram, Afghanistan, as well as a yearlong deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan, as director of logistics, NATO air training command—Afghanistan senior mentor and air advisor to the headquarters, Afghan air force director of logistics. Additional work in Afghanistan consisted of site assessments to Kandahar, Mazar e Sharif, Shindand, Jalabad, Herat and Charghcharan as well as more than 50 convoys as a convoy commander in and around Kabul City. Jim Jordan 1975 United States Navy Dates of Service: US Navy Submarine Officer, 1978-1985 Lieutenant Commander (Retired), US Navy Reserve, 1985-1999 Jim joined the Navy as a Nuclear Power Officer Candidate during his senior year at the University of Georgia. In 1978, he received his physics degree and then attended Officer Candidate School, which was followed by nuclear power school and submarine school. Jim’s first assignment was at Pearl Harbor, where his tours lasted six months with two months between ports. Routes included tours to Japan, Thailand, South China, and the Russian Coast. After two years at sea, Jim was assigned to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT, where he worked as an engineer in the electric boat shipyards. Jim’s active-duty service ended in 1985 when he transitioned to the Navy Reserve and began law school at University of Georgia. From 1985-1999, Jim worked while serving in the US Navy Reserve. He would take two weeks of vacation from his day jobs and fulfill his naval obligation. As of January 2017, Jim will be officially retired from the Navy Reserve. 24
We are thankful for the many Cavaliers who have served or are serving our country. Here are a few servicemen and women. Dottie Powell 1962 United States Army Dates of Service: 1975-1995 Dottie was working as a motorcycle mechanic when the business closed and she was forced to find another job. Dottie wanted to continue her work as a mechanic, so she enlisted in the Army even though she had a college degree. She wanted to work on the line and “get her hands dirty.” Over her 20-year career, Dottie worked her way up from a Private First Class officer to a First Sergeant. She served three tours in Germany at Nurnberg, Heilbronn, and Darmstadt; served in the Mojave Desert; attended multiple leadership schools; worked on 2.5-ton wheeled vehicles and generators; and consistently won awards for physical fitness. Dottie credits the Army with giving her a chance to do what she really wanted to do, to be a mechanic. After Dottie retired, she worked in maintenance for a Catholic school in Virginia and coached volleyball for 10 years.
Captain Reggie Howard 1985 Deputy Director, Operations and Plans, United States Navy Dates of Service: 1985-present Captain Howard attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a degree in engineering. He began flight training in 1989 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April of 1991. At 24 years of age, he was responsible for many young sailors looking for guidance and direction. According to Captain Howard, St. Joseph's Catholic School and Mount de Sales gave him a positive outlook on life and made him believe he could be whatever he wanted to be. He has tried to spread the message of hope and inspiration that he received to the young men and women he has led over his twenty-seven year career. “My influencers have influenced another generation.” Over his distinguished career, Captain Howard has served a variety of assignments including operational and training flying tours, command leadership assignments, and staff and educational tours. Captain Howard has deployed to Alaska, Japan, Australia, Thailand, Korea, the Caribbean, Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf, Iceland, Puerto Rico, and the United Arab Emirates among many others, and has worked at the Pentagon twice. He attended the National Defense University and received a Master's of Science in national security strategy from the National War College and was a fellow in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program.
“Serving in the armed forces is not just a job or career, it’s a holistic approach to living. Service members, for the most part, do not segregate their personal values from their professional ones. The Air Force core values are Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do…Service members live these values all the time, not just when we have a uniform on.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Campbell The de Sales Sheet Spring 2017 Edition
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A Call to Holiness The larkin family
A Call to Holiness Deacon Drew Larkin
Drew Larkin, Class of 2004, was ordained a deacon at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, on September 29, 2016. Deacon Drew earned a business degree from the University of Georgia and worked for several years in the industry before he felt the call to become a priest. His call came after deep soul-searching about whether to remain part of the Catholic Church. Drew remembers guilt forcing him to Church each Sunday. “Finally, I told the Lord that I could not keep this up and that He had to do something about it otherwise I would stop attending Mass,” said Drew. “Over time, I felt more drawn to the Catholic faith and the more I learned, the more I was changed until I felt that God was calling me to the priesthood. I put this off but started to dislike work and could not get my mind off the priesthood.” After meeting with the diocesan vocation director, Drew enrolled in Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Virginia for two years of philosophy courses. Next, Drew attended North American
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College in Rome for major seminary including four years of theology classes. Drew was specifically chosen by Archbishop Hartmayer to attend both Mount St. Mary’s and North American College. Deacon Drew completed three years of major seminary before he was ordained a deacon. Drew’s family are members of St. Peter Claver Church, and a contingency of family and parishioners attended his ordination. According to Mike Larkin, Drew’s father, “As parents, we are so proud of Drew for answering the call to priesthood. It has been a joy for us to see how happy he has been in seminary life, both at Mount St. Mary and at the PNAC in Rome. Drew’s deaconite ordination was an unbelievable experience. Fr. Bill McIntyre, pastor at St. Peter Claver, went with us, so we were able to have private daily Mass— in a different church every day.” In his own words: Deacon Drew describes his ordination as profoundly meaningful: “We went into the St. Peter’s Basilica sacristy and the 30 of us to be ordained sat in a small room and no one was allowed in so that we could pray about what was going to happen. Next, we processed into St. Peter’s and passed all the hundreds of priests and
bishops that were there to support us. We stood in the middle of St. Peter’s and took our promises of obedience, prayer, and celibacy near the tomb of St. Peter. Some of the more moving times were laying prostrate (flat on the floor) as everyone prayed for the intercession of all the saints in helping us. The laying on of hands was very powerful where the cardinal lays his hands on the head and calls down the Holy Spirit in silence. I could not hold back a smile when they placed the stoles and dalmatics on us (the vestments of a deacon).” When asked about his vocation and giving up marriage and parenthood, Deacon Drew answered, “I find that being involved in the spiritual lives of parishioners whether it be Baptisms, weddings, or funerals is life-giving.” The hardest part for Drew is trying to be a representative of Christ to people while dealing with his own imperfections. “I thought by the time I was ordained, I would be this ideal, perfect person but, in fact, I still struggle with sin. But I think this is why God chose us, why He works through us. When someone comes to Confession, I will know what it is to turn away from God. I know what the guilt feels like but I can also witness to God’s mercy and forgiveness.” Deacon Drew currently works at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Valdosta, Georgia. He will serve St. John’s parish until the summer when he will return to Rome for his final year of seminary. He expects to be ordained as a priest in the summer of 2018.
Drew Larkin with Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.,Bishop of Savannah
Beyond MDS Larry Lawrence at the freE-throw line
Courtesy of Dartmouth College Library
Basketball and Business Larry Lawrence, a 1976 graduate of the Academy and former professional basketball player, is the managing director and head of credit sales for the Americas for Societe Generale. Larry is the ninth of 12 children of Malachi and Julia Lawrence. According to Larry’s MDS basketball coach, Joe McDaniel, “The Lawrences raised their 12 children extraordinarily well, and saw to it that their children would get the best education available.” Larry was an honor graduate, ranked in the top 10 in his class, and had an SAT score that would get him into any of the Ivy League schools. Larry’s education began at St. Peter Claver Catholic School, continued at Mount de Sales Academy and Dartmouth College, and culminated with his executive MBA from Columbia University. Larry grew up playing basketball with the Slocums, fellow MDS alums, and then played all four years at Mount de Sales. He was inducted into the Cavalier Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. “Larry was perhaps the easiest-tocoach player I've ever seen; his work ethic being second to none, coupled
with excellent skills and a great attitude…. He was always a relentless competitor who pushed himself to be great,” remembers Coach McDaniel. Larry wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level. Despite many academic offers, Larry only applied to one college, Dartmouth, because they offered him the opportunity to play basketball. After graduating from MDS, Larry boarded a plane to New Hampshire to attend a summer session at Dartmouth. At this point, Larry had never flown on a plane and had never seen the school he would attend for five years. Larry describes Dartmouth as a “gamechanging place” for someone who grew up in the South. “Dartmouth gave me a global perspective and opened my eyes to what was possible.” Larry majored in psychology with a concentration in economics and believes his education has served him well. The friends he made during his first summer at Dartmouth remain close friends today.
Year, averaging 21.8 points and 8.7 rebounds a game (there have only ever been two from Dartmouth). Larry’s goal after college was to play basketball as long as it was fun. He was initially drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, but instead played for the Continental Basketball Association for four years in Puerto Rico. Larry played with the Hawks in the summer of 1989 when they traveled to Russia. This was the first professional basketball team from the United States to play basketball in Russia for the Goodwill Games. Larry continued to play basketball for 15 years in France on teams based in Gravelines, LeMans, Nancy, and Viche. He was voted one of the “50 All-Time Greatest Players” in France. He averaged 24 points a game, scored 40 or more points in five games, scored 50 points twice in two games in 1989, and led the league in scoring in 1989 with a 32.4-point average. Larry’s team won league championships twice while playing in France. In 2000, Larry retired from basketball and made New York his home with his wife, Arlene, and two children, Alsyssa and L J, both of whom are collegiate athletes. Larry believes his achievements are the direct result of the environment at MDS that cultivated accountability and standards. According to Larry, the values taught to him by his parents were also embraced by his coaches, teachers, and mentors. At St. Peter Claver and MDS, he was surrounded by people who encouraged him to do the right thing and stay on the right path. Larry says he believes “my success is their success.”
Larry Lawrence receiving the Alumni Career Achievement Award at MDS in 2005
During his collegiate basketball career as a forward, Larry finished 19th on the all-time leading scorers list with 1,122 points. He was a two-time recipient of the team’s MVP award as well as the recipient of the 1981 Doggie Julian Award as the Most Outstanding Student Athlete at the college. In his senior year, Larry was the first Dartmouth player named as the Ivy League Player of the
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Alumni Awards
Sherry Olivier, Justin Andrews, Carolyn Garvin, Douglas Brooks, Donna Washburn
Cavalier Celebration
2016 Alumni Awards Distinguished Career Achievement Award: Douglas Brooks (’81) Douglas Brooks, a third generation Maconite, is a man of faith, deeply committed to serving others. His dedication to service is a direct result of his Catholic education and Methodist upbringing. He attended local Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school and his desire to serve has led him to a distinguished career advocating for America’s voiceless and often marginalized populations, in particular homeless adolescents, LGBT communities, and people living with HIV/AIDS. After graduating from Boston University with a master’s in social work, Douglas began his career at the Justice Resource Institute (JRI) in Boston. He spent nearly 20 years working for JRI in a variety of jobs including the executive director of the Sidney Borum Jr. Community Health Center, which provides safe non-
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judgmental care for homeless youth; serving as a therapist at Boston GLASS, which provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adolescents with social services; and ultimately working as the senior vice president for community, health, and public policy.
to 2020, which he considers to be “the best possible roadmap to guide our collective efforts” to end the HIV epidemic in America.
In addition to his work at JRI, in 2010, Douglas was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/ AIDS. He has managed federally funded programs such as Ryan White projects, CDC prevention for African American/ black youth, and several special projects of national significance.
In 2010, after 19 years in the corporate world, Sherry began pursuing her passion for nonprofit work. Shortly after her “retirement,” Sherry headed to Uganda to serve in a boarding school, an experience that completely changed her life and priorities. While serving in Uganda, Sherry discovered the Sozo Children organization and quickly became an advocate for the ministry and the people of Uganda. She joined Sozo in 2011 as a volunteer missions coordinator and accepted a position on the board of directors in 2013.
In March 2014, President Obama announced the appointment of Douglas as the director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. For two years, Douglas led the administration’s work to end the HIV epidemic in the United Sates. Douglas states that during his appointment, “we opened the White House to more community and conversation than ever…hosting the first ever White House meetings on HIV in the Southern United States, HIV among Gay and Bisexual Men, HIV in the Transgender Community, and HIV Stigma.” Most significantly, his office produced the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated
Alumna of the Year: Sherry Williams Olivier (’86)
Sherry is also a volunteer trainer with World Relief and on the Love Out Loud volunteer operations team. She advocates for the “Good Neighbor” program provided through World Relief and trains volunteers to become involved in the lives of refugees settling in our area. “During my high school years, MDS was the only private school in the area to embrace racial and socioeconomic
diversity. My passion to serve and my love for other cultures was fueled by my high school experience,” notes Sherry. Sherry has shared her love for MDS and other cultures with the Academy over the past year—all from her home state of North Carolina. She attended the 1985 softball team reunion (the first MDS women’s team to win a state championship); attended the alumni basketball game; volunteered as a speaker at Career Day; coordinated the Sozo Children Choir performance at MDS last spring; and generously supports the Spirit of Mercy Annual Fund. Young Alumnus Award for Community Service: Justin Andrews (2006) Justin Andrews works tirelessly in the Macon community to promote music and arts education and raise awareness about the cultural events occurring in his hometown, particularly downtown. In his role as the program assistant for the Otis Redding Foundation, he works with the DREAM choir, serves as the administrative camp assistant for Otis Music Camp, and assists with everyday foundation operations. Most recently, Justin was instrumental in planning Celebrating 75 years of Otis Redding, a weeklong series of events including the launch of Macon Dreams, an Otis Redding-inspired beer from the Macon Beer Company; the high school art competition and opening of The King of Soul: Otis Redding in Photographs at the Tubman Museum; Otis Redding Day in Cherry Street Plaza; a VIP BBQ at the Big “O” Ranch; screenings of Otis Redding concert footage at A Picnic Under the Stars with Otis Redding; and the tribute concert and gala, An Evening of Respect. In addition to his work at the Otis Foundation, Justin volunteers with many downtown organizations which promote music, art, and community. Justin has worked with the Macon Film Festival, Daybreak, and the Magnolia Soap Box Derby. The Macon Film Festival celebrates independent films while promoting filmmaking for entertainment, inspiration, education, and economic development. For the past three years, Justin has served on
the board of the directors of Macon Pops and coordinated concerts. Macon Pops is an innovative, high-energy, and world-class orchestra event bringing together the most talented studio and orchestral musicians from around the Southeast and across the country. Justin also volunteers as a tour guide for Rock Candy Tours, an organization, which offers weekly music-history walking tours of downtown Macon historic sites that helped shaped rhythm and blues, Southern rock, new wave punk, and the global music industry. He recently joined Navicent Health's Champions for Children program as a fundraiser for the new children’s hospital. St. Francis de Sales Award: Carolyn Garvin Carolyn Garvin’s name is synonymous with Mount de Sales Academy. She has filled numerous roles at MDS—teacher, parent, mentor, cheerleader sponsor, athletic supporter, grandparent, and many more. She was first introduced to MDS when her husband, Coach Mike Garvin, began his legendary career here in 1967. In 1973, Carolyn joined the faculty part time as a math teacher. Soon after, she began teaching history of the Old Testament and girls P.E. Carolyn used her love of storytelling in her teaching methods by acting out scenes from the Bible for her classes. Together, Carolyn and Mike co-taught a marriage class for seniors. During her tenure as the chair of the religion department, Carolyn and Sister Fidelis created the Candlelight Carol service, now one of the Academy’s most cherished traditions. Carolyn and Mike’s three sons, Michael, Rob, and Matt, all graduated from the Academy in 1985, 1987, and 1988 respectively. Carolyn supported her husband and sons in their athletic endeavors and attended almost every home game her family was involved in—more than 20 years of games! She supported the players, coaches, and their families at Henderson and Porter stadiums and led the cheerleaders in skits during pep rallies and cheers during games. Carolyn’s MDS spirit is just as strong today as it was 40
years ago. Today, she supports her grandchildren Bryce and Matilyn in their MDS endeavors, represents her family at Pi Day (also known as Mike Garvin Math Day), and continues to advocate for the Mike Garvin Scholarship. Chester Pierce Lifetime Service Award: Donna Washburn Donna grew up surrounded by music. She started performing in 2nd grade and by the age of 16, she was the piano accompanist at her church, Cross Keys Baptist in East Macon. She attended Wesleyan College and received her Bachelor of Arts in music education with choral emphasis and organ as primary instrument. She taught general music and art in DeKalb County for one year before she returned to Macon to teach for Bibb County. After Donna and her husband, Dale, welcomed their four children, Donna stayed at home to raise her children until she received a call from friend Jackie Fry. Jackie introduced Donna to Sister Fidelis, who hired Donna to start a choral program at the Academy. Donna’s career at MDS began in 1985 with her work with the literary team and quickly grew to include courses for Upper and Middle School such as chorale, concert choir, introduction to choral music, introduction to piano, jazz ensemble, and musical theatre. Donna has led numerous literary teams to state championships and recognitions. She organized the first choir tour, which traveled to Nashville. Her chorus groups performed in France three times and in New York City on Easter Sunday for Fox News in 2005. Despite her numerous successes at Mount de Sales, Donna’s greatest accomplishment remains her four children and MDS alumni: Casey, Brad, Melissa, and Ben.
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Cavalier
connection
1960s
1980s
Share your news with us and update your mailing and e-mail addresses! Send in your updates such as birth announcements, engagements, marriages, jobs, and promotions. Visit us online at www.mountdesales.net/alumi, e-mail us at alumni@mountdesales.net, or contact Director of Alumni Relations Lauren Hamblin Beaty at (478) 751-3240 ext 123.
Peg jones with bishop hartmayer
Peg Jones (1966) was awarded the Francis X. Gartland Award by Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., on Sunday, November 20, 2016. Her citation read, “A lifelong member of the parish, Peg is always willing to lend a helping hand and is a source of great comfort especially to the sick and elderly of our parish and community. Peg has worked with Saving Our Rivers, Inc. for 25 years. A silent worker, she helps beautify our hydrangea mote and attends to our garden. She single-handedly helped her neighbors get back on their feet after a house fire by having a benefit fundraiser that not only helped them but also brought their neighborhood together.”
1970s natalie Buttersworth
Myke and coi Epps
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Jack Considine (1973) was reelected to the Minnesota House of Representatives for a second term. Rep. Considine moved to Minnesota in 1980 and represents the communities of Mankato and Eagle Lake at the Legislature. Considine, who is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (the Minnesota version of the Democratic Party), worked for six years as a behavior analyst at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter and then worked as a jail program coordinator and counselor for the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, retiring from that position in 2010.
Karla Redding-Andrews (1980) received a 2016 Macon Arts Cultural Award for her significant contributions to the arts and cultural community. Karla is committed to keeping the legacy of Otis Redding alive. ReddingAndrews currently serves as the executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation. Her lasting impact can be seen in the Otis Music Camp, the Otis Redding Center for Creative Arts, and the newly formed Dream Academy. Redding-Andrews earned a B.A. from Georgia Southern University in 1985. She is vice-chair of the Georgia Music Foundation board, which operates under the direction of the governor of the state of Georgia, Nathan Deal. Redding-Andrews serves on the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Advisory Commission, appointed by Governor Deal; the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings Board of Visitors; and the steering committee for Mill Hill: East Macon Arts Village. Redding-Andrews and husband, Timothy, have been married for 29 years and have two sons, Justin (2006) and Jarred (2017). Michael Johns (1987) has been elected by his professional colleagues as president of the Georgia Psychological Association. He also coaches his son's U14 soccer team at Macon Soccer Club. His two children, Ethan and Ariana, are middle schoolers at MDS. Lt. Colonel Jason Campbell (1988) will retire from the U.S. Air Force after 27 years of service on August 1, 2017.
1990s
Kathryn Rodriguez Buttersworth (1993) and husband, Michael Buttersworth, of Thunderbolt, GA, welcomed daughter Natalie Buttersworth (6lbs, 12.9oz) on May 10, 2016. The couple has an older daughter, Clarissa, age three. Myke Epps (1993) married Coi Brandon on December 29, 2016, at the Defoor Centre in Atlanta. Shana Alverson (1994) set a new Masters world record by winning Female Grand Master at the 2016 International Weightlifting Federation World Masters Championships in Heinsheim, Germany. Becky Sizemore Hobson (1995) has left the classroom after 15 years of teaching middle school history. She will now be a teacher and coach for the Shelby County Schools and will be helping new and struggling teachers improve their teaching practice. Becky and her husband, Thomas, continue to live in Memphis with their twin 12year-olds, Lauren and Andrew. Chris Allen (1996) was recently named the Cath Lab medical director at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He has four boys under the age of six. Jessica Garcia (1999) married Douglas Keith Stevens on September 24, 2016, on Jekyll Island.
2000s
Matthew Lorge (2001) and wife, Aimee, welcomed their first child, Andrew, on August 1st. Matthew was also recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and will start attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, in January to earn his MBA. Jeff Dadisman (2002) and wife, Laura, welcomed their first child, Edith Bernd Dadisman, on September 18, 2016. Edith weighed 7lbs., 7oz. Kimberly Kelsey Epps (2002) starred as Dorothy and Chris Freeman (2009)
starred as the Lion in Theatre Macon’s production of “The Wiz” in December.
Edith Dadisman
Rachel Azar (2003) married Matthew Weekley on November 12, 2016. Dr. Jimmy Cassidy III (2005) opened his new home downtown for the InTown Macon’s 2016 Christmas Tour of Homes. Nathaniel Silva (2006) and his wife, Abby, welcomed a son, Charles Gibson (7lbs., 7oz.), on December 20, 2016. Taylor Tatum (2007) married Charlie Cassidy (2007) on September 24, 2016. Patricia Tran (2007) graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in May 2016 and was nominated by her peers into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Jonathan Johnson (2008) won the Illinois division of the Metropolitan Opera Competition; he placed as the top tenor. Isaiah Jones (2008) married Josselyn Jones on June 6, 2014, in Park City, UT. The couple now resides in Logan, UT. Isaiah has completed two degrees at Utah State University: a B.S. in human physiology (2012) and an M.A. in history (2015). He works for the College of the Arts at Utah State University as an administrative assistant and graduate program coordinator. In addition to his responsibilities with the college, he is also a doctoral student in education.
2010s
Rachel Azar and Matthew Weekley
jimmy cassidy with tourists
Chris Swain (2011) signed with the New York Jets as a member of the practice squad. Betty Cantrell (2012), Miss America 2016, released her first single, “Soldier On,” in December. Her single is available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. Maggie Midkiff (2013) earned recognition on the 2016 Academic All-District women's soccer teams from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) for the third year in a row. She has a 3.89
charles silva
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Taylor Tatum And Charlie Cassidy
GPA in environmental science. For the first time in her career, Maggie also achieved first-team CoSIDA Academic All-America. Anna Beth Smith (2013) was featured on UGA’s website this fall as an UGA Amazing Student. She is a senior majoring in political science and human development and family science. Anna Beth volunteers, mentors, and is the chief of staff for state Rep. Spencer Frye. Savannah Lingelbach (2014) and Zachary Eisner (2014) are engaged to be married!
Savannah lingelbach and Zachary eisner
In Memoriam
(September 2016-January 2017)
Mary "Peg" Margaret McGoldrick Broker (1944) Sister Helen McCreary, RSM (1947) Anne Marie Phillips (1947) Mary Frances Harper Kahley (1949) Mary Ann Hall Reece (1962) Monsignor John Cuddy, Former Chaplain
isaiah and Josselyn jones
CAVALIER SPORTS HALL OF FAME In September, the Cavalier Sports Hall of Fame honored the following coaches, contributors, and athletes: Joey Shaheen (1968): Joey earned 10 letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track from 1964 to 1968. He lettered four years in baseball and played on two baseball state championship teams and one runner-up. Joey batted over .400 during his four years of varsity baseball. He was the leading hitter on the 1967 state runner-up teams and on the 1968 baseball teams. In football, Joey 2016 CSHOF Inductees: (front row) Thom Mead, Katie Wright Sweeney, Bethany Dadisman, was named Player of the Week multiple Brandon Mahoney, Luke Mummert; (back row) Joey Shaheen, Coach Lee Stockslager, Millard times by the Telegraph. He was the starting Vining, Greg Fitzgibbons, Kevin Miller, Kenny Epps, David Taylor, Wesley Moulton tailback on Mike Garvin’s first MDS football team and was named offensive Player of the quarterback, Millard passed for more than average of 1.85. He pitched a no-hitter as Year by the Macon Touchdown Club. He is 1,400 yards and rushed for more than 1,500 a graduate of the University of Notre Dame a senior. Gregg had 11 wins and only four yards with 32 touchdowns. Millard was and the University of Georgia School of Law. losses during this two-year span. In his senior season, Gregg had a batting average named to the GISA All Region, All-State and the Telegraph’s All-Middle Georgia teams. of .415 with three homeruns and 18 RBIs. Gregg Fitzgibbons (1985): Gregg earned He received a scholarship to play football Gregg received a baseball scholarship and eight varsity letters: football (4), baseball at Ferrum College. After college, Millard pitched for the Mercer Bears. (4). Gregg excelled in baseball as a played one year of professional football in leftfielder and pitcher. During his junior and Germany and four years for the Roanoke Millard Vining (1992): Millard earned senior years, Gregg pitched 113 innings, Steam in the Arena Football League. struck out 160 batters, and gave up only 20 eight varsity letters: football (3), track (3), and basketball (2). As a two-year starter at earned runs, which led to an earned run 38
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Friday, February 24
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Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2
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Thursday, April 27
Class of 2017 Baccalaureate
Friday, April 28
Music at the Mount
Saturday, May 6
Uniform Sale
Friday, May 12
Class of 2017 Graduation
Tuesday, May 23
8th Grade Closing Liturgy
Monday, August 7
Cavalier Golf Classic
Friday, August 25
Music at the Mount
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May 30-June 2
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June 5-9
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June 5-8
Boys & Girls Elite Soccer (ages 11-18) June 26-29
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Future Cavalier Football (ages 6-13) July 24-26 Visit www.mountdesales.net for news and event registration.
Bethany Dadisman (2004): Bethany earned eight varsity letters: track (1), cross country (2), and swimming (5). She received All Region and All State honors for the mile and two-mile events. In 2002 and 2003, she placed 3rd and 2nd at region cross country meets. Bethany was a varsity swimmer for five years. The team won GISA State Swim Championships in 2000-2004. Bethany finished 1st in 14 individual events and 1st in four relays. She earned GISA All-State Swim Team 18 times for 18 events. Bethany received a swimming scholarship at the University of South Carolina. Katie Wright Sweeney (2004): Katie earned five varsity letters as a swimmer. She was a member of the GISA State Championship teams 2000-2004. During her career at MDS, she was state champion for the 200yard freestyle (2000, 2001, 2003), 500-yard freestyle (2001, 2003), 200-yard freestyle relay team (2003), and 200-yard medley team (2004); both relay teams set state records. After graduation, Katie lettered for four years as a member of the Georgia Tech swim team, where she competed every year at the ACC Championships. 2003 Men's Soccer Team: The 2003 Men’s State Championship team was coached by Vince Dattilo. The team finished the
season with a record of 18 wins and one loss. The loss was to out-of-state Cardinal Gibbons High School. One highlight during the season was defeating a nationally ranked Charlotte Latin team 3-2. The 2003 championship team outscored opponents 94 to 17. They finished the season in the NSCAA Region Polls at number 7, the highest ranking for a Mount de Sales soccer team at the time. 2003 Varsity Roster: Seniors: Tony Arena, Bryan Benton, Andrew Dockrell, Kenny Epps, Ryan Graycheck, Patrick Hanson, Tommy Hurley, Sam McLaurin, Kevin Miller, Wesley Moulton, Joey Shackleford, Kenneth Suchower; Juniors: Jimmy Cassidy, Brandon Mahoney, Luke Mummert, Taylor Ware; Sophomores: Dean Harper, Ryan Liedle, Josh Miller, Uchenna Nwosu, Micah Pherson; Freshman: Jay Gibson; Managers: Katie Garofalo, Ashley Leonard, Amanda Ritter; Video: David Bushey; Coaches: Vince Dattilo, David Taylor Dr. Lee Stockslager, Coach: Coach Lee Stockslager graduated from The University of the South, where he swam and lettered all four years, setting two swim team records. He earned his dental degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1981. While in dental school, he coached
with Swim Atlanta. Coach Stockslager started Swim Macon/Middle Georgia Aquatics in 1981 when he moved to Middle Georgia. He attended the United States Swimming Coaches College in 1984 and Elite Coaches College in 1986 at the United States Olympic Training Center. He served as head coach of the Georgia All-Star Zone teams in 1985 and 1988. He has coached swimmers to the USA National team, Olympic Trials qualifiers, and sectional and state levels. Coach Stockslager helped start the swimming program at Mount de Sales in 1998. He also was instrumental in swimming becoming a sport under the GISA. He coached the MDS team to four boys state championships (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002) and 12 girls state championships (2000-2007, 2010-2013). Thom Mead, Contributor: Thom Mead has been a loyal Cavalier fan since 1990 when his wife, Diane, joined the MDS faculty. In 1992, he began keeping stats and announcing for the varsity football, softball, and basketball teams. As the Athletic Department has expanded over the years, Thom has taken on the announcing duties for occasional cross country, volleyball, track, wrestling, and lacrosse contests.
Special Feature
Harrison was unable to sleep that night. Not only was he in a lot of pain, he was distraught over the idea that he might not be able to finish his senior season.
Harrison beers Class of 2016
The following day, Tee Spinks, a certified athletic trainer and Piedmont’s director of sports medicine, reviewed the X-rays with Dr. Ryan DeCoons, one of Piedmont’s orthopaedic surgeons. They made the diagnosis of a proximal tibiofibular dislocation, a very rare knee injury. Given the rarity of the injury, it is often easily missed on plain X-rays. In fact, there have been only about 30 cases of acute isolated proximal tibiofibular dislocations reported in the peer-reviewed orthopaedic literature since 1974. They obtained additional X-ray views and X-rays of the contralateral knee, confirming the diagnosis. Dr. DeCoons explained that Harrison required surgery and would be out of sports for at least three months.
Back in the Game
Overcoming a Rare Injury Sponsored by Piedmont Orthopaedic, the official sports medicine provider of MDS. This article originally appeared in Piedmont's newsletter. It was the eighth game of his senior season. Harrison Beers, a pitcher and first baseman at Mount de Sales, was already in discussions with several schools to play college baseball next year. The Cavaliers were behind Washington County by a few runs and Harrison was on second base. The batter hit a double and Harrison’s coach called him home. As he was sliding into home, the catcher blocked the plate and landed on Harrison’s leg, and he experienced a painful “crunch.” When Harrison rolled over and tried to stand up, he was unable to bend his knee. Several people were by his side moments after, including Amanda Windon, Piedmont Orthopaedic’s
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athletic trainer, who provides sports medicine coverage to MDS athletes. There was a prominent bulge on the outside of his knee, so Amanda took Harrison to the emergency room immediately. The ER physician took X-rays and told Harrison it was a bone bruise, but Amanda was convinced there was something more going on. She brought Harrison to Piedmont’s walkin Training Room for student athletes the next morning.
“They all talked to me and made me feel better,” Harrison said about the team of providers. “I knew I was going to come back even stronger than I was.” The surgery was scheduled for two days later. “I’d never had surgery before and didn’t know what to expect, but everyone at Piedmont’s Surgery Center was really nice and made it easy,” said Harrison. “They gave me something to relax, told me to take a deep breath, and that’s the last thing I remember before waking up in recovery.” Harrison's X-Ray
Harrison talked to Dr. DeCoons after surgery and then was on his way home to rest – for just a bit. He was back at the ballfield that same evening to watch pregame practice and then Mount de Sales take on Tattnall Square Academy. “It was fun being back around all of them,” said Beers. “They were surprised to see me back so soon.” Shortly after the surgery, Harrison started therapy with Bradley Huff, a certified athletic trainer at Piedmont’s rehabilitation center, where he did strengthening and eventually agility exercises. He did additional therapy with Amanda after school. At just 11 weeks out of surgery, Harrison feels good. “I can do pretty much everything with just a few limitations.” Harrison can’t say enough about the medical staff who worked in conjunction to help him overcome the injury. “Dr. DeCoons is a really nice guy, and he did a lot of research on my injury because it is so rare,” said Harrison.
“Bradley knows so much about rehabilitation and did a good job of teaching and coaching me.” As for Amanda, she’s always there, for him and for his classmates. She was there when he was injured, she went with him to the ER, and she was a source of encouragement throughout the recovery. “Everybody at Mount de Sales loves Amanda,” Harrison said. “She’s fun to be around.” Although he couldn’t play, Harrison attended every single game for the rest of the season. The Cavaliers finished second in region for the second year in a row. Harrison plans to attend Georgia College & State University in the fall and is already gearing up for walk-on tryouts in August.
UPDATE Harrison Beers is currently on the baseball team at Georgia College and loving it. He joined the Bobcats in August 2016 as a catcher. School is going well, and although he is really enjoying his first year of college, he does miss his friends and coaches at Mount de Sales. “The leg that I injured is doing great really, everything feels good. I’m just glad to be able to play again,” he said. “I showed up to first day of practice and never looked back.” “I really miss all the great people, the coaches and friends that I had at Mount de Sales, and appreciate all of the memories I made.”
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APRIL 28, 2017 • AUGUST 25, 2017
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Motivated to Serve “MDS has taught me to stay determined in your path. I love the feeling of giving back and seeing the difference it can make. Nursing will give me the opportunity to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.” Faith Siror (’17) Avid Runner and Future Nurse Practitioner
Mount de Sales students are motivated to serve as they lend their helping hands to people and organizations in the community. Discover why it’s great to be a Cavalier! Deadline for Admissions Applications: March 1 Upcoming Shadow Days: March 14, April 11, May 9 851 Orange Street | Macon, Georgia 31201 | (478) 751-3240 | www.mountdesales.net