Visions 2013

Valwood School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

4380 Old U.S. Highway 41 N Hahira, Georgia 31632

VISIONS

www.valwood.org

VISIONS Volume 13 - Number 1

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Valwood School

2013

Valwood Graduation 2013

From the Headmaster

Dr. Jeff Jackson is the President of the Georgia Independent School Association. Dr. Jackson received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Louisville, and his M.A. degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University in 1994 and his MBA from Shorter College in 2008.

Dr. Jackson is also an Ordained Baptist Minister. Before coming to GISA in July 2009, Dr. Jackson served as Headmaster at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta; at Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany as Head of The Middle/Upper School; and prior to that, he was Headmaster at First Baptist School in Shreveport, Louisiana and Assistant Headmaster at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. It is a pleasure to share his speech with you in this issue of Visions.

Once upon a time, when I was a little boy of about five years of age, my mother took me along with her on a shopping trip to Woolworth’s department store in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. I suspect that the store was not nearly as large as a modern-day Wal-Mart or Super Target, but at the time it seemed difficult to imagine that there ever was, or ever could be, a store as grand as Woolworth’s.

Despite my mother’s admonition to remain close to her, I was overwhelmed by the desire to find the toy section in hopes that the store might have, in stock and on the shelf, the toy that I most wanted Santa to bring to me that Christmas. If so, I reasoned, I could show it to my mother and she could make sure that Santa was not confused (as he often seemed to be when Christmas morning came) about exactly which toy I wanted. Mine was a noble quest, motivated by the purest intentions that a five-year old could muster. I made my way through the aisles with an odd combination of focused activity and wandering attention, soon to realize that I…was…lost. My mother was nowhere to be found, and I was terrified. I quickly lost enthusiasm for my pursuit and immediately began searching for my mother, the strategy for which soon became standing in the middle of the aisle and crying. I was quickly reunited with my mother, who was understandably not happy about my having wandered off so irresponsibly. Fortunately for me, her heart was far better at carrying love than anger, and I was soon soothed with a warm hug and quiet words of comfort spoken only as a mother can speak them.

Colleagues, parents, guests, and Valwood Class of 2013, it is both my privilege and honor to be able to share with you this milestone as you become the 2013 graduates of Valwood School.

When asked to be the speaker at this year’s graduation, my thoughts went back to my own high school graduation and the memories that I still have about it. To this day, I can remember: the way the gym looked, our caps and gowns, with whom I sat, celebrating with family and Dr. Jeff Jackson friends, that mixed feeling of pride and excitement, and anticipation as we embarked upon a new and quite unknown chapter in our lives. The one thing I definitely cannot remember, however, is a single word that my own commencement speaker said, nothing about the speech whatsoever. So, in the next few minutes we spend here today, my task is simple---talk with you knowing you will not remember any of it. Thanks Dr. P.!

Looking back on that episode, it is easy to see that what happened to me is something which happens to many children and even to adults and institutions: our enthusiastic, focused pursuit of some goal, however noble, leads to problems as we lose sight of important, guiding principles that would otherwise have kept us safe and on course. The “problem” is not the goal, itself; rather, it is the careless manner in which we seek the goal that leads to unintended and problematic results.

Great speech givers give lots of advice about how to give speeches and one speaker suggests that your organize your points, be brief, use humor and repeat the important stuff more than once. So, instead of delivering a three point speech, my talk this morning will be completely pointless. My Pointless Points are: useless information, connecting the dots, so what? and where do we go from here?

Useless information. This awesome responsibility as your speaker leads me to start thinking about the things I COULD remember during my years in high school, and what kept jumping out at me is that all throughout high school, without fail, I always wondered to myself: “Why in the world do I have to learn all of this?” and “When will I ever use any of this information again in my life?” If you are anything like me, you may have been sitting in Mrs. Owens’ Chemistry class thinking that surely you will never need to remember the atomic numbers Continued on Page 17

4. Valwood School will advocate for an appropriate balance between academic work, athletics, extracurricular clubs, employment, and outside-of-school activities - including family time - recognizing that each contributes to the overall development of a well-rounded individual.

modus operandi (not to mention my modus cogitandi) regarding the role, purpose, and function of schools as institutions. I hoped that this personal quasi-retreat, intermittently executed in 10-20 minutes bursts over the course of several weeks, would provide me with much-needed focus and keep me on course through what I expected to be a very busy time.

5. Every member of the Valwood School community will be treated with respect by all other members of the school community at all times.

The results will speak for themselves in the coming months and years. I anticipate that our 2013-2014 Opening Day enrollment will be in excess of 440 students, which represents an almost 20% increase in enrollment over the prior year. Exciting news, no doubt, but also cause for careful examination in respect of the manner in which the results were achieved and the impact that growth will have on the school as a whole. One could simply decide to accept every student who applied for admission, but it is likely the case that some of those decisions would be wrong: a poor fit between the student’s academic interests and the school’s academic expectations, for example. Healthy enrollment growth requires that decisions be made about prospective students and the expected benefits that will accrue to them, and to the school, should they attend Valwood. Past academic success is no guarantee of future success, so the process must be more involved than merely examining a report card or transcript to see that a prospective student has earned grades which are suggestive of success in a college-preparatory atmosphere. Furthermore, there is more that occurs at Valwood School – rightfully so, in my opinion – than just academic work, and it is not unreasonable to expect that a prospective student make additional contributions to the school community through formal involvement in the arts, service organizations, athletic teams and through informal involvement as a good friend, compassionate classmate, responsible campus citizen, and overall positive presence. Having reviewed every file myself, and having interviewed most of the students and/or parents personally, I can tell you that I am confident each new student that we have added makes us a better school. Some are new to Valwood, while others attended previously and are returning, yet every newly enrolled student brings something vital to our school community, and we are stronger as a result.

6. The resources of the institution – human, financial, historical, social, and educational - will focus on fulfilling the school’s mission.

I invite you to review these principles and share your thoughts and comments with me. As I begin my 20th year in education, I can say with great certainty that they are by no means complete, nor exhaustive. I look forward to refining them in the coming years as I gather input from parents, students, faculty, alumni, and Trustees and as my perspective on the “big picture” changes with the experiences I will be fortunate to have as Headmaster of Valwood School.

Kind Regards, Darren J. Pascavage, Ph.D.

In that spirit, then, I would like to offer the following six guiding principles upon which Valwood School has functioned since I arrived, and will function so long as I am Headmaster.

Space and time do not permit me to fully expand on each, but I will make it a point to do so throughout the 2013-2014 school year in some manner: letter, blog posting, or through spoken remarks.

One important, personal goal that I established early in my tenure as Valwood’s Headmaster was to grow our enrollment.

The social, educational, and demographic indicators for our region all support the concept of a healthy, college-preparatory independent school like Valwood, with enrollment in the range of 450-500 students, and our campus was designed to serve a student population of that size. Despite this potential, only once in our 45 year history has enrollment exceeded 410 students.

1. Students will be admitted to Valwood School based on potential for academic growth, personality, character, and desire to be a positive part of the Valwood community.

In anticipation of the most recent admissions season, I took several weeks last winter to revisit a series of “guiding principles” that I wrote several years ago, encapsulating my

3. The academic, social, and emotional growth and development of each student will be closely monitored, and regular communication with parents will be maintained to ensure that home and school work cooperatively as allies on behalf of every Valwood student.

Continued on Page 22

1

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)

2. Participation and involvement will be encouraged in all areas, with special emphasis placed on new experiences, towards the goal of helping students find areas of endeavor about which they are passionate.

22

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 Target*** Jeff and Lynn Tillman Dr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner* Wright and Betsy Turner* Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Archie and Star Waldron** David and Cheryl Wolfson*

Valwood Supporter (Gifts up to $499)

Sarah Adler ’07 Anonymous Curtis and Monique Alexander Robert and Joan Allaben Griffen Allen ’12 Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Tim and Mindy Bland Mrs. Lou S. Blanton Carmen Booth* Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Tonya Brookhouser Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Rachel Brown* Mark and Cathy Buescher Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Gary and Tracy Cannon* Mark and Beth Cargile Buz and Nancy Carpenter** Greg and April Carter** Eric and Jessica Castor Clayton and Shannon Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr. Penny Chestnut Jonathan and Sheree Cheves Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman** Jeff and Sonya Collins Patrick Cork Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Julian and Sue Creamer** Nic and Catherine Daugharty James and Belinda Davis J.D. and Kerri Dean Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Jason and Jenn Dunsby Kay Durand* Paul and Sunny Everett** Mike and Heidi Fafard* David and Melanie Ferrell Joseph and Lois Ferrier Gabe Fisher Jeanne A. Fisher** Jerry and Sherry Fisher Chad and Kim Franks Mr. and Mrs. David Gallahan Louis and Kelly Gallo Alberto and Vera Garcia* Jesse and Randy Gail Gaytan Kevin and Donna Giddens John and Debbie Green John E. Green III* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Janie Fink Hallman* Tim Harris Brad and Keylee Hartley David and Kathryn Haworth Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Daniel Henry Evelyn Henry* Wade Henry ’05* Zac Henry ’08* Alfred Hiers Bill and Marie Holland*** Jason and Shelley Holloway Dr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr. Mike and Christy Howell Howard Hsu and Tamara Hardesty Ladye Hughes* Craig and Holly Hutchinson Michael and Nikki Illges**

A N N U A L Steve and Cathy Johnson Patrick and Rose Kerns Linda Kittleson* Kiwanis Club of Valdosta James and Ashley Knighton John and Crystal LaHood Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.** George and Martha Lawrence** Darrin and Ann Layton Trip Lester Scott and Deena Lewis* James and Jacqueline Lilly Lott Builders Supply Company David and Debra Martin Phil and Ellice Martin** Jim and Jill Matney Larry and Shannon McGlothlin Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnon Blake and Anne McLeod* Cynthia McMurray Doug and Derrith McQuaig Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Robert McTier* Jim and Kim Megow Amanda Melancon Charles and Chris Merine Chris and Laura Michael* Tom and Wendy Miller Tom and Sue Miller Ginger Moritz*** Frank and Mary Morman* Eric and Tara Moss Ben and Wendy Neal Emelynn C. Odom** Jim and Jill Paulk Melissa Peavy* Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Addy Perlman Terry and Shelly Persaud Greg and Holly Reid Drew Respess Scott and Keri Routsong Rachel Rumstay ’06 Mary Ann Saliba*** Savannah Christian Preparatory School Jason and Lindsay Scarpate Amanda Shapard* Micah and Ashley Shapiro Max and Jennifer Shute Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Jay and Amy Smith* Lucy Nell Smith Matthew and Maria Smith Todd and Alice Smoot* Kevin and Mindy Sparrow Rasheda Steward Heath and Joanie Strickland Justin and Hayes Studstill Terence Sullivan Trent and Holly Taylor Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Billy and Julie Thompson Bill and Cathy Tidmore* Scott and Missy Turner*** Yasmin Utterback ’10* Rouse and Lynn Vallotton Danny and Beth Waller Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.* John and Laura Washnock Becky Wetherington*** Mr. and Mrs. Barry Whilden Nick and Mary Brown Whitehurst** Rick and Emily Williams** Rex and Barbara Williamson*** Scott and Susan Wilson Barry and Candace Witherspoon Shane and Wendy Wood *Third consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund. **Fifth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund *** Tenth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund ^Class chairman

21

G I V I N G Fidens Club Fernando and Caryn Alvarado Terry and Tish Johnson The W.P. “Billy” Langdale, Sr. Family Foundation, Inc. Michael and Teresa Maxwell Doug and Stephanie Moss Kim and Laura Perlman Ferrell Scruggs Foundation Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Steve and Patty Wilson

Fortis Club

Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jeff and Tammi Creamer Alberto and Vera Garcia Tom and Merry Jo Kurrie Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Frank and Mary Morman Ferrell Scruggs Foundation Mala Vallotton

Gifts in Kind Bethany Baptist Church IPG Architects Mr. and Mrs. Johnny B. Lastinger Lowe’s Home Improvement Distribution Center Dona Martin Dick McGaughey Sally Querin Vinnie and Maria Savino James and Carly Thomas Rick and Emily Williams

Memorial Gifts Ron and Jennifer Allen Mary Blanton Ronnie and Bebo Blanton Tomie Jean Blanton Vallye Blanton Roy and Donna Cannon Joe and Kathi Clifton Penny Chestnut Kenny and Susan Crago and Family Fred DeLoach and Family Mr. and Mrs. James L. Dewar, Jr. Mike and Martha Dover Johnny and Susan Dukes Mary Jean Eaves Jim and Susan Elliott Walter and Laura Elliott Rob and Stacy Evans Wayne and Cindy Fann A. Louis and Sherlene Girardin David and Linda Girardin Peter and Carol Girardin Wendell and Ann Godbee Parker and Lucy Greene Tommy Griner Dr. and Mrs. William Grow Henderson and Godbee Larry Griner Owen D. Harris Jack and Lisa Henry Heritage Bank Cameron and Kathy Hickman Rusty and Robie Ingram Patrick and Rose Kerns Tom and Merry Jo Kurrie Lott Builders Supply Company Mac and Susan Mackey William and Pam Mackey Billy and Sylvia Martin Brett and Traycee Martin Constance Mathis

R E P O R T Mr. and Mrs. J.W. McKinnie Stephen and Karen Meeks Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Mosby Jean Murray Gary Nichols Margot Pearlman John and Jane Peeples Kim and Laura Perlman Vicki Ray Greg and Holly Reid Ferrell Scruggs, Jr. and Family Sue Nelle Scruggs Carreen Shapiro Joseph and Karen Shown Briggs and Lane Smith Terence Sullivan Susan Swader Charles Templeton and Family “The Cup” James and Carly Thomas Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Joe Tinsley Katherine Mathis Trickett Tri-State Technical Services Wright and Betsy Turner Mala Vallotton Bill and Susan Whitfield Wilson Insurance Orson and Carol Woodall

Restricted Gifts Johnny Allen Anonymous Mike Bearden Vallye Blanton Rosemary Brannon Steve and Lynn Browning Clayton and Shannon Chandler Colony Bank Tim and Nan Dame Pricilla M. Davis Michelle Edwards Jim and Susan Elliott Chad and Kim Franks Lisa Gilchrist Robert M. Hall Rhonda Hamman Jeff and Cathy Helms Ashley and Megan Henderson Deborah Holley Terry and Tish Johnson Wright and Stephanie Kimbro John and Suzanne Lastinger Brett and Traycee Martin David and Debra Martin McLean Funeral Services Valarie Davis Mock Bill and Cindy Pegg Scott and Salena Register Ray and Lorie Sable Mr. and Mrs. Don Stanley Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Tommy J. Thomas Mr. W.G. Tittle, Jr. Wesley and Maggie Vallotton

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS Fifth Grade Blasts Off to Kennedy Valwood's 5th graders traveled to Kennedy Space Center for an overnight adventure.

The students studied about the space program in preparation for the trip. The first evening the students built their own air rockets which were then launched in the Rocket Garden. NASA Astronaut Ed Gibson, addressed the students about his mission as science-pilot of Skylab 4 and fielded questions from the group. Following dinner, the students were treated to a 3D Space Film about the Hubel Telescope which included incredible pictures of space. The students slept under the 363 foot long Apollo/Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever built. Students awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the marsh with a launch pad visible in the distance. Their adventure ended with a Lunar Theater Show and a Sunrise tour of the Center. The students enjoyed the Shuttle Launch Experience which is a realistic simulator of an actual shuttle launch before returning to Valwood.

Odyssey of the Mind For the fifteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year two Primary teams, a Division I team and a Division II team competed in Savannah on February 23rd. The Division I team solved the problem “It’s How You Look at It” and won 2nd place! The team was coached by Kimberly Caldwell and included fourth graders Kennedy Caldwell and Hannah Sable and fifth graders Lilly Parrish, Cole Broomberg, Chris Haworth, Trey Henry and Vann Witherspoon. The team traveled to Columbus in April to compete at the state level.

Lower School Class Plays

Odyssey of the Mind Division I team members with their second place ribbons.

Each year every Lower School class performs a play for their parents and the other Lower School students. The performances are a variety of themes from holiday celebrations to character lessons, but they are always an amazing display of creativity and accomplishment!

Alexandra Peeples and John Lissimore reign over “The Best Month Ever” in the 4th Grade Play!

Mrs. Register’s first graders “Rumble in the Jungle!”

2

L O W E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

K-Kids K-Kids is a new service club in the Lower School. The group is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta and is a student-led community-service organization of 30 members who are in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. The charter ceremony was held on November 2, 2012 inducting 30 charter members and student officers. Members included Marleigh Broomberg, Jimmy Garcia, Jack Greene, Ellie Griner, Anna Alvarado, Joe Cochran, Mary Claire Griner, Evan LeBoutillier, Ruby Parrish, Allison Gates, Harris Sharon, Ellie Smith, Grayson Spell, Nate Williams, Kennedy Caldwell, Jordan Green, Dalton Norris, Hannah Sable, Anjali Patel, Kennedy Stevens, Cole Broomberg (Sergeant at Arms), Lindsey Browning (President), Gavin Dunsby, Elizabeth Evans (Vice President), Millie Hollis, Ansley Nijem, Clare Nijem (Treasurer), Lilly Parrish (Secretary), Gracyn Sanderlin, Josie Tidmore, and Vann Witherspoon. The faculty advisors were Mrs. Rebecca Goff and Mrs. Debbie Nijem. The group had two service projects lasts year. “Project Backpack” was a K-Kids sponsored dance for the Lower School. The price for admission to the dance was either a new or gently used backpack or canned goods and the Kids also sold t-shirts. Over 50 backpacks were donated to the local organization Hungry at Home along with a check for $350 from the sale of the t-shirts. The canned goods were donated to Valdosta’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The second service project was “All for Books” in which the Kids worked with the 5th grade class, Librarian Leanne Griffin, and the Scholastic Book Fair. For two weeks, all grades in the Lower School collected pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars in containers supplied and decorated by K-Kids. With over $800 dollars raised, the group bought and delivered books for the Georgia’s Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Mrs. Nijem said, “We had a wonderful year and are looking forward to even more members and more activities during our second year in 2013-2014!”

Extreme Team Day Lower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work last fall as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition. Multi-grade level teams were required to move through stations in which they had to solve puzzles, maneuver through obstacle courses, manipulate materials, and test their Mills Moorman, Ash Patel, knowledge of academic Charlotte Illges and MacKenzie subjects. Cooperation and Collins work together to carry the ball. teamwork were encouraged.

Valwood Parent Association volunteers and teachers provided the games and guidance to make this a challenging and fun way to learn and grow academically.

K-Kids are ready for the dance!

Read Across America Our Lower Schoolers spent a week “Reading Across America.”

Once every day, Librarian Leanne Griffin, walked through the halls ringing a bell so the students knew it was time to “drop everything and read.” One day everyone dressed as their favorite Dr. Suess character to celebrate his birthday.

Field Day 2013!

Field Day Hoola Hoop fun for Ella Burnett, Isabella Holloway and Emma Burnett!

Kindergarteners and Pre-Ker’s take a break to pose with their Dads Kindergarteners Ella Grace Neal and Jaxson Routsoung celebrate in style!

Ginger Moritz*** Matt and Maria Smith Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Rasheda Steward Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Scott and Missy Turner*** ELEVENTH GRADE 61% Parent Participation Gary and Tracy Cannon* Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Jim and Susan Elliott*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** Andrew and Shannon Flemer Alberto and Vera Garcia* John and Crystal LaHood Doug and Derrith McQuaig Tom and Kellie McTier* Charles and Chris Merine Jonathan and Katie Parrott* Ferrell and April Scruggs***^ Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Todd and Alice Smoot* Billy and Julie Thompson Rick and Emily Williams** Shane and Wendy Wood TWELFTH GRADE 50% Parent Participation Greg and April Carter** Don and Karen Crump** Walter and Laura Elliott*** Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Bill and Marie Holland*** Ginger Holley*** John and Suzanne Lastinger***^ Ben and Joy Owens** Melissa Peavy* Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Bill and Sally Querin*** Chuck and Jennifer Rasmussen*** Joey and Jennifer Sands** Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Todd and Alice Smoot* Rasheda Steward Steve and Patty Wilson***

Faculty & Friends Sarah Adler ’07 Griffen Allen ’12 Peter Allen Ashley Ammons* Alicia Andrews*** AXA Foundation* Teresa Bailey*** Julie Barr*** Battelle Mrs. Lou S. Blanton Vallye Blanton** Rosemary Brannen*** Rachel Brown* Angela Burnett* David Cano** Buz and Nancy Carpenter** Traci Carver** Penny Chestnut Norma Cloud* Ed and Mary Crane*** Scott and Dale Crane*** Karen Crump** Holly Dickerson Mike and Martha Dover Michelle Edwards Laura Elliott***

Susan Elliott*** Stacy Evans*** Marcia Felts*** Fran Fuller** Chad Gallahan* Mr. and Mrs. David C. Gallahan Rebecca Goff Tom and Mary Gooding*** Joey Gregos Leanne Griffin** Charles Grimes*** Mendi Griner Lisa Hale*** Rhonda Hamman*** Ashley Henderson Evelyn Henry* Lisa Henry*** Wade Henry ’05* Zac Henry ’08* Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman Alfred Hiers Cindee Hiers*** Katie Houseman** Beth Howell Dr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr. Carlos Jones* Kiwanis Club of Valdsota Lott Builders Supply Company Michele Luedke Karen Marcellus** LaVie Marshall*** Brett Martin*** Dutton and Donna Miller* Steve Nettles Debbie Nijem** Meredith Nuckols Joy Owens** Ronda Paoletti Deidre Parramore** Mitzi Parrish* Darren Pascavage* Bill and Janine Peeples** Addy Perlman Jennifer Rasmussen*** Trina Register Dianne Rigoni*** Rachel Rumstay ’06 Lorie Sable** Savannah Christian Preparatory School Marti Schert* Heather Shaw Robert Shipman Jay Sizemore Clint Smith*** Patsy Smith*** Don and Dee Dee Stanley** Bobby Stephenson* Terence Sullivan Charlotte Thomas** Yasmin Utterback ’10* Becky Wetherington*** Robyn Williams* Scott and Susan Wilson Bo and Pam Woodward**

Corporations Microsoft Corporation* Publix Super Markets, Inc * Target***

Grandparents Robert and Joan Allabeen Dr. John M. Beal John and Linda Blackstock**

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman** Scott and Dale Crane*** Julian and Sue Creamer** Mr. and Mrs. Mike Drumheller Kay Durand* Gene and Marcia Felts*** Joseph and Lois Ferrier Jeanne A. Fisher** Jerry and Sherry Fisher Ronald and Beverly Giles* Wendall and Ann Godbee John E. Green III** Terry and Leanne Griffin** Janie Fink Hallman* Mrs. Avonne Hartshorn*** Mr. and Mrs. D.K. Hollis, Jr. Ladye Hughes* Linda Kittleson* Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lastinger*** Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.** George and Martha Lawrence** Mac and Susan Mackey Phil and Ellice Martin** Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnon Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Tom and Sue Miller Richard and Claudia Nijem** Emelynn C. Odom** Vicki Ray Mary Ann Saliba*** Kenny and Sue Nelle Scruggs Lucy Nell Smith Bill and Cathy Tidmore* Dr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner* Wright and Betsy Turner* Mala Vallotton** Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. Barry Whilden Nick and Mary Brown Whitehurst** Rex and Barbara Williamson*** Richard and Hylda Wilson**

Headmaster‘s Council (Gifts of $5,000 and up)

Rob and Stacy Evans*** Eric and Stephanie Gee* Ronald and Beverly Giles* John and Suzanne Lastinger*** Chris and Pam Manwell* Microsoft Corporation* Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Kim and Laura Perlman** Ferrell and April Scruggs*** Kenny and Sue Nelle Scruggs William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Steve and Patty Wilson***

Trustee’s Council

(Gifts of $2,000 to 4,999) Brooks and Michelle Akins** Ron and Jennifer Allen*** Fernando and Caryn Alvarado* Anonymous Battelle Joe and Kathi Clifton** Glenn and Wendi Evans John Folkerts and Catherine Welsh Jim and Julie Godbee**

Wendell and Ann Godbee Mike and Jayne Godwin*** Hugh and Judy Hathcock*** Jack and Lisa Henry*** Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Jerry and Terri Lupo** Dutton and Donna Miller* Doug and Stephanie Moss* Scott and Debra Petermann** Bill and Sally Querin*** Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Michael and Amy Sharon* Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Andrew and Renee Spell* James and Carley Thomas Richard and Hylda Wilson**

Valwood Patron (Gifts of $1,000 to $1,999)

AXA Foundation* Steve and Lynn Browning** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** Paul and Lisa Day* Jose Deocon and Jackie Day Mike and Martha Dover Michael and Kelly Drumheller Mike and Mary Ann Drumheller Georgia Power Company Lisa Gilchrist Tom and Mary Gooding*** Jeff and Cathy Helms** Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman Bobby Lester Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Mac and Susan Mackey Tom and Kellie McTier* Richard and Claudia Nijem** Jonathan and Katie Parrott* John and Jane Peeples*** Publix Super Markets, Inc.* Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro** Joey and Jennifer Sands** Larry Smith and Charlene Blache* Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Rusty and Kim Trancygier*** Mala Vallotton** Rachel Velez** Bo and Pam Woodward**

Valwood Sponsor (Gifts of $500 to $999)

Anonymous Freddie and Shayla Bajalia Dr. John M. Beal John and Linda Blackstock** Tom and Kelly Call Joyce and Vernette Carter Pat and Karyn Cochran Ed and Mary Crane*** Tim and Nan Dame Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Steve and Trish Edmondson Andrew and Shannon Flemer Mrs. Avonne Hartshorn*** Bubba and Kim Highsmith Tommy and Brandi Hobby Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Hollis, Jr. Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Ashley and Melanie Moorman Samuel and Dorothy Ofori Bill and Janine Peeples** Vicki Ray Emil and Erika Reister Jim and Deann Scruggs

Continued on Page 21

3

20

2012-2013 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Thank you so much for your support of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund. We raised more than $200,000 with 70% of our parents participating! Revenue raised through the Annual Fund enhances all aspects of our school from additions to the curriculum to the expansion of enrichment programs and athletics. Your generosity was crucial to our success. Thank you!

Tia Sanderlin 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairman

National Junior Honor Society

Parent PRE-KINDERGARTEN 85% Parent Participation Fernando and Caryn Alvarado* David and Angela Burnett* Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Eric and Jessica Castor Jonathan and Sherre Cheves Paul and Lisa Day* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Tommy and Brandi Hobby Jason and Shelley Holloway Patrick and Rose Kerns Ben and Trina Register Emil and Erika Reister Drew Respess Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Justin and Haynes Studstill John and Laura Washnock Ryan and Robyn Williams* KINDERGARTEN 90% Parent Participation Curtis and Monique Alexander Anonymous Freddie and Shayla Bajalia Pat and Karyn Cochran Jose Deocon and Jackie Day Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Michael and Kelly Drumheller Alberto and Vera Garcia* Eric and Stephanie Gee* Terry and Leanne Griffin** Steve and Cathy Johnson Carlos and Tan Jones* Patrick and Rose Kerns Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Ashley and Melanie Moorman Doug and Stephanie Moss* Ben and Wendy Neal Samuel and Dorothy Ofori Karl and Ronda Paoletti Jim and Jill Paulk^ Terry and Shelly Persaud Scott and Kerri Routsong Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Micah and Ashley Shapiro Kevin and Mindy Sparrow Trent and Holly Taylor FIRST GRADE 100% Parent Participation Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Anonymous David and Angela Burnett* Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jeff and Sonya Collins J.D. and Kerri Dean Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Jason and Jenn Dunsby Eric and Stephanie Gee* Jim and Julie Godbee** Clay and Mendi Griner Jason and Shelley Holloway Howard Hsu and Tamara Hardesty Michael and Nikki Illges** James and Jacqueline Lilly^ Blake and Anne McLeod* Robert McTier* Amanda Melancon Todd and Deidre Parramore** Ben and Trina Register Jason and Lindsay Scarpate Jim and Deann Scruggs Amanda Shapard* Kevin and Gayla Shaw**

Max and Jennifer Shute Clint Smith*** Larry Smith and Charlene Blache* Drew and Renee Spell* Rodney and Robin Thomas Trent and Shonie Thomas SECOND GRADE 90% Parent Participation Fernando and Caryn Alvarado*^ Anonymous Steve and Lynn Browning** Paul and Lisa Day* Mike and Heidi Fafard* Gabe Fisher Kevin and Donna Giddens Daniel Henry Craig and Holly Hutchinson Patrick and Rose Kerns Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Cynthia McMurray Tommy and Wendy Miller Ben and Joy Owens** Terry and Shelly Persaud Micah and Ashley Shapiro James and Carly Thomas Rouse and Lynn Vallotton

FIFTH GRADE 95% Parent Participation Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Tonya Brookhouser Steve and Lynn Browning** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** Jason and Jenn Dunsby Glenn and Wendi Evans David and Kathryn Haworth Daniel Henry Tommy and Debbie Nijem** Todd and Deidre Parramore** Craig and Mitzi Parrish* Chip and Tia Sanderlin**^ Heath and Joanie Strickland William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Jeff and Lynn Tillman Barry and Candace Witherspoon Shane and Wendy Wood

THIRD GRADE 88% Parent Participation Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Anonymous Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jonathan and Sheree Cheves Pat and Karyn Cochran Nic and Catherine Daugharty Eric and Stephanie Gee* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Clay and Mendi Griner Chris and Pam Manwell** Robert McTier* Chris and Laura Michael*^ Craig and Mitzi Parrish* Greg and Holly Reid Drew Respess Jason and Lindsay Scarpate William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Rachel Velez** Ryan and Robyn Williams*

SIXTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Brooks and Michelle Akins** Tim and Mindy Bland Joe and Kathi Clifton**^ Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** Glenn and Wendi Evans Paul and Sunny Everett** Louis and Kelly Gallo Bubba and Kim Highsmith Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Tripp Lester Chris and Pam Manwell** Joseph and Dona Martin** Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Jim and Kim Megow Ashley and Melanie Moorman Doug and Stephanie Moss* Eric and Tara Moss Melissa Peavy* Terry and Shelly Persaud Scott and Debra Petermann** Raymond and Lorie Sable** Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* James and Carly Thomas^ Trent and Shonie Thomas Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Deidra White David and Cheryl Wolfson*

FOURTH GRADE 85% Parent Participation Anonymous Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Greg and April Carter** Eric and Jessica Castor Patrick Cork Gabe Fisher John and Debbie Green Bubba and Kim Highsmith Michael and Nikki Illges** Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Scott and Deena Lewis* Brett and Traycee Martin*** Ashley and Melanie Moorman John and Jane Peeples***^ Terry and Shelly Persaud Raymond and Lorie Sable** Michael and Amy Sharon* Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Jay and Amy Smith* Andrew and Renee Spell* Justin and Haynes Studstill Trent and Holly Taylor

SEVENTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Carmen Booth* Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Tom and Kelly Call Joe and Kathi Clifton**^ Mike and Heidi Fafard* Lisa Gilchrist Tim Harris Hugh and Judy Hathcock*** John and Crystal LaHood Brett and Traycee Martin*** Chris and Laura Michael* Karl and Ronda Paoletti Jonathan and Katie Parrott* John and Jane Peeples*** Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Michael and Amy Sharon* Matt and Maria Smith Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Jeff and Lynn Tillman Rachel Velez** Deidra White

EIGHTH GRADE 87% Parent Participation Mark and Cathy Buescher Don and Karen Crump** Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** David and Melanie Ferrell Louis and Kelly Gallo Jim and Julie Godbee** Mike and Jayne Godwin***^ Ginger Holley*** Mike and Christy Howell Rhett and Christine Holmes* Craig and Holly Hutchinson Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Darrin and Ann Layton Chris and Pam Manwell** David and Debra Martin Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Jim and Kim Megow Todd and Deidre Parramore** Kim and Laura Perlman*** Scott and Debra Petermann** James and Carly Thomas Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Danny and Beth Waller Shane and Wendy Wood NINTH GRADE 82% Parent Participation Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Steve and Lynn Browning** Joyce and Vernette Carter Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** James and Belinda Davis Chad and Kim Franks Tim Harris Jeff and Cathy Helms** James and Ashley Knighton Jim and Jill Matney^ Frank and Mary Morman* Doug and Stephanie Moss* Eric and Tara Moss Ben and Joy Owens** Jonathan and Katie Parrott* Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro** Ferrell and April Scruggs*** Billy and Julie Thompson Rusty and Kim Trancygier*** Archie and Star Waldron** Steve and Patty Wilson*** TENTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Ron and Jennifer Allen*** Anonymous Mark and Elizabeth Cargile Clayton and Shannon Chandler Tim and Nan Dame Steve and Trish Edmondson Paul and Sunny Everett** John Folkerts and Catherine Welsh Jesse and Randi Gail Gaytan Kevin and Donna Giddens Lisa Gilchrist Todd and Julie Guilliams** Brad and Keylee Hartley Hugh and Judy Hathcock***^ Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Rhett and Christine Holmes* Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Jerry and Terri Lupo** Jim and Jill Matney Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Larry and Shannon McGlothlin Charles and Chris Merine

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. The National Junior Honor Society seeks candidates from the seventh and eighth grades who demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, service, character, leadership, and citizenship. New inductees were awarded certificates, pins, and membership cards. Valwood Middle School welcomes Georgia Booth, Juliette Brenier, William Clifton, Will Cox, Carrington Douglas, Dane Fafard, Hannah Ferrell, Hope Hathcock, Addison LeBoutillier, Sam Martin, Avi Patel, Mary Peeples, William Pegg, Taylor Sanderlin, Ellie Stark and Collin Vandemark. Middle School co-dean Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

Valwood’s Sixth Annual Science Fair Last February, Valwood students in fifth through eighth grade gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's sixth annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the biometrics of swimsuits to measuring the effect of temperature on elastic bands to whether or not the presence of earthworms in soil effect the growth of plants. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Addy Perlman, 2nd Place Emma Layton and 3rd Place Grayson Thomas. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Taylor Sanderlin, 2nd Place Avi Patel and 3rd Place Addison Le Boutillier. In the sixth grade the awards went to Robert Stark 1st Place, Kasey McQuitty 2nd Place and Will Parrish 3rd Place. The fifth grade winners were Trey Henry 1st Place, Lindsey Browning 2nd Place and Clare Nijem 3rd Place.

Geography Fair

Middle School Biography Blitz!

Mrs. Sable’s 6th grade Geography students participated in a Geography Fair last December. Each year the 6th graders select a country to research and to present to their peers. The culmination of the unit of study is the Fair where the students are immersed in the culture of the country, dressing in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

In January, the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in their literature classes. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of their subject, presenting themselves to the audience including a fact about who they were and why the character was interesting. Following the assembly, the students mingled among parents and guests staying “in character.”

Madison Highsmith, Emily Clifton, Nicole Manwell, Emily Wolfson, and Talley Petermann in costume.

Ashton Moorman with his presentation on Mexico

4

M I D D L E

S C H O O L

N E W S Continued from Page 9 (Golden Smith)

Veterans Day Celebration Once again and for the fifth year in a row, Valwood Middle School students honored local veterans in a Veterans Day performance and celebration. Under the direction of co-dean and teacher Vallye Blanton the students presented the veterans, family, and friends a program of appreciation with the singing of patriotic musical selections. Over 100 veterans attended the celebration including several World War II veterans along with veterans from the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Also in attendance were several active duty personnel from Moody Air Force Base. The morning event was a celebration and an opportunity for the Middle Schoolers to honor the veterans and to learn firsthand the importance of the military, and how the veterans’ service has shaped our country and allows us all to continue to live in freedom.

Eighth Graders Hannah Hutchinson and Grayson Thomas as Sonny and Cher for the 8th Grade Play “Destination Rock’n Roll”

The 7th graders on the way to Rock Eagle!

your best and working smart and hard.

Veteran Bill Ator and Caroline Evans

The 8th graders posed in front of the National Cathedral while visiting Washington, D.C. last February.

OTHER NEWS Browning Field

Fortis and Fidens Clubs

Last Spring, the Valwood School Board of Trustees approved the dedication of the baseball field, and on March 11, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held to name the field in honor of the W. Steven Browning Family. During the ceremony Headmaster, Darren Pascavage thanked the family for their commitment and leadership. Trustee Billy Tidmore, Athletic Director Brett Martin and Coach Robert Shipman also expressed their appreciation for the Browning Family support.

This year Valwood inaugurated two new support organizations.

The Fidens Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for academics and technology. The Fortis Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for the arts. Last May both the Fortis and Fidens Clubs celebrated our students’ achievements in academics, technology and the arts.

2013 SW Georgia Regional American Chemical Society Test Winners Austin Thompson, Golden Smith and Matt Williams receive recognition at the Fidens Club Celebration

Steve Browning Family

Continued on Page 13

5

he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Yes, I borrowed Emerson’s wise words from Self-Reliance. Congratulations my fellow seniors. As you continue your journey after today, stay true to yourself. It’s life and you only live once.

Life the last few years has taught me that we cannot control our circumstances. However, we have one hundred percent control over our responses. So if life throws you some crazy times, don’t sit back with a bottle of wine and cry yourself to sleep or eat a tub of rocky road ice cream and watch Gossip Girl reruns. Take those challenges, and overcome them. Conquer them and come out a victor. Working through tough obstacles will make you a stronger, more confident person. Trust me, I’ve been dealt some pretty bad cards the past few years, but I took what I got and played the best game I could. Don’t let life get you down. Get back up when it shoves you into the ground!

Golden Smith, the Valwood Class of 2013 Salutatorian, is the son of Adonna Smith and Nathan Smith. He will attend New York University in the fall.

As we journey into the next parts of our lives, it’s very important to find out who we are as persons no matter what the other people around us say. Take these next years and explore.

You might have an undiscovered love for basket weaving, or you may not realize yet how much you love other cultures. I know I can’t wait to get to college and explore traveling abroad opportunities. Everyone I’ve talked to who has traveled abroad in college loved it and everyone I’ve talked to who hasn’t traveled told me I needed to do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things in college because it’s one of the only times you can try these things. If everyone is going to see the hottest Hollywood release, don’t hesitate to go see the showing of a 1950s foreign film you’ve always wanted to see. As you go through life, do things for you, not because everyone else around you is doing so.

Continued from Page 8 (Holly Querin) think that I am foolishly idealistic, but someone has to be overly optimistic and it might as well be me. And maybe I’m going to get out in the real world and realize that doing what I love is a whole lot more difficult than I am prepared for, but that isn’t going to stop me. So parents, on behalf of the dreamers in the group, the seniors who aren’t satisfied to do what society expects of them and who are going to shock us all, I ask you to continue to be supportive of your sons and daughters. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and we won’t go far without your support. To the teachers as well, your instruction and support has been indispensable. We can’t thank you enough for all the hours you have put into our education. I know it probably sounds like we complained a lot, but really you just weren’t listening hard enough to the underlying tones of gratitude. You teachers certainly knew how to push us, and that is how we have gotten to where we are now. We have put in a lot of hard work, and I expect that that work is going to continue to pay off as we part ways and begin our separate lives.

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or twenty-seven. Mistakes are great teachers and can help you in the future. Sure, you may feel dumb when you wind up on the wrong side of Paris but at least you understand the Metro now. No one is perfect. We all mess up. Failure is not a loss but a gain. Failing in life is inevitable, that is why we have to take failures and spin them our way; make it worth your time. Make mistakes and don’t sweat it.

And follow your passions. Don’t be sitting in your desk in twenty years hating your job. Find career paths that allow you to indulge in what you love. Now, I’m not saying forget about money. Although we really don’t want to, eventually we are going to have to pay bills and pay taxes, whether we agree with what the government does with it or not. Follow your passions but don’t forget about your checking account when doing so; you’ve got to support your life style. Take these next few years and college to find that happy medium. I don’t know what I want to be yet, but that’s what I have the next few years for! I just know I want to love what I do and receive a good bit of cash doing so.

I will leave you with a quote from my favorite band, the Avett Brothers. I’m sure that everyone who knows me well is surprised that I have made it this far without quoting them. They sing, “I went on the search for something real. Traded what I knew for how I feel.” You’re going to find yourself in situations where you don’t know everything. You won’t know what you want to do with your life or what path you are on or how you can get to where you want to go. However, you will always feel something, and sometimes that is worth so much more than knowledge. Class of 2013, congratulations on all of your success thus far. I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors, and may you all search for, and find, something real.

Now I’m going to steal a few words from a notable author who made a deep impression on me sophomore year. “There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better for worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power, which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which

Holly Querin, the Valwood Class of 2013 Valedictorian, is the daughter of Bill and Sally Querin. She will attend Davidson College in the fall.

18

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Jeff Jackson) on the periodic chart once you’re done with Chemistry. Or, you may have sat in Mr. Nettles class just certain that this math formula would never serve any real purpose in your future. Or heck, just because Ernest Hemingway was hanging out in Key West, Florida writing novel after novel in the 1920’s and 1930’s, why does Mr. Allen want me to know anything about Hemingway and his literary works?

man had learned in seven years.” What wonderful words of wisdom. Sometimes it is not always easy being a teenager dealing with your mom and dad! But as Mark Twain said, give them some time and they will get much better. I assure you; their support has made, and will continue to make, a tremendous impact throughout your lives. Thank them for this; show your gratitude.

Now, the one thing that I DO remember, which is quite elementary and trivial, but I know that all Valwood graduates would know this too, is the answer to this age old question--I know that you learned this before preschool, and year after year your memory has been tested and well, it is so important, that I know you know. How many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Simple, right? You know the answer.

In addition to thanking mom and dad stay in touch with your friends and teachers here at Valwood. These will be some of your fondest memories. They share these valuable memories that you have made collectively and later on, you will be glad to look back together and say “remember when.” The experiences with the people that you care about and love are what matter the most while you build your futures. Treasure your own precious memories, celebrate the ties that bind you together, and thank them for all they mean to you. Gratitude is all about connectedness, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Start with your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and your teachers, and make an effort to find an enduring place for gratitude in your own life; keep it at the forefront of your heart and mind. Live with a sense of gratitude. Develop this habit and cherish it throughout your futures.

All of this stuff you had to learn while enduring class after class throughout your high school career may have seemed like useless information at the time. However, when all of your learning experiences throughout high school unite, only then can you catch a glimpse of and begin to grasp the bigger picture. It’s not about one particular class, formula, equation, music note, or literary work. It is about having the ability to achieve a lifetime of knowledge. These experiences have allowed each of you to train your mind to creatively solve problems and to think in new and different ways. Your high school experience has enabled the development of new pathways and patterns of thought in your mind that will help you to approach and conquer a myriad of problems in unique ways, and with great ability.

So what? and where do we go from here? On occasion during life, you will be faced with what may seem as a mountain or a challenge that is insurmountable, when you think that incredible odds are stacked up against you. I can’t help but remember a football game this past season that will go down in Valwood history and a State Championship in Girls Trio. The competition was so great, yet you overcame the challenges!! You used your mind and talents for these victories! What you have displayed is the ability to learn, adapt, work hard and achieve. This is what you will take with you from here!!

I was watching a recent basketball game, when Valwood played Georgia Christian. I overheard a group of students talking about playing some trivia game and one of the questions was, you guessed it, how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Of course, I know that you all know the answer to that trivia question, of course, and the students at Valwood were remarking about their opponent from that other high school across town! “You twit! Everyone knows the answer to that simple question.” (Ok, Georgia Christian is a good school too!)

As you continue your journey, remember to persevere through life’s challenges with enthusiasm and optimism, meeting them head on and treating them as opportunities for growth. Embrace every challenge, big or small, without fear, as that is what creates your own indomitable spirit. Stay grounded in your faith and principles. And above all, believe in yourselves. You are special people as graduates of Valwood. Each of you has so much to offer, and the world will be a richer place because of you. For each of you, I know, the best is yet to come. And if nothing else, remember this: look at any challenges that may arise as gifts of opportunity, keep an attitude of gratefulness and appreciation to all of those surrounding you and supporting you, and finally remember that your minds are well prepared for avenues of great knowledge, whether it is science, writing, business, education, law, or just knowing some great trivia. How many states are named after a President? One – Washington. What is the atomic number of gold? 79. And how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausages? I know you all know this --seven.

Now, is knowing the answer to this and other questions important in life? Well, probably not. You may not encounter some of what you’ve learned during your high school years ever again. But that’s not what it’s all about. Your brain has been taught to think, your mind is energized for research and engaged learning, you have been prepared to flourish, and this is what you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

Connecting the dots. I would like to invite you to remember that none of you have arrived at this milestone in life alone. Sure, each of you has worked exceptionally hard to reach this point, and I commend you! But we don’t do anything alone, and each of you have people to thank for being on this journey with you.

They were there faithfully offering their love and support. Here is a mental picture: Picture a turtle sitting atop a fence post.

That turtle did not get up on that fence post by himself. Please thank your moms and dads. They have stood by you and encouraged you each and every step of the way, even if it didn’t feel like that on occasion.

Congratulations to Valwood’s Class of 2013, I wish you all the best!

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.

But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old

17

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS Science Olympiad The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team finished third at the regional competition held last February in Macon and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Remote Sensing – Hannah Waller and Ginnie Bree Hunter, Thermodynamics – Golden Smith and Ian Mashburn; 2nd Place: Dynamic Planet – Golden Smith and Holly Querin, Rocks and Minerals – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Anatomy and Physiology – Hannah Waller and Golden Smith, Water Quality – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Write It/Do It – Dallas Beal and Colin Wilson; 3rd Place: Chemistry Lab – Matt Williams and Austin Thompson, Forestry – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin; 4th Place: Robot Arm – Austin Thompson and Gabe Garcia.

Other team members were Will Hawthorne, Lanier Langdale, Amanda Lupo and Allie Maxwell. The team was coached by David Cano and Joy Owens.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor.

Honor Society members are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The following Upper School students were inducted into the National Honor Society: James Braswell, Mary Kate Crump, Charlie Dunmon, Lisa Garcia, Haley Jane Holland, DeAndre Lambert, Ian Mashburn, Ruddy Parrott, Jackson Pegg, Maggie Scruggs, Mary Alice Smoot, Austin Thompson and Matt Williams.

Thespian Troupe 5159 The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Currently there are active ITS troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools. In 2012, under the direction of Drama teacher, Holly Dickerson, Valwood School re-instated Thespian Troupe 5159 and inducted 10 Upper School students. With the help of the Fortis Club, these students had the unique opportunity to attend the 2013 Georgia Thespian Conference last February. This was a chance for the students to interact with other theatre students from across the state. At the conference the Troupe members had the opportunity to take classes and workshops taught by trained professionals, see a number of performances, and speak with college representatives. Troupe 5159 also took a trip across town to see a performance of Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman at Valdosta State University. The students had the chance to speak with cast members after the show about their experiences and performing. Our students also welcomed Professor Eric Brandt Nielsen from VSU's Dance Department for a 2-day Swing Dancing workshop before prom.

Moving forward into 2013-2014 many social and performance opportunities are in the works: Middle School One-Act Competition – Cricket County Academy, Upper School One-Act Competition Show – The Red Velvet Cake War, Middle and Upper School Spring Play – The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Middle and Upper School Spring Musical – Seussical the Musical and VEXT - Valwood Experimental Theatre.

6

U P P E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

A T H L E T I C S

N E W S

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2013

Volleyball Comes to Valwood

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2013! The final acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Auburn University, Berry College, Brenau University, Clemson University, Coffeyville Community College, College of Coastal Georgia, College of William and Mary, Davidson College, Daytona State College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mercer University, New York University, Presbyterian College, Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Southern Polytechnic State University, St. John's University – Queens, Stetson University, The University of Alabama, The University of Georgia, The University of West Georgia, Tulane University, Union University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Mississippi, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Cumberlands, Valdosta State University, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Valwood School’s Headmaster, Dr. Darren Pascavage and Athletic Director, Brett Martin announced the addition of a girls volleyball program beginning competition this fall. Martin said, “Bringing volleyball to Valwood gives us the opportunity to expand our women’s sports programs and give more female athletes access to a competitive athletic experience. As middle and high school volleyball becomes more popular statewide, we want to stay ahead of the curve while keeping our athletic offerings current and exciting.” The Lady Valiants will be coached by former Valdosta State Blazer, Val Gallahan. "I am beyond excited to coach volleyball at Valwood," Gallahan said. "When I moved to Valdosta several years ago, I was surprised to find that the local high schools did not offer volleyball, so this really feels like it has been a long time coming. Being a part of something from the ground up is truly a special experience.” Gallahan was recruited from Texas to join the Lady Blazer Volleyball program in 2005.

In the fall, Valwood will be one of 18 schools to compete in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA division. The GISA has sponsored volleyball since the early 2000’s, and although volleyball is gaining popularity across the country, it is still scarce in South Georgia.

“In establishing this program at Valwood, our most valuable asset has been Coach Val Gallahan.

The college playing experience gives her instant credibility with the players, and her gift for establishing an immediate, positive, and encouraging rapport with students makes this an exciting opportunity – even for girls who are new to the game. It is unlikely that we would be in a position to talk about a volleyball program at Valwood without Coach Gallahan’s enthusiastic involvement,” said Dr. Pascavage.

Valwood will begin their season on August 16th as they travel to Griffin, Georgia to take on the 2012 State Runner-Up Lady Crusaders.

GEORGIA GOAL Dallas James Beal, Stuart Chase Blitch, Aulden Mitchell Bynum, Slayten McKenna Carter, Griffin Tygart Clyatt, Jerome Franklin Collins, Jr., Mary Kate Crump, DaShon Rashad Day, Amanda Nicole Eaves, Eliza Carpenter Elliott, Haley Lane Flythe, Thomas James Hawthorne, Haley Jane Holland, Holden Zackery Holley, John Kenneth Lastinger, Ian Darby Mashburn, Kendall Rashad Mathis, Khary Antwon Paige, Ajay Bipin Patel, Jackson Randall Pegg, Holly Jean Querin, Kaitlin Denise Rasmussen, Dakota Marie Runnels, Emily Carol Sands, Zachary Vincent Savino, Jourdan Danielle Shackelford, Robert Austin Skipper, Golden Costner Smith, Raymond Craig Smoot, Allan Hampton Taylor, Hannah Evelyn Waller, Austin Ted Wilkes, Gerrick Michael Williams, Stephen Tyler Williams and Colin Sy Wilson.

Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2013. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of up to $2,500 of state income tax liability to a qualified student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based financial assistance. In 2012-2013 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 57 Valwood students. Students receiving GOAL dollars were enrolled in Lower, Middle and Upper School. Without your support, these students would be unable to experience the benefits of a Valwood education.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition Brooks and Michelle Akins Ron and Jennifer Allen Vallye Blanton Antoine and Cecile Brenier Barbara Browning Steve and Lynn Browning Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns and family Brad and Vicki Bynum Pat Cochran and Karyn Kunzelman Lex and Donna Culbreth Jeremy and Charlotte Davis Sue Dennard Marvin and Jacquelyn Dickey Walter and Laura Elliott EMTT, Inc. Rob and Stacy Evans Gene and Marcia Felts Fresh Beginnings Eric and Stephanie Gee

Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Eliza Elliott placed first in Argumentative Essay, Holly Querin placed first in Rhetorical Essay, Dakota Runnels placed first for Dramatic Interpretation and Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won first place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region finishers were Haley Flythe for Girls Solo, Craig Smoot for Boys Solo and Hannah Waller for Personal Essay. At the State competition Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won first place in the Girls Trio, Hannah Waller placed second for Personal Essay and Haley Flythe finished third for Girls Solo.

Ronald and Beverly Giles Wendell and Ann Godbee Jim and Julie Godbee Rhonda Hamman Hugh and Judy Hathcock and family Jeff Helms Jack and Lisa Henry Heritage Bank James and Josette Ingram Pope and Evelyn Langdale Bill and Beverly Langdale John and Suzanne Lastinger Alex and Rudell Lawrence Lee and Amy Mackey and family Mac and Susan Mackey Mary Catherine Mackey Chris and Pam Manwell Edward and Rhonda Mark Brett and Tracyee Martin

Girls Trio – Best in State!

7

16

Dutton and Donna Miller Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Doug and Stephanie Moss Jonathan and Katie Parrott Darren and Andrea Pascavage Bipin and Kristi Patel William and Nancy Pegg Kim and Laura Perlman Bill and Sally Querin Mark and Laura Rogers Chip and Tia Sanderlin Daniel and Heather Schert Ferrell and April Scruggs Ferrell and Pam Scruggs James and Deann Scruggs Sue Nell Scruggs Jay and Amy Smith Larry Smith and Charlene Blache Robert Stark and Maria Castellano

Jodie and Vickie Stevens Daniel and Dana Swilley Johnny and Wanda Swilley Timothy and Tonya Swilley James and Carly Thomas Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Harrison Tillman and Jan Loeffler Loyce and Ingrid Turner Mala Vallotton Rouse and Lynn Vallotton Wesley and Maggie Vallotton Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Nick and Ginger Valenti Eric and Kre Ward Robert and Janice Wigley Richard and Hylda Wilson Steve and Patty Wilson Bo and Pam Woodward

U P P E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

SPECIAL EVENTS Valiant Award

Class Trips Valedictory Address

By Holly Querin

Perhaps you have talents that you’ve just never really shared with anyone. Or maybe you have talents that you don’t even know exist yet. There are so many parts of you that haven’t even been tested. You are going to realize that the person you have become in high school, with all the skills that you have honed and the success that you have experienced is just a tiny part of the person who you are going to become. I am wholeheartedly convinced that you are all going to be blown away by the amount of success that you are going to have, at college and beyond. I urge you to act on the talents that you possess in such massive quantities. Don’t let them go to waste.

There’s a parable for that, you know. The master gives the servants coins and some of them invest them and make more money while the other tries to keep his safe by burying them.

Then the master gets really mad at this servant because he’s not making good use of his coins. The same applies to all of you with your talents! Do not hide away your talents! It is such a waste to not use the skills you are given.

Good morning Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Lupo, faculty, family, and guests to the Commencement ceremonies of the Valwood Class of 2013.

Alex Waldron returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Alex received the award last year and this year the honor went to Holly Querin and Golden Smith. The award is given to the senior who best exemplifies the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall Holly will attend Davidson College and Golden will attend New York University.

The junior class traveled and visited colleges last winter. The group posed for a photo in front of the library at Samford University.

Homecoming Festivities

Spirit Award Emily Sands was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Anne Rankin Cannon returned to bestow the honor. This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who embodies the spirit of the School in all areas of school life. Emily will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Seniors Slayten Carter, Colin Wilson, Zack Savino and Eliza Elliott pose on Nerd Day

Academics, Character, Service In keeping with the school’s motto of Academics, Character, Service, each year Upper School students are required to perform 20 hours of community service. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” working over 100 hours of community service for the year: Aulden Bynum, Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, Jackson Pegg, Golden Smith, and Brenna Wilson. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Hailee Hathcock and Hannah Waller. Additionally the following students were members of the Club for a third consecutive year: Mary Kate Crump, Eliza Elliott, Kate Evans, Grace Flemer, Thomas Hawthorne, Holley Querin, and Kaitlin Rasmussen. Seniors Haley Flythe and Danielle Shackelford were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Joyce Ro, Emma Parrott, and Hollis Waldron on Pop Culture Day!

15

What I see when I look at this group of seniors before me is an enormous amount of talent. Academically, we have students going not only to some of the best colleges in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and North Carolina, but also to Virginia and as far away as New York. We have a group of seniors who led the Science Olympiad team to State for the first time in years, and let’s be honest, winning medals in forestry and glaciology is more impressive than acceptances from Washington and Lee and NYU. We have incredible athletes; leaders of teams that have won region championships in four sports this year and a state championship in football. We have a school record-setting four football players signed to play college ball, and a golfer signed to play as well. We have an artist who painted what Mrs. Smith has called the best piece of art ever painted by one of her students, which is a big deal because she has been teaching for around two centuries. Lastly, we have the strong group of thespians who have shone in One Act and Vext and who have taken home awards at Literary.

I know that a lot of you are in the same boat as I am of having no idea what I want to do with my life, but I do know that as long as you do what you are good at and what you love, you are going to be fine. Do what you want to do. Maybe you won’t be making a ton of money at first, or ever, but you can’t be afraid to follow your dreams! We can’t get fixated on the idea that the only jobs that are acceptable are the ones that have high salaries. What’s the point of making a ton of money if you aren’t happy doing it? Now, I’m not saying that you should drop out of college and play guitar on the streets for money, because, I’m sorry, but that isn’t a real job. I don’t want you coming to my doorstep in ten years, homeless, saying, “I took your advice and look what happened.” That’s not what I’m advocating. Education is going to be vital in whatever field you enter (that’s why we all went to Valwood, isn’t it?), but that’s not the only thing that is important. Passion and creativity and reason are going to be just essential as a large vocabulary or having a bunch of facts stored away in your brain. You combine these traits with hard work and commitment, and there is going to be no stopping you. And if there is going to be no stopping you, then you might as well follow your dreams. Dreams breed commitment and hard work.

Even more impressively, our class survived a freshman camping trip in the torrential rain with tents that leaked. We worked together at a sketchy roadside arcade to win an enormous stuffed tiger, and had the originality to call it El Tigre.

A group of seniors led Mrs. Edward’s foray to bring swing dancing back to Valwood, and to prom, and to New York.

Speaking of New York, we had a successful trip to the Big Apple with not one of us getting trapped in the subway car and being taken away never to be seen again, which was a genuine concern of mine. Probably most importantly, we pulled off the best prank in Valwood School history, not that I know that much about Valwood School history, but I thought it was pretty awesome. Some of the highlights include a completely filled above-ground pool, a trampoline assembled in Mrs. Felts’ room, desks on the roof, and a memorial inscribed with the words “Class of 2013- Gone But Not Forgotten.” I don’t think we’re going to be forgotten anytime soon. I am so proud to be in the Class of 2013 with this incredibly talented group of people. But these skills that are obvious to the rest of the school or to our parents and teachers are not the only ones that we possess.

The most successful, and even more importantly, the happiest, people in the world are people who had a dream and made it their reality. Macklemore sings “I stand in front of you today all because of an idea. I could be who I wanted if I could see my potential.” Success happens when you see your abilities and act upon them. And I’m going to tell you something that my youth group leader always says to my youth group. You will be successful. All of you. Never doubt it. Self-doubt, not anything else, is the limiting factor on success.

And I know that some of the older people in the crowd might Continued on Page 18

8

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S

ALUMNI NEWS

Salutatory Speech

By Golden Smith Olympiad trips where my self-confidence was boosted by the people’s lack of style, but stripped because of their endless supply of glacier facts. I will always remember that year in One Act when Slayten and I were cyberbullies sending Dakota threatening text messages as she talked to her teddy bear, Winston. Although I got really upset when we lost to that cheating team who beat us in a third set, I am most certainly going to miss playing doubles with Colin. Holly, I still expect you and your guitar to facetime me next year so I can hear your latest work. If only I had an unlimited amount of time to go over all the memories we’ve shared.

Welcome Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Mrs. Lupo, Dr. Jackson, faculty, parents, guests, and Class of 2013.

Well, seniors we made it.

Today, we can look in either direction. We could look back at all the accomplishments we’ve made, all the memories we’ve created, and all the tribulations we’ve endured.

Or, we could look forward, to the upcoming years of college.

Not the extensive drinking on spring break or that Friday after finals, but the long list of opportunities that will be available and the many mistakes to be made only to give us wisdom.

I want to take a moment to thank my teachers. The blessing of going to Valwood is having that personal relationship with teachers. I love being able to text my AP World teacher Merry Christmas or just rant to my English teacher about my bad day.

I know each teacher at some time or another has pushed me close to my limits, but I know it was only because they could see my potential. So thank you. It was here, in Mrs. Owens’ room where I discovered my love for chemistry because she seemed to relate it to everyday stuff. Mrs. Sable spread her love of psychology to me through our various side discussions. I learned a vital lesson from Coach Allen. I remember crying because I would get check after check on essays. Looking back, I would not have done it any differently because he was pushing me to become the best writer I could be. Coach Allen taught me not to focus on the grade because it did not matter, but to focus on the work.

The fact is a grade is just a number or letter on a piece of paper but the knowledge gained is invaluable. Mrs. Andrews taught me to let go. I was just an 8th grader in French I, but she didn’t care; she still wanted me to talk for three minutes in French about my life. All these teachers helped me immensely throughout the years and I owe you all extreme gratitude.

I say don’t look forward or look back, but look at both.

Sweep the past into your hands, and grasp it as we sprint to our futures. We don’t sprint because we want to get there faster. We sprint because we have a treadmill, known as time, moving us along. Nothing more than this past year has taught me just how quickly time does travel. I remember saying last year how much I couldn’t wait to get out of this town, my home for the last eighteen years, and go off to college. While I’m ready to take that leap, I’m not ready to part from my peers who have become my extended family these last years.

I am going to miss those late night calls from Emily when she’s too scared to walk downstairs. I can’t imagine next year not studying at two in the morning with Amanda, like that time we stayed up all night the week before our APUSH exam to memorize the presidents in order. It felt so good reciting all forty-four to Mr. Stephenson the next day. I’m going to miss walking into school and being greeted with a big bear hug from Kaitlin.

People always ask me if I’m smart. My answer is no because I do not feel like I was instilled with a large intelligence upon conception. Rather, my achievements in the classroom come from my tenacity. Vince Lomberdi Jr. said, “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” I can say from personal experience that he is right. My mother always taught me that nothing is given to you on a silver platter.

If you want something, you have to fight for it. So if sometime you feel like you can’t do something, because you aren’t talented enough or because you aren’t smart enough, work your hardest and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Also, don’t give up. If you really want something, don’t walk away if someone tells you “no” the first time. Everyone knows I wanted nothing more than to go to Columbia. When I received that letter back in December saying I had been denied, I was crushed.

I cried all the way up to South Carolina to visit my grandfather.

But you know it just pushed me that much more. I may not have got accepted the first time, but I plan to work twice as hard next year at NYU so I’m able to transfer. Stephen Schwartz wrote “Some things I cannot change but until I try, I'll never know!”

Don’t accept “no” or “you can’t do that” without putting forth

I’ve been in class with some of you since second grade, others joined in on the last lap. I will never forget all of us going to the Agrirama in fourth grade and how awful it was doing work outside. I sure am glad I was born in 1995, and not back in those days. We have stuck together through the fun days when we were all laughing on the bus on the way up to D.C., and through the trying times where we had two essays and a group project due for Ms. Carver the same week as Mr. Cano’s AP Bio test. High school was tough, but I wouldn’t want to have done it with any other people.

The memories you all have helped me make will always be with me. I will never forget that time Zack and Colin thought it was just hilarious to scatter coins across our hotel room because they knew it agitated my Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder; I’m a neat freak. I’ll never forget those Science

Robin Rodgers Moore ’83 is the Chief of Internal Audit for The Coca-Cola Company headquartered in Atlanta. She began her career with the company in 1995 and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility including Senior Audit Manager in Corporate Audit and Director of Financial Reporting in the Controller’s Group. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Moore held positions with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Equitable Real Estate Investment Management Inc. and the Bank of North Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Emory University.

Carter Karras ’09 graduated cum laude from Auburn University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Carter is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accounting at Auburn University.

In May Cady Minor ’10 graduated summa com laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders. She is currently enrolled at Auburn pursing her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders.

Katie Querin ’10 and her father Bill Querin celebrated Father’s Day on top of Mt. Ranier, the highest peak in Washington.

After months of training, the pair celebrated reaching the summit by watching a beautiful Father’s Day sunrise. Katie is a senior at the University of Montana pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design/Technology.

John Cordova ’88 and his wife, Lenka, live in Washington, D.C. where John works as a Senior Architectural Expert and Consultant for Computer Sciences Corporation. John earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.

Joe Vallotton ’93 and wife Quinn are the proud parents of Francis Luke born February 25, 2013.

Yasmin Utterback ’10 is a student at SCAD in Atlanta where her artwork was chosen for two art shows – “The Lost Art” and “Beyond the Dot.”

Sara Bowers Tintle ’01 is Physical Therapist for Visiting Nurse. Sara and her husband, Sean, live in Smyrna with their daughter Maddie who was born July 28, 2012.

Katelan Kendrick Davis ’02 married Tyler Davis on May 4, 2013.

Class of ’02 Holds Reunion Last Homecoming, the Class of 2002 held a 10 year reunion. The weekend began with a cookout at Goddard Field before the Valiant – Sherwood Christian Homecoming football game. The following day the alumni went to a Habitat for Humanity building site and rolled up their sleeves helping with the construction of a new home. Later that night the class celebrated with a dinner at the home of Chris and John Roan.

Luke Vallotton

Alice Thrasher Popielarz ’02 and husband Joshua welcomed son, Jaxon Eli to their family last November.

John Alday ’04 and Ashley McGahee were married on April 20, 2013.

Ashley Eldridge ’04 graduated for Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashley is the school counselor at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rachel Thrasher Noles ’04 graduated in 2009 from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management.

Rachel is an Advertising Executive for the Valdosta Daily Times and South Georgia Media Group. Rachel and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of daughters MacKenzie and Holly Anne.

Lauren Bailey '06 graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and in Psychology.

Last May Lauren received her Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lauren works as a Pediatric Genetics Counselor at Duke University Medical Center.

Class of 2002 poses for a group photo

Keep in Touch!!!

Will Elliott ’06 graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Last May Will received his Jurist Doctor from Wake Forest University.

Email: Laura Elliott at lelliott@valwood.org Phone: 229-242-8491 Online: www.valwood.org subscribe to Alumni Email Friend us on facebook We look forward to catching up on all your news!

Maggie Karras ’08 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Auburn University in May of 2012 and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Valdosta State University in May of this year. She works for Life Line Children’s Services as the Georgia Social Worker.

Homecoming Football Game! Valiants vs. Terrell Academy on Friday, October 11. Make plans to join the fun.

Reel Howell ’08 and Christie Boomeyer were married in March of this year.

Continued on Page 18

9

Katie and Bill summit Mt. Ranier

14

F A C U L T Y

N E W S

VALWOOD ATHLETICS Bucky Shiver

Lynn Vallotton

Upper School Science

Upper School Art

A member of Valwood’s class of 2000, Bucky is returning to Valwood to teach Science in the Upper School. Bucky has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and he will complete a Master’s of Science in Biology from Valdosta State University this summer.

Between his undergraduate and graduate work Bucky spent 5 years in the business world as an internet marketing consultant and instructor. During his graduate work, Bucky taught freshman Biology and Anatomy and Physiology labs at VSU. Bucky is excited to return to Valwood as an Upper School Science instructor and the Debate coach. In his spare time Bucky enjoys basketball, fishing, and hunting.

O T H E R

Lynn Vallotton has joined Valwood’s faculty as the Upper School Art teacher.

Lynn graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Graphics and Merchandising. Lynn also holds a degree in European Floral Arts from Leon Formafleur in Leon, France and is known for her accomplishments in the art of floral design. Lynn is thrilled to be a part of the Vallotton family legacy at Valwood. Her husband Rouse attended Valwood and his two brothers, Joe and Wesley are Valwood graduates. Lynn’s mother-in-law Mala Vallotton is currently a Valwood Trustee and served as a tireless parent volunteer at Valwood for 28 years. Lynn and her husband are the parents of Valwood third grader, Rouse. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, traveling, and geo-caching.

N E W S

Region and State Athletes Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Aulden Bynum, Griffin Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Khary Paige, Jackson Pegg, Allan Taylor and Austin Wilkes received All-region recognition. Aulden Bynum, Griffin Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Allan Taylor and Khary Paige also received All-state recognition. Dallas Beal received All-region recognition for cross country and track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. For the girls and boys basketball teams Ginnie Bree Hunter, DeAndre Lambert, Rashad Mathis, and Zack Savino received All-region honors. J.C. Carroll, Jake Chandler and Mack Davis received All-region recognition for Boys and Girls Tennis Teams 2013 Region Runner Ups. baseball. Emma Layton earned All-state recognition in swimming. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Hailee Hatchcock, Ashley Manwell, Joyce Ro, Maggie Scruggs, Thomas Hawthorne, Golden Smith, Grayson Thomas and Colin Wilson received the All-region honor. Gary Cannon, Jake Lastinger, Ajay Patel and Peyton Trancygier were All-region golfers and Ajay Patel received All-state recognition. Chase Blitch, Carter Elliott, Charlie Dunmon, Gabe Garcia, DeAndre Lambert, Ty Petermann and Zack Savino were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Gabe Garcia and Zack Savino for boys soccer. Sarah Matney, Holly Querin, Kaitlin Rasmussen, Mary Alice Smoot and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team and the All-state honor was awarded to Mary Alice Smoot.

Grandparents Day

2013 Valwood Valiants AA Football State Champions

Last April more than 275 grandparents visited the campus for Valwood’s annual Grandparents Day. The grandparents enjoyed breakfast, meeting our Headmaster, classroom visits, touring the facility and student performances. Save the date!

Grandparents Day March 28, 2014.

The Valwood Valiant football team closed out its first-ever undefeated season, finishing with an unscathed 14-0 record, with a 48-13 rout of the Westwood Wildcats in the GISA Class AA State Championship Game at Goddard Field on November 30, 2013. The state championship was Valwood’s fourth all-time, and first since 1999.

Carter Sharon and his grandparents Wayne and Jerri Sandifer.

Jackson Pegg with his grandfather Buck Pegg

Patricia Ann Smith Valwood’s art teacher of 16 years, Patricia Ann Smith, passed away on June 15, 2013.

Her love, joy, enthusiasm and perseverance through life’s challenges made a profound impact on all who knew her.

Mrs. Smith welcomed students and visitors who entered her art studio with a sparkle in her eye and spirited words of encouragement and humor. She taught over 3000 students over her 56 year career and was a favorite among her students whom she called her “cherubs.”

Works of art created by Valwood students are displayed in the rooms and hallways throughout campus, now memorializing Mrs. Smith’s extraordinary talent as a teacher.

A gifted artist in her own right, Mrs. Smith’s commissioned drawings and paintings hang in many homes and businesses.

Her loss leaves a deep void at Valwood but her words will echo in our hearts always, “Life is a battle, but a good knowledge of the arts helps one balance out beauty and tough times successfully.”

13

Gracie Williamson with her grandfather Rex Williamson

“It is awesome,” Valwood head coach 2013 AA State Champions Ashley Henderson said, just minutes after hoisting the championship trophy.

“Our players have been through the 6 a.m. workouts and everything they have done goes to show that coaches are not as crazy as we look. There is a method behind the madness.”

Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility Opens In March construction work was completed on Valwood’s new Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility. Located at Browning Field, the building is incorporated into the field as 100 feet of the outfield wall and houses three Astroturf batting tunnels with portable cages, the Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball locker rooms, and a coach’s office. The project was designed and built

by Vulcan Steel and RST Construction. The design allows for the cages to be moved, creating a large space for other training activities. The storage space in the building opens directly to the baseball field allowing easy access for the field maintenance equipment.

10

V A L W O O D

A T H L E T I C S

FACULTY NEWS

Athletic Schedules 2013 Varsity Football Aug 23 Windsor Academy

Scholar Athletes Valwood Varsity athletes whose academic performance placed them on the Headmaster’s List during the quarter they were playing a varsity sport received the Scholar Athlete medal.

Compiled at the end of each grading period, the Headmaster’s List is Valwood’s most prestigious academic recognition for it highlights extraordinary academic achievement among the school’s Upper and Middle School student body. To be named to the list, students must have a 90 or better average in all academic subjects. This award, modeled on the NCAA’s Academic All-American recognition, honors those varsity student-athletes who maintain high academic and athletic performance at Valwood. Winner of this award for the fall sports season was Brenna Wilson. Winter scholar athlete award winners were Mary Kate Crump, Amanda Eaves, Haley Flythe, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emma Parrott, Holly Querin, and Zack Savino. Pictured below are the winners of the spring scholar athlete medal.

Away

7:30

Aug 30 Edmund Burke Academy

Home

7:30

Sept 6

Away

7:30

Flint River Academy

Home

7:30

Sep 27

Mount De Sales Academy

Home

7:30

Oct 4

Sherwood Christian Academy

Away

7:30

Oct 11 Terrell Academy (Homecoming)

Home

7:30

Oct 18

A native of Hahira, Tabitha graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and volunteered at Lowndes County schools and is thrilled to be joining the Valwood faculty. Tabitha will also support the Varsity Cheerleaders as an Assistant Coach. Tabitha and her husband, Jason, are the parents of Paisley who will join Valwood’s kindergarten class this fall. In her free time Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, cooking and coaching gymnastics and cheerleading.

Away

7:30

Oct 25 Brookwood School

Westwood School

Home

7:30

Nov 1

Home

7:30

Southwest Georgia Academy

Aug 16 Griffin Christian Academy

Away

5:00

Aug 17 Lafayette Christian Academy

Away

11:00

Aug 22 Grace Christian Academy

Home

4:00

Aug 26 Sherwood Christian Academy

Away

5:00

Aug 29 First Presbyterian Christian

Away

5:00

Sep 7

Lafayette Christian Academy

Home

12:00

Sep 16

Grace Christian Academy

Away

4:00

Sep 20

Stratford Academy

Away

6:00

Sep 25

Mount De Sales Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 28

Griffin Christian Academy

Home

2:00

Sep 30

Sherwood Christian Academy

Home

6:00

Oct 1

Mount De Sales Academy

Away

6:00

Oct 7

First Presbyterian Christian

Home

4:30

Home

6:00

Sep 12

Sherwood Christian Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 19

Tiftarea Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 26

Fullington Academy

Home

6:00

Oct 3

Tiftarea Academy

Away

6:00

Oct 10

Windsor Academy

Away

5:00

Oct 17 Windsor Academy

Home

5:00

Aug 24 Loganville Christian Academy

Away

-

Sep 7

Westfield School

Away

-

Sep 14

Loganville Christian Academy

Away

-

Sep 21

Covenant Academy

Away

-

Sep 28

Southland Academy

Away

-

Oct 12

Deerfield Windsor School

Away

-

Oct 19

Region Meet

Away

-

Oct 26

State Meet

Away

-

2013 Cross Country

Mark your calendars! The Valwood School Reverse Car Auction is Saturday, January 25, 2014. Come out for an evening of fun and you may drive home in a new vehicle!

Please call the school office for details 229-242-8491.

11

A South Carolina native, Kim graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and from Kennesaw State University with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing.

Kim worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Kennesaw before moving to Valdosta where he worked in real estate and most recently as Marketing Director for Greenleaf Center. Kim and his wife, Alyson, Valwood Class of 1994, are the parents of first grader Talley and pre-kindergartener Jack. Kim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports and keeping up with South Carolina Gamecock athletics.

Memorial Day School

2013 JV Football

*not including Region and State Playoff Games

Kim Lerstang

Sep 13

Oct 16 Stratford Academy

Join the Valiant Club! Support Valwood Athletics! For your $100 membership fee you will receive two Valiant Club passes which allow free admission to all home* athletic events. Call the school office for more details 229-242-8491. See you at the games!

Tabitha Barber

Lower School 3rd Grade, Assistant Cheerleading Coach

2013 Varsity Volleyball

Olivia Cox, Carter Elliott, Katherine Godbee, Hannah Hutchinson, Addy Perlman, Ty Petermann, Holly Querin, Zack Savino, Maggie Scruggs, Golden Smith and Brenna Wilson – not pictured – Kush Patel, Joyce Ro, and Emily Sands.

Valwood School is proud to introduce our new faculty. We are excited to have such qualified, talented, and enthusiastic faculty joining us at Valwood.

Upper School Faculty

Jennifer Massot Upper School Spanish

Adam Murphy

Jennifer is from St. Maarten and came to the United States to attend college on a community service scholarship. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and is currently completing her Master’s in International Relations.

Jennifer is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Jennifer is the mother of Jayden who will be joining Valwood’s Pre-Kindergarten class in the fall.

Jennifer enjoys water sports, cooking/baking, and spending time with her son. Additionally she travels extensively as her family lives abroad and is spread across the globe.

Lower School 5th Grade Adam joined the Valwood Middle School faculty in January of last year and is looking forward to moving to the Lower School this fall. Adam grew up in Nashville and graduated from Berrien County High School and Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Adam will continue his coaching duties with the Middle School soccer and basketball teams.

Adam and his wife, Jenna are the parents of Bailie and Ansen. In his free time Adam enjoys researching scientific and historical topics, outside activities including camping, playing the guitar and exercising.

Kayla Pickren

Lower School 4th Grade Kayla is originally from Brunswick, Georgia where she has been teaching at Golden Isles Elementary School for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and she earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Troy University. Kayla will be helping with Homework Hour and will sponsor the new Computer Club in the Lower School. In her free time Kayla enjoys playing softball and volleyball as well as cheering for the UGA football team.

Continued on the next page...

12

V A L W O O D

A T H L E T I C S

FACULTY NEWS

Athletic Schedules 2013 Varsity Football Aug 23 Windsor Academy

Scholar Athletes Valwood Varsity athletes whose academic performance placed them on the Headmaster’s List during the quarter they were playing a varsity sport received the Scholar Athlete medal.

Compiled at the end of each grading period, the Headmaster’s List is Valwood’s most prestigious academic recognition for it highlights extraordinary academic achievement among the school’s Upper and Middle School student body. To be named to the list, students must have a 90 or better average in all academic subjects. This award, modeled on the NCAA’s Academic All-American recognition, honors those varsity student-athletes who maintain high academic and athletic performance at Valwood. Winner of this award for the fall sports season was Brenna Wilson. Winter scholar athlete award winners were Mary Kate Crump, Amanda Eaves, Haley Flythe, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emma Parrott, Holly Querin, and Zack Savino. Pictured below are the winners of the spring scholar athlete medal.

Away

7:30

Aug 30 Edmund Burke Academy

Home

7:30

Sept 6

Away

7:30

Flint River Academy

Home

7:30

Sep 27

Mount De Sales Academy

Home

7:30

Oct 4

Sherwood Christian Academy

Away

7:30

Oct 11 Terrell Academy (Homecoming)

Home

7:30

Oct 18

A native of Hahira, Tabitha graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and volunteered at Lowndes County schools and is thrilled to be joining the Valwood faculty. Tabitha will also support the Varsity Cheerleaders as an Assistant Coach. Tabitha and her husband, Jason, are the parents of Paisley who will join Valwood’s kindergarten class this fall. In her free time Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, cooking and coaching gymnastics and cheerleading.

Away

7:30

Oct 25 Brookwood School

Westwood School

Home

7:30

Nov 1

Home

7:30

Southwest Georgia Academy

Aug 16 Griffin Christian Academy

Away

5:00

Aug 17 Lafayette Christian Academy

Away

11:00

Aug 22 Grace Christian Academy

Home

4:00

Aug 26 Sherwood Christian Academy

Away

5:00

Aug 29 First Presbyterian Christian

Away

5:00

Sep 7

Lafayette Christian Academy

Home

12:00

Sep 16

Grace Christian Academy

Away

4:00

Sep 20

Stratford Academy

Away

6:00

Sep 25

Mount De Sales Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 28

Griffin Christian Academy

Home

2:00

Sep 30

Sherwood Christian Academy

Home

6:00

Oct 1

Mount De Sales Academy

Away

6:00

Oct 7

First Presbyterian Christian

Home

4:30

Home

6:00

Sep 12

Sherwood Christian Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 19

Tiftarea Academy

Home

6:00

Sep 26

Fullington Academy

Home

6:00

Oct 3

Tiftarea Academy

Away

6:00

Oct 10

Windsor Academy

Away

5:00

Oct 17 Windsor Academy

Home

5:00

Aug 24 Loganville Christian Academy

Away

-

Sep 7

Westfield School

Away

-

Sep 14

Loganville Christian Academy

Away

-

Sep 21

Covenant Academy

Away

-

Sep 28

Southland Academy

Away

-

Oct 12

Deerfield Windsor School

Away

-

Oct 19

Region Meet

Away

-

Oct 26

State Meet

Away

-

2013 Cross Country

Mark your calendars! The Valwood School Reverse Car Auction is Saturday, January 25, 2014. Come out for an evening of fun and you may drive home in a new vehicle!

Please call the school office for details 229-242-8491.

11

A South Carolina native, Kim graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and from Kennesaw State University with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing.

Kim worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Kennesaw before moving to Valdosta where he worked in real estate and most recently as Marketing Director for Greenleaf Center. Kim and his wife, Alyson, Valwood Class of 1994, are the parents of first grader Talley and pre-kindergartener Jack. Kim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports and keeping up with South Carolina Gamecock athletics.

Memorial Day School

2013 JV Football

*not including Region and State Playoff Games

Kim Lerstang

Sep 13

Oct 16 Stratford Academy

Join the Valiant Club! Support Valwood Athletics! For your $100 membership fee you will receive two Valiant Club passes which allow free admission to all home* athletic events. Call the school office for more details 229-242-8491. See you at the games!

Tabitha Barber

Lower School 3rd Grade, Assistant Cheerleading Coach

2013 Varsity Volleyball

Olivia Cox, Carter Elliott, Katherine Godbee, Hannah Hutchinson, Addy Perlman, Ty Petermann, Holly Querin, Zack Savino, Maggie Scruggs, Golden Smith and Brenna Wilson – not pictured – Kush Patel, Joyce Ro, and Emily Sands.

Valwood School is proud to introduce our new faculty. We are excited to have such qualified, talented, and enthusiastic faculty joining us at Valwood.

Upper School Faculty

Jennifer Massot Upper School Spanish

Adam Murphy

Jennifer is from St. Maarten and came to the United States to attend college on a community service scholarship. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and is currently completing her Master’s in International Relations.

Jennifer is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Jennifer is the mother of Jayden who will be joining Valwood’s Pre-Kindergarten class in the fall.

Jennifer enjoys water sports, cooking/baking, and spending time with her son. Additionally she travels extensively as her family lives abroad and is spread across the globe.

Lower School 5th Grade Adam joined the Valwood Middle School faculty in January of last year and is looking forward to moving to the Lower School this fall. Adam grew up in Nashville and graduated from Berrien County High School and Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Adam will continue his coaching duties with the Middle School soccer and basketball teams.

Adam and his wife, Jenna are the parents of Bailie and Ansen. In his free time Adam enjoys researching scientific and historical topics, outside activities including camping, playing the guitar and exercising.

Kayla Pickren

Lower School 4th Grade Kayla is originally from Brunswick, Georgia where she has been teaching at Golden Isles Elementary School for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and she earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Troy University. Kayla will be helping with Homework Hour and will sponsor the new Computer Club in the Lower School. In her free time Kayla enjoys playing softball and volleyball as well as cheering for the UGA football team.

Continued on the next page...

12

F A C U L T Y

N E W S

VALWOOD ATHLETICS Bucky Shiver

Lynn Vallotton

Upper School Science

Upper School Art

A member of Valwood’s class of 2000, Bucky is returning to Valwood to teach Science in the Upper School. Bucky has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and he will complete a Master’s of Science in Biology from Valdosta State University this summer.

Between his undergraduate and graduate work Bucky spent 5 years in the business world as an internet marketing consultant and instructor. During his graduate work, Bucky taught freshman Biology and Anatomy and Physiology labs at VSU. Bucky is excited to return to Valwood as an Upper School Science instructor and the Debate coach. In his spare time Bucky enjoys basketball, fishing, and hunting.

O T H E R

Lynn Vallotton has joined Valwood’s faculty as the Upper School Art teacher.

Lynn graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Graphics and Merchandising. Lynn also holds a degree in European Floral Arts from Leon Formafleur in Leon, France and is known for her accomplishments in the art of floral design. Lynn is thrilled to be a part of the Vallotton family legacy at Valwood. Her husband Rouse attended Valwood and his two brothers, Joe and Wesley are Valwood graduates. Lynn’s mother-in-law Mala Vallotton is currently a Valwood Trustee and served as a tireless parent volunteer at Valwood for 28 years. Lynn and her husband are the parents of Valwood third grader, Rouse. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, traveling, and geo-caching.

N E W S

Region and State Athletes Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Aulden Bynum, Griffin Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Khary Paige, Jackson Pegg, Allan Taylor and Austin Wilkes received All-region recognition. Aulden Bynum, Griffin Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Allan Taylor and Khary Paige also received All-state recognition. Dallas Beal received All-region recognition for cross country and track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. For the girls and boys basketball teams Ginnie Bree Hunter, DeAndre Lambert, Rashad Mathis, and Zack Savino received All-region honors. J.C. Carroll, Jake Chandler and Mack Davis received All-region recognition for Boys and Girls Tennis Teams 2013 Region Runner Ups. baseball. Emma Layton earned All-state recognition in swimming. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Hailee Hatchcock, Ashley Manwell, Joyce Ro, Maggie Scruggs, Thomas Hawthorne, Golden Smith, Grayson Thomas and Colin Wilson received the All-region honor. Gary Cannon, Jake Lastinger, Ajay Patel and Peyton Trancygier were All-region golfers and Ajay Patel received All-state recognition. Chase Blitch, Carter Elliott, Charlie Dunmon, Gabe Garcia, DeAndre Lambert, Ty Petermann and Zack Savino were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Gabe Garcia and Zack Savino for boys soccer. Sarah Matney, Holly Querin, Kaitlin Rasmussen, Mary Alice Smoot and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team and the All-state honor was awarded to Mary Alice Smoot.

Grandparents Day

2013 Valwood Valiants AA Football State Champions

Last April more than 275 grandparents visited the campus for Valwood’s annual Grandparents Day. The grandparents enjoyed breakfast, meeting our Headmaster, classroom visits, touring the facility and student performances. Save the date!

Grandparents Day March 28, 2014.

The Valwood Valiant football team closed out its first-ever undefeated season, finishing with an unscathed 14-0 record, with a 48-13 rout of the Westwood Wildcats in the GISA Class AA State Championship Game at Goddard Field on November 30, 2013. The state championship was Valwood’s fourth all-time, and first since 1999.

Carter Sharon and his grandparents Wayne and Jerri Sandifer.

Jackson Pegg with his grandfather Buck Pegg

Patricia Ann Smith Valwood’s art teacher of 16 years, Patricia Ann Smith, passed away on June 15, 2013.

Her love, joy, enthusiasm and perseverance through life’s challenges made a profound impact on all who knew her.

Mrs. Smith welcomed students and visitors who entered her art studio with a sparkle in her eye and spirited words of encouragement and humor. She taught over 3000 students over her 56 year career and was a favorite among her students whom she called her “cherubs.”

Works of art created by Valwood students are displayed in the rooms and hallways throughout campus, now memorializing Mrs. Smith’s extraordinary talent as a teacher.

A gifted artist in her own right, Mrs. Smith’s commissioned drawings and paintings hang in many homes and businesses.

Her loss leaves a deep void at Valwood but her words will echo in our hearts always, “Life is a battle, but a good knowledge of the arts helps one balance out beauty and tough times successfully.”

13

Gracie Williamson with her grandfather Rex Williamson

“It is awesome,” Valwood head coach 2013 AA State Champions Ashley Henderson said, just minutes after hoisting the championship trophy.

“Our players have been through the 6 a.m. workouts and everything they have done goes to show that coaches are not as crazy as we look. There is a method behind the madness.”

Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility Opens In March construction work was completed on Valwood’s new Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility. Located at Browning Field, the building is incorporated into the field as 100 feet of the outfield wall and houses three Astroturf batting tunnels with portable cages, the Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball locker rooms, and a coach’s office. The project was designed and built

by Vulcan Steel and RST Construction. The design allows for the cages to be moved, creating a large space for other training activities. The storage space in the building opens directly to the baseball field allowing easy access for the field maintenance equipment.

10

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S

ALUMNI NEWS

Salutatory Speech

By Golden Smith Olympiad trips where my self-confidence was boosted by the people’s lack of style, but stripped because of their endless supply of glacier facts. I will always remember that year in One Act when Slayten and I were cyberbullies sending Dakota threatening text messages as she talked to her teddy bear, Winston. Although I got really upset when we lost to that cheating team who beat us in a third set, I am most certainly going to miss playing doubles with Colin. Holly, I still expect you and your guitar to facetime me next year so I can hear your latest work. If only I had an unlimited amount of time to go over all the memories we’ve shared.

Welcome Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Mrs. Lupo, Dr. Jackson, faculty, parents, guests, and Class of 2013.

Well, seniors we made it.

Today, we can look in either direction. We could look back at all the accomplishments we’ve made, all the memories we’ve created, and all the tribulations we’ve endured.

Or, we could look forward, to the upcoming years of college.

Not the extensive drinking on spring break or that Friday after finals, but the long list of opportunities that will be available and the many mistakes to be made only to give us wisdom.

I want to take a moment to thank my teachers. The blessing of going to Valwood is having that personal relationship with teachers. I love being able to text my AP World teacher Merry Christmas or just rant to my English teacher about my bad day.

I know each teacher at some time or another has pushed me close to my limits, but I know it was only because they could see my potential. So thank you. It was here, in Mrs. Owens’ room where I discovered my love for chemistry because she seemed to relate it to everyday stuff. Mrs. Sable spread her love of psychology to me through our various side discussions. I learned a vital lesson from Coach Allen. I remember crying because I would get check after check on essays. Looking back, I would not have done it any differently because he was pushing me to become the best writer I could be. Coach Allen taught me not to focus on the grade because it did not matter, but to focus on the work.

The fact is a grade is just a number or letter on a piece of paper but the knowledge gained is invaluable. Mrs. Andrews taught me to let go. I was just an 8th grader in French I, but she didn’t care; she still wanted me to talk for three minutes in French about my life. All these teachers helped me immensely throughout the years and I owe you all extreme gratitude.

I say don’t look forward or look back, but look at both.

Sweep the past into your hands, and grasp it as we sprint to our futures. We don’t sprint because we want to get there faster. We sprint because we have a treadmill, known as time, moving us along. Nothing more than this past year has taught me just how quickly time does travel. I remember saying last year how much I couldn’t wait to get out of this town, my home for the last eighteen years, and go off to college. While I’m ready to take that leap, I’m not ready to part from my peers who have become my extended family these last years.

I am going to miss those late night calls from Emily when she’s too scared to walk downstairs. I can’t imagine next year not studying at two in the morning with Amanda, like that time we stayed up all night the week before our APUSH exam to memorize the presidents in order. It felt so good reciting all forty-four to Mr. Stephenson the next day. I’m going to miss walking into school and being greeted with a big bear hug from Kaitlin.

People always ask me if I’m smart. My answer is no because I do not feel like I was instilled with a large intelligence upon conception. Rather, my achievements in the classroom come from my tenacity. Vince Lomberdi Jr. said, “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” I can say from personal experience that he is right. My mother always taught me that nothing is given to you on a silver platter.

If you want something, you have to fight for it. So if sometime you feel like you can’t do something, because you aren’t talented enough or because you aren’t smart enough, work your hardest and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Also, don’t give up. If you really want something, don’t walk away if someone tells you “no” the first time. Everyone knows I wanted nothing more than to go to Columbia. When I received that letter back in December saying I had been denied, I was crushed.

I cried all the way up to South Carolina to visit my grandfather.

But you know it just pushed me that much more. I may not have got accepted the first time, but I plan to work twice as hard next year at NYU so I’m able to transfer. Stephen Schwartz wrote “Some things I cannot change but until I try, I'll never know!”

Don’t accept “no” or “you can’t do that” without putting forth

I’ve been in class with some of you since second grade, others joined in on the last lap. I will never forget all of us going to the Agrirama in fourth grade and how awful it was doing work outside. I sure am glad I was born in 1995, and not back in those days. We have stuck together through the fun days when we were all laughing on the bus on the way up to D.C., and through the trying times where we had two essays and a group project due for Ms. Carver the same week as Mr. Cano’s AP Bio test. High school was tough, but I wouldn’t want to have done it with any other people.

The memories you all have helped me make will always be with me. I will never forget that time Zack and Colin thought it was just hilarious to scatter coins across our hotel room because they knew it agitated my Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder; I’m a neat freak. I’ll never forget those Science

Robin Rodgers Moore ’83 is the Chief of Internal Audit for The Coca-Cola Company headquartered in Atlanta. She began her career with the company in 1995 and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility including Senior Audit Manager in Corporate Audit and Director of Financial Reporting in the Controller’s Group. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Moore held positions with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Equitable Real Estate Investment Management Inc. and the Bank of North Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Emory University.

Carter Karras ’09 graduated cum laude from Auburn University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Carter is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accounting at Auburn University.

In May Cady Minor ’10 graduated summa com laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders. She is currently enrolled at Auburn pursing her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders.

Katie Querin ’10 and her father Bill Querin celebrated Father’s Day on top of Mt. Ranier, the highest peak in Washington.

After months of training, the pair celebrated reaching the summit by watching a beautiful Father’s Day sunrise. Katie is a senior at the University of Montana pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design/Technology.

John Cordova ’88 and his wife, Lenka, live in Washington, D.C. where John works as a Senior Architectural Expert and Consultant for Computer Sciences Corporation. John earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.

Joe Vallotton ’93 and wife Quinn are the proud parents of Francis Luke born February 25, 2013.

Yasmin Utterback ’10 is a student at SCAD in Atlanta where her artwork was chosen for two art shows – “The Lost Art” and “Beyond the Dot.”

Sara Bowers Tintle ’01 is Physical Therapist for Visiting Nurse. Sara and her husband, Sean, live in Smyrna with their daughter Maddie who was born July 28, 2012.

Katelan Kendrick Davis ’02 married Tyler Davis on May 4, 2013.

Class of ’02 Holds Reunion Last Homecoming, the Class of 2002 held a 10 year reunion. The weekend began with a cookout at Goddard Field before the Valiant – Sherwood Christian Homecoming football game. The following day the alumni went to a Habitat for Humanity building site and rolled up their sleeves helping with the construction of a new home. Later that night the class celebrated with a dinner at the home of Chris and John Roan.

Luke Vallotton

Alice Thrasher Popielarz ’02 and husband Joshua welcomed son, Jaxon Eli to their family last November.

John Alday ’04 and Ashley McGahee were married on April 20, 2013.

Ashley Eldridge ’04 graduated for Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashley is the school counselor at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rachel Thrasher Noles ’04 graduated in 2009 from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management.

Rachel is an Advertising Executive for the Valdosta Daily Times and South Georgia Media Group. Rachel and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of daughters MacKenzie and Holly Anne.

Lauren Bailey '06 graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and in Psychology.

Last May Lauren received her Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lauren works as a Pediatric Genetics Counselor at Duke University Medical Center.

Class of 2002 poses for a group photo

Keep in Touch!!!

Will Elliott ’06 graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Last May Will received his Jurist Doctor from Wake Forest University.

Email: Laura Elliott at lelliott@valwood.org Phone: 229-242-8491 Online: www.valwood.org subscribe to Alumni Email Friend us on facebook We look forward to catching up on all your news!

Maggie Karras ’08 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Auburn University in May of 2012 and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Valdosta State University in May of this year. She works for Life Line Children’s Services as the Georgia Social Worker.

Homecoming Football Game! Valiants vs. Terrell Academy on Friday, October 11. Make plans to join the fun.

Reel Howell ’08 and Christie Boomeyer were married in March of this year.

Continued on Page 18

9

Katie and Bill summit Mt. Ranier

14

U P P E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

SPECIAL EVENTS Valiant Award

Class Trips Valedictory Address

By Holly Querin

Perhaps you have talents that you’ve just never really shared with anyone. Or maybe you have talents that you don’t even know exist yet. There are so many parts of you that haven’t even been tested. You are going to realize that the person you have become in high school, with all the skills that you have honed and the success that you have experienced is just a tiny part of the person who you are going to become. I am wholeheartedly convinced that you are all going to be blown away by the amount of success that you are going to have, at college and beyond. I urge you to act on the talents that you possess in such massive quantities. Don’t let them go to waste.

There’s a parable for that, you know. The master gives the servants coins and some of them invest them and make more money while the other tries to keep his safe by burying them.

Then the master gets really mad at this servant because he’s not making good use of his coins. The same applies to all of you with your talents! Do not hide away your talents! It is such a waste to not use the skills you are given.

Good morning Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Lupo, faculty, family, and guests to the Commencement ceremonies of the Valwood Class of 2013.

Alex Waldron returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Alex received the award last year and this year the honor went to Holly Querin and Golden Smith. The award is given to the senior who best exemplifies the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall Holly will attend Davidson College and Golden will attend New York University.

The junior class traveled and visited colleges last winter. The group posed for a photo in front of the library at Samford University.

Homecoming Festivities

Spirit Award Emily Sands was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Anne Rankin Cannon returned to bestow the honor. This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who embodies the spirit of the School in all areas of school life. Emily will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Seniors Slayten Carter, Colin Wilson, Zack Savino and Eliza Elliott pose on Nerd Day

Academics, Character, Service In keeping with the school’s motto of Academics, Character, Service, each year Upper School students are required to perform 20 hours of community service. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” working over 100 hours of community service for the year: Aulden Bynum, Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, Jackson Pegg, Golden Smith, and Brenna Wilson. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Hailee Hathcock and Hannah Waller. Additionally the following students were members of the Club for a third consecutive year: Mary Kate Crump, Eliza Elliott, Kate Evans, Grace Flemer, Thomas Hawthorne, Holley Querin, and Kaitlin Rasmussen. Seniors Haley Flythe and Danielle Shackelford were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Joyce Ro, Emma Parrott, and Hollis Waldron on Pop Culture Day!

15

What I see when I look at this group of seniors before me is an enormous amount of talent. Academically, we have students going not only to some of the best colleges in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and North Carolina, but also to Virginia and as far away as New York. We have a group of seniors who led the Science Olympiad team to State for the first time in years, and let’s be honest, winning medals in forestry and glaciology is more impressive than acceptances from Washington and Lee and NYU. We have incredible athletes; leaders of teams that have won region championships in four sports this year and a state championship in football. We have a school record-setting four football players signed to play college ball, and a golfer signed to play as well. We have an artist who painted what Mrs. Smith has called the best piece of art ever painted by one of her students, which is a big deal because she has been teaching for around two centuries. Lastly, we have the strong group of thespians who have shone in One Act and Vext and who have taken home awards at Literary.

I know that a lot of you are in the same boat as I am of having no idea what I want to do with my life, but I do know that as long as you do what you are good at and what you love, you are going to be fine. Do what you want to do. Maybe you won’t be making a ton of money at first, or ever, but you can’t be afraid to follow your dreams! We can’t get fixated on the idea that the only jobs that are acceptable are the ones that have high salaries. What’s the point of making a ton of money if you aren’t happy doing it? Now, I’m not saying that you should drop out of college and play guitar on the streets for money, because, I’m sorry, but that isn’t a real job. I don’t want you coming to my doorstep in ten years, homeless, saying, “I took your advice and look what happened.” That’s not what I’m advocating. Education is going to be vital in whatever field you enter (that’s why we all went to Valwood, isn’t it?), but that’s not the only thing that is important. Passion and creativity and reason are going to be just essential as a large vocabulary or having a bunch of facts stored away in your brain. You combine these traits with hard work and commitment, and there is going to be no stopping you. And if there is going to be no stopping you, then you might as well follow your dreams. Dreams breed commitment and hard work.

Even more impressively, our class survived a freshman camping trip in the torrential rain with tents that leaked. We worked together at a sketchy roadside arcade to win an enormous stuffed tiger, and had the originality to call it El Tigre.

A group of seniors led Mrs. Edward’s foray to bring swing dancing back to Valwood, and to prom, and to New York.

Speaking of New York, we had a successful trip to the Big Apple with not one of us getting trapped in the subway car and being taken away never to be seen again, which was a genuine concern of mine. Probably most importantly, we pulled off the best prank in Valwood School history, not that I know that much about Valwood School history, but I thought it was pretty awesome. Some of the highlights include a completely filled above-ground pool, a trampoline assembled in Mrs. Felts’ room, desks on the roof, and a memorial inscribed with the words “Class of 2013- Gone But Not Forgotten.” I don’t think we’re going to be forgotten anytime soon. I am so proud to be in the Class of 2013 with this incredibly talented group of people. But these skills that are obvious to the rest of the school or to our parents and teachers are not the only ones that we possess.

The most successful, and even more importantly, the happiest, people in the world are people who had a dream and made it their reality. Macklemore sings “I stand in front of you today all because of an idea. I could be who I wanted if I could see my potential.” Success happens when you see your abilities and act upon them. And I’m going to tell you something that my youth group leader always says to my youth group. You will be successful. All of you. Never doubt it. Self-doubt, not anything else, is the limiting factor on success.

And I know that some of the older people in the crowd might Continued on Page 18

8

U P P E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

A T H L E T I C S

N E W S

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2013

Volleyball Comes to Valwood

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2013! The final acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Auburn University, Berry College, Brenau University, Clemson University, Coffeyville Community College, College of Coastal Georgia, College of William and Mary, Davidson College, Daytona State College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mercer University, New York University, Presbyterian College, Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Southern Polytechnic State University, St. John's University – Queens, Stetson University, The University of Alabama, The University of Georgia, The University of West Georgia, Tulane University, Union University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Mississippi, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Cumberlands, Valdosta State University, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Valwood School’s Headmaster, Dr. Darren Pascavage and Athletic Director, Brett Martin announced the addition of a girls volleyball program beginning competition this fall. Martin said, “Bringing volleyball to Valwood gives us the opportunity to expand our women’s sports programs and give more female athletes access to a competitive athletic experience. As middle and high school volleyball becomes more popular statewide, we want to stay ahead of the curve while keeping our athletic offerings current and exciting.” The Lady Valiants will be coached by former Valdosta State Blazer, Val Gallahan. "I am beyond excited to coach volleyball at Valwood," Gallahan said. "When I moved to Valdosta several years ago, I was surprised to find that the local high schools did not offer volleyball, so this really feels like it has been a long time coming. Being a part of something from the ground up is truly a special experience.” Gallahan was recruited from Texas to join the Lady Blazer Volleyball program in 2005.

In the fall, Valwood will be one of 18 schools to compete in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA division. The GISA has sponsored volleyball since the early 2000’s, and although volleyball is gaining popularity across the country, it is still scarce in South Georgia.

“In establishing this program at Valwood, our most valuable asset has been Coach Val Gallahan.

The college playing experience gives her instant credibility with the players, and her gift for establishing an immediate, positive, and encouraging rapport with students makes this an exciting opportunity – even for girls who are new to the game. It is unlikely that we would be in a position to talk about a volleyball program at Valwood without Coach Gallahan’s enthusiastic involvement,” said Dr. Pascavage.

Valwood will begin their season on August 16th as they travel to Griffin, Georgia to take on the 2012 State Runner-Up Lady Crusaders.

GEORGIA GOAL Dallas James Beal, Stuart Chase Blitch, Aulden Mitchell Bynum, Slayten McKenna Carter, Griffin Tygart Clyatt, Jerome Franklin Collins, Jr., Mary Kate Crump, DaShon Rashad Day, Amanda Nicole Eaves, Eliza Carpenter Elliott, Haley Lane Flythe, Thomas James Hawthorne, Haley Jane Holland, Holden Zackery Holley, John Kenneth Lastinger, Ian Darby Mashburn, Kendall Rashad Mathis, Khary Antwon Paige, Ajay Bipin Patel, Jackson Randall Pegg, Holly Jean Querin, Kaitlin Denise Rasmussen, Dakota Marie Runnels, Emily Carol Sands, Zachary Vincent Savino, Jourdan Danielle Shackelford, Robert Austin Skipper, Golden Costner Smith, Raymond Craig Smoot, Allan Hampton Taylor, Hannah Evelyn Waller, Austin Ted Wilkes, Gerrick Michael Williams, Stephen Tyler Williams and Colin Sy Wilson.

Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2013. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of up to $2,500 of state income tax liability to a qualified student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based financial assistance. In 2012-2013 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 57 Valwood students. Students receiving GOAL dollars were enrolled in Lower, Middle and Upper School. Without your support, these students would be unable to experience the benefits of a Valwood education.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition Brooks and Michelle Akins Ron and Jennifer Allen Vallye Blanton Antoine and Cecile Brenier Barbara Browning Steve and Lynn Browning Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns and family Brad and Vicki Bynum Pat Cochran and Karyn Kunzelman Lex and Donna Culbreth Jeremy and Charlotte Davis Sue Dennard Marvin and Jacquelyn Dickey Walter and Laura Elliott EMTT, Inc. Rob and Stacy Evans Gene and Marcia Felts Fresh Beginnings Eric and Stephanie Gee

Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Eliza Elliott placed first in Argumentative Essay, Holly Querin placed first in Rhetorical Essay, Dakota Runnels placed first for Dramatic Interpretation and Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won first place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region finishers were Haley Flythe for Girls Solo, Craig Smoot for Boys Solo and Hannah Waller for Personal Essay. At the State competition Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won first place in the Girls Trio, Hannah Waller placed second for Personal Essay and Haley Flythe finished third for Girls Solo.

Ronald and Beverly Giles Wendell and Ann Godbee Jim and Julie Godbee Rhonda Hamman Hugh and Judy Hathcock and family Jeff Helms Jack and Lisa Henry Heritage Bank James and Josette Ingram Pope and Evelyn Langdale Bill and Beverly Langdale John and Suzanne Lastinger Alex and Rudell Lawrence Lee and Amy Mackey and family Mac and Susan Mackey Mary Catherine Mackey Chris and Pam Manwell Edward and Rhonda Mark Brett and Tracyee Martin

Girls Trio – Best in State!

7

16

Dutton and Donna Miller Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Doug and Stephanie Moss Jonathan and Katie Parrott Darren and Andrea Pascavage Bipin and Kristi Patel William and Nancy Pegg Kim and Laura Perlman Bill and Sally Querin Mark and Laura Rogers Chip and Tia Sanderlin Daniel and Heather Schert Ferrell and April Scruggs Ferrell and Pam Scruggs James and Deann Scruggs Sue Nell Scruggs Jay and Amy Smith Larry Smith and Charlene Blache Robert Stark and Maria Castellano

Jodie and Vickie Stevens Daniel and Dana Swilley Johnny and Wanda Swilley Timothy and Tonya Swilley James and Carly Thomas Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Harrison Tillman and Jan Loeffler Loyce and Ingrid Turner Mala Vallotton Rouse and Lynn Vallotton Wesley and Maggie Vallotton Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Nick and Ginger Valenti Eric and Kre Ward Robert and Janice Wigley Richard and Hylda Wilson Steve and Patty Wilson Bo and Pam Woodward

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Jeff Jackson) on the periodic chart once you’re done with Chemistry. Or, you may have sat in Mr. Nettles class just certain that this math formula would never serve any real purpose in your future. Or heck, just because Ernest Hemingway was hanging out in Key West, Florida writing novel after novel in the 1920’s and 1930’s, why does Mr. Allen want me to know anything about Hemingway and his literary works?

man had learned in seven years.” What wonderful words of wisdom. Sometimes it is not always easy being a teenager dealing with your mom and dad! But as Mark Twain said, give them some time and they will get much better. I assure you; their support has made, and will continue to make, a tremendous impact throughout your lives. Thank them for this; show your gratitude.

Now, the one thing that I DO remember, which is quite elementary and trivial, but I know that all Valwood graduates would know this too, is the answer to this age old question--I know that you learned this before preschool, and year after year your memory has been tested and well, it is so important, that I know you know. How many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Simple, right? You know the answer.

In addition to thanking mom and dad stay in touch with your friends and teachers here at Valwood. These will be some of your fondest memories. They share these valuable memories that you have made collectively and later on, you will be glad to look back together and say “remember when.” The experiences with the people that you care about and love are what matter the most while you build your futures. Treasure your own precious memories, celebrate the ties that bind you together, and thank them for all they mean to you. Gratitude is all about connectedness, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Start with your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and your teachers, and make an effort to find an enduring place for gratitude in your own life; keep it at the forefront of your heart and mind. Live with a sense of gratitude. Develop this habit and cherish it throughout your futures.

All of this stuff you had to learn while enduring class after class throughout your high school career may have seemed like useless information at the time. However, when all of your learning experiences throughout high school unite, only then can you catch a glimpse of and begin to grasp the bigger picture. It’s not about one particular class, formula, equation, music note, or literary work. It is about having the ability to achieve a lifetime of knowledge. These experiences have allowed each of you to train your mind to creatively solve problems and to think in new and different ways. Your high school experience has enabled the development of new pathways and patterns of thought in your mind that will help you to approach and conquer a myriad of problems in unique ways, and with great ability.

So what? and where do we go from here? On occasion during life, you will be faced with what may seem as a mountain or a challenge that is insurmountable, when you think that incredible odds are stacked up against you. I can’t help but remember a football game this past season that will go down in Valwood history and a State Championship in Girls Trio. The competition was so great, yet you overcame the challenges!! You used your mind and talents for these victories! What you have displayed is the ability to learn, adapt, work hard and achieve. This is what you will take with you from here!!

I was watching a recent basketball game, when Valwood played Georgia Christian. I overheard a group of students talking about playing some trivia game and one of the questions was, you guessed it, how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Of course, I know that you all know the answer to that trivia question, of course, and the students at Valwood were remarking about their opponent from that other high school across town! “You twit! Everyone knows the answer to that simple question.” (Ok, Georgia Christian is a good school too!)

As you continue your journey, remember to persevere through life’s challenges with enthusiasm and optimism, meeting them head on and treating them as opportunities for growth. Embrace every challenge, big or small, without fear, as that is what creates your own indomitable spirit. Stay grounded in your faith and principles. And above all, believe in yourselves. You are special people as graduates of Valwood. Each of you has so much to offer, and the world will be a richer place because of you. For each of you, I know, the best is yet to come. And if nothing else, remember this: look at any challenges that may arise as gifts of opportunity, keep an attitude of gratefulness and appreciation to all of those surrounding you and supporting you, and finally remember that your minds are well prepared for avenues of great knowledge, whether it is science, writing, business, education, law, or just knowing some great trivia. How many states are named after a President? One – Washington. What is the atomic number of gold? 79. And how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausages? I know you all know this --seven.

Now, is knowing the answer to this and other questions important in life? Well, probably not. You may not encounter some of what you’ve learned during your high school years ever again. But that’s not what it’s all about. Your brain has been taught to think, your mind is energized for research and engaged learning, you have been prepared to flourish, and this is what you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

Connecting the dots. I would like to invite you to remember that none of you have arrived at this milestone in life alone. Sure, each of you has worked exceptionally hard to reach this point, and I commend you! But we don’t do anything alone, and each of you have people to thank for being on this journey with you.

They were there faithfully offering their love and support. Here is a mental picture: Picture a turtle sitting atop a fence post.

That turtle did not get up on that fence post by himself. Please thank your moms and dads. They have stood by you and encouraged you each and every step of the way, even if it didn’t feel like that on occasion.

Congratulations to Valwood’s Class of 2013, I wish you all the best!

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.

But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old

17

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS Science Olympiad The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team finished third at the regional competition held last February in Macon and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Remote Sensing – Hannah Waller and Ginnie Bree Hunter, Thermodynamics – Golden Smith and Ian Mashburn; 2nd Place: Dynamic Planet – Golden Smith and Holly Querin, Rocks and Minerals – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Anatomy and Physiology – Hannah Waller and Golden Smith, Water Quality – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Write It/Do It – Dallas Beal and Colin Wilson; 3rd Place: Chemistry Lab – Matt Williams and Austin Thompson, Forestry – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin; 4th Place: Robot Arm – Austin Thompson and Gabe Garcia.

Other team members were Will Hawthorne, Lanier Langdale, Amanda Lupo and Allie Maxwell. The team was coached by David Cano and Joy Owens.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor.

Honor Society members are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The following Upper School students were inducted into the National Honor Society: James Braswell, Mary Kate Crump, Charlie Dunmon, Lisa Garcia, Haley Jane Holland, DeAndre Lambert, Ian Mashburn, Ruddy Parrott, Jackson Pegg, Maggie Scruggs, Mary Alice Smoot, Austin Thompson and Matt Williams.

Thespian Troupe 5159 The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Currently there are active ITS troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools. In 2012, under the direction of Drama teacher, Holly Dickerson, Valwood School re-instated Thespian Troupe 5159 and inducted 10 Upper School students. With the help of the Fortis Club, these students had the unique opportunity to attend the 2013 Georgia Thespian Conference last February. This was a chance for the students to interact with other theatre students from across the state. At the conference the Troupe members had the opportunity to take classes and workshops taught by trained professionals, see a number of performances, and speak with college representatives. Troupe 5159 also took a trip across town to see a performance of Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman at Valdosta State University. The students had the chance to speak with cast members after the show about their experiences and performing. Our students also welcomed Professor Eric Brandt Nielsen from VSU's Dance Department for a 2-day Swing Dancing workshop before prom.

Moving forward into 2013-2014 many social and performance opportunities are in the works: Middle School One-Act Competition – Cricket County Academy, Upper School One-Act Competition Show – The Red Velvet Cake War, Middle and Upper School Spring Play – The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Middle and Upper School Spring Musical – Seussical the Musical and VEXT - Valwood Experimental Theatre.

6

M I D D L E

S C H O O L

N E W S Continued from Page 9 (Golden Smith)

Veterans Day Celebration Once again and for the fifth year in a row, Valwood Middle School students honored local veterans in a Veterans Day performance and celebration. Under the direction of co-dean and teacher Vallye Blanton the students presented the veterans, family, and friends a program of appreciation with the singing of patriotic musical selections. Over 100 veterans attended the celebration including several World War II veterans along with veterans from the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Also in attendance were several active duty personnel from Moody Air Force Base. The morning event was a celebration and an opportunity for the Middle Schoolers to honor the veterans and to learn firsthand the importance of the military, and how the veterans’ service has shaped our country and allows us all to continue to live in freedom.

Eighth Graders Hannah Hutchinson and Grayson Thomas as Sonny and Cher for the 8th Grade Play “Destination Rock’n Roll”

The 7th graders on the way to Rock Eagle!

your best and working smart and hard.

Veteran Bill Ator and Caroline Evans

The 8th graders posed in front of the National Cathedral while visiting Washington, D.C. last February.

OTHER NEWS Browning Field

Fortis and Fidens Clubs

Last Spring, the Valwood School Board of Trustees approved the dedication of the baseball field, and on March 11, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held to name the field in honor of the W. Steven Browning Family. During the ceremony Headmaster, Darren Pascavage thanked the family for their commitment and leadership. Trustee Billy Tidmore, Athletic Director Brett Martin and Coach Robert Shipman also expressed their appreciation for the Browning Family support.

This year Valwood inaugurated two new support organizations.

The Fidens Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for academics and technology. The Fortis Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for the arts. Last May both the Fortis and Fidens Clubs celebrated our students’ achievements in academics, technology and the arts.

2013 SW Georgia Regional American Chemical Society Test Winners Austin Thompson, Golden Smith and Matt Williams receive recognition at the Fidens Club Celebration

Steve Browning Family

Continued on Page 13

5

he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Yes, I borrowed Emerson’s wise words from Self-Reliance. Congratulations my fellow seniors. As you continue your journey after today, stay true to yourself. It’s life and you only live once.

Life the last few years has taught me that we cannot control our circumstances. However, we have one hundred percent control over our responses. So if life throws you some crazy times, don’t sit back with a bottle of wine and cry yourself to sleep or eat a tub of rocky road ice cream and watch Gossip Girl reruns. Take those challenges, and overcome them. Conquer them and come out a victor. Working through tough obstacles will make you a stronger, more confident person. Trust me, I’ve been dealt some pretty bad cards the past few years, but I took what I got and played the best game I could. Don’t let life get you down. Get back up when it shoves you into the ground!

Golden Smith, the Valwood Class of 2013 Salutatorian, is the son of Adonna Smith and Nathan Smith. He will attend New York University in the fall.

As we journey into the next parts of our lives, it’s very important to find out who we are as persons no matter what the other people around us say. Take these next years and explore.

You might have an undiscovered love for basket weaving, or you may not realize yet how much you love other cultures. I know I can’t wait to get to college and explore traveling abroad opportunities. Everyone I’ve talked to who has traveled abroad in college loved it and everyone I’ve talked to who hasn’t traveled told me I needed to do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things in college because it’s one of the only times you can try these things. If everyone is going to see the hottest Hollywood release, don’t hesitate to go see the showing of a 1950s foreign film you’ve always wanted to see. As you go through life, do things for you, not because everyone else around you is doing so.

Continued from Page 8 (Holly Querin) think that I am foolishly idealistic, but someone has to be overly optimistic and it might as well be me. And maybe I’m going to get out in the real world and realize that doing what I love is a whole lot more difficult than I am prepared for, but that isn’t going to stop me. So parents, on behalf of the dreamers in the group, the seniors who aren’t satisfied to do what society expects of them and who are going to shock us all, I ask you to continue to be supportive of your sons and daughters. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and we won’t go far without your support. To the teachers as well, your instruction and support has been indispensable. We can’t thank you enough for all the hours you have put into our education. I know it probably sounds like we complained a lot, but really you just weren’t listening hard enough to the underlying tones of gratitude. You teachers certainly knew how to push us, and that is how we have gotten to where we are now. We have put in a lot of hard work, and I expect that that work is going to continue to pay off as we part ways and begin our separate lives.

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or twenty-seven. Mistakes are great teachers and can help you in the future. Sure, you may feel dumb when you wind up on the wrong side of Paris but at least you understand the Metro now. No one is perfect. We all mess up. Failure is not a loss but a gain. Failing in life is inevitable, that is why we have to take failures and spin them our way; make it worth your time. Make mistakes and don’t sweat it.

And follow your passions. Don’t be sitting in your desk in twenty years hating your job. Find career paths that allow you to indulge in what you love. Now, I’m not saying forget about money. Although we really don’t want to, eventually we are going to have to pay bills and pay taxes, whether we agree with what the government does with it or not. Follow your passions but don’t forget about your checking account when doing so; you’ve got to support your life style. Take these next few years and college to find that happy medium. I don’t know what I want to be yet, but that’s what I have the next few years for! I just know I want to love what I do and receive a good bit of cash doing so.

I will leave you with a quote from my favorite band, the Avett Brothers. I’m sure that everyone who knows me well is surprised that I have made it this far without quoting them. They sing, “I went on the search for something real. Traded what I knew for how I feel.” You’re going to find yourself in situations where you don’t know everything. You won’t know what you want to do with your life or what path you are on or how you can get to where you want to go. However, you will always feel something, and sometimes that is worth so much more than knowledge. Class of 2013, congratulations on all of your success thus far. I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors, and may you all search for, and find, something real.

Now I’m going to steal a few words from a notable author who made a deep impression on me sophomore year. “There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better for worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power, which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which

Holly Querin, the Valwood Class of 2013 Valedictorian, is the daughter of Bill and Sally Querin. She will attend Davidson College in the fall.

18

2012-2013 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Thank you so much for your support of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund. We raised more than $200,000 with 70% of our parents participating! Revenue raised through the Annual Fund enhances all aspects of our school from additions to the curriculum to the expansion of enrichment programs and athletics. Your generosity was crucial to our success. Thank you!

Tia Sanderlin 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairman

National Junior Honor Society

Parent PRE-KINDERGARTEN 85% Parent Participation Fernando and Caryn Alvarado* David and Angela Burnett* Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Eric and Jessica Castor Jonathan and Sherre Cheves Paul and Lisa Day* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Tommy and Brandi Hobby Jason and Shelley Holloway Patrick and Rose Kerns Ben and Trina Register Emil and Erika Reister Drew Respess Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Justin and Haynes Studstill John and Laura Washnock Ryan and Robyn Williams* KINDERGARTEN 90% Parent Participation Curtis and Monique Alexander Anonymous Freddie and Shayla Bajalia Pat and Karyn Cochran Jose Deocon and Jackie Day Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Michael and Kelly Drumheller Alberto and Vera Garcia* Eric and Stephanie Gee* Terry and Leanne Griffin** Steve and Cathy Johnson Carlos and Tan Jones* Patrick and Rose Kerns Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Ashley and Melanie Moorman Doug and Stephanie Moss* Ben and Wendy Neal Samuel and Dorothy Ofori Karl and Ronda Paoletti Jim and Jill Paulk^ Terry and Shelly Persaud Scott and Kerri Routsong Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Micah and Ashley Shapiro Kevin and Mindy Sparrow Trent and Holly Taylor FIRST GRADE 100% Parent Participation Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Anonymous David and Angela Burnett* Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jeff and Sonya Collins J.D. and Kerri Dean Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Jason and Jenn Dunsby Eric and Stephanie Gee* Jim and Julie Godbee** Clay and Mendi Griner Jason and Shelley Holloway Howard Hsu and Tamara Hardesty Michael and Nikki Illges** James and Jacqueline Lilly^ Blake and Anne McLeod* Robert McTier* Amanda Melancon Todd and Deidre Parramore** Ben and Trina Register Jason and Lindsay Scarpate Jim and Deann Scruggs Amanda Shapard* Kevin and Gayla Shaw**

Max and Jennifer Shute Clint Smith*** Larry Smith and Charlene Blache* Drew and Renee Spell* Rodney and Robin Thomas Trent and Shonie Thomas SECOND GRADE 90% Parent Participation Fernando and Caryn Alvarado*^ Anonymous Steve and Lynn Browning** Paul and Lisa Day* Mike and Heidi Fafard* Gabe Fisher Kevin and Donna Giddens Daniel Henry Craig and Holly Hutchinson Patrick and Rose Kerns Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Cynthia McMurray Tommy and Wendy Miller Ben and Joy Owens** Terry and Shelly Persaud Micah and Ashley Shapiro James and Carly Thomas Rouse and Lynn Vallotton

FIFTH GRADE 95% Parent Participation Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Tonya Brookhouser Steve and Lynn Browning** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** Jason and Jenn Dunsby Glenn and Wendi Evans David and Kathryn Haworth Daniel Henry Tommy and Debbie Nijem** Todd and Deidre Parramore** Craig and Mitzi Parrish* Chip and Tia Sanderlin**^ Heath and Joanie Strickland William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Jeff and Lynn Tillman Barry and Candace Witherspoon Shane and Wendy Wood

THIRD GRADE 88% Parent Participation Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Anonymous Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jonathan and Sheree Cheves Pat and Karyn Cochran Nic and Catherine Daugharty Eric and Stephanie Gee* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Clay and Mendi Griner Chris and Pam Manwell** Robert McTier* Chris and Laura Michael*^ Craig and Mitzi Parrish* Greg and Holly Reid Drew Respess Jason and Lindsay Scarpate William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Rachel Velez** Ryan and Robyn Williams*

SIXTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Brooks and Michelle Akins** Tim and Mindy Bland Joe and Kathi Clifton**^ Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** Glenn and Wendi Evans Paul and Sunny Everett** Louis and Kelly Gallo Bubba and Kim Highsmith Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Tripp Lester Chris and Pam Manwell** Joseph and Dona Martin** Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Jim and Kim Megow Ashley and Melanie Moorman Doug and Stephanie Moss* Eric and Tara Moss Melissa Peavy* Terry and Shelly Persaud Scott and Debra Petermann** Raymond and Lorie Sable** Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* James and Carly Thomas^ Trent and Shonie Thomas Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Deidra White David and Cheryl Wolfson*

FOURTH GRADE 85% Parent Participation Anonymous Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Greg and April Carter** Eric and Jessica Castor Patrick Cork Gabe Fisher John and Debbie Green Bubba and Kim Highsmith Michael and Nikki Illges** Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Scott and Deena Lewis* Brett and Traycee Martin*** Ashley and Melanie Moorman John and Jane Peeples***^ Terry and Shelly Persaud Raymond and Lorie Sable** Michael and Amy Sharon* Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Jay and Amy Smith* Andrew and Renee Spell* Justin and Haynes Studstill Trent and Holly Taylor

SEVENTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Carmen Booth* Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Tom and Kelly Call Joe and Kathi Clifton**^ Mike and Heidi Fafard* Lisa Gilchrist Tim Harris Hugh and Judy Hathcock*** John and Crystal LaHood Brett and Traycee Martin*** Chris and Laura Michael* Karl and Ronda Paoletti Jonathan and Katie Parrott* John and Jane Peeples*** Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Michael and Amy Sharon* Matt and Maria Smith Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Jeff and Lynn Tillman Rachel Velez** Deidra White

EIGHTH GRADE 87% Parent Participation Mark and Cathy Buescher Don and Karen Crump** Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** David and Melanie Ferrell Louis and Kelly Gallo Jim and Julie Godbee** Mike and Jayne Godwin***^ Ginger Holley*** Mike and Christy Howell Rhett and Christine Holmes* Craig and Holly Hutchinson Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Darrin and Ann Layton Chris and Pam Manwell** David and Debra Martin Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Jim and Kim Megow Todd and Deidre Parramore** Kim and Laura Perlman*** Scott and Debra Petermann** James and Carly Thomas Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Danny and Beth Waller Shane and Wendy Wood NINTH GRADE 82% Parent Participation Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Steve and Lynn Browning** Joyce and Vernette Carter Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** James and Belinda Davis Chad and Kim Franks Tim Harris Jeff and Cathy Helms** James and Ashley Knighton Jim and Jill Matney^ Frank and Mary Morman* Doug and Stephanie Moss* Eric and Tara Moss Ben and Joy Owens** Jonathan and Katie Parrott* Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro** Ferrell and April Scruggs*** Billy and Julie Thompson Rusty and Kim Trancygier*** Archie and Star Waldron** Steve and Patty Wilson*** TENTH GRADE 81% Parent Participation Ron and Jennifer Allen*** Anonymous Mark and Elizabeth Cargile Clayton and Shannon Chandler Tim and Nan Dame Steve and Trish Edmondson Paul and Sunny Everett** John Folkerts and Catherine Welsh Jesse and Randi Gail Gaytan Kevin and Donna Giddens Lisa Gilchrist Todd and Julie Guilliams** Brad and Keylee Hartley Hugh and Judy Hathcock***^ Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Rhett and Christine Holmes* Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Jerry and Terri Lupo** Jim and Jill Matney Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Larry and Shannon McGlothlin Charles and Chris Merine

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. The National Junior Honor Society seeks candidates from the seventh and eighth grades who demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, service, character, leadership, and citizenship. New inductees were awarded certificates, pins, and membership cards. Valwood Middle School welcomes Georgia Booth, Juliette Brenier, William Clifton, Will Cox, Carrington Douglas, Dane Fafard, Hannah Ferrell, Hope Hathcock, Addison LeBoutillier, Sam Martin, Avi Patel, Mary Peeples, William Pegg, Taylor Sanderlin, Ellie Stark and Collin Vandemark. Middle School co-dean Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

Valwood’s Sixth Annual Science Fair Last February, Valwood students in fifth through eighth grade gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's sixth annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the biometrics of swimsuits to measuring the effect of temperature on elastic bands to whether or not the presence of earthworms in soil effect the growth of plants. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Addy Perlman, 2nd Place Emma Layton and 3rd Place Grayson Thomas. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Taylor Sanderlin, 2nd Place Avi Patel and 3rd Place Addison Le Boutillier. In the sixth grade the awards went to Robert Stark 1st Place, Kasey McQuitty 2nd Place and Will Parrish 3rd Place. The fifth grade winners were Trey Henry 1st Place, Lindsey Browning 2nd Place and Clare Nijem 3rd Place.

Geography Fair

Middle School Biography Blitz!

Mrs. Sable’s 6th grade Geography students participated in a Geography Fair last December. Each year the 6th graders select a country to research and to present to their peers. The culmination of the unit of study is the Fair where the students are immersed in the culture of the country, dressing in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

In January, the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in their literature classes. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of their subject, presenting themselves to the audience including a fact about who they were and why the character was interesting. Following the assembly, the students mingled among parents and guests staying “in character.”

Madison Highsmith, Emily Clifton, Nicole Manwell, Emily Wolfson, and Talley Petermann in costume.

Ashton Moorman with his presentation on Mexico

4

L O W E R

S C H O O L

N E W S

K-Kids K-Kids is a new service club in the Lower School. The group is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta and is a student-led community-service organization of 30 members who are in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. The charter ceremony was held on November 2, 2012 inducting 30 charter members and student officers. Members included Marleigh Broomberg, Jimmy Garcia, Jack Greene, Ellie Griner, Anna Alvarado, Joe Cochran, Mary Claire Griner, Evan LeBoutillier, Ruby Parrish, Allison Gates, Harris Sharon, Ellie Smith, Grayson Spell, Nate Williams, Kennedy Caldwell, Jordan Green, Dalton Norris, Hannah Sable, Anjali Patel, Kennedy Stevens, Cole Broomberg (Sergeant at Arms), Lindsey Browning (President), Gavin Dunsby, Elizabeth Evans (Vice President), Millie Hollis, Ansley Nijem, Clare Nijem (Treasurer), Lilly Parrish (Secretary), Gracyn Sanderlin, Josie Tidmore, and Vann Witherspoon. The faculty advisors were Mrs. Rebecca Goff and Mrs. Debbie Nijem. The group had two service projects lasts year. “Project Backpack” was a K-Kids sponsored dance for the Lower School. The price for admission to the dance was either a new or gently used backpack or canned goods and the Kids also sold t-shirts. Over 50 backpacks were donated to the local organization Hungry at Home along with a check for $350 from the sale of the t-shirts. The canned goods were donated to Valdosta’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The second service project was “All for Books” in which the Kids worked with the 5th grade class, Librarian Leanne Griffin, and the Scholastic Book Fair. For two weeks, all grades in the Lower School collected pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars in containers supplied and decorated by K-Kids. With over $800 dollars raised, the group bought and delivered books for the Georgia’s Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Mrs. Nijem said, “We had a wonderful year and are looking forward to even more members and more activities during our second year in 2013-2014!”

Extreme Team Day Lower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work last fall as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition. Multi-grade level teams were required to move through stations in which they had to solve puzzles, maneuver through obstacle courses, manipulate materials, and test their Mills Moorman, Ash Patel, knowledge of academic Charlotte Illges and MacKenzie subjects. Cooperation and Collins work together to carry the ball. teamwork were encouraged.

Valwood Parent Association volunteers and teachers provided the games and guidance to make this a challenging and fun way to learn and grow academically.

K-Kids are ready for the dance!

Read Across America Our Lower Schoolers spent a week “Reading Across America.”

Once every day, Librarian Leanne Griffin, walked through the halls ringing a bell so the students knew it was time to “drop everything and read.” One day everyone dressed as their favorite Dr. Suess character to celebrate his birthday.

Field Day 2013!

Field Day Hoola Hoop fun for Ella Burnett, Isabella Holloway and Emma Burnett!

Kindergarteners and Pre-Ker’s take a break to pose with their Dads Kindergarteners Ella Grace Neal and Jaxson Routsoung celebrate in style!

Ginger Moritz*** Matt and Maria Smith Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Rasheda Steward Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Scott and Missy Turner*** ELEVENTH GRADE 61% Parent Participation Gary and Tracy Cannon* Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Jim and Susan Elliott*** Rob and Stacy Evans*** Andrew and Shannon Flemer Alberto and Vera Garcia* John and Crystal LaHood Doug and Derrith McQuaig Tom and Kellie McTier* Charles and Chris Merine Jonathan and Katie Parrott* Ferrell and April Scruggs***^ Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Todd and Alice Smoot* Billy and Julie Thompson Rick and Emily Williams** Shane and Wendy Wood TWELFTH GRADE 50% Parent Participation Greg and April Carter** Don and Karen Crump** Walter and Laura Elliott*** Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Bill and Marie Holland*** Ginger Holley*** John and Suzanne Lastinger***^ Ben and Joy Owens** Melissa Peavy* Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Bill and Sally Querin*** Chuck and Jennifer Rasmussen*** Joey and Jennifer Sands** Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Todd and Alice Smoot* Rasheda Steward Steve and Patty Wilson***

Faculty & Friends Sarah Adler ’07 Griffen Allen ’12 Peter Allen Ashley Ammons* Alicia Andrews*** AXA Foundation* Teresa Bailey*** Julie Barr*** Battelle Mrs. Lou S. Blanton Vallye Blanton** Rosemary Brannen*** Rachel Brown* Angela Burnett* David Cano** Buz and Nancy Carpenter** Traci Carver** Penny Chestnut Norma Cloud* Ed and Mary Crane*** Scott and Dale Crane*** Karen Crump** Holly Dickerson Mike and Martha Dover Michelle Edwards Laura Elliott***

Susan Elliott*** Stacy Evans*** Marcia Felts*** Fran Fuller** Chad Gallahan* Mr. and Mrs. David C. Gallahan Rebecca Goff Tom and Mary Gooding*** Joey Gregos Leanne Griffin** Charles Grimes*** Mendi Griner Lisa Hale*** Rhonda Hamman*** Ashley Henderson Evelyn Henry* Lisa Henry*** Wade Henry ’05* Zac Henry ’08* Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman Alfred Hiers Cindee Hiers*** Katie Houseman** Beth Howell Dr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr. Carlos Jones* Kiwanis Club of Valdsota Lott Builders Supply Company Michele Luedke Karen Marcellus** LaVie Marshall*** Brett Martin*** Dutton and Donna Miller* Steve Nettles Debbie Nijem** Meredith Nuckols Joy Owens** Ronda Paoletti Deidre Parramore** Mitzi Parrish* Darren Pascavage* Bill and Janine Peeples** Addy Perlman Jennifer Rasmussen*** Trina Register Dianne Rigoni*** Rachel Rumstay ’06 Lorie Sable** Savannah Christian Preparatory School Marti Schert* Heather Shaw Robert Shipman Jay Sizemore Clint Smith*** Patsy Smith*** Don and Dee Dee Stanley** Bobby Stephenson* Terence Sullivan Charlotte Thomas** Yasmin Utterback ’10* Becky Wetherington*** Robyn Williams* Scott and Susan Wilson Bo and Pam Woodward**

Corporations Microsoft Corporation* Publix Super Markets, Inc * Target***

Grandparents Robert and Joan Allabeen Dr. John M. Beal John and Linda Blackstock**

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman** Scott and Dale Crane*** Julian and Sue Creamer** Mr. and Mrs. Mike Drumheller Kay Durand* Gene and Marcia Felts*** Joseph and Lois Ferrier Jeanne A. Fisher** Jerry and Sherry Fisher Ronald and Beverly Giles* Wendall and Ann Godbee John E. Green III** Terry and Leanne Griffin** Janie Fink Hallman* Mrs. Avonne Hartshorn*** Mr. and Mrs. D.K. Hollis, Jr. Ladye Hughes* Linda Kittleson* Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lastinger*** Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.** George and Martha Lawrence** Mac and Susan Mackey Phil and Ellice Martin** Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnon Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Tom and Sue Miller Richard and Claudia Nijem** Emelynn C. Odom** Vicki Ray Mary Ann Saliba*** Kenny and Sue Nelle Scruggs Lucy Nell Smith Bill and Cathy Tidmore* Dr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner* Wright and Betsy Turner* Mala Vallotton** Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. Barry Whilden Nick and Mary Brown Whitehurst** Rex and Barbara Williamson*** Richard and Hylda Wilson**

Headmaster‘s Council (Gifts of $5,000 and up)

Rob and Stacy Evans*** Eric and Stephanie Gee* Ronald and Beverly Giles* John and Suzanne Lastinger*** Chris and Pam Manwell* Microsoft Corporation* Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Kim and Laura Perlman** Ferrell and April Scruggs*** Kenny and Sue Nelle Scruggs William Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence** Steve and Patty Wilson***

Trustee’s Council

(Gifts of $2,000 to 4,999) Brooks and Michelle Akins** Ron and Jennifer Allen*** Fernando and Caryn Alvarado* Anonymous Battelle Joe and Kathi Clifton** Glenn and Wendi Evans John Folkerts and Catherine Welsh Jim and Julie Godbee**

Wendell and Ann Godbee Mike and Jayne Godwin*** Hugh and Judy Hathcock*** Jack and Lisa Henry*** Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Jerry and Terri Lupo** Dutton and Donna Miller* Doug and Stephanie Moss* Scott and Debra Petermann** Bill and Sally Querin*** Chip and Tia Sanderlin** Michael and Amy Sharon* Kevin and Gayla Shaw** Andrew and Renee Spell* James and Carley Thomas Richard and Hylda Wilson**

Valwood Patron (Gifts of $1,000 to $1,999)

AXA Foundation* Steve and Lynn Browning** Lex and Donna Culbreth*** Paul and Lisa Day* Jose Deocon and Jackie Day Mike and Martha Dover Michael and Kelly Drumheller Mike and Mary Ann Drumheller Georgia Power Company Lisa Gilchrist Tom and Mary Gooding*** Jeff and Cathy Helms** Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman Bobby Lester Michael and Teresa Maxwell* Mac and Susan Mackey Tom and Kellie McTier* Richard and Claudia Nijem** Jonathan and Katie Parrott* John and Jane Peeples*** Publix Super Markets, Inc.* Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro** Joey and Jennifer Sands** Larry Smith and Charlene Blache* Robert Stark and Maria Castellano* Rusty and Kim Trancygier*** Mala Vallotton** Rachel Velez** Bo and Pam Woodward**

Valwood Sponsor (Gifts of $500 to $999)

Anonymous Freddie and Shayla Bajalia Dr. John M. Beal John and Linda Blackstock** Tom and Kelly Call Joyce and Vernette Carter Pat and Karyn Cochran Ed and Mary Crane*** Tim and Nan Dame Chuck and Suzie Dunmon*** Steve and Trish Edmondson Andrew and Shannon Flemer Mrs. Avonne Hartshorn*** Bubba and Kim Highsmith Tommy and Brandi Hobby Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Hollis, Jr. Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Ashley and Melanie Moorman Samuel and Dorothy Ofori Bill and Janine Peeples** Vicki Ray Emil and Erika Reister Jim and Deann Scruggs

Continued on Page 21

3

20

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 Target*** Jeff and Lynn Tillman Dr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner* Wright and Betsy Turner* Shawn and Wendy Vandemark Archie and Star Waldron** David and Cheryl Wolfson*

Valwood Supporter (Gifts up to $499)

Sarah Adler ’07 Anonymous Curtis and Monique Alexander Robert and Joan Allaben Griffen Allen ’12 Michael Anderson and Erica Conklin Tim and Mindy Bland Mrs. Lou S. Blanton Carmen Booth* Antoine and Cecile Brenier* Tonya Brookhouser Jaret and Leigh Broomberg Rachel Brown* Mark and Cathy Buescher Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Ivan and Kimberly Caldwell Gary and Tracy Cannon* Mark and Beth Cargile Buz and Nancy Carpenter** Greg and April Carter** Eric and Jessica Castor Clayton and Shannon Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr. Penny Chestnut Jonathan and Sheree Cheves Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman** Jeff and Sonya Collins Patrick Cork Jeff and Tammi Creamer*** Julian and Sue Creamer** Nic and Catherine Daugharty James and Belinda Davis J.D. and Kerri Dean Christopher and Ryoko Diamond Jason and Jenn Dunsby Kay Durand* Paul and Sunny Everett** Mike and Heidi Fafard* David and Melanie Ferrell Joseph and Lois Ferrier Gabe Fisher Jeanne A. Fisher** Jerry and Sherry Fisher Chad and Kim Franks Mr. and Mrs. David Gallahan Louis and Kelly Gallo Alberto and Vera Garcia* Jesse and Randy Gail Gaytan Kevin and Donna Giddens John and Debbie Green John E. Green III* Kemp and Mary Carol Greene Janie Fink Hallman* Tim Harris Brad and Keylee Hartley David and Kathryn Haworth Keith and Mary Hawthorne** Daniel Henry Evelyn Henry* Wade Henry ’05* Zac Henry ’08* Alfred Hiers Bill and Marie Holland*** Jason and Shelley Holloway Dr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr. Mike and Christy Howell Howard Hsu and Tamara Hardesty Ladye Hughes* Craig and Holly Hutchinson Michael and Nikki Illges**

A N N U A L Steve and Cathy Johnson Patrick and Rose Kerns Linda Kittleson* Kiwanis Club of Valdosta James and Ashley Knighton John and Crystal LaHood Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.** George and Martha Lawrence** Darrin and Ann Layton Trip Lester Scott and Deena Lewis* James and Jacqueline Lilly Lott Builders Supply Company David and Debra Martin Phil and Ellice Martin** Jim and Jill Matney Larry and Shannon McGlothlin Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnon Blake and Anne McLeod* Cynthia McMurray Doug and Derrith McQuaig Kyle and Wanda McQuitty* Robert McTier* Jim and Kim Megow Amanda Melancon Charles and Chris Merine Chris and Laura Michael* Tom and Wendy Miller Tom and Sue Miller Ginger Moritz*** Frank and Mary Morman* Eric and Tara Moss Ben and Wendy Neal Emelynn C. Odom** Jim and Jill Paulk Melissa Peavy* Bill and Cindy Pegg*** Addy Perlman Terry and Shelly Persaud Greg and Holly Reid Drew Respess Scott and Keri Routsong Rachel Rumstay ’06 Mary Ann Saliba*** Savannah Christian Preparatory School Jason and Lindsay Scarpate Amanda Shapard* Micah and Ashley Shapiro Max and Jennifer Shute Jonathan and Tammy Skipper Jay and Amy Smith* Lucy Nell Smith Matthew and Maria Smith Todd and Alice Smoot* Kevin and Mindy Sparrow Rasheda Steward Heath and Joanie Strickland Justin and Hayes Studstill Terence Sullivan Trent and Holly Taylor Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Billy and Julie Thompson Bill and Cathy Tidmore* Scott and Missy Turner*** Yasmin Utterback ’10* Rouse and Lynn Vallotton Danny and Beth Waller Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.* John and Laura Washnock Becky Wetherington*** Mr. and Mrs. Barry Whilden Nick and Mary Brown Whitehurst** Rick and Emily Williams** Rex and Barbara Williamson*** Scott and Susan Wilson Barry and Candace Witherspoon Shane and Wendy Wood *Third consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund. **Fifth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund *** Tenth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund ^Class chairman

21

G I V I N G Fidens Club Fernando and Caryn Alvarado Terry and Tish Johnson The W.P. “Billy” Langdale, Sr. Family Foundation, Inc. Michael and Teresa Maxwell Doug and Stephanie Moss Kim and Laura Perlman Ferrell Scruggs Foundation Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Steve and Patty Wilson

Fortis Club

Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns Jeff and Tammi Creamer Alberto and Vera Garcia Tom and Merry Jo Kurrie Martin and Laura Lynn Miller Frank and Mary Morman Ferrell Scruggs Foundation Mala Vallotton

Gifts in Kind Bethany Baptist Church IPG Architects Mr. and Mrs. Johnny B. Lastinger Lowe’s Home Improvement Distribution Center Dona Martin Dick McGaughey Sally Querin Vinnie and Maria Savino James and Carly Thomas Rick and Emily Williams

Memorial Gifts Ron and Jennifer Allen Mary Blanton Ronnie and Bebo Blanton Tomie Jean Blanton Vallye Blanton Roy and Donna Cannon Joe and Kathi Clifton Penny Chestnut Kenny and Susan Crago and Family Fred DeLoach and Family Mr. and Mrs. James L. Dewar, Jr. Mike and Martha Dover Johnny and Susan Dukes Mary Jean Eaves Jim and Susan Elliott Walter and Laura Elliott Rob and Stacy Evans Wayne and Cindy Fann A. Louis and Sherlene Girardin David and Linda Girardin Peter and Carol Girardin Wendell and Ann Godbee Parker and Lucy Greene Tommy Griner Dr. and Mrs. William Grow Henderson and Godbee Larry Griner Owen D. Harris Jack and Lisa Henry Heritage Bank Cameron and Kathy Hickman Rusty and Robie Ingram Patrick and Rose Kerns Tom and Merry Jo Kurrie Lott Builders Supply Company Mac and Susan Mackey William and Pam Mackey Billy and Sylvia Martin Brett and Traycee Martin Constance Mathis

R E P O R T Mr. and Mrs. J.W. McKinnie Stephen and Karen Meeks Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Mosby Jean Murray Gary Nichols Margot Pearlman John and Jane Peeples Kim and Laura Perlman Vicki Ray Greg and Holly Reid Ferrell Scruggs, Jr. and Family Sue Nelle Scruggs Carreen Shapiro Joseph and Karen Shown Briggs and Lane Smith Terence Sullivan Susan Swader Charles Templeton and Family “The Cup” James and Carly Thomas Billy Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence Joe Tinsley Katherine Mathis Trickett Tri-State Technical Services Wright and Betsy Turner Mala Vallotton Bill and Susan Whitfield Wilson Insurance Orson and Carol Woodall

Restricted Gifts Johnny Allen Anonymous Mike Bearden Vallye Blanton Rosemary Brannon Steve and Lynn Browning Clayton and Shannon Chandler Colony Bank Tim and Nan Dame Pricilla M. Davis Michelle Edwards Jim and Susan Elliott Chad and Kim Franks Lisa Gilchrist Robert M. Hall Rhonda Hamman Jeff and Cathy Helms Ashley and Megan Henderson Deborah Holley Terry and Tish Johnson Wright and Stephanie Kimbro John and Suzanne Lastinger Brett and Traycee Martin David and Debra Martin McLean Funeral Services Valarie Davis Mock Bill and Cindy Pegg Scott and Salena Register Ray and Lorie Sable Mr. and Mrs. Don Stanley Andrew and Jeniffer Thompson Tommy J. Thomas Mr. W.G. Tittle, Jr. Wesley and Maggie Vallotton

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS Fifth Grade Blasts Off to Kennedy Valwood's 5th graders traveled to Kennedy Space Center for an overnight adventure.

The students studied about the space program in preparation for the trip. The first evening the students built their own air rockets which were then launched in the Rocket Garden. NASA Astronaut Ed Gibson, addressed the students about his mission as science-pilot of Skylab 4 and fielded questions from the group. Following dinner, the students were treated to a 3D Space Film about the Hubel Telescope which included incredible pictures of space. The students slept under the 363 foot long Apollo/Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever built. Students awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the marsh with a launch pad visible in the distance. Their adventure ended with a Lunar Theater Show and a Sunrise tour of the Center. The students enjoyed the Shuttle Launch Experience which is a realistic simulator of an actual shuttle launch before returning to Valwood.

Odyssey of the Mind For the fifteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year two Primary teams, a Division I team and a Division II team competed in Savannah on February 23rd. The Division I team solved the problem “It’s How You Look at It” and won 2nd place! The team was coached by Kimberly Caldwell and included fourth graders Kennedy Caldwell and Hannah Sable and fifth graders Lilly Parrish, Cole Broomberg, Chris Haworth, Trey Henry and Vann Witherspoon. The team traveled to Columbus in April to compete at the state level.

Lower School Class Plays

Odyssey of the Mind Division I team members with their second place ribbons.

Each year every Lower School class performs a play for their parents and the other Lower School students. The performances are a variety of themes from holiday celebrations to character lessons, but they are always an amazing display of creativity and accomplishment!

Alexandra Peeples and John Lissimore reign over “The Best Month Ever” in the 4th Grade Play!

Mrs. Register’s first graders “Rumble in the Jungle!”

2

Valwood Graduation 2013

From the Headmaster

Dr. Jeff Jackson is the President of the Georgia Independent School Association. Dr. Jackson received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Louisville, and his M.A. degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University in 1994 and his MBA from Shorter College in 2008.

Dr. Jackson is also an Ordained Baptist Minister. Before coming to GISA in July 2009, Dr. Jackson served as Headmaster at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta; at Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany as Head of The Middle/Upper School; and prior to that, he was Headmaster at First Baptist School in Shreveport, Louisiana and Assistant Headmaster at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. It is a pleasure to share his speech with you in this issue of Visions.

Once upon a time, when I was a little boy of about five years of age, my mother took me along with her on a shopping trip to Woolworth’s department store in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. I suspect that the store was not nearly as large as a modern-day Wal-Mart or Super Target, but at the time it seemed difficult to imagine that there ever was, or ever could be, a store as grand as Woolworth’s.

Despite my mother’s admonition to remain close to her, I was overwhelmed by the desire to find the toy section in hopes that the store might have, in stock and on the shelf, the toy that I most wanted Santa to bring to me that Christmas. If so, I reasoned, I could show it to my mother and she could make sure that Santa was not confused (as he often seemed to be when Christmas morning came) about exactly which toy I wanted. Mine was a noble quest, motivated by the purest intentions that a five-year old could muster. I made my way through the aisles with an odd combination of focused activity and wandering attention, soon to realize that I…was…lost. My mother was nowhere to be found, and I was terrified. I quickly lost enthusiasm for my pursuit and immediately began searching for my mother, the strategy for which soon became standing in the middle of the aisle and crying. I was quickly reunited with my mother, who was understandably not happy about my having wandered off so irresponsibly. Fortunately for me, her heart was far better at carrying love than anger, and I was soon soothed with a warm hug and quiet words of comfort spoken only as a mother can speak them.

Colleagues, parents, guests, and Valwood Class of 2013, it is both my privilege and honor to be able to share with you this milestone as you become the 2013 graduates of Valwood School.

When asked to be the speaker at this year’s graduation, my thoughts went back to my own high school graduation and the memories that I still have about it. To this day, I can remember: the way the gym looked, our caps and gowns, with whom I sat, celebrating with family and Dr. Jeff Jackson friends, that mixed feeling of pride and excitement, and anticipation as we embarked upon a new and quite unknown chapter in our lives. The one thing I definitely cannot remember, however, is a single word that my own commencement speaker said, nothing about the speech whatsoever. So, in the next few minutes we spend here today, my task is simple---talk with you knowing you will not remember any of it. Thanks Dr. P.!

Looking back on that episode, it is easy to see that what happened to me is something which happens to many children and even to adults and institutions: our enthusiastic, focused pursuit of some goal, however noble, leads to problems as we lose sight of important, guiding principles that would otherwise have kept us safe and on course. The “problem” is not the goal, itself; rather, it is the careless manner in which we seek the goal that leads to unintended and problematic results.

Great speech givers give lots of advice about how to give speeches and one speaker suggests that your organize your points, be brief, use humor and repeat the important stuff more than once. So, instead of delivering a three point speech, my talk this morning will be completely pointless. My Pointless Points are: useless information, connecting the dots, so what? and where do we go from here?

Useless information. This awesome responsibility as your speaker leads me to start thinking about the things I COULD remember during my years in high school, and what kept jumping out at me is that all throughout high school, without fail, I always wondered to myself: “Why in the world do I have to learn all of this?” and “When will I ever use any of this information again in my life?” If you are anything like me, you may have been sitting in Mrs. Owens’ Chemistry class thinking that surely you will never need to remember the atomic numbers Continued on Page 17

4. Valwood School will advocate for an appropriate balance between academic work, athletics, extracurricular clubs, employment, and outside-of-school activities - including family time - recognizing that each contributes to the overall development of a well-rounded individual.

modus operandi (not to mention my modus cogitandi) regarding the role, purpose, and function of schools as institutions. I hoped that this personal quasi-retreat, intermittently executed in 10-20 minutes bursts over the course of several weeks, would provide me with much-needed focus and keep me on course through what I expected to be a very busy time.

5. Every member of the Valwood School community will be treated with respect by all other members of the school community at all times.

The results will speak for themselves in the coming months and years. I anticipate that our 2013-2014 Opening Day enrollment will be in excess of 440 students, which represents an almost 20% increase in enrollment over the prior year. Exciting news, no doubt, but also cause for careful examination in respect of the manner in which the results were achieved and the impact that growth will have on the school as a whole. One could simply decide to accept every student who applied for admission, but it is likely the case that some of those decisions would be wrong: a poor fit between the student’s academic interests and the school’s academic expectations, for example. Healthy enrollment growth requires that decisions be made about prospective students and the expected benefits that will accrue to them, and to the school, should they attend Valwood. Past academic success is no guarantee of future success, so the process must be more involved than merely examining a report card or transcript to see that a prospective student has earned grades which are suggestive of success in a college-preparatory atmosphere. Furthermore, there is more that occurs at Valwood School – rightfully so, in my opinion – than just academic work, and it is not unreasonable to expect that a prospective student make additional contributions to the school community through formal involvement in the arts, service organizations, athletic teams and through informal involvement as a good friend, compassionate classmate, responsible campus citizen, and overall positive presence. Having reviewed every file myself, and having interviewed most of the students and/or parents personally, I can tell you that I am confident each new student that we have added makes us a better school. Some are new to Valwood, while others attended previously and are returning, yet every newly enrolled student brings something vital to our school community, and we are stronger as a result.

6. The resources of the institution – human, financial, historical, social, and educational - will focus on fulfilling the school’s mission.

I invite you to review these principles and share your thoughts and comments with me. As I begin my 20th year in education, I can say with great certainty that they are by no means complete, nor exhaustive. I look forward to refining them in the coming years as I gather input from parents, students, faculty, alumni, and Trustees and as my perspective on the “big picture” changes with the experiences I will be fortunate to have as Headmaster of Valwood School.

Kind Regards, Darren J. Pascavage, Ph.D.

In that spirit, then, I would like to offer the following six guiding principles upon which Valwood School has functioned since I arrived, and will function so long as I am Headmaster.

Space and time do not permit me to fully expand on each, but I will make it a point to do so throughout the 2013-2014 school year in some manner: letter, blog posting, or through spoken remarks.

One important, personal goal that I established early in my tenure as Valwood’s Headmaster was to grow our enrollment.

The social, educational, and demographic indicators for our region all support the concept of a healthy, college-preparatory independent school like Valwood, with enrollment in the range of 450-500 students, and our campus was designed to serve a student population of that size. Despite this potential, only once in our 45 year history has enrollment exceeded 410 students.

1. Students will be admitted to Valwood School based on potential for academic growth, personality, character, and desire to be a positive part of the Valwood community.

In anticipation of the most recent admissions season, I took several weeks last winter to revisit a series of “guiding principles” that I wrote several years ago, encapsulating my

3. The academic, social, and emotional growth and development of each student will be closely monitored, and regular communication with parents will be maintained to ensure that home and school work cooperatively as allies on behalf of every Valwood student.

Continued on Page 22

1

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)

2. Participation and involvement will be encouraged in all areas, with special emphasis placed on new experiences, towards the goal of helping students find areas of endeavor about which they are passionate.

22

Valwood School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

4380 Old U.S. Highway 41 N Hahira, Georgia 31632

VISIONS

www.valwood.org

VISIONS Volume 13 - Number 1

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Valwood School

2013