Issue 133 grad 2016 final

KICKIN’ IT QUARTERLY Issue 133

Graduation 2016

Mill Springs Academy

FRONT COVER: Mill Springs Academy graduates gather for a final photo in the Upper School Horseshoe before making the last walk up the hill to the Tweetie Moore Student Activity Center. Front Row, Left to Right: Ashley Hyman, Sophie Davis (head turned), Gwyneth Hummel-Levy, Haley Williams, Alex Hain, Rachel Lamp’l, Will Treace, Matt Rankin, Emily Estes, Nathan Beard, Rachel Robertson, Caroline Berman, Al Quatela, Caroline Bonds and Nicole Thomas.

Second Row: Thomas Moore, Johnny Ray, Emma Searing, Bailey Kiser, Matt Boyer, Garrett McCarthy, Tom Cheek, Adam Warmouth, Liam Symonds, Drew Dickerson, Jeremy Border, Tim Schultheis, Joe Dalton, Alex Silverman and Jacob Cutchin.

Third Row: Neil Jensen, Trevor Tencza, Austin Palmore, Hayden Draycott, Wesley Site, Russell Jones, Keaton Graves, Cameron Shrader, Alex Gonzales, Cole Landy, Sam North, James York, Marshall Stoddart, Alex Diaz and Brandon McCormick.

PHOTO by S. Robinson BACK COVER: Graduation Day Cap Toss in the new outdoor Amphitheater.

PHOTO by C. Ayerbe

Senior Athletes

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Graduation

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Baccalaureate

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Senior Honor’s Day

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MSA Cameras

Shilpee Kathuria Shilpee Kathuria

Shilpee Kathuria

Shilpee Kathuria

Kickin’ It Quarterly—Advisor

Kickin’ It Quarterly is a free student-produced News Magazine intended to inform and amuse members of the MSA community. Mill Springs Academy, 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30004.

We love to hear from our readers: newspaper@millsprings.org

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Mill Springs Academy

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Graduation 2016

Proudly wearing MSA colors in competition

Joe Dalton Soccer Wrestling Baseball

Athletes of the Class of 2016 Rachel Robertson Volleyball Basketball

Brandon McCormick Cross Country Track

Jacob Cutchin Joe Dalton Sophie Davis Alex Diaz Drew Dickerson Emily Estes Keaton Graves Neil Jensen Russell Jones Bailey Kiser Brandon McCormick Thomas Moore

Austin Palmore Dylan Porper Matt Rankin Johnny Ray Rachel Robertson Tim Schultheis Wesley Site Cameron Shrader Marshall Stoddart Liam Symonds Trevor Tencza Will Treace Haley Williams

Russell Jones Soccer Basketball PHOTOS: M. McConnell

Best All-Around Athlete

Johnny Ray Sportsmanship

Rachel Robertson GOLF: AAC Champs Sophie Davis

TENNIS: Girls: AAC Champs Boys: Finalist

Cross Country Track

Wesley Site

TRACK: Girls: AAC Champs Boys: Finalist

Soccer Wrestling Track

Liam Symonds

Mill Springs Academy

Johnny Ray Cross Country Wrestling Track

Swimming

BASEBALL: AAC Finalist

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Graduation 2016

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COMMENCEMENT– MAY 7

It was a bright, balmy, sunny day as 48 Mill Springs Academy graduates made their last walk in front of the New Lower/ Middle School Building to the Tweetie Moore Student Activity Center for their commencement exercises.

Teachers and administrators lined the sidewalk to welcome the students with handshakes, hugs, applause and cheers.

Patrick Thomas is very proud of his daughter Nicole Thomas, not only the recipient of the Academic Excellence Medallion but also named Alumni Ambassador for the class of 2016.

MSA alumni Tucker O’ Brien was our featured guest speaker (pictured here with former Upper English teacher Gail Kreher). PHOTO: S. Robinson

A record 600 family members, staff members and students came together in the gym to celebrate the wonderful achievement of these 48 Seniors. Patrick Rose and his tech crew transformed our gymnasium into a stylish and formal venue to feature the accomplishments of our graduates.

Freshman Sam Mishkin provided processional music on the keyboard, then a Color Guard of Eagle Scouts, Freshman Michael Healey and Junior Scott Collins, presented the colors. Graduating Senior Alex Diaz and Junior Kiyah Sherman sang a rousing and melodious national anthem. Board of Trustees member Angel Murr touchingly welcomed the audience to the festive event and Graduate Nicholas Landy offered the invocation. With so much talent in the Senior class, the audience Graduate Nathan Beard receives the was treated to Kern and Field’s “Pick Yourself Up” hilariously by Alex Citizenship Award. papa Timothy Diaz and fellow Graduate Sam North. Our guest speaker was MSA ‘07 Proud congratulates him. alumni Tucker O’ Brien who shared with graduates how he created a successful “5 Steps after MSA” plan to transition from MSA into college.

MSA is known for heartfelt graduations because only our students speak to the audience. Speakers at the graduation ceremony included Nicole Thomas, Thomas Moore, Austin Palmore, Griffin Rudd, Johnny Ray and Will Treace. Valedictorian Neil Jensen addressed his classmates and encouraged us all to (in the immortal words of Upper teacher Greg Bodeep) “just relax...everything will be fine.” Graduates Emma Searing and Nicole Thomas presented a very pretty version of the song “The Climb” by Jess Alexander and Jon Mabe.

Headmaster Robert Moore, Upper School Principal Cynthia Traylor, Communication Arts Principal Kay Morrison, and Director of Counseling Susan Day presented several awards to the graduates and then students received their diplomas. Shilpee Kathuria, Senior Research & Composition teacher and Processional Marshall, read each student’s name and college, while Cynthia and Kay presented diplomas and moved the tassels of the graduates. It was an emotional and moving event.

Each graduating class selects an Alumni Ambassador to keep in touch with faculty and all the members of his/her class for future events. This year’s Alumni Ambassador, selected by her classmates, is Nicole Thomas.

Emma Searing closed the ceremony by delivering the benediction and Communication Arts teacher Matthew McConnell played the recessional. Afterwards, graduates, families and friends gathered in the Upper School Great Room for a catered reception, cherished moments and final good-byes.

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Mill Springs Academy

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Story and Photos by Shilpee Kathuria

Graduation 2016

Valedictorian Neil Jensen Salutatorian Jeremy Border Alumni Ambassador Nicole Thomas

Graduate Sam North gathers outside with family post-ceremony. His dad, Bill North, couldn’t be happier to see his talented son graduate!

Thrilled to see these familiar faces! Alumni Sam Sigman, Brandon Pike, Tyler Buice and Ethan Reish gather outside the Upper School reception to catch up and greet the graduates. Good times!

Academic Achievement Nicole Thomas Citizenship Award Nathan Beard Most Improved Thomas Moore Best All-Around AJC Cup Wesley Site

Graduation Speakers

Friends old and new gather for the Class of 2016: former Upper teacher Sherry Robinson, Middle teacher Kathleen Swift, Middle School Principal Margaret Brito and former Counselor Anne Holland meet and mingle with the faculty and graduates.

Most Improved Medallion Recipient Thomas Moore

Mom Danette, Graduate Adam and dad Wesley Warmouth gather in the Upper Great Room for the catered reception. We couldn’t be happier for the Warmouth family as Adam makes his way to Reinhardt University.

Caroline Bonds is the recipient of the G. Paul Kreher Guts and Glory Award, given to a student who has “toughed” it out through difficult challenges. Here she is with her family: sister Ava, Dad Russell, Graduate Caroline, mom Jill and Upper student and sister Sophie.

Let me catch you for a photo! Griffin Rudd and family gather excitedly in the play area of the new Lower/ Middle School building. From Left: Dad Chris Mongeau, Grandfather Rene Mongeau, Graduate Griffin Rudd, mom Nikki and sister Isabelle.

Graduate Austin Palmore

Mill Springs Academy

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Upper School Principal Cynthia Traylor, Headmaster Robert Moore and retiring Communication Arts Principal Kay Morrison talk about the highlights of our recent year and the moving speeches by graduates during the Baccalaureate ceremony. Kay Morrison will be leaving us after the 2015-16 year and handing over the Principal ropes to her daughter Chelsea Michelson, a muchloved Communication Arts teacher.

From Left to Right: Graduates Emily Estes, Gwyneth Hummel-Levy and Al Quatela are supported lovingly by Al’s family: Stepdad Sasha Horwitz, Mom Holly Horwitz and adorable brother Seth. These ladies look ready to take on what comes after Graduation!

Way to go Ashley! Ashley Hyman’s family: Grandmother Sylvia, sister Emily and Grandfather Barry get special shirts made to celebrate Ashley’s Graduation– we WANT one!!!

Baccalaureate is traditionally a more toneddown event than Graduation. Held at the Birmingham United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, students reflect and share their experiences about their memories at MSA, while Faculty members acknowledge individual students for their artistic and scholastic achievements.

Valedictorian Neil Jensen names Math teacher and Advisor Alicia Miller as his STAR teacher– who is selected by the student as having made a significant impact to his/ her scholastics.

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Rising Senior Sydney Itzkovitz and rising Junior Casey Purser look confident in the knowledge that they will be the Seniors celebrated soon enough!

Mill Springs Academy

Valedictorian Neil Jensen and Salutatorian Jeremy Border both look handsome in their MSA Graduation gowns, offset by some serious BLING in the way of cords, medals and honors.

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Upper teachers Jaime Gutierrez and Keith Muma flank around Most Improved Medallion recipient Thomas Moore (center) and swap stories about his younger, more mischievous days. They could not be prouder!

Graduates Rachel Robertson, Alex “Gonzo” Gonzales, Thomas Moore and Tim Schultheis engage in appropriate physical MSA contact: side hugs only!

Graduation 2016

BELOW: Pretty ladies! Comm Arts teacher Taniah Jones, her daughter Amari and Fine Arts Principal Janet Ford support and cheer on the Seniors.

Uh-oh– here come the “Bigs” (as they call themselves around campus)! Russell Jones, Cameron Shrader, Joe “Jet” Dalton, Bailey Kiser and Austin Palmore gather together and look ready for Baccalaureate.

Citizenship Medallion recipient Johnny Ray, Academic Excellence Medallion recipient Marshall Stoddart, Prom Queen Caroline Berman, Track star Sophie Davis, Scholar Jacob Cutchin and Most Improved Medallion recipient Garrett McCarthy mingle in exalted company before the program begins.

LEFT: Seniors line up before heading into the Church for the Baccalaureate Ceremony.

From Left to Right: Caroline Bonds, Jeremy Border, Matt Boyer, Tom Cheek, Jacob Cutchin, Drew Dickerson, Sophie Davis, Hayden Draycott, Joe Dalton, Alex Gonzales, Keaton Graves, Neil Jensen, Alex Hain, Gwyneth Hummel-Levy, Ashley Hyman, Bailey Kiser and Johnny Ray. In Back: Garrett McCarthy and Austin Palmore.

Is the world ready for them?

Wesley Site, Nicholas Landy, Drew Dickerson, Matt Rankin and Tom Cheek gather together– what a smart and handsome bunch!

LEFT: Rachel Lamp’l (center) surrounded by family: Uncle Michael Barnes, cousin Cooper, Aunt Judy Sparks, Grandmother Judy Barnes, Grandfather NA Barnes, Sean Nemesh, Dad Joe, Sister Amy and Mom Becky.

Graduate Hayden Draycott proudly stands with mom Alexandra after Baccalaureate.

Mill Springs Academy

Graduate Brandon McCormick was the Diane Lewis Leadership Award Recipient and also inducted into the National Honor Society (as shown by his special burgundy lapel.)

Robert Moore and Upper teachers Michael Smith, Sandra Weston, Alicia Miller, Jaime Gutierrez, Jennie Donaldson and Angela White have taught and supported many of the students at Baccalaureate– wishing the best of success to the Class of 2016!

Kickin’ It Quarterly

Graduation 2016

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Senior Honor’s Day—Monday, MAY 2 9:00am, Upper Great Room

Nathan Andrew Beard, Kennesaw State University Citizenship Medallion Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Green & White Cord

Cords Presented at Senior Honor’s Day:

Caroline Blair Berman, Kennesaw State University Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Most Improved– Senior Composition Caroline Ansley Bonds, Kennesaw State University G. Paul Kreher Guts N’ Glory Award Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Green & White Cord Jeremy Rex Border, Oxford at Emory Salutatorian Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Academic Excellence– Forensic Science Matthew Alexander Boyer, Gwinnett Technical College

Emily Katheryn Estes, Young Harris College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Most Improved- Alg/ Trigonometry

Jacob Edison Cutchin, Georgia Southwestern University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Joseph Ross Dalton, Georgia Gwinnett College Sophia Elizabeth Davis, Reinhardt University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Alexander Stuart Diaz, West Georgia University Gail Janus Kreher Senior Presentation Award Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Most Improved– Honors Pre-Calculus

Keaton Jackson Graves, Undecided

Samuel William North, Undecided Most Improved– Anatomy & Physiology

Alexander Stephen Hain, LEAP Program Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Gwyneth Madeline Hummel-Levy, Full Sail University

Neil Bingham Jensen, Rollins College Valedictorian STAR Student Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Academic Excellence– Economics Academic Excellence– Civics Academic Excellence– Forensic Science Academic Excellence– Honors Pre-Calculus

Hayden William Draycott, Oglethorpe University Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Most Improved– Civics

Bailey Christopher Kiser, U.S. Air Force

Nicholas Paul Landy, Lanier Technical College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord

Mill Springs Academy

Austin Gray Palmore, Gwinnett Technical College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Alexander Robert Parman, Kennesaw State University Most Improved– Senior Composition Dylan Charles Porper, Atlanta Institute of Music & Media Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Alyssa Maria Quatela, Art Institute of Atlanta Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Matthew Randolph Rankin, Appalachian State University John Destin Ray, Savannah College of Art & Design Citizenship Medallion Comm Arts Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Senior Composition

Russell Alan Jones, Kennesaw State University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord

Rachel Anne Lamp’l, Midway University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Most Improved– Physical Science

Andrew Scott Dickerson, Young Harris College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord

Brandon Kyle McCormick, Berry College Diane Lewis Leadership Award Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Alg/ Trigonometry Academic Excellence– Anatomy & Physiology Thomas Kelly Moore, University of North Georgia Most Improved Medallion Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord

Alexander Caruso Gonzales, Young Harris College

Ashley Nicole Hyman, Kennesaw State University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Most Improved– Environmental Science

Thomas Stephens Cheek III, Young Harris College

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Gold CordAll A’s Senior Year Silver CordAll A’s & B’s Senior Year Green & White CordAll A’s & B’s in High School

Garrett Cullan McCarthy, Chattahoochee Technical College Most Improved Medallion Comm Arts Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord

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Rachel Kaelin Robertson, Young Harris College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Griffin Bertrand Rudd, Beacon College Most Improved– Forensic Science

Graduation 2016

Fine Arts Awards Timothy Mikell Schultheis, Young Harris College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Emma Renee Searing, Young Harris College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Alex Evan Silverman, Columbia College, Chicago Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Green & White Cord Most Improved– Economics Most Improved– Alg/ Trigonometry Wesley Charles Site, Young Harris College AJC Cup Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Academic Excellence- Senior Composition Marshall Andrew Stoddart, Savannah College of Art & Design Academic Excellence Medallion Comm Arts Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Anatomy & Physiology Liam Patrick Symonds, Berry College Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Honors Alg/ Trigonometry Most Improved– Honors Senior Composition Joseph Trevor Tencza, Utah State University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Environmental Science Nicole Taylor Thomas, Piedmont College Academic Excellence Medallion Gold Presidential Award Gold Honor Cord Green & White Cord Academic Excellence– Honors Senior Composition

Caroline Bonds Chorus Letter Award, Chorus and Theatre pin, Tri-M Cord Matt Boyer Completion of Art 5 and pin Jacob Cutchin Sketchbook Alex Diaz Theatre Letter Award, Chorus Letter Award, Chorus pin and Theatre pin Hayden Draycott

Haley Marie Williams, High Point University Silver Presidential Award Sliver Honor Cord Academic Excellence– Yearbook James Carlyle York, Gwinnett Technical College

Mill Springs Academy

Thomas Moore Band Lifetime Achievement Award, Band Letter Award and pin, Tri-M Cord Sam North Theatre Letter Award, Theatre pin, Chorus Letter Award and pin Dylan Porper

Band Letter Award and pin, Theatre pin, Band Outstanding Improvement Medal

Band Lifetime Achievement Award, Band Letter Award and pin, Band Outstanding Musician Medal

Alex Gonzales

Al Quatela

Band Letter Award and pin

Sketchbook

Alex Hain

Johnny Ray

Completion of Art 4 Certificate and pin, Theatre pin

Sketchbook, Completion of Art 5 Certificate and pin, Band Letter Award and pin, Tri-M Cord

Gwyneth Hummel-Levy Sketchbook Ashley Hyman

Rachel Robertson Completion of Art 4 Certificate and pin Griffin Rudd

Band Letter Award and pin, Band Outstanding Attitude Medal

Band Letter Award and pin

Neil Jensen

Emma Searing

Band Letter Award and pin, Tri-M Cord Rachel Lamp’l

Band Letter Award, Chorus pin and Theater pin and Band Outstanding Leadership Medal

Sketchbook and Bass pin

Alex Silverman

Garrett McCarthy

Band Lifetime Achievement Award, Band Letter Award and pin, Tri-M Cord

Completion of Art 7 Certificate and pin

William Leon Treace, Georgia State University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord Most Improved– Forensic Science Adam Ray Warmouth, Reinhardt University Silver Presidential Award Silver Honor Cord

Fine Arts Awards

Trevor Tencza Band Letter Award and pin, Band Outstanding Musician Medal

Student in red: Member of Tri-M Music Honor Society Award in green: High distinction award, such as Medallion, Plaque, Cup or Lifetime Achievement

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Nicole Thomas Chorus Letter Award, Chorus pin, Theatre Letter Award, Theatre pin, Tri-M Cord and Journal Will Treace Band Letter Award and pin

Graduation 2016

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KICKIN’ IT QUARTERLY

Best of luck to our good friends d o n ’ t b e s t ra n g e r s !